I've done it once before, and I'm about to do it again.

A Slip Cover.

And for the life of me, I can't remember how I did it! So with video tutorials from Miss Mustard Seed and a book or two,

(This one is "Quick and Easy Slipcovers" by Gail Abbot and Cate Burren), I have set out to make a most unusual cover.

It started with an old chair, which belonged to JR's mother for many years. From her home to a nursing home, it was her seat of honor. A most comfortable chair, which we just couldn't give up. It's been around for years, since Joann passed on, just waiting for some new clothes...a new life.

Then, one day, my friend Jenna gave me a bag full of decorator fabric. All lengths and types, but the bonus? All coordinating.

So I came up with a plan:

After fussing and fiddling with the layout, I was able to make the fabric that I had work with that chair. The grand thing is, there was enough of an animal print to make enough piping for the whole chair, which will tie it all together.

So, my piping is all made, and now I'm pinning and cutting and praying I don't slip! (No pun intended!)

I just love the idea that this will be a vibrant and distinctive slipcover which will befit a chair so adored by a vibrant and distinctive woman. A token of great love and recognition, of family and the generations that pass...just like Joseph's Coat of Many Colors.

This is the Claire Cami Dress, by Serendipity Studios.

I would say, if you love a sundress, and you love an easy pattern, and you love to play with fun cottons, you should get this pattern.

Mine is made from some stash cotton print, and recently purchased cotton dot to coordinate.

I cut the XL mid calf version, and did a full bust adjustment. I also did a little rouching on the bodice.

More detail of the facing finishing and topstitching:

And the contrast waistband and tie:

Do I love this dress? Yes, Yes, and Yes.

This is the Claire Cami Dress, by Serendipity Studios.

I would say, if you love a sundress, and you love an easy pattern, and you love to play with fun cottons, you should get this pattern.

Mine is made from some stash cotton print, and recently purchased cotton dot to coordinate.

I cut the XL mid calf version, and did a full bust adjustment. I also did a little rouching on the bodice.

More detail of the facing finishing and topstitching:

And the contrast waistband and tie:

Do I love this dress? Yes, Yes, and Yes.

Let me tell you a story about today's thrifting adventures. It starts with a stop at an estate sale, where I found a wonderful vintage sleeve board. I can't wait to make a pretty cover for it and put it to use. I've wanted one for the longest time, so it was pretty thrilling to get this one for $5.00!

From there, I went around the corner to a neighbor's garage sale, where I found a few fabulous deals for just a couple of dollars. Then, as we were leaving, and she was sharing the sad tale of her divorce and how she has to get rid of everything and move. As compassionately as I could, I empathized and sympathized as I realized that there was a potting bench standing at the back of the house.

I couldn't dry my crocodile tears fast enough to ask, "Is the potting bench for sale?"

"Yeah, why not? My husband bought it for me. I'm sure he'll be glad to see it go. I know I will be."

(Hmmmmm...just how glad will you be to see it go?)

"$20?" she asked.

This is where my husband jumps in. "Well, lets just go home and think about it."

Her mother piped up... "you're nuts." ( I don't know if she was talking to me or to her daughter)

Me: "I've thought about it." and to my nearly divorced new friend, in a soft and sneaky voice," Can you save it? We'll be right back."

My husband again, "Lets just go home and think about it."

We went home. I made lunch. We went back to the neighbor's house and carried that potting bench around the corner to our home. I promised her it would be well loved, to which she sort of carelessly mumbled, " okay? enjoy.... "

We scrubbed it, hosed it down, and it was then that I began to notice some peeling paint. That's okay...it works well with my vintage look.

JR and I spent a good part of an hour rearranging the deck, and rearranging it again. And again. To make that potting bench fit. But I couldn't leave well enough alone. I picked at that paint. and then noticed more peeling, and before I could hear JR's chainsaw start, I had peeled and plucked and found ROT at just about every joint.

"Can we save it?"

"I'd rather take a sledgehammer to it. I'm afraid if I use my chainsaw I'll ruin a blade by hitting a nail. Anyway, a sledgehammer would be more fun."

So I had to be reminded again of how we should have thought about it, and I actually gracefully accepted his "I told you so."

and I'm thinking the best thing to do is put it out to the road with a sign...

POTTING BENCH FOR SALE: FREE

A Happy Ending:

The good news is, while I was plucking away at paint and rot, my husband did a little makeover on a candle lantern that we picked up from the divorcee for $2:

(before) (after)

I guess that lantern was at least worth $22.

A 15 minute creative fix happened yesterday. I can't resist a tote bag made feminine and flowery.

So, a $1 garage sale purchase became this:

with the addition of some stash silk peonies and an old luggage tag.

