happy pinterest weekend

 

Happy Friday, ladies and gents.
What grand schemes do you have for the weekend?
For myself, the next few days will hold much laughter, stories, pillow talk, and good eats; yes, you guessed it, this is Sister Slumber Party Weekend! You know there are four girls in my family, well, we have a set of friends who are four sisters also (did that make sense?)! Though we have much in common (faith, convictions, interests, mutual affection for particular romantic comedies etc) we've only been together once as a group. So, in March we all marked our calendars for this weekend and are all meeting at mi casa for a weekend together. Yes, it's going to be marvelous (photos to come).

So, to start this weekend on the blog I thought I would share with you some of my favorite pins from my pinterest board (feel free to follow along!). Mostly I use it as a way to keep and organize the photos and ideas that inspire me; there is a craft board and I am thus far successful in actually using the pins that I post!
The above pin is taken from one of my favorite songs from this band; it's a shame they haven't done a concert in my city, ah well, youtube is almost as nice. ; )

If I lived in a climate that allowed it, I'd probably be dressed like this all most of the time; cardigans, sweaters, and cowls are so great.

Happy weekend everyone! Oh, and don't forget about this great giveaway--there's still time!
Perhaps sharing pins on Friday will become a tradition, what say you?

smiles and waves

 Isn't Eva just edible?
What you don't  get from these pictures is the sweet squeals and cooing sounds that come from this wiggly cutie, nor do you hear the rest of her Tia's and her Mama speak all kinds of lovey things, nor can you feel her chubby hands and cheeks.

You're missing out.

One of the things I love about being a Tia, is the excuse it gives me to knit all sorts of things for my adorable nieces and nephew (remember this knitted dress?). Though enjoyable, this project took me a bit more time to complete than I'd like, due mostly to the concentration I needed to get the hang of the lace pattern and I can only take so much of the stockinette pattern but at long last it is completed and more importantly, it still fits her. :)

 For this project, I used the Wave Jumper pattern from this book (thank you, library!); the blue wool from England (via my Dad on one of his business trips), the green wool from one of the craft shows at Homestead Heritage, and the buttons are re-purposed from an unworn jacket. The pattern was easy peasy to figure out and looks like it'll fit Eba for months to come, or at least until this weather stays cool. ;)

I probably won't be doing any personal knitting for a while as I have a few other projects on "the list" but after those are completed, I'd love to find yarn for this delightful shawlette or this super cute sweater.
What's on your project list?

Encourage One Another {book clutch DIY}

{sorry, source is unknown}

For this weeks contribution at Deep Roots At Home weekly series, Encourage One Another, I decided to share a crafty idea. : ) I was first introduced to the book clutch from this Girls With Glasses video a while ago and just loved them, not the $325 kind of love, just the "Oh, I bet you I can make that for less!" kind of love. Which is why I was so delighted to come across this book clutch tutorial! It seems like the steps could be shortened and possibly streamlined so please let me know if anyone tries this! I already have a clutch and am looking for a book that is just the right size...

Do you have an encouraging link you'd like to share?

Then, click on the link above to post your encouraging link! 

Topics can range from yummy recipes, character building posts, insightful posts, or practical, everyday tips.

vintage+a sermon

I'm very pleased to show you the new vintage section in the etsy shop!
At last, I've made the decision to list some of my estate sale finds and treasures, though I must confess that it was a bit difficult to decide what to sell; most of my thoughts go like this,

"Okay, I've got to list at least--oh, wait, I remember buying this! It was in that old house with the--no, Elena, just list it, when are you possibly going to use this anyway? Well, maybe someday I'll need a really small decorative bowl and--oh, mercy, just list it!"

So, in the end, I convinced myself decided to pull a few things from my stash and see how they sell in the shop; this week there are a few estate sales that I'm planning on checking out, so hopefully I'll be able to add more things in the shop.

