junkin around

I have a goldmine of cool stuff right under my nose. And what a goldmine it is!! My neighbor has opened the doors on an old house that stores all her treasures. She has a lot of goodies for sale and the prices are awesome. This collection has amassed from family, friends, estate sales and auctions and maybe even a ditch or two. Here is a shot of just one corner of the kitchen and out of sight is a great collection of buffalo china and Hull pottery and some of the other brown pottery pieces. I am not so proficient on knowing all the names of the pieces.

In the living room is this armoire filled with more yummy stuff. The armoire has beautiful doors that we have temporarily removed for display purposes. Don't worry, that floor really isn't quite that crooked and things aren't sliding out the back door. I will try and concentrate on close-up pics next time I get over there.

These old doors put together are perfect for display and are still a work in progress because we have ideas of cutting out a couple of panels perhaps.

This is only a taste of all the delicacies offered and I promise to get some better pics that can show off the variety available. I know Dougherty (in the panhandle) is on everyone's path to nowhere. So, when you drive on through or are planning to visit our little bump in the road as your 'go-to' place.....just call and my neighbor will be glad to open up the doors, since there aren't regular hours. It is a catch, as catch can situation so calling ahead is most important.
Oh yea, and her name? Well, I'll go ahead and share that info too...since you insist....

Tomi Covington

806-983-2736
call ahead to visit:

Mattie's

Antiques and other Cool Stuff

Dusting

Today, I grabbed the ole keyboard and am doing some dusting. You say...Keyboard?, she's crazy? Of course, but I have so neglected this posting spot of insanities. I will lay some blame on having severe difficulties on posting pics. Blogger is fighting me on every pic! Ugh! Or could it be the Vista that I am not used to on the new computer? Yeeeaahhhh, that's the ticket! I miss XP, mainly because I am an old dog that isn't so adept at learning a new trick. I digress from my complaining to share some cool things I uncovered out of an old box. It has been stashed in storage and never cleaned up to see what I had, until now. I found a lot of old movie star photos with signatures. Someone really had a hobby going here collecting these promotion pics. I can't believe how well preserved they have remained under the layers of dust! That now validates why I DON'T dust my house. I am saving my furniture for posterity. haha, we'll see how long that excuse plays.

And then we have the tiered serving cart. I picked it up at an estate sale and it is in mint condition. I would have loved to load up the building that it was stored in also because it was extremely well organized. Alas, my car has a limit to what I can stuff in it. I just love this cart for it's lovely pale yellow. I know it will be a workhorse for me holding supplies. The large cookie tins on the bottom will be painted and probably monogrammed. I think that is project #2,357, just in case you're counting.

I hope to see y'all SOONER than later.

New additions

Saturday, my garage saleing (sp?) buddy and I went to a neighboring town to check out a sale that had already been shopped over the day before, but this estate had so much stuff you wouldn't have known this was the 2nd day of shopping heaven. There was a ton of stuff and I was in a sensory overload from the minute I went through the door. I am so excited to share my greatest find yet! On the floor, partially tucked under a table was the most unassuming little black box. It is the newest baby of my collection. As if the 3 on my sewing table right now are not enough and the other 4 that I own needed company....sheesh. But this one is special because it will be dedicated to my quilt piecing. It has just the cutest carrying case and perfect for transporting to classes. I had never paid much attention to these little work horses called Featherweights, but I'm in the club of ownership now. Yeah for me.

Then we take a gander here at the silvery and shiny stuff...The oval platter is a nice large size with an art deco motif and is a heavy aluminum I think. The covered server is in the most excellent condition and I loved the beaded edging on that piece. Then there is the silver footed platter.

I must be a magpie at heart because I am so attracted to shiny things. I love silver trays and have several stacked up already. There were a few other trays at the sale, but I really exercised self-control and just brought these few home. This one got the cut because it was footed. A little polish and it will be a real show off.

This is a sewing box I scored at a sale a couple of weeks ago. It was packed with goodies inside and was just like Christmas going through all of it. It had several marking pens for fabric that aren't in the pic because they have already found a home at my work table.

Just looking at this cute basket makes you want to mend something......or not. At least it will look adorable while waiting to be put to a good use when needed.

I did take more pics of the other goodies, but Blogger is challenging me on every photo upload.  More at another time.

A footnote:  It is funny how I was just fixin' to publish this post the other day when the phone rang which led to dinner out for father's day, then a nice visit afterward.  Then, unexpected and terrific surprise company that dropped in and ended up with an overnight visit.  And all the while I am gathering stuff for my trip away for the next week.  May I emphasize Chaotic??!!!  understatement, for sure!  haha, but I scrounged this post up from the drafts and finally can share it.  Enjoy, and I can't wait to post about the Paper Cowgirl retreat in Waxahachie this weekend.  Check ya later, alligator.

Next Verse, Same Song?

I have another chapter in the "why I've been gone so long" saga. I had mentioned that I was able to swerve by a couple of garage sales. That was besides the one I helped with in Justin with my dear SIL. I had snagged the berry basket for just pennies and then hit the mother load of flatware for just a tad bit of elbow grease to uncover the treasure. Phew! It is a complete set..nearly..just short a couple of pieces. Shockeroo. I will clean several of these pieces up and probably use them. Now, the piece in question is the wooden plaque thingy with the swivel hooks. I am assuming it is a tie holder in it's original life? If you have another tidbit of info, I would appreciate the heads up. My favorite find is the pair of sconces. One is missing the center nut cover, but I am sure there is some decorative alternative to fill in the void. I love the plug in outlet on each one. I am thinking I will be using these in a farm house redo I have on the back burner of my 1000 projects.
In the stop by my house to repack my bags for another road trip...I had a package waiting and it was this awesome charm. Tina Wright made these and sent them to the first few registrants for the Paper Cowgirl retreat. This is a great prelude to a great weekend that is just around the corner and down the road. Yee Haw!

