Some great finds at GW this week. Among the 1 dollar wine glasses and coffee mugs, this caught my eye. Oooo, baby, I knew it was a good find. Vintage Royal Doulton bunny cup and bowl.

Next I found a Littlest Pet Shop set, but so many of the pieces were missing I wasn't sure it was a good deal. (i.e. something I could sell for profit.) So I left it there. Maybe that was a mistake, does anybody know? I'm learning as I go!

I was looking for the missing pieces to the Littlest Pet Shop when I found these guys instead. Vintage, new in the package. Since they were only a dollar, I decided to risk it. If they wouldn't sell my kids would still love them. So I was pretty juiced to find them listed for 28 dollars online. Not a bad haul at all for a quick run. Thank you Gods of Thrift, for smiling upon me this day.



The other part of Fat Joey Knitwear, Vintage and Crafts is suddenly thriving. (WOOHOO!) I have fallen deeply in love with crochet. It's serious, people. I've made a bunch of cotton Swiffer covers in  half double crochet stitch and graduated to double crochet to make this beautiful, creamy infinity scarf.

 

Now I'm obsessed with them. I've made and sold two this week (in JULY!) and am working simultaneously on three more. Message me in the comment section to order one for yourself. Remember WINTER IS COMING!

Little Orphan Annie Doll, Tweety Bird Mug, Lisa Frank stencils and more.

Wow, it's already the 10th of July. Let's see if I can get out a quick blog post while my monkeys eat their waffles and watch Wild Kratts. I'd better type fast!

I've had a lot of fun and some very good luck with thrift stores lately. Here's my latest haul. The Little Orphan Annie Doll I nearly missed, but I'm so glad I didn't. She was made by Knickerbocker in 1982and still has her faithful pal Sandy peeping out of her pocket. Currently she's hiding out in my office, so my 4 year old doesn't see her and 'adopt" her. She'll go to my Etsy shop, Fat Joey Knitwear. I hope she brings another little girl (or big girl) sweet dreams and happy memories. Online she is selling for between 14 and 25 dollars.

The Tweety Bird mug is from 1991 and made by Warner Brothers. They are selling for between 8-14 dollars online, so he'll go in my Etsy shop too, just as soon as I have a minute to list him. He's in perfect condition, he only needs a dunk in a sudsy sink to remove the newsprint smudges from when they wrapped him up.

The Lisa Frank stencils were a coup! New in the package, vintage from the 80s. Awww, yeah.... Remember doodling over your Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper folders in home room? They are already listed in my Etsy store, so go take a peak! https://www.etsy.com/shop/fatjoeyknitwear?ref=pr_shop_more

 

 

I just love this vintage silver plate mirror. The glass is in tact, but I don't know how to photograph reflective things without getting me in the shot! Does anybody know how to do that?? Let me know! And finally, here's this sweet Holly Hobby figurine. She's in mint condition and still has her original tags. Have a great day Fat Joeys and happy hunting!

The Mother Lode

Whew! We've been busy, busy, busy here at Fat Joey Knitwear, Vintage and Crafts. Lots of thrifting, promoting my Stage Combat Intensive, keeping the monkeys entertained over summer break, Father's Day, birthdays, etc. etc. etc. But I've made some truly exciting finds and I'm hoping they'll bring in some Do-Re-Mi.

I wasn't sure why I felt compelled to go to Goodwill's on Saturday night but when I got there I was very pleased to find this 1974 Fisher Price register. I see them selling for 20-30 dollars online and I was happy with that. I was making my usual rounds through knick knacks when I turned and looked down AND STOPPED BREATHING. Oh Lord, it's the Mother Lode. The find that everyone dreams about. Bags and bags and BAGS of high end, untouched, Plymouth ALPACA YARN. And it's all mine. It's gorgeous stuff, 63% alpaca, butter soft and snuggly. And I've already sold 17 skeins of it. Here is what's left. I've already sold most of the black, powder blue and some of the pink.

 

Color me happy. I've made back the money I spent and now I have lots of free yarn! I'll make Christmas presents with it, stock for my Fat Joey Knitwear shop (you HAVE visited my Etsy store, right? ;) )or sell it outright. Good times. Have a great day and happy hunting!