Also, along the "vintage" thread, I saw this diy project for recovering books, vintage-style, on the ever resourceful Design*Sponge (I just love that place); let me know if you try it out, I'd love to see how your covers come out! Currently on the project list are a few painting projects (I've been loving that lately), a lace baby dress, and a shawl for my Mama; so, don't really have the time to devote to this but I'm definitely putting it on my "future project" list (I'm a big fan of lists. : )
What's on your project list?

Also, I wanted to share with you the link that I posted on Deep Roots At Home for this weeks "Encourage One Another" link-up. This week shared this sermon on Humility: A Blessing from Dr. Peter Masters of the Metropolitan Tabernacle. I was first introduced to Dr. Masters when my parents visited during a trip to the UK last year; they were so blessed by his sermons and we've been listening to them online for quite a while.

Dr. Masters precision and burden for the Word of God to be preached rightly makes for a rich and encouraging sermon. (also, I'm a huge fan of accents so it's a nice feature. ; )

Check it out and let me know what you think!

collecting

{source}

This past weekend we were traveling between Austin and Houston, 

a perfectly very normal occurrence around these parts, but what wasn't normal was pulling over at the first sight of a "The Biggest Sale Ever" sign. This happens enough at home but not between cities; typically we fly through, trying to make it to our squishy loved ones just as speedily timely as we can, but--praise the Lord!--my Dad can be kinda spontaneous sometimes and as he knew that I am in a "collecting eclectic plates/platters" mood, he pulled over. 

I'm so glad he did.

You see, I'm on a hunt; about fifty plates, teacups/saucers, and various serving platters are the object and I'm excited. Can't tell you exactly why yet (I need to make sure this is actually going to happen before I tell all), just know that I'm excitedly searching. The end.

Also, this past weekend, I was reminded why I love sewing (quick results). I made a nursing cover for a sweet friend (can't wait to meet you, Asher!) and I made pillow covers for the first time; perhaps one of the favorite parts was the fact that I was making them out of coffee burlap sacks collected from a wee coffee shop in New York (we miss you R family). Photographed finished results to come. 

In other news, I'm also looking for frames. Ugly ones, big ones, ornate ones, small ones, dainty ones (you get the idea), all to create a trail; a memory trail going upstairs (rather like the first picture in this one). 

Yesterday I found one, ???? more to go! As it is kind of a weird shade of green, I'll probably paint it black (or black or mustard or pale grey? hm...let's see); for now it's in my room (next to the finds from this weekends spontaneousness). This has opened a can of creative thoughts, mostly about creating my silhouettes of my family, to be mixed with the photo/memory trail, BUT I think I'll collect more frames before I start.

Any new projects brewing for you on this fine--wet!!--Monday morning?

Summer Sweater Fun

{Quince & Co.}

I'm very excited to be presenting this great knit-a-long from

luninthemommyhood!

What's a knit-a-long, you ask? Well, it's a fun motivator for knitters during the

hot summer months, basically meaning that you sign up to make a sweater

before the fall. This Summer Sweater KAL has you making your sweater from

June 15th to September 1st--seems like a long time but when you have a plethora

of other projects it's just the right amount of time. :)

I've decided on which project and now I'm thinking of "just the right" sort of

yarn! (I'll be sharing those details later!)

I'm hoping to write a "progress post" each week as well as a

picture of how things are going.

Please let me know if you plan on joining and what you're making!

Frei. Libre. Libero.

{Design*Sponge}

Don't you just love free tutorials/DIY's?

I'm a big fan of them as I really enjoy recreating what I see in magazines or

stores (I'm sure you know what I mean!).

Well, Grosgrain Fabulous is doing a free DIY for the month of May--

I know, I'm excited too; "Free" and "DIY" are on my list of favorite words.

So, head on over and take a peek at what might fit your fancy!

For myself, I will be looking at thrift shops for a fun patterned dress

so I can turn it into a skirt like this one.

