To a new blog thats more about making stuff from the vintage fabric I've been talking about on this blog.
Plainly Jane is the new blog to go a long with my etsy shop.
I'll be updating new projects I'm working on both for my little ones and for the store.
Let me know if you like it...
I like to think I'm a library of random information. Most of the time I like to know a little bit about a lot of things, and then every so often I delve a little deeper and become an expert on something totally obscure.
As such, this is one of my new favorite websites. It actually IS a library of totally random information. Enjoy!
(picture is a little wool felt bag with a bike - very fun to make).
Before I start, I wanted to show you this dress I made from Kohura's Clothes. I just love this pattern and added a vintage button and vintage french ribbon from Charlotte as a closure. This is my favorite so far, but its still to big for Livy.
I had a question from a reader about where I get some of my supplies. As most of you know, I try to get all my materials second hand - from thrift stores and the like. I just like finding fabric with a history and that is way too close to the trash bin. I like the eco-friendly aspect of it.
But when I can't get what I need from the thrift store or if I'd like a little japanese fabric (I just love japanese fabric), I turn to the sources I've listed below. I also seek places that take PayPal so that the proceeds from my Etsy sales fund the next batch of goods that go up on Etsy.
LINEN ($5-$7 per yard): I love to sew with linen, but was having a hard time finding quality linen at good prices. I ran across all sorts of colored linen tablecloths at thrift stores, but I never seem to find natural or brown colors. I finally found fabrics-store.com. What a great place for inexpensive linen and they take PayPal! They've got all sorts of colors and thicknesses from sheer to canvas. I have yet to place an order, but I've heard its great.
WOOL FLANNEL ($8-$10 per yard): There are a few I've found affordable wool. First, Chloe's Toes Boutique has a limited selection. Another option is Fashion Fabrics Club which has great prices on just about everything and a huge selection of wool flannel.
WOOL FELT ($8 per 18" square): Magic Cabin has a great selection of wool felt. They even have a 14 color felt pack for $35. You can find a better selection of wool felt, felting supplies, and roving at A Child's Dream Come True. Neither one accepts PayPal though.
CORDUROY: The Fashion Fabrics Club carries a huge line of stretch and 100% Cotton Corduroy.
CANVAS: I love the selection at Hart's Fabric. They take PayPal.
ORGANIC AND NATURAL FABRICS: My favorite store is Near Sea Naturals which carries nearly everything you need to sew organically. You name it and they have it: wool, hemp, cotton, and blends of tencel and silk. They have knit and woven fabrics in very pretty colors and patterns. I expected their products to cost a bit more, but they are EX-PEN-SIVE. You can find some seconds and thirds on their site though. They do accept PayPal.
OILCLOTH: Hart's Fabric is also good for Oilcloth at a great price.
JAPANESE FABRIC: My three absolute favorite on-line stores: SuperBuzzy, Purl, and Reprodepot. Each one has a fantastic selection of Japanese fabrics and kits, but other notions and trendy fabrics. Each accepts PayPal.
JAPANESE CRAFT BOOKS: The cheapest Japanese craft books I've been able to find are on Yesasia.com. Don't be intimidated by the foreign language, just click English. The only problem I've had is searching for what I want. I generally look for kids clothing patterns and finally found them under "homemaking" (I think). Their books are at least 1/3 less than any other source I've found and FREE shipping for any order over $25 anywhere in the world.
LEATHER: I found just plain leather hard to find. I was looking for scrap leather in neutral colors to make baby shoes and found Brettuns Village. They sell a bunch of different thicknesses and colors. They've got great prices, take PayPal, and have FREE shipping. What could be better.
LEATHER BAG HANDLES: They seem impossible to get sometimes. I've found Tall Poppy Craft has some vinyl and leather.
Thank to those of you who've asked about or commented on my materials. I've been meaning to post about my favorite on-line shops. Let me know if you've got any others that are just fabulous and inexpensive while still of good quality.
I finally did it. I started sewing girl's dresses, pants, scarves, and shoes a few weeks ago, trying them on Livy and then setting them aside. My idea arose from the fact that I'm not too fond of pink and frilly. Don't get me wrong, Livy has some of both in her closet - and they are pretty cute on her. I just wanted more options than purple or pink with kittens and butterflies.
So, I started sewing from Japanese Pattern Books and then making up my own patterns. I use vintage or repurposed fabric, buttons, wool, zippers, etc., all natural fibers (as far as I can tell), and very simple patterns to make clothes for girls that are minimal and understated, but still with a childish cuteness.
