Hello...

It's good to be back. It's been a crazy past 6 months but I think I've finally got some time to sit down and chat. I hope your Holiday season has been relaxing and full of sparkle and cheer. I can' t believe it's almost time to pack up the Christmas decorations and cart them all downstairs for another year. I'm always sad to see them go. There is a warmth and sparkle when the house is all decked out that just isn't there the rest of the year. I suppose that's part of what makes the holidays so special.

I am looking forward to a whole new year to work on some exciting new ideas. I'm feeling very spoiled now as I bought myself an amazing new sewing machine which has already proven itself to be indispensible. I've got big plans for me and this machine!



This is one of my new creations, inspired by one of my many Japanese craft books. I'm hoping to add a few to my shop soon.

Vintage Crafts

I want to make everything in this picture! The chicks, the hens, the apron, potholders--all of it!


And these little totes and bookcovers are so adorable, yes? I have over a hundred vintage craft magazines, books and pamphlets, and yet I can't resist buying them when I'm at tag sales and thrift stores. It's verging on ridiculous. I envision myself surrounded by piles and piles of magazines in my old age. People will stop visiting for fear they may get buried under a pile of McCall's Needlework and Crafts from 1965.

This is exciting! My very first fabric Friday post. For months, I've been amdmiring all the amazing fabric finds out there. All the while, wishing I could share some of my favorites from my own stash, well, now I can. Yay! This is one of my most recent and most beloved acquisitions. This is one, I'm afraid I may never have the courage to cut into, it's so amazing, with the original tag, which is also a sight to behold. Qualiti Pakt -- adorable! I can only imagine what it would be like to walk through the Woolworth's fabric department during the 1950's or 60's. Dreamy, indeed!

This is Green Sweater Kitty, isn't she sweet? She'll be in the shop today. She's made from a recycled wool sweater that I found while out thrifting yesterday. I came right home and whipped her out. I thought it was just the right color for a kitty with a green ribbon, in Spring.

Goodbye little fish

This morning I came downstairs to find that our 3 goldfish had died overnight. We cleaned their bowl and changed the water and that proved to be too much for them. Let's hope this is not an indication of how the rest of the day will turn out. I'm planning to set up a table outside of Half and Half cafe where Nicole is having an art show today. For any of you in Portland, please find the time to come say hello. That is if the rain decides to let up These are the two new additions to the shop today.

Winston

Oh, one more thing, I'd like to introduce Winston C. Butterfield. He's available in my Etsy shop. He's made from a thrifted cashmere sweater and he's so very soft.

I am finally joining blogland!

I've been thinking about starting a blog for some time now and finally took action! So here it is, my blog. I suppose a good place to start is with a brief history of the name, Chet and Dot. I happened upon a lovely little Christmas card from the 40's while thrifting a few years ago. The image on the outside was of a charming brown cabin covered in snow. It wasn't until I got home that I looked inside to find it said 'Best Wishes, Chet and Dot' signed in the most lovely old lady handwriting. For 2 years, I thought of Chet and Dot often and knew it would be a great name for a business or maybe line of children's products. Then, last summer, I decided to go with it, and I love it. I love the name and where it came from. Thank you Chet and Dot, whomever you are.