Makeover Saturday: Special Edition

There is just no better advertising than word of mouth. One of my recent custom order customers was so pleased with her purchase that she recommended my work to a friend- what an honor!

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My new customer was hoping to have a bowl (or two) made out of her grandmother's nightgown, pictured above. Having never worked with a nylon/spandex mix, my main concern was that the fabric would compress so much that I'd have trouble getting a bowl of any size at all.

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Though the gown was a size small, and not small by today's standards, it thankfully had a very full skirt. While cutting the slippery, slinky fabric was a bit of a challenge, I was able to have enough to make two bowls after all. The one on top is 4" wide by 3" tall, and the other is about 3" by 3". I cut the strips about 2.5" thick to account for shrinkage.

(hehe ...you're thinking about George Costanza aren't you?)

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And look, the bowls can nest together, too! I had a teeny bit of fabric leftover- enough to crochet a chain about 6 inches long. I twirled it into a "rose", added some lace from the bodice and a pinback, and created a special treat to add to the package. Shhhh- that part is a secret!

Fun Feature

There's a neat new blog in town, run by several knowledgeable peeps who've put their heads and talents together for our enjoyment and education. Each day there is something new to learn at A Collective Journal! I was fortunate to be chosen for one of Julie's interviews, and today it is up for all to read. Please do stop on by to read a little about me and follow this super group... just click on the banner above to go straight to the interview :)

Stitchee Set

Meet my newest set of nesting bowls- the stitchee set! All cotton, backstitched in contrasting yarn, and finished off with a little upcycled patch inside.

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I am absolutely in love with this color combination. Rich golden brown with a light minty teal. Yummy!

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It's funny isn't it, how sometimes you expect other people to share your perception of what is attractive? While I was making these the other night, my husband asked if they were a custom order. I said no, why? He asked, well, why are you using those colors? Um, because they are BEAUTIFUL?? That's what I said in my head. Out loud I said, well because I think they are pretty. He replied, hm. Obviously he doesn't. And here I thought this combo was a no-brainer. I'm hoping I'm not alone in adoring these colors together; you can find this set in sosorosey soon!

Thursday's Treasure

A 1.5 hour lunch with a friend at Panera. Asiago Roast Beef Sandwich and French Onion Soup. Pumpkin Spice Latte, no whip. No kids. Good gossip. Loud laughter. All highly recommended!

What The.....? Wednesday

Let's see who out there knows their stuff! My wonderful Michigan aunt sent me this treasure last week- it was a gift to my grandmother many many years ago. Besides a key chain, do you know what it is? Leave your best guess in the comments, and I'll be back to post the answer later this evening!

Winner Revealed

And the person who came the closest without going over isssssssss........

Regan Jesurun

with her amazing estimate of $19.00!!! Congratulations, Regan!!

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And on a separate note, I want to shop at YOUR Salvation Army store! Most of you had guesses hovering around the $10 mark, and here I was thinking I had gotten a steal! The bag of ornaments was $4.99- not my proudest purchase. But the Pyrex dishes were $2.99 each, so it balanced out, right? In any case, thanks SO much to all who played- I love this game! Hey- if any of you want to do the same game on your blogs I would love it. Be sure to tell me so I can play :)

Grab a 6 pack... or a 12 Pack!

The time has come for me to offer a new fabric option in sosovintage! Starting tonight, I'll be offering stash builder specials for those of you who love some variety and excitement in your lives.

~*~ The squares in these will be 12 by 12 inches, and they will be offered in bundles of 6 ($7.50) or 12 ($15). The packs will be mystery lots of all different, first quality vintage fabrics- colors and patterns chosen by me based on availability. Fun!

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There is still time to play the Price is Right (see Sunday's post below). I'll be back this evening to announce the winner :)

Makeover Monday: 10/25

I had to do a minor change on the rug fabric- the one that had a more orange-y brown was switched up with this berry floral.

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This smaller rug is now finished! She measures about 16" by 33". Now I'm ready to get started on her big sister.

Price Is Right: Game 7

Welcome! Come join the fun- the more, the merrier!
The Game: I show you my thrift shop haul from one recent outing. You leave a comment with your best estimate of the total amount that I paid. For you sticklers out there, this does include sales tax. The person who comes closest without going over wins!
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The Rules: One clear and definitive guess per person- no amending your answer. Please do not choose the same answer as a person who came before you- check the comments before leaving your guess. Game goes through Tuesday at 5pm, EST. I'll post the receipt and winner here. Please be sure I know how to get in touch with you- either through email or Etsy shop name. Play nice and have fun :)
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The Prize: The satisfaction of winning, AND $5 in "soso bucks"- can be applied to any purchase in either of my shops. Can be saved and spent at a later time, up to one year. Can also be combined with future "soso bucks" wins! Not redeemable for cash. Non-transferable.
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The Stuff: This week the loot is from the Salvation Army, non-sale day. Prices here have been going up and up, but there are still lots of bargains to be had!
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Two vintage pillowcases
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Pyrex refrigerator dishes
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A bag of Christmas ornaments containing...
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two felt and rickrack bells made in Japan
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and two flocked and glittered reindeer
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NOT included in the bag were these two Japan pixies
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A jolly, bearded Christmas gnome

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and this absolutely precious drummer boy!