This paperbag skirt is pretty groovy too

(though it may be pushed farther out on the project calendar!)

And finally, as an Aunt to three (almost four!) little stickies,

I think these Dish and Spoon toys are too cute!

Let me know if you end up trying any of the projects!

Have a great Wednesday

Turning Business Into {pleasure}

"Customers. You can't have a business without them...

We all know the cornerstone for any good relationship,

personal or business,

is communication."

-Kari Chapin, The Handmade Marketplace

Shipping days are always happy ones for me.

Today I realized the vast importance of turning a business transaction into a pleasurable one;

going the extra mile to make opening the package an exciting experience for the customer.

I know from experience how boring it can be to open a plain jane package with my items simply put in a plain jane box, accompanied with a plain jane receipt.

On the other hand, I recently received a pocket calender from Oh, Hello Friend.

Pretty cute packaging, let me tell you.

The wee calender arrived in a small envelope with the address information stamped and my address written in a cherry red ink. She even included a fun handmade sticker to boot.

So, whether it's creatively stamping your packages, wrapping each item in fun tissue paper (even though it may not need gift wrapping--admit it, unwrapping something always brings a smile.), or hand writing a customer appreciation thank-you note,

special touches are important.

Do you have any wrapping inspirations/stories to share?

Colors {Yellow}

{Design*Sponge}

I've posted this photo before, but I wanted to show you again the inspiring

virtues of this cheerful color.

Today I wanted to point you to this post from SouleMama--

my very favorite is the first photo of the yarns!

It reminds me of an antique shelf that I saw in New York...that's a purchase that "got away"

(my own fault really); it would have been great to display some special yarns on it,

ce la vie.

Also this post from Design*Sponge--a great idea! Unfortunately this isn't something I can really try out right now but it certainly has been stored for future uses.

I could also see this painted on a lonely wall, perhaps in a small nook of a bathroom or hallway...

Look for more pictures to be added in the {on the needles} page;

I have a few new projects that just need pictures!

Magpie Ideas

{Design*Sponge}

So, on one of my study breaks (yes, I do take study breaks), I was perusing various design blogs for ideas and I came across so many that I had to share with you!

Enjoy.

First of all, I was thinking of the lack of fun, spring pillows on my sister's sofa, then I saw a DIY for this cute floral one with a HUGE poppy in the middle: I love this pillow.

Also, I remembered how much I love sweaters and saw a pattern for this sweater

which I just love! Can so picture fixing an early cup of tea in this...hmm...

Then, I remembered my sewing project and came across this adorable pattern;

possible tea towels anyone? They make great hostess gifts!

After finding out that my sister is have a GIRL, I've gone a bit batty in my knitting ideas for the newest Webb offspring, I present to you this sweet sweater.

Yes, the baby will-Lord willing-be born in July,

but this could be for the off chance that she will be chilly.

But wait, there's more!

Here is a patter for a baby sweater with some pretty cute button patterns.

Most of these ideas came from Magpie Patterns, check it out,

there's some pretty fun ideas that will fill your work basket!

At This Very Moment

{National Geographic}

At this very moment I...

...would love to be inside of that photograph, with a wool blanket under one arm, knitting bag in hand, and a hot cup of cider in the other, walking down to the shoreline.

...am choosing labels for my creations, there are SO many to choose from, I know I settle one something eventually.

...thinking about baking some biscotti for the lovely ladies at the college testing center. Yes, tomorrow I take the long-anticipated microeconomics exam. Not that my bringing them goodies will make any difference on my score, but I thought they might enjoy it.

...am missing my sister!! Hurry weekend, I know it's only Monday but please, come quickly!''

...am resting in a devotional that I posted this morning, if you're suffering or deeply burdened, consider prayerfully reading it.

...will be casting on a hat for my younger sister, I really love the color she chose.

...love listening to the Film Scores station and Kate Rusby station on my Pandora radio (gotta love the Irish tunes!).

