Sommer Designs

The story of the reworked thrifted denim skirt.

I can't remember which I found first, the crochet doily's, or the skirt. But remember, this was my recent thrift trip in San Diego a few weeks ago. I had dropped Scott off at work in Rancho Bernardo, and with my handy printout from The Thrift Shopper, spent the day hitting almost every thrift in Rancho Bernardo, Poway & Escondido.

I found the skirt at The Salvation Army in Poway - it's made by Halogen (a Nordstrom brand) and it only cost $3.50. The doily's were found at another thrift in two batches - one for $1.00 and the other was $1.25.

After a good soak in Retro Clean (and a good wash for the skirt), I decided to sew the doily's onto the skirt in some random pattern. The doily's are in various sizes, and some are white, while some are ecru. This didn't matter to me; in fact, for me, it added to the charm.

I used embroidery floss to sew them onto the skirt, mainly because it was heavy, and also because the color blended in - and knowing the kind of hand sewer I am, I knew this would work.

I only used a hoop on a couple of them because they were a little floppy and wouldn't stay flat. As you can also see, some of them were broken in areas. I just continued the line with embroidery. You can't tell...

unless you look very carefully.

It was a good project for me last week, while I was too worried about the fires to concentrate on anything else. And it was almost fitting that this project originated in the very area that we were all so worried about.

Candy was worried too. Sweet girl.

This was a super easy refashion project, anyone could do it! You don't have to use vintage doily's either - I think Michael's and Joann's both carry bulk doily's of different sizes. How funky cute would this be if I had dyed them up before sewing them on? (oooohhh, another project?!) I think the possibilities are endless.

When I finished the skirt, I brainstormed the entire outfit (because I'm wacked like that). I decided to refashion another boring cardigan, just not as drastically (who has time for these things?!). I took a brown Lands' End cardigan, and just changed out the boring grey buttons to some bright white vintage mother-of-pearl buttons I had. Simple Simon.

And the shoes. Oh, the shoes. I've been lusting after a pair of brown Mary Janes for a couple of months. I originally saw these, and while I loved the style, was not sure about the red. So I went with these. As soon as I saw them in person, I realized what a grave mistake I had made. They were almost as boring as the Lands' End cardigan - pre-refashion. It was this photo that turned me around. I *heart* Zappos. Free overnight delivery soothes the instant gratification soul. {do you see the whipstitch detail????!!!!}

My life is complete.

Happy Halloween! I'm hoping to meet my mister for lunch later! Damn...he has a meeting. :( Oh well - I'm still going out to lunch!

Mosaic Monday...buying time.

I know I said there would be another refashion today, but I'm not ready. It's such a long, convoluted story, but I want it to be right, and it won't be right without the right pair of shoes.

It's always about the shoes, isn't it? 

I love this mosaic - it's so...autumny.

Refashion must wait. Let's talk preparedness.

I was going to post another refashioned post, but since I can't get the wildfires off my mind, and I've been obsessed with what I would grab, I thought this might be more important. To me, anyway. If you aren't interested, come back on Monday, I'll have another refashioned piece!

What would I take, in the case of an evacuation, when I only had 5 minutes to spare? It boggles my mind to think I would have to stuff almost 19 years of household accumulation and memories into a 5 minute grab-it spree. This latest round of wildfires, which are actually so frequent here in Southern California, and are not picky in their locations, has really made me think about this issue. It's almost like a wake-up call to us, the lucky ones who were not affected, to get things in order.

Here's a pretty good list of what should be included.

The Red Cross also has some good tips.

I like this one too.

Really, we are at an incredible advantage with this digital age. So many of us use digital cameras, and of course, the hard drive is one of the items I would take, but I think it might be important to periodically burn some of those pictures onto a CD and put it in a safe place. I'm also thinking I might hire my resident videographer to video our home and its' contents. I probably should also do a picture inventory of important items, and add it to that CD. All those pictures that were pre-digital can be scanned and then burned to CD - yes, it's a hassle. But I want to share my sons' baby pictures with their babies someday. And I know many people would not believe that I actually dressed up like a B-52 in high school for Halloween. Things like that need to be kept.

All those important papers we all have? I don't know about you, but over here, they are all over the place. House deed in one file; health insurance in another file, in a completely different location; same with homeowners insurance, business insurance, life insurance, birth certificates, passports, etc. All those things need to be in one place that is easily accessible.

