Sweet Ginger Stitches: I Love Retro!

I love me some retro. I mean, now that I'm an adult. By adult, I mean almost 40. Let me explain.

In my twenties and early thirties, I was not so into antiques or collectibles I had no idea what it meant to own Fiestaware, old Pyrex, fine china, or Sterling Silver serving sets. I had all of these things that were given to me when I moved out on my own at 17 years of age. I still have the silver and the china of course, those were a no brainer when it came to keeping something. But over the years of moving from this place to that one, quickly packing, being to lazy to pack everything and thinking "Oh I don't need or want that", I no longer own the Fiestaware and have just a couple of pieces of the white and aqua Pyrex.

In the last few years I have done a lot of growing up, realizing that I love antiques and retro items. I love retro colors from the 50's to the 70's. I also love antiques that are painted. Not painted as in looks new, painted as in looks like it was painted years ago and is worn. I love shabby chic antiques. I also love retro print fabrics. This leads me to my Valentines gift from my husband.

We live on the outskirts of Houston on the way to Galveston, and today we had to make a jot into the big city to run an errand for my hubby. Well, yesterday while checking out the discussions on my flicker groups I noticed a post by Rachel Booth about an Amy Butler Charm Swap she is hosting on her blog Sew Happily Ever After. I started searching for a local shop that carried Amy Butler fabrics on the internet, and I came across a shop in Midtown (artsy fartsy area of Houston , love it), High Fashion Fabrics. So, while we were out and about we stopped on by. I had no idea what to expect. I thought it would be a small fabric store. Boy was I wrong. This place is AMAZING. REALLY AMAZING. If you want specialty fabric, wedding dress fabric, lace or bling, they have it. In huge amounts. At top dollar of course. They also have, wait for it, quilting fabric!!!!! They have tons of prints including a whole wall dedicated to Amy Butler.

I did not end up buying any Amy Butler fabric today, it just wasn't moving me. I instead found two great retro style prints by Michael Miller, Sweet Stuff and Candy Shop from the Retro Basics line. So, in honor of Valentine's Day, my dearest hubby (the greatest hubby in the world) bought me a yard and a half of each. OMGoodness, I'm in love.

I'm thinking I am going to make kitchen accessories with these. My kitchen accent color is red so I think these will work perfectly. A cover for my Kitchen Aid mixer, some hot pads, an apron, and some decorative towels. Or maybe a diaper bag for the future. Or a book bag for my granddaughter. Hmmm, so many options.

In other news, I have been working on more blocks with my Riley Blake Designs fabrics. I finished this months Mystery Block by RBD. It was my first time ever attempting applique.

I also tried my hand at making my own paper piecing pattern this week. It was actually pretty easy. Keep in mind this is meant to have four of these squares put together to make one block. I just haven't gotten the other three finished.

I love it!

And last but not at all least, I have to brag on my awesome son. Michael received his first stripe on his yellow belt in Brazilian Jujitsu tonight. I am one proud momma. He studies under one of the most famous BJJ Professors, Vinicius Draculino Magalhaes.

Michael's nickname is "Guard Master". This was given to him by his assistant Professor, Brandon Wolverine Mullins.

So my WIP's now include:

1. Daughters quilt... still need to finish quilting and bind it.

2. I Used To Be A Layer Cake.... my pieces are not matching up on some strips and I have not gotten back to fix it.

3. My sampler / bom RBD quilt... This will be worked on over the year.

Projects I need to start:

1. My dear FIL's quilt... I just can't decide what pattern to use. Maybe I will post pics of the fabrics and ya'll can help me decide.

Oh, and did you know Crafty is having a sale on their classes for Valentine's Day? It is running February 14-17. Head on over and sign up now! They are up to 75% off!