I Resolve

I have many hopes and aspirations for the coming year.  Most of these I will keep to myself, in my own head and heart.  But, I do feel it's important to speak certain goals aloud to help inspire and maintain determination.  In that spirit, I'm going to share one here and I invite you to do the same.

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Now, many of you may find my goal small.  Or silly.  It may be both of these things.  But, it is also something I've been avoiding for quite some time.  I always seem to find something else I need or want to do.  No more!  In 2012, I resolve to get my vintage pillowcases listed!!  There, I've said it, and I hope you will hold me to it.

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New homes must be found for the flowers...

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... the brights...

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... the dots and the stripes!

And everything in between.

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What is one thing you will do for yourself, your family or your shop in 2012?  Leave a comment and share so that we can all support each other in our pursuits- no matter how large or small.

Friday's Favorite Fabric Finds

For this last fabric post of 2011, I thought I'd send you off with the color of January.  Do your months have colors, or is this a leftover teacher thing?  You know, September is red, October is orange?  For me, January's color has always been blue.  A calm, peaceful blue- the color of storybook ice and snow.

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Admittedly, there isn't a ton of blue in this one.  But, the blue that's here is an unusual royal navy, a bit of a rarity in vintage sheets.

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 This abstract poppy bouquet is gussied up by the blue and green accents.

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 Plenty of blue in this one!  I call it the ocean wave print.

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 Perfect blue posies.  Do you suppose this is a peony?

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And this week's favorite: big, beautiful seafoam, aqua and sky blue flowers.

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Be sure to come back tomorrow for my New Year's resolution reveal!

Thursday's Treasure

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Love is... finding something Valentine~ish to make with my new rainbow twine! 

Set of 5, $15.  Available in sosorosey very, very soon :)

New Year Ready

For the past two years I have been caught on January 1st without a new wall calendar.  This time, I'm prepared!  I loved the one I found last year so much that I ordered another for 2012.  Large boxes, pockets, a pen holder, and stickers!  Joy!

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On the off chance that you haven't gotten one yet, I highly recommend the *Do It All* organizational calendar from Orange Circle Studio.  Just click on the logo above to see the one that I will be using.  I've already filled it in with all of my January holidays and appointments.  Maybe I'm strange, but I just love a brand new calendar.  Ok, maybe there is no "maybe" about it.  Any other calendar lovers out there?  If you already have yours, what will you be using this year?

Oh Deer

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Look who followed me home from the charity thrift shop the other day!  I saw a little flocked foot sticking up from the mound of ornies in the 25 cent bin, and went right to work digging Mr. Right out of the pile.  Mrs. Left was unearthed in the process.  Then, would you believe it?  All Christmas items were 50% off that day!  Both of these Hong Kong sweethearts for a quarter!  If you were ever in doubt, it truly *is* the little things with me ;)

Friday's Favorite Fabric Finds

Whoa- this week F*L*E*W by!  The presents are wrapped, the house is as clean as it's going to get, and the smell of freshly baked oatmeal chocolate chip coconut cookies is about to start filling the kitchen.  In honor of my favorite time of year, I decided to share the new vintage fabrics in my very favorite color: PINK!

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I haven't had this one for awhile- I just love the all-over color!

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Pink daisies of the more subtle variety.

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This one is just crazy!  Reminds me of a shark or an ekg.

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Wow- light and dark pink varied width stripes!

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And the one I like the best this week- pretty pink bouquets with violet bows.

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Wishing you the happiest of holiday seasons!  If I don't see you before Christmas, I hope your day is merry and bright :)

Thursday's Treasure

Bear with me, I have a little something to crow about!  I ended 2010 with 302 blog posts, and I remember thinking that number would be hard to beat in 2011.  But, I've done it!  With over a week left in 2011, I've already managed 314 posts.  *shakes head in wonder*

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As those of you with blogs can attest, it is not an easy feat to blog almost every day.  Sometimes the desire is there but not the time.  Or vice versa.  Sometimes you wonder why you even bother.  More than once I thought I just might take a long blog vacation or throw in the bloggy towel altogether.  I'm so glad I've been able to stick it out, though- and that you have joined me for some or even all of my ramblings.  Thank you. 

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And a very special thank you to Donna, my most faithful friend and blog visitor.  I can always count on her to stop in and leave a kind word, and it means the world to me!  {{{Donna}}}

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Ever the thinker, now I wonder how I can possibly beat this in 2012.  Oy.  I think I'll try to just revel in this accomplishment for now...

