turquoise + teardrops.

 Hello lovelies, so where did that week go?!

Somewhere in that blur I managed to bead up some new jewellery:

 I like my own personal creations to have a real eclectic vibe... a funky mix of various beads.

Of course, turquoise pops of colour are my real weakness.

Left: I included my friend Lynn's pottered turquoise button to loop this bracelet around.

 Right: this 'stacking' bracelet has two beaded strands attached together... and I love it!

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 On a much more sentimental side of jewellery making: my sister recently brought me this pendant.

It had belonged to our Gram'y.

She passed away many years ago now... but my heart still holds such a tender spot for her - (and my late Grampy).  Gosh we loved them.

They drove us to school every morning.

Grampy would create a silly song or rhyme for us... always calling me "Miss Mew" or "Mewtilda".

Gramy would shake her head and grin at Gramp's teasings... and do this hilarious 'Elvis' lip snarl every time we requested it of her.

I can still feel.hear.smell what their home was like.

The smooth linoleum steps to the cool basement, the kitchen counter of glass jars with candy, the powder puff in the bathroom, the wicker seats in the sun room, the hockey game playing across the couches, the backyard sweeping down into our favourite woods.

We spent so much time with them.  Their home was my second home.

The teardrops always come so easily when I think of these sweet souls.

How much I wish they could have seen their great-grandkids ~ our babies.

 ---

Losing a loved one never loses it's impact on your heart.

Time doesn't erase their memory.

Grief is a mirror of the love we hold for them.

How I loved those two: John + June.

So I wear this special memento close to my heart.

I attached it to a double strand of antique bronze chain.

I already had this ring from Gram's collection.. and have loved it always.

Small things, really.

But they hold something much larger.

The memory. the love. the creative style.. of someone I miss deeply.

 -----

Do you have keepsakes, mementos close to your heart?

Mel ;o)

peek-a-HOO!

 Allllllllrighty folks - here it is - the final sneak peek of handmade goodies flying the Nest!

I'm starting to pack up the suitcases for this weekend's Focus Fair (it's hilarious how most of us crafters show up with all our vintage suitcases in tow!).

So here's my latest hooty-full creation:

 Hand-painted owl pocket-pillows.

 This limited collection features a 'secret' pocket on the back to stash away lil' treasures.

(Fabric pockets come in a delicate bonny blue floral - or chocolate/smoke blue chevron pattern - atop a turquoise vinyl).

I love these cutie hoots.

*Though, truth be told, they almost got cut from the 'to-do' list.  Call me a rebel, but have you noticed that owls are everywhere lately?  I didn't want to look like just another person trying to sell 'em... but then I thought: 'Anyone who knows me already knows that I've loved owls for a long time - and they're always part of my craft shows in some form or other.'

So here they are, and I'm happy about it!

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Oh yes, and these wee hoots will be back this year too:

Soft owl plushies in a cheery Christmas cherry tone!

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In other tweet news... I received a beautiful handmade gift from around the world last week!

All these goodies came from a kindred-crafter, blog reader, caring Kiwi named Ann.

 (Annie B Homemade)!

She knew I loved owls... and embroidered this gorgeous journal cover!

She also made the adorable half-eaten gingerbreadman ornament, and gifted the Kiwi plushie from another crafter - as gifts for our kids.  What a sweetheart!

Thanks lovely!

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Well there's the hoo's hoo of recent goodness around this nest, I'll spare you any further puns and sign off for today!

Owl always love you,

er.... I mean...

Creatively yours,

Mel ;o)

thrifty & nifty threads: upcycled fashion. 13.

 Well lovelies, I figure it's about time I show you another thrifty upcycle of my clothing here.

A simple little sewing project this time around.

 This cosy cardigan from a blogger-clothing-swap (was it Jen's, or Carly's?)... and a retro bus seat cover got a whole new look!

(*Bus seats c/o our neighbours turning a bus in to a camping 'trailer'!).

A folded square cut in to a heart shaped patch.

I loooooove this aged leather look from the underside of the seat cover, and it's so easy to stitch through.  (Wishing I had hoarded all their bus seats for more of this leather).

I heart elbow patches.

So tempted to slap a pair on every sweater I own!

(You may recall I used to use my beloved doilies for another spin on this look).

Ca-pow!

Elbowing my way through upcycled fashion,

Mel ;o)

Recent fabric fun(gi)... SHOP update too!

If you're mad for mushrooms... or a fanatic for fungi... well, you're in good company here.

I love them.  (But you already knew that... right?).

So did my sweet friend, who returned home from her trip to the States with lovely fabrics for all her sewing buddies ~ I scored a whole medley of woodland themed prints!

This mushroom fabric especially got me swooning.. and stitching:
 

Currently I think I'm still stitching this 'ode to mushrooms' piece. I'm just not sure if I want to use colours to fill in the stitched area, or add text...  (sigh) every crafter/artisan always faces that moment of - "Is this where I stop... or do I keep adding to the piece?"!

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Now, if you too, love mushrooms... get in here and check out some fabric fungi embroidered hoops from my Shop!

