Vintage Linens, Doilies and Laces...On 4R's Bucket List

Am I the only Vintage Linen-Doily-Lace Collector in this day of Microfiber Home Goods?  I know the answer without taking a poll...NO! 

I know this because Vintage Linen-Doily-Lace lovers come in my shop and say things like, "Oh, I have my grandmothers crocheted Pineapple Table Cloth...somewhere!  I should get it out of the cedar chest or plastic bag it's been stored in for years."

To that I say, "Yes, you should".

The next thing they say, "I don't want it to get ruined by using it."  To that I say, "You don't have to USE it as it was once used, and if you DON'T get it out of the cedar chest or plastic bag it will be ruined over time by the chemicals emitted by cedar and plastic."

"WHAT!!!  I didn't know that", they say.

So, I begin my talk on storing vintage linens. "Wooden drawers, chests, trunks or closets leach acids from the wood fibers that stain your linens.  Most plastics are even worse." {check out the Martha Stewart link for safe plastic tip}.

To safely store any linen item, new or old, line drawers with acid free paper or cotton cloth.  Or, wrap your linens in a cotton cloth or in a cotton pillow case.  This is especially important for quilts, too.  Try to lay pieces flat, but if folding is necessary pad with acid free tissue or strips of unbleached muslin to avoid permanent creasing.  There are numerous websites with information on storing vintage linens.  Here are a few:  WikiHow   Smithsonian   Martha Stewart

I often hear, "What do I do with them if they have stains, tears or other issues."  This is my favorite question to answer, and I do that by showing them my '4R's' pillows, ditty bags, jackets and more.  Once again, I am not the only Vintage Linen-Doily-Lace collector to do so.  However, I may be one of the few shop keepers in town who does, and who has some of their collection for sale.  Here are a few links to ideas on how to repurpose, etc. vintage linens...Sewing With Vintage Linens,  Sweet Vintage Linens, Pinterest.

Sue's MadeWith Fabric&Fiber Studio is currently featuring my Collections of Vintage Linens, Laces, Doilies and items I have made from them.  And...most of them are for SALE.

Afterall, I do have a '4R's Bucket List' to fill. 

Primitive Applique and Hand Quilting...4R's Bucket Listing

 Always drawn to anything depicting a sewing machine, I fell in love with and bought this quilt many years ago.  As one who sews pieces together on the machine and who also machine quilts, I knew I would never Applique or Hand Quilt a bed size quilt...much less in the primitive style. 

Not only does it have a sewing machine block, but also is a beloved 'Americana Themed Sampler'.  A sampler is a collection of different blocks put together in one quilt.  It's a favorite style of mine. 

Now, why this quilt has come to light after several years of hanging in my quilt closet...it is time for it to move on to someone else who loves Americana, Samplers, Applique and Hand Quilted bedding.  It now hangs on the '4Sale' quilt rack at Sue's MadeWith Fabric&Fiber Studio.

In many ways and for the reasons I was drawn to this quilt to start with...parting is such sweet sorrow.  However, in the realm of downsizing and working on my 4R's Bucket List...it's time for it to go.  In case you are interested...it is Queen size with standard pillow Shams.  As a primitive appliqued sampler, the applique is also what I would deem as primitive and the hand quilted stitching fits in the same category.  I purchased it from a Quilt Shop that specialized in production quilts, therefore it is not 'One of a Kind'. It is in excellent condition having been lightly used and laundered only once.  I'm selling it in my shop for $250...if interested...leave a comment.

 

Since I am not now or ever have been what one would call an obsessive Hand Quilter...it is also time to purge Hand Quilting Thread and those Quilting Betweens.  OMGoodness, they are not my favorite stitching needles with those tiny eyes. 

On the 4R's Bucket List they go.

Practical Paradise Bucket List

I have a short Bucket List.  For one thing, I pretty much get on with most things I would put on a bucket list.  And, for another thing, I'm practical.  No skydiving or climbing Mt. Everest, and for sure no African Safari's for me...I'm good with watching 'The Lion King'. 