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PS: Love the rooster?  Click on the photo to go to kaboodle for more info!

Natty Neutral

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I know, I know- it isn't exactly a new product for me.  I used the neutral colors in my rainbow pack to make this little striped bowl last night.  It's 3.75" by 2.75", and I'm thinking a person *could* use it for a plant.  My stitches are pretty compact, and you could even line it with a coffee filter before filling with soil.  Maybe rocky soil, for say, a little succulent.  I love that word.  Succulent.  Can you picture a little green something in this container?

My Kinda Rainbow

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Looky what I bought myself for Christmas- a whole rainbow sampler of jute twine!  I found it in a gardening catalog and couldn't resist.  Blue, tan, brown, orange, red, purple, green and black.  With almost 53 feet of each color, I'm still deciding what I want to make.  Thoughts?

Makeover Monday: 12/19

You know me and tie-dye.  Loooooove it!  This is a thrifted small square cotton tablecloth.

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And this is the gorgeous basket it produced!  It has a batik feel to it, and the colors are just perfectly bright without being overpowering.  It's about 4.5" wide and 3.75" high.  It works really well as a clutter keeper for a desk or craft area since it's wide enough for post-it notes and tall enough for pencils and pens!

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Can you believe that at this time next week Christmas will be over?  I have loads of presents to wrap, a house to clean, guests to prepare for, and food to buy and make.  It is sure to be a week full of hustle and bustle of the very merry variety! 

Waxing Nostalgic

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I have a special relationship with just about every ornament on our tree.  Most were either made by someone in the family or gifted by someone close to my heart.  If I had to choose just one, though, I'd have to say my current favorite is this wax snowman that was my dad's when he was a little boy.  I love how the little details are almost worn away, but not quite.  He is simultaneously fragile and strong, and has held up bravely and well to time and the elements.  He has spent over 60 Christmases in our family, and I like to think he captures all of the best of our holidays and stores them away in his little self every year.  One day he will be on Sophie's tree, giving her all the joy of memory and family that Christmas is meant to be.

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What is your favorite holiday decoration?  I'd love to hear about it in the comments here! Or if you do a blog post about yours, leave the link so we can all take a peek.

Friday's Favorite Fabric Finds

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Just one to share today- I'm tired.  It's been a looooong week.  Not a bad week.  Just long and very full.  This Peanuts bedsheet is dated 1971, and I can't get over the condition.  It's like new.  And only three years younger than me! 

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Here's wishing you and yours a relaxing weekend.  As the last one before Christmas, I doubt many people will be taking it too easy.  At the very least I hope you don't have to go to the dreaded shopping mall.  {{{{shudder}}}}

Thursday's Treasure

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I am one of this man's greatest fans.  Soooo hoping to see him and my boy Chris in the finale!

Owl Be Home For Christmas

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Someone's owl collection has found a temporary new home with me.  All of these feathered friends were found at one thrift store.  There were even more, but I only took the ones that *spoke* to me and had no issues.  With the exception of two of these, they all have a purpose other than looking cute.  There's a creamer, a bank, salt and pepper shakers, and a few small containers.  I think that flocked one in the back on the left looks like a koala bear.  I hope to get these listed soon, but if you see one now that you must have for your collection, shoot me a message and I'll reserve it for you :)

Cool Cat

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I somehow did not see Sophie sneak her Build-A-Bear sunglasses on Sinatra as he slept.  So, imagine my surprise when I walked into the room and saw this!  The little guy was snoozing so soundly that he had no clue just how dapper he was looking.  I think this tops the batman cape outfit.  Simple yet sophisticated.

And Then

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Within a week of tooth number 2 coming out, Sophie came home from school bearing tooth number 3 in a little plastic tooth shaped case.  According to her, she bumped foreheads with a girl at recess and the tooth just fell out.  O~kaaaaaay.  We gave that story to the dentist today who suspects that Sophie must have clamped her jaws down when the heads knocked.  In any case, it was ready to come out, and apparently so is its wiggly front twin.  "Any day now" says the dentist.  So, it's likely that Sophie's two front teeth will be missing just in time for us to sing a special Christmas carol just for her.... mwuahahahaha.

