Farmhouse Accessories

Farm Chicks -- Here I Come!

2010-06-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

Headed to Farm Chicks this weekend!
Can't wait to see what fun things there will be to see (and buy)!
Are you going?
(my camera is......)

Letterpress Hangtags

2010-05-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed in my last post about the Farmhouse booth, that we had new hangtags on our items for sale. These hangtags were made on a vintage letterpress -- a machine I had not seen before going to help make these tags. A very generous woman and friend, Sue Mellor, stopped by my house a few months back with some samples of hangtags she had made for my shop.
So, one evening a few weeks ago, I went over to Sue's letterpress shop (actually her garage) to take part in the making of these tags. Sue was very lucky to obtain a functioning letterpress from the 1930's (approx.) She told me there are few left as they became relics of newspaper printing long ago. Above, the red rollers are where the ink is applied-- they spin to ink the "stamp" as the paper is rolled and pressed over the stamp. Hard to describe, and I'm probably slaughtering the correct terminology. (Guess I'm not a good reporter, sorry). The little red object you can see in the upper left photo is the floral stamp you see on the cards. The stamp not only inks the paper, it also debosses the paper at the same time (pushes the image below the level of the paper). Sometimes, Sue uses the stamps without ink to "dry deboss" paper.

Trying my hand at the letterpress...... I'm a lot slower than Sue. This letterpress machine is manual, in that you have to turn the handcrank to roll the paper over the press.

Old letters on wood blocks, gears on the letterpress, inks

Sue had the awesome idea to punch holes in the bottom of the tag with a sewing machine needle so that the bottom portion (where the price is written) can be torn off and the item can be given as a gift. She's an inventive lady, that one. (I secretly wish I had thought of it....)

Here are some examples of cards Sue has made.... I really like the tree.

More examples. Really, the options are limitless because now you can design any image using Adobe Illustrator and have a stamp made (in the reverse of course), and viola.... you can make cards, wedding announcements, baby announcements, business cards, etc. Sue may be adding some note cards to my little shop in the near future, just for your purchasing pleasure.

Here is another fully automated (but yet to be fully functional) letterpress that Sue also has. She and her husband are rebuilding it and hope to have it running soon. I changed the color of this photo in Photoshop Elements. It looks to have stepped straight out of the early 1900s.

I had a really good evening, and am thrilled with the hangtags..... now about those business cards..... (thanks Sue)

May Booth and A New Partner!

2010-05-11T17:45:00.000-07:00

Finally..... some new wares in my (our) booth at Grady's Corner (above the Hen House Chicks shop). It's been a busy couple of months and the booth has taken a back seat unfortunately. But, now our little booth is movin' up in the world!

The majority of the new wares come from my new partner Paula Laurens. You can visit her gorgeous blog, Tattered Gold, {here}. Paula not only has a beautiful way with words, she is quite the talented lady, AND she also has a vast collection of vintage cups, saucers, creamers and other floral china. I'm so happy she has agreed to join me as her items so beautifully fill a large gap in my little booth. I have added a few new things as well, and hope to add some more in the next few weeks.

Aren't these shelves lovely? This is a set of three -- the largest shelf has antique door handles for hooks.

Paula made these beautiful little pillows -- fabric and ribbon flowers, lace, and buttons.

Altered bottles from Paula's talented hands....

.... more treasures....

..... and still more ....

See, I told you Paula is a talented lady.

A conversation: me and you

2010-04-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

This may be one of the most boring posts ever, but please keep reading...... I have a little business to mention.... but first: a little make-believe conversation between me and YOU!

You: Oh, hello! Long time no see! Did you drop off the face of the earth, get eaten by wild, hungry red-headed children, or simply decide ENOUGH with the blogging and decide to slowly fade away?

Me: Ha! You are so funny! (but a little right on all accounts)

You: So, what have you been up to then?

Me: Well, a little child rearing, a little home painting, a little (or a lot) laundry, a little photography, and a little sewing (believe it or not!). Actually, I'm so glad you asked ... serging is one of the things I have been doing a lot of lately. It is a sort of mindless labor -- feed the fabric through the machine, push the foot pedal, and cross my fingers that the thread doesn't break. (my industrial serger can be a little touchy sometimes and when the thread breaks -- it is a REAL pain to rethread. I wonder -- are all sergers such a pain to rethread?) Sometimes I also wonder what I did before I had a serger.....and then I remember --Oh yeah, stringy threads all over the place!