It got a bit dark before I could gather up all the other garage sale goodies. I will corral those and snag a pic tomorrow and share some more goodies.

Thanks for stopping by y'all!

Long time, no see

Hi again, after a long break from blogging...I'm back. It was never intentional y'all to be away for so long, but ya just never know how life can get so busy. So, to catch you up on the first chapter....I went to North Carolina and helped the dear son and his dear family relocate. I know..you're wondering if I loaded that entire truck myself! haha, of course not, I had help. After a long day of packers and movers, it was bittersweet to see the household rolling on down the road. But a new horizon was in sight. The big truck found it's way to Texas. Another few days and things were in order at the new address. We really lucked out to have such awesome good weather at both ends of the move.

The dear grand-daughter found time to settle into her pool and cool off after working so hard to supervise us all to do our jobs. That job being to pay total attention to her. haha. What a chore that one was!! I can't complain about that job at all.

The dear one flew home with Grandma while the parents drove the trip to TX. That would have to be another chapter in itself. That baby loves to travel and entertain and now has a fan club.

Amidst all the moving about, I did find time to hit a few garage sales and I will try to post some of those goodies ASAP. Stay tuned for the next chapter.....Sooner than later I hope....

garage sale heaven

OMG!!! I am helping my dear SIL with a major garage sale this weekend and you don't want to miss it. If you live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area....this is a MUST SEE to believe. She is liquidating years and years of her mother's household. Gals, there is Christmas galore and a lot of the vintagey stuff that is fun and the newer items that are great to 'alter'. Did I mention china? If you have been wanting christmas china, now is the time to grab it. They are octogan shapes with a tree in the center. So pretty. Then kitchenware that will make your eyes pop out. I am talking about some of the good stuff too. I have never seen so much office supplies. I think even the office supply stores would think this sale is competition. haha. I am so excited about the really nice items that she has out on the tables for cheap. CHEAP!!! as in the "I can't believe it!"
OK, I am so excited that I can't even count how many bksp corrections I have just made and hope spell check doesn't shut down on me. Sorry I don't have any pics, but I didn't bring my camera connection thingys to download them.
Come to this address on Friday and Saturday.....125 Honeysuckle Dr. in Justin, TX. It isn't too far away from the Speedway. I hope to see y'all here.

transplanted Texan

Hello to everyone from North Carolina!  I am here to help the favorite son and his family get on the move to San Antonio.  Things are exciting and exhausting at the same time with packing prep and an 8 month old toddling afoot.  That baby girl is just the best helper and especially when you need the just-folded towels undone.  I've always said that a towel folded twice is twice as nice. Dear grand-daughter and I will fly back to Texas in a few days while the parents tie up the loose ends and make that long drive.  Phew, I opt for the flying time any day over the drive they have ahead of them.  

Well gals,  I just had to touch base and see what was going on and i will post pics soon.  Thanks for stopping by.

dreamin'

I am dreaming of this......
Didn't you just love the hotel pool when you traveled? But not the waiting for 1 hour after you ate before you could jump in for some more fun! Go figure on that rule.
I am covered up AGAIN with another sewing project. Window valances for 4 large windows. I will check in and resume regular posting one of these days. Keep blogging and lurking in the meantime. I'll catch up soon.

Vegas style

Our part of the country got a taste of Las Vegas this past weekend. The prom had just a lot of sparkle going on and here are a couple of real show stoppers! Aren't these gals just the cutest?!!

The paparazzi must have been just clicking away.
I know they just had the greatest time.

I don't always get to see the finished dress after I machine-test it.

So, thanks to the parents paparazzi who shared these quick clicks.

And just as I had posted, here came another famous click. Look at that flashing smile! That gal can really strike a pose.

This is another mini project that has kept me busy here along with all this. Thanks mom's for sharing all these glam gals today!!

Fluff (almost) under control

I've been away too long y'all. Been missing blogland and have a lot to catch up on. To get you up to speed on the sweatshop adventures.....

If you remember, I've been swallowed up with chiffon and ruffles. Then, I was drowning in the next layer of ruffles.......

and the trail of fabric left from my machine and trailed all around the room. And that was for just one skirt!!

And then....TA DA!...I can finally put in on Ms. Manni for adjustments. She was thrilled with the fit. Of course, it is so completely adjustable to her many sizes with just the tie of a bow.

Now, to finish 4 more of these and then a flower girl skirt in a different color combo. Adorable.

I did take out one evening to put together a couple of outfits for the dear grand-daughter. I love the little sundresses that criss-cross in the back. This one I made reversible with the pink eyelet and reverse to satin. haha. Maybe not the most practical, but it is what I had in my stash. After all we are way out in the middle of no- where land and I never start these projects until LATE at night. LOL!

The eyelet reverses to the satin on the other side and of course the satin 'ruffle-butt' panties. The style that only wee babies and toddlers can wear with any fashion sense at all!

I put together her Easter dress. I fell in love with this plaid taffeta. The colors were so fresh and spring-like. I embroidered the diagonals and added the daisies to the bodice.

Sorry for the washed out pic...I didn't take time for photoshop fixes.

I added an attached petticoat of a fresh lime green organza. I left the little ruffles off these panties, since of course this is a more grown up girly ensemble. I am eager to see her model this one....via digipic, of course.

I also have a couple of pics of the Prom gals. I will share those tomorrow....For now, I must crash before I burn.