Busy week here, but I managed to score some nifty vintage Pyrex on a quick trip to the thrift store the other day. I always love it when that happens.
And call me crazy, but I think it's snowing outside right now...the temperature is waaay too high for snow, so maybe I'm losing it.
I'll keep you posted.
Cheerio,
Leya
For a while now I've had several little sewing projects laying around. Mostly clothing I needed to alter, add a button to, or mend in some way. I always wait forever to do these projects, but today was the day. I knocked out every single one right after I finished cleaning my closet as a way to convince myself that I do in fact have plenty of clothes to choose from. {from time to time I talk myself into thinking I have absolutely nothing to wear -- sound familiar?}
Here's one project I finished that pleases me to no end. It's a vintage wool coat {very warm} that I thrifted way back when. I never wore it because the s-hook hardware was missing. After a trip to Fabric Row {a Philly gem}, I replaced the hardware with new elastic loops and groovy new buttons. Why on earth did I wait so long?
Before
The old hardware comes off
New elastic and buttons
Switch-a-roo complete.
Have a great weekend,
Leya
Hello there,
I'm still here, just taking a little break to regroup from all the craft shows and get some MUCH needed wedding details worked out. Today was a big day for that -- the boy picked out his ring and reserved several of the items we need for our country wedding...cough porta-potty cough...it's quite fancy with running water, a light, AND a flushable toilet.
In other exciting news. I recently scored some new shoes while thrifting in South Philly. Metallic sandals have been on my mind and now I have some on my feet. The thrifting gods are so good to me.
More soon, friends
l.
I found this amazing vintage linen while thrifting over the holidays. It was folded up and I didn't fully inspect it until I got home {it was a keeper based on color alone}. Being a big fan of mushrooms, I was really excited by what I discovered upon a closer inspection. As always, thank you thrifting fairy, you're so good to me.
**boy, it took me a looooong time to realize I had misspelled thrifting up there in the header. Not a fan of when that happens. It's fixed now and all is well**
do you?
Wow! Thanks for all the kind and supportive comments and emails about curiousbird being back in action. It was a lot of work getting the site redesigned in addition to creating all new inventory, so feeling such support come my way from all of you creative and inspiring people has me walking on air. Merci beaucoup.
After a much needed bit of rest, I'm back at the sewing machine. I don't have anything I'm quite ready to show, but let me just say that the popularity of the obis has been noted and my obsession with making new clothes for myself has not passed (I hope it never does).
Above is a photo of a bunch of great fabric I picked up while thrifting here the other day. I really wanted to make a skirt out of the dark blue piece but there's not enough -- I've turned it every possible way trying to will the right amount to appear and it just won't. The sassy aqua patterned fabric is vinyl, so I'm thinking some colorful cuffs might be a good start for that piece. It being both aqua and chartreuse in addition to vinyl is pretty sweet for a thrift store score.
Before I go, I wanted say that Fall is definitely right around the corner. I'm not aware of this only because October is only a few days away, and it has nothing to do with my seeing leaves change colors here in Philly, it's because I'm sooo hungry all of the time and all I want to do is cook big pots of soup and bake breads and muffins with recipes requiring cinnamon. I'm seriously considering giving this recipe a try tonight. Maybe I'll sprinkle a little cinnamon and sugar on top...
Luckily all this hunger I'm experiencing is probably okay because my boy and I have turned into total bike nerds, so we're at least getting some exercise. My ride is the aqua and orange one and you probably know how happy that color combo makes me. 
Have fun,
l.
It's really beginning to feel like Fall here in Philly. Today has that warm sun with crisp, somewhat chilly air feeling about it. It's the kind of weather where I find myself being aware of which side of the street the sun falls on and consciously walking there. This fact about myself is clear in my mind because I just returned from a long walk around my neighborhood sparked by a trip to the post office. You wouldn't believe how often I venture to the post office -- luckily I have two or three fairly close to choose from.
Here's a special order tote bag I finished and mailed out this morning. Very simple bag, BUT the fabric makes up for the simplicity. Lina, if you read this, I hope you like it. 
I'm finding it hard to stay focused in my studio lately. It makes sense, I suppose. Having moved to a new city with tons of new things to explore leaves me a little distracted. Funny thing is...I have all these ideas and sketches for new creations, which means I'm still very motivated to create, just not finding it in me to stay put right now. Feeling restless.
