On my to-do-list

"Bag of Repairs"

I always seem to take the path of least resistance. But I buy linens even if they have issues. What happens, though, is that they end up in this bag to worry about later. I've been adding to this bag for years and have forgotten what's in it.
There's more here than it appears. I think I pulled out at least 10 pairs of pillowcases! This is about all that is left for me to sell on eBay. Although I've been selling linens for many years now, I'm debating whether I should continue or not. That's what prompted me to get out this bag.

It's very exciting to see new linens even if they need work. I'm not sure I can help this pink lady on this runner. She has a few flaws in the crochet. I don't know how to crochet, so I think she will be sold as is.

I was going to finish the embroidery on this adorable pillow panel by Vogart. Riiiiight... That's about as likely as me going to the moon.

This little lady was a pillowcase full of little holes. I cut her out and made a little pillow out of her. There were three tiny holes in her dress, so I added 3 little ribbon roses. Then I used the crocheted trim off the pillowcase to finish off the sides.

This doesn't look like much, but this beautiful pillowcase just needs a couple of loosed threads tacked back down, a little soak in OxyClean, and it will be gorgeous!

This one was an easy fix. All I had to do was re-sew the top edge. It's already listed for sale on eBay. I love that it says "master" which is what we kept calling my hubby when he got his Master's degree. He didn't like it much...at first. ha ha ha

I don't think I can repair this one, either. It has a big, dark paint splater near the top. But I do love the birds!

These were all super easy fixes...just sewed the tops closed! They're already listed, too

Since I can't crochet, I can't finish this adorable pillowcase with he amazingly sweet birds. The top is still open, easy to fix, but I can't finish the bottom edge. I thought about adding lace, but I don't think it would look right.

More pillowcases that need crocheted work.

Isn't she pretty?!!

These were an easy fix, too. Never been used. I think they're so funny! One says, "Come on Ma" and the other says "Shucks No Pa!" ha ha ha ha

Patricia

OMGsh! Look what I won!!

A little over a week ago I received a note from Lisa at Beyond the Cover that I had won her giveaway!! I was so excited! After a few days, and the fact that I have a 4 second memory, I kind of forgot to be looking for it. Then I received a wonderful package in the mail, all the way from my home state of California. When I realized what it was, I just about tore the package open.

Luckily I had the presence of mind to take a picture of the adorable wrapping. It's so simple yet so incredibly elegant and chic. LOVE the pink and brown color combination!

I love birds, so this tag is extra special to me. It's so sweet. I have it tucked not-to-far-away in a little drawer so that it will always make me smile when I open it.

Inside the package were two beautiful, and I do mean BEAUTIFUL note books. Now, these aren't your average notebooks. Just take a look at all the work and detail that went into making them. Lisa is one gifted and talented lady. I ooooh'ed and awwwwww'ed at the turn of every page.

There are so many details, that I'm sure I'll be finding new goodies every time I open them. Look at the gorgeous papers she used. If only you could see every page!

Lisa didn't miss the opportunity to add the shiniest details. I love this pink crystal she added to the outside of the notebook. And look at all the ribbons and lace that she added to the spine!

Here is the second notebook. It's made of clear plastic and just covered in flowers, and buttons and beautiful papers and so many details. I can't even begin to imagine the time and love that went into making each page!

I've seen things similar to this in other blogs, but I've never seen one in person. I have to tell you, it is impressive!! There is so much work involved and so many adorable and beautiful materials used.

I didn't get a picture of the spine on this heart shaped book, but it too had the best details and the most beautiful blue crystals hanging from it. I LOVE it and feel so lucky to have won!!!

But there's more....

In addition to the two gorgeous notebooks, I also got a bunch of beautiful lace and trims,

Vintage buttons, pearl pins (love them!), old stamps, cute flash cards....

Old sheet music, book pages, journal entries and this darling "bingo" card all dressed up by Lisa. I feel like I truly made out like a bandit.

Thank you, Lisa!!! I love all my goodies and I'm simply thrilled to have been the lucky winner!!

Patricia :o)

Ps: Be sure to visit Lisa at her blog, Beyond the Cover. She's a very sweet lady with a fun and beautiful blog. Just click on her blog name.

Linens for Sale! Linens for Sale!

I just pulled out some beautiful pillowcases that I thought I'd share with you. The beauty in the needlework always amazes me no matter how many years I've been selling and collecting these wonderful pieces. The work done by human hands so many years ago is nothing less than art and a tiny snap shot into the lives of women.


Click on the photos to enlarge them and see the beuatiful details and wonderful hand work.

1st pair: Pink roses on strong, snow white cotton tubing. Hand embroidered with crocheted trim. There is the tiniest, faintest speck on one. Otherwise no flaws, holes, or stains. Excellent vintage condition. 20 1/2" x 28" SOLD

2nd pair: Mommy dear and three babies. Strong snow white cotton tubing. Hand embroidered with crocheted trim. No flaws, stains or holes. Pristine vintage condition. 20 1/2" x 28"

SOLD

3nd pair: Pink trumpet flowers and greenery. Strong snow white cotton tubing. Hand embroidered with crocheted trim. No flaws, stains or holes. Pristine vintage condition 20 1/2" x 27" PENDING

4nd pair: Hens and daisies. Strong, snow white cotton tubing. Hand embroidered with crocheted trim. No flaws, stains or holes. Pristine vintage condition. 21" x 28"

SOLD

Domestic (USA) orders: Postage is $4.75 per order shipping to same address. Payments can be made via Paypal, Money Order, or Personal Check (must clear before shipping).