You (rather hesitantly): Oh, well....... that's nice. Why have you been doing so much serging?

Me: Oh, I thought you'd never ask! I have been sewing pillows and window seat cushions for a lady...... a real, bonified paying customer. And although the covers may never be taken off and washed (as she has such an immaculate home dirt would hesitate to invade), I sergered all the edges to make things tidier inside.

You: Oh, well....... that's nice.

Me: Right...... told you it was pretty mindless work! (I think it addled my brain a little! he he).

You: Hmmm.......

Me: Oh, and I also made this cheerful little apron for the Whitman County Library Reading Bear! Isn't she a pretty bear? Making the apron was lots of fun! I sort of had to come up with my own pattern -- so I guess that de-addled my brain a little.

You: She IS a stunning Reading Bear.

Me: That she is, that she is. Well, nice to see you! Stop by anytime! Oh, hang on! One more thing! If you'd like to see more of me you can stop by {my other little spot} and visit with me nearly everyday. You see, this blog is kind of my "other home" -- and I don't get to visit very often. I'd love to see you there! Toodleloo!

You: Toodleloo, too!

And the Winner is..........

2010-04-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

......... #7 -- Paula!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations Paula! I will get the ruffle pants set out to you in the mail tomorrow! I hope your little friend enjoys them.

Thank you everyone that entered the giveaway. I am honored to be able to inspire anyone! (Welcome, Sarah -- glad you entered!) If any of you would like a similar set of ruffle pants drop me a line and we'll get something set up. I hope to open my Etsy shop back up later this spring and am planning on selling the ruffle pants in sizes 6 mo- girls 8 (as well as other items -- I have an idea for a cute ruffle bags -- just a little rounded shoulder bag with ruffles....... I need to get it worked up.

Have a wonderful Easter!

Spring Sewing and a Ruffle Pants GIVEAWAY!

2010-03-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

I have been having a hard time trying to find time to sew, as the warmish weather has been beckoning me to join the birds and the violets outside. Having two little kids home everyday and three most days, also contributes to the lack of sewing. It is very important for them to get out and enjoy the great outdoors --they are happier, and Mom is happier, and that makes EVERYONE happier!

The thought had occurred to me to take my sewing machine outside to try and enjoy the day and sew at the same time. But since I am currently {tickled pink} to be borrowing this sewing machine.....

....a Bernina 440 QE, I had better not take it outside! You see, {my Beast} is in the shop for a tune-up and the lovely lady Emily let me take home one of their shop machines to use while mine was being fixed. Emily is the owner of {Becky's Fabrics in Lewiston, ID}. Isn't that wonderful? I equate it to taking a new car for a spin (which I have NEVER done and am not really interested in doing, btw) -- so, BETTER than taking a new car for a spin. I think Emily knew I had been drooling over this machine. She is a good saleswoman, that one.

But sadly, there is no $$$$ in the budget for a new machine -- at least at this point. (Mr. Obama, sir ..... would you mind lower taxes on us poor, small business owners? Then maybe I could help out this poor economy by buying a new sewing machine.... just saying.) I'm not sure if this is the exact machine I would purchase, but it is pretty nice to sew on. So, anyway.....that's what happening in my sewing world. Now for the fun part!

Remember this set? Funny thing..... we ended up winning back this ruffle pants set at the auction that I donated them to. No, we didn't bid on them. But evidently, someone wrote our name, or wrote scribbley enough that it appeared to be our name, so we won the ruffle pants set! I don't mind. But, since my little Nona can only wear so many ruffle pants in one week, I decided to pass them on to some lucky winner! They are sized 12-18 months-- the top is a onsie.

So if you have a little girl or know a little girl that would look absolutely adorable in this set, here's what you have to do to enter the Ruffle pants giveaway:

Leave a comment on this post -- anything you feel like saying -- about spring, about sewing projects, about the economy, whatever!
In your comment make sure there is some way I can contact you if you are the winner
To enter twice -- become a follower, and leave another comment telling me you are now following this blog.
The giveaway will end on March 31st at 9PM PST.