How fun is that?

I am in sundress love right now, thanks to Kay Whitt of Serendipity. and herClaire Cami Dress Pattern. With only a few finishing details to complete, she'll be ready to wear by the end of this rainy day.

There is nothing that beats wearing a sundress...cool, feminine and a little bit retro. I so prefer a skirt or dress to shorts in the summer...because it's cool, feminine and a little bit retro!

Check out these fabulous sundresses from Vintageous:

Okay, Sewing Friends. I need a suggestion for the best steam iron for around $100 or less.

JR is offering to buy one for me, and only because he HATES the iron that I have.

Yup...a terrific Rowenta. ..which always gets left on.

There is no auto shut-off. And he's afraid the house is going to burn down. Whatever the reason, I will gladly accept his offer.

As long as it has an auto-shut-off, looks like I can get me a new iron!

Suggestions?

Well, here it is, Monday. And I'm looking for work again. But, I will remain

Positive

Optimistic

Encouraging

Encouraged

Thankful

and excited about the next opportunity.

Speaking of thankful, look what Rebecca brought to me on Saturday!

Around these parts, we live for the second week in June, which means strawberries, and strawberry shortcake and strawberry pie.

Look what I found on pinterest, which is SO adorable:

(from SeaPinks Etsy Shop)

And good old fashioned strawberry pincusions from Martha, which you can make for yourself:

I actually saw a vintage pincushion at a yard sale last week, and it had the strawberry attached. I could just kick myself for not getting it! What was I thinking?

(instead, I came home with the cute McCoy pot pictured above , which I purchased for a mere 50 cents)

I have rummaged the stash, and found a strawberry reminiscent fabric which will make a pretty cotton sundress:

The Claire Cami Dress from Serendipity Studios. Must make this week. Must.

Love your day, and enjoy every minute of it!

Me Made June Week 3

Today, I made a maxi dress. And it is my favorite dress of the summer so far. Perfect for Friday night porch dinner and lounging around on the patio.

The dress is made from McCall's 6073. I used a stash knit from Joann's, and really made it straight from the pattern. This is an easypeasy dress, and the fit is terrific.

My adjustments were the usual full bust adjustment. I also modified by not putting the elastic in the waist. I'm not quite sure why it needed elastic...

perhaps it's my menopausal spread? It seemed to fit just fine around my middle...no further elasticizing necessary.

Feelin' groovy.

Today was a little of this and a little of that. It was a lovely day, really. Just warm enough, just sunny enough, just breezy enough...perfectly comfortable.

The last of the peonies have come and gone. Which always makes me a little sad. But then, it won't be long until the hydrangeas are in bloom and they will become my favorite flowers in the garden. How soon forgotten, my beautiful pink friends.

My weekend garage sale finds:

a few more straw hats to add to my collection,

and a brand new buckwheat hull pillow. I quickly made up a custom pillow cover out of a fabulous Merimekko remnant that was laying around. Have you ever rested your head on a buckwheat hull pillow?

I cleaned up and reorganized my sewing room, did some mending and finished another Anthro-inspired blouse like this one. This time, it's a sheer polyester from Joann's, made a little looser, a little longer.

And after my first summer book club meeting, I'm ready to put on my pjs and say good night!

Last night, JR and I had the good fortune to get some tickets to the Buffalo Philharmonic in concert with The Duke Ellington Orchestra. (thanks Rebecca!) It was the perfect summer night downtown, and I wanted a new dress for the occasion. So, yesterday, I made the white dress that I have oogled since I saw the inspiration J Crew dress:

Mine isn't quite the same style, but it has the look that I wanted. I could not find a simple v-neck a- line dress pattern, so I had to make do.

Made from a lovely embroidered cotton voile, I used the Anna Maria Horner Socialite Dress pattern ( this would be my third rendition of this dress, by the way).

I did make a few modifications: create an a-line skirt instead of a straight skirt...easy to do. Took out some of the gathers and fullness at the dress front/yoke. Removed the gathers from the dress back/yoke. I fitted it a bit through the waist with some simple darts front and back.

And my usual FBA.

I felt so pretty and femine in this dress... like I really stood out in a sea of black and cropped pants at Klienhan's Music Hall. I know my husband loved that I chose this dress for our date...

Then, I just had to wear it again today. Yup, I sure did... for church, I styled it differently:

Geesh, now that I look at it, it doesn't at all look like the inspiration dress! I just may have to try this one again!

No matter, I Love, love, love it!

So that finished out my week of Me-Made June, with the following outfits

Tomorrow is Monday and I hope you have a fabulous, incredible week and that you get to wear something that makes you feel pretty.