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So, how much did I spend? Just to reiterate- the deer and bells were included in the bag. The rest of the ornaments shown were sold separately. Can't wait to see who our lucky winner will be this time! See you tomorrow for Makeover Monday!

Tasty Treat Alert

Look what I found in my new Harris Teeter grocery store! You've never seen them? Well, I hadn't either... now I can't imagine a day without them. The *Bialy* is made in Brooklyn, and it is the yummiest new thing I've tasted in a looooong time. They have a rustic crunchy outside and a chewy satisfying inside. Check for them in your freezer section, and if you don't see them, ask your store to get them- you won't regret it! Have you ever had a bialy? What's your latest food discovery? Please share!

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I'm gearing up for another Price Is Right game. It will start tomorrow and go through Tuesday night. Be sure to come and play!

It's A Wrap

Here is the festive tape measure cozy that I made as my contribution to the Etsyfriends Stocking Stuffer Challenge prize package.

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And here she is all *done up*...nestled on pink shred in a flowery cello bag with one of my brand new GORGEOUS hang tags made by the best card and tag maker on etsy: Jessi of jessijewels!
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I've also managed to wrap up 10 sets of Rosey Goes Retro ornaments... they are on their way to The Muse, and should hit the shelves there next week!

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Now that these goodies are completed, I'm looking forward to adding lots of new items to both shops in the coming days. Hope you have some fun plans for the weekend!

Thursday's Treasure

As many of you know, I grew up in a Navy family. We moved every year or year and a half throughout my childhood. While this afforded me many new adventures and challenges, it also left me wondering just what it would be like to live in one place for many years. To grow up in a town where you truly knew your community. To be the one to welcome the newcomers, to have friends "forever". To know how far deep roots can grow.

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While we may not be in our "forever" place, (indeed we probably definitely are not), it has been such a neat experience to have Sophie live her first five years in this home. To have the librarians, grocery clerks and thrift store cashiers know her by name. For her to randomly run into someone she knows and say, "Gosh Mom, I seem to know everyone around here!"

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Another cool thing about staying put is getting to go to some of our same favorite places year after year. I was thrilled when I uploaded pictures from our recent trip to Cox Farms and found the photos from all of our other years there too. So, besides celebrating this amazing organizational feat, my treasure to share this week is a half-decade tour de pumpkin patch with my favorite Halloween-loving munchkin...

~*~ October 2006

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October 2007

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October 2008

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October 2009

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October 2010

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Here's hoping that you are creating many of your own fond memories this fall :)

Daily Dose of Cute

It just doesn't get more retro kid cute than this vintage fabric by House and Home! I can't get over how much it has going on... math, dogs, dogs in hats, cherries, butterflies, mushrooms, those awesome 70's colors. This lined fabric panel is in stellar condition; it would make such an adorable addition to a nursery, classroom, or playroom. Look for it in sosovintage today!

Makeover Monday

Over the last week or so, Sophie has been watching me with her keen 4.75 year old eyes as I've been crocheting gifts for Christmas. One day she solemnly asked when I was ever going to make something for her. Guilt ridden, I took her to Michael's the next day, and let her choose the yarn for her special treat. She went for her favorite color... "rainbow".

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Inspired by the beautiful curly scarves by Victoria at ribbonsundone (the BLOG and the SHOP), I made Sophie a child sized rainbow ruffle scarf. The colors turned out both brighter and more lovely than I had anticipated, and it doesn't even seem to clash too badly with her new coat. She is no shrinking violet, this little firecracker of mine!
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The yarn is Michael's Loops and Threads Kaleidoscope in Carnival. The pattern was adapted from this one.

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Rug update: for those who were hoping to see some rug progress today, it will be a couple more days before I'm ready to share. Stay tuned!

They Say...

...that the best things come in small packages. While I don't advise believing everything *they* say, I do hope this has a bit of truth to it!

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From time to time, my Etsyfriends Team hosts a team Challenge- with prizes going out to some of the lucky voters. This time the theme is "Stocking Stuffers", and voting will go from Nov. 1-8. While I had the idea for these items a long time ago, it just hung in the wings, waiting for the right time to fly.

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So, whether you're in the market for a stocking stuffer or Hanukkah gift, these are the perfect addition to any crafter's project bag or work space. The original, handmade tape measure cozy combines form and function; tape measure works with the cozy ON. Pull to desired length, press exposed button in the center to retract. Each one is finished off with a vintage button to ensure that it is a one-of-a-kind treat!

