tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37909903729639302452024-03-27T18:53:13.398-05:00SweaterDoll - Allison DeySewing & StitchingAllison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-32863480960834274102020-09-15T17:48:00.004-05:002023-03-19T14:03:43.119-05:00It's Harvest Time - and here's an apron for it! <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FC8F1cVeZd8/X2FCMnOaOzI/AAAAAAAAGRE/R3SbIPapRME-FO3UVEaZw0daZZS7AyvgACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FC8F1cVeZd8/X2FCMnOaOzI/AAAAAAAAGRE/R3SbIPapRME-FO3UVEaZw0daZZS7AyvgACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_2211.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">It's time to bring in the harvest, collect the eggs, start the fall cleaning. At least up here in the northern hemisphere. </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Down south of the equator, it's time to get those seeds started and get some baby chicks.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Either way, this apron will do the job for you. It's got a huge pocket great for tools and seed packets or bringing in the harvest once it's gotten going.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It's the first pattern I've designed in a few years and it's already a best-seller in my Etsy shop. <span style="color: #0b5394;">(UPDATE: THE ETSY SHOP IS CLOSED PERMANENTLY. IF YOU WISH TO ACQUIRE THIS PATTERN, PLEASE EMAIL ME.)</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It takes just a little over a yard or metre to make or you can mix and match fabrics as you like.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I can't wait to make more. I found a lovely homespun fabric to make one from. I've even made one from a vintage table cloth. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U2RezXODczk/X2FDt_m29kI/AAAAAAAAGRU/G5uu49oVijwv7Tx8TM4ZnucOzuxDHC_dgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U2RezXODczk/X2FDt_m29kI/AAAAAAAAGRU/G5uu49oVijwv7Tx8TM4ZnucOzuxDHC_dgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_2216.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SJbYrxN9Eo/X2FD0RmkbsI/AAAAAAAAGRY/CCAn5Bt262o-dnvZwS7fjA7f3VE-AeUzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2214.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SJbYrxN9Eo/X2FD0RmkbsI/AAAAAAAAGRY/CCAn5Bt262o-dnvZwS7fjA7f3VE-AeUzgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_2214.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">But my favorites might be those made by friends and customers. Michelle, an Etsy customer, made a whole batch. And this is a photo of Del, president of the Beerwah CWA in Australia, modeling one made there.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujrJdMQoPvo/X2FEOBcuQXI/AAAAAAAAGRk/GXmi2a5psacK1F8kLkFENa9-oiY3bQOMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/MichelleEtsy2020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujrJdMQoPvo/X2FEOBcuQXI/AAAAAAAAGRk/GXmi2a5psacK1F8kLkFENa9-oiY3bQOMwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/MichelleEtsy2020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lN48S4S7g9Q/X2FEc7cnVGI/AAAAAAAAGRo/fq56FpIMtWknndeNalhwuuYti7EIJBvRACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/DelGatheringApronCWA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lN48S4S7g9Q/X2FEc7cnVGI/AAAAAAAAGRo/fq56FpIMtWknndeNalhwuuYti7EIJBvRACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/DelGatheringApronCWA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I'm so thrilled everyone loves this apron as much as I do! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><br /></p></div>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-78499645738494552442019-06-29T15:17:00.004-05:002021-02-23T15:49:37.568-06:00I'll Just Leave This Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4Z0GXsPVmU/XRfHDQ5Qd3I/AAAAAAAAF_s/RoEZhV3eQGMSHyyfT22rCfD21w-3RFaEQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2036-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4Z0GXsPVmU/XRfHDQ5Qd3I/AAAAAAAAF_s/RoEZhV3eQGMSHyyfT22rCfD21w-3RFaEQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2036-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Several times I have mentioned that my stitching journey began with a pre-printed potholder my grandmother gave me to work when I was about 8 years old. I added a little "For Dad" to it and gave it to my father who duly hung it up in his home office.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Years later, after a couple of moves, I no longer saw the potholder on the wall. He and my stepmom had a couple of boys and, of course, all their photos joined ours and their handmade gifts rotated along those walls of the office.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A couple of years ago, when I moved across the world, from Australia, to live near my folks, I asked my dad about the potholder. He couldn't remember where it had gone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, I remember many of the little handmade items my own two children gave me, but I honestly couldn't imagine trying to keep track of a 66 year spread of children's offerings to a parent. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then my 90 year old father died just after Father's Day this year. And while looking for some photos in his office, I found a box of mementos. Guess what was inside?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reunited after 52 years. This potholder set me up to love threads, to love hand work and hand stitching. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It doesn't take much to fall in love. Just some undivided attention, physical touch, and unconditional love - of warts and all. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xr2V225sGKs/XRfHQdp8YAI/AAAAAAAAF_w/ecwCZqn42dkqAaMd-HOsmdB7c2wH0o-JwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2029.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xr2V225sGKs/XRfHQdp8YAI/AAAAAAAAF_w/ecwCZqn42dkqAaMd-HOsmdB7c2wH0o-JwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2029.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't blog much here anymore. My life has taken me out of the business of stitchery into the business of elder-life. My hands are always still working on something, but the magazines I worked for have gone out-of-print or only use in-house designers. And while the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/sweaterdoll" target="_blank">SweaterDoll Etsy shop</a> is still active, the drive to manage a home designing business has much waned. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Currently, I am working in a school with special ed kids as I did so many years ago. I read sci fi and until a couple of weeks ago was enjoying doing the New York Times Acrostic and jigsaw puzzles with my dad. Now I spend time with (step)mom and husband and try to manage my wild woodland yard which is supposed to be less woodland and more residential (it will never happen). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I might blog again, but in the meantime, I'll just leave this here. THE potholder that started it all.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-75736190774660515862018-07-03T13:26:00.004-05:002018-07-03T13:28:34.750-05:00Etsy: Oh the times, they are a changin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z1ZlWZ1sTI0/Wzu9O6alXFI/AAAAAAAAF34/DRd0ZPwSPQUpYfbwNKj3tquIy8miyv-yQCLcBGAs/s1600/selling-handmade-goods.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="810" height="268" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z1ZlWZ1sTI0/Wzu9O6alXFI/AAAAAAAAF34/DRd0ZPwSPQUpYfbwNKj3tquIy8miyv-yQCLcBGAs/s640/selling-handmade-goods.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I haven't blogged for some time, but I'm going to share my thoughts regarding today's Etsy podcast regarding the change in fee structure and introduction of tools sellers can pay for to improve their shops.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today's podcast explained a lot of thinking behind the big issues of the Etsy day and I really appreciate Josh (CEO) and Kruti (General Manager of Seller Services) for taking the time to answer questions and explain Etsy's rationale for the upcoming changes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Read it here: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/qa-with-etsy-ceo-josh-silverman-and/358547342419?campaign_label=recommended_features&utm_source=adhoc&utm_campaign=2018_07_03-adhoc-projectgrace-podcastpromo2&utm_medium=email&userId=36751&jobid=16357" target="_blank">Etsy Seller Handbook</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Listen to it here: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/q-etsy-ceo-josh-silverman-general-manager-seller-services/id1239556187?campaign_label=recommended_features&utm_source=adhoc&utm_campaign=2018_07_03-adhoc-projectgrace-podcastpromo2&utm_medium=email&&email_platform=sfmc&userId=36751&jobid=16357" target="_blank">iTunes podcast</a>)<br /><br />I really had a hard time understanding the whole transaction-fee-on-shipping thing because I felt it would simply exacerbate the issue, leading sellers to react with the knee-jerk reaction to raise product or shipping prices to maintain their (small) revenues and profit margins as it is. Based on Josh's comment that he was surprised how many sellers did not even understand the current transaction fee structure, I would suggest that unless sellers listen to the part of the podcast regarding reviewing pricing structure overall, this reaction is likely to occur in many shops worsening the very problem Etsy is trying to solve.<br /><br />I expected the podcast to be Etsy rhetoric, as I have found many Etsy podcasts or announcements to be, but this one did get onto a few of really helpful ways to look at our businesses and I am glad I gave it a really good listen.<br /><br />But then it really fell apart for me (emotionally) and showed me how far we have moved away from the origins of Etsy and how much more profit-driven Etsy now is, especially as a publicly traded business entity. <br /><br />In the podcast, Josh gave tremendous acquiescence to buyer habits that Etsy researched as the reason for many of the changes. WAIT! I'm not saying buyer isn't significant here. Our business should be all about wanting buyers, wanting to attract buyers, wanting to find our tribe of buyers, and wanting to provide them with great buying experiences. But what surprised me - and then didn't - was the whitewashing of the fact that Etsy is SUPPOSED to be a different kind of marketplace, one in which buyers DO understand they are shopping at a place wholly and entirely NOT Wayfair, Target, West Elm, Amazon, eBay. <br /><br />The statements regarding the fact that buyers simply wouldn't want to come back if their shopping experiences on Etsy were not exactly like other online venues so we should design ourselves to be just like other marketplaces is a now vocalized shift in ethos of the Etsy marketplace. No longer are we providing an entirely unique place, in practice, a marketplace that by its nature is UNLIKE every other online venue because it's not actually a singular venue, but several million non-mass-production venues - each one its own handmade personal business with its own policies and qualities and stories. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No, we are responding to buyers' desires for unique handmade goods but having to be exactly like everyone else selling mass-produced goods while we do it.<br /><br />Etsy seems to have abandoned the movement to promote this alternative kind of marketplace, to provide the ground for it, promote it as that, and continue to stand behind educating buyers (who value products that are unique, personal, handmade by real people with real lives, real costs of small business) regarding shopping small and handmade. Buyers used to respect that Etsy was actually NOT like every other marketplace online and Etsy helped them learn why that was a good thing. Not anymore. <br /><br />Josh is telling us that buyers, while they come to Etsy shops for handmade and unique items, want us to provide goods in exactly the same manner as other online venues. Okay, but why not just remain THE unique, single-handedly providing an alternative to all the other online venues and keep educating our unique customers??<br /><br />Profit margins. Being a publicly traded corporation means you are no longer beholden to your customers in the same way that you are beholden to your investors. Profit drives Etsy now. And with almost all corporations, it's not even about profit, but MORE and ever increasing profit. <br /><br />So it was a helpful podcast, but it was also the last nail in the coffin of old Etsy for me. Clearly, I will be making changes in line with the new tools and fee structure so my business can thrive. That's just good management of my own business. And some of the changes might well prove out to be very good changes, so thank you, Etsy. <br /><br />But on the heart level, it's a bit like watching that last hippie die, leaving the earth with nothing but Gens X, Y, and Z. It's the end of an era. And the return of the rat race.