[Two stitched mushrooms atop a hill of apple green, turquoise, and gold toned fabrics.]

7" plastic tan hoop.

$20*

[Vintage mushroom cluster perched over apple green, turquoise, peach lace and delicate floral fabrics].

9" plastic wood grain hoop.
$25*

[Vintage mushroom cluster nestled in charcoal brown, linen, sage fleece and turquoise fabrics].

10.5" high cinnamon coloured plastic hoop.

$30*

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Prices listed are Canadian currency... and mailing worldwide (via ground delivery) will be an added $5.  I have PayPal located in the side bar here under the "donate" button.

**Please e-mail me at: needleandnestdesign@live.com to arrange an order.**

I can also do custom work if you're hatching some creative 'Christmas' plans!

Feel free to check out what else is still available in the SHOP..  I try to keep posts updated as things sell, so you can peruse what interests you there.

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Thanks friends,

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

I'm eager to sneak in a hot date with a certain hubby (the rarity of a dinner out makes it that much more special nowadays)!

See you on the flip side,

Mel ;o)

shop the nest:: (NEW) doily earrings!

 Hello lovelies!

Things have been quiet around the shop here lately (as I've been creatively engaged on various other projects)... so I thought it was about time to open the doors again.

Sharing the doily-delight again... 

 While I still have the original white doily earrings available, these NEW variations have a warm taupe tone to them (like the colour of driftwood found along the shore).

$10 Cndn (FREE shipping worldwide)

For those of you who are more dainty and delicate doily delighters... these wee wonders may suit your style.

Also in the antique taupe tone.

$7 Cndn. (FREE shipping worldwide).

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If you would like to have both sets in your nest you'll score a better deal ($15 total for both pairs).  You can e-mail your order preference at needleandnestdesign@live.com.

I have PayPal located at the sidebar for your convenience -------------->

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Yes, the shop is still open, but get them while supplies last!

(Any other items are still available by order there too).

Have a beauty-full day,

Mel ;o)

thrifty & nifty threads: upcycled fashion #6

 Well friends I did it again... this 'lace-crazed' brain took something thrifty and sewed it into something nifty... for only $3.fifty!  Sure it rhymes, but it's also true.

 I recently saw this lace curtain panel while thrifting and thought "time to make another skirt".

I had some wide elastic waist band already... and two large silky tan pillow cases to use for the lining of the skirt.  Good cheap fun at this nest.  

 Voila!

My very own lace maxi skirt! (Who decided these trendy skirts should be called 'maxi'?  All I picture is a giant feminine pad?!)  

Anyways, I'm pretty happy with it - despite the usual sewing blunders along the way (at which point Ben hears me saying "eeeeeeeediot!" at my sewing machine).  Case in point: that gold lace waist was the perfect cover for an atrocious sewing line.

Yes, most of my projects are really the attempt to camouflage the bloopers and highlight the successes!

 Sooo, here's a success: the pretty scalloped edge at the bottom of the skirt thanks to the curtain hem.  Let's just pretend I sewed that part.

Annnnd, because I'm crazy.like...that...^  I also used the leftover lace to make yet another infinity scarf.  Two upcycles for the price of one!

Yes friends, we made a tablecloth into a skirt... and now a curtain. 

You know I did this just so that if I ever get complimented on it I can use Carol Burnett's great line: "I saw it in the window and I just couldn't resist it!".

Hope you're inspired to wear what ever's hanging around the house, 

and if you want to catch up on previous upcycling posts you can go here! 

Have a great weekend,

long & lacy mama,

Mel ;o)

thrifty & nifty threads: upcycled fashion #5

 Hi friends!

Here's another edition of taking some thrifted old threads and upcycling them into something nifty.  Today it's a light lace top for summer.

Lately this hot.humid weather is feeling like a bear hug from a sweaty sumo wrestler...ick.

I was looking for something easy.breezy. to stitch and wear.

 Two vintage lace squares (scarves?) would do the trick.

Here's a peek at this fast and frugal project: 

 Place the lace squares together (facing in) and run a stitch up the sides, as well as the shoulders.  Leave room for armholes and your head!

Now you knew I'd have to include doilies too, didn't you?  I cut out a couple lil' darlings to add a finishing touch to the shirt here:

 You can gather the shoulder area with that fancy term called a basting stitch, and sew secure afterwards.  I used the doilies as belt loops on the side hip area of the shirt.  Cute, right?!

This was a fun. simple. sewing project for even a hack like me, hope it inspires you to beat the heat too.  Imagine using all sorts of colourful thrifted scarves for these tops?!

Happy upcycling friends,

the doily diva,

Mel ;o)

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P.S.  You can catch up on the previous episodes here! 

P.P.S.. this is your LAST day to enter the GIVEAWAY ---------->>

one.HOO.three.four

 Hooooos a happy hoot hoarder?!

This mama.

Truth be told, I rarely get out to summer yard sales anymore (having kids makes it more challenging to haul them in and out of car seats at every stop).  So you can imagine my delight when Azriel and I walked over to our neighbourhood church's rummage sale and saw this....

