Cleaning House

Well friends, it's time for that giveaway! I've been going through all my stuff and yet again have realized that I have much too much for one person. So I've been grabbing some odds and ends and stashing them in one of my tiara bags. Let's see . . . the winner will receive a collection of items that will include vintage wall paper, craft supplies, a vintage Faith Austin hankie and other surprises.

So please leave a comment and I will choose a winner next Friday October 1st. If you leave a comment with a link to your blog where you promoted the Goodness Shop (http://www.goodnessshop.etsy.com/) I'll give you TWO entries into the drawing. I promise it will be a lovely package.

Up in the Goodness Shop today:



Vintage decals, rick rack packs, vintage wall paper, book pages, pillow cases, Japanese postcards and Goodness Paper Packs.

One day I should show you guys what I keep from my thrifting trips. I have a collection of linen tea towels to put the British to shame. And all that vintage paper? Um yeah, I keep A LOT for myself. :) This is one of the reasons I am feeling overwhelmed I guess. My mass of stuff is also leading me to consider turning my craft room into a guest room. I feel that if I had limited supplies (and space to store them) I would concentrate on one thing. Will that work? I seriously don't think so. But it's an idea.

Don't forget to get in on my giveaway!

hugs
Rebecca

Toyland

Well I've been making toys again. I can't explain the draw! I just love it. :) The whimsy of them . . . the bright colors . . . everything. I only wish I had more people to gift toys to at the holidays. Soon I'll need to turn my attentions to scarves, bags and other practical holiday gifts. I do believe mittens are on the list this year, too.

Anyway, remember my swap with Emily? Visit her blog here to see what I sent her. :) One thing I made for her was a Wee Goodness Gal that I named Willow:



Willow is my own pattern though I did tons of online research before getting started. That is the beauty of blogs, so much inspiration! All the fabric in her clothing (and legs) is thrifted cotton and the material for her body is from the remnant bin at Joann's. I made up her little jumper as I went along and I like it but the pattern needs work.



Her hair is purple Lily cotton. I made it using the "pin head" method like I did on Charlotte Ann. Only this time I gave her braided buns. Her face is simple and sweet. Did I mention she is only about 10 inches tall? I'd like to make some for the shop, I think they would make great friends for girls of all ages, but I need to tackle that long list of holiday gifts first. :)

Another new toy I've recently finished is this sweet crocheted elephant:



I love him! And you should feel him, he is sooo soft and has a nice weight to him.



The pattern is from "Cute Little Animals" a booklet by Leisure Arts. The only thing I changed were the eyes. The pattern called for sequins but since this is intended for a baby I decided to use yarn. I also added the ribbon but will remove that before gifting as well. The brown yarn is more Lily cotton and the blue is the now defunct DK Summer Soft that I love so much. I can't even find any on Ebay!



I just had to show you his cute little tail. :)

So now I'm off to make a list. I find that writing down all my ideas for gifts helps me to pick and choose which projects I would like to work on. I am trying not to start 5 things and finish nothing like I've done in the past! What kinds of things are you making for holiday gifts this year?

Coming soon: more thrifted treasures, painting with thread, more vintage items up in The Goodness Shop and a give away! Woo Hoo!

RR

PS - Did you know even Martha has a blog?? She is looking for some blogs to review, stop by for a visit!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Back in the Spring Kai come up with a fabulous swap idea. Due to rising gas costs a lot of people were cutting out there summer vacations so Kai thought we could give our swap partners a summer vacation in a box! I was so lucky to be paired with Emily. We hit it off like wildfire! In fact, she'll be in New York next month. :) So without further ado . . .

This summer I went to . . .



And since I have never been to Paris before, Emily sent me a friend as a companion and tour guide. Meet Cristal Feret:



Cristal is oh so chic and very French! Her adorable clothes are made from felted cashmere sweaters! And see that sketch book under her arm? It's actually a mini sewing kit! How clever!



