Update on the vintage trunk

Remember my vintage trunk find?

The makeover is finally over so there it is,

I love it!

I had the perfect vintage fabric for it and after a few layers of Modge Podge, it looked fantastic!

I have that thing for vintage suitcases, vintage fabrics and Modge Podge ...

This is an old sewing machine case - revisited by me.

Now I can look at my wardrobe and smile.

Update on the September Op SHopping Challenge

Item one : The messenger bag.

It was always going to be an easy one. All I did was adding some velcro strip and some stars, just like I did for Ramon's Birthday gift; a very simple but effective embelishment.

I've also stitch a small patch of camo fabric on the back.

This will go under the Christmas tree for Louis. I will add a few goodies inside, like a torch or perhaps those night vision goggles he's been wishing for ...

October Finds, October Feast.

I am so exited to show you my October finds! I've said it before, you can never predict what you'll find during an Op Shop trip and this time, I am especially pleased with my purchases. I have found something I desperately needed, something I've been wishing for and something unexpected.
Two items were found while we were holidaying on the South coast, the other at my usual address. Once more I've noticed than even Op Shops prices vary depending on the location, and the small old church based shop on the South coast was definitely full of bargains!




Something I desperately needed: A pantry!

Yes, for years, would you believe it, we have been doing without a proper pantry. Instead we had two narrow shelves, with only two tablets. They were difficult to access (too high) and therefore to organise. Not enough space meant that everything was stacked on top of each other and you'd never know what might jump onto you when you opened the doors. These days are over.
Meet our new (old) pantry:

.
Of course, it needs a bit of work. Like a new coat of paint.

I love the three doors system and all that new storage space!

I can't wait to get started on that project.

So I called for help,

and received tips from the experts.

What's that Lino? Black chalkboard paint for the doors. I couldn't agree more!

 So keep an eye; you should soon see my restored new old pantry.




Something  I  was wishing for: A vintage Trunk

I couldn't quite believe my eyes when I saw this.

It is damaged, but not beyond repairs. And for only $5, it is definitely worth a try. The old canvas needs to go and it also needs new lining inside.

But I've got an idea. If you have followed me on Pinterest, you might have noticed the Mod Podge Suitcase tutorial I have recently pinned. I will do just that and I think I even got the right fabric for it.
It is a big project, but I'm up for it!





Something unexpected: A Mini Dresser

Now, I said "unexpected" because it was exactly what I was looking for. Therefore I was very surprised to find it! It only needs a good cleaning and maybe I could line the inside of the drawers for extra cuteness. This little dresser will go perfectly with the project I'm working on at the moment.
 Project I'm very excited to show you ... soon!

Tally for this month finds:

September Op Shopping Challenge: Item 2: The Terry Towel

I was feeling a little dull this morning. I needed to work on something bright and stimulating. Then I remembered the red and pink towel from my September finds. It was exactly  the project I needed.

Goodbye dullness, Hello sunshine!

OOPI bright Reversible Terry Towel Beach Bag

  A comfy beach bag with a terry towel side to rest your head against while lazily lying on that dreamy, exotic white sand ... Alternatively it works very well too at the local public pool.

 with an oilcloth inside for all the wet stuff:

And best of all it's reversible, so you have two bags in one.



Reversible Oilcloth Beach Bag with a big front pocket

Pairing terry Towel with Oilcloth has given the bag enough stiffness to stay up and opened; always a plus for a tote.

Now, this would make a nice Christmas present for someone I know ... I'd just need to add a little oilcloth zippy pouch for all the bits and pieces ... Et Voila; another Op Shop item revisited!

Tell me what you think and keep an eye for the Reversible Terry Towel Tutorial. Coming soon!

September Op Shop challenge: Items 4 & 5

You remember the Vintage Pillowcases I had found during my September Op Shopping session?
The old cotton was beautiful, the ruffle superb but it was too damaged to make something for Mia ... Yet I had a little dress in mind ... A white little dress paired up with the placemat I had found to keep the vintage look. Well, if there wasn't enough fabric to make the dress for Mia, surely there was enough for her doll ...

Now, I must say that I am more than pleased with the result: I'm OOPI pleased! I'm out there wishing I was a little girl again!

This little dress screams tea-parties ...

I have now another item to add to Mia's Bitty Baby Christmas bundle.

So cute and so easy to make.

And because there was still some fabric left, I couldn't resist making a little matching bonnet.

Tutorial for this darling set will come soon. Keep an eye.

September Finds ...

Clever or Clutter?

There is nothing like a tour of the local "Op Shops" for a bit of excitement. I just love it. You can never predict what you will find but very rarely do I come back home empty handed. For sewing, these shops are endless suppliers of vintage fabrics and refashion possibilities ...

Now, it is one things to collect stuff with ideas in mind, another to actually translate these ideas into completed projects ... and not clutter.So I have decided to share here what I buy during my monthly, (some time quarterly) "Op shopping" outings and show how and if, I have used them.

Challenge is on!

ITEM ONE:
The messenger Bag

Now this is an easy one. Not much work needed and not too much thinking required either. This will be a great present for Louis. It's the perfect size to carry around his abundant collection of Nerf Bullets.

It's in perfect condition.

With cute mini flags like details on the side. All I need to do is add a few finishing

touches. Too easy.



ITEM TWO:
The bright towel

I fell in love with it immediately. The bright colours, the retro feel ... It is incredibly thick too.

 Fantastic quality ... But it doesn't match any of the towels

 I've got home. So I'm thinking this towel is destined for better things ...

I'm looking at it and I'm seeing this summer new beach bag with a big funky fabric

 pocket on the front ... a spa wrap could be a good idea too.


ITEM THREE:
The stripey quilt cover

 Now, I'm not usually a big fan of these kind of stripes - not for bed linen anyway- but again, the quality is fantastic, very very nice cotton. It is very boyish so whichever project I decide on, I know it will be for them.

More stripes on the inside ...

This represents a huge amount of fabric so it will be used for large projects. Could this be a tent ?

This is the most challenging item so far because I know that if I don't use it, it will clutter my already over crowded fabric shelves ...

ITEM FOUR

Vintage Pillowcases

Although they are damaged, lots of tiny holes, I was most happy to find these two vintage pillowcases, because I love ruffles but I hate making them! 

and these are definitely re-usable.

 
Simply stunning.

Discovering the monogram "M" was an added bonus.

Mia is a lucky girl.

ITEM FIVE

The placemat

Cute print, beautiful cotton ...

I only wish there was more than one. Still there enough fabric to make a little something ...

ITEM SIX

The spotty pillowcase.

Bright, cheerful ... colourful spots are always welcome on my shelves, especially when they're hosted by a deep chocolate brown. Yum!

Total tally for my September finds:

Keep an eye in the sewing section to see what I'll come up with.