I'm concentrating on fall and winter wear which seems utterly ridiculous considering its been in the high 90's and feels like 107 degrees most days. I found several yards of gorgeous wool in neutral colors floating around The Humane Society Thrift Store last weekend and couldn't wait to dive into them (hence the scarves and shoes). Today I made a fabulous little jacket that actually fits Livy very well now (meaning it probably won't by winter time so look for it on Etsy).
I've only got about 8 items up on Etsy now. Nothing is selling, but its nice to see that people are actually looking at them. If they don't sell, than Livy has a fabulous woredrobe ahead of her because everything I've made, save the jacket, has been way too big.
Anyway, check out Plainly Jane by String and Scissor on Etsy. My String and Scissor store is still open too, but now I'm selling actual scraps from things I'm making and other supplies I have too much of. Here are a few more of the items I've put in the store.
My new favorite thing - Linen. I love the way it feels and how it sews like a hot knife through butter.
I really prefer to use found and discarded fabrics, but if I had to buy some I'd use this website for sure. Oh yes... lots of colors and thicknesses and really good prices. Did I say "really good"? Because I really meant GREAT, especially compared to other sites I've seen. The fabric-store.com has almost exclusively linen at prices from between $5 and $8 per yard. Let me repeat... $5-$8 per yard. And they accept paypal payments which, as anyone who sells on Etsy knows, is way too convenient.
My very talented cousin, Erin of Elsa Bloom, and I have decided to do a fabric swap. We recently reconnected after losing touch for a while, and we discovered we both love sewing, vintage fabric, japanese sewing patterns, and Superbuzzy - interests we cultivated independently from one another. It must be in our genes. Anyway, I STUFFED the largest flat rate box I could find full of my favorite fabrics. And because I wish I were there in person to tell her exactly what each is, I wrote little lists telling her where I found each one. I hope she loves it!
As I mentioned in my last post, I am completely nuts over japanese sewing patterns. In the last week I have made no less than 3 simple skirts, 3 pairs of pants, and a dress. All are from this book:
This morning, I remembered a post praising the miracle called Yesasia.com. I remembered most of all that the post (which I don't remember the name of) mentioned FREE SHIPPING worldwide with orders over $25. What? I hate paying for shipping. Its so darn expensive that I could buy another book for the same price it costs to send my book across the states. I bought 3 books this morning for under $50 shipping (or no shipping rather) included. The downside is that it may take more than a month to get my books, but by then I'll probably have forgotten I ordered them. I'll just get a big surprise in the mail! Already though, I can't wait to see whats inside them, so for now I'll post their pictures and pine away.
Perhaps more importantly, I have been making plans to open a new Etsy shop to sell garments that I've either made too many of or that don't fit Livy or Liam. Livy is such a ham that the moment I put her in something I've just made, she runs to the full length mirror and poses and twirls. She's only 22 months old and already a clothes hound. Liam keeps telling me he wants a new dress, so one of the books has boy patterns.
Anyway, I think at least 2 of the skirts and several pairs of pants will end up in the shop. I've also made three scarves that will end up there too. I'm hoping I'll be able to sell some since its justification to make more, but we'll see. I'm trying to use all natural simple materials that I've repurposed or recycled. Lots of linens, some wools, and a bunch of cottons. I've had a ball searching for materials, but I think I may have to find a source to buy some of it new since it takes a lot more fabric to make pants than it does to make a patchwork. In the meantime, I'll continue the search for recycled materials. Its hard to tell sometimes though if something is pure or a blend, if so what else is in it. I don't like not being able to list "100% of xx" on the label if I can't be sure.
girls clothing from Japanese craft books. They are some of the sweetest simplest things I've ever seen. 
I've never (successfully) sewn something from a pattern because I hate to follow directions. I've also never (successfully) sewn clothing. Both of these things take too long for my taste and there are too many steps that I can mess up.
Yesterday I tried both and am very happy with the results even though the dress is a tad too big for Livy. I added seam allowances to the pattern and I'm really starting to wonder if they are already built in. I got the pattern from this book which came in the mail from Superbuzzy on Saturday.
It took me 4 hours from start to finish which included a little cuddle time with the kids. This pleases me tremendously because it means I must have improved my sewing skills quite a bit. since that time I tried to make a diaper cover.
One of the best parts is being able to use the vintage fabric I've been collecting. I have a ton of the fabric I used to make this dress because I thought I might mess up, but I'm thinking of making the same pattern from feedsacks next.
