Happy 5th Birthday to Retro Revival and I won!

Have you ever felt so happy because you won a giveaway! Well, multiply that times a whole bunch and that is how I feel!

A few weeks ago while roaming around on Facebook, I seen a post come up from one of my favorite bloggers, Cindy, at Retro Revival Biz.

Her blog just so happened to be celebrating its 5th birthday!  To celebrate, she was giving away an apron, sleep mask, shower cap, and insulated travel flat iron case with a chance to win on her Retro Revival Facebook Page!

Being excited for her, I knew that I should share her post and I never expected to win! Then on the announcement date of the winner, I was strolling through my feed and there to my eyes surprise was my name listed as her winner! "Yahoo!"

Opening this package up was so much fun! It all looked so pretty, I almost hated to open it! Almost! lol!

God bless you and your business, Retro Revival Biz!

May you have many more years of success and fun! Thank you so much!!

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Make

New Booth Little Susie Home Maker

HI friends! Hope this finds you all happy and healthy.

I just had shoulder surgery about three weeks ago and have been trying to heal from that. Makes it almost impossible for me to do any crafts very well! Haha!

Have you been making crafts and doing hobbies?  I opened up my own booth in March. Selling vintage and some sewing, crochet,  etc.

It's fun to finally get to do this. I am located in Booth B112 at The American Classics Marketplace,  in Colorado Springs, CO

The end of the school year is almost here, so looking forward to more time with my children! I don't really have anything certain planned for the summer. But hoping to fit some road trips and vintage hunting into some family time and sight seeing!

Wishing you all the best Mother's Day! God bless you!

Little Susie Home Maker

A Sewing We Will Go

Hello! Hello! How are you? 

I am not the best blogging buddy lately, so sorry! I hope you are doing good.

My older sister made me the prettiest apron for my birthday. She stitched it all out by hand. She dipped into her vintage stash of fabrics from her dear MIL. Don't you love the pretty purple and yellow pansies! What a wonderfully sweet gift! Thanks, Sis!!

I finally got my new sewing machine... yay! So you want to know what I decided to get? I purchased a Brother Innov-is 2800D.

What does that mean? It means not only can I sew and quilt on it, but it has machine embroidery on it, too! I am sure it will be a lot of fun! 

Oh, Heather, if I could only hand stitch as beautiful as you! But this will be good way for me!!

 

Now for the learning how to use all the whistles and bells!

What will I make first? Well, I signed up for usage classes in November and that should help me learn this particular machine. I did embroider on the front of a t-shirt. I will spare you the pictures!! I am going to make some simple tea towles and stuff to start getting the feel for this machine. 

Quilt Sampler every Wednesday at Donna's Lavender Nest

I will also being doing something very fun..

I will be attempting the Quilt Block Sampler 2013 over at Donna's every Wednesday! This week is number three, but I am sure I can catch up! She is great at her tutorials.

I also have a vintage 70's dress pattern on the way from a sweet friend. I am not sure how hard that will be, but I will give it a try! I will show the picture when I get it :)

Happy blessings, and pray your week is filled with joy.

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Depressing Lesson and it is So Cold

Have you ever just had one of those times where you weren't sure if it was meant to be? That is how I felt with my whole sewing machine experience, lately.

My sewing machine was more expensive to repair than it was worth. Perfect time to think about buying a new one, right? Well, I did think I had found a really nice machine and even at a good price. I ordered it and finally got it all set up. Boy was I ever excited!!
I tried to use it, and it would mess up. Then I would retry, check, and try again. I had to use a phone assistance since I bought it online. (Bad plan)

Finally, they agreed that the machine indeed, not functioning correctly. The weeks of going through this, really put a damper on the fun of getting a new sewing machine.

You may have remembered that I was excited to start my first quilt? Still, no quilt, and I decided to return the machine, while I could still get my money back. 

I learned through this process that buying something online or on tv or over the phone, is probably not a very good idea for me. The closest warranty service center was an entire state away. Any support on learning how to use this new machine, which happened to be a sewing, quilting, embroidery combo was, at best, difficult to say the least.