Having a 'Practical Bucket List' keeps me grounded because we all know how my 'OverDoSueness' has a way of getting out of hand.  For instance...could I just get the spinning wheel without having to build a barn for raising sheep to shear wool which has to be cleaned, carded, made into roving and of course dyed, spun, ply'd, nitty noddy'd, and I don't know what else cause I'm a newbie spinner with 2 lessons under my belt. ??!!  Answer....Of course I can! 

Like I said, I'm practical and there's no space in my back yard for raising sheep.  That eliminates all that goes with getting it from sheep to shop.  And I've already done my homework on 'Shops' that carry roving already dyed and even ply'd and nitty noddy'd.  Although, from what I learned in lesson 2 the plying is going to be one of my 'OverDoSue' Fun and Funky things.  As for the 'Nitty Noddy'...it's a tool I think I can make.  So there ya go.  It's settled...I CAN just get a spinning wheel!

Ordered it this morning. 

I'm in Practical Paradise Bucket List Heaven!

A Vintage 4R's Bucket List Bash!

As a Crochet Collector...I am beginning to feel more like a Crochet Hoarder!  Little did I realize how MANY crochet pieces have been stashed here and there.  It all came to light as I readied them for display and to join the '4R's Bucket List'...Rescue-Repurpose-Recycle-Resale.  I think I have rescued my share, repurposed them in sewing projects, recycled ones with issues in wall hangings, sun catchers and more.  NOW it is time to Resale.

It was actually fun to decorate and display them in my Studio Shop. 

They are a perfect companion group to the Vintage Quilts and my upcoming theme

'Vintage Valentines'. 

It's a Vintage 4R's Bucket List Bash!

Doily Recycled Knitty Ditty Bag Binge

As you know if you have been a reader of CollectInTexasGal for awhile, I am a Recycler!  Certainly of all things that can go in the city provided recycle bins, but also of all things Fabric and Fiber.  I especially recycle-reuse-repurpose and try to resale my collection of vintage doilies and fabrics.

 

Here are a few examples of my latest vintage recycle efforts, and yes, they are bags.  I thought I was through making bags after the last Bag Buster Binge, but I just can't help myself!

Ditty Bag...A small container for odds and ends.

Long ago, Sailors used one to hold needles and thread. 

Some held everything from lipstick to crumbs of bread.

So, no matter how Odd your Ends are...this bag is for them.

Needleworkers Ditty Bag or in this case...Knitty Ditty Bag!

Whole New Something or The Others

If 'Waste Not-Want Not' was a part of a persons DNA that was handed out in the 'Waste Not-Want Not DNA Line' then I'm pretty sure I was both 'First and Last' in line.

First so I got my fair share and Last to get whatever was Leftover.  I mean, there is some stuff that nobody wants, but still has possibilities to become more than it was.

It's that kind of thinking that has landed me in a 'Want Not State of Stuff' that I feel compelled to make 'Whole New Something or The Others'.

So, here I am with a 'Want Not' for over one hundred samples of drapery and upholstery fabrics that were destined for the dumpster.  "Oh what a waste that would be," said I,  and promptly rescued them to come home with me and dwell amongst the over one hundred patterns rescued a few weeks earlier.

Bless their beautiful patterned and textured hearts, they were completely battered and unorganized which required sorting into like patterns, colors, textures, and possible future 'Whole New Something or The Others.

  Two Whole New Something or The Others.

by

4R's Sue

Rescue-Recycle-Repurpose-Resale

Apronista Tech Tips on Link Within~Labels~Pinterest

It is well known here on CollectInTexas Gal, that I have a thing for Aprons.  I can go so far as to say that just about everyone I know...friends and family...know about my Apron Obsession.

I know, here we go again with the 'OverDoSueness'.  It is true, I once had a huge collection of Vintage Aprons, but it has scaled down with last years '4R's Bucket List'...especially the Re-Sale part.  There are still a significant number in that collection which will be a focus for 2015's '4R's Re-Sale'.

With that out of the way, I can move on...to 'Back To The Future Apronista' movement.  Notice I am working on enjoying the sewing moments now that I have re-embraced my 'Fabric Stash'.  So much so that I am dragging out re-introducing the APRON posts from CITexas Gal's Archives and sharing my Pinterest Apron Board.

