lindsey marcella

an early birthday present

I found a few bags of fabric and things at a thrift store last weekend. I don't normally find great fabric, but one bag was full of cottons and blends, both scraps and larger pieces. Take a look:

And those are just a few! But do you want to know the best part? Tucked away in the bag was this...

It says Happy Sewing - Betty. How sweet is that? Wherever Betty is I hope she knows that someone really appreciates all the fabric she let go of. How'd she know it's almost my birthday?

Quilt Along

I have joined the Old Red Barn Co Quilt Along! It's a great non-pattern and I love being able to use up all the fabric that I have for it. (I love the Old Red Barn Co blog but I really don't care for music on a blog - is it just me?) 

I wanted to get 1/2 yd cuts for the quilt so I could put together some new fabrics. Derek was kind enough to make a purchase on Etsy on my behalf (still no Paypal for me). I went with Wildwood prints and some dots. Love the Wildwood!

I've got all of the strips cut and grouped.

And I've got 4 sets of strips already sewn together. All done yesterday evening. I'm glad I'm not caught up because I would be very impatient waiting for the next step!

I just heard a rumble of thunder...what a way to start the morning!

A great perk

I'm sure you all know by now that my mom is Jenscloset. It's crazy that she just started her (main) shop last year! She's been so successful and it's been a happy year. She's met lots of new friends and gets to do something she loves everyday. I didn't really know how the shop would do because I myself rarely browsed vintage on Etsy. I wasn't sure if her tastes were the same as the shoppers. I remember helping her pick out a digital camera and the first -umm- great photo of a little dog figurine! It was literally a shot from about 2 feet up of his back!

She has far surpassed me in her knowledge of marketing and networking, photography, shipping rules, and how to find great products. 

And I benefit.

See, she gets to find really cool vintage-y things. And she keeps me in mind! I'll get a surprise pack of vintage binding in the mail here, some really cool fabric there. Lots of pyrex. Fun stuff! So I thought I'd share some and make you all jealous. By the way, when I go home it's like I'm in the best vintage store! My old bedroom is crammed full of shelves and goodies, and the basement...and the living room...you get the idea. A lot of it isn't listed (yes she's got that much) so I get first dibs!!!

But all of these were little surprised here and there.

A gorgeous pink spread. I haven't put this on my bed yet because I'm afraid of doggie throw up, but it's too pretty not to use. I'll get there.

I didn't post this on her birthday, or on her shop anniversary. I was just cleaning up and kept coming across so much great stuff she's given me. But really, I think the best thing is that she's shown me how much you can do when you really want something. We just do it in different ways! I've got goals at work, and I balance that out with craft things at home. She sets goals all the time, whether she realizes it or not! And she's always been there for me even when I -fail-! When I was in 6th grade I ran for student council and only made alternate. When I got home she had a hand made card waiting for me, that said Congratulations, I'm proud of you for trying! How great is that?! And I still have it too!

So thanks, and FYI remember my b-day's next week and I could use some more vintage-y goodness! :-) And if you don't get the hint I'll raid your shelves when we're there next week! 

Jewelry and a Zoo Day

I've been busy making lots of jewelry. Lots and lots of jewelry. All for the same wedding, but lots of samples etc to keep me busy. Let's just say now I've got lots of extra jewelry to keep for myself, and lots to send off for this wedding.

Here's a peek at the bridal set. I almost wish she didn't like the earrings because I would've loved them for myself! Lots and lots of pearls and crystals.

This weekend my brother and his friend were in town. They stayed with us, but were really here for a video game thing. Don't ask me; but they said it was fun! I would've like to have spent more time with them, but they were busy. We did get to go to lunch together though!

Derek and I wound up going to the zoo today. It was gorgeous here in Columbus (as you could see if you watched any of the Memorial Tournament). I love the zoo, and I wanted to go again before Derek leaves. We saw so many cute animals!

Like Beco. He's a baby elephant and so sweet. He did everything his mama told him to.

And the goats! The petting zoo is so fun. I loved this goat that sat with me.

This weekend was the first pickup for our CSA. Fruit hasn't started yet, but we got veggies. Our CSA is through The Wayward Seed Farm, the same farm we got our Thanksgiving CSA from last year. I made a dressing to go with some greens (found here and so good!), Derek made a radish salad, and we just put together some Kimchi which we've never tried before but seems pretty good! Still has to set for awhile though. Can't wait for our next bunch of goodies!