</span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-23270546672674407122018-02-24T09:44:00.001-06:002018-02-24T09:44:31.387-06:00When things go wrong in the sewing room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_oDsfgltuY/WpGIGCq8axI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/7-qwionWDp8q7Uzn7y5koHCaTpkPw4rPACLcBGAs/s1600/thingsgowrong1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_oDsfgltuY/WpGIGCq8axI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/7-qwionWDp8q7Uzn7y5koHCaTpkPw4rPACLcBGAs/s640/thingsgowrong1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On my Pinterest account, I have a small selection in a board called <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/sweaterdoll/icraft-therefore-iam/" target="_blank">iCraft Therefore I Am</a>. It includes some cute quotes and sayings and a few craft supply skirmishes. Like cats with yarn. Or the serger gone mad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I see these blogs with the styled photos of beautifully made items and I have to applaud those who make mistakes and either post some of those outtakes now and then or actively include them in their tutorials or displays. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mistakes happen in the work. They are the ground for impolite language we try not use in public. These mistakes show making for what it is - a messy adventure into even well-known territory that plays out as it will. Success is a possibility but not a definite.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mistakes happen. Threads are pulled and restitched. It's a process. It's a game with an opponent. It's a quest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Safe travels, fellow stitchers. There are dragons at the edges of those fabrics. There are beasts attached to the loose end of that thread. We can't tame them. We can only keep venturing forward, with scissors as sword and thimble as shield. </span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-25117827569568272042018-02-21T09:41:00.002-06:002018-02-21T09:41:37.716-06:00Spring kits and an ice storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZYhlWyVROc/Wo2Swx_GU4I/AAAAAAAAF1E/f6t6CtvVi5giNxKDavnt7PMPJkh193eOACLcBGAs/s1600/birdbrooch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZYhlWyVROc/Wo2Swx_GU4I/AAAAAAAAF1E/f6t6CtvVi5giNxKDavnt7PMPJkh193eOACLcBGAs/s640/birdbrooch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just when thoughts of spring inspire hand sewing kits and birdsong mini hoop brooches, an ice storm passes through bringing cozy chair reading and hot tea back into the week.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RqZeGt4frSQ/Wo2QKEKqZJI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/ZvyOIq6k0BQ-D0kme1oMUBk4yL55C48ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/icestormleaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RqZeGt4frSQ/Wo2QKEKqZJI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/ZvyOIq6k0BQ-D0kme1oMUBk4yL55C48ZwCLcBGAs/s640/icestormleaves.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The incredible stash of wool I am playing with has already borne kits for chocolate bunnies and strawberry pincushions.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ISSROXszYTU/Wo2QVmqQaSI/AAAAAAAAF0c/dViGZA_xgLcrQ-ksu_LPNJx5LkR0PRQnQCLcBGAs/s1600/chocolatebunny2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ISSROXszYTU/Wo2QVmqQaSI/AAAAAAAAF0c/dViGZA_xgLcrQ-ksu_LPNJx5LkR0PRQnQCLcBGAs/s640/chocolatebunny2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3f_Oyevv-6w/Wo2QgKJajEI/AAAAAAAAF0g/g4627gfD4-ohEeyu9JqzcHF4QEo-pYdHQCLcBGAs/s1600/woolstrawberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3f_Oyevv-6w/Wo2QgKJajEI/AAAAAAAAF0g/g4627gfD4-ohEeyu9JqzcHF4QEo-pYdHQCLcBGAs/s640/woolstrawberries.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And then there's the boro mending to be done.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bi8ipipnmEg/Wo2QsxUiDBI/AAAAAAAAF0o/ZUfTxNbojUsvUjPSmbeUb6b3x1uYzn3KACLcBGAs/s1600/pantsboropatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bi8ipipnmEg/Wo2QsxUiDBI/AAAAAAAAF0o/ZUfTxNbojUsvUjPSmbeUb6b3x1uYzn3KACLcBGAs/s640/pantsboropatch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kilt pin is a sample for a local workshop. Slow stitching is a quiet joy and a simple pleasure.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfBnuJAohoo/Wo2Qx4PwXLI/AAAAAAAAF0s/tn1Wjso7Pcs-wqgjs9lJKxP3_Qe4FLJgACLcBGAs/s1600/borokiltpin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfBnuJAohoo/Wo2Qx4PwXLI/AAAAAAAAF0s/tn1Wjso7Pcs-wqgjs9lJKxP3_Qe4FLJgACLcBGAs/s640/borokiltpin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-65382250550529430222018-01-27T14:52:00.001-06:002018-01-27T14:52:54.770-06:00Instagram, local classes, ironing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hR7lNyEF9PA/Wmzigrs2tTI/AAAAAAAAFtw/lFmMv9XlR0cNDfN6auo-TDME9cihmw5RQCLcBGAs/s1600/teagossipbox1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hR7lNyEF9PA/Wmzigrs2tTI/AAAAAAAAFtw/lFmMv9XlR0cNDfN6auo-TDME9cihmw5RQCLcBGAs/s640/teagossipbox1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ping me, pop me, zap me, hashtag me, whatever the lingo, connect with me on Instagram. Yay! For the first time in my life, I have a mobile device. It was a gift. It's still not a cell phone, it's a tablet. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Excuse my ignorance!</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do I announce that I am @sweaterdollstories? Or is it #sweaterdollstories?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have no idea. Just search "sweaterdollstories" on Instagram.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Instagram is so lovely but it's a bit of work for me. The tablet camera is not great so I have to get the digital camera, take a photo, upload it to the laptop, edit it, export it, email it to myself, go to the tablet and save the email photo, then I can post it to Instagram.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Seriously? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes. Could living the simple life be any more complicated?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I just posted a photo of some of the wonderful ladies who completed their Embroidery School samplers in a class I led yesterday in Nevada, Missouri, about 20 minutes from Fort Scott, Kansas where I live. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to Erica of Nine Patch Quilt Shop who stopped by my booth at a fair in December. Not only did she pass on to me tons of wool fabric she had been given, she booked some classes. This was the first. We've already booked the second Embroidery School group for February and are quickly filling up the calendar with other classes for crazy quilt embroidery, boro stitching brooches, visible mending, and sweaterdoll making.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And here's a little shout out to <a href="http://www.annwoodhandmade.com/" target="_blank">Ann Wood Handmade</a> who included a photo of her trusty iron yesterday. My favorite iron is the one that I don't burn the bottom of. I haven't discovered that one yet. But so far, my favorite iron is this secondhand beauty I found at a thrift store last year. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SCQUbCti1eE/WmzhqAmw7HI/AAAAAAAAFtU/h921SlVCFlU36GZFC65sRo7peKyNIdcRwCLcBGAs/s1600/sweaterdolliron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SCQUbCti1eE/WmzhqAmw7HI/AAAAAAAAFtU/h921SlVCFlU36GZFC65sRo7peKyNIdcRwCLcBGAs/s640/sweaterdolliron.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's a Toastmaster iron, simple, no steam. It's small, easy on the hands, and I iron a lot of small bits. My mother left me her Sprinkle a'Plenty which I use with distilled water.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I just used it this morning to straighten out a bit of linen that had been stuffed between my project and something else. Hmmm.....how did that happen anyway?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Just finished embroidering and assembling this little cast-off <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/575790466/altered-art-jewelry-box-tea-and-gossip" target="_blank">velvety jewelry box gift</a>. The "tea & gossip" pattern begs to be used again. I love the little enamelware teapot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/575790466/altered-art-jewelry-box-tea-and-gossip" target="_blank">It's for sale in my Etsy shop</a>. It's in a lovely green box, hand embroidered and stuffed with cotton batting and wool fleece. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Off to play with that teapot pattern. And to get another cuppa on the way.</span><br />
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Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-37001793833267489302018-01-22T10:33:00.000-06:002018-01-22T10:33:13.166-06:0020+ Tips for Buying Thrift Store Craft and Sewing Supplies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVcZ1xNx0EI/WmYP_HadmzI/AAAAAAAAFs4/o9v8GrZ37Jc6LiOfh1RedXHV1Yk0AcbwwCLcBGAs/s1600/thriftsweaters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVcZ1xNx0EI/WmYP_HadmzI/AAAAAAAAFs4/o9v8GrZ37Jc6LiOfh1RedXHV1Yk0AcbwwCLcBGAs/s640/thriftsweaters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">A rainbow of sweaters for my <a href="https://sweaterdoll.etsy.com/" target="_blank">sweaterdoll-making kits</a> and classes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Buying second-hand clothing and furniture is pretty common, but most of us don't think to look through garage sales and thrift stores for crafting and sewing supplies. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, we'll head to antique stores and flea markets for those wonderful old wooden spools and vintage linens, but second-hand shopping offers much more than that to the serious maker. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Here's how you can make the most out of shopping second-hand for sewing and crafting supplies</b></u> (and read to the end for the #1 best craft and sewing supply thrifting advice ever).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Find the shops you love</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Locate the thrift stores, flea markets, antique stores in your area and make a list or map. Dedicate a fun day to check them out, or when you're in that neighborhood, just take a ten minute trip inside to see what they have to offer. Once you know which shops you like, keep them on your radar for your thrift shopping jaunts.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Categorize the shops on your list</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some shops have better furniture than clothing and some have better craft supplies sections than others. Know which stores have the best stuff by category. That way, if you're know you're looking mainly for fabric or yarn or picture frames, you know which stores to spend most of your time on.<b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Learn about the sale days and promotions these shops have</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sign up for emails if the shops send them out. These will tell you when sales are coming up. Ask about special discounts, such as seniors or military discounts. If you’re
big on social media, check out shops’ Facebook pages or Instagram profiles for photos of
special items, often antiques or sale announcements.<span style="font-size: large;"> Some shops have coupons or frequent buyer punch cards to encourage you to come in and they can save you lots on already low prices.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Check the return policy</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Most thrift stores don't take returns, but they will take exchanges. Find out if this is only good on clothing or extends to books (don't forget to check out the craft books!) or linens or fabrics.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Keep a running list of supplies you want or need</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">You've just walked into an amusement park for crafters, so if you don't want to be endlessly distracted and then disappointed when it's time to go, have a list of items you are looking for to keep you focused. Your list might be general (patterns, vintage linens) or it might be very specific (a certain size of knitting needles). </span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Know how much of the fabric or yarn you
need. If you end up buying way too little and have your heart set on it,
you'll be very disappointed later. Unroll fabric rolls and measure if
