GreenStitch Episode 40 - Some little summer projects

Not a lot of energy for big, complicated projects today - but these will be very useful all the same. You can listen in here.

Here's the finished doorstop - just wrapped with scrap fabric like a present and hand-stitched into place.

A scrap of rubberized shelf liner on the bottom will help keep the doorstop from skidding on the hardwood floor. You could achieve the same effect with a few squiggles of puffy paint or harvesting a non-skid bottom from old slippers or pajama feet.

I put a little strap on the side just because I could. Probably doesn't need it.

And here's what it looks like underneath. A double-bagging of old cereal box liners, with a few scoops of sand inside, wrapped up with packing tape. It's about the size of a small brick.

Now Dan's shoe is back in the closet with its mate!

Finally, here's what I had been using to bring home small compostable items, and what I'll use starting tomorrow. The applique was a lesson in how not to over-think things.

GreenStitch Episode 39 - Friends, porches, and e-reading

Today's episode was a rambling collection of summertime observations - but we got to a little bit of sewing, didn't we? Listen in here.

Not quite finished yet, because I have two more throw pillows to do, but I do love the new look. Fresh, crisp, and much more comfortable with the thicker seat cushions! As you can see, we inaugurated the new cushions this evening by enjoying a glass of wine.

Really, the old red cushions weren't exactly awful, but those thin seat pads just weren't very comfortable! I did re-use the pad for the rocker back instead of using new foam - also re-used the pillow stuffing for the new batch.

Here are two of the little cuddlers headed for the OHSU neonatal unit. So small, so cuddly! The pink one is from a mill-end of jersey knit - the green-and-white polka-dot one is flannel.

Fresh blueberry coffeecake for the gal-pal sewing day! The recipe was a great recommendation from my sister Karen, who is much better at baking than I am. (Vintage napkins from thrift store.)

Finally, please enjoy these great podcasters:

• Tanesha at Crafty Garden Mom


• Sandy at Quilting...For the Rest of Us

Greenstitch Episode 38 - Fred Mertz and the fear factor

Oh, Fred Mertz. How I enjoyed talking about you and your too-high pants. Click here for the podcast.

Need more Fred Mertz pants mania? This Nick at Nite promo cracks me up.

OK, so, here's the re-attached waistband. See? This is no haute couture proposition. These are only scrubby capri pants. Not a daunting project at all. Pick up those scissors and go!

Here's one of the little vests for NICU babies. Three little squares of baby-soft Velcro hold it together at the neck and on the sides. Find the pattern here.

And while we're at it, enjoy some of these other patterns for NICU use. Remember to check with your local hospital to confirm they can use these. Meanwhile, have fun sewing!

Diaper shirt from Carewear

Bobbie's Cuddler

GreenStitch Episode 37 - Portland

Thanks for joining me on my fun trip to Portland, Oregon! (Click here to listen.)

Here are a few shots from my week.

Maureen and I had a great time Sunday afternoon at Portland's famous rose garden. We lingered here for a long time, just breathing in the wonderful fragrance, people-watching, and enjoying being together. She's such a sweetheart. We really had a fantastic five days.

A few of the flannel pieces I'll use to make my traditional baby receiving blankets in memory of my mom.

Vintage fabrics and linens!

If you're in Portland, I'm sure you know this place well. Maureen and I really enjoyed being there.

My new canvas bag. If anyone knows the significance of this text logo, let me know. I hope it's nothing awful, because I really like the bag!

ETA: Why didn't I just Google it sooner? It's not only nothing awful, it's something really nice.

GreenStitch Episode 36 - Just rummaging around

Thanks for your patience while I got back to the microphone! If you haven't heard the current episode, check it out here.My friend Peggy Jo had a terrific sale table with fabric and craft items of all sorts.

A sign that's guaranteed to move things out -- "FREE"!

Shoppers in a frenzy.

Here's my table, with Connie next door. It worked well to pile all my scraps in a bin and have people choose what they wanted - $2 for a full-stuffed bag.

How could I resist the lure of vintage buttons from guild member Betty? I didn't even try!

Finally, here's what's been keeping me busy these past few weeks. Soon I'll have a retired husband and a lot more of a flexible schedule on the weekends - it's been a great 10 years in business and I'm really thrilled Dan can take this long-awaited next step!

GreenStitch Episode 35 - So clean, so green

I never thought I'd have fun cleaning, but having good, green products and tools you've put some thought into make all the difference! Here's the episode.

Making attractive cleaning cloths couldn't be easier - two layers of flannel sheets, just serged together. I ask you, isn't a cheery red-and-white toile print nicer than grabbing old cut-up T-shirts for cleaning?

The handy cleaning belt won't win me any top prizes in a fashion show, that's for sure! Luckily, my dress form didn't complain. Above you can see a little of how the Velcro fits in, and how the various pockets accommodate an iPod or - in the case of the plastic-lined pouch - wads of gunk you run across in your cleaning adventures.

Check out this link for some great ideas on simple, green cleaning techniques. I'm amazed at how well they work. You can get baking soda in big bags at the big-box discount stores (yes, sometimes there are reasons to go there!) in the cleaning or swimming-pool supply area.

GreenStitch Episode 34 - A-thrifting we will go

My, I did ramble on this week, didn't I? It was fun to relax on the back porch (hope nobody minded the breeze in the microphone) and just chat with you. Here's the link to the episode.

For general amazing tips/observations/insights/perspective on the thrift shopping experience, go first to visit those fantastic Thrifty Chicks.

Now here's a recap of the official GreenStitch Top 14 Tips for Fabric Shopping at Thrift Stores:

1) Take all your measurements, along with measurements of anything around your house you might be dressing or decorating (like your dining room table). Keep all those measurements in a little book in your bag - along with a tape measure you'll take with you to the thrift store.

2) Check all fabric for comfort - brush it against your upper lip or your neck.

3) For the most generous yardage of flat fabric, go first to the linens area - for curtains, tablecloths, and more.

4) Men's shirts yield the best source of plaid fabric. Make your own terrific bias trim or binding!

5) Consider weight of fabric - thin and drapey is OK for gathered projects, but choose a heavier weave for things that will take more of a pounding. Don't be seduced by a lovely print or plaid if it's not the right weight for what you have in mind.

6) Don't forget that plus sizes and long sleeves yield a lot more usable fabric.

7) On the women's clothes racks - you'll find extra useable fabric in skirts, especially wrap styles.

8) If you're looking for flat fabric to repurpose out of deconstructed garments, remember that fitted women's clothing - with all the curved seams and darts typically involved - is often not the best choice.

9) Dresses, particularly in the plus size area, are often an excellent source for unusual buttons.

10) Need fastening hardware, D-rings, clips, etc.? Go for cargo pants, old purses, and thin nylon "windbreaker" jackets.

11) Before checking out, give your cart a once-over and weed out any duplicates you may have picked up.

12) Keep your staple remover handy when you take the tags off at home - avoid putting holes in your new fabric.

13) Wash everything right away! Some baking soda in the wash water really helps eliminate odors, as does white vinegar. Pre-soak stains in white vinegar.

14) Don't ignore this last step! Bag or box up unneeded things from your stash or closet to donate on your next trip back to the thrift store. Try to get rid of at least as many things as you just brought in.

A glimpse of my spring garden -- wood anemone (top), bleeding heart, and pulmonaria. These three are always the first to bloom and are such a welcome sight in the garden each spring. And as I believe I mentioned about a bazillion times in the recording, I do like my chopped-leaf mulch!

Special thanks to Bernina and WeAllSew.com for featuring GreenStitch as this week's Blog of the Week!

Hope everyone had a Happy Mother's Day!