Here is my entire package. I KNOW! In additional to Cristal and my guide to Paris Emily sent:

A sweet French needle book
French postcards
Perfume (with a sassy Sex and The City reference)
French chocolate
A black and silver chic scarf (it's under everything but I'll take a picture of me modeling it soon)
French Lavender body scrub
Nail polish "Louvre Me, Louvre Me Not" LOL
and the cutest mascara you can hang on your cell phone

She spoiled me! Oh and have I mentioned that she made me an AMY BUTLER BAG??



It has adorable Eiffel Tower fabric outside and French cafe lining inside! It's perfect! I needed a new bag and this one will go with everything. :)

Oh and since she knows how much I love flea markets, she included all of these amazing french Flea Market treasures!



Mother of pearl barrettes, a metal barrette, a gorgeous cameo pin, a rhinestone pin, a butterfly stick pin, a beaded necklace, earrings, the cutest pink telephone charm, a velvet ring box and a tiny green alligator change purse. I about died when I saw it all! Seems like she knows me pretty well.

Emily, thank you for the lovely trip to Paris! This was a fabulous swap. :)

I sent Emily on a vacation to her "Comfort Zone." Earlier in the summer she wrote a post about about what would be in her comfort box so I did my best to make that box a reality for her. I'll post a link when she posts it. :)

If you ever get a chance to swap with Emily, do it! :)

cheers
Rebecca

Could it Be? Yes it Could.

Somethings coming . . . something GOOD. :) Lot's of new things up in the Goodness Shop including new vintage trims, pillow cases, lace and other goodies. I've been quite lucky in my latest bouts of hunting and gathering and wanted to share the wealth!

So what has me all giddy?



Vintage wall paper rolls! I NEVER find these. Okay, not never, but I have only found one roll in . . . forever. And that was kids wall paper. While it will be very hard for me to cut this up I will be making up some rolls for sale in the shop soon. Because seriously, what am going to do with ALL this? Wall paper a room? (what knee slapper!)



Vintage birthday balloon cake picks. My Mom informs me that I had picks just like these on my first birthday cake. Ahem. I guess that make me vintage as well.



Tiny Japanese glass ornaments. I have big plans to have a holiday section in the Goodness Shop and these might make it in there. But then again, maybe not. ;)



More vintage Japanese ornaments. I love the red gingham though they don't really scream Christmas to me. I do really enjoy fan ornaments, though.



A yard of vintage Christmas fabric. It's a little stained but hopefully some Oxy will do the trick. This will be up in the shop because I know I won't be able to bring myself to cut it!

I've also scored some other nice pieces of fabric for my own stash. I hope to get started on some holiday gifts soon. I'm also hoping to get caught up on some blog reading as that is where most of my inspiration to create comes from.

Fondly
Rebecca

Time to FACE the World

I've been a bit out of sorts since returning from 2 weeks of vacation. I can't seem to focus and I want to sleep. A lot. But today I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer my to do lists! Or as the title suggests, face the world.

Also ready to face the world is my dolly, now named Charlotte Anne.



Finally! She has a face. Inspired, as I often am, by Hilary at Wee Wonderfuls.

Onward and upward!

xoxoxo
RR

Back Again

Hello! Can you hear me? I feel very faded today LOL. I am TIRED. Yikes. Vacation was a blast but it's good to be home. :) Hurricane Gustav put a real damper (har-har) on my trip to New Orleans for my sister's big 30th birthday bash but did we let a little weather get us down? Heck no! We got on the first flight to Las Vegas! I'll share some fun picks of the birthday girl in my next post for sure.

So what have YOU been up to? I have loads of blog reading to catch up on! Plus I have been sitting on some awesome vintage items that I hope to list in the shop soon. I also recently made something way cute with these fabrics:



I'm loving the combo! It's so whimsical. :) I'll show you what i made next week when it arrives to my swap partner, the lovely Emily. Who, by the way, I was SUPPOSED to meet face to face in New Orleans. Gustav wrecked their trip to the Big Easy as well.

