Apple tote

I finally made something from that vinyl I found at the salvation army.  I just listed it on the Etsy shop.  We'll see if anyone likes it or is interested.  I think it's cute and fun.

So I've been told that November can be a busy month for Etsy.  With that in mind I'm getting ready to vamp up the shop.  More bags, more scarfs, more stuff!

Yum!

I got an unidentified package in the mail today.  I've ordered a few supplies since I started the Etsy Shop, so it wasn't unusual to get a package.  I pulled it out of the mail box thinking I couldn't remember  what it was I had ordered from the States.  I'd already gotten the zippers.  The magnetic closer things came last week.  What was it?  The writing on the envelope looked familiar.  So I did what any intelligent person would do.  I shook it.  It kind of rattled.  Now, the return address should have been a clue.  Especially since it did have the name of the person mailing it.  But in my defense, I was talking to someone while I was checking the mail.  So I didn't really read who it was from.  Anyway, after I rattled it and realized where it came from, I knew EXACTLY what it was that was rattling from within.  I quickly came inside to rip it open (those padded envelopes don't rip very easy by the way).  I got it open and immediately shoved the contents into my mouth.  Here's what I found.

That's right folks.  I like candy corn!  I'm not a big candy fan.  But for what ever reason, I have always liked candy corn.  I can't get it here in Switzerland and have lived without it.  But every now and then a  kind soul will send a bag my way.  Thankfully I am the only one in the house who likes it.  I've already eaten a little too much.  But I can't help myself.  Yum!

Oh yes.  Thanks mom for thinking of me.  It was a great surprise to find in the mail today. 

Cookies

I'm not a huge cookie fan.  I never have been.  Growing up my mom made molasses cookies.  I did like those.  I still like those.  The other day I made a batch.  They have a lot of spices in them that seem to go with the fall.  

Here's the recipe.

3/4 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup molasses

1 egg

1 1/2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix together the first 4 ingredients.  Add flour, baking soda, salt and spices.  Chill dough for one hour.  Form into balls, roll in sugar and place on a greased cookie sheet.  Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.  

I have to say I'm never patient enough to chill the dough. I didn't do it on this batch and they turned out 

great.  I'm pretty sure I ate the whole batch.

Grandma's Brooch

I've been making more scarfs for my shop.  Partly because it's very scarf-y weather here and plus they are fun to make.  As I was arranging the scarf on Betty for a photo shoot it came to me.  I have my grandma's brooch and it would look great with this scarf.  So here it is.  Isn't it pretty?  

Sorry, a little blurry.  But you get the idea.

 I really like this scarf.  

I really like all the scarfs I make.

It's hard not to want to keep them when they are done.  I might make myself one of these though. And I might have to get all gussied up and wear it somewhere with grandma's brooch.  

P.S.  If you're interested in one for yourself you can find it here in my shop.

doodad

So I finally did it.  I opened an Etsy shop to try and sell some of my sewing creations.  It's been open for a day now.  I posted about it on Facebook and have had quite a bit of attention.  We'll see how it goes.  Here are a few things you will see in the shop.

It's been a long process putting all the pictures on the website.  Actually, sewing the products was the easy part.  When I finally opened the shop I was excited and nervous.  What if no one looks at the shop?  What if no one buys anything? Are they really worth buying?  So far-no sales.  I'm trying to be patient.  After all it's only been a day.  If you're interested in looking at the shop go here and buy your next Christmas gift!

Pumpkins

Fall is in the air.  We've had pretty nice weather so I haven't been too disappointed that summer has finally passed us by.  However, I was a little sad that I had to put on fuzzy socks last week.  

This morning the boys and I went and picked out some pumpkins and a few other things.  We drove by this stand on Sunday and came back today to have a look.

There are all kinds. 

Here are the pumpkins

It's an honor system.  You pick out your squash and then drop in your money.

We came home with a couple of pumpkins and a few other things.  Happy fall everyone!

The Golden Rule

"Special attention should be paid to footwear, because it is the crown of all elegance..."  At least that's what the Golden Rule says.  And I think I am inclined to agree.  

I ordered this pattern book from a friends vintage shop on Etsy.  She introduced this little treasure on her blog some time ago and I've been waiting for her to put it up for sale.  I thought it would be a cool addition to my sewing supplies.

It's full of instructions.  This first couple of pages gives advice on how a women should dress from morning to evening.  Apparently a well-dressed women begins the day in a morning-gown, which creates an impression of charm and good grooming.  Well, then I am most definitely without charm this morning because I'm still in my pajamas.  Maybe I'll try for a morning-gown tomorrow.

It goes on to show some different sewing techniques.  

The back of the book is filled with pattern after pattern for men, women and children.  According to the pictures it looks like it's late 50's early 60's.  Not sure.  I couldn't find a date on it any where.  I think I might actually try and make that apron on the first page.

This book was originally printed in Germany, right around the corner from us.  Interestingly enough the company still produces pattern books today.  I just might have to take a trip down there and see what I can find.  If I ever get to it, I'll be sure to post the picture of my apron.

Thanks again Lisa for such a cool find.  I especially liked Lina's artwork!