2016 February
2/23/2016
I'm not leaving on a jet plane, but I am packing my suitcases!
I love old suitcases and what I've figured out is that when you find them at thrift stores, the lining is usually well past its prime. (that's a nice way to say it is stained and yucky).
I am finding that these suitcases that I've been buying and storing in the warehouse - for ever - are making great places to organize my different 'in process' projects.
They stack easy and fit as end tables. I'll make luggage tags next to label what is in each one of the suitcases.
Just FYI, in case you are interested. To line a suitcase, rip out the original lining. I cut a piece of single sided iron on Peltex big enough to fit the area to be covered (a tad bit bigger than an exact fit is better as long as the piece lays flat and does not buckle. I usually do the top and bottom first and then go around the sides.
I cut my fabric of choice, matching patterns if necessary, about two inches larger all the way around. I Iron the fabric on to the Peltex and wrap the extra fabric to the back. Apply glue to the back of the Peltex and press in to the suitcase top and bottoms. Let dry and then apply the side piece. Pockets can be made if you feel it necessary for your application.
We are continuing to purge in the warehouse, which means lots of bargains still coming out onto the floor. The fact that these shelves are empty is a feat unto itself but now they are gone and I am starting to organize what is staying with me for my Funky Fibers & Furniture business. There is SO much new stuff that I have pulled out of the warehouse for the sale, so if you have not had time to come visit, there are still lots of goodies that I think you'll be interested in!!
I believe that I had mentioned once before that Jeff and I, and another couple have started a new powder coating business in Georgetown, Cherry Blossom Powder Coating.
We thought the new business was going to be open several months ago but sometimes the best laid plans....
How ironic is it that the opening for that business this week coincides with the closing of Making Ends Meet!? Life goes on!!
I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and am ready to start creating again and move on to what is next!! I hope you are finding something to challenge your creativity. I love to see what you all are working on.....
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I cut my fabric of choice, matching patterns if necessary, about two inches larger all the way around. I Iron the fabric on to the Peltex and wrap the extra fabric to the back. Apply glue to the back of the Peltex and press in to the suitcase top and bottoms. Let dry and then apply the side piece. Pockets can be made if you feel it necessary for your application.
We are continuing to purge in the warehouse, which means lots of bargains still coming out onto the floor. The fact that these shelves are empty is a feat unto itself but now they are gone and I am starting to organize what is staying with me for my Funky Fibers & Furniture business. There is SO much new stuff that I have pulled out of the warehouse for the sale, so if you have not had time to come visit, there are still lots of goodies that I think you'll be interested in!!
I believe that I had mentioned once before that Jeff and I, and another couple have started a new powder coating business in Georgetown, Cherry Blossom Powder Coating.
How ironic is it that the opening for that business this week coincides with the closing of Making Ends Meet!? Life goes on!!
I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and am ready to start creating again and move on to what is next!! I hope you are finding something to challenge your creativity. I love to see what you all are working on.....
Jayn Lando - So much going on in your life right now ... endings and new beginnings both ... sad and exciting ... savor it all!
Blessings in My Pocket...
2/16/2016
Two mornings ago I woke up thinking about the week, how it went, the ups and downs, and the 'what do I do with the stuff that's left?'... so much running through my little brain. It really was a great week and I enjoyed catching up with customers I hadn't seen in a while, and I especially enjoyed seeing so many of 'my kids'!
For fifteen years I worked with the youth ministry at my local church and LOVED working with the Senior High Youth during that time. It was a passion of mine to make them realize how important they were.... and to hope they wouldn't be as dangerously wild as their youth advisor had been as a youth. :) Oh my checkered past!
Blessings in My Pocket...
2/16/2016
Two mornings ago I woke up thinking about the week, how it went, the ups and downs, and the 'what do I do with the stuff that's left?'... so much running through my little brain. It really was a great week and I enjoyed catching up with customers I hadn't seen in a while, and I especially enjoyed seeing so many of 'my kids'!
As the week progressed I was able to see a lot of them come through the store and it was such a delight to see so many of them in different professions, some working with youth themselves, or becoming wonderful mommies. Each one of them have been a blessing and a big part of my life. I imagine sewing a pocket on my heart and keeping them there always...
For a long time while working with the youth, I was torn as to whether or not I should to go into youth ministry as a vocation. This was all at the same time Making Ends Meet was at its height of success. I tried to talk to folks at different seminaries and it seemed that doors closed every time I explored opportunities. I finally decided that God wanted me right where I was.
And as I've been thinking back on all the things I was able to do over the years as a volunteer with the youth ministry while having a successful business, I can see the wisdom of God in it all. I was able to take time off to go on lots of Spring Break trips and events with these special young people and we were able to help support their trips by paying them to work yard sales and other events that the store held.
When we moved from the last building to this one, we even held a Murder Mystery Fundraiser in the empty store on Main Street. Bet you never knew
I had been murdered with a toilet brush in the bathroom! LOL I found this picture for you!
So many good things came from this business besides helping customers find the perfect fabric and trim for their homes!