So anyway, I'm off to dig through 2 weeks of suitcases, dirty laundry and shopping bags. I'll be back soon with, what else? Some Thrifty Goodness!

xoxox
Rebecca

PS - why don't you head over here and vote for Sunbonnet Couple, an adorable quilt by my friend Jean!

Before I Go . . .

We're off today for a week of vacation on the Maryland shore with friends. I am really looking forward to doing a whole lot of nothing. :) The couple we are going with are a blast! I've known Dana for 30 years and our husbands get long great. Big fun!

But before I go, how about a few thrifty treasures?



I'm a sucker for old books. Especially those that have gorgeous cover art like these! The one on the right has a copyright date of 1917 and I am very curious to see what Marjorie Dean, High School Freshman, gets herself into. :) And I love that the one on the left is written by Mrs. Molesworth. I also picked up some other old books that were falling apart. I plan to put some vintage book pages up in the shop after vacation for you altered art types. :)



My friend Nina went with me to thrift this last time and she is lucky! See that super cute green egg dish with rooster salt and pepper shakers? I almost bid on that on Ebay last spring! How fun to find it and for HALF what the starting bid was to boot! The little ashtray is from Japan and too cute, I think. I love the pink and green ruffled dessert plate and that ring holder is a Lenox and I love it, too. Lucky Lucky!

Before we head to the beach we're spending a few nights with my parents so you know Mom and I will be off to thrift bright and early tomorrow.

So everyone have a lovely Labor Day weekend and I'll be back after 9/9.

Big hugs!
Rebecca

The Thrift is Out There

I'm slightly re-obsessed with the X-Files as of late. I saw the new movie and was pretty disappointed so I've been watching classic episodes to make it go away. :) That reminded me of Halloween 1999 when my friend Alex and I dressed up as Agents Mulder & Scully.



We had fake cellphones, rubber gloves and those little flash lights. I made up those handy FBI badges, too. We would walk into a bar (we did a pub crawl) and people would yell "Scully!" Alex stuck by me all night because he said when we were separated he looked like a business man lol. I was actually sad to hang up my "Scully coat" that night.

In the X-Files Agent Mulder is constantly searching for "The Truth." Well around here I am constantly searching for "The Thrift."



China serving pieces. A steal at a church thrift for $3 for both pieces plus 5 small dessert bowls. The simple pattern goes nicely with my other pieces and it's nice to find serving pieces! I especially like the gravy boat/bowl on top. I also picked up a china rose platter for $1.



Another find at the church thrift for only 50 cents. Not vintage but so darn cute! That thrift was a gold mine.

I also found these vintage puppets:



(Soon to be in The Goodness Shop) and this gorgeous old apron:



Soon to be hanging from my apron rack :) It's wonderful and soft and was definitely an apron that got some use. I love the fabric and the ric-rack details.

At the "regular" thrift I lucked into some vintage fabric with the names of old airlines on it and this fantastic old photo album:



I'm really unsure of the age but it has that "grandma's attic" smell to it that might just be moth balls. It's in wonderful condition and I'm considering putting all of my old family pictures in there. I happen to own a little pack of Dennison photo corners, too. :)

So yes my friends, the Thrift IS out there. Now go on out there and find it. May the Force be with you.

R

Happy 300

Thank you to everyone who said such lovely things about my issues with THAT PLACE and THOSE PEOPLE. I am taking all of your advice and not letting it get to me and in fact, I'm over it. I've decided not to waste one more ounce of energy on it. :) So thank you ALL for making me feel much much better. :) And as for a blogging break . . . I'd miss you guys too much!

So this is my 300th post. Wow. That's a lot for me! I'll be having the traditional give away but I'm not ready yet so stay tuned for that in the next few weeks. I may wait until after my vacation.

I do have something for you crocheters out there. A pattern! It's a simple pattern and I'm sure it's been done before but since I wrote it down as I went along I figured why not share?