I really don't think I'd ever buy Livy clothing from a store again if I could sew fast enough.
Charlotte of Anknel and Burblets and I did a swap recently full of lovely vintage fabric, butter soft trims, and wonderful handmade gifts. Her package to me was so well thought out and wrapped so nicely - even the packing tape was something special.
Last week, I got several packages in the mail, mostly stuff I ordered from Etsy. Then I saw Charlotte's return address and excitedly opened that package first. The first item was a beautiful handmade zipper pouch that I immediately filled with my drivers license, cards, and money. The second was a beautiful green baby scarf that sets off Livy's red hair perfectly.
Charlotte - I had a great time swapping with you. Your generosity is truly amazing. Thank you so much for the Thank you gifts. They are extremely well made and will be cherished for years to come.
This is the first of a series of stuffed animals based on Urban critters. They are 100% recycled and vintage wool felt and machine sewn. I love working with in this medium because its so forgiving and doesn't fray. I almost feel like I'm sketching with a sewing machine.
As for a name, Midge the Pigeon. Be on the lookout for Merl the Squirrel very soon.
I love good mail. And I got some this week. It actually surprised me to open the mail box and see this HUGE envelope with tons of stamps from Australia! I've never had an overseas package before. AND I'd completely forgotten that I'd won a drawing at Whizzme's blog for a bundle of fabric.
I ripped open that envelope and was immediately in love with every piece of fabric in the pile, the cute stickers, and the handmade card. Samantha was more than generous with the pile too. I didn't expect quite so much!
It was a beautiful pile (that I've already ripped into) and very much appreciated! Thank you so much Samantha - that was a great piece of mail that really brightened my day!
Just popping in to show you my latest quilt. Its about18"x24". The Pigs scene is an applique I made from some vintage fabric I blogged about earlier. More pictures on flickr...
I started to take a few shots of some Cherry fabric that turned out to be a flour sack (picture at flickr to be blogged later) when my little girl, Livy came into the shot. She is 21 months old and a spitfire - every bit the redhead.
And her hair really is that red - really I think you'd call it orange. Its gorgeous. She is gorgeous. She's one of the two best things (along with her brother Liam) I've ever made, and one of the most rewarding.
Now that the weekend is over (and my friend's wedding), I can display the quilt I gave a sneak peek at last week.
This is it! I used all vintage or repurposed fabrics except for the larget grey stripe and the grey honeycomb backing. Some is silk, some polyester, most is cotton.
I actually bound the quilt in less than two hours which is an absolute record for me. It once took me 10 to bind a doll quilt. I guess I'm a little better at it (that and I HAD to get it done if I was going to gift it).
Anyway, this is my latest work. It hurt to part with, but it is in a much better home where kids won't drool on it (yet) and kittens will cuddle with it.
I read This Vintage Chica's blog yesterday (www.thisvintagechica.typepad.com) about finding the amazing stash of feedsacks at a Texas fleamarket. Believe me, its a truly astonishing number of gorgeous feedsacks for an unbelievable price. It reminded me of my oh-so-thrilling find last weekend...
Last Saturday morning, at my first thrift shop stop, I noticed several "pillowcases" thrown into the fabric bin. They looked old and handmade, with some puckering at the seams. The material looked strong and patterns interesting, so I bought them along with a zip lock full of scraps.
I got to the car and looked at my "pillowcases" a little more closely with this monologue in my head:
"thick cotton cording. thats weird. Its kind of twisted as its sewn. You would have to have some big ass pillows to fill these cases. Hmmm. This fabric looks pretty old and it feels kind of nubby. Maybe this is a sack of some... "
And I said to myself out loud "Oh my god, this is an unopened feedsack." I called my husband to tell him what I'd found, but he didn't seem to understand the significance.
The rest of Saturday Morning Thrifting was spent basking in the soft glow of my feedsack finds and feeling like a first class idiot for not figuring out what they were more quickly. I take solice only in the fact that I was still smart enough to buy them thinking they were pillowcases.
I don't know exactly why vintage fabric, especially of the feedsack variety, excites me so much. It may have to do with the history behind them. Feedsacks remind me how very lucky I am to be living during this era and in this place. The reasons they were saved reminds me that some people during the 20s and 30s were desperately poor. And yet, their cheerful prints and patterns tell me people still had hope thier luck would change.
Plus they are really pretty.
I cannot yet divulge all of the details of this piece. It is top secret since the recipient reads this blog, but I couldn't resist posting a sneak peak.
