A Make Over

My sewing area has evolved over the years.  Some time in the first few years of living in Switzerland I bought a sewing machine from one of our local grocery stores.  It wasn't spectacular, but it did the trick.  I wasn't into sewing like I am today, but I'd grown up with one always in the house.  So I got one.  My few scraps of fabric, and sewing supplies fit into a box and I kept my sewing machine put away most of the time.  That's how it stayed for a few years.  Some where down the line I met a good friend who inspired me to get sewing.  She helped me make a table runner.  Then I took up the project of making a tree skirt. 

 One evening, after the boys were in bed and David was away for work, I got out my unfinished tree skirt and got down to business.  I had that pedal pushed all the way to the floor pushing the machine to its limits.  While my little machine zoomed away I had visions of the tree skirt beautifully draped under our Christmas tree.  Then something horrible happened.  My machine started slowing down, and came to a deathly stop.  Nothing I did got it rolling again, and it kind of smelled bad.  We took it apart and came to the conclusion that I’d burnt out the motor.  

That little episode inspired me.  Going without a sewing machine made me realize how much I enjoyed creating and sewing.  Two sewing machines later, and many more than just one box of fabric, I now have a sewing corner.  Just this week I decided it was time for change.  There was no real rhyme or reason to things and my sewing table started to become a dumping ground for all of my supplies and anything remotely related to sewing.  Plus, I came home with yet more fabric and didn't really have a place to put it. It was time for a major over haul.  

Here's an embarrassing before picture.

After a trip to Ikea and a marathon building morning, here are the after pictures.

My favorite part of the new sewing corner are the magnetic strips that hold up my scissors. Aren't they neato?  I've got a little more organizing to take care of, but for now, it's a pretty great sewing corner and I'm even more inspired to sew.

Thrifting

I try not to go to the Salvation Army very often.  I just end up buying things I don't need.  However, today I felt the need to see what they had to offer and I think I came home with some real deals.  David might not think so.  Oh well.

My mom sent me this article about a lady who collects old pyrex.  I thought I had a lot...She collects all kinds of vintage milk glass.  Not just Pyrex.  Some where in the article she talks about there being different collections and designs of Pyrex that were made for the UK.  It got me to thinking maybe I could find some at the second hand shop.  So I went.  And what do you know?  I found a dish.  

Isn't it pretty?!  It even had the lid.  No chips or cracks.  Plus it says "Pyrex England" on the bottom.

This pattern is called "Tuscany Vegetables".  I think it needs a soup or a stew or something.  Maybe some mashed potatoes would look good in there.

As I strolled further on down the isle I ran into two candle holders that matched a pair I already have and some off-cuts of fabric.  Not sure what I'll do with the fabric, but my wheels are already turning.  I'll add it to my ever growing stash.

That about sums up my thrifting experience.  Hope you find what you're looking for on your next trip.

Back to Sewing

So, I took quite the summer break from my sewing machine.  I had these great intentions to sew while we were on our vacation in Arizona.  That never happened.  I did, however, get to purchase some great fabrics that have finally turned into some scarfs for the shop.  

I took some pictures today and they are up and ready for purchase.  I think they're cute.  What about you?

I've been a bit distracted from my Etsy shop.  I've been sewing other things.  I made a few maxi skirts for myself and sewed a cute little skirt for a friends daughter (more on that later).  Until next time, happy sewing.