Retro Refashion

I bought this vintage shirt...

more for the fabric than the fit.

So, I decided to do some "minor" alterations.

I turned the sleeves into a long sash...

then stitched the sash into a ruffle.

The result? My "refashioned" retro ruffle shirt.

Completing a Good Work

A few years back, I came across a box full of vintage fabric, most of which had already been cut into various sizes of patchwork squares. I couldn't imagine someone spending all that time and effort to prepare the fabric for quilting and then, for whatever reason, not be able to see the project through. So I took it upon myself to finish the good work that had begun. A quilting connoisseur friend told me that most of the fabric is from the 1930s. All I know is that the are vibrant colors and patterns and I love them!

Because I knew this quilt was destined to be "old-timey", I decided to piece it by hand. I put the pieces into a bag and carried it with me on trips, recital practices,and swim lessons.

Piece stitched to piece stitched to piece...

 to the tune of 20 rows of 20 squares.

By the time the rows were done, I, too, was ready to be done, so I used my machine to attach the strips to each other. Before I could begin, I had the painstaking process of laying out the rows to make sure the patterns and colors were pleasantly aligned. I employed my parents in this step because they both love Sudoku puzzles, so they played Sudoku Squares!  As the rows came together and the quilt began to take shape, the length of the attached rows began to vary. I had not bothered to measure each square for uniformity before I pieced them and this kinda skewed things a bit, but I think it adds to its charm.

The blue and white checked backing fabric is a remnant I had left over from a jumper I had made for Jadan when he was a baby. There was just enough of it to use for the back and edges and I was thrilled to use it with this special piece.

A labor of love a long time coming.

Trinity Uniform Throw

My children have attended Trinity Episcopal School since preschool and the uniform shirts that they wear have become iconic of their childhood. A few years ago, Trinity changed the required colors and logo, so we had a stack of shirts that we were no longer able to wear. Yet again, I stashed them back for a rainy day project. Esther and I worked together on the design for this quilt. It was fun to watch the pattern emerge as we laid out our cut pieces. The knit was a HUGE challenge - not every corner precisely meets, but I allowed myself to believe that it is okay. It ended up being much larger and heavier than I expected. The measurements were perfect for me to use a flat twin size sheet for the backing fabric, which was extremely cost effective. I am currently in the process of quilting the layers together. Because the knit is so heavy and contrary for machine quilting (at least for me, at this point), I am hand-tying it at each square intersection. This is going to take a while... 

Rock Hard Cozy Quilt

I surprised my friend Julie with this throw made from her collection of Hard Rock Cafe t-shirts

that she and her husband have collected from all over the world.

She wanted to mount it on the wall as "art", but it is much too cozy to become a tapestry piece!

In addition to the 8 shirts, I "repurposed" the rockin' flannel guitar fabric from an never-worn pair of Weldon's pj pants. The backing is a super soft heather grey jersey knit.

The Tees of the Tiger

Here is the first of my summer creations:

It is a quilt made from my kiddos' old ETBU t-shirts and Weldon's old blue jeans. When my dad first started working for the university, my children were toddlers and we had them outfitted for every game and alumni event. As they outgrew the shirts, I couldn't bear to part with them, so I saved them back for this project. Working with denim and knit fabrics was a challenge, but I am very pleased with how it turned out. It has a thick cotton filler and is backed with navy blue flannel, so it is a substantial weight and very warm - great for picnics and ball games.

This weekend is the annual ETBU alumni retreat. My kids get so excited because we get to spend the night in my old dorm room in Linebery Hall! I shared that 3-person room with Brandi and Felicia during my sophmore year (which also happens to be the year that I met Weldon). I always enjoy reminiscing about the fun times and wonderful memories I have of my time spent on "the Hill". It is also highly entertaining to listen to the other generations of alums share their stories as well.

What Light Through Yonder Corner Breaks?

But, soft! What light through yonder corner breaks?

It is my sewing nook, and the summer is my bliss!

Now that my summer coursework is over, I can fully embrace the bliss that is summertime. Not that I don't love my school time routine, but summer is time for me to focus on the things that bring me immense joy that are almost always neglected due to daily responsibilities and commitments. Summer is a time for me to take a little time for myself. The sewing muse has beckoned and I have eagerly responded to her call.

I lovingly refer to my sewing space as "my nook". I have posted pictures to encourage others who don't think they have room for a creative space. I literaly have a corner (thanks to the distressed door screen) in my bedroom, but it inspires me. I find so much satisfaction in being industrious at home.

Fourth of July

Our "fireworks" display

This is one of Weldon's favorite desserts - it literally brings tears to his eyes when I make it. It is a "Poke Cake" that his great-grandma used to make. According to Weldon's dad, Mamaw started making this novelty in the 1950s which were somewhat of a hayday for Jello and Tupperware, as they created a mold for the jello. It is made by inverting an angel food cake into a Tupperware bowl or mold, poking small holes in the bottom (we used Esther's pinkie finger), then filling the holes with strawberry jello. We topped our with whipped cream and fresh berries.

A nostalgic sweet treat!