International orders: Postage varies according to country. PAYPAL only payment form accepted. Buyer responsible for any taxes, customs, etc.

Please let me know if you need and more photos, or if you have any questions. First come, first served.

Thank you!

Patricia :o)

Life is good, but it's been so full of stress lately. Seems like there's a new fire to put out every day. But thankfully, there are also blessings that come in many forms. I recently entered a giveaway that I didn't win, but Georgia at Grandma G's blog sent me this wonderful magazine anyway. I was supposed to pay for the postage, but she didn't let me. She is a very gracious lady and has a beautiful blog and awesome online store. So many goodies! Check her store out at http://www.grandmagscottage.net/.

Then, a few days later, I went to lunch with Deanna at Timeless Things (currently under "construction"). I also met her through a giveaway about a year ago and we've become such close friends. Now THAT'S a blessing! Anyway, after lunch she presented me with this gorgeous vintage night gown. Just because she saw it and thought of me since I collect old lingerie.

The pictures do not do this lovely nightie any justice. The bodice has a beautiful pink lace panel sandwiched between pink organza.


It's just gorgeous. It also came with a little pink peignoir jacket that I forgot to take a picture of. Just the fact that these two ladies thought of me makes me feel so fortunate and blessed. Many thanks to both!

Blessings,

Patricia :o)

And the winner is....

Marilyn of The Lone Dollier is the winner of my 100th post giveaway! The random generator picked number 37 and that was Marilyn. (I tried taking a picture of it or copy/pasting it, but it didn't work out) The wonderful thing about giveaways is that you meat the nicest people this way. She is a sweetheart and has a beautiful blog. Be sure to stop by her blog and say hi!

Congratulations, Marilyn!

Patricia :o)

100th Post Give Away ~ Garden Tool Box!!

100th Post Giveaway!!!!

It's been a while since I've been able to post because life has been busy! But the main reason I couldn't post is because I was having a hard time finding something fun to give away on my 100th post. But I finally found something that's really cute. It's not new, but it's the perfect little accent for a cottage garden.

The outside of the garden tool box is painted with little bird houses, bee hives and flowers.
I'm also including this darling little nest with mommy bird watching over her eggs and special treasure (a rhinestone button)!

When you open the box, you'll find new gloves and a vintage dish towel hand embroidered with a little girl in pink tending to her tulips. Sweet, huh!!

Lift out the tray, and you'll find matching garden tools: a small spade, hand rake, weed digger and a little green spritzing bottle.

To win this cute garden tool box, all you have to do is:

1) put my giveaway on your sidebar. Then come back and leave me a comment telling me you did. And...

2) If you want another chance to win, become a follower and leave another comment letting me know you did that, too. Two chances, two comments. Easy Peasy!

The winner will be chosen through one of those internet random number generator thingys on Sunday, May 16th, 2010 at 8:00 pm Central time. Because of the weight of this item, this giveaway is restricted to the US only~

Good Luck!!

Patricia :o)

Ps: Be sure I have a way of contacting you if you win.

Easter Basket Swap

Miss Rhea at Sweet n' Shabby Roses hosted an Easter Basket Swap. She gave a tutorial on how to make them and gave us each two names to swap with. It was soooo much fun! This was the first time I ever participated in anything like this and I was excited.

These are the two little baskets I made to swap. I filled them with yellow chicks in a nest, vintage buttons, vintage postcards and little porcelain bunnies.

One of the ladies I swapped with is Linda at Ribbons Roses and More . She's a very talented lady and can paint the most beautiful roses!! She painted two simple little plastic eggs with pink roses and sprinkled some clear glitter on them and they became spectacular!

There were lots of goodies in the basket, but my most favorite item with this most adorable little chicky that she made and painted. It is absolutely adorable and I LOVE it!

She included a little sugar egg with a teeny little baby chick inside. How cute is that!

I also received a little bag of cookies and cream chocolate eggs that were gone almost as fast as I opened the package. But I wasn't the only one eating them!! My daughter started it!!!!!

I was very surprised when I received a big box from Stephanie at Rose Petals and Rust
Not only did she make the cutest little basket, but she also lots of wonderful goodies that are so totally me!! She pegged me right from the start.

These printing blocks are so sweet. "X & O" Hugs and kisses in vintage little wooden printing blocks. I think those were my fav from her package.

She also included a cream colored hat, a vintage linen tea towel, white millinery flowers and of course, the adorable basket made up of vintage embroidery, crochet and sweet little buttons.


Oops! I almost forgot to mention the great little frame she sent, too. It's very simple but very beautiful with it's mother of pearl inlay in the frame. I really love it! You can see it showing in the background of the photo below.

I was amazed at the talent, thoughtfulness and kindness of these wonderful ladies that I met through Miss Rhea's swap. Linda and Stephanie are as sweet as can be and both have wonderful blogs that you have to visit. And be sure to stop by Miss Rhea's blog, too. You will love them all. I promise!

Patricia :o)