Blossoms

After finally getting well from three sinus infections over the fall, winter, and spring, I am well–I hope–after almost two weeks of laryngitis, steroids, antibiotics and new asthma inhalers. Yeah. I’m really, really over it. Bleh! The smoke from the fires last Fall and the extreme changes in the weather here this winter have set off asthma that I’ve never experienced before. Needless to say, I haven’t accomplished much creatively.

This week I did get well enough to venture out to take some pictures of the apple blossoms.

Spring Apple Buds
Apple Blossoms
Apple Blossoms

Enjoy! Aren’t they lovely? We probably won’t get any apples from them. Usually, the squirrels and deer beat us to them, but I still love knowing they’re there and enjoying the blossoms, and the squirrels and the deer.

New Items

I have had these for a little while and they are going in my Etsy Shop now. All of them are made from thrifted men’s shirts. The first one is some cute little bitty baby britches made from shirt sleeves with a shiny silver metallic elastic waist in about a size 2.

Yes, the cuffs unbutton and roll up in case baby wants to wade in a puddle. (Hopefully, not one of baby’s own making.) Rainy Day Waders.

The second one is a peasant-style dress of purple gingham and lace with an embroidered Texas state silhouette on the left side. There is elastic in the neck and sleeves for comfort.

I’m not sure what this shirt was from when it was an adult size, but I think it’s much cuter for a little tomboy–or cowgirl.

And this one, my favorite, is made from a man’s polo shirt in a great medium weight knit. I’m not sure what to call the color. Greenish, blueish, grayish? It’s sort of like hazel eyes, it looks different in different situations. I added lace and a little cotton patch pocket in a coordinating color pattern. 

Finally…and New Design

RockStar Bag–done! On to an insulated bag.

I have FINALLY finished my SewSweetness Rockstar Bag. There are several things that I will do differently next time, but it turned out well.

Anyone need more insulated grocery bags? I always need more. I’ve read many tutorials online and they’re okay, but I wanted one that I could launder easily and that would hold a little more than most of them do. So I designed my own.

I bought a roll of Reflectix insulation at a local building supply store. You get a 33.3 square foot roll, 16 inches wide, for about $16. This is seriously tough stuff. I was a little worried that it might tear easily, but I think it will hold up well.

I used quilting cotton for the bag outer and lining.

I didn’t take pictures during the process. I will when I make a tutorial. This is what the bag looks like finished. The handles are a little short. (Note: Make handles longer next time.)

It is roomy. It’s easy to make.

The insulation comes out. It is a separate unit that can be washed off and the bag can be thrown in the washer and dryer.

More to come.