Playing Hookey

After being so busy with my Open House and wholesale orders, I made en executive decision and had a day off yesterday.  Bliss.  First on my list was to take my sewing machine for a service as the poor thing has been working overtime lately and I wanted to pre-empt any problems. A quick visit to the bank and then I hit the charity shops.




And yes, it was all fabric.  So here is all it.  The above photograph is some vintage Laura Ashley fabric that is destined for shower caps.  Do people still wear shower caps?  Or am I barking up the wrong tree with this one?

The next lot is just for me.  A skirt I think:




And how could I resist this pile of vintage sheeting.  More clothing I think and after reading some of your comments, I am going to try my hand at making some smock tops for ladies




Here is is blowing on the washing line.  It came straight from the shop and straight onto the washing line.  I love clothes that have been dried on the line, they have that smell of fresh air about them




With some of the proceeds from my Open House I decided to invest in some storage boxes for all my products.




They are usually stored in boxes - just two large boxes rather than sorted into smaller ones.  The idea behind this thinking is that it should be easier to find items rather than looking through a big box, I can see straight away what is in each box. 




And of course, being slightly obssessive about these things mean that I have stored similar products in with each other.

And whilst I was in one of the charity shops I found these silver Ikea boxes which will be perfect for my ribbons and trims




And just in case you get the wrong impression of me sweeping about the charity shops all day. scooping up large amounts of fabric, I did have two specific items in mind




Ethan's year are putting on The Wizard of Oz for their end of year play.  And he is one of the tree that grabs Dorothy et al as they walk through the woods.  I am going to keep this as simple as possible and make leaves to sew on the polo neck.

Do you know I am sure that they keep the more challenging costumes for my boys as the teachers know I can sew!

Comments

[Kim]

I know just what you mean about school costumes!! Love the new fabric, particularly the skirt one. Glad you had a day off too!
Kim x

[sarah]

Wow what good finds !! Love the yellow material with the white daisy flower on !

[Hazel]

Your open house sounds like a great idea, I hope it was a big success :) I totally agree with hanging washing on the line, especially sheets and table cloths, I love the outdoor smell that lingers on them. Your storage boxes are great (I am a neat freak and love all forms of storage!) Just left a couple of messages on your flickr site and now I am going to pop into your etsy shop for a peek!

[ally]

Good thinking!
Love being able to see everthing in the boxes.
I can not wait to see your tree!

[lindsey]

Shower caps are a great idea. Usually they are just boring ones picked up in hotels. Yours are great!

[Elizabeth]

Wow - that was some nice fabric you found. Most of the sheets in the charity shops here are utterly horrible. I think shower caps are a good idea - I use one myself sometimes. Also, great idea for the adult size smocks.

[lesley]

You need to learn how to stand back with a blank look on your face, who me, sew, I don't think so.......

Love the boxes - great idea.

will also be handy for carting everything up to the next Country Living Fair

[heidi]

look at you getting all organized! the pic of the sheets on the line was awesome! good luck with the wizaed of oz...we are a bit partial to that one over here in kansas!

[Jen]

I like to see what other people buy LOL Do you know, I have two vintage 70s French sheets with little flowers on, rather pretty I think. I have used them non-stop for 30 years but we don't have a single bed in the house any more... I put them on ebay and no one wanted them :( You interested?

[marie]

What terrific finds at the charity shops. They were my favourite haunts when I lived in England, as there were some great bargains to be found. I really miss being able to go to town and have a good rummage around - there just isn't the same quality of goods in the thrift shops here.

[Jade]

I love the sheet on the top of the stack - I bought the same one last week...from an op shop here in Australia

I love your blog! Congrats on the open house - everything looked lovely.

[lazylol]

Great thrifting! Love the boxes and you will be all ready to load them into the car and do a craft fair at the drop of a hat!
I think people do still wear shower caps and I bet they will like yours instead of the horrible plastic ones available at the supermarkets. The tops for ladies sound like they will be a good line too. You have some great ideas.

[Alison]

I wish I had better storage. Those clear boxes are a great idea!
Alison x

[claire]

Oh you're so tidy and organised. Those boxes looks so lovely. Why do mine never look the same?

[claire]

Oh and I always wear a shower cap! Stops all those little curly bits going curlier when washing my face!