measurements aren't provided.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Decide how much time you will spend in each shop and make sure you have time to walk through twice</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you run your errands or have a dedicated thrifting day, wear a watch and set a time limit for each store. Once you become familiar with the shops, head straight to the sections you really want to visit. For example, one of my favorite shops has everything, but while I love to look at the picture frames and rugs, I'm not really in the market for them. So I head directly to the crafts and sewing section, the linens racks, the kitchen utensils (for mixed media pieces) the vintage shelves, and the women's clothing (because I repurpose wool and linen fabrics). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">If I'm doing well on time, I visit other sections for fun but often what I've found in one section encourages me to go back to a preciously visited section to look for items that complement my new treasures or to head to those picture frames I didn't look at because I've found the perfect array of items now needing a shadow box.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Take some tools of the trade with you</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tape measure. Tape measure. Tape measure. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Did I mention you should always have a tape measure with you? There's no use bringing along the project measurements if you have no way to measure. If you need to match colors, bring swatches or yarn snippets. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you are looking for cool embellishments for clothing or small quilts, for example, bring them along so you can coordinate your finds. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Don't forget to check the children's section</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">A felted, shrunken woman's sweater just begging to be repurposed is often mistaken for children's clothing. Little dresses are often made from the most gorgeous prints and can be used for small projects, toys, patchwork, and sachet drawstring bags.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Infant and doll mittens and socks can be turned into Christmas ornaments. Game pieces can be used as charms in a mixed media fiber art piece. There are a lot of lovely surprises to be found in the children's section.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Remember that craft items are not always in the crafting section</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes patterns can be found with the books or knitting needles or jars of buttons behind the cashier's counter. Fabrics may be hanging up with the linens, but there may be a second location in bins or on shelves. Craft kits or scrapbooking supplies may be in puzzles and games because they are packaged in colorful boxes and misunderstood by staff. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">This needlepoint strip was originally backed as a wall hanging. It had a brass hanger at </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">the top and tassel at the bottom. By removing everything, it became a part of a </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">repurposed wool sweater sofa throw pillow. The needlepoint was found </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">in the home decor section of the shop.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Remember that craft items are not always even craft items</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's almost impossible to find certain fabrics in fabric stores. Linen shirts and dresses pop up all over thrift stores and in the most wonderful weights and colors, while most large chain fabric stores sell mainly cotton-linen blends or only a couple of colors of actual linen. Remember to check out the clothing racks for fabrics made of linen, cotton, leather, suede, and wool. You may even find a hemp skirt.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Other sections will offer up fantastic supplies for crafting and especially upcycling. Take a turn in the kitchen section for teacups to fill with candle wax and wicks, silverware for jewelry or chimes. Look through shelves with office supplies and stationery for old photographs or carnival tickets.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Cutting seams from linen shirts for the fabric.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Check for stains, weak spots, holes, and smells</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mold is my enemy. Not only is it next to impossible to get rid of, it smells, and it can trigger an asthma attack. I have found myself walking around the stores wondering why I am starting to wheeze, only to discover I have been carrying around a mold farm disguised as the most beautifully embroidered dresser scarf I have ever seen.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bye bye, beautiful. It's not worth the trouble of washing you in special chemicals and then hanging you up in the sun or a UV light (the only thing that kills mold). Vinegar and bleach do not kill all types of molds and if you're allergic, you want to avoid it at all costs.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stains and holes, on the other hand, may pass the "I still want it" test as long as they can be worked around. But you still want to know about them before you buy. In fact, you might even be looking for something a little holey....</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Learn to mend</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Visible mending and boro are tremendously satisfying and popular. Know the faults in the fabrics and clothing you buy, but keep an open mind about the creative possibilities of adding mends to them for art's sake. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">A small hole in my new cashmere sweater wasn't discovered until I got home. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">No problem! I have mending skills!</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Know you're going to wash everything</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's just good sense, but if you're really loading up, remember, the work doesn't end at the register and you probably don't want a pile of unwashed second-hand goods in the basket forever, so know you'll be taking more time to care for your treasures. And while you can throw most everything into the washing machine, some items, such as this tie-dyed shirt, are best hand washed to avoid bleeding onto other fabrics.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Buy for parts</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b><br />Thrift shops are a gold mine for Pinterest projects. And not just for individual items such as mason jars or doilies, but for salvaged parts of larger items as well. Imagine a velour track suit. The fabric becomes several soft cuddly toys, the zipper is turned into a Pinterest-inspired flower brooch, and the drawstring cord from the hood is used for all those shoe bags popping up on Pinterest these days. Games can be parted out for not only the board but all the cards and pieces.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">which also leads to the next tip:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Search “Thrift store shopping” on Pinterest...</b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">...for articles on thrifting
secrets and tips, lists of thrift stores in major cities, how to shop
for specific categories such as jewelry, vintage clothing, etc.; DIYs
you can make from thrifted items; how to resell items you’ve thrifted. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Don't forget storage</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">As your collection grows, so will your need for storage. Look for tins, baskets, and plastic tubs to organize your treasures. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Expand your idea of where to thrift</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Don't forget to check out yard sales, estate sales or auctions, Freecycle, and church rummage sales. Don't limit yourself to just one brick-and-mortar idea of where you can find crafting treasures. <b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Taking a second look at some questionable advice</b></span></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have seen these advices given online regarding thrift store shopping<b> </b>and have some differing opinions. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">1) "Go ahead and haggle" - Don't do it. These stores are already selling you something at a fraction of the cost while trying to help people with their profits and jobs. Haggling and negotiating is insulting to their mission. It's a little like going into a homeless shelter and begging for spare change. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Exception #1: If you love something that has holes or is broken or missing pieces, yes, by all means, ask if they can discount the price. Sorting thrift store stock is grueling and staff has to work through mountains of it daily; many faults in products are missed in the sorting. It doesn't hurt to ask. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Exception #2: </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you think the prices are too high,
like, REALLY too high, you could ask to speak to a manager who can do
something about price. Staff isn't always right about price. If they can't lower it and you don't want to pay it, don't get huffy; just don't buy it.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">2) "Don't buy thread" - Really this should be: don't buy old thread to use in sewing machines. Most older thread was cotton and cotton degrades over time. This older sewing thread may be stained and will probably not hold up well in sewing machines. The same can be said for very old cotton embroidery floss.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">That said, you might find a stash of fairly new spools of sewing thread, or better yet, a specialty thread, such as the entire collection of colors of DMC flower thread I bought a couple of weeks ago. The collection, currently for sale new for $75, only cost me $5. It's unused, in new condition, and in perfect shape. I have never used flower thread before and quickly becoming my all-time favorite thread.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">A rainbow of DMC flower thread, more than 100 skeins, for $5.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have found tons of perfectly good embroidery threads and some completely usable sewing thread in thrift stores. Older thread CAN be used in hand stitchery and not break if you determine it to be in good condition and not too old to be used.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">3) "Skip wealthy neighborhoods in favor of small towns" - This is utter nonsense. There is no consistency about second-hand pricing or quality of stock from neighborhood to neighborhood. You can just as easily find over-pricing in small towns as you can in comfortable suburbia. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">And because you are looking for sewing and crafting items, consider who has the disposable income to buy better quality supplies. I find more plastic-canvas-type crafting materials in small towns, but suburbia has the linen, silk, and wool fibers I love.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Exception: Some second-hand shops fancy themselves "boutiques" and traditionally charge more but they also carry finer goods. Don't pass them up entirely, though. If it's convenient to visit, just plan to spend less time than usual in the shop (they tend to be small anyway) and just see if you can find any super bargains. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Two crib-sized hand stitched quilt tops found at an expensive boutique op shop in Australia. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I finished them and hung them on my bedroom wall. $6AU/$4US each.</span></div>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4) "Shop off-season for clothes" - This used to be the best advice ever and a great way to buy clothes for the fabrics they are made from and refashioning, but more and more, thrift stores are following other retailers by packing away the winter wear over summer and vice versa. When you thrift, buy when it's there; there's only one of what you see and if you want it, buy it. I buy sweaters to repurpose in winter because I won't be able to find them in summer. I buy a lot of linen in summer because that's when it gets donated as women change their wardrobes out for new. </span><br /><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Best advice ever!</span></b></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The best place to shop</b> for sewing supplies, fabrics, sewing and stitchery books, doilies and lace, buttons, embroidery hoops, vintage linens, and more <b>is</b>:</span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Any charity shop, flea market, or rummage sale that tends to receive donations from older folks or from the families of the recently deceased.</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Don't tell me how sad that statement is, I totally get it. But to be honest, I've found the very best quality and unique stitchery supplies at shops that receive estate collections or are part of a nursing home system. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">And sometimes when I buy from these shops, I imagine my own grandmothers and great-grandmother and think, wouldn't it be great if these ladies could know I'm not only still using their special button box but treasuring it. Not only am I doing some sewing, I'm passing that skill down to my children. