Op Shop upcycling

Clever use of old doileys....I have always loved hand embroidered doileys and have quite a few in my collection of linen. I recently purchased a few patchwork and craft books from my favourite op shop and found a quick and easy pattern for making a shoulder bag using old doileys. There was absolutely no way I could cut up perfectly fine doileys so searched high and low for several weeks until I found enough with holes and tattered crocheted edges to make up this bag. My sister loved it as much as I did so naturally I had to make two. This bag now takes pride of place in my sewing room. I think it is quite pretty and shabby chic.

My latest Op Shop finds

I just love home made items and when I saw these 2 crochet throws, I just could not walk out the op shop without buying them. The red/white one was only $4 and the other which is quite large was $8. They washed up well and look quite good in my lounge. The throws have been beautifully crocheted. It makes you wonder why they would be given away however I am very glad they are in my home.

Pretty in pink

I am also trying my hand at decorating kufi hats with ribbons, bows and embellishments.(I can't take the credit for the crochet though) This is my first attempt and I am happy with it. Of course, it looks really sweet on Amelia.

Summer frilly set

I just love sewing these cool sets for summer - they look so cute on little girls.

The fabric is really sweet with the love heart lollies. Although the colour in this pic looks blue, the singlet is actually purple and the trimmings on the nappy pants are also purple.

Vintage sewing basket

This wicker sewing basket was purchased at a garage sale for the princely sum of $6. It was originally stained timber before my hubby sanded it back and painted it white. I did a little research on the net and it appears to date back to the 1940's and possibly had a lid although there is no evidence of how it would have been secured to the basket. The basket now holds a collection of dolls.

* Garage sale finds*

I just love anything vintage and old fashioned so when I spotted these two toys, I just had to buy them. At only $2 for the cradle and $5 for the rocking horse I believe they were bargains.

My plan is to give them lots of TLC, strip them and paint them in glossy white. Amelia has already tried the rocking horse and she enjoyed her horsey ride. Watch this space for my "after" photos.

This is my personally designed and sewn De Li from the UK children's television show Waybulloo. My granddaughter loves the show and I wanted to sew her a De Li doll especially for her. I searched the net however could not find a pattern. I attempted to draft a pattern and this is the result. After a few hours sewing, De Li was born. Amelia loves her so my efforts were worthwhile........

I think De Li is quite cute, don't you?

I am still learning....

I certainly wish I was a bit more computer savvy so I can create a really catching blogspot.  Watch this space!