New Stuff!

School's out and Michala is pushing me to work on new stuff! We did go to the I.D.E.A. Store last night. And yes, it was our 25th Anniversary. Kevin was pretty good, he even picked out some stuff for us! Then he got hungry...I don't know why Michala feels weird about hanging out with us on our anniversary, she's been around for all of them before!
It always amazes me when we go scavenging for new and incredibly useful things! I found these old metal film cases thinking I could use them for spices or something. BORING! You will just have to wait to see what they will become. I also found some carpet squares, round boxes, a cool compass that I have absolutely NO idea what I will use it for, but it is cool, really cool!
We have lots of new pouchies. And each one as it is turned right side out becomes a new favorite. New bags are in the works, and possibly some aprons! I have a couple of things for Kevin to magically transform with some paint. We will be busy for a while!
Pictures soon, I hope I remember to take the befores...

My First Unknown Follower and a Flat Top Trunk

I am super excited! I have my first follower that is not related in some way! This means someone actually is interested in what I have to say!!! Wow. That means more responsibility too. Thank you Reddy, you made my week!

After cleaning the trunk of layers of dirt and grime.

Sometimes its the little things that get people so excited. Michala, who lives in Sullivan, Illinois with her wonderful husband Evan took us to an almost impossible to find art studio owned and operated by John McDevitt.  The Yellow Dog Studio is located in an old shoe factory. Honestly, the building looks deserted but it is worth the effort to go there. John uses reclaimed wood and other materials to create incredible pieces of art. While we were there, John showed us the area his supplies are stored. Michala immediately spied an old trunk and just had to ask about it. That trunk was pretty rough! After making arrangements to pick up a shelf and the trunk later that day we were on our way.

Just a little sweet talking and convincing it would be a great project, Kevin and I brought the trunk home and he went right to work. Cleaning, scrubbing, wiping, sanding, cleaning some more and it's ready for paint. 


I researched these trunks a little. This one had a tray inside and was secured with a lock and leather straps and handles. All of these things are missing now but I think that just adds to the mystery of who used it. Where did they travel to? ?id they use it to move across the country? Was it used as their wardrobe? And many more questions.


The Flat Top Trunk was manufactured from 1870 - 1920. There were some rare examples of this style starting in the 1850s and 1860s. They were mass marketed starting around 1880. This one is canvas covered which was very common. The hardware seems to be common as well. I can just imagine my ancestors traveling to Illinois with a trunk like this! Probably held all their clothes and linens, maybe even their entire household belongings! Today, most of us couldn't put a quarter of our wardrobes in this.

Finished!

I'm not sure where Michala and Evan will put this but I do know it's up to her to finish the inside! If they wanted to, I think they could find someone in the Arthur area to make and install some leather for them. 

Side view

I don't know though, it looks pretty good like this and I don't see them getting on a train or even a stagecoach any time soon!

Ok, here goes nothing!

Hello friends and family!
I'm out to prove that you CAN teach an old dog, or lady, new tricks!  Please don't give up on me as I figure this thing out!  
I've had plenty of time to try to figure things out over the past year or so, and what I have discovered is how incredibly talented my family is! I hope to share some of this talent through out this blog! I may share some other stuff as well so you will just have to check back often.
A little about me, I started sewing when I was eleven years old. My teacher, Mrs. Bowman, taught at North Ridge Junior High. That was back in the day when Home Economics was required for girls.  I remember my first project was a dress, with pockets, and buttons, and a collar, and set in sleeves, I even remember the fabric! This is important to know because you will see that I almost never start with the easy stuff, like a skirt with an elastic waistband. Thank you Mrs. Bowman for putting up with me and pushing me back then!  As a result, I feel like I was a leader in fashion in that school.  Others might have just thought I was weird. I need that fashion sense back...

Church directory picture, a few years ago!

We added Evan!

These photos are pretty old, looks like we need a new one taken!  Elizabeth!!!

Riley. Cutest, Beagle, Ever!

Enough of the basics! Stop in later as the story continues...