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course, thrifting should be fun. Take a friend. Or don't. I can't shop with someone else when I have project goals in mind. It's me time and frankly, it's a big part of my personal creativity work-out time. I respect and honor it, so I allow myself to enjoy it. I hope you do, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy hunting! </span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-32776594976313833552018-01-21T13:27:00.001-06:002018-01-21T13:27:08.399-06:0010 Good Reasons to Shop at Thrift Stores<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">This week I'm going to post some second-hand shopping tips, mostly relating to shopping for sewing, embroidery, and fiber art supplies and treasures. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been chewing on this for awhile and checked out a lot of other articles and posts online. Some of the advice is golden, but there were some real duds in there, too, and I'm going to address those.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But today, let's start with <u>why</u> thrift at all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>WHERE: </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Second-hand can be found in all of these venues and events:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">second-hand shops</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">thrift stores</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">op shops (opportunity shops)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">charity shops</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">rummage sales (schools/churches/town-wide/fundraisers)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">craft fairs (many have upcycled items or supplies they are destashing)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">flea markets</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">antique shops</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">garage sales/ yard sales</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Freecycle</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">school fairs </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">I left Craigslist off, because, for example, while it's a great resource in Tucson, AZ, (and one I've used often to buy/sell/give/receive) it's very sketchy in Kansas City, Missouri, according to a lot of folks I know there. The choice to invite people to your door or go to the home of someone you don't know depends on the integrity of your community and only you can decide that. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">WHY:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> • <b>It’s a money-saver.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b><br />In a purely economic sense, it just costs less to shop second-hand.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> • <b>You create your own style.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b><br />Shopping for home goods and decor or clothing, you and your home won’t look just like everyone else. And even if you have a simple style, those unique accent pieces and accessories will help you stand out from the crowd and be truly you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> • <b>The items aren’t unwanted or unusable, but would otherwise have ended up in landfills.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b><br />How hard is it for you to give up your clutter? Uh, huh. Don’t assume everything in the thrift store are another person’s garbage. Lots of people outgrow styles and gifts that are perfectly usable and desirable and they end up in thrift stores. Think de-cluttering treasure that didn’t end up in the trash.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> • <b> Thrift stores help the community - one way or another.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b><br />Most second-hand stores are non-profits and if nothing else, they provide jobs to folks with good hearts and maybe not many employment options or skill sets. They help the people who shop there make ends meet. And for some folks, it’s one of the friendliest places they might visit all week.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> • <b>Many items are brand new, never worn/used, and cost much less than new.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b><br />‘Nuff said! Have you ever scored a brand new pair of jeans for your daughter for only $5? I have. And then I saw them at the mall for $60.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> • <b>Brands and quality items you could not otherwise afford or justify, such as Guess, are the gems you’ll find there.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b><br />No kidding. I have two lovely cashmere sweaters suitable to wear casually or at work that I bought at thrift stores. $2 each. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">100% silk? Dior? $4.99? </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> • <b>It exercises your creativity muscles.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b><br />If you’re in the market for mixed media craft and sewing supplies, picture frames, or furniture to refinish and reupholster, thrift stores are the place to shop. The possibilities are endless and you only need to look at a little DIY upcycling on Pinterest to make a hunting and gathering list of supplies you can easily thrift. Silverware chimes? Mason jar craft? Headboard for a bench back? Or try your hand at refashioning a wardrobe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">From Bored Panda.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> • <b>You can find every decade there - clothing, decor, linens, furniture.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b><br />Need a period costume? Want to go mid-century modern? Looking for French country? Love the peasant blouse look? It’s all there.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> • <b>You can keep holiday decorating from becoming a burden on your budget.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b><br />Yes, it pays to shop for holiday wrap, gifts, and decorations after the holidays when everything goes on sale, but what if you don’t have what you need for this holiday now? Take the budget burden out of decorating and put it into your meals and gifts by shopping second-hand for invitations, garland, ornaments, and baskets. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> My $1 box of vintage glass ornaments - because my daughter has </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">all of my Christmas boxes and I wanted to go all vintage this year. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's a limit to what I'll buy at thrift stores and you should have yours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I draw the line at swimsuits, lingerie, and such - things that feel a bit too intimate with body contact. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also don't buy plastic food storage kitchen items because I just don't like other people's old food stuff. That said, stainless steel or cast iron can be found at substantially lower prices than new and can be cleaned and sanitized. One of my favorite scores ever was a $4 waffle iron that's used manually over the gas stovetop. Best. Waffles. Ever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What you don't buy second-hand is entirely up to you. But consider the wondrous treasures you'll find at the local flea market - antiques for way less than at an antique store - or the church rummage sale - baby clothes you can donate to a shelter. It doesn't have to be all for you, right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you paid attention, there are only 9 good reasons to shop second-hand listed above. Here's #10:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Thrifting is a rush! </b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh. My. Gosh! There is so much satisfaction to be had in walking by a shelf or rack or stopping at a yard sale and finding something unexpectedly fantastic. Like a thick plaid wool blanket made in Scotland in the 1950s - $5. Or that pristine, never-used feather comforter that's on my bed right now - $20. Or a brand new Baby Gap overalls to give at a baby shower - $1. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You won't always find exactly what you are looking for, but really, you don't find what you want at department stores either, right? You settle on something you like or can live with. But the world is full of actual treasure, and it's all waiting for you to discover it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The less you spend on enjoying the material side of life, the more time you'll have to enjoy it. Because if you have to work full-time to pay the bills and have a little play money at full price, imagine that maybe, at 1/3 price, you could save the 2/3 for a vacation or the kids' college, or you could actually just work fewer hours a week or take an extra couple of weeks off unpaid - because you can.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Whatever your reason - a love of upcycling, an eco-friendly ethos, a limited budget - thrifting can be really fun and highly satisfying. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This week, I'll give you some general tips and some specific tips for buying second-hand sewing, crafting, and DIY supplies. In the meantime, comment and let me know why you thrift and what your most surprising thrift score was.</span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-41406993700362683792018-01-18T12:28:00.004-06:002018-01-18T12:28:35.760-06:00Yes, box me in!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cast-off velvety jewelry boxes are covering the dining room table this week. Inspired to get some work done for some upcoming art shows and fairs, I decided to work on these while it was impossible to do anything else. The temperatures have been well below zero most of the week and indoors with a cup of tea is the place to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the last day of deep freeze for awhile so I'll get to spend a few days with my folks. Which also means I'll be baking my dad's favorite shortbread cookies today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because I've never made these before, I've been trying out some different styles. The Americana one was requested for one of the fairs, but what I love about it was the fabric weaving. I plan to make more small fabric weaving items with different subject. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's a little pocket message planned.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And then the tiny teapot became an obsession. That's a 3" hoop! This one is bound for one of the small jewelry boxes with the upper part of the box embroidered with "Tea & Gossip". </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I think I'm going to have to make more of this design - probably make a rash of pendants with it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made a couple more necklace pendants in the boro style using wool fabrics this time. I love the wintery feeling in this jewelry. Very snowy mountain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not sure about re-opening the <a href="https://rabbithorns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Rabbithorns Etsy shop</a>. I prefer to have my art in one place and my craft in another, but since I'm not much of a social media person - although <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sweaterdollstories/" target="_blank">I'm on Instagram now</a>, hurrah! - and I no longer have a newsletter, it's a well-kept secret. Online marketing is just one big abyss of endless echoes for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do me a favor - email me or tell me what you think about this. Do I just revamp the <a href="https://sweaterdoll.etsy.com/" target="_blank">SweaterDoll shop</a> and make it my one and only? Or do I try to have two shops? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And come play on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sweaterdollstories/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>! I can follow you, too, and see what you're making. </span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-74761740118311894082018-01-14T18:58:00.003-06:002018-01-14T18:58:55.620-06:00Boro stitching <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Got my visible mending vibe on again. While working on another teacup, I was inspired to take a break and make some mini embroidery hoop necklace pendants using boro stitching.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Boro stitching is an old Japanese technique used to extend the life of household linens and clothing. Patches are not necessarily sewn all around the edges. The running stitches hold everything in place beautifully and make layer after layer of mends and new fabric. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Using repurposed denim, a stack of vintage feedsack scraps I got from a flea market in Louisburg, Kansas, and 100% linen thread, I played with doing tiny Japanese boro technique. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love how they came out. The tiny stitching was a lot of fun but required a major attention mode.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And then, I couldn't help but make a tiny quilt, too, hand quilted with a cotton batting backing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qpuFnyXGAk/Wlv7_yTEvRI/AAAAAAAAFpo/RENWWEnHXrYw26uq-8aN-cn-mCgXqw37gCLcBGAs/s1600/miniquilt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qpuFnyXGAk/Wlv7_yTEvRI/AAAAAAAAFpo/RENWWEnHXrYw26uq-8aN-cn-mCgXqw37gCLcBGAs/s640/miniquilt1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They're all in my <a href="https://rabbithorns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Rabbithorns Etsy shop</a> tonight. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And what am I doing tonight? Hoping it snows again. I woke up to a winter wonderland. Snow is my favorite thing.</span><br />
