Quilt Market

Since I have been back from my Mom's surprise birthday party, I have been preparing for one thing....  The International Quilt Market!!

This year my boss let me tag along to scope out new fabrics and to meet some of the designers.  I had an absolute blast!!  I had a limit amount of time there, so I didn't take any pictures.  I know... completely unlike me, however, my boss, Karen, snapped a few.  I will definitely share as soon as I get my hands on those :-)

In preparation for the show, I was busy making "blog cards".  Sort of like business cards but I'm not really selling anything, so they are designed to draw a little attention to my blogg-a-roo and maybe get my name out there... a little.

I also thought that this was the perfect occasion to make a new bag.  I started out with a basic-bag-with-flap idea that turned into a backpack that then turned into a wide-over-the-shoulder-tote.  I made up my own "pattern" and just went with it.  It is a pretty basic 4 sided tote bag, full lined.  I used my signature natural linen and a neutral chevron printed cotton duck.  

I made 2 pleated pockets on the inside, which started out to be one full side of lining that I cut down to be "appliqued" patch pockets.  I pleated them on a whim and love how they turned out.  Also, because I had originally intended them to be one entire side of the lining, 3 sides of the "pocket patch" had raw edges.  So instead of messing around with turning the edges under, I dug in my drawer and pulled out a coordinating bias tape that I used to encase the raw edges which ended up giving the bag a more finished look.  It turned out great and was the perfect size for all of the brochures and handouts!!!

 I have a little more time now to finish up a HUGE project that I have been working on.  I also have a few small projects in mind to get started on.  Until next time, happy sewing!

Surprise Trip!

I've been busy!!!  I took a visit to my home town to surprise my mom for her 60th Birthday.  It was eventful and I made sure to take plenty of Instagrams.

The flight.

After surprising my mom at her party (2 hours late thanks to my delayed flight), we went to this place.

I forgot how obnoxious the stamps are that they give you at these places. That is pretty much my whole wrist and half of my forearm :-)

Although not an Instagram, the best part of the night was when my 60 year old mother that had a few to drink, rode the mechanical bull.  It was fabulous!!!  The best part is the video, which I will spare her the World Wide Web of embarrassment... however... I will definitely be pulling that one out at any and all family functions!!!  

Ahhh, palm trees....  we don't have those in the Midwest.

Day 1. Mom's birthday brunch, just her and I.

Mountains!!

Desert & The Strip!!!  Kinda miss the view sometimes.

The Orleans, I have to go here every time I am in town, which reminds of when I lived in New Orleans.

More Palms.

If you ever go to Las Vegas, you HAVE to eat here...  in the Orleans....  it's amazing!

They cook the food right at the bar!

Shrimp Scampi.

and steamed clams!!!

Sounds strange, but this reminds me of my childhood.

Day 2: I needed this.

Lunch here.

The California roll.

Then a quick trip to the Cosmopolitan.

This shop in the Cosmo was amazing.  

I was completely smitten with all of the sewing antiques-turned-fixtures. The clothes were cool too, but the antiques were WAY better!

Oh and this is the view from the store!

Thousands of antique sewing machines lined every exterior wall of the store...  this is looking out the window at the strip.

Seriously, how could you not LOVE this!!!

 Old gears as decor.

And this is a side plate on one of the machines!!!!

 Of course it was Cinco de Mayo, so I had to have a marg while watching the derby.

Day 3, had brunch with my family, didn't manage a picture.   Then off to visit my Gram. 

We just happened to drive by the house of my early childhood, had to snap a pic.

I HAD to pick up some of these!!! They are literally the best chocolates EVER!!!

And the cactus garden at the chocolate factory is amazing!!

That was pretty much it, I will be back in August, so hopefully I will have more pics to share then!!  Until next time, Blog World, happy Vegas-ing! 

UpCycling

What's better than finding a cheap piece of furniture at a yard sale and upcycling it to be amazing?  Finding one in your basement that doesn't cost a thing to upcycle for free and make amazing :-)

My mom bought this free-standing mirror in the mid 90s.  I'm not sure if she bought it for me or if I just wound up with it when she downsized, either way I have had it stored in the basement ever since.  And this is why:

Outdated? Definitely!  So in the interest of making this way better without spending any money, I sanded it down with a fine grit sandpaper I had on hand...

...and painted the wood with leftover paint that just happens to be one of my favorite colors!

And here is what it looks like now.  

I am planning on using it in my craft room for now... but it matches my master bath (the pic below was taken in my master bath and is more color accurate)

and it matches the upcycled dresser-turned nightstand.

So, if I ever gain any space in my master, I could put the mirror in there.  Not only was it completely free but it is also versatile!

I have a bunch of projects in the works, but May is always a crazy month and this year it is even crazier! I will try to post as much as possible and until next time, Happy Upcycling!!!