Makeover Monday: 5/10

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I started this project several weeks ago, with 6 skeins of this GORGEOUS merino blend yarn in "silver service". I quickly realized that 6 wouldn't be nearly enough, so I hightailed it back to Michael's for 6 more. All 12 were needed!

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I made my mother a scarf for Christmas, but wanted to make her something special for Mother's Day that she could enjoy every day. I use only my own patterns for sosorosey projects, but I do enjoy the thrill of following a book pattern sometimes when I make gifts. I settled on this blanket for its delightfully delicate shape and design.

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Here's the pamphlet book I found on an endcap at Michael's. The bed photo is what I saw in the book that helped me know this was "the one".

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It started out just like a coaster or bowl, then quickly progressed to the clusters.

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Once the middle medallion was completed, the rest was just row upon row (upon row upon row!) of double crochets.

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This is folded over a few times, but the ends drape out to these points like flower petals. From the center to the longest part of the petal, the blanket measures 29"...so overall it's almost 5 feet across. Perfect snuggling size!

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It isn't a true Mother's Day if you don't get a little teary. That happened when my mom said her new blanket made her think of her own mother whom she was sure was smiling down from heaven at the gift. Smiling because it was mom's mom who first taught me how to crochet all those decades ago. There were many gifts this Mother's Day- the most special was just being a mother alongside my mother for the day.

Favor

Many moons ago, before the idea of crocheting for a "living" ever entered my mind, I had a fantasy about starting a business devoted to designing and creating favors for weddings and other events. It was going to be called "Do Me A Favor".

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Where did I come up with this idea? Well, after making the favors (and lots of other goodies) for my own wedding, I really came to appreciate the intricacies of infusing meaning and true gratitude within that one small item. The favor is your chance to send your guest off with a final "feel good" about the entire event.

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After attending many weddings and baby showers, I realized that all too often the favor comes across as an afterthought. A throw away token of thanks. I will never get that! For about the same price, wouldn't people rather give something that shows they really are grateful? Guests put their real lives on hold and spend tons of money on travel, clothing, gifts and accommodations to attend a wedding. This deserves more than candy stuffed in a flimsy little box! imo.

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Fast forward to today.

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A potential opportunity to create unique wedding favors has come my way. The couple is having a beach themed wedding in New Jersey. The wedding colors are shades of aqua and blue.
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I chose to make the heart out of a cotton twine for a more nautical feel. For interest, I added an aqua shell and bead combo to one of the hanging strings. The ties are ribbon, embroidery thread, and a pearly opalescent crochet floss. The name/date tag in aqua cardstock caps it off.

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Perhaps my favorite detail is the quote I found to put on the back of the card. How perfect is that???

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I have my fingers crossed that the couple falls in love with my design. Not only would these add a fun and special something to their tables, their guests would be certain that their presence was appreciated. And then, knowing that these hearts are hanging somewhere in the homes of all the people who witnessed and celebrated their union? That's got to bring extra super duper good mojo to the couple long after their special day!

Thursday's Treasure 5/6

Isn't it just the best, best, best feeling to receive a gift that you were completely not expecting? I came home yesterday to find a mysterious package on my doorstep- addressed to ME! It was filled with all of the goodies pictured above- a special Mother's Day card, vintage ideals book (chock full of wonderful stories, poems, and graphics), old pearly buttons, and the antique lithographed envelope (with hairnet!).

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I can't get over how thoughtful it was for my aunt to pick out and send these treats "just because". I am very touched, and will certainly treasure this feeling for a long time to come. Thank you so much, Aunt Irene!! xoxo

Charmed Life

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Since their introduction in sosovintage almost 3 months ago, my vintage fabric charm packs have been a huge hit! I am really hoping that as projects get completed, some of my customers will share photos with us. Seeing these beautiful fabrics appreciated by artisans around the world fills me with joy and purpose. Is that silly? I love thinking up new combinations of colors or themes to create. Here is the newest bundle... "oranges". Next up will be "shabby chic"! Besides quilts, what do you think people are making with these 6" by 6" squares? I'm dying to know!

Memory Lane

Well, I don't know it for an absolute fact, but I'd be willing to bet that Hallmark no longer makes bridge tablecloths. I KNOW that if they did, they definitely wouldn't be 65 cents!!

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I found 3 of these same table covers the other day, still new in their packages, and can't get over the gorgeous colors. Neon before the neon craze came and went. Psychedelic, even.
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Since I'm prone to fits of nostalgia, these brought back loads of memories of my parents playing bridge with family friends back in the 70's. We lived in Naples, Italy, and they'd get together with the "K's" for cards. I'd get to run around and play with their 3 children. There are great photos of me celebrating my 9th birthday with them- wearing my ultracool, super stiff dark denim Levis with the red tag.

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I've never played bridge, and I probably never will. Who plays it now? Is it a generational game that will one day go the way of pinochle? I do love to play cards, though. Nothing like sitting down with friends or family for a fun night of spades or cribbage, hearts, or rummy. Or Go Fish, as is most often the case these days.

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In any case, those fond childhood memories are probably what fuels my love for all things "bridge-y"... the card table cloths with the side ties and embroidered suits, the double decks and cool designs of the playing cards, the decorative tallies and note pads. Is it just me, or were things way simpler back then?

Makeover Monday: 5/3

I started with this large ball of fabric cut from an elegant, faded cotton bedsheet.

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I used the entire sheet to create this large shallow basket. It measures 13.5" wide and rises to about 2" tall. This would make a perfect resting spot for mail and other odds and ends on a hall table, kitchen counter, or dresser. I pondered this color for quite awhile, and have finally settled on twilight...it's that perfect lavender blue that colors the air at dusk- mysterious and calm. Just like me. Hahahahaha!

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On a separate note, I am trying to compile a list of "FAQ" for my sosorosey profile. Do you have any questions that, as a customer, you would wonder about my items? If so, PLEASE share them in the comment section- it would help me bunches.

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Thanks so much for stopping by- Happy Monday to all :)

Win Big

Happy weekend, friends! Have I got news for you! My Etsyfriends Team has gotten together to create a gigantic basket of handmade goodies worth well over $200. There's a little bit of everything in there, including THIS basket that I made for the occasion. It's super easy to enter, and I would love nothing more than for the prize to go to one of my very special blog readers. Just click on the green picture above, and you'll head right on over to the giveaway blog. Good luck!!