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Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-64523375960786787372018-01-09T11:20:00.001-06:002018-01-09T11:20:24.153-06:00Visible mending and tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TBljgeLAPIY/WlT4_hq_klI/AAAAAAAAFos/9l-sXz2ftnwD4CW8o0vk-quKK-4zo_tXwCLcBGAs/s1600/mendcup8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TBljgeLAPIY/WlT4_hq_klI/AAAAAAAAFos/9l-sXz2ftnwD4CW8o0vk-quKK-4zo_tXwCLcBGAs/s640/mendcup8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All the comforts and simple pleasures of life came together in this fabric teacup. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's hand a machine sewn and shows off a sampler of visible mending handwork techniques while reminding me - it's probably time for tea. When isn't it time for tea?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's the size of an actual teacup, so why not hang it up alongside the other cups in your display? There is a bit of delicate wire in the handle and rim for easy hanging, but the cup is soft and when squished (as I do with everything I touch) bounces back into shape. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mgRKddASeSA/WlT5Pw9oM1I/AAAAAAAAFo4/__EkOIfOb2YI2Xm6W_n6hpfo3ONzFLW5wCLcBGAs/s1600/mendcup7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mgRKddASeSA/WlT5Pw9oM1I/AAAAAAAAFo4/__EkOIfOb2YI2Xm6W_n6hpfo3ONzFLW5wCLcBGAs/s640/mendcup7.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's one of a series of soft sculptures that will be in my revived <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/rabbithorns" target="_blank">Rabbithorns Etsy shop</a>. This one is just listed today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've already pulled out a luscious piece of cream wool fabric to make another cup. Yum! </span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-1576198097252987562018-01-08T09:05:00.002-06:002018-01-08T09:05:44.010-06:00Thrift Score - what's old is new in January 2018<span style="font-size: large;">This was a week of utter delight in the world of sifting and thrifting. I'll just leave these photos here and let you imagine all sorts of re-uses for these wonderful treasures. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bo_J5wEMfvY/WlOB6vN0fAI/AAAAAAAAFn4/XjVUjkPti6QYKwsvGYkPTspXF1oSHPBXQCLcBGAs/s1600/dollclothesjan5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bo_J5wEMfvY/WlOB6vN0fAI/AAAAAAAAFn4/XjVUjkPti6QYKwsvGYkPTspXF1oSHPBXQCLcBGAs/s640/dollclothesjan5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What did you some up with? Just want to position some on shelves or frame a few pieces? I know! That would already be amazing, wouldn't it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's a local craft fair in March that will be focusing on shabby chic junkers, repurposers, and hand-makers, so I have high hopes that the Jello molds can be turned into something artful. There's also a local arts festival in April I am working towards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the art projects will be made from that doll sweater. It has seen better days and is a visible mending dream. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgP1gXf4UPs/WlOD20GaFLI/AAAAAAAAFoI/Y2hAON6CEOYkvv8AvzjBSP38Nos6FJ1UgCLcBGAs/s1600/dollsweatermending1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgP1gXf4UPs/WlOD20GaFLI/AAAAAAAAFoI/Y2hAON6CEOYkvv8AvzjBSP38Nos6FJ1UgCLcBGAs/s640/dollsweatermending1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As much as I'm enjoying found objects, these four large and three small tubs of wool fabric can't be ignored. Erica, of Nine Patch Quilt and Fabric in Nevada, Missouri, had it sort of dumped on her and she was more than happy to see it go elsewhere. It's already being channeled into a new pattern. You can see the work-in-progress on my Instagram - #sweaterdollstories.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Any great thrift scores in your week? This is a great time for it. People just want to clean out the old and get all new. Silly people!</span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-80768139987472340812018-01-01T11:27:00.001-06:002018-01-01T11:27:22.633-06:00New year, new mends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYf-k80w5YM/WkptZTqMWhI/AAAAAAAAFnI/YJk1VURI09ApnR019Flh_fBocowbUNfTQCLcBGAs/s1600/mendingcuff1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYf-k80w5YM/WkptZTqMWhI/AAAAAAAAFnI/YJk1VURI09ApnR019Flh_fBocowbUNfTQCLcBGAs/s640/mendingcuff1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With temperatures falling to below zero, I count my wool sweaters as close a set of friends as any humans I know. But it seems every single one of them needs some kind of mending.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And what is mending if not a task to be accomplished in the comfort of the favorite chair and with a reward at hand for a job well done?</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3pOskswDdAQ/WkpthWZuY9I/AAAAAAAAFnM/uC8718gl4r8D8O1QhakLyXkuwug--stEQCLcBGAs/s1600/mendingcuff2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3pOskswDdAQ/WkpthWZuY9I/AAAAAAAAFnM/uC8718gl4r8D8O1QhakLyXkuwug--stEQCLcBGAs/s640/mendingcuff2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3EFSw9RCFo/WkpthcGmIfI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/y9qdIRheXRUpuUIXgIsGdK9Ulkc6eNhHACLcBGAs/s1600/mendingcuff3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3EFSw9RCFo/WkpthcGmIfI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/y9qdIRheXRUpuUIXgIsGdK9Ulkc6eNhHACLcBGAs/s640/mendingcuff3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh yes. I've stocked up on candy canes so I can enjoy them into spring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here a cashmere thrift store find with a small hole gets some love in the form of a woven heart. Mending = Love.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SFWepOQtUR8/Wkpu396EAzI/AAAAAAAAFnc/Xq8vUUbXD6k4mp98SbnJMUWqB8jjWecPgCLcBGAs/s1600/sweaterheartmend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SFWepOQtUR8/Wkpu396EAzI/AAAAAAAAFnc/Xq8vUUbXD6k4mp98SbnJMUWqB8jjWecPgCLcBGAs/s640/sweaterheartmend.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-71106035095550504002017-12-30T11:35:00.001-06:002017-12-30T11:35:47.695-06:00Hey New Year, it's still Christmas, you know<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EPkMfZ4DShs/WkfJysPb2sI/AAAAAAAAFmg/A6sK7v4nu_8WrlBvgAGYw5u_xpcfPv4LgCLcBGAs/s1600/Christmashouseornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="916" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EPkMfZ4DShs/WkfJysPb2sI/AAAAAAAAFmg/A6sK7v4nu_8WrlBvgAGYw5u_xpcfPv4LgCLcBGAs/s640/Christmashouseornament.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As Christmas winds itself up to its sixth day crescendo, I scan the horizon of the new year coming. Christmas is falling now towards Twelfth Night. It's only the middle of Christmas, but the Gregorian calendar is forcing me to stop and consider new beginnings even before the old things are stored away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are fairs to prepare for, local shops to fill, and an art show looming. The online shops - yes, there are two of them - are being cleaned out, reorganized, and stocked. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the goodies - oh! the goodies I find at flea markets and antique shops. Yesterday's discovery was a laundry line of doll clothes that will become art projects. Washed and ironed, the task now is the discover the stories within them and stitch these into the fabric of their past.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jLbQnO84PW8/WkfN6Txp4OI/AAAAAAAAFms/NJbbHBs9_X82KNixRUa2xLPauO4fsnGggCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5988%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jLbQnO84PW8/WkfN6Txp4OI/AAAAAAAAFms/NJbbHBs9_X82KNixRUa2xLPauO4fsnGggCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5988%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Who doesn't love a simple palette like these little treasures? And longjohns for dolls? Does it need a little bum flap made from vintage feedsack? </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11tEh_oFmog/WkfOAhyG52I/AAAAAAAAFmw/TuujKsRN8kMmHvbmoGngv_iY4JkwJGLGQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11tEh_oFmog/WkfOAhyG52I/AAAAAAAAFmw/TuujKsRN8kMmHvbmoGngv_iY4JkwJGLGQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5981.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And then there's this little plaid dress. Did you notice the two different edgings on the collar? And then there's the hand stitched button holes. These leave me breathless in their beauty.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oacu5AhywFg/WkfOHucJr_I/AAAAAAAAFm0/nnQqBlkY5gECTOBv_DMkUssAph12SGOiQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oacu5AhywFg/WkfOHucJr_I/AAAAAAAAFm0/nnQqBlkY5gECTOBv_DMkUssAph12SGOiQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5987.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you ready? Have you put Christmas away in favor of resolutions and new planners? Don't give it all up yet. It's still Christmas, you know. There are still gifts in the present tense.</span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-25330243744781751452017-10-29T22:30:00.000-05:002017-10-29T22:30:04.634-05:00Meet the O'Lanterns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1LwjYy4X-g/Wfabsu_GlfI/AAAAAAAAFlc/2SGuUnde3rAT9e0k8p3zZZRVvlq8jMBfQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1LwjYy4X-g/Wfabsu_GlfI/AAAAAAAAFlc/2SGuUnde3rAT9e0k8p3zZZRVvlq8jMBfQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4982.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The land and its outbuildings are coughing up more treasures as we tear down walls, remove layers of flooring, and dig out the crawl space under the house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Housed between the two sides of the rotting dry wall of a shed behind the house, there were dozens of printing mats, short for matrix. These are heavy cardboard sheets steamed over typeset newspaper pages so the words and images are made in impression. The cardboard is rolled and covered with lead to produce lead drums that fill in the impressions. The drums are inked and used in rotary printing of pages of the newspaper. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the pages has a date of June 1956.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--YnsEQWa_bo/WfaVilwdYSI/AAAAAAAAFkc/t6St7rnkFJMNqXV_STzJJv258vlhHarugCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--YnsEQWa_bo/WfaVilwdYSI/AAAAAAAAFkc/t6St7rnkFJMNqXV_STzJJv258vlhHarugCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4953.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMZSWSSJfII/WfaV3AlZEGI/AAAAAAAAFkk/gEdSYtsFntYjEvmtEIp0euMyk9iWIFo_ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMZSWSSJfII/WfaV3AlZEGI/AAAAAAAAFkk/gEdSYtsFntYjEvmtEIp0euMyk9iWIFo_ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4960.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> And then the walls gave us critters. One whole skeleton and somewhat mummified squirrel and two more skulls and a spine and ribs.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KqYh7DR7He4/WfaWCw-5w9I/AAAAAAAAFks/AsuPSOKyPK4mXJA7O0BNOd9eS2ESA6UPACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KqYh7DR7He4/WfaWCw-5w9I/AAAAAAAAFks/AsuPSOKyPK4mXJA7O0BNOd9eS2ESA6UPACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4988.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But the land gives us more. Meet the O'Lanterns. Pumpkins for carving and smaller sugar pie pumpkins for eating. Seeds and string removed for baking tonight, baked with brown sugar, butter, nutmeg, ginger, and clove. Seeds are drying for snacking later.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvffowQ03F0/WfaWiUfhKLI/AAAAAAAAFlA/tcOg2tPF7uc_qYYGCANz6vvT6kbKgABMACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvffowQ03F0/WfaWiUfhKLI/AAAAAAAAFlA/tcOg2tPF7uc_qYYGCANz6vvT6kbKgABMACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4987.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Little friends visit and the pecans fall. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-581QfkwaDMM/WfaWprZOuoI/AAAAAAAAFlI/COZ8iGqA2f8QOHzvwEIK0QRUU4REbrVwQCLcBGAs/s1600/ladybugonbroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-581QfkwaDMM/WfaWprZOuoI/AAAAAAAAFlI/COZ8iGqA2f8QOHzvwEIK0QRUU4REbrVwQCLcBGAs/s640/ladybugonbroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And just before sunset, one last treasure of the day is discovered between lost pages of time on the land.