Odds and ends

It's official, Fall is here and the closets are prepared for a cold spell. Just 10 days ago when I was making the switch, I thought, "I'll leave out a pair of sandals, because I can still wear them a little while." Last night, I told my husband how ridiculous that sounds to me now. We won't be wearing sandals again for many, many months...if only the weather would stay Fall-like during those months, but Winter is sure to approach...all too fast for me.

I discovered several clothing items that needed some work. A cardigan with an unraveling collar was given fresh life with bias binding and a fabric applique. I shortened a favorite plaid skirt to a more fashionable length and salvaged the fabric from a couple of torn cotton dress shirts. Last winter, I accidentally shrunk (to hysterical proportions) a wool blend sweater, and the scarf above is what it has become. The sleeves are sewn end-to-end with a fabric lining and button. I made a couple extras from the front and back of the sweater as well. I was all too proud of myself, and I'm now intent on upcycling whenever I can. It's that inherited "waste not" spirit coming out again, in all-too-appropriate timing with the country's current financial mess.

I'm also participating for the first time in a couple of blog events (aside from Dear Baby Jane). This weekend I began my project for the Candy Corn Contest. It's not yet ready for show and tell, but I'm pretty thrilled with my all-scraps quilt (and also craving candy corn to which I will resist, resist, resist).

Juliette at Chickpea Sewing Studio is hosting a charm square swap and there are still a few days to sign up if you want to participate. Mine went in the mail this morning...they are the last of my favorite oranges leftover from my candy corn quilt and earlier projects.