One of the advantages of subscribing to Link Within is it's SEO (search engine optimization) ability to zoom in on key words within posts text and photos and retrieve past posts with the same key words and photos.  This leads to the strip of photos, titles and link to previous posts entitled 'You might also like'.  It is so easy to add this widget to your blog.  If you would like to check it out...HERE is the link to Link Within website.

In addition, Link Within, gives you...the blog writer...a reminder of those previous posts that may need to be included in your Post Labels.  A quick check on the 'post footer' will let you know right away if you Labeled that post.  If you are like me, sometimes forgetful and quick to hit publish before checking the Labels Setting, the edit pencil gives you the opportunity to do so. 

Okay...moving on to my Pinterst Apron Board.  Yet another labeling tool of sorts for Future Reference...ideas for, in this instance...APRONS.  And, Boy Howdy, are there lots of creative folks on Pinterest in every category from Aprons to Zippers.  CollectInTexas Gal's APRON Board also provides a place to post my own Apron Collection and posts about them....like this post...which I will post to Pinterest via the Pinterest Icon in the 'Footer'...

Also, on the footer is the 'google+' icon which gives your post even more exposure within your 'Google Circle of Friends'.  If you are a Google user and not in my Friends Circle, I invite you to join my Circle...it's easy...it's on my Sidebar...Google+ Followers.  And of course, if you want you can post your post to Facebook with the icon.  I do have a CollectInTexas Gal Facebook Page I occasionally post to....the link is also on the sidebar.

Gotta Go Sew on the Tea Towel Aprons!

Here is

Pinterest Apron Board Link
and

Link Within Website
and
Beverly's How Sweet The Sounds Pink Saturday

Introducing CITexasGal's SLING BAG COLLECTION

From the  DESIGN WALL to YA'LL...HoHoHo!!!

This really should be called the Stash Buster Bucket List Bag since the fabrics are from my UseIt or LoseIt Fabric Stash.  It also fits the 4R's Bucket List...especially the Re-Sale part.  I must admit, however, I have picked up a few fabrics to compliment and coordinate with the 'Themes' of the Sling Bags.  For instance...

The Western Sling Bag

Here are the properties... functions as a purse with a padded phone pocket embedded in the front panel.  Features a loop for hooking your keys which hangs from the interior strap on the same side as the phone pocket.  The inside has two 'Triangle Pockets' for separating your wallet and small make-up bag.  The entire bag has a layer of batting sandwiched between the exterior and the inside lining.  The strap is a comfortable width on your shoulder or can be carried on your arm with ease.





There are Themes for Pets and Vets.  My dog Dolly's Vet loved her 'Doggie Bag'.

Then there are the popular paisley and chevron patterns.  Let's call them 'The InThing Sling'. 

 

I'm working on more. 

The 'Made To Order Sling Bag' Fabric Options are in progress.

 

The Western Swing 'RideEm Cowgirl' is READY for Orders.

RideEm Cowgirl....$38...plus shipping.

To Order...email

collectintexas@gmail.com

payment and shipping options available.

Groovy To Be A Square 'Granny Square' Maker

By the time Fall/Autumn season arrives, I am ready for the change in weather and more than ready for swapping Capris and T's for Slacks and Sweaters.  As you can see, I got in the Fall Color mode a while back...like in August...with Granny Squares and Fabrics.  It is part of my 4R Fiber BlowOut Bucket List in preparation for the Fall Season Sales I will be doing on the First Saturdays of October, November and December. 

The batch of Needle Keeper Books are finished and ready for this coming Saturdays sale.  I had a fun time sewing this combination of 1930's fabrics for the cover which has a definite feel of Autumn.  Inside each of the Needle Books are a few vintage notions from my collection.  I love the way they turned out. 

The 'Granny Square' was the first crochet block pattern I learned to make.  It was long before I ever thought about being a 'Granny', and thought it a funny name for my 1960's Poncho pattern.  I loved it so much that just about everyone on my Christmas List got a 'Granny Square' something or the other.  I was an 'OverDoSixtiesSue'. 

I am enjoying the 'New Granny Square' patterns and variations on the old one. 

 My 'Crochet Items Pinterest Board' is full of 'Groovy Granny Squares'. 

 I know, nobody says 'Groovy' anymore...especially in the same sentence as 'Granny'.