Estate Sale Goodies

WHEW! I've been inspired by this neat new blog, MissBargainHuntress, to do more with my Etsy shop and garage sale and thrift store treasure hunting. The trouble is, my schedule doesn't always allow for shopping on weekend mornings, the very BEST time to hit yard sales. I was able, this weekend, to drop by an Estate Sale (I was supposed to be picking up kitty litter - oops!) where I found these gorgeous 925 sterling silver Celtic earrings. I don't know exactly what the stones are, they look like blue topaz to me, but I couldn't say for sure.

 

 

What I was certain about was that they would sell, before they even got to my Etsy store....and they did. HUZZAH! I wish I had a dozen more pairs! Now I'm waiting impatiently for this Saturday. Who knows what treasures we'll find? Are you with me? ;)

Out on a limb....

So yesterday I signed my first contract as a producer. And my hands didn't even shake. Much. When I say "producer" I should explain. I'm not backing a film or a show, I'm hosting and putting together a stage combat workshop. What is stage combat, you may ask? Weeeeelllll, stage combat is how actors perform violence in movies, tv and on stage without ever hurting anyone. Think of the knife fight in West Side Story or the duels in Romeo and Juliette. Or the fights in the movie Gladiator? All stage combat. Choreographed, simulated violence to tell a dramatic story. And it's HELLA fun to do.

But guess what? Here in Delaware, there aren't currently any ongoing stage combat classes. And that makes me sad. I don't WANT to take a Mommy and Me Yoga class, I want to swing my BROADSWORD at somebody. (and yes, I DO own a broadsword. She's 4 pounds and I can wield her one handed, if I have to. I keep her under the bed.) So what's a scrappy lass to do? Why, bring the fighting to DE, of course! 

And that's how that all got started. A buddy of mine in the Society of American Fight Director's, Michael Chin, is a sanctioned Fight Master. And he's agreed to come on down from New York City, where he teaches at a little arts school named Juilliard. (Ever heard of it?). He'll teach the fighting, biting and smiting and I'm throwing together the particulars, such as location, students, tuition, publicity, etc. I just signed a contract with Opera Delaware to rent this space for two days. Ulp. And pay them for it. Double ulp. So now it's really real.

To make this workshop fly I need ten paying actor/combatants. That's enough to rent the space, pay Mike, feed and water him, put him in a hotel for two nights and pay for transportation. 10. I need 10. That is the number I'm meditating on today. If you have any good vibes, send 'em my way. Think 10, people!

If you want to learn more about The Delaware Down and Dirty, click here!

https://www.facebook.com/events/107064866296098/

Have a great day and fight nice, everyone!

OOOO, lookey! Fat Joey Knitwear's orange baby hat with flower was featured in this beautiful treasury! Thanks, Tatyana! www.etsy.com/treasury/MjE4MTExOTZ8MjcyNDk5MjQwOQ/orange-treasury

What else is in my Etsy shop, you may ask? Oh, many, many things. I specialize in hand knit goodies and vintage treasure. A portion from every sale goes directly to charity in honor of the Late, Great Fat Joey, pictured here.

 

Joey, who hated Easter. I wonder why?

 

In fact, if you've never heard it, here is the story of Fat Joey Knitwear. Enjoy and see you soon!

 

Fat Joey Knit Wear (warm as a kitten) was created to honor the memory of the late, great Fat Joey. Joey (who was really only ever big-boned) was a foundling rescued from the mean streets of Philadelphia and my constant companion for twelve years. It broke my heart when he passed away in 2009.

Since I also volunteer at local animal shelters, I thought the best way to remember Joe would be to help other critters have food, medical attention and eventually, loving homes. Therefore a portion from every sale of FJKW goes to either the Paws shelter in Philadelphia, or City Kitties, in West Philly. Sometimes it's 10%, sometimes it's a 100%!

