Thrift Store Finds - Fashion Sewing for Everyone by Adele Margolis

I love going to thrift stores. Who doesn't? You never know what you're going to find there, and for what crazy good price. I've decided to start blogging about my thrift store finds, when they are relevant to sewing.

There's a flea market type place in the nearby small town. It's located at an old school building, and it's piled to the roof with everything you can imagine.

I found this book: Fashion Sewing for Everyone by Adele P. Margolis. It looks old and beat up. The pages are yellow and dirty. That's part of what makes it so great for me. It's been USED. I was super excited to find it, and for only $3.00.

This book is true vintage, published in 1974. It is full of great information and helpful illustrations.

While I was researching this author, who also happens to be known as a sewing expert, I came across this blog post about her passing:

Diary of a Sewing Fanatic

Sad news, but it seems her books have touched many people, and that is an accomplishment to be proud of.

Spring Cleaning Sale!!!

I know it's been a while!!! I've been pretty busy. :) In February, I got a new web site! MEANLOOK.net!

Check it out here!

Everything in the store is 50% off through April 12th. All you have to do is place your order and I will refund the difference. You can also sign up for an account and get 10% off EVERY purchase you make in the future.

Happy Spring!!! :)

Happy New Year!

I am really excited for 2010. It seems like almost everyone had a bad 2009 and is determined to kick ass in 2010. Myself included. :D

I am determined to list items at least Monday through Thursday. That will keep my shop active and hopefully sales coming.

One of my goals for 2010 is to concentrate more on higher priced items and not as much on lower priced items like pouches. I love making pouches, but I feel that I should be making more clothing items. First though, I am going through my 'unfinished projects' bin and eliminating those items. I really hate that bin! I have turned quite a few into pouches and makeup bags, but I've barely made a dent in it. That's what I'll be working on first and foremost though.

I also hope to make my website into a real website. meanlook.net needs to become more!!!

I am also planning to open a bank account specifically for Mean Look, as well as obtaining my business license & tax ID. That is all so confusing but I'm trying to figure it out! And I'm going to actually start keeping track of everything.

So here's to lots of hard work and lots of payoff in 2010!

Featured EtsyBlogger

This month's featured EtsyBlogger is CalKat! Right now, they are offering free shipping, so you should jump on that deal!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/calkat

"In our shop you will find OOAK pieces of jewelry. We use only sterling silver components, gemstones, semi-precious gemstones and Swarovski crystals in our designs."

My favorite item in the shop has to be the zodiac necklaces.

Here is what I totally wish I could buy -- and yes, I'm a Leo. ;)

EtsyBloggers December Blog Carnival

This month's EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival is hosted by LindaB, and she asks:

What are your favorite color combinations? What do you create using those colors? My answer to this question is: I love any color that is bright, and I love black. I have always loved color and I love experimenting with crazy combos. I love putting bright colors with black, because it makes an amazing contrast. My next favorite combination would probably be pink and purple. I guess I'm just girly to the core.

My least favorite color on the planet would have to be brown. It's great for hair color, puppies, and tree trunks, but that's about it. ;)

News!

I have been looking for ways to expand my business, and one local shop I always had in mind was Psycho Sisters. Psycho Sisters is a cute little boutique located in downtown Cartersville, Georgia. The shop has managed to stay in business while shops around it have come and gone.

I contacted Psycho Sisters through MySpace, and Holly responded with interest in my items. I set up an appointment with her and went in tonight after work, carrying a bag full of new items. She picked out a few things and we made a deal.

Mean Look is now in a STORE!!! I hope this is the first of many business agreements outside Etsy.

RockerByeBaby

My friend Amber at RockerByeBaby just got married. As part of her bridesmaids' gifts, she asked me to make her some pouches! It was lots of fun and I'm so happy she wanted to include me. The pouches turned out amazing and the gifts are just perfect! You can see for yourself on her blog.

Thank you, Amber! Your wedding looks like it was a blast. :)