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_NID5W-U6w/WfabSbr3WAI/AAAAAAAAFlY/wDd9iwaeHugaYBmX9QPoVsHcx06cZb80ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_NID5W-U6w/WfabSbr3WAI/AAAAAAAAFlY/wDd9iwaeHugaYBmX9QPoVsHcx06cZb80ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4995.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Just in time for a creepy Halloween.</span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-33453320601586703982017-10-14T15:59:00.004-05:002017-10-14T15:59:48.424-05:00Another batch of aprons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A-iCfs7P4tM/WeJ0tl881lI/AAAAAAAAFjg/8WyUrKSutGonRYMFPX7r_ElCuH8mhooMACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A-iCfs7P4tM/WeJ0tl881lI/AAAAAAAAFjg/8WyUrKSutGonRYMFPX7r_ElCuH8mhooMACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_4923.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the delicious mad dash to create fabric and stitchery "babies" for a local shop in town, I have had to absolutely reorganize my fabric hutch and supplies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It may not look different from any previous photo - except I now know where everything is. Because I have twice the amount of fabrics I did a couple of months ago, supplies were displaced to other areas and all the fabric is not in the hutch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The lampshades are for mobiles. I've been taking the fabric/paper off and wrapping them and adding doodads. Some are too lovely though and will be embellished as is. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PvV4ZcLpmTs/WeJ5bMMNFeI/AAAAAAAAFjo/SDTe6J0nzDw9Nx1PKS2tcnnapXkiWCafQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PvV4ZcLpmTs/WeJ5bMMNFeI/AAAAAAAAFjo/SDTe6J0nzDw9Nx1PKS2tcnnapXkiWCafQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4912.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Windowsill collection.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVIX6if1-Qc/WeJ5bUo5vLI/AAAAAAAAFjw/9RIlvs0ORpEaJU6QXvYmXbRM98PALZbZACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVIX6if1-Qc/WeJ5bUo5vLI/AAAAAAAAFjw/9RIlvs0ORpEaJU6QXvYmXbRM98PALZbZACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4915.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf9ZEq8dAdU/WeJ5bWzYkJI/AAAAAAAAFj0/Hd2mf0fBOYUr6nNaIEiL1uwGLkXaEoP9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf9ZEq8dAdU/WeJ5bWzYkJI/AAAAAAAAFj0/Hd2mf0fBOYUr6nNaIEiL1uwGLkXaEoP9wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4917.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mr. True Love is building me a simple work table out of some plywood he bought to make himself a workbench for his man cave. It should be ready in a few days and I'm thrilled. When I did mainly hand work, the folding table I have was plenty of table, but with aprons and machine sewing going on, I need more work area to spread fabrics on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I took a few more aprons to Mary's shop but forgot to take photos of them. But here's probably the last batch for awhile, hot off the press and ready to deliver.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are all made from pillowcases and a sham. Vintage bits and bobs, table scarves, handkerchiefs, lace, tea towels, quilt blocks adorn them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just in case it's spring in your hemisphere.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Poly/cotton pillowcase, linen napkin, cotton handkerchief, linen table scarf.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mt8KvN56Aio/WeJ0oxCNk8I/AAAAAAAAFiY/dU5iT2eGqxUKeWmLhn_bFoA1cChsICDVgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mt8KvN56Aio/WeJ0oxCNk8I/AAAAAAAAFiY/dU5iT2eGqxUKeWmLhn_bFoA1cChsICDVgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4871.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMKPxZuh7cE/WeJ0pEriJOI/AAAAAAAAFic/UbzncZUnAP0kDGCdBGFyyruxEAcjgRGEACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMKPxZuh7cE/WeJ0pEriJOI/AAAAAAAAFic/UbzncZUnAP0kDGCdBGFyyruxEAcjgRGEACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4872.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp1tCFAW-y8/WeJ0pA0MchI/AAAAAAAAFig/XLHV5EbWwxoKgEvUltTlnesvY3XmOQ8lgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp1tCFAW-y8/WeJ0pA0MchI/AAAAAAAAFig/XLHV5EbWwxoKgEvUltTlnesvY3XmOQ8lgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4873.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What an elegant sham. Rich colors and a bit of quilting and lacy bits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cotton and linen fabrics, cotton lace, otton ric rac.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I like the country, vintage, and cottage look. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cotton fabrics, linen napkin and tea towel, cotton embroidery. </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-iCfs7P4tM/WeJ0tl881lI/AAAAAAAAFis/HbweJ07v0tEy6TwWIcoiHpVBd7iLaS_YgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-iCfs7P4tM/WeJ0tl881lI/AAAAAAAAFis/HbweJ07v0tEy6TwWIcoiHpVBd7iLaS_YgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4923.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OzqRKBHuiYA/WeJ0yJHWFkI/AAAAAAAAFi4/1tnO8XFc_EQkzJoCiGWsRoG9exJJemq_QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OzqRKBHuiYA/WeJ0yJHWFkI/AAAAAAAAFi4/1tnO8XFc_EQkzJoCiGWsRoG9exJJemq_QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4881.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The quilt piece came like that. Someone must have already taken apart a hand stitched quilt top using feed sack squares.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Poly/cotton fabric, cotton fabrics, linen table scarf, cotton doily bit, synthetic lace and ribbon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The embroidered teapot is one of 34 embroidered squares I bought in a pack awhile back. It was likely supposed to become a quilt all together but had never been pieced.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love the vintage fabric in the ties. I have about 2 yards of it and I'm wondering what to do with it. The green napkin is a pocket.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cotton fabrics, linen napkins, cotton doily, cotton lace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The large ruffled bit is a folded silk handkerchief. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Poly/cotton, linen table linen with cotton embroidery, synthetic lace, silk handkerchief. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you see any you'd like to buy, I won't be taking them over for a couple of days. Email me and we can arrange it. They are $25 each plus shipping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Art aprons must be hand washed and hung to dry.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-1282541808310115322017-09-19T10:29:00.001-05:002017-09-19T10:29:34.280-05:00Apronology <span style="font-size: large;">Mary asked me to make aprons for her adorable shop. I love wearing aprons of all kinds. They just change up how I feel about what I'm doing. I even wear them out of the house sometimes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am so happy with the ones I've just finished, I decided to let you have first pick! I have these three to share today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you are interested in purchasing any of these, just email me for prices. I can ship in padded envelopes for about $5 in the US and $8 elsewhere. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">All the aprons are 20" x 28" wide. They are all backed with cotton or cotton/poly fabric.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Candy stripey wrap apron</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Made from cotton fabrics, vintage ric rac, and a scrap of antique cotton doily. The ties are 38" long each.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This apron has a good sized right handed pocket made from a vintage tablecloth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Teal is "In" Apron</b></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Is there anything that isn't teal these days? Still, it's a lovely color and I'm glad it's still making the rounds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Made from cotton and linen with 2 plastic buttons, cotton ribbon, a cotton embroidered panel, and a couple of clothing labels. The seersucker stripe is a right handed pocket. The ties are 42" long each for a goodly wrap-around bow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The photos are a lot more yellow than I wanted. The teal is a lovely shade and the whites are actually white, although the embroidered rose panel is indeed a creamy color. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Elegant Hostess</b></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This one has no pocket, but it does have a gorgeous hand embroidered panel on the front that I just found this week. Made from cotton and linen fabrics and an unusual red and white handkerchief. The ties are 31" long each. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's good to be partnering up with Mary. It gets me out of the house and, in truth, online biz isn't holding its own compared with doing in-person local business. My online business has been a losing venture since the start even though I just love making new things to share and sell. I tip my hat to those who can make it work! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Off to the sewing room now! I have more fabric to sort through.</span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-54471298653461368672017-09-19T10:28:00.003-05:002017-09-19T10:28:58.194-05:00A win and a loss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LFqY5AA5PM/WcE1OgoA6oI/AAAAAAAAFg4/0fwm72CRBiIbBPPWQHHFq4X6soC5OfTwgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LFqY5AA5PM/WcE1OgoA6oI/AAAAAAAAFg4/0fwm72CRBiIbBPPWQHHFq4X6soC5OfTwgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4659.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the first time I've managed to actually cut through one of my tape measures. Not that I don't have plenty more. I have a bit of a collection of tape measures and I love to find them in odd colors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But this purple beauty was the one I carried around in my purse because who doesn't love to whip out a purple tape measure wherever you go?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been a busy beaver in the sewing room, making throw pillows and aprons for a local shop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Months ago, I met the loveliest woman in town. Mary has
been an upholsterer with her own business, Here We Go Again Upholstery,
for 41 years. She creates upbeat, eclectic combinations, rarely using
just one type of fabric in her work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Way back when we met, we found a kinship in our love
of found objects and making something new from something old. She asked
me to make some things for the shop but only now am I getting a chance
to do just that.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Last week, I made some simple cushions from wool sweaters, bits of thrifted needlepoint pieces, and leftover fabrics.</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3o6FW2CAkag/WcE1tyDwaKI/AAAAAAAAFhE/fCf2n1m5hkgQEYu-HYEBo8_n6lABLL7jQCLcBGAs/s1600/pillows1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3o6FW2CAkag/WcE1tyDwaKI/AAAAAAAAFhE/fCf2n1m5hkgQEYu-HYEBo8_n6lABLL7jQCLcBGAs/s640/pillows1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Even the backs are lovely.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5__iOfmIbI/WcE24oLE1AI/AAAAAAAAFhU/JxFIykU_7vMda9k5tzBa8E-0N_u7TO_ZgCLcBGAs/s1600/pillows4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5__iOfmIbI/WcE24oLE1AI/AAAAAAAAFhU/JxFIykU_7vMda9k5tzBa8E-0N_u7TO_ZgCLcBGAs/s640/pillows4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was very lucky to inherit some upholstery fabrics from my mom. I had almost forgotten I had them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The purple tape measure is now taped up and will be kept in my purse far from scissors. I don't need absolute accuracy when I'm out and about and I can't bear to give it up. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a favorite sewing tool? </span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-56467728230595191792017-09-16T21:33:00.001-05:002017-09-16T21:33:30.565-05:00Aftermath of the annual town-wide yard sale event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdTLvi6qlYc/Wb3cVL0t4XI/AAAAAAAAFfE/65tmv6xEwJsgizc_FoziBDYonkaPPPNBQCLcBGAs/s1600/tindishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdTLvi6qlYc/Wb3cVL0t4XI/AAAAAAAAFfE/65tmv6xEwJsgizc_FoziBDYonkaPPPNBQCLcBGAs/s640/tindishes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's the annual September town-wide yard sale day and only by accident did I go out today and get sucked into it. Happily I might add.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There's no reason to bore you with details. You really should just see some of the goodies hubby and I brought home. The tin dishes above are some of the goodies.