That'd be sooooo Square!

What's In Your Sewing Basket?

Oh, the fun of collecting Sewing Stuff.   Although, in my Grandmother's day it was not considered a collection, but a necessary part of everyday life. 

No needle worker back in the 1920's and 1930's would be worth her stitches if she didn't have a Sewing Basket stocked with pins, needles, spools of thread, scissors, buttons, and scraps of flour sack fabrics.

My Mother's Sewing Basket was a treasure chest for me as a young girl in the early 1950's.  It is no wonder that I have carried on the tradition of Sewing Baskets.  Notice I said Baskets!

In every Sewing Basket there should be a 'Needle Case'.  Needless to say, I have several.  Some I have collected to display, but most I have made to use.  So, while working through my 4R Fiber Bucket List it was only natural to make a few Needle Keepers/Cases from my collection of Grandmothers Flower Garden Scraps and other 1930's-1950's Scrap Pieces. 

There will be a dozen or so of these Needle Books ready for my Booth at the

 Chicken Farm Art Center's First Saturday Sale this coming Saturday.

Nearly every Needle Case made so far has a few scraps of 'Blue'.  What is now referred to as '1930's Blue' was a popular color during the 1930's and 1940's production of 'Feed Sack' prints.  It was also a favorite color to use in Grandmothers Flower Garden and Double Wedding Ring Quilts.  Lucky me...I have original 1930's Scraps of both patterns.  

Won't they make a nice gift for a 'Needle Worker's Sewing Basket?   

Betcha Sally has a 'Blue Sewing Basket'!

Linking To

Smiling Sally's Blue Monday

Standing On The Edge of a Precipice

After yesterdays 'Daily Horoscopes' psychic predictions post, I figured I should do a follow up.    I really expected today's Horoscope to completely discredit yesterdays and prove the Stars in my Zodiac are orbiting in a whacked voodoo world.

But NOoooo...the premature and patience issues continue with an added measure of extremeness...Yikes!

September 28, 2014...Aquarius.  You are standing on the edge of a precipice now, yet must hold your ground for the time being.  You may have significant facts you want to share, but you can't tell anyone the whole story yet.  If you reveal your plan prematurely, others will realize that you haven't done all your homework.

Really!!! Me, 'OverDoSue', not doing ALL of my homework!!!  And to top it off I can't tell anyone!  I am beginning to think someone is sticking pins and needles in my 'Pretty Gal Pincushion'.

It goes on to say....Your current assumption might be missing a crucial piece of information and you must be patient until you have figured out the entire puzzle.  Keep looking, your closer to the solution than you think.

Keep looking!!!  Are you kidding me!!!  If I look for anymore puzzles to solve my 4R Buckets will have to be replaced with Barrels. 

Okay, Google Horoscope...

I will Keep Quiet and Keep Looking. 

For these last THREE Days of September!

After that, I'm telling everyone about the FINISHED projects ready for

First Saturday at The Chicken Farm Art Center on October 4th.

 

By the way...what happened to the 'Inspirational Person' that was suppose
 to show up yesterday?

I bet she is an Aquarian, and is

Standing on the edge of a Precipice, too!

Eager For Something New To Happen

When I start thinking about and looking for a 'different something', I pretty much know it is time to 'FINISH UP' whatever I am currently doing...'OverDoing' most likely.  

Why is that?  I think it's a curse!  Probably it has to do with my Astrological sign.  Take a look at my Horoscope for today.

Sep 27, 2014...Aquarius (change)...An inspirational person enters your life today, presenting you with an intriguing opportunity.  You could be so eager for something new to happen that you start dreaming about all the possibilities without considering the practicalities involved..  Be patient and try not to prematurely jump to any extreme conclusions. 

Nailed me, huh?  There was a time I would dismiss this 'Starry' sign and listen to the Inner Voice of my Mother.  "Sue, finish what you start and settle in on one thing at a time."  Thank-you, Mother.  That advice has served me well and made me a 'Finisher'....eventually. 

September has been a month of working through the 4R's of my Fiber Bucket List with the intention of having some new items for my Booth.  Yep, almost a whole month of focusing on FINISHING.  Just not ONE thing at a TIME! 

