Bella Dia

Pretty Pins

Boy, I've been wanting to make some shrink plastic pins since I saw them at Wee Wonderfuls awhile back and I finally got motivated to do it since I want to include a few in some packages I have going out. The bigger ones aren't very practical for sewing but they look cute on a bulletin board ;)

Can you find the bee, the bug, and the dragonfly?

more posies

And, last but not least, a whole rainbow of butterflies. I had a lot of fun with these and was pleased that the detail came out so well. I don't think I'll have to make anymore pins for awhile now :)

Weekend Thrifting Finds

I had some good luck at the thrift shops over the weekend. I love old tin canisters and use them to hold a variety of my crafting supplies so I was really happy to find this pair in great condition and sporting one of my favorite shades of green. I did good on fabric too; the one on top is an old decorator fabric sample so there's the one big piece and then a couple of squares in different colors. The one in the middle is a red, brown, and yellow print of apples, pears, grapes, cherries, and strawberries - very cute, and the bottom one is all strawberries. Hmm, I'm just realizing that my finds have a bit of a fruity theme to them.

This piece of yardage (3 yards) is a large screenprint on fairly heavy weight fabric. Of course I was first attracted to the pink/brown combination but I like the large size of the pattern too. I also got a handful of zippers - if you ever need zippers be sure to check the thrift shops first! I usually pay 25 cents for them and they are still in their original packaging. I wish I could find some great buttons but maybe that will be the next time out.

Spring Garden

I wanted to share some pictures of my garden, I've been practicing using the macro on my camera as you can see. I've been creating a perennial bed for the last few years and it's really starting to pay off. In bloom now are lupines, columbine, blue geraniums, ranunculus and tulips. I've always found flowers to be such an inspiration - their color and unique design are never ending.

Back Tack Finished!

I decided to create a sewing work basket from my Back Tack goodies that I received from Craftapalooza (thanks Nicole!). The handle velcro's to the side, close-up here. I wanted the handle to open so it wouldn't get in the way when you are working out of the basket; the closure doubles as a second pincushion too. I created a little patch for the center of the closure from some other fabric in my stash.

The pincushion is removable, close-up here, and there's also a couple of elastic bands for scissors and such, and two pockets on the other side that you can see here. Plastic canvas keeps the bottom firm.

Here's the pincushion and a matching needle book with cream colored wool felt pages inside. I really love this fabric and used up almost every little bit. Aren't the little deers on the pincushion fabric cute? Love it! The pincushion has another little flower patch in the center like the closure does and the bottom is pale yellow wool felt.

I just thought I'd share the sketch that I drew and worked from. As you can see, I'm no illustrator but at least I can get my intentions down on paper and it helps to keep me on track with what I planned to do.

Now I have to gather together the little goodies to include, pack it up, and get it sent on a *long* journey :)

Vintage Aprons

I picked up a few more vintage aprons over the past few weeks traveling. This first one has some great embroidered details you can see here. I'm a sucker for pink gingham anyway :)

I loved the color combination on this cute brown ruffled apron. The maker used some fancy stitches which I always love when I see it but forget to do myself.

Full length aprons are always fun and I thought the print in this one was cute. You can see a pocket detail here.

I've been busy with my Back Tack project. It took me a little while to decide on what I wanted to do but now that I have it's moving along faster. I'm hoping to finish it by this weekend because I have some other sewing projects and shop updates I want to get to, including an apron for Tie One On.

New Baby

Meet our newest baby, MayMay - isn't he cute?! His full name is Mascara (named before my mom knew if he was a male or female), but we've been calling him MayMay. Such a sweetie, tons of personality, and licks you everytime you hold him :)

Road Trip Goodies

These are fabrics that I got at several different antique malls in Texas and Wyoming. The second from the left is an old feedsack, the rest is yardage.

I really love the first one on the right but I don't have too much of it, just scraps really.

I don't have a very good source for ribbon so I was thrilled to find these pretty colors in various sizes of grosgrain. I got the buttons in Laramie Wyoming, now I'm wishing I had gotten a few more. (Just 3? What was I thinking?)

And look at this little fella :) A sweet crocheted pig with flowers on her back!

Happy to be Home and Back Tack Supplies

I'm home and very happy to be back in my nest :) We were in East Texas helping my parents pack up their house and enjoying one last visit. The kids got to swim in the lake and hunt for critters, take turns driving the golf cart and were indulged in several trips to the cafeteria - something we don't have here in Idaho. I knew when my daughter said, "I kin kitch him", referring to a cat that got out, that it was time to be on our way back home. What is it about a southern accent that is so contagious?

The last thing I did before leaving town was go by the post office to see if my Back Tack package had arrived and it hadn't, so I've been very anxious and excited to get home and see what I got. It came beautifully wrapped in a polka dot tea towel (I re-wrapped it for the photo, my BT pal did a better job) and was filled with an assortment of beautiful fabrics, ribbon, cool old buttons, embroidery thread and sequins! There are sweet treats for me too - some exotic flavored tea, a little bear notepad and a bouquet of flower pins. Thank you so much Back Tack pal, I love it and can't wait to get started on my project! (click on each picture for a larger view)

Speaking of projects, I see Amy is getting a monthly apron sew-a-long going that I really want to participate in but I don't know if I'll have enough time this month - I love the theme though, Home on the Range :) I also received copies of Amy's vintage bird crochet patterns and Stephanie's baby lamb pattern, both projects I'm excited to do; thanks to you both, I'll get something in the mail to you real soon!

I came home with lots of goodies that I can't wait to show you in the next couple of posts but I've got to get back to my chores for now.