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In other news, my sincere apologies for slacking on the Makeover Mondays these last couple of weeks.  I hope to be back with that next week :)

Lucky Me

Sometimes you're in the right place at the right time- what a feeling.  This gorgeous Cathrineholm enamel lotus casserole just appeared on the shelf in front of me at the thrift the other day.  Poof.  Snatch.  Cha-ching!  This same one is listed on eBay for $185.00.  I paid $9.

Friday's Favorite Fabric Finds

Happy Friday!  I've had a week full of Christmas preparations, and it has been fabulous!  Our sunroom is looking very festive with the lighted garland and hanging stars.  The tree is in the stand relaxing her branches.  The new chimney decoration is up and twinkling for all to see.  Cards have been sent, and packages are on their way to the UK, Massachusetts, Michigan and Ohio.  I'm quite sure I've never been at this point so early in the month- it feels great!!!

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Enough about me- let's get to the fabrics!  I chose four new, random  favorites to showcase today.

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This one is mainly white with the gray and green flowers, so the burst of aqua flowers here and there is extra special.

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Grape, violet and lavender plaid.  Vintage sheets in purples don't come around very often- what a treat!

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I've had the pink and the blue colorways of this one- it's nice to see the mango peach combo.

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And, my favorite for the week.  FAUX eyelet!!  Isn't that awesome??  This would lend amazing texture to any sewing project.  Can I just tell you I love vintage sheets?  I'll bet you already knew that, lol!

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Any special plans for the weekend?  Me, I'm going on my twice yearly night away with one of my oldest and dearest girlfriends.  24 hours of eating, shopping, and talking!!  Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy every last minute.

Thursday's Treasure

I went out to dinner with friends last night, and as I was walking out the door I reminded Sophie that she needed to work on her letter to Santa.  When I came home, this is what I saw.  I adore the picture of Santa, and how cute is it that she labelled it- just in case we didn't know who that was!

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She plans to mail it at our favorite post office, where they have a big sign on the wall by the mail slot that reads, "Kids, put your letters to Santa here!"  I guess that's why she felt the need to let the postman know that "he lives in the north pole".  Lol!!  I told her I would mail it, but *shhh* I tucked it in the back of my closet.  I couldn't part with it.

It's That Time Again! For Adult Eyes Only!

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Time to get to Portable North Pole and make your video from Santa!  Click HERE to see the one I made this morning for Sophie.  Cool, huh?  

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Make one for your husband, kids, co-workers, family or friends today! Leave a comment with your video link if you do- I'd love to see it!

Daily Dose of Cute

Like most creatures, our boy Sinatra has a couple of favorite places to sleep.  And, like most (*fat*) cats he sleeps about 23 hours a day.  This little fuzzy bed in the sunroom is one of his special snuggle spots.  I love to watch him cozy up in it.  Sometimes he is all enclosed, which seems to defy logic because he is so big compared to the bed.  Most times, he has some little kitty part splayed out as he lounges.  It cracked me up to see his leg straight out like this as he was snoozing away.  {Emphasis on "was" since he woke up to give me the eye for encroaching on his space!}  I sure wish I could add sound to this picture, because he also does quite a snore to add to the whole effect.

Motorcycle Man or Mama?

So, when I saw this uber-awesome retro Kawasaki belt buckle in the display case at the thrift, I had to have it.  I asked my friend the cashier to hold it for me while I shopped, and she did.  When I checked out, she added the price to the bill and slipped it into my bag.  Did I inspect my purchase before buying?  No.  Bad, bad girl!

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When I got home and turned it over, this is what I saw.  No, I didn't have a gorgeous vintage belt buckle after all.  I have a gorgeous Lucky Brand belt buckle, and absolutely no one I know who'd appreciate it!

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Do you have a motorcycle man or mama in your life who would swoon over this buckle?  If so, leave a comment with who it is and why they would like it--- I'd be so happy to send this off to someone who would love it.  It's just too cool to re-donate!

Number Two

No, not THAT number two, silly! 

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TOOTH number two came out last night and did NOT get swallowed! 

Friday's Favorite Fabric Finds

Yellow, yellow, yellow.  Orange and yellow.  A little white.  Yes, you guessed it ~

I'm bringing you some sunshiney bright finds this week!

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Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Thursday's Treasure

How funny is this lampshaded dude?  As soon as I laid eyes on this little glass tray the other day, I knew exactly who would be getting it for Christmas.  Don't you just love it when you find the perfect gift for someone on your list?  And if it happens when you aren't even really looking, it's pure joy!  How is your holiday shopping going so far?