Great vintage sewing patterns up for grabs at Texas Vintage Things

I have some great vintage sewing patterns up for grabs this week at my store.

If anyone purchases any patterns from my store, mention my blog and I'll give you a 15% discount on those patterns.

Houston's very own Swap N' Bop presented by the Continental Club

For those of you familiar with Austin or Houston, you should know a little about the Continental Club. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Continental Club, it's a music venue that offers a wide variety of music ranging from blues to rock to rockabilly to whatever. They even have tango on Monday nights.
I typically only sell my wares online via my store however, my friend Michael asked me if I wanted to sell some things at the Swap n' Bop presented by the Continental Club. When Michael asked me if I wanted to set up, I was all for it. Sure, make a little extra money and pay no eBay fees-I'm all for that!

I woke up early this morning, cleaned the house really fast and got ready for church. I was finished with church by 10am and drove home and packed my car. I arrived at the Continental Club by 10.30 and finished setting up by 11am (I didn't bring that much stuff). Well, it ended up being so HOT here in Houston today. It was about 100 degrees and we were even under small tents. I stayed until about 3pm and decided the entire thing was a bust (at least for me). I didn't sell one item. Ugh! At least I didn't take much with me like a lot of the other vendors.

The Continental Club is a cool place to see live music, but it's not a great place to set up (as a vendor) and sell your things-especially not in 100 degree Houston heat!

Thoughts...Things I believe

These are some thoughts that I wrote down this evening. I hope you enjoy them!

·I believe we are all here for a reason.
·I believe time is a gift from God. We all need to make every moment count because you never know when your time will be up.
·I believe children are a gift and given to us only for a short while. They grow so quickly and learn new things every day.
·I believe the more time you spend with your children they will truly understand the meaning of love.
·Tell your children you love them everyday, as many times as you feel like you want to.
·I believe that if you listen to other people’s problems, it helps you to understand yourself better.
·I believe your life may not be as bad as the next person’s.
·I believe that we are often faced with problems in our lives to teach us lessons. If we can’t work our way through that problem, how can we possibly move on to the next issue?
·I believe we have to learn from our mistakes. None of us are perfect, even though some of us think we are.
·I believe (know) God speaks to us, if we take time to stop and listen.
·I believe that we don’t (often) sit and listen to the things around us. I actually sat in my backyard yesterday and listened to the birds singing. It was really pleasant.
·I believe many of us often get consumed with our daily lives and forget to stop and take a breath.
·I believe that giving is better than receiving (although I like to receive things). Giving makes other people happy and that in turn can make you happy.
·I believe that I love my son’s smile. He has a whole mouthful of teeth and the cutest little face.
·I believe that I will make someone smile once they’ve read all of these things.

Very pretty art deco pendant: It's all mine!!

There was a really great estate sale in my neighborhood this weekend. It started on Friday and is ending today. I've gone every day since Friday because the prices were on the higer end. I kept going back every day to check to see if the things I wanted were still there.

I woke up early this morning, as usual, got ready and Dominic and I headed back over to the sale.

I purchased this vintage art deco pendant and have decided to keep it for myself:

I also purchased the following items, which can be found in my store.

Can't sleep: Yawn!

Don't you hate it when you can't sleep? I'm tired and it took me forever to fall asleep last night. I think I fell asleep at nearly 1am and woke up around 3.30-4am. I was lying in bed, flipping through the channels and decided to get up and do some stuff around the house. Hopefully, I'll have a productive day.

Fun day at the Houston Zoo!

Today was such a beautiful day here in Houston, I decided to take Dominic to the zoo. Most of the animals were out because the weather was so nice. Here are a few pics:

On another note, I know I've been slacking on my blog posts lately. I promise, they'll pick up soon. I've been really super busy, but will devote more time to my blog soon, I promise! Thanks for your patience!

Homemade white bean and vegetable soup - Yummy!!

I started a juice fast 21 days ago. I never thought I would make it past day two, yet here I am 21 days later.

I started this fast to get healthy and try and rid my body of allergies. I also thought if I lost a few pounds, that would be an added bonus. Well, here I am 21 days into this fast and I'm feeling healthier and I've lost nearly 15 pounds.

I really only had juice the first 7 days. I started making homemade soups by the second week. I was only making lentil or split pea soups and juicing those. I typically make a large pot and can eat on that pot of soup for several days. Today, I made a white bean and vegetable soup. Here's my recipe:

You'll need the following items:

1 Bag of navy/white beans
3 cans of chicken or vegetable stock and 3 parts water (one can of water per can of stock)
Carrots
Broccoli
7-9 cloves of garlic
Leeks or onions (add however much you like)
Mushrooms (I buy these in bulk). I used 2 large mushrooms and cut them up into small pieces
5 stalks of asparagus (cut into small pieces)
Salt and pepper (as much or little as you want)

I usually just add all of my ingredients and turn the burner on high. I place the lid on the pot. Once the soup starts to boil, I turn the heat on medium for awhile. Then on low for about an hour. Stir every now and then.