Good luck and have a great week!

Slipcovered Wingback

2010-03-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

I wanted to be a part of the slip-cover party over at the {Pink Polka Dot}, so here are a few pictures of a slip-cover I made right before my little Winona was born.

The willing subject: a wing back chair and ottoman that I did for a client over a year ago. (Sorry for the rather bad photography.) Underneath this slip cover is a beautiful late -Victorian wing-back. Just gorgeous. I told the owner of this chair that if she accidentally forgot to pick up her chair, I wouldn't be heart broken. For some reason, she didn't forget!

I added some ties in the back to take up the slack of the extra yardage needed for getting the slip-cover over the chair. I also took the time to serge all of the raw edges underneath to keep strings at bay.

This chair was rather a challenge for me, but fun none-the-less. All of the curves certainly make life interesting....

The pleated ruffle was just long enough to cover the upholstery underneath, but short enough to flirt with the curvy front legs on the chair.

{Here is another chair that I slipcovered that is currently in my little girl's room if you care to have a look-see.}

Thanks for stopping by!

For a Good Cause

2010-03-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

If you are a local sort of person (Whitman County) -- you might be interested to know that this little outfit will be for auction this Saturday at the Palouse Empire Fairgrounds to help out a local man -- Kelvin Riebold. The benefit dinner and auction is being held to help with his recent medical expenses. The outfit is sized 18 months. The benefit starts at 5 PM.

If you really want, really, REALLY want --
I might make another set (or similar) for a GIVEAWAY next week.
What say ye?

Blue's Blanket and Pillow

2010-03-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

My oldest child, Reid, has gotten very attached to his lizard "Blue". In my humble opinion, this is the best kind of lizard to have. He has been begging and begging for some fish, and shamefully I have been dragging my tail. (However, I am hoping to get him some tadpoles from a scientific supply so they can watch the tadpoles grow. But don't tell him, it is a secret.) Anyway, back to Blue. Blue has been to show-and-tell twice, and regularly sleeps right next to my Reid. Blue gets carried around in the "{boy bag}" that I made Reid awhile back. He is a posh pet.

Blue had a birthday last month. A real, sure enough birthday. I have no idea how old he is, but he is one year older. About a week before the scheduled birthday, my son came to me and whispered in my ear (so Blue could not hear of course!) what Blue wanted for his birthday. And what did Blue want? Why a blanket and pillow of his very own. Imagine that?

Lucky Blue, he got his wish. I hope he liked his pillow and blanket. His blanket is even reversible! Reid was happy. And Blue got to go to show-and-tell AGAIN and show off his new accoutrements.

Love Fabric

2010-02-18T18:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a sampling of some of the new fabric I got in recently. I tried to pick some fabrics that made me think of spring. I especially like the black, yellow, and white fabrics above. I have to confess, I've never really noticed before how well gray and yellow go together. Maybe the black is what helps them hit it off. This fabric is just begging me to make some bags....cute little handbags.

This fabric just screams Girly Valentines! I made my little girl some more ruffle pants from the heart and stripe fabric. They turned out really cute, but I imagine you are tired of seeing Nona all dressed up, right?

Red, cream, and blue .... not just for 4th of July. I have a couple of new bag patterns to try out, and you saw the vintage-like fabric used in the heart tutorial.

Now, for the fabric I had been dying to purchase from the day I first saw it. The fabric above and below are from {Amy Butler's L.O.V.E } line of fabrics -- and I LOVE it. Don't you? It was love at first sight for me, and I knew I had to get my hands on some. The colors are beautiful and the designs lovely. What to make?

I have my eye on this fabric next. The above swatches are from {here}.

Fabric Valentine Heart Decor Tutorial

2010-02-03T21:23:00.000-08:00

This is a really simple tutorial for making some cute fabric heart decorations for Valentine's Day -- or ANY day. Start with some fabric, any color -- you can buy some fat quarters or use scraps you have laying around. For the backing fabric I used inexpensive coordinating fabric that I already had in my stash. I cut a piece of the back fabric (about 16 X 24 inches) and ironed on some "Wonder Under". Wonder Under is used to glue the two fabrics together. Put the rough side of the Wonder Under on the wrong side of your backing fabric.

