Friday, January 8, 2010

Thrifting Up and Down The East Coast



It is wonderful to be able to share time with our parents...we are so lucky to have all four of them healthy and happy ... and fabulous to be able to celebrate a 90th birthday!
But, here I am down in Florida, and although it is not snowing here, as it is at home in New York, it is cold and rainy. Hmm....what's a girl to do?



My Mom and Dad took me thrifting...Salvation Army, Goodwill and a few other thrift stores. I was able to find four wool sweaters in reds and pinks for my upcoming felted wool, sweater
craft workshop with Charlotte Lyons...
The plan is to use these to make some Valentine hearts and other simple projects....maybe a mug cozy, the one she shows in her post is so cute...
Now I am off to wash these wool sweaters in hot, hot water and hopefully they will do what they are supposed to do and ....felt!
Wish me luck!
:)

24 comments:

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Let us know how the sweater felt. I love to Thrift where ever I go.

KarenB said...

I make scarves out of felted sweaters. Do you have a top loading washing machine? I usually run the sweaters through several loads, without letting the machine drain. You'll have LOTS of lint. Just keep checking them after each cycle to see if they are felted like you want.

Have fun!
Karen @ Elderberry Street

Unknown said...

Have a wonderful time!

Lori said...

I am just getting a chance to catch up with you tonight Laura! The sweaters are such pretty colors ~ I cannot wait to hear and see how you make out with your class.

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

This will be fun... I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Vintage Market Place said...

i hope you have a better time felting than I did,
my machine is an energy saver so it only agitates sllllooooww.
I didn't figure it out until the 5th run through and thought, this felting thing isn't so easy

Have fun I just love making valentines day stuff

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hey Laura
Felting? How exciting.. I love the look of felted things... you will have to give us a tutorial!!

Well It's so nice you have all your grandparents still.. the last of mine was gone by the time I was 8 ... so it is a little surreal.. but of course I still have such strong feeling for my maternal Grandfather. He has been on my mind again... so for me!! Say hello to them all and a special happy Birthday to the lucky 90yr old..!! xx Julie

pam q said...

Gorgeous sweaters for your project!

I, too, am anxious to hear how the felting goes for you since I am busy knitting my first project for felting...

Some say it is super easy, some say not so much...

Guess we will find out!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

The colors are gorgeous! How wonderful to take something old and make it new again. I look forward to seeing your fabulous creations as I know they will be absolutely fun and creative. You are certainly blessed in so many ways. Blessings to you and yours, Tammy

City Hen said...

If you get a chance to take a needle felting class I suggest it. I LOVE felting. The women here in Poland use wool sweaters which have been felted to make all sorts of Christmas decorations. Last year we made hearts, stockings and bells. Then they embroidered them with beautiful patterns and beads.
I just learned to needle felt and I can't believe what can be done with a lump of wool.
Best wishes,
Rhonda

The Little Red Shop said...

Oh, what fun! I've been wanting to try that! (The felting part...I've got the thrifting part down pat)

Enjoy the rest of your trip!

: )

Julie M.

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Its wonderful to be able to still share time and love with one's parents...
This felting can be quite fun. As long as those lovely sweaters are at least 80% wool(not labeled machine washable) the possibilities are endless.
I use a little Euclan (specialty wash for wools that doesn't require rinsing) in the wash cycle remove after the article washes and depending how much it has felted up, repeat the cycle (no rinse) till it is the size you want.
Roll up those sleeves and enjoy.
Susan

Ange said...

See! A thrifter like you is already in the challenge!! The colour of those sweaters is absolutely beautiful. I'm sure they will make lovely hearts and I really look forward to seeing the results!
Happy weekend to you! We have 10cm of SNOW! A rare phenomenon in Toulouse I must say!!! Not a car tyre track on the road anywhere for miles around. Time to be creative for me too then ;-)

V I N T A G E O L O G I E said...

Very pretty colors .. perfect for Valentine's ... can't wait to see how your felting goes ... I tried but didn't have any luck with my sweaters ... I see a lot of good tips above ... someone told me to try washing the sweaters with a pair of jeans ... I didn't try that yet!

Congrats on being published! You're sooooo talented and have such a great eye, you should have a running feature in each and every issue!!

xo
Jill

Theresa said...

Girl, you flew right over my house and I didn't even know it:) Enjoy your visit with your Parents! Can't wait to see the crafts you make with sweaters...hmmmmm? Hugs from Georgia!

Just a bed of roses said...

great valentines colors! good luck.

Anonymous said...

Mmmm ... great sweaters, Laura.
Jenny

Floss said...

Wonderful colours - I guess they will intensify even more as felt? Can't wait to see...

Anne Lorys said...

Or you could whip up some fingerless gloves for those of us still stuck in the bitter, winter cold! ;-)

Have a fab trip!
Anne

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Dear Laura,
I am amazed that you and Rob still have both sets of parents with you and well.
My Dad was our last to go. He died in 2008 at the grand old age of 91. My relatives all seemed to live to a ripe old age.
I wish you every success with your felting and, I think that I could put bets on whatever you make with it, being beautiful. No pressure He he.
Have a wonderful time at the party and wish the birthday parent a Happy Birthday from me. XXXX

Blue Muse said...

(sings) I love my fluffy sweater...
)sorry, I couldn't help it - that was the best gap commercial over Christmas!)
Family and thrifting! Winning combination, to be sure!
xo Isa

Lululiz said...

Felting on purpose never seems to work as well for me as accidental felting of much loved clothes. I am good at that.

Anonymous said...

So happy that you are able to have your parents with you! Enjoy your time. BTW.....the container from France will arrive soon so drop me a line when you get back and let me know if you still are interested in an event ;)

Rustique Gal said...

Hi Laura, I love the silver things! And the colors on those sweaters make me drool. Can't wait to see what you do with them. Sherry