This was one of my more ambitious projects of the "I'll finish it next week" variety. This project, however, was a delight to work on and begged to be finished in time for a very close friend's wedding.
Each moment I spent chosing fabrics and sewing was also a moment spent reminiscing about our friendship. It has been such a joy to be her friend and equally joyful to be able to make this gift for such a special couple.
And the winner is... Abby!
I only had three people enter (3x more than I thought) so I decided to send all three of you something. If you could please email me your names and addresses, I'm going to send Abby a large fabric bundle and Lexi and Lauren a smaller bundle. If you have color preferences or theme preference, let me know when you send in your address and I'll try to come up with something along those lines.
Abby, I'll also include Mr. Skunk!
I love sharing this great fabric with people who appreciate it as much I do. Thanks for reading my blog!
I got this a few weeks ago at a thrift shop and forgot to post it! I just love it.
Some may be available at my Etsy shop soon if anyone voices an interest...
It seems that I've forgotten to post the address to the shop. Ooops!
www.stringandscissor.etsy.com
I have a few things up already! I will have more as the week progresses.
Thanks for looking!
PS The photo is of a vintage scrap pack that will be posted on etsy hopefully later today. It consists of smaller and odd shaped pieces of fabric along with repurposed napkins, table cloths, wools, felts, upholstery, etc. It really is a very cool little grab bag.
I've been telling you about my obsession with vintage fabric...
I have so much fabric that I've run out of excuses to buy more (which isn't acceptable). Most of my fabric is in yards as opposed to the smaller amount I actually want. Thus, I've been putting together Vintage Fabric Bundles, collections of 8-10 vintage or otherwise pre-loved fabric and notions in smaller, usable sizes (between 6" squares and 1/4 yard). They will also come in scrap bundles (measuring a few inches to 1/8 yard).
In celebration, I'm offering a Vintage Fabric Bundles to one person who reads my blog. If you'd like to be considered, please leave me a comment with your name and how to get in touch with you in case you win. The deadline is noon on Friday, May 25, 2007. In the event that more than one person reads my blog (I have serious doubts), I will have a drawing on Friday.
One unfortunate consequence of moving is not being able to find the all important accessories to important and often used equipment. The printer cable, the attachment to the hair dryer, and the battery recharger for the digital camera. In my case, the last one stings the most.
I have a suprise offering for you that I don't want to post until I can photograph it. And I can't photograph it until the recharger is found. Hopefully by tomorrow I will be able to post - with pictures - and will update you on my suprise!
I am a Pack Rat (note the capital "P" and "R"). I have a memory attached to everything I own and , thus, hate to give it or throw it away. I have boxes and bags of stuff that I have refused to part with. I guess you could call me, and the piles around me, messy. My husband is just the opposite. He loves to get rid of stuff any way he can as he hates clutter and messes.
In the process of packing for our move, I have made a major breakthrough that seems to have quelled my tendency to horde. Over the past month, I gave away three car loads of stuff we don't use anymore. And its only because I have figured out that if I have something I don't want, my husband is more than happy to watch the kids while I drop it off at the local thrift store. This means that I get to go into the thrift store by myself (even though there is a drive up drop off) and check out other people's old clutter.
Even better is this: All thrift stores in my town are within walking distance from each other so when I get to go to one - I sneak into all six. I know where all the fabric is in each shop. I know what I'm looking for and can't leave a roll of fabric behind if it grabs my eye.
I've gotten pretty quick and my husband is none the wiser unless I come home, like I did last Friday, with three bags stuffed with fabric like those in the picture. I found all of these, and more, in a course of an hour in thrift stores on the same block.
It was a good day for both those who hate tchockis and for those who love vintage fabric. Any way you look at it I think its a fair trade: a car full of clutter for a few bags full of bright vintage fabric that I can fold and refold, over and over again. I even keep it pretty neat.
Tomorrow is the closing on our first house and we couldn't be more excited. This said, I most likely will not be posting until next week. We are moving things all week with the grand finale next Saturday. I just can't wait to get set up in the new house.
The sewing machine is getting the gold treatment riding in the back of the SUV with my kids. It won't be packed at all.
Just popping in to show my two latest pincushions. I usually use felt for these, but thought I'd try fabric this time. I used the sewing machine which I don't usually do with felt. The one thing I learned - I cannot sew a perfect square. I'll have to work on that.
This was my best week yet. Look at this gorgeous fabric - each square is about 12" and there are 12 different blocks. 5.5 yards for $6.50!! Its thick almost like canvas.
