Antique Pin Keep!

I finished my pin keep, and then I went to take pictures. The moment I turned on my camera, it started making a funny motor sound and it wouldn't let me take a photo. Everything else works, but not photo taking, errr. I was cleaning it before hand, so I thought I might have done something to it, then I remembered our kayak trip. Bringing back my gear, I was swarmed by mosquitos and I dropped my gear to grab the bug spray. What I didn't think was, I had my camera case too and that got thrown to the ground, duh. So maybe I broke something. I am getting a nice new one next month, but I can't go without a camera that long, lol. I have an old sony, so today I figured out how to use it again and too some photos with it. At least it works and I can work on my settings to try and get better photos, but for now, you will have to put up with grainy photos. This was on night shot, it was the only way I could get it at night and still be able to see it.

The original idea came from an antique pen wipe, the hearts and hands. I loved the old look and wanted to reproduce it.



Then I decided it needed more items, so I added inner pockets. This is going to be a gift, so I sewed on the wool floss applique, at the tops only and left the middle section open, then I wound the real floss around them. This way she will have some hand dyed floss to use and she can store some of hers, that way too. The floss is a lot nicer looking than the picture.



For the other side, I went with a long pocket, so it can be used for skeins or whatever she wants to put in there. I will be adding some goodies to it later, before I send it out.



I added a strip to the outer, middle edge to give it support and a button closure, with a little extra room for when it is full of goodies. I made an applique on the outside and wondering if I should add her name to it too. I hope you like it and wish I could show the true prim look, it has been antiqued with walnut, as well. Tomorrow I will have to see if I can get better photos outside.

Birthday Giveaway Continues and Winner!

Today I decided to get out and treat myself to shopping.
Since I am on a tight budget and we are trying to pay off bills, I went to my favorite place, Savers, lol.
I was happy I did, I got some nice items and it came to under three dollars, you can't beat that, goodies for me and no guilt.

I found some beautiful batik fabric and a new stitchery book. The fabric looks hand dyed, have no idea, but it is beautiful in person and it is 2 yards, not bad for a 1.99. I have been buying batiks when I can and want to work on art quilts and free motion, so this will be a nice addition.



This is the fabric close up, you can see the puckers in it. Will definitely be interesting to work with.



The book is also wonderful, brand new condition. It has a nice intro section for threads and fabrics, etc. It has photos of flowers and the stitches she uses to make them. Some flowers are stitchery, some mixed with fabric, ribbons, crewel and even some cross stitch, so wonderful book to learn how to make and embellish flowers.



The back section has flower examples and nice diagrams for stitches. I have been wanting a nice stitch book, so was thrilled when I found this. I think I got myself some nice treats for myself;)



I like many of you, are struggling to pay bills and always looking for new ways to save money. The past few years, I have been stocking up on fabrics, wool and general supplies. I buy everything with coupons, so save even more. Now I can work on projects and not have to worry about running out. I buy from the sale racks and I make dinners that last. That saves money and time. I know many people use leftover chicken and bones to make soup. I do the opposite. I buy a large package of chicken breasts and make my broth with that. I use some of the chicken in the soup and the rest goes into a stir fry with brown rice. A nice healthy dinner plan for cold nights.

So for tonight, what do you do to save? Give me your best tips and you will get an extra entry into the giveaway, to be drawn on Sunday night. I finished stitching a new project tonight, so that will be revealed on sunday and a special freebie for all.

Now onto the winner, had to come back, since I forgot, lol. The winner is....... Prim2Pink!
Congratulations! Please email me with your pattern choice and I will email it to you.

More gifts revealed

This month we had a swap in our group, USAPRIM, which can be found on ebay and a friend of mine had a bday, and gifts were recevied, so I can show you some of the things I had been working on.

This was for the swap, I made her a needle book and did the initials by hand, next time I will use a pattern;)
The kitty is a pin cushion that was in a book a friend gave me for my bday.



Using the same cat, I made this piece for a friends bday. She loves kitties as much as I do. I made the envelope, by taking apart a real one and using that as a template. I made a few other things, but I guess I forgot to take pictures of them.