Fabric Hoarding Pays Off (Eventually)

So here's the thing, we hunt and gather all the pretty fabrics and odd things that catch our eyes. We stash, ok maybe we hoard these things away, because we know someday we will use them.

We travel to estate sales, garage sales, vintage markets, we clean out houses, and our finds inspire us to make new things. We worry we may one day run out of pretty lace, but who am I kidding, I recently organized fourteen, yes 14 buckets and baskets of lace, doilies and hankies. That doesn't count all the ribbon, suitcases full of fabric, 4 huge overflowing tubs of burlap, and other random stuff in my collection. 

Since starting this post, I've been working on a project and can't seem to find the "just right" lace in my collection, so I'll have to continue with my gathering! 

We hang on to those little snippets of ribbon, that seem to always fall out on the table and floor, because one night they will have a purpose.  Case in point, last weekend, I was working on a new teepee pillows (to debut soon) and that little bit of pink floraly ribbon was just what I needed! I think it has fallen out of its bucket one million and forty three times, just begging to be used.

We save, because when inspiration hits on a Saturday night at 10:00, you have the supplies on hand! Instead of hoarding, let's just call it building inventory. 

Those hankies, napkins, lace, and doilies, came in handy while I worked on a little something fun for me! I can't wait for cooler weather, so I can wear this shirt! 

I'll be the first to admit, my pics aren't great, but I took them late night on my sewing table... Better pics coming, when I actually have a good hair and makeup day! 😉 My current state is paint splattered, from my forehead to my big toe...

Exciting things / announcements are coming soon, so y'all stay tuned!

Sunset and Storms

This happened this evening! Thought it was pretty cool to capture the storm clouds to the east and the sunset to the west.

 Photos taken with my phone, no edits, standing on the back of the truck in our driveway! We didn't get any rain - we were the blue spot in the middle. 

Live - Work - Create

So much has been happening recently, I totally missed the end of the month recap and video for August.

Lots of late night sewing, getting ready for our fall markets. 

Sweet little girls clothes, getting a lacy little makeover. 

One of my customers wanted an easel for her 104 granddaddy, who I didn't know. She told me he was country and wanted a tractor and cow included. She sent a note saying it fit his personality and style perfectly! 

Of course, preparation for lots of fall weddings is underway and several wedding orders have been made and shipped out to brides across the country. 

This one is burnt orange and jade (light turquoise / aqua). 

Red, white and tan burlap bouquet with feathers. 

Traffic one morning! Not my cows (thank goodness), but I thought they made a pretty morning picture! 

Camo, orange, turquoise, tan, and white burlap, lace, and feather bouquets, boutonnières, corsages, and headbands. 

A first peek at one of my new pillows that will be available soon! 

I'm a self taught seamstress and I don't know much about trouble shooting when things mess up. I hope you all have a friend that you can send this picture to and in one text message, she can tell you what to try and you get back to sewing immediately! Thank goodness for Angea, because I just knew my sewing machine was messed up bad. (P.S. She said rethread the machine and change needles.  I had recently broke a needle and must have had something wrong with new needle.)

Turquoise bouquets! 

It had been a couple years since I had made any church flowers. When I left the flower shop in town, I hadn't intended to do fresh flowers anymore. By request, I had started doing a few special events and I ran into one of my former customers at one. She was upset that I hadn't called her and let her know I was doing fresh flowers occasionally and wanted me to do her church arrangement this year, in honor of her mother's birthday. We didn't even have to discuss what she wanted, I already knew her favorites- all pink roses, gladiolus, and stargazer lilies. 

Birthday arrangements 

Flossie says Hi and that it rained a lot in August, but we are appreciative of the rain and cooler weather. 

Navy burlap and lace bouquets - I  had someone request a larger version of the standard size bridal bouquet (on right). Special request and sizes are available, so if you want something bigger, just ask! 

A personalized wedding album. 

This welcome rope wreath went to South Dakota and marks the 47th state I've shipped to! 

I sewed be up a fun little something with flannel and lace.  I know what I'm wearing to our market, if'n the weather is just cool enough, but not too cold! 

Love the all neutral colored burlap bouquets! 

The rain has been good for the flowers! My lantana is blooming pretty again and is over 6 feet tall. 

This week was Gilmer Homecoming and mums and garters are a big thing in the south. I did several school spirit items and delivered to the schools. Here's a few different ones I made this week. I'm

curious, do you celebrate homecoming and have mums in your area?  

Between everything else, we are working hard to get ready for our Yamboree and Backwood's Marketplace booths. I'm making some wooden signs. Several are painted on each side and have a similar word on the reverse side. 

Friday afternoon, after everything was delivered and shipped for the week, I decided it was time to clean up Miss Gussie the Glamper

And prop my feet up for a little while! 

A great big THANK YOU to everyone for letting me help with your special events.  I appreciate each and everyone of you!