Vintage Fashion Expo

I have seen heaven, and I have returned to tell you about it. Well, that is if heaven has mohair, bright colors, costume jewelry as far as the eye can see and vintage clothing that makes me want to sell my car to buy. This weekend I went to the Vintage Fashion Expo in San Francisco and it was one of the best antique or vintage events I have ever been to. Truly, the selection was amazing and the vendors were incredibly friendly. If you ever have a chance to go, run don't walk to get your tickets(don't worry they weren't expensive I picked up mine on Goldstar). My favorite thing about vintage fashion... all of the inspiration, I am off to sew.

I'm Back

Ok, so it has been way to long since I posted, but I am back in the saddle. While I wait for my punishment from the blogging police for my absence I wanted to share a project I have been working on. Tomorrow, is my parents 42nd wedding anniversary, and since I am out of grade school, I can't really get away with giving them a ceramic hand print. However, I think I did something a bit better than that.

Happiness in a Cookie

I went to an adorable new cafe called, The Good Chemistry Bakery on Saturday. I have to tell you this adorable all gluten free bakery is a must see, or must eat as evidenced by my photos.

Before:


After:

There are birds in my house!

See! This is what happens when scrapbook paper meets a glue gun and tape.

Messenger Bag

Just took a stab at the Messenger Bag tutorial from Make it Do, and it was quick, fun and I can't wait to use it. Amy from Diary of a Quilter did a great job with the tutorial and it only takes a 1/2 yard of 2 fabrics. Come on, you know you have some remnants on your shelf that are calling out to be made into this adorable bag.Here is how mine turned out. Be sure to check out these two great blogs, and post any photos of your messenger bags in the comments section.

Perfect Picnic Bowl Cover

Hello, and Happy Summer! I hope that everyone is having a relaxing weekend as we kick-off the BBQ season. As I grilled with several friends yesterday, I realized the the pot-luck season is upon us so in that spirit I am sharing a very cool bowl cover, perfect for bringing your favorite dish to any Summer outing in style.

You will need:
Sewing Machine
Scissors
Thread
Elastic
Quarter to Half a Yard of Fabric depending upon how big you want it
One Large Bowl for sizing

1. Lay out your fabric "right side down" place a bowl or other large circular template on top.

2. Trace template using a pencil, erasable marker or other lightly colored writing tool.
3. Cut the traced circle from your fabric. I used the circle as the suggestion, and instead added 2 or so inches to my circle by cutting outside of the line by several inches. it should look like this once you have completed this step.

4.Fold the edges of the circle inward approximately 1/2 inch and pin. The exact measurement is not crucial so don't stress.


5. Ok, it is time to take to your sewing machine. Sew around circle leaving room to thread your elastic within the casing you are creating. Leave 1-2 inches open to thread the elastic.


6.Attach a safety pin to the end of your elastic and thread through the casing you have created around the edge of the circle. The fabric will begin to bunch around the elastic. After threading the elastic around the circle connect the two ends and sew together.


7. Close the remaining 1-2 inch opening using your sewing machine.

Congrats you are done, now take your favorite yummy dish to your next picnic. On an interesting side note it looks disturbingly like a shower cap.

Box Cushion Preview shh....

Just made these adorable box cushions for my favorite antique chair. I love them, and if you want to know how to make them be sure to register for my box cushion class.