FRESH RECYCLING IDEAS

I buy clothing and household items at the local thrift shop. Yard sales are good too. I bought curtains which were recycled from hospital ER rooms (you know the ones that have the mesh up top?). Well, I recycled all of the curtains for my 10 windows in my living room ($5) and then took the mesh top and made reusable shopping bags. If I had gone to my local/national store, it would have cost me about $250 to cover my windows, plus the bags at $1 each would be $15. I saved $260!!! 

Also I purchase from the above places wool and cotton blankets to pad the inside of quilts I make the quilt tops from old clothing (levis too) and line the backs with good flannel sheets (also purchased there). Many have become family heirlooms and are being fought over. Cost for one quilt? = $10. 

I make my own laundry soap and dish washing liquid. Main ingredient=water. 

My daughter has a farm and she gives me the old feed bags (would end up in the trash). I use them for my yard trash that can not be used in the compost, i.e. cactus, tree limbs, etc. Family give me plastic grocery bags (also saved from the trash) I use them to pick up dog pooh and line my small garbage cans with. 

All my cut off ends of vegies, onion skins, potato peals and more are put into the freezer and finally compiled to make a wonderful homemade vegetable soup stock. 

I only shop at the thrift stores on 1/2 price or $1 day. 

My family and friends pass magazines and books around, thereby saving on trees, postage and $. Then we call each other to discuss what we liked or didn't like about the book. Happy Recycling

RAIN IN THE DESERT

It is raining today in the desert. I know some people don't believe it ever rains here, but it does. Okay it is 70 degrees in the house. And it was 70 degrees outside yesterday. Now, I just put the thermometer out side to see how cold it is today at 5:46 pm AZ time. It is 54 degrees. I got cold last night so I know it was below that. It gets cold when you sleep alone.

I had an electric blanket, but I wore it out. I know the electrical currents are not good for you and they shouldn't be on your body. But this way I don't have anyone telling me what to do, how to do it and when to do it. So now I am making quilts.

I have two quilts going presently. The first one is a King sized Levi Rag Quilt. Blue plaid flannel on the back. I want to put a wool blanket on the inside, but I haven't been able to find one here in the desert. The second one is an antique top I found in the trash. Some of the little triangles are pulling out so I am replacing them. It will have a red flannel back and cotton filling.

I am making these quilts to sell for my daughter and I  to take a trip to the beautiful Ilse of Ireland. I have wanted to go there all of my life. So here is our chance. As soon as I have finished these two quilts, I will start the next Levi quilt.

Well, it is still raining. And I am not going anywhere. I spent most of the day surfing for books on Paper Back Swap and set up my account and page on YouTube. Yes I am going to be on here all of the time. Hopefully not, one of these days I will be getting a social life. It is difficult not having transportation. But I am so entertaining all by myself. 

Hats, Hats, Hats!!

I have been working on making hats all day long. I cut out patterns and taped them together to see what they would look like. I have finished 4. I am a beginning millinar and loving it. I have knitted and crocheted many hats over the years and am now beginning to really get into the fabrication of ladies hats. I am sewing them by hand as you can get a better fit that way. Presently working on the pillbox hat. It is interesting to see what each material will do. I need more supplies in my hands, pins, large buttons, flowers, different colored feathers and linings. Another trip to Savers or Goodwill to get them. Also want chiffons to make tails or veils.
Would love to take this further and get women to start wearing hats everyday. I have always worn hats and am now interested in fancy hats. Going to also make what is called 'Facinations', which are small barettes and clips with feathers and findings to put into the hair.
I am presently putting together a quilt, experimenting with different designs. My son sent me samples of materials from Italy, France, Switzerland to make mens suits and shirts. And these are being made into quilts. I have finished 2 for my grandsons and they are very happy with them. As soon as I figure out how to insert pictures, I will place them in here so that you can see what I am doing.