Vintage Sewing Case

 When I found this suitcase  I didn't know how I would use it, but after a few days I knew what I was going to do with it. It has now become my sewing case. When I'm working on a project I like to hangout in the same room with my family so this allows me to carry the necessities with me.I

I found this suitcase at the local antique store for $7.50, the case was a little beat up on the inside so I decided to tear it out and start from scratch.

After tearing out the lining, I used a cardboard box and a vintage sheet to fashion a new lining that would become a peg board for my sewing tools.

I used some paint that was left over from my daughters room redo to spruce up the interior. Then all I needed to do was add some pretty fabric, a box to hold piece work, bottles to hold pins, and a pin cushion. Finally, after a day of work and $8.50 my sewing case was complete. Now onto the larger suitcase.

Don't Ask Me if I've Gained Weight

      I created this album to record the journey of becoming a healthier person, and the lessons I learned along the way. Before my 40th birthday my weight hit an all time high at 168 pounds (I am 5'7"), I felt ugly and uncomfortable, so I decided I needed to do something about it. I began by taking little steps, eliminating pop and working out with the Wii fit, this helped me lose about 10  pounds. I still felt as though I needed to lose more, so after we returned from our vacation in March I began to run, I could only run about 30 seconds a time, but over time I was slowly able to increase my time and distance. On July 4th I ran my first 5K, and my weight was at 150 pounds, but I still felt like I needed to lose more weight, so I added mountain biking, and increased my distance running, and I was able to continue my weight loss, by the end of summer I had reached 131 pounds. Now time to be honest, I had developed an obsession over my weight, and I was far from the happiness I was searching for. It is hard to admit this, but my weight and appearance became my main focus. During this time I was determined to maintain this weight, but to do this I had to work out two to three hours a day, and turn down ice cream, birthday cake and pizza. Even though I was at a weight society considers beautiful I was miserable. I continued at this pace until a medical condition forced me to stop for 6 weeks. It was agonizing to take this time off, and after two weeks I started to run again and I caused the condition to worsen, so now the doctor let me know I would be out for a couple months. This forced me to slow down and I actually started to reflect on what the goal should actually be.
       The initial goal was to become healthy, and lose weight so that I would be happier. I felt that if I could achieve the goal weight I had set in my mind everything else would fall into place. In reality my health actually began to suffer from lack of rest and pushing too hard. Also, my relationships seemed to suffer because I didn't have time to devote to them, and the problems that I had in other relationships didn't improve with my new look. Finally a light bulb went off and I knew that this was not the change I wanted, so I needed to try a different approach. When I was able to exercise again I didn't return to my previous regimen instead I started by decreasing the amount that I was running too 3 miles, three times a week, and one longer run a week that is about 5 miles. I will occasionally run a 5K race, but I am not obsessed about my times I do it for the camaraderie and the positive energy. I still try to eat a healthier diet, but I am not turning down pizza or cupcakes. My weight did increase, it settled at 148 pounds which does not give me cellulite free legs, or a completely flat stomach, but I feel healthier, my hair is no longer falling out and my skin looks better. I also am more balanced, I have time to spend with my kids, and enjoy other hobbies. I am proud of the races that I finished that summer, but I also look back and I realize they came with a cost.
   Today I am definitely curvier, but I am also happier.

Yard Sale Finds

One of the sales that I look forward to each year, are the annual yard sales in the town of Romeo. Romeo is a lovely town with older Victorian homes, and gorgeous gardens, which makes for a lovely walk. Each year I always seem to find some wonderful inexpensive items and this year was no different. Some of my lucky finds were this green Hawkeye basket for $1.25, a vintage dishtowel for .25, and a complete set of vintage flatware for $5.00 were. I love when I can find something that I was planning to buy new and Teaching Textbooks Algebra 2 fit that description.  This was the real steal of the day I paid $25.00 and to buy it new it would be $180.00, Lucy is now all set for math next year. The last item I scooped up was this cedar chest for $20.00, it needs work and a home, but it will fit the need when I start too feel the urge for a project. What I loved most about everything I bought is that it was made in America, which is helping me with my goal of replacing most of the items in my home with items that have been made in the United States.

A Missed Gem

I have lived in the same town for 10 years and have driven by 4th Street Antiques at least once a week, but had never stopped in. This past week I decided to take a few extra minutes and stop in.

Of course Lucy and Ethel tagged along. Sorry for the blurry pic but they just can't sit still when they're stimulated by so many things that need to be touched and examined.

I felt that I really needed this vintage chicken feeder, but since I only have six lovely ladies and it was a feeder for sixty, alas I left it behind.

I did manage to find these lovely cases, which I hadn't known 

I wanted until I met them.

A New Hobby

 

After many people have attempted to teach me to crochet without success, I have spent this week glued to my computer watching YouTube videos. The great thing about learning by videos, the tutor doesn't get frustrated, when I keep having to rewind and have them show me again, and again. After two whole days I have six granny squares to show for my efforts, but I will admit I am hooked.

Play Box

Have you ever stumbled upon something you've had as a child and all these wonderful memories come flooding back and you feel all warm inside? A few things do that for me 1. my mom's meatballs  2. her cornbread 3. this vintage train case.  My daughter Lucy purchased this case for me on Mothers Day at the local flea market she paid $5.00 for it and to me it is priceless not only because it came from her, but because of the memories it stirs.  As a child I used mine to carry my favorite dolls and their clothes. I spent countless hours in the summer sitting under the shade tree play dolls with my best friends Jill and Suzy.When I received the case I wasn't sure what to use it for so it just sat for a few weeks. Then as I was working on an embroidery project I knew this case would be perfect for holding supplies, and for carrying along with me to my kids sporting events or camping.

The only thing I did to change the inside was use some cardboard and vintage fabric to add a pin cushion, and some color to the plastic tray.

Once I added embroidery floss, buttons, my favorite color yarn and chocolate, I love it even more than my old doll case. It makes me feel all warm and melty inside whenever I open it.

Stitching For the Summer

Like many people gas prices are killing us, so my summer activities have needed to change. Instead of looking for outings away from home, I have decided to spend the summer in my garden reading books from our local library. One of the books I checked out was Sublime Stitching, and boy was I inspired. I decided I wanted to try to make a couple of pretty towels.

I love Anthropolgie dishtowels, but at $22 per towel they are a little out of the range of what I can justify for a purchase that doesn't offer a lot of purpose. I knew that my mom who is an estate sale junkie would have a couple of vintage towels that she would donate to me. I purchased $2.00 worth of embroidery thread and I was on my way.

I spent the next three days on the patio just stitching away. I have to admit I found it incredibly relaxing, and I knew I was addicted.

This book had so may cool projects and designs, but I can't wait to come up with some of my own designs.

Empty Spaces

After relocating my blueberry bushes I was left with an empty canvas to work with, and like usual a minimal amount of money to work with. Fortunately I have time and patience.

With one hundred dollars in my pocket I headed to Lowes and tried to get the most out of each dollar. Luckily the had roses bushes on sale for $5.00 each. I also managed to find three small Lilac bushes for $9.00 each. I did splurge on two Hydrangeas bushes for $12.00. I was able to pick up a few other small perennials as fillers. In the end I ended up with 7 rose bushes, 3 lilac bushes, 2 hydrangeas bushes and 6 small perennials. The key was I bought small versions that will need a couple of years to mature.

The area still looks kind of barren, but I know in two years it will look like the garden of my dreams.