Sunday, February 26, 2012

Fluffy Flannel Find!

I LOVE a good find! Look at this flannel I found at GoodWill for $6.99!


It's a full 8 yards! It's not a heavy-weight flannel, but it's still new, and in 1 piece!
As usual, it's a what-to-use-it-for-piece! At that price I just had to go ahead and snatch it up!

Maybe I'll make a pair of lounge/jammy pants for me. I'd sure have a lot left so maybe a couple of newborn day gowns and some tot jammies. Or maybe some lap quilts for the eldery or a baby quilt?

At this point, I think I'll add it to my stash. I now have a piece of Christmas material on hand and a nice piece of flannel. I can definitely ponder on this for a while.

I LOVE a good deal and a find like this! Now I really REALLY need some sewing time!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Repurpose Tip - Mesh Bags

Did you know you can use those mesh bags that produce (onions, oranges, etc) for laundry bags for small items like socks, etc? Also, if you have a soft, pliable one, you can use it for washing neck scarves! It keeps a scarf from tangling throughout the machine, creating a macrame mess with other laundry. Wash your bras and delicates in them too. Just be sure the bag is NOT "snaggy". 

Also, if you hand wash items such as a sweather or such that would stretch and become a mess, you can hand wash it in a net bag! It will keep the item contained and make it easy to lift and let the water escape quickly and easily! Hang the bag and let it drain for a while and then it will be safe to hang or block depending on the item's specific needs.

Just be selective of the bag you use for washing!

Friday, February 17, 2012

ReCreate It!

I found this beachy material at Good Will. There's about 4 yards of it and it was $1.29! GREAT find! I'll be SLIGHTLY limited as to the use. As you can see, it's thin and easily seen thru. That didn't discourage me though. It can be used for many things such as tote bag liner with matching straps and pockets, pockets, sleeves, and even a skirt attached to leggings. For a skirt on leggings, a top can be made from the same material as the leggings and then this can easily decorate the top. It can be used for a pillow cover, pillow cases, ruffles for clothes, etc. It will end up being a go-to piece.
This piece is actually a bed skirt with a cotton flat piece and not the woven piece. So I can use the material from both parts of it! This is also a thin material giving it a few limitations, but can be used much the same as above. I've also thought of using some of both to add together for a tiered skirt.
One thing I like about these bed skirts is the ruffle is already a ruffle! So I don't have to do the hard part! It makes for some easy sewing!
With the way prints and patterns are being combined these days, I could probably layer both for a tiered skirt or just use some of both in the same item.
I also need a couple newer summer dresses for the exceptionally hot days so I may just use some off of a couple different bed skirts to make the skirt part of the project and attached them to the bottom of a scrub top. I'll remove the sleeves and turn them into some other project! An oversized tee shirt can also have the sleeves removed and be used as the top. Sleeves don't necessarily need to be removed either. They can be changed into a ruffle or cap type sleeve with a quick trim and hem of the raw edge.
Day before yesterday, I went to a new thrift & vintage shop in the next little town. I fell in love with the place, of course. How fun to look at the antiques I remember from childhood. I'll definitely be returning regularly! I really enjoyed talking with the proprietor while reminiscing! We're the same age so it was an easy conversation! I did find some old crochet books that I snatched right up and have had fun reading thru. The only repurposing from there goes to my kitchen though!
If you have any ideas for the above material, please do let me know! That beach material isn't going to "make it" for baby clothes other than maybe butt ruffles on onesies or pants. But I can probably use some of the bed skirt that way easily.
I always enjoy comments and opinions so feel free to post them. I'm always open to help deciding what to do with items I'm repurposing and especially the charitable items!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Knitted Bed Throw

Have I mentioned that I am relearning to crochet and knit. I never knew much to begin with so I'm really finding that it's more of a challenge now. I'm also now much more appreciative of the time and effort that go into making something. And that is ESPECIALLY in the new-to-me bed throw I found at the hospice thrift store. I had to buy it of course and it was only $10! It practically jumped off the shelf into my arms!

I absolutely LOVE the colors and it's really warm. I've run my hand across it in appreciation while wondering how long it took the knitter to make it. It had to take some time as it's an ample twin size throw. I wonder about the knitter too! Was this a gift for someone or for the knitter?  It's a basic knit/purl stitching and very much a basic knit, but I can't call something this beautiful "simple". It would seem a disgrace to the knitter who had to have worked hard to make it. It isn't going any where, as it's mine! I bought it for me. We are allowed to do this at times!

Have you ever bought something handmade that you've wondered about it's history and the person who made it?

I've tried to post a pic of the throw but it's not working. I'll try again tomorrow and see if blogspot is cooperating then. You might like to scroll down to this post the next time you visit and I'll try to have it here.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

I Wasn't Fleeced!

But I sure am tickled to find this fleece! The black print is 2 yards and the red dotted it 2+ yards. They were each $2 at the hospice thrift store. What an awesome find!
I don't know what I'll do with them yet, but I HAD to bring them home. I could make a few head bands to sell on my Etsy shop (not up and running yet) I could make a couple fleece hats and maybe some lined mittens to go with them. A scarf to go with a hat could be good.

I've got some thinking to do! Now I need some sewing time too!