Road Bench

First, thanks to everyone who chimed in with ideas about what to do with the canning on this bench. I've finished the bench now!

Here's a reminder of what I started with:

I thought about using some grey fabric I have, but then I saw this piece of bright pinkish-orange fabric in my stash.

I got this fabric at Joann's, probably about a year ago. It was part of their dwell studio line in their 45" home decor fabrics. I think I probably got this for $6/yard.

I removed the old fabric (so gross, you don't want to see) and the accompanying 6000000 staples.I then did my best to totally remove the canning. I painted the frame white, and then started reupholstering.

I was sort of surprised how quickly this came together!

Even Ellie likes it!

(Ignore that small strip of brown. It has been painted now but I haven't had time to get new pics!)

A New House?

I have been relatively quiet lately, but there is a good reason for that. I have been in the process of buying a condo! I've been hesitant to share because I don't want to jinx the deal, but now that I'm under contract and things are rolling it feels ok.

To start, the condo is 820 square feet "above grade", and an additional 600 squarefeet in the FINISHED basement. It has two bedrooms and 1.5 baths.

The living spaces get great light, which is a change from where I live now, and the finished basement would make an awesome space for sewing and refinishing furniture.

The condo is in really great shape, I think (hopefully the inspection on Tuesday will confirm this), but it is outdated. It's currently a very groovy, matchy matchy condo.

I plan to replace the carpet before I even move in (er, you know, pending the discovery of what's under the carpets....) and probably shortly replace the counters and paint the cabinets. A place all of my own?? I can paint whatever I want? Garden space?? AWESOME!

Here are a couple pics of the place I've taken. Don't want to give it all away yet!

I Scored Big!

If you've looked around my blog at all you probably know that I love thrifting. I don't do it on a regular schedule but probably about once a month. There are a few places in my town, but my main stop is the Salvation Army.

I only recently realized that tucked in with the linens is some fabric, and at the end of an aisle there is a small bookcase with sewing patterns and notions. 

I looked today, and if I can say so myself, I scored big!

Someone must have recently cleaned out their sewing room. Would you believe I paid less than $16 for all of this?

-The zippers were marked 4/$1 and there were 12

-All of the hem tape and bias tape, and the buttons were split between two plastic bags each marked $3.99,

-The lining fabric and green w/flowers were each marked $.99

-The peach fabric was marked 3.99, the other two were 2.99

In addition, today was "super student" day, where you get 33% off your entire purchase with a University ID, which brought my total down to $15.18.

Look at the rainbow!

In addition, the last time I was there I found these two patterns:

 Simplicity 8333 is a pattern for doll (Barbie) clothes. I got this for $.99, as marked. This is a pattern from the early 90's, I'd guess. The store had a bunch of them when I was there, but I went for the one that had the most variety in garments. My mom has a preschool/daycare and her little girls will just love these things. I'm thinking I will be able to use scraps for these pieces.

Butterick 5212 is an OOP pattern that I've seen on blogland from time to time and liked. I was elated to find this pattern IN MY SIZE at the salvation army. I have yet to make it, but I have plans for it. 

So, how about you? Do you get notions at thrift stores? Is there anything I should avoid from second hand stores? (ie, thread could be old/brittle??)

Road Furniture

You know its going to be a great day when you get a free piece of awesome furniture before 9am.

A couple weeks ago on my way to work I drove past a bunch of furniture with a free sign outside of an apartment complex. Not one to turn down free project furniture, I stopped to see if there was anything I liked. Most of it was way to big to fit into my little Chevy, but this one bench caught my eye.

Sure, others might see ripped...black stuff on the bottom of the bench, nasty upholstery, dinged up wood and ripped caning, but I saw possibilities.

So I put this baby in my car, where it hung out while I was working. When I got home, I got to work stripping off the upholstery. Lots of staples, of course. But I also needed to start doing some research about what to do with that caning. 

I found a source for kits to repair the caining, but it seems it would be about $20 and I'm not sure if I want to make that much of an investment in it. Another option, I think, would be to upholster the arms.

Source

Source

Source

Or maybe I could just leave it open?

Source

What do you think? What other options do I have for fixing the arms?

Fall Wardrobe Plans part 2

So, the second part of my fall wardrobe plans! 

1. Butterick 5649- When I was in high school I had a pinkish-purple corduroy skirt from the Gap. When I saw the rainbow of colors of corduroy Joann's had recently, I was inspired to remake that skirt, but a little longer. This old skirt had buttons down the front but little other detailing. I found Butterick 5649 to be the perfect pattern to achieve this look. 

The pattern includes shorts, a straight skirt with a fly and pockets (is there a technical term for this?) and a a-line button up skirt. I will use the a-line button up this time (view A), but I am thinking I might also try out view C. This could be awesome for heavier fabrics- denim, wool...

2. Butterick 5600- This dress was inspired by one a coworker was wearing. I think I will make view C (below) although I may decide to add on the ruffle shown on View A. I have purchased a purple bottom weight fabric to make this, and will probably use dark buttons.

3. McCalls 6437. A top. I haven't made many tops, which is something I'd like to fix. I like the shape of this shirt, particularly the neckline. I also like the idea of adding some embellishment to the neckline.I have a pink chiffon type fabric that I would love to use for a top, this also might be a good option.

I feel like I will probably end up making  a few other things before all is said and done, but I am not sure what. What are you making for fall? Am I the only one that isn't capable of pulling together a cohesive wardrobe plan? :)