Ryli's Birthday Case

I decided months ago to make a case for Lucy's friend, Ryli's , 7th birthday. But, the weeks slipped by and despite my diligent thrifting, there seemed to be a shortage of second hand train cases. I had pretty much given up on the idea when my keen friend, Emily spied a beauty at the Savers grand opening. Even though she is the queen of craft, she graciously let me have it. I brought it home and Lucy and I went to work.
{If you are looking for instructions on how to make your own case, I'll be posting them later this week.}
Notice that pile of laundry behind me, screaming to be folded? I'm really good at ignoring it.

And the finished product:



I made a few things for Ryli's American Girl Doll to put in the case along with some other goodies.

Happy birthday, Ryli!

Second Hand Goodness

I come from a long line of thrifters. It may have started with Grandma Opal, who was an all around saver of items and collector of cream pitchers as a product of the Great Depression. Most of my Christmas and birthday presents from her were either handmade or purchased from a thrift store. Her gifts were always treasures. She even taught me to sing an old song called, "Second Hand Rose", which laments the story of a girl who's "never hand a thing that ain't been used". I think my mom started thrifting due to the financial burden of having five, feisty, fast growing children. Mom tells Jasinski lore of loading up our old Volkswagon van with all of us kids and hitting Saturday yard sales with her girlfriends. In fact, some of my fondest teenage memories are of going to thrift store half-off sales with my mom. Did you know that, Mom?

I can even recall the day I truly embraced my frugal DNA. In elementary school, everyone who was anyone had an ESPRIT bag. Remember these?

I really, REALLY wanted one but simply could not afford it on my meager babysitting income. One summer day, we went to a garage sale and I found the limp canvas Esprit tote of my dreams for only a few dollars. I felt liked Charlie when he opened his candy bar and saw the golden ticket! Euphoria flooded over me as I realized my desire for name brand awesomeness that was so important to my 12-year old self (okay, still is) could be a reality-- I just had to be patient and look. It was like cheating the system and I felt like the only person who knew about it! Even if my tastes have become a little more eclectic and now I get goose bumps over hunting vintage finds, I've been hooked ever since. For whatever the reason, whether genetic or circumstantial, shopping second hand is now second nature.

So, this week, a new Savers (or Value Village for West Coasters) opened. If you've never been to a Savers grand-opening, I encourage you to seek one out. They never disappoint! Their new stores must be stocked with hand picked items from highly trained people because everything is in pristine condition. There is something really satisfying about them. Here is just a bit of the goodness I walked out with:

books for lucy (and a couple for henry)

a fantastic little stool and a great click clack track for henry

I also found some Mini Boden shorts{$2.99!!!}for Henry, among a number of other things. I know! I still can't believe it!

Midwestern Modern Tunic

I am really loving this Simplicity pattern! It is so versatile and quick. I think what I love most is that there are no fasteners to put in-- no zippers, no buttons, no snaps! I made Lucy the tunic version using Amy Butler's Midwestern Modern line.

Embellish Fetish

Somethings take me a long time to purchase because I don't really know what I want, only what I don't want. Such is the case with purses and bags. But, when I found this little bag online (and on sale!), I felt bold and decisive and bought it. I love the leather strap-- it is soft and buttery yet substantial. Someday, I might be able to afford an entire purse out of leather like this, but for now, just a strap will do. In an attempt to make it a little more interesting, I decided to pull out my old embroidery hoop and embellish the front pocket. I haven't embroidered since high school, so don't judge my skills too harshly. :)
Here's how it turned out:

Book Review: These Is My Words

Rating: LOVED IT!

I thoroughly enjoyed this end of the 19th century love story based on the author's great-grandmother's diaries. Our book group did this book last month and I couldn't put it down. It has all the action and interest of a war novel with highly complex characters and relationships. This book now has a place as one of my favorites!