Crocheted Matroshka Doll




Materials

2 skeins of Lily Cotton in 2 coordinating colors
Size F or G hook (you should make a single crochet swatch to see if your stitches are tight enough to not let the stuffing show through with the larger needle. If not, use the smaller one.)
stitch marker
Felt scraps
Needle and coordinating thread or floss
stuffing
ribbon

Abbrieviations

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
w/ss = with slip stitch
sc2TOG = single crochet two stitches together
DNJ = Do Not Join
(# sc) = number of single crochet stitches you should have at the end of the round

IN COLOR NUMBER ONE (RED)

Ch 2, 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join w/ss, ch 1

2 sc in each sc around, join w/ss, ch 1 (10 sc)

(1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc) to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (15 sc)

(1 sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (20 sc)

(1 sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc) to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (25 sc)

(1 sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc) to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (30 sc)

(1 sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc) to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (35 sc)

(1 sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc) to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (40 sc)

1 sc in BACK LOOPS of each sc to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (40 sc)

1 sc in each sc to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (40 sc)

Repeat last row 3 more times (40 sc)

(1 sc in next 7 sc, 2 sc in next sc) to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (45 sc)

(1 sc in next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc) to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (50 sc)

1 sc in each sc to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (50 sc)

Repeat last row 2 more times (50 sc)

(1 sc in next 8 sc, sc2TOG) to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (45 sc)

1 sc in each sc to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (45 sc)

Repeat last row 1 more times (45 sc)

(1 sc in next 7 sc, sc2TOG) to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (40 sc)

(1 sc in next 6 sc, sc2TOG) to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (35 sc)

1 sc in each sc to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (35 sc)

(1 sc in next 5 sc, sc2TOG) to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (30 sc)

CHANGE TO COLOR NUMBER 2 (PINK)

1 sc in each sc to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (30 sc)

***you want to begin stuffing your doll as you go from now on***

(1 sc in next 4 sc, sc2TOG) to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (25 sc)

1 sc in each sc to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (25 sc)

Repeat last row 3 more times (25 sc)

(1 sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc) to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (30 sc)

1 sc in each sc to end, join w/ss, ch 1 (30 sc)

Repeat last row 4 more times (30 sc)

1 sc in each sc to end, DO NOT JOIN OR CH 1 (30 sc)

***you will begin a spiral here so you do not join the rounds or chain one at the ends***

Place stitch marker in last sc

(1 sc in next 4 sc, sc2TOG) to marker DNJ (25 sc)

****remember to keep stuffing!***

(1 sc in next 3 sc, sc2TOG) to marker DNJ (20 sc)

(1 sc in next 2 sc, sc2TOG) to marker DNJ (15 sc)

(1 sc in next 1 sc, sc2TOG) to marker DNJ (10 sc)

(sc2TOG) to marker DNJ (5 sc)

Remove marker and finish off with 6 inch tail. Thread tail on yarn needle and pull through last 5 stitches to close up the head. You should have a bowling pin shaped body.

Using your felt scraps cut out a circle for the face and hair. Trim your hair circle like the one in the picture and stitch together. Use french knots for eyes and small felt circles for cheeks. You can decorate the body however you like. I used a Sizzix die to cut my felt into a flower. Sew a piece of ribbon around the row where you change yarn colors.



You could use any kind of yarn but the Lily cotton is pretty cheap. You could also decorate with beads or buttons but I wanted my dolly to be baby safe. :)

If you make one, please let me know!! Also, if you find any issues with the pattern please tell me. I made a second one following the pattern to check it out and once I decorate her I'll share.

bug hugs
Rebecca

One Down . . .

Remember my Land of Misfit Toys? Well I finished one*, can you believe it?



See pink panda here? He actually survived being stabbed by the crochet hook (see it sticking out of his chest?) and went on to become . . .



Super Cute Pink Panda With Polka Dot Necktie. :) However, I think I'll call him Percy.



It's difficult to tell from these pictures but he really is quite adorable. And as he is made from the softest cotton yarn I'm sure he's soon to be squashed flat from hugs. That is if I can bear to part with him . . . we'll see. :) Percy is perched on a recently thrifted Shabby Chic box I found for $6. I can't resist anything by Shabby Chic it seems.