I hope the 'Inspirational Person' coming into my life today is an Aquarian, too!

They will understand when I say,

"I am being patient and trying not to prematurely jump on any extreme changes,

at least for the four days left in September." 

I am still listening to my Inner Voice. 

Mother was practical, patient and never extreme.

She was an Aquarian, too!
Linking to
Beverly's How Sweet The Sound Pink Saturday

A Sample of 'For Old Times Sake' Samplers

It's the quickest I have ever finished a Grandmothers Flower Garden Quilt.  Of course the others were Bed Size, Wall Size or Table Sized, and some of them were restored vintage quilts.  In the restoration process of vintage quilts there are always sections that must be cut out and trimmed away.  I keep every scrap.  After all, someone spent precious time, effort and material to make them...I so respect that. 

 I think the makers of these 'Treasured Scraps' would approve of the way I have

Restored and Repurposed their handwork.

I have had so many people say, 

"My grandmother pieced a Flower Garden.  I wish I had saved it 
For Old Times Sake."

Roll Call...SUE...Absent on Blog...Present in Studio

Presently immersed in 4R Bucket List Phase III.

It is NOT that I haven't been working my Multi-Tasking Selfie so hard that I didn't have time to Blog Post.  It's just that I didn't really have any of the dozen or so projects far enough along to share.  After reorganizing and resetting stations for Phase III 'All-In Fiber' projects, I made an 'All-In Sampler' prototype.  That station is now ready for production.

In Progress...All-In Samplers destined to be Pendants, Pins, Mini Wall Hangers...

not sure yet!

I am sure about one thing...Tatting is Fun...I don't even mind 'Practicing' when the pieces can be used...like in this Grandmother's Flower Garden Sampler. 

 

Here are the 'All-In Fibers' used in these pieces:
~Aida Cloth
~Scrap of Grandmothers Flower Garden Quilt
~Vintage Lace
~Embroidery Threads
~Buttons and Beads
~Blue Crochet Thread
~Tatted Lace...by ME

The Tatted Pendant is destined to hang around my neck.  I am working on the strap/chain. 

Crazy, huh?

Multi-Tasking and Tatting

As often as I admonish myself for having one or more...no, make that a dozen or more...projects going at one time, in the end, I realize that it is just the way 'I Do'...'I Roll'...'I Work'...best!   Now that I am a Senior Mult-Tasker, I am reading and seeing that it is a 'Good Thing' for one's 'Aging Brain'. 

For awhile now, my Studio has reflected the multi-tasking phases of my '4R's Bucket List.  There is the Jewelry 4R Phase I Station,  the Yarn-A-Rama Phase II Station, and the Phase III All-In Fiber Station.  That one pretty much includes fabric, buttons, beads, threads, yarns, ribbon, lace et. all. 

While working on the Las Cruces Angels...which has been a 'one of a kind' sort of assembly line production...I have learned to TAT. 

It was one of those spur of the moment things suggested by my friend Sandy at Sims Fiber Arts Studio while we were 'Sitting and Sewing' on Thursday.  Needle Tatting has been on my 'Learn To Do' list for a long time, and Sandy teaches it as a class in her Studio.

Just what I need...right...another 'Thing' that has the possibility of becoming the next 'OverDoSue' Thingy.

In between Angels, Hankies, Granny Square Tote and Vintage Linen Totes I have learned the Ring and Thread Method and the Ring and Chain Method. Teacher Sandy, and the book encourage developing your needle-tatting skills before beginning a patterned project.

Hmmmm...here's where I have a bit of a problem. I never was much good at practice....I am more of a 'Game Gal'. Guess you know what that means.....another Project to add to my Multi-Tasking List.

It will be a great 'Carry It Along' Thingy to work on while traveling, waiting in line at the grocery store, waiting in waiting rooms, and of course 'Thursday's Sit and Sew' at Sandy's Studio.  I have the special needles and other tools organized in a snap closure wallet.  The 'Tatting Wallet', Learn To Needle Tat Booklet and Sandy's Folder along with a Ball of thread all fit in small easy to grab and go bag.  Let the Tatting Times Roll.

Linking to

Beverly's How Sweet The Sound Pink Saturday