This was the situation last Saturday.
I walk into a thrift store, the third thrift of the morning, after finding very little at the others. I walk into the disgustingly dirty "old linens" room where fitted sheets, old bath mats, and afghans make their not so temporary homes. I look through the entire room including on the shelving above the hanging racks and find an old calender towel that is way too used, but cute.
I turn to leave and my heart stops. Under one of the of the racks, peeking slightly out of a plastic grocery bag, I find folded yardage (I get so excited to find something I'm actually looking for)! I pounced on the bag as if ten other women were after the same thing, rummaged clumsily inside and found this fabulous acrobat fabric (picture above). I couldn't believe my eyes. As an aside, I also found some wonderful ticking in the same bag. My cost for this marvelous 5+ yard hall - $2.00!
I NEVER find funky but oh-so-fun craft supplies when I go thrifting. I end up passing over some of the ugliest fabric in town - and not the good 70's kind of ugly either. I always find 80's ugly or cute 70's in polyester, neither of which interests me. I can't understand the country look and polyester doesn't feel right in my hands.
So it was my first really successful thrift! I am now addicted. I love the hunt and the thrill of never knowing just what you will find. And then the pure joy when you find something perfectly funky/adorable/usable for 50 cents - you can't beat it. I don't even feel guilty for bringing home the so-so, has-to-grow-on-me fabrics because its so cheap. I do, however, have to work on space to keep all of my new found loot.
Albeit only 12"x16", this is my first quilt. My sister asked me to make a security blanket, or a "wee" as my son calls it, for a friend who had just had a baby. I was very honored and still hope it looks nice enough for her to gift it. Of course she said she loved it, but she loves everything I've made so far.
There isn't much I don't like about a good fabric "lot". The idea of a pile of fabric showing up on my doorstep is completely exciting and not knowing what will come out of that bag makes it totally irresistable. At my house the pile is lovingly trimmed and washed, pressed, folded, and then ogled. I stare at it and wonder what glorious goods will come out of the lot.
I recently discovered Dewitt Co.'s vintage fabric lots - up to 24 different pieces of vintage goodness. Who could resist when you might get these?
A great fabric grab bag can also be found a Reprodepot.com. I was completely happy with the wacky selection from them. In addition to the grab bag, they sent little 2"x2" squares of other fabrics as samples. I love that!
Ebay is, of course, my favorite place to find a good fabric lot. This is truly a "one person's trash is another's treasure" kind of place where you never know just what you'll get.
With a good fabric lot, the hunt for treasure is as thrilling as the fabric itself.
Ages ago when I first started my studies in landscape architecture, translating 2-dimensional plans into the eventual 3-dimensional spaces challanged and frustrated me. In my grading classes I designed hills that were actually holes. It took a while for me to develop the "eye", to look at a plan and picture in my mind what it would really looks like.
The same thing has been happening to me with my 3-dimensional softies. The way 3 or 4 pieces of fabric come together to make the curves and contours of something 3-d fascinates me. I've been practicing with little succuss. My first attempt was a pitiful little dog that turned out looking like a fat sausage (legs coming out of the sides and not the bottom where I had intended) with a disproportionately small head.
This week I finally did it!I actually made a skunk out of 4 pieces of fabric - And it looks kind of like a skunk! It actually looks as I intended it to look. I am starting to get the hang of it, just like I was back in school.
Four characteristics that can be used to describe any project I attempt these days: creative, portable, able to be finished within a day or two, and kid-proof.
CREATIVE because after putting the same wooden train set together for the hundredth time, I need to create something soft and fuzzy. Running after two small kids means I don't sit down.
PORTABLE because I have to stitch standing up while the pasta boils. And sometimes whatever I'm working on ends up stuffed in my hip pocket while I attempt to keep my 18 month old from jumping off the couch.
ABLE TO BE FINISHED within a few days (or hours) because I have children whom I cuddle and love as much as possible which leaves little time for much else.
KID-PROOF because working on something in front of the kids means they think its for them - and it probably is. Even if it is for someone else, I like to know it has been beaten, chewed, and dragged around the house by my kids - and survived. I take pride in that kind of craftsmanship.
The only type of project that really fits is a pincushion (sans pins of course). Their form is only limited by my imagination. They fit neatly in a pocket, or preferably a little bin or pouch, and are relatively quick. They also double as building blocks in case you were wondering.
Here are a few of my recent creations:
This is my "Lake in the Woods" cushion.
No theme here just blocks of color and ribbon.