...have to summon up the courage to begin knitting socks! Somehow I feel like I'm missing out on a great experience and am slowly determining to begin seriously looking at patterns.

...am hoping your week has gone off to an excellent start!

{post inspired by SouleMama}

Sea Glass

{Design*Sponge}

Color B is one of my favorite "I really don't know the name of it" colors. It reminds me of a day on the California beaches when I found a piece of sea glass, lost the sea glass in a move but I still have the memory. It also reminds me of a cozy little cottage by the sea in England, and a particular room in that cottage where you can smell the salt and feel the brisk air but still have the comforts of a wool sweater and cup of something.

Not quite sure where that is either but it makes for a nice thought :)

This week I am working on a lace scarf for my sweet friend Amanda, as she is temporarily moving up North (Brr!). The yarn is the same used in the hat that I made her but I am trying out a different lace pattern. It's just complicated enough to keep me from being bored but just simple enough to do while talking--perfect!

I'm also planning out an embroidery project for my sister,

check out Amanda Soule's shop banner for my inspiration! I'm afraid I can't tell you more until the unveiling at her casa (I want the final product to be a surprise).

Stay tuned!

What is keeping your work basket full these days?

Family Portraits

I love old photographs.

One of the antique shops that we seasonally frequent has a box of old photo's for sale. Mostly there are quite a bit of wartime photo's and family shots like the one's above.

The knowledge that these were once cherished memento's makes looking through them a bit odd and slightly morbid.

At the same time, I'm glad that as the owners don't care for them anymore, someone else can;

Much better than dusting up someone's attic or the rubbish can.

And, as the cashier at the shop said,

"At least they're in good hands now".

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

What sorts of things do you keep an eye out for while you're shopping?

A few of mine are sentimental photo's, spoon rings, vintage fabrics, and depression glass.

On Sales, Spring, and...

Sleep!

Well, I haven't been getting very much of it lately, much too busy with studying, house guests, and planning for future house guests--ah well :)

Just wanted to let you know of the wonderful sale the sweet Long ladies at Marie Madeline are having. Free US shipping for all orders over $35! And at $6 a yard on select fabrics that shouldn't be difficult to do.

Well that sounded like quite the advertisement :)

It really is a fun sale and I'm certainly planning on striking

while the iron is hot for future projects!

Spring!

It's in the air!

And well, so is the pollen. Thankfully, me and my saline nasal spray can do anything and go anywhere. I hope that wherever you are, you can enjoy a brisk walk with a bowl of sorbet; I've been eating much more sorbet since I've been on this liquid diet (This company has some of the most delectable flavors).

After my follow-up appointment I spotted my new project.

I was just walking out of the office when I saw a green sweater with some adorable buttons, lace, and cuffs of the sleeves. So, I went over and asked the important questions like, "Did you make it?". To which she answered with a slightest pride of acheivment in her voice,

"Yes I did."

Well, I was in a bit of a rush so I didn't ask very many more of the particulars but I walked away with enough information to transform one of my own cardigans to a super-cute, decorated one. Right now it's a plain white, knit cardi, with small cables in the front. I've nothing against blended pieces like that one but I'm wanting to turn it into something that I can throw over a short sleeve shirt and jeans.

So, today at Hobby Lobby (who is having a 50% off sale on ribbon by the way), I bought some cute ribbon, lace, and little decorative flowers to add to the prospective item.

I've never really done something like this before, so I'm very excited to get started.

So, stay tuned :)

Also, I would like to introduce the new gadget on my sidebar (right above the list of blogs I read). On here will be a fun link that I found and would like to share, but don't really have the time to blog about it. Watch for it to change because I am always coming across things that look fun and relatively simple to do!

Right now is a project similar to the sweater that I'm wanting to transform; it's a regular shirt made over into a cute ruffled blouse! All you would need is a

sewing machine,

two shirts of the same color

(or really a shirt and any fabric that you want the ruffle to be!)

and time!