Panda pattern is from the current issue of Knit 1 Magazine. Though I had to do my body all in one color as I ran out of white yarn. Nice.

I also added some new goodies to The Goodness Shop:



Vintage Kokeshi dolls, vintage knitting pattern booklets, some soft pink seam binding, a hand crocheted lace collar, one of my watermelon potholders, vintage muslin pillow cases stamped for embroidery and of course, more vintage hankies.

I have more fun things to list including some vintage trim:



that I scored this weekend while thrifting with Catherine. Once I untangle it of course.

fondly ~ Rebecca

*technically I'm "finished" two as I decided not to finish the Hershey Kiss Kid LOL.

Odds & Ends

Aww . . . you guys . . . thank you so much for making me feel better about that disaster with the Tea Shop. Everyone of your comments was so kind and heartfelt. It truly made me feel loads better. I still have a few to answer and I will do so but for those of you whose email does not show up on comments THANK YOU. Thanks to everyone. I think my next step will be to send a certified letter and we'll go from there. I've been informed that their website is unavailable now. Hmmm . . .

Anyway, enough of that talk. I've been really trying to be productive and use up some of my supplies.



These came out quite a bit cuter than I thought. I made two in this green pattern and two in this pink:



The covers are just single crochet sewn over the hangers (I just eyeballed the length and width) and the flowers are from Nicky Epstein's Crocheted Flowers. The red rose on the first hanger is actually the one shown on the cover of the book. It's a good source if you want to be able to make different flowers but her projects are a bit crazy as usual. I don't see my self crocheting a bridal bouquet of wedding lilies any time soon. :)

Another great scrap yarn project is the potholder. And since it's summer . . .



Who doesn't love a watermelon potholder? I know Shara sure does! Pop on over and ask her how many she has in her collection. :) These came out nicely! Made with the cheap Lily cotton I can't seem to resist.

Hopefully I'll keep up the momentum!

Thank you again for all the support! Stay tuned, giveaway coming soon!

RR

Overdue

I am long overdue in saying thank you for some happy mail:



Photobucket is being difficult today and won't let me rotate the photo for some reason. Grrr.

Anyway, this is my Parasol swap package from Melissa! She made me a lovely key chain that says "Make," a lovely fabric flower brooch and a sweet vintage fabric needle book. She also tucked in some cute pink yarn (that I am pretty sure will become a stuffed bunny!), mix for raspberry mousse and some cocktail umbrellas. What isn't pictured are some mints (that I put on my desk at work) and a baggie of doggie biscuits that the boys tore into right away. Thanks, Melissa!

As I mentioned, I had TWO partners for the parasol swap. My other partner was Chrystal. She doesn't have a blog but maybe she'll be convinced to give it a try!



Chrystal lives in Canada and is working at a restored village for the summer. She treated me to some candy from the sweets store there including some yummy Glee Gum. She also included a pamphlet from the park where she is working, some fun cup cake picks to use like cocktail umbrellas (clever!) and a wooden bracelet to decorate. I think I'll decoupage it. :) For the handmade part she embroidered this sweet monogrammed pendant:



What lovely stitching! Thanks again, Chrystal!

And some surprise happy mail from Shara:



She sure knows how to make my day. :) Look at all this fun stuff! I always loved things with my name on it. And this should keep people from stealing my pencils at work. :) Thanks, Shara, you know I love it all!!

I feel so lucky to get such fun mail. :)

hugs
R

Thrift Me Something Good

I've found some interesting things at thrift lately. Usually I fill my cart with fabric, books and the occasional pot or pan. Now I'm still doing that but I've netted a few treasures as well.



I spotted this in with a big jumble of baby blankets. I didn't even notice the tag when I grabbed it.



It's adorable! And in perfect shape. Sorry for the dark photo.

