Freezing Fringe

I love scarves. I have been a huge fan of throwing one around my neck as an accessory to any outfit. Lately the weather has been so cold a scarf is the only thing that will keep my neck warm. Even though this scarf may not prove warm and cuddly, I sure think it is new, inventive, and gorgeous. 

Here is how you make it. 

You will need: fabric 2 yards long x 14 in wide. 

2 yards Fringe (6in)

Pin fringe in the middle of fabric.

Sew the fringe using a close and tight setting.

I decided to just tie the sides together forming a knot. 

The last part is to remove the plastic thread that has kept the fringe ends together. You simply lightly grasp with thumb and finger and pull away from the fringe that has been sewn.  

Hope you enjoy and Good luck!

Trash to Treasure

I have never really believed or felt the old saying of: "Another man's trash is another man's tresure" would or could mean anything in my life. I stand mistaken and will gladly rub it in my own face (pretending it is chocolate cake).

My sister Carlie, her husband and two adorable daughters live in Italy and invited my mother and I to come and visit last year in March. Carlie entertained us with shopping at incredible markets. I am a "Shop Digger" meaning I have to literally pull, tug, and toss clothes aside to get my thrill of a good deal. I have to earn my reward. Silly? Yes, I know.

A winding road to the Amalfi coast changed my life forever. ;) Italians are known for exquisite intricate tile making. Tiles that have been broken or sentenced as no good are thrown into the ocean. Over time the edges are softened and washed up on the beach. Well can you guess that my mom, sister, and I just about DIED!!!! We found our trash that would become our treasure.

Sadly enough our journey was coming to an end. With the 50 lbs of tile stowed away in our carry-on we believed nothing could stop us. The first security line termed a scene of drama. The guard informed us after opening our bag that we were not allowed to take these tiles on the plane. We would have to go back and check them in on the plane or throw them away. There were 30 minutes standing between us catching our plane or sending our tiles home without us. :(  I was overcome with emotion due to the attachment that was made on the sandy beaches of the gorgeous Amalfi coast, that I immediately started to cry and plead with the man to let us take them on the plane. Sniff sniff. Quote, "It is just trash sir, please let me take them." Sniff sniff.  The dark haired man starred at me and my mother in an amazed shock and looked at his coworker, paused and started to zip up my bag with the tile inside. He raised his hand and said, "Bella la signorina no cry. No cry bella. Go to plane. Have a nice flight." With that he gave us kisses on each cheek and we were off!

I will never forget that man and how he saved my mother and I from bestowing our treasure to the trash.

Finally my long due project has come to an end. I have been wanting to find a shadow box table to display my tale and bond with beautiful trash.

I found the shadow box at Ross Dress for Less for $20 and the legs at Home Depot $5 each.

With a little paint and my mans strength. Bam a shadow box table. 

A place for my precious tile. 

Happy Very Late Valentine's Day

My cute hubby surprised me coming home from work with a dozen gorgeous red roses, music, my very own slice of chocolate and coconut cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory, and a heart shaped pizza. I love that man of mine! 

In my life I have learned to always take the chance to tell someone you love them. I lost my amazing daddy 5 years ago and I can still remember the last time I told him that I loved him. I challenge You to not miss an opportunity.

Happy very late Valentine's Day.

Hibiscus Animal Print NOT Out of Control

This is my DIY maxi skirt with zipper and slit on the right side. I really loved the pattern and color. You can wear black, brown, mustard, white, tan, and gold. This can be worn for all types of seasons with different accessories. 

What you will need:

• 9in zipper
• 1 1/2 yards fabric
• thread to match

Cut 3 in strips long enough to go around your natural waistline.

Sew your skirt to your waistband making pleats. Sew your sides together leaving a slit starting at your knees.

 Attach zipper to side seam. 

Make something that fits your body type. Be proud of your nice curves, long legs, or whatever it maybe. Love yourself and feel chic!!!

Baby Time!!

BABY TIME!!!! I have two sisters and so many friends that are due this spring or shortly after. I have a quick little demo of the baby boy quilt that I did. I was given this quote by my mother-in-law and the quilt idea from remembering and watching my mother sew when i was younger. Put the two together you got a cute quilt. ;)

I cut 4 in strips using my nifty cutting board I got from my hubby on my birthday. Sweetheart! Sew the sides one at a time. The quilt will get smaller as you sew. This pattern needs to be sewn top and bottom strips first to the quote and then the sides. Continue pattern. Lay the backing first and quilting batting and then the top. I used pins instead of a quilting frame to keep my quilt tight and together as I tied with baby yarn. 

I used a tan muslin with a non washable pen.

Cut 4 in strips again for the boarder.

Sew the strips for the boarder together to make one long strand.

Next use an iron to fold the boarder so it will stay together.

Sew the boarder to the backing of the quilt. 

Don't get intimidated by the corners. YOU CAN DO THIS!! sew to the edge....

Then turn the quilt and boarder and continue sewing. You got!

Finished project. I love this saying because it is those precious moments that we need to remember and hold on forever because (even though I don't have any kiddy kats ;) yet) those cutie pies will grow up forever. 

No Animals Were Harmed in the Making of this Blog

Last weekend was my birthday and I received my two new favorite articles of clothing. My sweet mother gave me this dress and fur coat. 

This coat is "Faux Fur" or in other words fake fur. It is a synthetic fiber that looks and feels like fur which is actually considered fabric. 

The top is a crocheted empire with scallops on the bottom, a lace drop waist, and lace tiered skirt.  The empire waist became very popular during the 1800s. Napoleon Bonaparte's "Empress" was said to have made the new accentuation to the bust line spread all over Europe. The drop waist around the hips was inspired during the Roaring 20's. Women's skirts were shorter, tops baggier, which created a perfect "Hips Dont' Lie" ;). 

Shoes and jewelry were found at an Italian market compliments and thanks to my sister and mom.