A really important step here is to follow the directions for the Wonder Under and "iron the heck out of it" -- my translation of the directions. Seriously, press the iron in one place for 5-8 seconds and then move on, overlapping your pressings. When the paper side of the Wonder Under is firmly attached and looks a little wrinkly like above, then you know you have done it right. Let the fabric cool a little and then begin peeling off the paper. The glue should stick to the fabric -- if not, iron some more.

Then arrange your face fabrics over the glue side of the backing fabric and press some more. If you are using scraps of cloth, be sure to use a pressing cloth (or another piece of scrap) to put over any gaps in the top fabric so you don't get glue on your iron. Press as directed above until the two fabrics are firmly fused together. I repressed the back side to iron out any wrinkles or bubbles.

Now the fun begins.
I used nesting heart-shaped cookie cutters for my tracing pattern.

I traced on the back side of the fused fabrics because it was easier,
and also so that I wouldn't have any tracing lines on the front of the hearts.

Some of the hearts I cut out with pinking shears,
some with regular scissors.

I then arranged the hearts over a satin ribbon, pinned them in place, and zig-zagged them onto the ribbon with my sewing machine.

Ta-da! Easy peasy. Hang the heart garland from a mirror
or a mantel as above. Simple and pretty.

Some of the other hearts I punched holes in and hung from narrower ribbon.

Then I went outside and cut some branches from one of the dormant trees in the front yard, arranged them in a pitcher, and hung the hearts from the branches. Instant seasonal decor for my buffet.

February Booth

2010-02-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of my booth this month. A few new things include cupcake pin cushions, vintage commemorative state plates (tag sale find), three new hand bags, a half-apron, and a few pillows. There will be a 25% off Superbowl sale this coming Sunday from 1-4 PM (I think).

The top shelf of my pillow rack is now sale items --some marked really low -- and these will be included in the 25% off sale.

I am also offering the nesting heart shaped mixing bowls and half-apron at a discount if purchased together. I think they would make a very nice Valentine's gift for that special someone, or you could just treat yourself!

The "Welcome Home" Shop

2010-01-27T16:58:00.000-08:00

Welcome to "Welcome Home"! Welcome Home is a pretty little consignment shop in St. John, Washington. A few months back, the shop owner Diane White, contacted me and asked if I would like to put a few of my things in her shop. At the time I promised I would come out to her shop and take some photos for my blog. I am ashamed to say, I finally made the time to go visit her shop. Unfortunately, I forgot my REAL camera, and I also had 4 kids in tow so the visit was quite abbreviated. Sorry Diane!

Here are a few somewhat fuzzy photos of her shop. Be sure and stop in to visit if you are in the area. Her shop is right on Main Street right across from the new deli.

Butterfly Bag

2010-01-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

I'm really loving this purse -- the colors, the flowers, the butterflies, the shape. (I am going to show my ignorance here: What's the defining difference between a bag and a purse? Anyone?)

The purse was simple to cut out, but in some places difficult to sew. It left me feeling like a contortionist! It has a stiff, yet supple interfacing so it will maintain its shape when set down.

It is lined with a complementary fabric and has a magnetic closure.

It is hard to tell from the pictures I took just how large the bag is, but at approximately 20" wide, is pretty substantial. Look for it in my shop soon. Feel free to contact me if you would like to purchase a bag such as this and I can set you up via Etsy.

Ruffle Pants

2010-01-12T09:52:00.000-08:00

I have had {this ruffle pants pattern} in my stash for a few months, but have been so behind in my other projects that I hadn't taken the time to make them. I was pleasantly surprised how easy they are to make. I think I will start carrying some of them in my shop.

I just have to add, I love {Portabello Pixie patterns because Sandi Henderson} allows the home seamstress to make items from her patterns and sell them on Etsy or in a little booth like mine. Not many pattern makers allow this. I am grateful!

I took the time to serge every seam and top sew most of the seams. It really makes the pants look more professional and there are no raw edges to unravel.

At first she walked around the room looking at her feet -- I thought she was going to trip on the ruffles. But no, she didn't trip on the ruffles, she just ran into things because she wasn't watching where she was going!

