Fast pillows and new finds

Yesterday, I pulled some of my vintage fabric out and started cutting panels for the sofa pillows I have been wanting to make. Because I have a house full of kids, I always make sure to have pillow covers with openings in the back for easy clean up. But sometimes I am not in the mood (or I don't have the time) to go through all that extra work, so I use a shortcut! I've been doing this for years, and let me tell you, it's so much easier! I went through my closet and found a cute floral button shirt that I haven't used in a long time. Then, using the front part of the buttoned shirt, I cut a piece the size I needed (in this case I had a 20" pillow, so I just added seam allowances). I pinned the two pieces, right sides together, and sewed all the way around. Presto!!! Your pillow is ready!!

If you don't have any cute shirts laying around, make a trip to the thrift store... You will be sure to find something there. I always make sure I am getting 100% cotton or linen, and look for shirts with no pockets or darts. Goodwill and Value Village also offer regularly 50% discounts on certain color tags, so make sure to take advantage of it! Recently, I found a darling linen robin's egg blue shirt and decided it was pretty enough to be the front of the pillow! So, this morning, I had a new pillow in less than 15 minutes!!! It would also be a great use for a favorite shirt you don't want to get rid of....

Tuesday Lisa and I went to an auction... Just the word auction makes me sweat! I am not used to it, I am always afraid I'll waive at someone and they'll take it as a bid, and most times I have no idea what they are saying!! We picked a great day, as they had quite a few antiques, and actually ventured a few bids of our own!! This is what Lisa's car looked like when we returned home...!!

I got this darling vintage doll stroller with cardboard wheels...

... an adorable boudoir doll...

... a box full of vintage umbrellas and parasols...

... and a box full of various things, including three small lead windows, a mirror, a vintage clock case, two sewing machine table drawers and an old radio wood case. We truly had a blast!! Go to Lisa's blog to see her finds!

This weekend we are all headed to Coos Bay, on the coast (a four hour drive). Both Rita and Clara have qualified for the Oregon State Gymnastics Championship this saturday, and are very excited!! We are very proud of them!!