You can add in potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, cabbage, celery-whatever veggies you like. Split pea and lentils cook faster and do not take as long to soak. Those beans only take about 45 minutes to soak.

Feeling crafty: Lots of new items added to my site!

I've been in a super duper crafty mood over the past few weeks. Yesterday and today, I finally had a chance to list my items for sale at my site Mattie Reid Chicago, Smashing Darling and also at my Etsy shop.

If you click the pic below, you'll be redirected to my site: .
I've added a lot of bracelets, necklaces, button rings, hair accessories and handmade Easter greeting cards.

New mid century lampshade: The perfect pairing with my teak lamp!

I found the most amazing vintage nubby large lampshde this weekend to go with my vintage teak lamp. I only paid $5 for the shade and it's really big and matches perfectly:


What do you think?

Estate sales: As well as a recap of my life...

Okay, so I haven't written in quite awhile. I've been having medical testing to try and figure out what's wrong with me. At first, I thought it was silent reflux, but I had an upper endoscopy a few weeks ago and the results came back fine. I do have a slight bit of reflux, but nothing major. That doctor referred me to a Pulmonologist. I visited that guy last Monday. He stuck some sort of scope up my nose and said the cartilage in my left nostril was inflamed. He wants me to go for bloodwork, an airway test and a chest ct scan. In addition to those three tests, he wants me to do a sleep study because I told him I was diagnosed with sleep apnea during college when I had sinus surgery. He basically thinks that all of my problems are allergy related, which makes me feel a little better knowing that nothing's wrong with my digestion. Whew! He wrote me out five scripts last week. I was only able to get two filled because I have self employed insurance and my co-pays are insane. I was also able to find a free coupon for another script he wrote for me and I got that one for free. The other two are just going to have to wait. So, I'm taking a steroid, antibiotic and Veramyst, in addition to all of my other supplements/vitamins, etc. Ugh! I just want to be better. I guess I'll hopefully find out soon. He said he has a good idea what's wrong with me and all of these medications should fix me right up. I'll believe it when I see it. I hate taking meds. I have also been juice fasting. Today's my sixth day. I juice my nutrients morning, noon and night. I've lost 7 pounds in six days as well. I'm going to try to stay on the fast for a minimum of twenty days, possibly thirty. I've read that if you have major ailments going on inside your body, you should fast for a minimum of twenty days. I guess I'll see about that too!

Enough about that... I'm really into estate sales again. I'm not so general with vintage clothing. I'm selling all things I like. Mid century modern furniture, vintage clothing, fabulous costume jewelry, vintage kitchen stuff, vintage accessories. I have found that if I open my market up to a larger audience, I tend to do better. I'm even selling some of Dominic's old clothing. As long as it sells, I don't really care.

I went to this great sale four days in a row this week (Wednesday-today). The house just had this great old shabby chic, art deco feel to it. All the items in the sale were really great. Today was the last day and everything was 50% off, of course. Here are a few of the things I've purchased over the past few days:
Oh and here's a mid century modern chair I found at another sale the other day. I love it:
As always, these items and more can be found here.

Mid Century Modern Series: Mid Century Homes in Houston, Texas

To those of you who are loyal and visit my blog frequently enough, you know I have a vintage pattern series. Many of you also know that I love anything mid century modern. Why do I love things from mid century? There are many reasons. The following homes will describe in great detail why I love mid century modern designed homes:

This first home is my home. It's a rental, but we love it just the same. I hope to eventually purchase a much better mid century modern home in this area within the next year:

This house is my neighbor's house across the street:

The remaining few homes are random homes in my direct neigborhood as well as a few neighborhoods over. I'm so in love with mid century modern homes. I really am. I know there's a perfect one out there for me. I just haven't found it yet!!
This concludes my mid century modern home series for today. I'll try to post new mid century homes in the Houston area at least once a week. Aren't they amazing? Why can't we just go back in time when design was amazing and not so cookie cutter?

My son keeps calling me by my first name: Heather or more like "Head-er"

Dominic is at this really annoying stage where he basically copies anything he hears. He hears Justin call me by my name all the time and he follows suit. He'll run down the hallway and say, "Heather (sounds more like Head-er), mommy, Head-er." I'll turn around and correct him and say, "Don't call me Head-er. Call me mommy." And-he'll say, "Okay, Head-er." What's up with that? I don't hear him calling Justin by his first name. Why does he have to call me by my first name? Doesn't he understand that I went through childbirth and pain for him??? Just joking... It's actually pretty funny!

Mid Century Danish Modern: My new chair!

I went to an estate sale yesterday and they had quite a collection of stuff for super cheap prices. I purchased a few things for resale and I also purchased this great teak Danish modern chair for $10 (I know, sweet deal!!):The teak wood is actually in decent condition however, the chair came without a cushion. I drove over to Hobby Lobby last night after working out and purchased two foam polyfill cushions. I just so happen to have some great vintage fabric in my closet and decided to use that fabric to cover the cushions.

Here's my new chair with the newly covered cushions:What do you guys think? I may end up changing the fabric to a solid color at some point, but this will work for now. Great for my office room!