I was thrilled when I first realized my knits would sell and deeply grateful to be able to help the kitties, even in a small way. Thank you so much for stopping by. Wishing you every happiness,

Me and Fat Joey (in spirit)

 

Here is a link to my shop, if you want to nose around. I add things often, so stop by frequently to see all the latest. https://www.etsy.com/shop/fatjoeyknitwear?ref=pr_shop_more

http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/

Hey Friends, just a quickie, but this site has the CUTEST ways to make your graduation tassels into Christmas ornaments. Definitely worth the click! Congrats to all Grads and the people who love them!

Sooooo, IF my rotten, lousy computer could be persuaded to upload the photos I just took, I'd be able to show you my beautiful and quirky thrift store finds from this week. BUT, tears, pleading, threats, bribes and turning the darn thing on and off again have all proved fruitless and I'm bummed. Foiled again. Maybe I could take pictures with my phone, post them to Facebook, save them to my computer and THEN upload them to the blog? Although, just typing that made me want to take a nap.

 

 

All righty, here is a truly mediocre picture of the beautiful music box I liberated from the thrift store yesterday. It's in perfect condition, though a vintage piece and plays Greensleeves. The soft, muted pastels and the tenderness in Santa's face make this music box a calming and joyous expression of faith. I'm tempted to keep it, since my own daughter was born early Christmas morning, but with a preschooler, a toddler and 3 cats in the house, fragile items are in constant danger of being annihilated. Maybe it would be better off with you?

 

Here's PPPPPPPorky PPPPPPig. For those of you out there who sell vintage, I've noticed that pop culture things, toys and cartoons sell pretty well. My Little Pony stuff, Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, etc. So I'm hoping that Porky finds a home soon.

 

It was a great day for finds yesterday. If I'd had more money to spend I believe I could have bought a lot more sellable stuff, but alas, I was forced to make some hard choices. However, this beautiful Irish Bride and Groom from Royal Tara made the cut. Wouldn't it be a wonderful cake topper or wedding shower gift for the right couple? Bone china, made in Ireland and in perfect condition. I'm happy already thinking of the couple who will get this piece, whoever they are!

Wanna shop in my Etsy store? Click here on the link! Happy shopping! https://www.etsy.com/people/fatjoeyknitwear?ref=hdr_user_menu

 

 

Max at 19 weeks, full of exclamation marks.

 

My children, (Izzy, age 3 and Max, 15 months) have already taught me volumes about life. Always, always, always carry snacks. The solemn promise of a two year old is worthless. A little lipstick on the walls will brighten up the darkest of dens.

But recently my son reminded me of an incredibly important lesson and I thought I'd share. Here it is: make sure your life has enough exclamation points. For example, Max is 15 months old. Everything, and I mean everything is new and exciting to him. If he could talk in sentences, it would sound something like this. "Mom!! MOM! There's a doggie! oh my gosh, oh my gosh, OHMYGOSH, I want to pet him. I GOT TO PET HIM! He licked my hand! I LOVE HIM!"

Or...."Mom! MOM!! Look out the window! Last night it was all blue and sparkly and TODAY it's completely different! There's TREES! And grass! And houses! And OHMYGOSH there's a DOG! CanIpethimcanipethimcanipet him, PLEASE?"

Or "Mom! MOM!! I'm in the bath tub! I LOVE the bathtub!! Look! I'm peeing! I'm peeing in the bath tub! HAHA! Isn't life great??"

Everything he does excites him greatly. Well, of course it does, he's not even two yet. Wonder is a lot harder to come by the time you're an adult. But Max's sentences ALL have exclamation points at the end. No wonder he can't wait to get up in the morning. Mine sentences go something more like this.

"Ugh, the baby's awake. I am so tired."
"I smell cat pee. Where did the cat pee."
"I'm going to the grocery store. Again. I am so tired."

And herein lies the problem. There's a lot in adults' lives that HAS to be done. There's no getting around it. Fine. I accept that. There's shopping and cooking and diapers and feedings and bills and cleaning and yard work and dusting, there's deadlines and  meetings and projects and papers, and on and on and on. And it must be done. It all must be done. So here's what I propose for all of us. More exclamation points. More wonder. More joy.

