Thrifty & Not

I was at one of the local thrift stores last week and found only two things that needed to come home with me. One was this Singer Sewing Skills book from 1959. I like how it has an "OLD" label on it. I'm always looking for more resources to improve my sewing skills, especially some of the dressmaking/clothing constructions ones I kind of ignored in Home Ec. back in high school (oops). Back then I was just thrilled to have completed a simple wrap skirt. And honestly I've progressed a bit from that, but not really all that much. I would definitely tell my high school self to pay attention and ask more questions..

Another thing was this gizmo called a mirror hanger. It is a satin cord with a thread-medallion/tassle and I actually have a mirror to hang with it, so I hope it works! If not look for it on a quilt or something...

The not so thrifty part of this post is this comparatively meager (compared to how I used to spend spend spend on fabric) order from Hancock's of Paducah. I like to buy my Hobbs 80/20 batting from them, because I can't find it locally, but especially when they have a free shipping promotion.

I bought this snarky fabric called "Housework Whenever! Rebelling Housewives" (by In The Beginning) because it just cracked me up! I only could find it at equilter in a different color . I don't know what I'll make with it, but it has done its little ol' job and made me laugh. "When I learned how to sew, I forgot how to cook!" or "If I sit here long enough maybe they will fix their own dinner!" or "A Clean House Is the Sign of a Broken Sewing Machine". I now have quite the collection of snarky fabric, maybe I need to make a Quilt O' Snark...

And of course I needed needles and rotary blades to add to the precious hoarded stash of supplies and to push the total over the amount needed to get to FREE shipping. Yes, it works out a bit cheaper, one must pay attention to that!

Stuck on Repeat

Revisting, the lowly poker chip carousel.
Not much to say about it, except that it works. Poker and blackjack was played until about 3am. Margaritas were consumed (virgin ones!), and spilled on said carousel. Washable is a good thing it turns out. Next thing you know, they'll be asking for a green felt tablecloth...
The yellow chips bother me. I think they aren't usual in a set. In my dad's I think he may have had a different colour and that is what my eyes are looking for. We also have a set that have white, red, blue and beige. The beige are offensive somehow. That set was purchased when we tried a system of rewards for good behaviour. I also stole some to use in making collages..
The yellow chips aren't so bothersome in this kaleidoscope though!

I wonder if someone collects these? I saw a few on ebay that were wood or other fancier materials or interesting shapes. Oh and a dustcover too, which may make a lot of sense! I have some playing card fabric which would be a natural....

Cornucopia

I'm inflicting yet another Cornucopia on you, dear reader. Hopefully there will be at least one thing in here that is interesting to you!

My $5 score at the local thrift store yesterday, a carousel for poker chips, complete with chips!

Howza about this kaleidoscope?

I had to of course wash the chips because they were eeewww grungy,

and then I had to spread them out on a towel to dry,

and of course I noticed how pretty they were,

pictures was taken of course

and if pictures are taken,

now apparently the final step is to make a kaleidoscope.

sigh.

I'm all about completing the process,

checking off the list,

doing all the steps.

So, Why did I feel compelled to buy this thingy? I mean, it isn't exactly beautiful, it is plastic-y and not in a particularly nice or retro vibe-y way.

Did we really need one?

Well, I'll just say two boys, one teen aged (14!) and one almost, and yes poker is a game we're into these days. And it just isn't as cool to play with pinto, black and white beans. Especially when you are hosting your friends for your birthday party tonight (eeek another house full of teenagers!).

Just think, now these pieces of plastic will NOT be joining the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. I'm trying to be more conscious about the plastic bags and wrappings that we use and discard. Especially with plastic bags, so here is a new bag I'll be using. Just got it from Dharma Trading, it is made from recycled paper, is lined, and has water hyacinth braided into sturdy handles. Apparently the water hyacinth is a big pesky problem in the rivers in Indonesia where this is made. I love this bag! I think I'll be gifting these this year to several people...

Last night, we attended the final football game for Zach for this season for the SLV Cougars, freshman team, they played in Aptos. Here is the sunset through the eucalyptus trees.Some people are really really really glad that we don't have to go to any more football games until next season. He was torn between wanting to support his big brother and wanting to be just about anywhere else. Learning about the game got him a little bit more interested, but not enough to get enthusiastic about watching a whole game. Last night he spent some time off on the sidelines of the field, climbing some trees (which necessitated several cell phone calls to dad to get the okay).Anyways! Hooray for ol' number 77, the big big win (38 to 8), the co-championship and for learning a new sport, being part of a team ,etc...To quoth the teen"It's all good."

Graduation Day

Here is my environmental self portrait for the Self Portrait Challenge this week.

In this picture I am at my son's middle school graduation this past Thursday. Now he is a high schooler, gasp!

Trying very hard not to well up with proud tears, or fearful tears, or happy tears, or any tears whatsoever. Not so successful at that. Oh well, I cried at kindergarten graduation too. If I'm not crying, I'm not feeling I suppose.

Anyways, feeling safe, secure and very happy in my element as supportive mother, proud parent, member of the school community and so on. And a sunburned gardener too, if you check out my neck and shoulder.

Meanwhile, back at the local thrift store, I got a hat pattern, for
*12*
*Terrific*
*Hats*!!
Or chapeaux sensass. Sensass? Is that really French for Terrific? I'm thinking that means something else, isn't formidable or terrible a better translation? I never took French, so I do not know!

And a book I've been looking for: Upholstering At Home. Yay, now perhaps the chairs will get redone with somewhat more expertise than my usual staple gun assisted upholstering method!...