Packing

Packing for 3 days of a Nurse's Conference in Orlando.  This paper pieced bra is not really going into the suitcase but I fancied the idea of it!  I will be packing some cotton round pieces for yo-yo making on the journey.  I am packing a second bag for a crazy quilt class that I will go to the morning after my return.  I am excited to cut and stitch the varying thrifty textiles- wool, denim, embroidery, hand painted fabric, silk, etc into my first crazy quilt block.  Packing is so much fun!  Jessica Pearl

Butterick B5959

View A completed.  Smitten Quite, Jessica Pearl

Wooly Bully

I have collected wool garments off of the 50 cent rack at thrift stores for years and I do not encounter much competition for these items here in Florida, go figure?!  I have felted the pieces as I acquire them.  Today, I can't believe the accumulation!  Enter Butterick B5959.  A patchwork cape in progress. View A or bust!  Jessica Pearl

Repurpose Holiday

Decorating with just a touch of Christmas this year.  No tree.  Just a few Christmas quilts, handmade stockings and manger scenes scattered about.  Also repurposing a couple items that used to hold candles.  Mainly because I have a checkered past with smoke alarms.  And our local fire department will be thrilled to know that these items will not he holding open flames this season.  This sconce is holding tea cups with bird seed instead, something for my feathered guests.  And this charming Santa has taken up residence in the sewing room, holding pins and snips.  Although red goes with the season's color story, do not expect to see our fair city's fire engine in our family's drive. Festive and fire safe!  Jessica Pearl

Not So Black Friday

Stitched doodle embroidery in my pajamas until 1 pm. Thrifted fabric and crafty goodies in the afternoon.  Live bluegrass and pizza at Satchel's for our family nightlife. Black Friday? A perfect Friday by any name in my book!  Jessica Pearl

True Colors

I made this scarf out of recycled UF t-shirts that belonged to my Mother-in-law and one of my own.  I was thinking as I made it that orange and blue are my true colors.  When I was a student at UF in the mid 80's , the student body had a tradition of singing as we left the stadium on game day, " it's great to be a Florida Gator!"  We college students had joy that was not dependent on a game score or bank account, a truly beautiful thing!  And so I really hope those are my true, truest colors- joy and thanksgiving!   Cause it's just great to be, period!  May you wear this season of gratitude and find its just your color!  Jessica Pearl

Thrifty Tie Ons

Scarves have been some of my latest thrifty finds.  And since I love to tie one on, I have been unable to resist the lure of a new and versatile accessory at less than a buck a piece.  This first one is so fabulous, a Chico's design, very trendy!  And then there is this Ann Taylor, quite classic.  The last one did not have a designer name attached but I thought it looked very FSU Seminole Princess like.  I immediately thought of my Emily but I have not mailed it to her yet and my fondness for it grows.  Emily, if you are reading this post, you best claim this thrifty prize and quick!  Tying several on! Jessica Pearl

Inspired Thrift

I headed out this morning with 7 dollars in quarters in my pocket to thrifty yard sales sponsored by our local women's club and Episcopal church.  Not really expecting to find anything as it was the last day of sales for both of these events.   However, I am thrilled with the day's thrifty finds. 
- a pile of embroidery and journal inspiration or am I the only one who thinks it would be cool to embroider a neuro synapse from this old Anatomy and Physiology Nursing  school text?!
-2 beautiful dresses with tags still on
- a pair of leather LL Bean sandals, like new; 3 pairs of jeans; vintage scarves and a huge bag of sweet vintage bridge tallies.  I don't play bridge but I think I should start! Oh, I have 1 dollar and 25 cents leftover in change for the next time.
Thrifty Thrilled!  Jessica Pearl

Happily Ever After

These quilt blocks, once orphaned and adopted from the thrift store have been transformed into baby quilts with a wee bit of embroidery.  I think its a happy ending!  Jessica Pearl

The Day after Thrifty Thursday

I went in search of Seminole gear at the thrift store today.  I bought a solid garnet shirt for me and a very nice FSU shirt for Emily, tags still on it!  I also found these  Country Stitch Monthly magazines with beautiful and timeless designs.  They were 2.50 an issue back in 1988 and I remember how dear that price seemed.  I was a newlywed with a hubby in grad school!  Today they were 25 cents each and this mom of 3 college kids jumped on them!   I made Emily a bouquet in a thrifted tin for her door, stitched up a Go Noles saying just to make it clear who the home team is at Leslie and Emily's doorstep.  I had a 10 dollar off coupon so I paid a grand total of 52 cents for all of this loot.  Thrifty Garnet and Gold!  Jessica Pearl

Thrifty Thursday, Portable Art Issue

I found this wood woven picnic basket yesterday, 2.00.  Decided it needed a liner so I sewed 3 bandanas (thanks, AA!)  Stitched pockets on each end.  I now have space inside and out to carry art supplies- sketchbook, needle, floss, muslin and misc. artsy bits for when the mood strikes!

Also found a vintage poncho, 1.50;  assorted seam binding, .49 and a Relic handbag, 1.50.  Nifty thrifty!  Jessica Pearl

Thrifty Thursday, Lounging Edition

It's Thursday and in my world, a day to celebrate Thrift! This pj top was thrifted for 50 cents.  The catch? No pants!  I contemplated sewing pj bottoms.  Honestly, its just too hot for pants.  I decided to lengthen the top into a nightshirt with a couple of gifted (even cheaper than thrifted!) trims.  Voila!  I am lounging sweet and thrifty!  Jessica Pearl