So now I have no sewing machine again and was left feeling a bit depressed over the entire situation. But we have decided to add a little more money in and go shopping locally to find not only a machine that is more reliable and user friendly, but one with a nice helpful support team.

I think I have narrowed down my choice on the machine I want to get. I am waiting for this next week or two for the local dealer to get a new product line in, then I will decide between the older and the newer.

So patience is something I am really having to deal with, but it will be worth it this time!

Then maybe I can start using my creative skills again! I can't wait. Hoping everything goes a lot smoother this time!

Have you had any bad experiences like this? I sure hope not.

But you know, even with all this that has happened, I know my end experience will be much better. So for that I am so truly thankful!

I pray you are all having a great week! We are freezing here in Colorado! High today is 35*F, bhrrrrr!!!

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

Multi Tasking Today & How Do I Start My Quilt

Hi all!

How are you today? Today I am going to be pretty busy! I have to be able to multi task. And look my best this evening :)

Let's see if I can do it. Going to spend the day with some of my favorite girls.. My baby girl, Momma, and Sissy #2. (My other favorite girls cannot come) Probably lunch and maybe we can fit in either some thrifting or antiquing!!

Have lots of Mommy duties I need to get finished, too. So a busy morning :)

Each roll has 24 strips 2 1/2"x42" I bought these at Big Lots, 100% cotton.

This is the fabric I bought. I like the red strips up front the best. Do you like the fabric choice? The colors are great for fall and I couldn't beat the price for my first quilt at $7.50 each. After I get some practice I will probably try some from Donna's Lavender Nest fabric store. She has so many pretty fabrics to choose from :)

Thank you all so much for your advise on my first quilt. I have some questions before I begin.

• What kind of thread should I choose? Is their a special weight, does it have to be cotton, and how do I choose color?
• I bought three small jelly rolls. I was going to start out big. Should I start out small?
• I was recommended the Jelly Roll Jam and the Jelly Roll Race. Do you prefer one over the other for a larger quilt?
• What else can you tell me? I know basically nothing, lol!

I better get in gear with this, but finding myself a little chicken to start.

 Yup, that is me , haha! Hope I figure it out?

Have a super blessed day!!

Little Susie Home Maker

Hello! Are you there?

Hello!

It's been awhile since I talked to you! How are you? I been pretty good. Summer has been busy and lots of crazy weather. The kids are back in school and it is time for me to start thinking about Fall projects.

What are you doing? Have you had a good summer? Went anywhere fun?

I am thinking about some fun new sewing and embroidery projects. I am so blessed to get an new combo sewing embroidery machine! Yay!! I am even thinking about starting my very own first time quilt!!

I been thrifting. That has brought me a few great finds. I will be back to share some of those with you all real soon.

Have a blessed day. Tell me what you are getting ready to do.

Blessings,
Little Susie Home Maker

Vintage Apron Sewing in Orange

If you are a vintage loving Little Susie Home Maker like me, I would bet that one of the things that you adore is a pretty apron!
 An apron can come in so many styles for different purposes. One of my favorites is a half apron. When I am sewing, an apron is one of my favorite projects. Because I can really get creative and make it with either new fabric styles, or with vintage materials, even linens.The decorating can be pretty minimal to elaborate! It really can be very practical or a work of art!

The apron I am going to show you today is a combination of both new and vintage fabrics.
It is from a vintage style half apron called Bow Tie. I made this cheerful orange with white polka dot half apron for one of my sister's. The waste band has that point in the center of it.
Now all you long waisted gals would look great with the point going in an upward direction, but my short waist feels happier folding it downwards. Either way, I think it is very attractive.

The fabric used for the pocket and the waistband and tie came out of my mom's fabric stash.My guess is from one of the 70's sewing projects she was working on back then. I really like the delicate little orange flower patterns and rows. Now the orange and white polka dots material is a newer fabric, from my stash. Trying to use up what I already have makes me feel good, too!

Ric rac and yellow biased tape was a simple and effective trim. This apron is meant to be pretty and functional both. I mean, I want my sister to use it! It has a good sized front that will cover you up and a large pocket for what ever you may need to stash in there! I love pockets.
This was another fun apron to make and I think I have an idea for my next apron sewing project. Hee hee, I can't wait!!