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1950s or 60s figurines. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niV3GqFF1P4/Wb3aZ9XHvPI/AAAAAAAAFek/U__3VTwK5wkJ_smqShTAZqCsNcY0h70VQCLcBGAs/s1600/figurines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niV3GqFF1P4/Wb3aZ9XHvPI/AAAAAAAAFek/U__3VTwK5wkJ_smqShTAZqCsNcY0h70VQCLcBGAs/s640/figurines.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Glass Christmas balls.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wveu3YJ5iI8/Wb3aZyiM8xI/AAAAAAAAFeg/uzZlvyrQhdU2UOC0EyQG2AzSyzKyx9UWgCLcBGAs/s1600/glassornaments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wveu3YJ5iI8/Wb3aZyiM8xI/AAAAAAAAFeg/uzZlvyrQhdU2UOC0EyQG2AzSyzKyx9UWgCLcBGAs/s640/glassornaments.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Vintage tablecloth (it's folded so this is 1/4 of it) and a sewing bag.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f2u3hR-sOqQ/Wb3aaBnql7I/AAAAAAAAFeo/0Gow3KXYYC4S3PWx0yVhm0CvhVb_GHOggCLcBGAs/s1600/linens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f2u3hR-sOqQ/Wb3aaBnql7I/AAAAAAAAFeo/0Gow3KXYYC4S3PWx0yVhm0CvhVb_GHOggCLcBGAs/s640/linens.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A 1995 Mickey Mouse tree topper that moves and lights up when plugged in and a 16mm reel of Krazy Kat - "Frogs and Kats" episode.</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy1XQtjCZfU/Wb3aZ63Vx7I/AAAAAAAAFec/L_0xM-SX5jApM_YSFiI-kwQhH1QPwjRfgCLcBGAs/s1600/MickeyandKrazyKat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy1XQtjCZfU/Wb3aZ63Vx7I/AAAAAAAAFec/L_0xM-SX5jApM_YSFiI-kwQhH1QPwjRfgCLcBGAs/s640/MickeyandKrazyKat.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's your warning. I like creepy things. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I couldn't pass on these poor old dolls.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">These two are pretty gothic looking. But it wasn't until I stood them up that I noticed the lady's head is turned backwards. I'm leaving it that way.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eneFeFESB-M/Wb3b-PCk_SI/AAAAAAAAFe4/Lt2JveYoldsH6RIyoNo-mz5fq75hpTZzACLcBGAs/s1600/dolls6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eneFeFESB-M/Wb3b-PCk_SI/AAAAAAAAFe4/Lt2JveYoldsH6RIyoNo-mz5fq75hpTZzACLcBGAs/s640/dolls6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">These beauties are so elegantly dressed, but one of them has a broken neck.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cuqlDOm0VZo/Wb3cNaVELYI/AAAAAAAAFe8/1okGkQoGEHIickoiQyFLB11XBmdy1HB1gCLcBGAs/s1600/dolls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cuqlDOm0VZo/Wb3cNaVELYI/AAAAAAAAFe8/1okGkQoGEHIickoiQyFLB11XBmdy1HB1gCLcBGAs/s640/dolls2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's a little "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?", isn't it?</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Zlx4PmTZis/Wb3cNSlA55I/AAAAAAAAFfA/nDFF9a3csuM6jDUnLuLZ1YOpeFiNnEudgCLcBGAs/s1600/dolls3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Zlx4PmTZis/Wb3cNSlA55I/AAAAAAAAFfA/nDFF9a3csuM6jDUnLuLZ1YOpeFiNnEudgCLcBGAs/s640/dolls3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Don't say I didn't warn you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm looking forward to turning this set into a pincushion doll.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imGLlOCzTGQ/Wb3ctRcei2I/AAAAAAAAFfI/AoqjjKA4-q8xfapfnLy8uwXdbANEtbdLgCLcBGAs/s1600/chinadollparts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imGLlOCzTGQ/Wb3ctRcei2I/AAAAAAAAFfI/AoqjjKA4-q8xfapfnLy8uwXdbANEtbdLgCLcBGAs/s640/chinadollparts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I love her little bracelet and her buckle shoes with little straps and heels.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I also scored a pristine feather comforter and now I'm ready for winter. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hubby and I didn't even unpack the car when we got home. We both immediately fell asleep in our comfy chairs and took a nap. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Next post, I'll tell you what happy accident brought me into town in the first place, though I'm really glad it did.</span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-2734321526275399072017-09-11T13:57:00.002-05:002017-09-11T13:57:28.403-05:00Pattern: Primitive Wool Pumpkin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KrtiQz2jNO4/WbbR_FxKIgI/AAAAAAAAFdc/RF3WobqNgQQNUVxoyQb99bIQcYeGfMm1wCEwYBhgL/s1600/pumpkin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KrtiQz2jNO4/WbbR_FxKIgI/AAAAAAAAFdc/RF3WobqNgQQNUVxoyQb99bIQcYeGfMm1wCEwYBhgL/s640/pumpkin1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Inspired by the change of season and motivated by a need to bust my stash, here's a little wool pumpkin for you.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Buy your wool at the local quilt shop or use blanketing, wool felt, or reused wool coats or slacks.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is a great projects for bringing a little Halloween/ harvest magic into your home. Mid-October is when you want to start buying gourds; buy them earlier and you risk them rotting or molding right on your table or porch. Especially, if you get an Indian summer heat wave between now and Halloween.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What you need:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw7hFcMlpEn2WHlwUUNSV3VZcDA/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">wool pumpkin templates</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">9x12 piece of orange wool</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">fat eighth piece of contrasting wool fabric for base and stalk</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">scraps of wool for petals, nose, eyes, and mouth</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 buttons</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">stranded cotton embroidery floss - in autumn colors</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">embroidery needle</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3" doll making needle </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">stuffing</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">SUGGESTION: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you use
polyester fill, the pumpkin will have almost no weight and may not sit
solidly. Try stuffing VERY well or use a wool, kapok, or cotton
stuffing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PUMPKIN: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Trace and cut six of the pumpkin wedges. Match two of the curved sides together and hand stitch about 1/8" (4mm) from the edge using a 2 strand length of matching embroidery floss. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sew two more pairs together and then sew the pairs together until you have just one opening in the ball shape. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Stitch from where the points meet toward the center of the opening about an inch and a half. Tie off. Stitch from the other end of the ball where the points meet on the other side and stitch toward the center about an inch and a half. This leaves an opening in the center of the last seam for turning and stuffing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Turn the ball right side out and stuff well. Ladder (invisible) stitch the opening closed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Wrap a 6 strand length of coordinating floss around the ball about 5 times. Cut this piece off, double knot the end, and thread a long doll-making needle. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Bring the floss through the hole where the points meet on one side and through to the other place where the points meet in the other side. Wrap the floss along one seam and insert the needle in the same place as the first time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Keep wrapping the pumpkin along the seams and knot and tie off when done.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ho5BGpi6qL0/WbbbYzgebzI/AAAAAAAAFeI/nlZe22l7OH8SSGAh-KqZuLZjpgsP4qBpACLcBGAs/s1600/pumpkin5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ho5BGpi6qL0/WbbbYzgebzI/AAAAAAAAFeI/nlZe22l7OH8SSGAh-KqZuLZjpgsP4qBpACLcBGAs/s640/pumpkin5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">STALK:</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Trace and cut one stalk piece from the wool. Cut another in reverse. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Stitch right sides together using a 2 strand length of floss, leaving the flat bottom open. Clip the inner curves and turn right side out. Stuff well, leaving the last inch unstuffed. Sew a gather stitch around the opening close to the stuffing, trim off any excess fabric leaving at least 3/8" of fabric, pull to gather and stuff the gather into the stalk. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Stitch the stalk to the center of the top of the pumpkin. If you like, bend the stalk a little and tack it to look curled.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W_w3iAFAvFE/Wbba3SwzUHI/AAAAAAAAFd8/b3Q88Q_VzBsUHHkzYr8rJFEYN3vM6aL-gCLcBGAs/s1600/pumpkin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W_w3iAFAvFE/Wbba3SwzUHI/AAAAAAAAFd8/b3Q88Q_VzBsUHHkzYr8rJFEYN3vM6aL-gCLcBGAs/s640/pumpkin3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>FACE:</b> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cut out two eyes, one nose, and a mouth from contrasting wool scraps. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sew one button in the center of each eye and set aside. Make 5 french knots along the mouth and set aside.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Position the nose in the middle of a wedge and slightly higher than lower. Whipstitch into place using a 3 strand length of floss.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Position the eyes on either side of the nose and attach in the same way. Place the mouth below the nose and sew the same way.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">BASE:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cut two base circles and stitch right sides together using a 1/4" (7mm) seam allowance. Leave about 2 inches open for turning and stuffing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Turn the base right side out. Stuff well. Stitch closed using a ladder stitch.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Use a 6 strand length of floss to embroider a <a href="http://sweaterdoll.blogspot.com.au/2016/05/cross-stitch-feather-stitch-fly-stitch.html" target="_blank">feather stitch</a> and <a href="http://sweaterdoll.blogspot.com.au/2016/05/french-knots-lazy-daisy-running-stitch.html" target="_blank">french knots</a> to cover the seam.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f6kChpJjGnA/Wbba_MMOUPI/AAAAAAAAFeA/IBgTuxmXfOMfw54Wd-I88YrtQWc5gOOEgCLcBGAs/s1600/pumpkin4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f6kChpJjGnA/Wbba_MMOUPI/AAAAAAAAFeA/IBgTuxmXfOMfw54Wd-I88YrtQWc5gOOEgCLcBGAs/s640/pumpkin4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cut 3 petals from contrasting wool and another 3 petals from another contrasting color. Whipstitch to the top of the base.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>FINISH THE PUMPKIN:</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Position the pumpkin onto the center of the base. Use small taking stitches around the base of the pumpkin to attach it to the base. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-loCrvq0FAwk/WbbbFoVggZI/AAAAAAAAFeE/7wrbNX2Cp3caibB6FK2uNQG605Pk7zeiACLcBGAs/s1600/pumpkin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-loCrvq0FAwk/WbbbFoVggZI/AAAAAAAAFeE/7wrbNX2Cp3caibB6FK2uNQG605Pk7zeiACLcBGAs/s640/pumpkin2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now you can get in the autumn mood with your very own pumpkin decoration! Make several and line them up along a windowsill. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-4717078111530243602017-09-11T13:19:00.001-05:002017-09-11T13:19:38.747-05:00Harvest time on the land<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IF7KHnYCEt0/WbbSw7Q_5RI/AAAAAAAAFdY/zV5nzb7qoWAs4LbxndhQdf2OMG9XiLsfwCLcBGAs/s1600/buroakacorns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IF7KHnYCEt0/WbbSw7Q_5RI/AAAAAAAAFdY/zV5nzb7qoWAs4LbxndhQdf2OMG9XiLsfwCLcBGAs/s640/buroakacorns.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was an unusual winter, spring, and summer with tornadoes in February and torrential flooding rains for 5 months. Only in August did we see clear skies - a time when we are usually begging for rain after the summer drought. The grass and fields tend to be brown and withering, but only now is the grass starting to yellow.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The heat seemed to be drained from summer by the end of the first week of August. It was cool and delicious weather; the kind of respite we look forward to in September.