Thrifty Finds

I love reading about what other people are finding when they thrift shop, so I thought I would start sharing some of my own thrifty treasures.

I have been building up a little collection of Pyrex over the last year, and I am starting to think I can never have too much. I love this! These Pyrex nesting bowls are my favorite find this week. This is a complete set in perfect condition. I am loving the brown speckled color and adorable mushroom print.

A simple green platter with a crackle finish (love that) and a little blue pitcher.


A pretty blouse for Gwyneth.

King sized (pretty sure) sheet with a sweet butterfly print. The fabric is really thick so it doesn't feel like a sheet. Perfect for a quilt backing or those butterflies would make cute patches..

Fun stuff and I'm still smiling!

Sewing Stuff

I am cleaning out and reorganizing my sewing area...again. It is still a work in progress, but I thought I would share a new addition that is making me smile today.

A wooden thread rack, so colorful and so organized!

Spending Money

The other day Gwyneth and I went shopping to exhange a too-small outfit that she had recieved for Christmas. She picked out a couple of t-shirts for the exhange and then she spotted these...


I told her she could use her own money and she agreed without hesitation. She would wear them to bed if we would let her (I know this because she tried the first night she had them).

Library Bag

This morning, I sewed up a tote bag. I used some old faded denim for the outside and a firetruck print for the inside.

I thought it would make a cute library bag for Henry, but for some reason he is not pleased with it. I have tried all afternoon to convince him that it really is a great library bag, his very own, with firetrucks even... blah, blah, blah. He remains unconvinced.

"Green" Green Bags

I was thrilled to find these at the commissary today...


I have been wanting to make some pretty reusable shopping bags for a while now. At 70 cents a bag and no labor on my part other than counting out 10 bags, I decided I could live without "pretty". I really love these bags (my groceries fit perfectly), and I left the commissary smiling...who knew that was even possible!

Independent

Today Henry insisted on fixing his own breakfast. A bowl FULL of Grapenuts with milk up to the top. He did have the good sense to ask me to carry the bowl to the table.


This afternoon he helped himself to the remainder of the raisins, still stuck together in the shape of the bag.



He was sitting on the floor, with the brick of raisins in a tiny container, singing "I'm eating a fudge bar" until Gwyneth said she though he was eating Poop. I bet you can guess what he sang while he finished his snack.

Library Surprise

I had a pleasant surprise at the library today. A copy of Bend-the-Rules Sewing was waiting for me when I checked out. I don't even remember reserving it. It's not all that strange for me to be surprised by my book holds since I am a bit trigger happy when it comes to online book reservations. I just can't believe I forgot that I had reserved THIS book. I have flipped through it several times in the book store, and on more than one occasion I have restrained myself from buying it at Amazon.

This afternoon I made the Simple Tote...


Since this was a test bag, I just grabbed a couple of coordinating fabrics and started cutting and sewing. I'm not thrilled with my fabric choices, and I did make some mistakes (the pocket is supposed to be inside the bag). Also, my book said to cut the straps 13" wide which, obviously (now), should say 3". I'm embarrassed to admit that I cut the strips 13" wide and then spent about 3 minutes completely befuddled when I got to the straps. I'm blaming it on "Mommy Brain".

This bag has a flannel facing fabric inside, but I think if I use two heavier weight fabrics, I could eliminate that step. I have some denim and corduroy in my stash that I hope I will be able to get to tomorrow...

I love this pattern and it is one of many in the book. I can't wait to try some of the other patterns, and I am planning on ordering the book...soon!