So, back to 'what do I do with all the stuff that's left?' It seems kind of fitting that when I finish up the last days of the sale I will open up the store to 'my kids' to see what their creative minds can do with some of the left over treasures. It'll be fun reconnecting and working with them one more time.
So many good things came from this business besides helping customers find the perfect fabric and trim for their homes!
So, back to 'what do I do with all the stuff that's left?' It seems kind of fitting that when I finish up the last days of the sale I will open up the store to 'my kids' to see what their creative minds can do with some of the left over treasures. It'll be fun reconnecting and working with them one more time.
Change of topic. I am finding myself really wanting to do something creative and all this moving is hindering what I want to do in the new studio. So, instead, I'm finding myself in the kitchen. Ugh! My husband has been the primary cook in our household - out of necessity, I am sure. :) But I've actually been trying a few things myself lately. Pinterest can make you actually want to cook!
Now, I looked for recipes that are three ingredients or less and I found one that fit that description. A cake. You use one can of Pure Pumpkin and a Spice Cake mix, according to several recipes. However, there are no Spice Cake mixes anywhere in Shelbyville, Louisville or Lexington. So, here comes the creativity!!
I took a Carrot Cake mix, a can of Pure Pumpkin, and wow even a third ingredient, a teaspoon of Cinnamon. Mixed it all together and baked it in a 13x9 pan. I then took a tub of Vanilla Icing and mixed it with Almond Flavoring. Do they even make boxed icing anymore? I couldn't find one! But this was good!
This may have replaced McDonalds cookies for breakfast! Try this and let me know what versions you come out with! A FREE download is available in the Funky Fibers & Furniture Kitchen. Download now!
Oh, I hope that next week brings some time in the studio and away from the kitchen! Come check out all the new sales in the store. I am off to make new markdowns now!
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Now, I looked for recipes that are three ingredients or less and I found one that fit that description. A cake. You use one can of Pure Pumpkin and a Spice Cake mix, according to several recipes. However, there are no Spice Cake mixes anywhere in Shelbyville, Louisville or Lexington. So, here comes the creativity!!
I took a Carrot Cake mix, a can of Pure Pumpkin, and wow even a third ingredient, a teaspoon of Cinnamon. Mixed it all together and baked it in a 13x9 pan. I then took a tub of Vanilla Icing and mixed it with Almond Flavoring. Do they even make boxed icing anymore? I couldn't find one! But this was good!
So here's what I found out about this cake. It tastes so good it doesn't last very long and it comes out extremely moist! But one thing to watch, unlike a real cake mix that levels itself out, this one holds the shape that it is when you put it in the pan. I think it would make a great breakfast bread in a loaf pan with raisins or nuts added (but that icing is so good!).
This may have replaced McDonalds cookies for breakfast! Try this and let me know what versions you come out with! A FREE download is available in the Funky Fibers & Furniture Kitchen. Download now!
Oh, I hope that next week brings some time in the studio and away from the kitchen! Come check out all the new sales in the store. I am off to make new markdowns now!
Delphia Chandler - As I read this blog I thought back over the past six years that I've spent at MEM, and all the fun we have had, the things I've learned the friends I've made,!!! In those years, I've seen Leslie use all kinds of kitchen utensils for everything but cooking. She really outdid herself with this cake. It melts in your mouth. Glad I worked on Tuesday and got to eat a piece!!!! Now I am going to make one!! Maybe without the icing, warm with coffee!!! MMMmmmm.
Jayn Lando - God doesn't always want us where we think he does. Love that you were open to that.
Family Treasures...
2/9/2016
We started the sale with a great three days and are looking forward to twelve more before we close the store for good. To say that all this sorting, rearranging and pitching is keeping me on an emotional roller coaster is an understatement!! My poor husband and family!!
Now, instead of having three boxes of like items, I have consolidated to one box - putting all like items in the same place! Everything has a home. Now, when I get through with the sale, I may have to resort to organizing like items but at least I can do a section at a time - and it WILL contain like items! I have never managed to do that before!
The best things being unearthed as I sort through stuff in the basement are all the fun mementos and family photos. They've been filed away for years and I find myself going down Memory Lane a lot! I've found letters written by the boys to me, photos from my Dad's "roast" when he retired from teaching, pictures of Jeff and his Dad, beads and jewelry that belonged to my sweet mother-in-law... There have been so many things to make me reminisce as I have sorted and pitched...
One item that really resonated with me is a poem that was written by my Grandmother. I don't know what was going on with her when she wrote it but it sure seems to fit my current circumstances! I figure with Valentine's Day upon us I would share it with you.
We are continually pulling stuff out of the warehouse as the weeks go on.
Jeff walked through what we have left to go through and his comment was priceless. He said "We could have had a great vacation home with all the stuff you have back here!" That lets you know how much more there is to come out! If you don't see it, don't be afraid to ask. We just might have what you're looking for!
I sure do hope to see you next week! Look for new merchandise and new discounts! Join us for the fun.