Whatever your day holds, take a page from Max's book and be sure to add in some exclamation points. It can be anything that, in your mind, gets an exclamation point at the end of the sentence. Like this: "Oh BOY, I get to go to Knitting Club tonight! I can't wait!" Or "Oh BOY! I'm going to watch the new Ken Burn's documentary and drink cheap wine. I can't wait!"

You may have to look for these things. Once exclamation points leave your sentences it can be hard to get them back. But it's important to try. Life contains a depressing amount of hum drum periods, tiresome commas, and troubling question marks. Sprinkle in some exclamation points and watch your day come alive. I have to go now. My son is adding more exclamation points to his day.
"Mommy, look! I'm playing in the potty! WHEEEEEEE!" Have fun!

Hello, friends!

It's been quite a while since my last post and I do apologize for that. I never meant to abandon you, but my goodness has life gotten busy! Since my last post in 2012 I've added vintage goods and crafts to my online Etsy store https://www.etsy.com/shop/fatjoeyknitwear?ref=pr_shop_more kept up my knitting, started teaching acting with Child Drama Workshops and added life and acting coaching to my resume as well. Oh, and then this happened

which turned into this.....

which turned into THIS.

 

 

And finally this.

 

 

 

So now I have these!

 

 

Max was born in May of 2013 and instantly captured my heart. Good natured, wide eyed and a passionate eater, Max has grown into a delicious, snuggly bundle of boy. At 3 weeks, he rolled over, at 9 months he walked and I've been chasing after him and his fireball big sis ever since. But now that Max is (Thank you God!) sleeping through the night and Izzy has preschool 3 days a week, I'm hoping to resurrect this blog. I can't always put two coherent thoughts together, but I'll try. And I've missed you all.

HOMELESS SCARF SEEKS SHELTER.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/104295985/lacey-black-ruffle-scarf

Lacey, black ruffle scarf

From fatjoeyknitwear

By the pricking of my thumbs
something wicked this way comes.

And guess what? It's YOU, elegantly wrapped in our lacey black ruffle scarf.
A cascade of dark lace announces your entrance and proclaims that you're no one to be trifled with. Wear it to the theater, the finest restaurant in town, or on that all important third date. After all, if you're going to be a drama queen, shouldn't you look the part?


The Black Ruffled Scarf is hand knit by me in my smoke free, pet friendly studio from imported mesh yarn. As always, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a no kill animal shelter or Heifer International in honor of the Late, Great Fat Joey.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/100474989/pink-ruffle-scarf

Do you drink Cosmopolitans instead of beer? Prefer pedicures to mountain biking? Never leave the house without at least 3 lipsticks? Me too - and that's why I just had to knit this gorgeous, girly scarf. It's all of our favorite things - soft, ruffly, pink and frothy....dive right in and snuggle up to proclaim "I enjoy being a girl!"

This sweet accessory is handknit in my smoke free, pet friendly studio from 100% imported mesh yarn. Hand wash cold and lay flat to dry. But be careful! If you wear this scarf, men might start opening doors, sending you drinks and kissing your hand - just be prepared!

As always, a portion of the proceeds from the ruffly pink scarf will go to a no kill animal shelter or Heifer International, in honor of the Late, Great Fat Joey.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/99450909/sale-ruffled-snowflake-scarf-hand-knit

Here at Fat Joey Knitwear, we just LOVE to sell things. And we HATE to not sell things. SO! In honor of all of you getting your checks from Uncle Sam, we are holding our first ever Tax Refund Sale in my Etsy store. There are scandalously low prices and DEEEEEEEEP discounts - for a limited time only!Have fun shopping and don't forget! A portion from every sale of our gorgeous hand made knits goes directly to a nokill anmil shelter or Heifer International, in honor of the Late, Great Fat Joey.

Irresistable

Need a snuggle bunny? Sweet Winnie needs YOU!

Meet Winnie!
Winnie is a 3-4 month old, 2 pound kitten with multiple talents:

1. A Companion:
Winnie is super affectionate and will gladly nap in your lap. She also enjoys being carried around like a baby, perching on your shoulder like a ...parrot, and giving kisses.