We have a lock box, but I don't know if it is fire-safe. That's first on my new list of must-haves. I think I'll spring for the larger size so I can fit all those documents inside. Because think about this: yes, you can grab it and go and everything is in one place. BUT, what if you aren't home and there is a disaster? And you can't get home to pack all those important things? I suppose I could also spring for a safe deposit box at the bank - but are those totally and completely disaster-proof? Or, put the originals in the safe deposit box, and keep the copies in the fire-proof lock box.

All these things have been swimming through my head in the last four days. Today is the first day I can actually see blue in the sky. Here, on the coast, there is just a trace of that horrid smell. Many of the fires are in containment (not out, contained). The devastation is insane. I don't care where you live in the world, I don't think anyone is safe from a natural disaster. It could happen to any one of us, and you have to be prepared.

Thrift Thursday - Vintage Crochet Apron

How about a happy post?

I've been hankering for a crochet apron ever since I saw this beautiful tunic apron. At first, I thought I would just make it, but then I realized I have no crochet skills for this project. Then I found another crochet pattern, and another, and each time I thought, maybe, maybe, maybe!

And while reading The Apron Book by EllynAnne Geisel, I realized that I really wanted a vintage crochet apron, made a long time ago, by someone else, who sat down and poured hours of love into their handiwork.

While perusing eBay a few weeks ago, I came across one - and while not exactly thrifted, it fits the bill.

I couldn't believe nobody else came and snatched it away from me in the final moments. It was in perfect condition, albeit a little discolored and had a few brownish/rust stains on the front. It was the discolorations that gave me the perfect excuse to try some Retro Clean, which I had heard about on Flickr. Retro Clean is available on its' own website, as well as eBay - check it out, it really works!

Just 2 tablespoons in some warm water (I threw in some other laces and those vintage doily's from last week) and soak for up to two days. I put the bin outside in the sun, but I think you can also soak indoors.

It came out pristine white, and the colors so bright! Did you notice those little crochet flowers along the waistband? Love those.

Love my vintage crochet apron.

Love Retro Clean.

Update - there is some containment!

image from Google maps - I believe the green icons are containment.

Thank you for all the emails and notes about this disaster! We are fine and safe! It appears that there is some containment with some of the wildfires - but the last report was that at least 500,000 people have been evacuated! That just blows my mind! Five hundred thousand people! And the more I talk to people I know, the more I find out about friends who have family that are directly affected by this!

All of our news channels are broadcasting nothing other than these fires. We have no idea what else is going on in the world. And for people who are faraway, and have no idea of the geography and where things are, it must seem like anyone they know in California is most probably affected by this.

The winds have died down considerably, but it is still very hot and dry. It's supposed to cool dramatically by the end of the week, and last I heard, there was even the possibility of (*gasp*) some clouds. Here's hoping for moisture!

On a lighter note: Scott came into my office this morning and said he knew today was going to be a better day because he had a dream about Chuck Norris.

Boy, if it was just that simple.

Of orangy-pink sunsets

Unretouched photo taken last night when I picked up Colin from Channel 33, our local cable station where he interns. It's usually crystal clear and the water shines like glass against the soon-to-be-setting sun.

Yesterday, it glowed. Hazy. Thank you for the concern, but we are still in the clear. We are about 25 miles south of the Malibu fires, and probably another 25 miles north of the Orange County fires. I still can't shake the feeling of unease, because things can change in an instant. We have our share of dry brush and canyons that can go up in smoke, and have. The air quality outside right now is abominable - I have one child home from school with a mild cold that is aggravated worse by the air and wind.

This weather always reminds me of White Oleander, by Janet Fitch - such a great, delicously dysfunctional coming of age novel. The reference to the Santa Ana winds open the story in the beginning...

"The Santa Anas blew in hot from the desert, shriveling the last of the spring grass into whiskers of pale straw. Only the oleanders thrived, their delicate poisonous blooms, their dagger green leaves. We could not sleep in the hot dry nights, my mother and I. I woke up at midnight to find her bed empty. I climbed to the roof and easily spotted her blond hair like a white flame in the light of the three-quarter moon."

I remember reading that, and knowing exactly what Janet Finch was talking about - how that hot wind comes in over the mountains from the desert - so dry and so full of might, just waiting to spark something. When you get right down to it, Southern California is all desert - all our greenery is man-made - and those Santa Anas are a reminder of what has been done to change a landscape that is fighting to revert back to its' origin. It's such a perfect metaphor to how the winds make you feel, and how they can drive you over the edge.