I managed to work on a few things this weekend. Hopefully a few more of my ideas will materialize in the next couple of days. I can see a nice cup of tea with my name on it...that always helps.
One thing I'm sorta happy about is that I finally fixed a bag for myself that I have been hauling around for years. I thrifted it probably six or seven years ago and used it a little, but the handles were in need of some help. Upon moving here, I decided if I was going to keep this bag, I had to fix it and use it. The funny thing is it took me about fifteen minutes to finish the job. I had been putting it off for all that time and fifteen minutes was the magic number. I suppose things get done when they're supposed to. 
Dustin and I saw Half Nelson yesterday. Ahhh, it's so good to be back in a place with decent film.
It was a really interesting movie that I highly recommend. Ryan Gosling is fantastic, as is the very young Shareeka Epps. It was one of those movies where Dustin and I spent a nice amount of time talking about it afterward. We were both interested in the way the movie focused on change, opposing forces, drug-use and the idea of wanting to do something good and trying, but rubbing up against obstacles time after time, leading to total disillusionment and disappointment. The music was done by Broken Social Scene, which I found to be quite perfect.
Go see it if it comes your way.
more soon.
I picked up some great vintage casserole dishes the other day while thrifting. I'm not a huge casserole maker but for ten cents I couldn't pass them up. I also couldn't pass up the sweet little white pitcher (perfect for flowers) and the aqua bowl. Yep, forty cents and out the door. 
After bouncing over to another local thrift store, I found the best vintage trims and zippers. The star sign trim is a new favorite.
Okay...prepare yourself for what's next.
Introducing...the Cocoa Breezy Hammock! I get junk mail just like everyone, but since I order Mort and Motown's food online, I sometimes get outrageous cat catalogs. I love the hammock and I love that it's called cocoa breezy even more. 
And here's my favorite cat item that the Drs.FosterSmith catalog has to offer:
Yes, the Cat Fancy Cat Stroller takes the cake. I think I might pass out if I were to see one of these being used. Please let me know if any of you have ever seen a cat stroller in action.
Thanks for all the sweet comments about my particpation in Art Star. I'm going to spend the next month preparing. There's definitely lots to do.
Have a sweet day.
I've been sewing new bags like crazy. Most of the ones offered in the shop are sold and it's due time to restock the plumage section with some springy totes and shoulder bags. I'm planning an update sometime this week. Speaking of new bags, I recently created a very springy special order. I love the vintage Waverly print used-- you can't say spring much more than it, can you? I hope its owner loves it as much as I loved creating it. Thanks, Jan!
And for kicks, check out this vintage fabric I stumbled upon recently.
Whoa! a crazy anchor fabric will make the perfect tote. How do I know? I already made one, which I'll post soon. Ahoy, Matey!
I wanted to say thanks to everyone for the super sweet compliments on my new hairdo. Sometimes the smallest things can really perk a girl up. I'm still riding high from a haircut that took place last week, and your sweet words about it...
For kicks, here are a few lovelies I found recently instead of doing my taxes like I had planned. This would be nice for groceries or craft supplies. This tree tote is simple and utilitarian. I love this. Go figure.
I'e got a pretty busy week ahead of me. I might be a little sporadic with my posts.
Happy Tuesday to you!
Every so often my friend Jessie and I like to get together for a lovely afternoon walk -- we take our time strolling and chatting and usually end the whole adventure by getting some type of beverage. Now that spring appears to be in full swing (at least I think it is), I hope we can find more time for our walks because I truly enjoy them. I took the shot above when we got together last week. I suppose it's no secret that I have a thing for silhouettes and shadows.
Other things that make me happy: Fabric. Here's my most recent fabric score, which was found while thrifting yesterday. Although it isn't actual cut yardage (it happens to be the most hideous jumper/dress thing imaginable) I still love and have big plans for it. I suppose I'm a sucker for boats of all kinds these days. Perhaps I was a sailor in another life.
here are some other nautical-themed items I've had my eye on recently.
a link to this fantastic card by Jezebel was sent my way by my friend Mitsuyo. she sent me the link thinking I might be interested. she was right. and you can never have too many sweet tshirts.