Vintage pattern series: Great late 30s vintage Superior Pattern #9743

The pattern I've chosen to post today for my pattern series is one from the late 1930's by Superior Pattern. Pattern number is 9743. This particular pattern is not dated, but you can tell by the detailing on the dress that this is late 30's. Pattern states that the style is approved by Cynthia Powell. I'm not quite sure who Cynthia Powell is, but I'm sure she was a great designer. If anyone knows who she is, would you mind sharing? I've Googled her, but came up empty handed.

This particular pattern is also a larger sized pattern for the 30's. The bust size is a 44". That's pretty large for vintage patterns. I love all the gathering at the bust area. This is a great dress! As always, my patterns are for sale if the price is right!

Poem: The past is gone

Motion of powerlessness is like poison to the soul.
To try deeper and harder than you've ever tried before.
To take that step you've never dared to take.
Yet...wait...why haven't I tried this yet?
Days come and evenings go.
The next time I turn around, ten years have passed.
Time is precious.
We need to appreciate now because we will never be here again.
Once today is gone, it's gone forever-lost in the distant past.
Time fades, yet memories remain.
Cherish them because they are all you'll ever have.

Writen by me (Heather)February 2009

No mas Lone Star Vintage Clothing: New name = My Vintage Things...

As many of you know, I sold my vintage clothing inventory this past December to Violetville Vintage. I was also hoping to sell my website,Lone Star Vintage Clothing, as well. Lo and behold, a guy contacted me about four weeks ago asking if he could purchase the site. At first, we could not agree on a price. I wanted more than he wanted to pay, of course-but, then I started thinking about why I still needed the site. As long as I could recoupe all fees associated with purchasing the site two years ago-his offer wasn't such a bad deal after all.

I contacted the guy about two weeks ago and told him I would sell him the domain for the price he offered. I never heard back from him until last week. He asked if the site was still available and if it was, he wanted to purchase it. I was confused and thought he wanted the site as it was, but he just wanted to transfer the domain. So, we started the process. My webhost is located in the UK and I think it took a little extra time to get everything done because of the difference in time. Luckily, everything worked out, I received payment for my domain and transferred my domain to the new buyer. Yay!

With this said, I went ahead and changed my eBay store name as well. My new seller name is: my_vintage_things and my store name is: My Vintage Things from Texas. Here's the link to my auctions.

I have a lot of great vintage costume jewelry up for grabs this week. Here are a few pics of some of the goodies I have listed:

Busy, busy, busy: So much to do and so little time!

I've been so busy this past week. I received another order for my handmade cards. This time, for St. Patricks Day! Here are a few of the cards I made:I accept custom orders for greeting cards. I sell them for $4.00/card or $2.50 for bulk if you order 10 or more. Most cards I make are one-of-a-kind.

I also have some great vintage items up for auction this week. Click here to see if you can find something you just can't live without!

Valentines day 2009: Kiddo party

My old friend, Penny, from high school invited Dominic and I over yesterday for a pre-Valentines day party. The party was just for our kiddo's. She made heart shaped pizza's and the kids got to decorate heart shaped cupcakes after lunch. Here are a few pics from the party yesterday:

Pattern series: Vintage 1930's pattern by Hollywood Pattern Company

The vintage pattern I have chosen to post today is one from the 1930's. It's by Hollywood Pattern Company, pattern number 1180. According to Cemetarian, this particular pattern number would have been manufactured around 1933.
I love, love, love the longer sleeve version of this dress. This pattern is a one-piece, "sew simple" frock, as stated on the pattern. Blouse is gathered slightly below drop-shoulder yoke. Slide fastener or buttons may finish front opening below narrow shawl collar. Four goured skirt joins blouse under belt or girdle. Single patch pocket on skirt is optional. Just below the elbow sleeves are optional. Can be made with printed crepe, eyelet batiste, cotton or linen lace, seersucker, handkerchief linen, pongee, flat crepe, novelty cotton or heavy sheer.

I think I'm going to make this dress and repost once I've completed the dress. As always, my patterns are for sale if the price is right. :)

Old Photography: It's a Chicago thing....

I moved to Chicago in 1998 to attend school for fashion design. I attended Columbia College my first semester because I had heard so many great things about that school. Don't get me wrong, it was a great school, but I didn't think their fashion program was all that great. If you want to go to school for film or photography, Columbia would be an amazing school to go to. Fashion Design was a different story.

Columbia's fashion curriculum required you to take a photography class. I'm still pretty clueless on that one, but I took that class despite my questions. Over the course of the past few weeks, I've been going through all my old photographs. I picked up some relatively inexpensive frames with prebuilt mat boards inside. I became inspired and purchased nine of these frames and added my pics to them this evening:
As you can tell, I like to take photo's of subjects such as things in nature or people. I had to develop all of these photo's in the darkroom at school and that was one thing I always struggled with. I also took this class in the fall/winter and sometimes it was difficult to get out to take pics because of the weather. I hope you enjoyed them. I hung them on my wall. Just a little momento of my life in Chicago.