Halloween Flash Sale!

Today through Sunday, November 2nd, 2014

all bags in my Etsy shop are 10% off!

Use Coupon Code: GOBLINS14

This limited time discount is for ready-made bags only, 

not PDF sewing patterns.

 https://www.etsy.com/shop/silvertrumpetstyle

Give your knitting a new home this season, or

keep your hand sewing projects safe and neat!

Run around town with a unique bag that reflects 

your sweet and lovely personality!

Enjoy details like generous pockets,

easy to use button closures and overall durability.

You deserve a TREAT this Halloween!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/silvertrumpetstyle

In Triplicate

 At long last, I've had some time to sew the

Wiksten Tova top, and not just once but three times,

and each a little differently.

Can I start by saying how much I love this pattern?

 The instructions are clear and offer plenty of helpful 
photos, especially for details like this smart sleeve band.

 For this top, I made the neck band exactly the same way

as the sleeve band. I prefer this look because 

it doesn't overwhelm my frame.

 By the time I sewed this one, I felt pretty confident 

with my personal adjustments to the pattern; for example,

I altered the shoulders and sleeves for my petite size,  

 reduced the size of the bib and added buttons to the placket. 

I decided to gather the pleats at the center, too.

These sweet antler buttons are from my friend,
Christine Johnson!

From cutting to finishing, each top took about one work day.

Wearing any of these tops makes me feel comfortable 

and happy. I'll set my sights on solids next, perhaps linen.
With so many examples of the Wiksten Tova top online, 
inspiration will be easy to come by!

Have you sewn this top?
I'd love to hear what you think about the pattern
and your results!

What's Up, Buttercup?

Such a sunny October greeting!

 Last week, I announced my newest project, 

building a doll house and exploring the world of miniatures.

Above is a photo of the kit I purchased online at 

www.greenleafdollhouses.com.

As a beginner, I looked for a house that seemed like 

it would keep my interest, but hopefully not be more 

than I could handle. I also kept an eye on price 

because I didn't want to sink a lot of money into 

such unknown territory. 

The Buttercup was the winner! 

I purchased individual roof shingles separately, 

while the rest of the components are included in the kit.

 After reading and rereading the instructions and 

helpful tips packet, I dove in! 

Above, the first batch of pieces: sanded, filled and primed.

One helpful tip is to lay painted components over spaghetti

so they won't stick to the paper as they dry. Brilliant.

 Working steadily along during evening hours

the same components now have two coats of 

satin latex paint. Lowe's sells small, affordable pots of paint 

in a limited, but very nice range of colors, 

and I was able to find three for my little Buttercup.  

In a future post I'll show the wood floor (sold separately)

that is now sanded, polyurethaned and adhered to the first floor.

I should mention that I can already see how this project is 

going to go, what with wallpaper, flooring, lighting,

furniture, accessories and people yet to acquire,

this is neither an overnight project 
nor an inexpensive one, but wow, is it fun!

So far, I'm finding all of this to be manageable 

because I can stop and move on to other things

at any time. 

I will continue to show Buttercup updates right here. 

Send me any questions - I'm happy to share.

I've been working on this long overdue Project Linus quilt. 
Shown here is the untrimmed quilt top. 

I had a few diamonds left from a 

previous Diamonds quilt for Project Linus  

and was itching to put them to use.

This new one should be perfect for a girl in grade school.

I'll finish it in the next week or two, and then 

set my sights on Jaybird's Ballerina and Traffic quilts

(thank you all for your votes!), both of which will also be 
donated to Project Linus.

Do you have a favorite quilt pattern 

that you reach for again and again?

I'd love to hear!

Things That Go Bump In the Night

 Today, October 1st, I'm finally setting up my work station to

delve into the world of miniatures. 

My interest has been growing for a few years, and finally

I gave in and admitted to myself that I'd really like  

to try building miniature houses.

Why I take so long to have some fun, I'll never know, 

but ever since I gave in, the flood gates have opened 

and ideas are rushing in. 

In the spirit of Halloween, 

I'm sharing a few inspiring miniature haunted houses 

from my Pinterest Board, Dwellings.

 To dip my toe in the pond, I ordered two modest kits 

that I'll show in a future post.

So far, I've read the instructions and the helpful tips packet 

more than a few times. Oh, I've also stared at the numerous

pieces and parts thinking, "How am I going to keep these straight?"

Imagining an upside down house or some other awkward 

and really wrong final result, I just keep reminding myself to 

follow the instructions and all will be well.

 So, all that's left is to set up the work table 

and begin learning by doing. And today is that day!

 Aren't all of these haunted houses great?!

Just to be clear, I didn't build 

any of these in today's post. You can find them all on my 

Pinterest board with links back to the makers.

October is a fun month, between the fall foliage, 

rapidly changing weather, pumpkins in the field 

and little ghosts, ballerinas and firefighters going door to door...

it's the perfect time to start sanding, painting and creating 

small haunted, and not so haunted, houses.

 I will post updates on my miniature endeavors.

If you have tips and tricks to share, 

please leave me a comment. I'm wide open to guidance.

In the meantime, since it is October,

I'd love to hear what your little trick-or-treaters 

are planning to dress up as!