This was the same day I found the baby book from 1977, also unused, and this too cute pillow case:



Don't you love it?? Now what to do with it? I'm sitting on a huge pile of vintage pillowcases right now that I was going to list in the shop but sales have been slow and I don't want to incur more listing fees right now. I just don't know what I want to do with all of them.



I love this rose candle holder! It says made in Italy on the bottom and it matches my Franciscan ware perfectly!

So I've felt lucky lately. I hope it continues, I plan to hit the thrift tomorrow while running errands.

Well my friends, I've decided to go computer free for a few days so have a wonderful weekend and I'll be back next week hopefully with more treasures to share!

Cheers!
Rebecca

Magpie Tendancies

Mission 1 accomplished! I managed to list some new things in The Goodness Shop!

To honor my magpie tendencies, I've put together some Goodness Magpie Boxes:



Inside each box is a collection of goodies to Feather Your Nest!



Including vintage game pieces, bits of fabric, wooden spools and other notions. Soon I'll have button packs to offer as well! I have many fun vintage buttons to share.

Also new in the shop . . .



New vintage hankie lots, vintage dolls and a sweet vintage baby book



Vintage gloves, invitations, some wonderful British pop-up books and new Goodness Paper Packs!

To everyone who has supported The Goodness Shop - THANK YOU! I love hunting for and sharing treasures with you. Now off to do some Etsy shopping myself!

Cheers!
Rebecca

Land of the Misfit Toys

I'm in a rut. I don't know what it is. I'm not one who flourishes in the summer like some people do. I hate the heat. I hate to sweat. We live in the city where summer is oppressive rather than care free. It's just not my season and I can't seem to focus. My DH is having a hard time, too. He told me he's either having a midlife crises or going through puberty again. Whatever it is, he's driving me nuts. Thank goodness we have a vacation at the end of the month to look forward to. I think we both need a break.

To break out of my rut I'm again (or still) cleaning out the craft room. I feel like I just move stuff from one side to the other but at least I'm doing something about it. During the process I noticed how unfocused I really am with the abundance of half done projects fondly known as UFOs.



So welcome to my Land of the Misfit Toys. You'll notice my dolly still has no face nor does my monkey. The pink dog needs eyes and a tail and that brown lump* will eventually be a rabbit (though the stuffing shows through the stitches a bit too much for my liking) and that's a pink panda there on the right. Seriously, I need to just finish them! I don't see why I'm having such a hard time. I also have two crocheted baby sweaters that only need to have buttons sewn to them. That would take 20 minutes. Like I said, NO FOCUS.

So starting tomorrow I'm kicking it in gear. No more excuses. If I didn't have to go to the office for work I'd be starting today. You'll be seeing a lot more things up in the shop and I'll also be putting together another tiara bag of goodies for a giveaway. I might even try EBay again just to get rid of some things. I really wish I could have a big yard sale but I don't think that flies in Queens. :)

So again, send me some energy, motivation and focus. I need it! I do have some really find thrifty finds from the weekend to share and hopefully, some completed toys, later in the week. Thanks for sticking by me when I'm not feeling so creative. I promise you, Fall will be different.

heartfelt . . . Rebecca

* my husband saw the brown lump and said "what's with the Hershey's Kiss Kid? Where are you going with this?" NICE

Tea Time

When I visited my mother a few weeks ago she surprised me on Sunday morning with a lovely tea:



The table cloth, placemats, mis-matched china and glass creamer are all thrifted. Where do you think I get it from? :)



She baked assorted muffins, I think the chocolate macadamia nut were my favorite, and had toast with butter and jam. It reminded me of our trip last September to T Party. Sadly, Susan has had to close the shop and I've very glad I got the chance to visit!

Mom kept our tea warm with a tea cozy I gave her for mother's day:



You may have guessed that I purchased the gorgeous cozy from The Queen. I have one my self and they really keep your tea pot hot! I believe she uses wool blankets to insulate them. Her Majesty is quite the crafty lady!

I'll be back soon with a sweet project I'm working on and some thrifty fun.

hugs
Rebecca