2. An Alarm Clock:
Winnie has a very unique meow which draws attention from all of her adoring fans. She uses her voice when she is hungry or wants some attention.

3. A Dog-Occupier:
Winnie LOVES dogs (at least those who also love her)! She acts like one of the gang when her doggie foster siblings are around, chases them around and enjoys bath time.

4. *Most Importantly* A Fun, Adorable, Young Kitten
Winnie is guaranteed to provide you hours of laughter and affection. She will grow into a great companion cat and family member. Like all young kittens, Winnie will need daily exercise and some training to know that she shouldn't use her claws and teeth to play (nothing a little spray bottle of water can't correct).

Read more about Winnie here:

Winnie was surrendered to the ACCT Philly shelter along with her brother and sister because their owner couldn't care for them any longer. Her brother and sister were lucky enough to be adopted, but because Winnie was the runt she had to be placed in foster care until she was big enough to be spayed. Winnie is still quite small for her age, but is healthy and happy! She likely won't ever be a large cat but will make a great family pet. Winnie currently lives with 2 other adult cats and 3 dogs. She gets along great with everyone! She is a social girl who is currently learning how to play appropriately. Winnie is already spayed, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations. Winnie is also FeLV & FiV negative. Her adoption fee is just $75! Interested in adopting her? Contact her foster mom by emailing erin.acctpenpals@gmail.com for more information!
Photos at:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7104/7242547828_10d1c1db49.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8007/7242546244_629070587d.jpg
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http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7242544926_29ea14b21e.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7242545690_8377f6f420.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7242543638_56ce9cfa45.jpgSee More

Wanna help these lovable innocents? Me too. You can "like" the Philly Urgents page on Facebook and repost p...hotos and bios of their babies. I figure that it's a numbers game - the more people that hear their stories, the better chance they have of getting out. And it only takes a few clicks of your mouse to spread the word and maybe save a life. Thanks guys. Love and doggie kisses to one and all.

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Shameless Self Promotion

Well, really now, folks, what is the purpose of a blog if you can't shamelessly promote your own enterprises? So here we go...I know all ten of my readers have been waiting for this: here are the latest additions to my Etsy shop - avaliable in time for Mother's Day. Hooray! All modesty aside, I'm really pleased with the way they've turned out. And really, can you ever have too many scarves? Of COURSE not!

Feminine, girly, sophisticated and luscious, this hand knit beauty is the perfect way to spoil a loved one. The soft ruffles feel positively decadent when you put it on and it can turn an ordinary coat into a "WOW" outfit. Because I believe in decadence, this ruffled scarf is extra long and frilly. I mean, if a little of something is good, why not a lot? This imported Italian yarn is what you would get if you could knit with giggles, the laughter of babies or an old, dear friend. Are you an animal lover? Because, as always, a portion of the proceeds from the ruffled scarf goes to Heifer International, or a no kill animal shelter, in honor of the Late, Great Fat Joey.

Wrap this delightful confection around your neck and just try not to smile! Juicy colors make this hand spun, hand knit scarf a standout in any crowd. Made from banana silk in garter stitch and reversible. If you love candy hearts, Valentine's Day and everything pink, you must add this little beauty to your ensemble.

All of my items are made in a smoke free, pet friendly studio.

As always, a portion of the proceeds from the sale will go to a no-kill animal shelter in Philadelphia, in honor of the Late, Great Fat Joey. You can look fabulous and help your furry friends. Everybody wins!

The best of fashion and Spring combine in this hand knit, light weight accessory. The Daffodil Scarf is made from 100% banana silk, hand spun in Peru and hand knit by me in exotic Newark Delaware, which make it a truly global treasure.

The Daffodil Scarf makes a thoughtful present for a favorite Aunt, girlfriend or bridesmaid and is light enough to wear in the Spring. (you can always say that you made it yourself - we'll never tell!) All Fat Joey Knitwear scarves are made in my smoke free, pet friendly studio.


http://www.etsy.com/search/shops?search_query=fatjoeyknitwear&search_submit=&search_type=shops

Save This Dog!