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But September is here and still cool and lovely. The trees are already turning and shedding their leaves. The acorns are budding and growing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These young acorns fell from the bur-oak tree in our front yard. The bur-oak is the only tree native to the old prairie. All other oaks, maples, cottonwoods, etc. are considered weeds and were introduced as pioneers settled the area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Will we get an Indian summer? I don't know and I hope not. I'm not one for heat. Give me jacket weather any day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another sign that the holiday season is coming are the spiders. Their webs surround the house - not in a totally creepy way - but still, I am constantly running into them or almost. My husband is more of an arachnophobe than I am; the shocked screams have not all been mine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And who are they eating? We've seen crickets, flies, and moths caught in their webs. But I wonder if the cicadas are too big for them? Here's a cicada skin cracked open and left on one of the porch columns. It's been there for weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I, Queen of my 3/4 acres, proclaim that autumn is here! And it's getting nice and spooky around here!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-74794631642732104642017-09-04T10:40:00.001-05:002017-09-04T10:40:13.760-05:00Strain your brain - mixed media stitching<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5CgGouDpBGg/Wa1xzBXQSHI/AAAAAAAAFcc/09JNibAFYqwBbvpcLjUA-RGN_Xd-ohSGQCLcBGAs/s1600/wirewhisks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5CgGouDpBGg/Wa1xzBXQSHI/AAAAAAAAFcc/09JNibAFYqwBbvpcLjUA-RGN_Xd-ohSGQCLcBGAs/s640/wirewhisks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the newsletter, I shared this photo of some old whisks I found at the flea market in town. I couldn't help but see the curly hair in the one on the far left and so I've been trying to develop a plan for turning them all into little ladies. It's a vision in progress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, I also found a few strainers and started playing around with some embroidery and weaving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The rose is a classic. Nothing says welcome home like a rose on a vintage kitchen utensil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But what says kitchen like nothing else? How about a woven fried egg? This is just the beginning. I've now gotten almost all the white done and will add a bit of burned edge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each of the whisks takes about 8 hours to complete. Phew! That's a lot of stitching. But, hey, I have said I'm a needle and thread addict and it gives me an excuse to listen to (because I only have two eyes) TV shows I've never seen before. I don't have a TV; haven't for 20 years. Enter the magic of Netflix!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've also been taking my home seriously. It's just a wonky old cottage with more problems than our government. But as long as it's still standing - and my mother-in-law is due to visit in October - I've started the long list of simple projects that are already turning blank, lifeless rooms into works of art. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2sllV_I7Ls0/Wa1yTLIApEI/AAAAAAAAFc0/fpfjkSRbd6YafqMetucC3CQAZCF5M9HgwCLcBGAs/s1600/checkerboardquilt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2sllV_I7Ls0/Wa1yTLIApEI/AAAAAAAAFc0/fpfjkSRbd6YafqMetucC3CQAZCF5M9HgwCLcBGAs/s640/checkerboardquilt2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kitchen got curtain therapy and the bedroom walls are going to display two red and white crib-size quilts. I found the completely hand stitched tops in a thrift store in Maleny, Queensland (Australia). I finally backed them and yesterday finished machine quilting and binding the checkerboard one. I have high hopes of adding a large floral applique in a lower corner. Someday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I feel terribly domestic. I even baked shortbread cookies yesterday. Four ingredients and they are melt-in-your-mouth delish! Come on over and bring a whisk, thread, and a wish to go blind. </span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-39123570273260286262017-08-29T08:21:00.000-05:002017-08-29T08:21:05.835-05:00September Issue 3 of Stitch Cafe is here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikdjRv5p-9g/WaVok-rbr0I/AAAAAAAAFb0/UXg37GJPsS8gC-Gi0EAfPC1mlPepP93XQCLcBGAs/s1600/Issue3cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikdjRv5p-9g/WaVok-rbr0I/AAAAAAAAFb0/UXg37GJPsS8gC-Gi0EAfPC1mlPepP93XQCLcBGAs/s640/Issue3cover.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just listed this morning: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/554338641/stitch-cafe-issue-3-september-2017" target="_blank">Issue 3 of Stitch Cafe is in the shop</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Issue 3 of Stitch Cafe digital magazine includes 6 original sewing and
embroidery patterns, one tutorial, a printable recipe card, and
articles. Meet the Maker: Lisa Neri of Cucicucicoo.<br /><br />Patterns for
tribal adventure embroidery, retro typewriter tablet or Kindle case,
embroidered fabric journal cover, squirrel toy stuffed animal, paper
doll zipper pencil case, and the Solar Dryer clothespin bag.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iy2ddQQ4RPQ/WaVp6j6ppEI/AAAAAAAAFcI/zVNaHCqKK34TtggpgxFC-aQqG493Xp0kgCLcBGAs/s1600/issue3collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iy2ddQQ4RPQ/WaVp6j6ppEI/AAAAAAAAFcI/zVNaHCqKK34TtggpgxFC-aQqG493Xp0kgCLcBGAs/s640/issue3collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In a
world full of mass-produced goods without any heart or personal touch,
another handmade magazine is definitely a little piece of humanity
heaven. <br /><br />Stitch Cafe includes no ads or affiliate links. All
links and resources shared are for the purpose of education and sharing
topics of interest.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy and happy stitching! </span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-33809863636698559222017-08-22T08:22:00.001-05:002017-08-22T08:22:22.593-05:00Eclipse: shadow play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qjxbk2uFVaQ/WZwvoiTjxlI/AAAAAAAAFbg/uKvkxdk2fzAo4WI0fopybWBikxtGCYenQCLcBGAs/s1600/eclipsetotalityclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="640" height="410" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qjxbk2uFVaQ/WZwvoiTjxlI/AAAAAAAAFbg/uKvkxdk2fzAo4WI0fopybWBikxtGCYenQCLcBGAs/s640/eclipsetotalityclose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My parents live quite close to the area of totality of the August 21, 2017 solar eclipse. Huge storms early in the day left a number of broken branches in the yard, but by the time the eclipse occurred, the day was quiet and the clouds high and intermittent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The good news is that the sliver left by 98% coverage could be seen beautifully through the clouds. Camera settings allowed me a few good photos as the moon passed across the face of our bright star. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was not as dark as the photos suggest. The dark in the clouds was due to camera settings. When that sliver peeked out between the clouds, it was too bright to photograph with clarity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The shift in position of the sliver of solar light is a chronicle of the passage of the moon across the sun's face.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790990372963930245.post-49599114622780463932017-08-13T14:18:00.000-05:002017-08-13T14:18:13.676-05:00Tutorial: Adventure Embroidery <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ad6UqDMmGFI/WZCbFZTSjkI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/mu2NG6xT5FYhs78FACJ_yZBSYMcedmIdACLcBGAs/s1600/AdventureCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ad6UqDMmGFI/WZCbFZTSjkI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/mu2NG6xT5FYhs78FACJ_yZBSYMcedmIdACLcBGAs/s640/AdventureCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh no. Just no.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Summer is not over! But even when that time comes, the weather turns non-sweaty, cool, and brisk which is perfect for hiking, camping, relaxing by the lake, and having the beach to yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Personally, I'm a indoorsy gal. But I do love driving the countryside and taking in the vistas that only being out of town can bring on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Embroider these adventure themes and express your wish for wanderlust. Use the finished stitching to make sew-on patches for backpacks, jackets, and caps. Or do what I did and make refrigerator magnets to remind you that a vacation is a necessity, not a luxury.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The set includes a mountain, tree, feather, and compass. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rb5xO03CFcs/WZCbmvUzUoI/AAAAAAAAFaY/FuuTiSplk0I4JVCpkqCOVUscqNOFEYyQACLcBGAs/s1600/AdventureRow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="640" height="216" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rb5xO03CFcs/WZCbmvUzUoI/AAAAAAAAFaY/FuuTiSplk0I4JVCpkqCOVUscqNOFEYyQACLcBGAs/s640/AdventureRow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What you need:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw7hFcMlpEn2VnB0SDZyejEyWnc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">free downloadable adventure pattern</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">small scraps of linen or cotton fabric</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">small scraps of cotton batting or flannel fabric</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">embroidery thread in white and a darker color (brown/ black)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">embroidery needle</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">sewing machine or hand sewing needle and thread</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">iron</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Optional supplies to make refrigerator magnets:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">strong magnets</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">scrap cotton fabric </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1) <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw7hFcMlpEn2VnB0SDZyejEyWnc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download</a> and transfer the pattern to the right side of the scraps you'll be using for the front of the embroidery. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2) Pin a piece of batting to the wrong side of the embroidery fabric. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3) Working through both the fabric and the batting, embroider the designs using back stitch, straight stitch, and french knots (compass letters).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4) Place the embroidered work right sides together with a backing piece of fabric. Stitch around the design leaving a small opening for turning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5) Trim the excess fabric down to within 5mm of the stitching and trim the batting further to reduce bulkiness. Turn right side out and press with a iron.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2o9THvs69Zg/WZCb7BhKwpI/AAAAAAAAFak/HwwEEcdnQtsXJcX9AkYaETknQFn_lhoqQCLcBGAs/s1600/AdventureMake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2o9THvs69Zg/WZCb7BhKwpI/AAAAAAAAFak/HwwEEcdnQtsXJcX9AkYaETknQFn_lhoqQCLcBGAs/s640/AdventureMake3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6) If you will be making fridge magnets, cut circles of fabric larger than the magnets. Sandwich a magnet between the two circles and hand stitch around the magnet edges. This traps the magnet and provides an insert that won't slide around and mess up the shape of the magnet. Place one magnet in each adventure pocket.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">7) Hand stitch the opening closed.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">IDEAS FOR USE:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Brooch: Sew a pin back to the back of the work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Patch: Place the work on a jacket, your passport wallet, or your backpack and sew it on using a straight stitch or blanket stitch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tote: Enlarge the pattern and stitch four squares. Place them on a tote bag to make a patchwork of four pieces and stitch them on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The designs are very simple and versatile. Have fun and with all the best intentions I say - go take a hike! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Did you know there is a new digital craft magazine in town? Stitch Cafe is a monthly magazine with 4-6 original patterns, plus tutorials, articles, and printable recipe cards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Issues 1 and 2 are available now and Issue 3 will be out at the end of August. Want to know when these issues are available? <a href="http://bit.ly/1MB3cXE" target="_blank">Keep in touch via the weekly newsletter.</a></span><br />
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Allison Dey Malacariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10581900166979459948noreply@blogger.com2