Remember our trip to Rancho Bernardo just over a week ago? On fire. Scott's office there is closed, one person lost their home, and most of the other personnel have been evacuated. One darling girl that works directly for Scott was told to leave, and not really thinking that it would last, didn't pack anything. All she has are the clothes on her back.

I keep thinking about evacuation and what I would grab, besides my hard drive and doggies. And children, of course! But they can do their own packing.  It's so worrisome - today is supposed to be the worst and then the weather is supposed to start cooling and settle a bit.

Taken yesterday afternoon, 5:30 p.m., looking south.

My heart goes out to all who have been affected - Candice, I hope you, and your home, are okay.

What we really need is some rain...or at least a good layer of fog.

It's raining ash.

Alternatively titled: California is on fire.

It always happens, and it always creeps up on us. I decided to do the Farmer's Market at the last minute and on Saturday afternoon as I was packing up my car, I didn't even give a second thought to the warm winds. Seriously gusting warm winds.

I was just thinking about how I've been enjoying breaking out my sweaters and layers a little early this year, and, 'oh darn, it's supposed to be 85 tomorrow.' That kind of thinking.

And at 7 a.m., as the day was breaking, and Susan and I were setting up, I was already taking off my long sleeves. It wasn't even that breezy anymore where we were to even think about what those winds might have done. And since we weren't near a radio, or t.v., didn't even notice what was going on until one of us looked west and noticed how the sky had an orange tint. And our table was just a wee bit dusty.

When I got home, I heard that there were multiple fires raging all over Southern California. So scary. This morning, it was unmistakable. One look in my backyard at the outdoor glass table, and the story is clear...

the Santa Ana Winds are here - it smells like a giant bonfire outside. It always depresses me...

Farmer's Market -> Tomorrow!

Just a quick heads' up to my local friends! I made a rash decision and decided to join Susan tomorrow at the Palos Verdes Farmer's Market! It's on the corner of Silver Spur & Hawthorne in Rolling Hills Estates, between Petco & Starbucks (ummmm, Starbucks....)!

See you there!

Thrift Thursday

Last Friday, in San Diego county-ish, I hit the literal thrift bonanza. I dropped Scott off at work in Rancho Bernardo, and made my way (map in hand) to thrifts in Rancho Bernardo, Poway and back up to Escondido. Poway was especially lucrative, as I found an entire strip mall devoted to thrifts - about 6 of them!

I ended up with two skirts (one demin Halogen - $3.50 from Salvation Army & one black watch plaid Lands' End from a smaller thrift for $3.00); a beaded jacket ($8.50 - Salvation Army - it's not really my style, but I couldn't leave it there at that price! I'll figure something out!);

several half slips ranging in price from 99 cents to $2.99; some vintage buttons & lace (50 cents each); a 3-strand faux pearl choker ($5); and two groups of crochet lace doily's that were $1 and $1.25.

All in all, I spent a grand total of $31.00. That was a good day. A very good day!

I plan to embellish the denim skirt with the doily's and have already shortened the black watch plaid.

I only wish every Thrift day could yield such a bounty! More Thrift Thursday here!

A little hanging...a little business...a lotta fun

Yesterday Kelley and I went to the Los Angeles Textile Show - the twice-yearly destination for fabric nirvana. We were both sourcing, her more than me. I quickly got done what I went there for, and then tagged along with her as she sourced Fall/Winter 2008. Or was it Spring/Summer 2009? I am so thankful I am not a garment designer, because really, who can think that far ahead?! (Kelley, that's who!)

There wasn't a whole lot of new stuff from my usual sources - which was probably a good thing, because I didn't spend any money. And this time, I was sourcing a completely new and different idea, and decided to tread lightly and not jump without a plan. It served me well, as my credit card and credentials stayed where they should. I still fell in love with plenty...

*sigh*

We had a yummy lunch right in the California Mart at a little sushi restaurant called Zen, I think. Or, Zen Garden? Can't remember - but the Ahi Avacado Salad and green tea were perfect. Fun stuff - sourcing with a friend.

Today, Jen Wallace of Indie Fixx is featuring an interview of me! Everything you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask! Not really - but she did a great job and you should check it out! Thanks Jen!