Do you like aprons? Do you collect them, or use them?
Do you have a family heirloom? Do you make them or buy them?

I hope that you are all doing super great. I know that being thankful in all things is such a good thing to remember every day. So what ever is going on in your life, just remember that God is on your side. Just give Him your problems and know that He is victorious.

Blessings,
Little Susie Home Maker

Matthew 11:28 - 30 

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  

Christmas Treats Table Decorated

Hello everybody! I am so glad you have stopped by to visit. To all my new followers, I am just so pleased that you have decided to hop on board. It is about one week until Christmas and things are a bustle around here!

Today I wanted to share with you my new little white tree that I decorated for the top of my goodies table. Yes, I have a goodies table and it it set up from Thanksgiving for all the pies and desserts, etc. Then I change the theme over to Christmas. I just fell in love with my moms little table top fiber optic tree, so I went and picked up a white one! I decided it would be so fun to get out some fresh cranberries and string them up on a nice heavy embroidery string. I used an upholstery needle and they just slid on effortlessly!

Then I had to add candy canes! And yes they are for decoration, but feel free to take one off and eat it, or use it to stir your coffee or tea! Yumm!!

Then to help with my pretty red and white theme, I had to add my pretty little handmade felt birds that I love to make. I also added a few others that I have purchased and some stuffed little animals. A fox, lion, puppy, owl, and a pony!!! Doesn't it just look so happy!

Do you see the pretty rake hanger with the hearts just above and behind it? That was from my sweet friend Cindy at Old Time Farmhouse. 

She made it so pretty with the hearts. I had to adorn it with a few more ornaments and my copper choo-choo-train cookie cutters.

To add to the cookie theme, I have these pretty assortment of Christmas cookie cutters both new and vintage that I added to my big pickle jar. 

Also, the pretty cupcake liners that I am addicted to buying displayed in another pretty jar.

So you get the idea.. Stacks of Christmas plates and mugs, add in some cookies that are being eaten at a pretty rapid pace by my hubby with a sweet tooth, and my kids and me. When people stop by they know that they can dig in to the peanut brittle and enjoy!

My daughter has turned out to be such a good baker and is baking constantly! Seriously, her father and her brother and her uncle are in heaven with the treats. I am thinking I better keep the fruit bowl full! Come January, this Mrs. Claus needs to work on reducing her middle! LOL!

But for now, the lights are lit, and the treat table is wishing all a very Merry Christmas! I am so thankful for all my family and friends, and all the wonderful people that I have made through blogging.

Christmas Blessings to all,

Little Susie Home Maker

Sharing with
 Creating Christmas Party 2012 

Vintage Doll-E-Crib, Chicken Scratch Embroidery and Color-Flyte Cream and Sugar Bowl

Not being able to go out and do some of my favorite things has been needless to say, a little frustrating. I have not been released to start driving as of yet. Friday when my daughter was taking us on some errands with her drivers permit, she made me so happy by driving me to two new thrift, antique stores in town. It was a fun day, and I am so thankful she is old enough to help me out like this!!

Ansco Vintage Doll-E-Crib 1950's

I found this to be kind of like a kid in the candy store kind of excursion! We went inside the first and I found this  vintage Ansco Doll-E Crib. Isn't it the greatest? I am guessing 1950's . It is made of metal. I think it was repainted white at some point, but the white is a little chippy with a pale yellow showing through.

Doll-E-Crib Lamb Decal

It has the cutest lamb and bunny decals on the headboard and the foot board. Look how sweet they are!!

Do you see the beads in the corners? Tactile fun for the toy and just cute. One is missing, so I think I can replace it. the crib also looks like maybe it might be missing some roller wheels on the legs. But that is fine with me.

Doll-E-Crib Decals lamb and bunnies

The bottom has a wire mattress, holder that is bent up a little. I can imagine a small child climbing inside of this crib! The side rail still functions and moves up and down and locks into place. 

This is going to be perfect to fix up with a new mattress and baby bedding. I will have to start planning what I want to do!! I will have a cute bed to put my childhood baby dolls into for display. Won't this be fun!

