Easy Breezy Summer

Summer is here, and our thoughts turn to warm weather activities, lazy weekend afternoons spent lounging in a hammock or chaise in the shade - or sunning at the lake or beach...or searching for a new-found treasure in an air-conditioned antiques shop or flea market!  We think of lighter, brighter fabrics and colors...weddings and celebrations like graduation, Father's Day and the Fourth of July...pie suppers and cool linens...and jewelry that reminds us of flowers and fun!  

These are the treasures that fill my Etsy shop...vintage finds that reflect a sunny, summer mood...an era of gentility and celebration...or even a trip to Paris!  Check out my shop - This Reminds Me... and see what suits your fancy! 

Fred Press Liquor Decanter Set with Carrier

These are close-up photos of a set of Fred Press liquor decanters I have for sale on Etsy. Someone was interested in seeing any "missing paint" areas. I consider these decanters to be in excellent shape for mid-century pieces... the "wear" is from where they have rubbed a bit in the metal carrier. But overall, I think they are still quite intact. There are no chips or scratches on either bottle.

Everything Old is New Again!

I am in a "repurpose" mood. I see all sorts of projects that interest me and involve repurposing old things. I'm constantly looking at the things in my closets and drawers and asking "How can I use that for something else?" Pinterest may be the death of me, but already, I've discovered ideas for making toddler leggings from old t-shirts and sweats.

Now that the holidays are over and I have all my Christmas decorations put away for another year, I've turned my attention to some long-neglected sewing projects. And it's all about the babies! I've been turning antique crochet doilies into jackets and bibs... vintage embroidered table runners into jackets... and vintage bed sheets into dresses and jackets. I even combined pieces of a bed sheet with a pair of seersucker pants my grandmother no longer wanted to create a darling spring ensemble - jacket and dress - for a 12-month-old!

Next on my list?  A pair of old Levis jeans will become a jacket, a beautiful chocolate-brown velour skirt from the thrift store will be a dress for my cousin, Olivia (with possibly a matching vest and bow-tie for her little brother, Owen), and more beautiful dresses and jackets created from vintage linens. 

For Christmas, I fashioned bath robes for my toddler boys (great-nephew and cousin) from fabric remnants and a long ladies skirt that I purchased at a local thrift store.  I think both turned out darling, especially paired with cotton pajama pants in a colorful train motif!  I hope to make more robes out of vintage chenille bedspreads soon.

Several of my items are listed for sale in my Etsy shop, This Reminds Me.  I am even thinking of opening an Etsy shop just to showcase the items for children and babies.  Stay tuned for more details!

Time to Think About Christmas!

It's time to start thinking about Christmas, and hopefully I will have time in the next few weeks to add several nice things to my Etsy and eBay listings, including some beautiful holiday items.  Meanwhile, I have some great stocking stuffers, along with some fabulous gift ideas.  Check my current treasures listed on Etsy, and look for more to come in the next few weeks!

Selling on eBay Again!

I've spent the last week or so listing items for sale in eBay again, and the traffic there seems to be good.  I have quite a few things ending in the next day or so... and if you want to check me out, my seller name is Songwriter57.

I'm also still selling on Etsy.com at http://ThisRemindsMe.etsy.com  Be sure to visit there, too!

Here are some of the items that are listed this week.

Andrew Wyeth dry brush print - "Burning Off" - matted and framed

Andrew Wyeth dry brush print - "Empty Writing Chair" - matted and framed

Belber Wardrobe Trunk

Baby bib handcrafted from vintage doily

Vintage Cross-stitched linen luncheon cloth - brown hues

Vintage Sarah Coventry Jewelry Set featuring citrine stone

Vintage crochet table cloth or bedspread... quite large - great shape!

Beautiful cut crystal vase - buzz saw and pineapple motif

Vintage cut glass decanter - buzz saw/hobstar pattern

Vintage oven-proof FireKing wannabes - set of 4 ramekins

Vintage linen table cloth with cross-stitch in green hues

Moriage bowl and plate - possibly Nippon - came from Japan

Vintage Niloak Vase in soft green hues

2 BEAUTIFUL Hull Sunglow Mixing Bowls - Large & Small

Beautiful vintage round linen table topper with heavy crochet lace

Westmoreland Wedding Box Milk Glass Dish/Lid- still has sticker!

Rogers Bros. Silverplate Sugar Sifter

Beautiful Punch Bowl Base + bowl and cups (bowl has slight crack)

Who Knew Vintage Doilies Could Be So Versatile?!

I ordered a pattern from a shop owner on Etsy.com for a baby bolero/shrug jacket.  It came via PDF, so I got to start right away on my first project... but what to do first?  So many options!  I finally settled on a large crocheted dresser scarf... a rectangle of crocheted cotton.  Would it work?  Could I fit all the pieces?  At first I thought I only had enough to make a vest.  But when I cut out the back and two front pieces, utilizing the finished edge as the hem, I realized I had enough finished edge in large enough sections for 2 cap sleeves.  Yippee!

Here is the finished result... bias tape trims the neckline, and an antique "pearl" button is fastened by a finished piece of the crochet.  I also added a little vintage pearlized flower button as an accent.  I think it's pretty adorable... and I've listed it on Etsy at This Reminds Me...  If it doesn't sell, Zola Claudette or Harper LeeAnn will be wearing it in a few months!

Next project?  Another doily... then maybe some denim, and a cutwork pillowcase!  I also bought a bolero jacket for women today - gonna try some vintage lace tablecloths soon!