I have loved being able to spend the week away before the big sale starts. And the fact that I'm in Florida helps a lot too! I think I have only looked at my watch twice while being here and, so far, it's been a very uneventful and relaxing week. I've spent time walking Murphy and keeping him entertained. He's such a fun dog to be around!!
I never knew exactly how bananas grew until I came upon these on our walk. I 'so' wanted to pick that ripe one and eat it but didn't figure the neighbors would appreciate it!!
This project is a family keepsake for my sister, Tracy, that I started quite awhile ago (for her birthday). It's long past that birthday but she has another one coming up in a few days... it will be delivered late but at least she will get it in February. I hope Tracy enjoys it as much as I have enjoyed making it for her.
I love the way it has turned out. It's filled with lots of little treasures and mementos that would have otherwise hit the trash can. That is why I never throw anything away!!
My favorite part is the closure. It's a belt that belonged to my mother when she was first married. It is so small I'm not sure it would fit around my wrist. Oh to be that tiny!!
I left home with half a suitcase of clothes and the other half with UFO projects. I brought along a bunch of old men's shirts that I'd picked up at several thrift stores and some that I kept when cleaning out Jeff's closet just to make me a few tops. This one turned out fun and is just the right length to wear with a pair of leggings. I'm running out of time to finish the other projects.... that's just the way life is!
I think my biggest accomplishment while I've been on my own private vacation (which I think everyone needs... it is good for the soul) is the fact that I have driven my son's truck all week. It's a big diesel that is as noisy as can be and it makes it very hard to order my DR. PEPPER and Chocolate Chip Cookies for breakfast in the drive through line with all that racket!
When I go shopping, I have to back it in because the turning ratio is horrible. So I backed it in way away from anyone else - in the back 40. This parking job was done with no one else around... I just shopped a little too long and when I came out I was flanked by cars! It looks good though... I impressed my husband!
Family Treasures...
2/9/2016
We started the sale with a great three days and are looking forward to twelve more before we close the store for good. To say that all this sorting, rearranging and pitching is keeping me on an emotional roller coaster is an understatement!! My poor husband and family!!
One item that really resonated with me is a poem that was written by my Grandmother. I don't know what was going on with her when she wrote it but it sure seems to fit my current circumstances! I figure with Valentine's Day upon us I would share it with you.
We are continually pulling stuff out of the warehouse as the weeks go on.
Jeff walked through what we have left to go through and his comment was priceless. He said "We could have had a great vacation home with all the stuff you have back here!" That lets you know how much more there is to come out! If you don't see it, don't be afraid to ask. We just might have what you're looking for!
I sure do hope to see you next week! Look for new merchandise and new discounts! Join us for the fun.
2 Comments
Jo Price - Leslie, it was good to see you last week. Just want you & your staff to know how much I have always enjoyed coming in to your store for classes or simply in search of that something special in the way of fabric or bling. Everyone has always greeted me with a smile & made me feel like family, that's a rare thing in the business world these days. I will miss them, but hope that this change allows you to delve into your creative world. May God Bless you all! With thanks & love for all that each of you are.
Tracy - Your studio is looking great!! Love Mama T's poem!!! Sure wish I could be there to help! Love ya!!
Give Me Cabanas and Bananas Any Day!
2/2/2016
I never knew exactly how bananas grew until I came upon these on our walk. I 'so' wanted to pick that ripe one and eat it but didn't figure the neighbors would appreciate it!!
UFO project.... Another one down! And this is a good thing, since I've found so many UFOs while I've been cleaning, moving and sorting things in the warehouse!
This project is a family keepsake for my sister, Tracy, that I started quite awhile ago (for her birthday). It's long past that birthday but she has another one coming up in a few days... it will be delivered late but at least she will get it in February. I hope Tracy enjoys it as much as I have enjoyed making it for her.
My favorite part is the closure. It's a belt that belonged to my mother when she was first married. It is so small I'm not sure it would fit around my wrist. Oh to be that tiny!!
The creative juices have been flowing while I've been here but it did take one whole day just to relax to get my mind going again.
I left home with half a suitcase of clothes and the other half with UFO projects. I brought along a bunch of old men's shirts that I'd picked up at several thrift stores and some that I kept when cleaning out Jeff's closet just to make me a few tops. This one turned out fun and is just the right length to wear with a pair of leggings. I'm running out of time to finish the other projects.... that's just the way life is!
When I go shopping, I have to back it in because the turning ratio is horrible. So I backed it in way away from anyone else - in the back 40. This parking job was done with no one else around... I just shopped a little too long and when I came out I was flanked by cars! It looks good though... I impressed my husband!
Hope to see you at the Final Farewell Sale during the next couple of weeks. Spread the word and help us get rid of our treasures at great prices!!
2 Comments
Linda Pieratt - So wish I could be there for the final sale. But like you we are also in Florida. Don't plan to be going home anytime soon.
Darci McKinnon - I wish I had the time and the money to come to the final sale? You are keeping all of your sewing machines right??
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