 ...a whole tweetin' table of retro owls!!

I may have squealed out loud... and Azi was pretty eager to play with them too.

We carefully chose four of the feathered friends to come back to our nest - all for one shiny dollar - woo hooo! 

They nestled in quite nicely with the rest of my collection.

But, I need to make a better arrangement here...so it's a work in progress for now.

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Honestly, I think it's good I don't get out to more rummage sales/thrift stores...

because the hoarder in me just can't refuse such deals (to the chagrin of Mr. Minimalist Ben)!

I'm trying to purge our nest... to de-clutter some spaces, one could go so far as to  say I'm swinging over to the minimalist's side (stop laughing... it's true).

Except for my owl collection of course.

Oh, and my fabric stash. art supplies. doilies and mushrooms/gnomes!

right...

collector - purger

which side are you?

Owl love you either way,

Mel ;o) 

thrifty & nifty threads: upcycled fashion. #3.

 Happy Friday friends, and here's my latest upcycling stitchery adventure!

Now don't gasp in amazement quite yet.. I did NOT do all that embroidery:

This gorgeous old tapestry did the detail work for me (you may remember it from my moccasin d.i.y project too).  It was a thrifted gift that just keeps on giving!

So, I had this light cotton navy shirt (JOE) and I wanted to jazz it up on the back... my own embroidered shoulder tattoo if you will.  I just had to cut out the floral designs, pin them to the shirt while stretched in a quilting hoop... and then hand-stitch it all on.

 Another funky and successful upcycled project in my books.

 Granted, this task was not my usual super fast.stupid easy approach, since hand-stitching takes way longer for me.  It reminded me that committing to bigger projects can bring valuable lessons, they teach patience and test the limits of my creative ADHD side!

It also is a great way to force me to be still... I really enjoyed being 'captive' to stitching this while listening to various online sermons this week: a wonderful way to feed both the soul and the creative spirit at once!

And there you have it, another edition of taking something thrifty and re-styling it to something nifty.

Past projects:

#2. Grandma shorts = light n' lacy shorts.

#1. Garish blouse = flouncy skirt & toddler vest.

Have a beauty-full weekend!

Mel ;o)

thrifty & nifty threads: upcycled fashion. #1.

Here's a fun new feature - showing you the crazy sewing/upcycling projects I do around this nest. 

Take this fairly hideous, garish, colourful floral shirt for example.

There was no way in heck I was going to wear that shirt... no sir.  

But a second look at it, and I thought 'maybe a flouncy floral skirt would be cute for summer'.

A snip.a stitch.a stretchy waistband. and seconds later - voila!

Then, just to maximise the upcycling experience (and drag my daughter in on the fashion fun)... I sewed her a simple vest from the top half! 

Two outfits for the 'slice' of one... yee-haw.

(Don't worry, I probably won't make Azriel wear that vest again.... unless she's going to be singing with the Von trapp children.) 

Don't you just love to take something thrifty and re-purpose it into something nifty?

 I sure do!

Upcycling mama,

Mel ;o)

a dream home...

...a place to call her own.

 ...where no locks are needed, 

and happy bells announce visiting friends.

 ...where mailboxes contain toy kittens and cookies.

...and the window box flowers never wilt.

...these are what dream homes are made of around our nest.

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Yes, I finally started/finished this tablecloth play house I've been meaning to sew for our daughter for over a year now (talk about procrastinating!)... I'm really happy with it - especially it's cheery colour and the vintage sheets used.

Not to mention the glorious moment of placing it over our dinner table and seeing it fit perfectly (since I'm a hack when it comes to measuring/sewing with precision).. phew!

Azriel seems happy with it too...

...though she seems to be confused as to whether her cats will be indoor or outdoor pets!

I'm tempted to make it my own dream home too (although I nearly got stuck in there today with Azriel as we attempted to hide on Daddy coming home from work!). 

sewing.dreaming.nesting.

Mel ;o)

slide.show.sunday.take 28.

Hope you all had a great weekend out there friends...

here's the recap of ours:

 Shopping/thrifting score: wooden alphabet for Azriel...

 Friday night 'College & Careers' church group... which I want to rename 'Babies & Bellies' for where most of us are at!

 Mmmmm mint ice cream at our friend's house after a Saturday lunch together.

 ...and a dinner of 'champions' later that evening!

 Sunday cat-naps after church... Mewsli hasn't moved from her spot all day!

 A fun visit to our local Canadian Canoe Museum for 'free' open house day...

 Lots to see.. painters.carvers.miniature train makers... etc.

 Sasquatch mama and Azriel in a wee lodge... and the absolute highlight of our trip: I just found out from my Ben that Narwhals are REAL!!  Ohmigosh, I thought they were out there with unicorns and jackalopes... but, wonder of wonders they exist.  I told Ben that's gotta be on our life to 'see' list now!  :o)

We'll just say that was a 'baby-brain' moment for me,

the not-know-it-all mama,

Mel ;o)