I hope that you have the time to hop on over and check it out,

please let me know if you try it!!

Project Inspirations: Lovely Thoughts and Moss

For this weeks creative inspiration, I'd like to introduce you to another blog on my sidebar:

A Bowl of Moss and Pebbles by Breezy Brookshire.

I came across her blog through her sister Emily, on Simply Vintage Girl and was really encouraged by her blog posts and I love her artwork!

Emily and Breezy have recently started Noble Rose Press which is a creative endeavour to use their gifts and talents by creating lovely paper dolls of prominent, godly historical figures (Abigail Adams, Katharina von Bora, and Sarah Edwards to name a few).

Her blog is so very sweet and lovely; I enjoy looking at it and being sweetly encouraged by the things she blogs about or the art project she is working on.

Sometimes it is really the little things in the day that make it pleasant :)

So, I encourage you to take a peek at the things she creates and be inspired!

Project Inspiration: "No lace Mrs. Bennett, I beg you!"

Well, for this weeks Project Inspiration I would like to present two things:

A very inspiring blog, (Oh hello Friend) You Are Loved

It is a creative blog by Danni, who lives in Orange County, CA.

I really enjoy browsing through what she posts and getting ideas for future projects.

And it was on her blog that I discovered a new way to make greeting cards:

SEWING!

(See above photos)

I might not go back to pasting my cards together...at least for a while yet :)

This is a great way to use scap pieces and put them together for a "Anthropologieish" look.

I might get some pictures of some recent experiments together.

Enjoy :)

A Homemade Christmas Week One: frames

I really enjoy making gifts for people and trying out new project ideas; it's also wonderful to receive homemade gifts. There is just something that makes the gift more special when you know someone took the time on it for you.

You can add your own style to the gift and you can make it more personal and sentimental when you are making something.

As you know homemade gifts come in all shapes, sizes, and styles.

This is a fairly common gift idea, and the wonderful part is that the possibilities are endless.

I first saw it in a bathroom of a friend. She had a lovely frame with craft paper, pressed pansies, and a scripture verse in calligraphy.

I started by keeping a watch out for interesting, (inexpensive) unique frames. For some reason I have developed a liking for picture frames, mostly because of the endless decorative purposes.

When I am giving one away, I try to pick one that fits the style and personality of the person I am giving it too.

Then I chose different craft paper, using the glass from the frame to measure size; I also used different types of craft scissors to cut out the paper.

After everything was arranged the way I wanted it, I wrote out the scripture verse and decorated it a bit.

Depending on the style of your frame, you could center everything or (if you're like me) you could angle different pieces and put your own flair to it!

I've learned it's best to wait until the end to paste everything together, so after I finished the verse I did the final arrangements et voila!

Like I said, the possibilities are endless.

Next time I want to print a picture or use one from a magazine and frame around it.

You could include some pressed flowers or leaves; a train ticket or business card. This could even be a cute way to frame a baby's foot prints.

Don't forget, it's not too late to be apart ofA Homemade Christmas over at Simply Vintage Girl.

It is a wonderful way to share new ideas and see what other people are doing to prepare for Christmas; I hope you will join in the encouragment and learning.

"Have yourself a homemade Christmas..."

This year I am very excited to participate in a Homemade Christmas put on by Emily Rose at Simply Vintage Girl.

Every two weeks (starting this Tuesday) Emily Rose will be posting about a homemade project she has completed and you can have to opportunity to post as well on your blog and hers about the different things you are doing to prepare for Christmas. It can be a good gift recipe, crafty accessory, or even a fun notebook.

I will be posting every other Tuesday about a project that I have completed or are in the process of completing. And I am really looking forward to getting ideas from other girls on homemade items to giveaway.

I hope you will make time to visit Emily Rose's blog

and perhaps be inspired to create something of your own!