Spinning Straw Into Gold

Before I left for Highland War I mentioned that I had found a bin of old clothing in the garage. I have had a chance now to go through them and take pictures. Here they are, a motley collection of faded, out of style and even, stained items that I will make fit back into my wardrobe. Hopefully this will help you with similar things that you may have either lying around, or when you are on your next thrifting expedition to look at items with a new eye. Who knows what sow's ear can be turned into a silk purse?


















1.Black Rhumba Skirt- Faded, it needs to be re-dyed.
2.Wine Silk Top- Too large. I will have to alter it down in size.
3.Floral Dress- Too big and out of style. I think I am going to make it into a blouse and maybe skirt.
4.Tan Eyelet Maxi- Too big, too long. I may cut it into a shorter skirt.
5.Oatmeal Cardi- So bland. Needs livening up. I bought velvet ribbon to trim it with.
6.Lavender Cardi- Too big and shapeless. I will alter it to fit.
7.Crochet Top- Cute, but needs a little zing.
8.Cream Top- Has a couple stains. Need to see if they come out in the wash. If not, into the dye pot it goes!

Not sure which one I want to tackle first. So hard to choose! I guess you will all see tomorrow. Now I am off to work on one of these garments. Wish me luck!

Away at Highland War!

This week has been a bit crazy for me. I have been getting ready to go to Highland War. This is an SCA event held in the high desert of California. I will be dressing up in anachronistic clothing, weaving, crocheting, playing with my granddaughters and watching the fighting. I may even get to do some shopping! Normally I would also merchant at such an event, but due to being ill for most of the year I don't feel up to that anymore. So it is just fun for me now and no work. Hmmm how is that going to go down? I don't remember the last time I didn't work at a War or faire! So look forward to lots of articles in the next week or two because while looking for my faire clothes I found a bin of my old clothes that I had stuck in the garage and I have decided to refurbish them and take you all along for the ride! I will include video as well as step by step descriptions of alterations and dyeing techniques to make old items look fab again.

So I leave you now with a few photos to let you get an idea of what I will be doing this weekend.





I wish every one a Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Friday Finds Aug 28

Yes (stands up) I am a shopoholic. I admit it. I have a problem. But what is a girl to do when there are so many awesome things to be had online and in the stores? Is it REALLY my fault? I blame the designers and advertisers for making them so gosh darn attractive! So here is my minor haul this week. And at least I have the satisfaction of knowing I did not pay an arm and a leg for these items. Most people would spend more on a night out at a fancy restaurant, and I have CLOTHES, gorgeous clothes to show for it!


Shopping online can be fraught with peril at times but my first experience with the online retailer, Modcloth was very pleasant indeed. I was also extremely pleased with the dress when it arrived this week. Well, that is an understatement. I was over the moon! I plan on taking a pattern off this dress and making myself a couple more *grin* Makes the price not as hard to swallow. At $47.99 it is more than I usually spend.


New Dress

Next was not really my fault. My husband had to go to Radio Shack and it is right next to Wet Seal. Now why would I want to spend my time in a stuffy electronics store when I could hang out in a dress shop? Of course I found a few things that I needed. Florals are big for this Fall so this long blouse fit the bill perfectly only $19.50. Since it was loose and flowy I needed a new belt to cinch it in for $9.50.


Friday Finds Outfit

The Bomber Jacket, also from Wet Seal, is fashion forward and will ward off the chill of the evening to a T! The price was a perfect selling point as well at $34.50. The tough look toned down the cutesy floral so it was not so sweet.


Bomber Jacket

Lastly is an adorable vintage crinoline that I got on Ebay. Just the thing to fill out my skirts and dresses and add that retro vintage look that I love so much. A real bargain at $24.50.


New Crinoline


Some great new additions to my wardrobe. I hope you found some great things for yourself as well this week!

Shoe Lust

I will admit it. I am addicted to shoes. I have so many I have nowhere to put new ones. I promised my husband that until I have gotten rid of some of the old ones no new pairs will make their way into the house and I am a person who keeps their promises. But that doesn't mean I am not lusting after the new shoes and boots that are showing up for Fall. "Buy me, buy me!" they say. But I will resist. I will not cave. I will however show you what I think are the best shoes out there and let you lust after them as well *grin*

First are these simply delicious Vintage inspired shoes from Fossil. I dream about these, I do! A big splurge at $128.00. I can go without food, right?



These black booties by Qupid are sooo adorable I squealed when I saw them. Really! Only $22.99



Now who doesn't need purple pumps? I know that I just have to have them! $21.99



Last but not least a totally sweet ruffled ballet flat. I would feel so dainty in these! Only $22.50 at Payless Shoesource.



So now you know what I have been drooling over. Now I really, really need to get some of my old shoes up on ebay. I am sure these gorgeous shoes will not last long and I WANT them!! *SOB*

Friday Finds Aug 21 Yes it is Sat. LOL!

I didn't have anyone Friday to help me with my photo shoot so this article is a day late. But I am sure you won't mind since my friend Diana came over to help and brought her skunk Daisy! Daisy helped me model the clothing and was such a good girl!

First was a pair of Super Skinny jeans I got on sale at Target. They are only $15.00 and when I say they are super skinny, I mean it!


Fun with Skunk_7

Next is a pea green sweater with a cute ruffle around the neck. On clearance at Target for only $8.98! Very versatile it could be worn over a blouse as well as by itself.


Fun with Skunk_13

This dress has a vintage 60's sheath dress vibe to it and at 25.88 I could not pass it up! Daisy definitely approves! It will layer beautifully. It was also at Target.


Fun with Skunk_16

Adorable bird earrings that this picture do not do justice to. From peaches4me. She has shops on ArtFire and Etsy. only $11.00


Fun with Skunk_29


Polka-dot blouse paired with the Super Skinny jeans in navy blue. Both from Target. Blouse $8.98, I feel like I am stealing at that price!


Fun with Skunk_30

Black and grey striped cowl necked top. Super soft and ready for Fall! Only $14.99 at Target.


Fun with Skunk_23

Now to leave you with one last photo of Skunky adorableness!


Fun with Skunk_21

And the Winner Is.....

I know many of you have been on tenterhooks so with out further ado the winner of the Fabric Give-A-Way is Rachel S.! Rachel, I will be contacting you to get your address to mail you your fabric. I hope you let us all know what you plan on making with it!