($12, tape measure included. Look for them in sosorosey next week.)

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I'd love to hear what you think of my idea, and I'll be sure to remind you when voting has begun. Special note: due to a pumpkin patch field trip tomorrow, Makeover Monday will be delayed until Tuesday. Have a great week :)

Making Ready

Some of you may remember part of a black, raspberry and white rug that was featured on a makeover Monday awhile back. That rug was never born; my customer changed her color scheme before I got too far. Since the customer is my mom, I couldn't be too upset!

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So now I have her request for a set of matched rugs in blues and browns. These are to be two decent sized rugs, and you can't even imagine how much fabric and planning goes into this kind of order. I know I can hardly imagine it, and I'm the one doing it.

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I decided to start with the smaller of the two rugs, so I chose 10 of the 18 fabrics I have gathered for this project. I cut those in half- putting one set aside to be incorporated into the bigger rug, and cutting the other set into quarters.

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These are the fabrics that will make up the first rug. What do you think, Mom? Fingers are crossed that you like the colors. If so, I'll get started this weekend and have some progress to show you all for Makeover Monday!!

Thursday's Treasure

Behold the near perfect lazy susan set thrifted from the Goodwill this week!

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The center strawberry dish was nowhere near the 4 side plates. I'm so glad I hunted around. The price was pretty high for these pieces compared to the usual Goodwill cost, but the awesome cashier helped me out a bit. On her own she thought that $2.96 per small side dish was too expensive, so she called the manager to confirm. The manager said it should be 96 cents per piece- so I saved $8. This set will be available in sosovintage today!

Added Raspberry

For a good long while I have wanted to try backstitching a fabric bowl, in the same way that I do my little yarn bowlees. It was way more difficult than it is with yarn, but the result is quite unique. I think you made a good choice with the raspberry- thanks so much for your help! Have you tried a new technique recently? How did it go?

For My Traditional Peeps

Here we have the "traditional" colored set of retro rosey ornaments. Is this what you had in mind?

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Any other color combo ideas out there? I'm open to suggestions :)

Makeover Monday: 10/11

If polka dots are fun for fabric crochet, hearts must be just as good if not better!

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I crocheted the entire twin size cotton sheet to make this basket- she's a really nice size! Her speckly self is quite adorable, but I have something in mind to make her extra special.

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I need your opinion ... If you had to choose one color to coordinate with this, would it be sprout green, teal, raspberry, orange, or rose? I'll see what the consensus is tonight, and will be back with the resulting basket on Wednesday. I can't wait to see what you choose!

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Have a great week!

Sound the Trumpet

Our winner is.....

~*~*~ rockhound ~*~*~

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Congratulations, and thanks SO much to all of you who left a comment. I really, really can't express how touched I am by all of your kind words. I know that I'll read them again and again.

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And now... I'm off to finish up Makeover Monday for tomorrow. I have a neat twist to this one, so don't forget to stop by. I'm going to need your help :)

The Big Five Oh Oh

This is my 500th blog post! When I first started this blog two years ago, I had no idea how much I would enjoy it. My favorite part? YOU! I can't tell you how much I love to read your comments, or see that you have visited. I jump up and down when I get a new *follower*, and look forward to staying connected with my friends and family every day.

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So, thank you from the bottom of my little bloggy heart. As a small token of my appreciation, I'm giving away a $10 sosobucks award- can be used as cash in sosorosey or sosovintage. For the main entry, all you have to do is leave a comment here telling me your favorite thing about my blog or etsy shop(s). Shameless, I know. Get an extra entry by being or becoming a follower- just be sure to note that in your comment.

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I'll use random.org to find the winner, and will post the name here Sunday night. *Contest* ends at 10 pm eastern standard time, October 10th. Ten ten ten. Hope to hear from you soon, and again, big huge thanks!

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** The scrapbook page above was found by searching Google images for "vintage celebration". You can click on it to see the site where it is for sale.

2010 Ornaments Revealed

I know, finally, right? You probably thought I forgot. Or maybe I left you hanging so long that YOU forgot! In any case, here are the *Retro Rosey* ornaments that I have been designing, creating, and packaging for a couple of months. Off and on, but still.

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Each step of the creation process was very carefully considered; the colors, patterns, sizes, stitched designs. There were MANY starts and stops along the way.

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I was encouraged when I showed them to the owner at The Muse- she loves them, and wants a bunch in stock for the holidays.

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They will be sold in sets of three- each set will include one of each shape and color. Each one has an upcycled, vintage fabric patch on the back. They come packaged for giving, on cello-covered glittery cardstock with a handmade Retro Rosey tag.

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I've worked so hard on the photographs, trying to get them exactly perfect. I'm not there yet, but if I keep waiting for perfection I may be awhile.

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So tah-dah! I'm holding my breath over here.... What do you think?