Light Blue Gingham table cloth with Chicken Scratch

Then the next thing I wanted to buy was this cute hand embroidered table cloth. it is the Chicken Scratch stitch that I adore! 

Look at the design that was brought out on the light blue gingham. I know somebody can tell me what this is called. It looks like a quilt block design to me? I think this is so pretty.

I really should have ironed it before I took pictures. I was so excited to be able to have something to share on my blog, I skipped this step!

 I thought the clothesline would be the perfect place to take the picture.

Then the last item I found was at the second store.They had lots of really high priced things in there, but I found these cute vintage Cream and Sugar bowls! I adore the lime green color, they are from a line called Color-Flyte. the actual name of the color is Spray-Lime.

Branchel LaMoyne Color-Flyte

I also, took the picture outdoors to get the best lighting! So no, I won't be displaying them on the tree stump! The bottoms read.. A BRANCHELL melmac Product el finest quality The Branchel Co. St Louis, MO, LaMoyne Designer 

This is great because in an article I found here . This dates the cups between 1952-1958. The designer Kaye LaMoyne achieved his greatest success designing melamine dinnerware for the Branchell Company, before it was sold to Lenox in 1958. If you are looking to find out some history on your Melamine. This is a good link to follow for more information and history of the company and designer.

My afternoon was a fun distraction. I was pleased to find some fun vintage items that I can enjoy. You will have to let me know if you know anything else about these items I found.

May you all be blessed and filled with joy and happiness.

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

Harley wanting his best friend, Bear to come in and play!

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Junkin Joe Vintage Thrifty Finds 

Thrifty Vintage Finds

 You know how you are driving down the street with no intentions to shop for vintage antique collectables, and then something happens. In my case there was a young man waving a Thrift Store sign trying to get my attention. And He did! So I pull into the little shopping center on my way home from a doctors appointment. It looks like a little second hand store, just a hole in the wall. Hmm.. This might be interesting!

So I venture into the little store. It is a bit messy and cluttered. I see some shelves with dishware. I start looking and the prices are not bad! My eyes first make a b=line straight for this little pyrex stackable square dish and lid in red! I have been wanting one of these! I am so surprised to see this in here! I look at the tag and it says $1 , yes!! It is in good condition, too! So looking more diligently, now. I wonder what else I may find in this shopping adventure. Then I spot  a milk glass vase and a milk glass bowl. They are marked $2 each.  I am starting to get excited now. This is really getting fun!

Now, you know my love of chickens. Here is the sweetest salt shaker, but no pepper to be found. It says made in Japan on the bottom. The little hen and rooster scratching to eat. So cute! I don't mind a little chipping along the bottom. No price tag. I will ask.

 As I go through the store, there really is not a lot of so great stuff. Mostly just second hand clothes, etc. But then I find a little bin and dig out these sewing notions! Oh, me, oh my! One zipper marked 50 cents and one marked a dollar. I grab up the cards of little hooks and eyes, and a card of buttons to cover.

 I wonder how old these are?

Check out the lady on the zipper pull packaging! Isn't she pretty! I am so pleased with my finds, I get this feeling that I am getting away with something! Gee, why do I feel this way?

Getting ready to check out and ask the attendant what they want to charge for the sewing supplies, I spot some pictures hanging on the wall. 

Nothing too special...  except this!

Isn't it lovely! It is a heavy molded frame of some kind of metal. The glass has a curved dome shaped, with the prettiest floral print in the frame! The back is a sun faded purple felt. The price tag.. $2 eek! I am really happy to take that to the register as well. I ask the kind lady behind the counter what the unmarked items will cost and she decides to charge me $8 for the whole bunch of goodies! I am thinking,  "WOW! I Scored!! Yippy!!" But I politely tell her, "Thank you so very much." with a smile.

I am so happy that I saw the young man with the thrift store sign waving me into the parking lot! I am feeling very happy and blessed with all my vintage discoveries! And I feel that some times these little unexpected changes in our day are the little things that make an ordinary day just a little bit more special!

Do you ever get excited when you find some little treasures?

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

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