PRINGLES A15622714 Why hello everyone! I’m so glad I have your attention! I am Pringles (A15622714) your favorite potato chip! Oh, excuse me, I mean dog! I am your favorite dog! I am a sweet sassy 1-2 year old girl currently living at ACCT waiting for my forever family. I was found as a stray by a great lady who runs a kittie rescue. She really wanted to take me home because I was so sweet, but unfortunately I probably shouldn’t live with cats. I am a serious wiggle-butt. I love everyone! When I see someone coming towards me I wiggle wiggle wiggle! I love getting pets! I am a pretty energetic young lady and I need someone ready to be energetic with me! I am really really smart! Like super-smart! I learned to roll over in about 10 minutes. I know sit, down, and touch too. I would be an awesome agility dog because I am really smart and really eager to please! I have done great in all my dog meets here at the shelter. I have kind of a silly play style. I play sort of like a boxer, using my front paws a lot. I would need to live with a dog who either had my same play style or was pretty tolerant of me playing that way. As I said, cats are way too interesting for them to like living with me! Since I’m such a playful girl, I probably shouldn’t live with infants or toddlers, but older kids who don’t mind my playfulness would probably love me! If you are interested in adopting or fostering me, please contact my pen pal at ashearin@vet.upenn.edu. Thanks so much for reading about me! http://farm7.staticflickr.com/​6098/​6856721670_eec614c188_z.jpg http://farm7.staticflickr.com/​6102/​7002836497_47519beb60_z.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/​7236/​6856721776_af350cc013_z.jpg This is just one of the many wonderful dogs in urgent need of adoption, foster care, or rescue at Philadelphia's animal control shelter, ACCT. You can stop down and meet them, and after filling out an application with shelter staff, interact with them 365 days a year at the shelter- 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia. Please checkwww.acctphilly.org for hours. Come in and take home a forever friend today! To check the status of an animal, call 267-385-3800, email acctpetfinder@gmail.com, or send us a message! These are just a few of the many wonderful dogs in urgent need of adoption, foster care, or rescue at Philadelphia's animal control shelter, ACCT. You can stop down and meet them, and after filling out an application with shelter staff, interact with them 365 days a year at the shelter- 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia. Please check www.acctphilly.org for hours. Come in and take home a forever friend today! To check the status of an animal, call 267-385-3800, email acctpetfinder@gmail.com, or send us a message!

Urgent Dogs M-Z at the shelter NOW PRINGLES A15622714 Hi I’m Pringles, no, not those tasty potato chips, I’m a dog, I’m a dog, silly. I’m an adult terrier/pit mix who weighs about 47 lbs. I have a shiny black and white coat and a really cute face with semi erect ears and a white patch on my nose. I’m sort of a high energy gal and I love to play and jump around. Now, I know this is silly behavior and I need to stop jumping up, so the nice people here are working with me on that. I know I can do better and get the hang of it. I did pretty good on my evaluations, handling, dog meets and cat meets. I did show a little interest in cats, so if you have any at home, I should be re-tested to make sure that we are okay together. I did well on food test despite the fact that I was pretty hungry being a stray from the streets of Philadelphia. Due to my energy level, I probably shouldn't live with small children and I should meet all of your children under 12 years of age, as well as your resident dogs when you come to meet me. Did I tell you that I love toys, well I do, so this is a great tool to train me with. I’m not spayed yet, but I will be before I leave the shelter. Come out and meet me today, please!!... ​​ ​​ ​​ Here are just a few of the many wonderful dogs in urgent need of adoption, foster care, or rescue at Philadelphia's animal control shelter, ACCT. You can stop down and meet them, and after filling out an application with shelter staff, interact with them 365 days a year at the shelter, 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue, in Philadelphia. Come in and take home a forever friend today! They need immediate adoption or foster care. ACCT is located at 111 W Hunting Park Ave and is open 365 days a year. Please check www.ACCTPhilly.org for hours. To check the status of an animal, call 267-385-3800, email nsmith@pspca.org or jsweeney@pspca.org, or send us a message. By: Philly Urgents Page