Funny thing is, I had to make these twice because the first set wouldn't make it past her thighs! Poor girl, to have this problem so early in life. Good thing she doesn't have a clue yet. It's not her fault that she is so delightfully chubby -- it is entirely her mother's fault for not measuring before she sewed them.

Boy Bags

2010-01-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

I have been sewing. Really, I have. I should be putting away all the holiday decorations, but I am sewing instead. I made these bags for the boys over the holidays. They picked out their own fabrics and buttons. Aren't there some really nice vintage looking quilting fabrics for boys right now? I really like both of the fabrics they picked.

Here are two of my boys modeling their bags.

Boy bags are not to be worn over your shoulder, don't ya know?

The bags are pretty simple. The first one I sewed the strap on the outside of the bag and the second I incorporated the strap into the top seam. I made a loop from coordinating fabric to secure the button instead of a button hole. *A tip: make sure the strap is not twisted before you sew TWO seams securing the strap. Don't ask me how I know this, I just do*

The bags are lined and interfaced with fusible felt. One has a pocket inside -- ready to be filled with rocks, toads, and toy cars. Go figure.

Christmas Decor

2009-12-15T16:05:00.000-08:00

Here's a little sample of my Christmas decor. I have been busy decorating instead of sewing. I should be sewing.....I have many things to sew. But instead I find myself baking, decorating, and spending time with the kids. Tis the season for family......sewing can wait a few days or weeks.

November Booth

2009-11-23T07:46:00.000-08:00

Booth details.

Here is my *late* November booth.
Don't forget that this Friday EVERYTHING will be 50% off from 6-9 AM only.
Go crazy!

This apron is so pretty and flirty.
It is completely reversible with a complimentary Amy Butler fabric on the flip side.

More coffee cup bling.

A couple of new bags.
I have been playing around with adding zippers.

A western themed sling bag.

Coffee Cup Bling

2009-11-19T08:31:00.000-08:00

I have been making these adorable coffee cup cozees with scraps left over from sewing aprons and bags. The great thing is that they are washable and reusable -- and best of all -- they give your latte or coffee a little bling!

They are really simple to make. I had to break down and buy a latte from Starbucks (awww shucks) so I could get myself a template cardboard sleeve. I use contrasting fabric on the inner side and inner-facing to give some insulation. I also used pony tail holders or elastic and vintage buttons or fabric-covered buttons to form an expandable closure. I have made some in seasonal and non-seasonal prints. Simple and pretty.

I will post updated pictures this weekend of my booth so you can see some of the other things I have made.

****Please note*****
Next Friday (Black Friday) there will be a 50% off sale at
Grady's Corner from 6-9 AM.
My booth WILL be part of this sale.
So---if you see something you want -- set your alarm clock and head on over
for INCREDIBLE savings!

A New Venture

2009-11-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

A new home decorating store is opening in a neighboring town in a few weeks, and luckily for me, the owner asked me to make a few things to consign to her store. I'll have to wait and see how well consignment works. I hope to be able to go to her store before it opens and take a few pictures to show you -- I can write more about the particulars later. In the mean time I wanted to give a sneak peek.

The store owner, Diane, LOVES french country.
So she asked specifically for things of that nature --
animal prints, black and white, toiles, red and gold.

My table runners are all completely reversible and complementary
(AND made of high end fabrics and trims)
-- like getting two runners in one.

This is my favorite table runner by far.

I think I should keep it.
It matches my home completely.
What do you think?

Outdoors Fall Decorating

2009-10-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

Finally posting some pictures of my outdoor fall decorations. I made this pumpkin and squash topiary from simple things we had on hand, and best of all -- it is super easy to make! If you don't grow your own pumpkins and squash, I'm sure you can find some similar vegetables at the store to use. Last year, I just used pumpkins stacked one on top of each other. To glue the vegetables together I used super strong {construction adhesive}. Contractors use this stuff on everything from flooring to drywall and everything in between. We just happen to have some laying around (gee...I wonder why?) This stuff GLUES.....glues EVERYTHING.

Then I wrapped and twisted slender birch twigs around the topiary to cover the glue showing in between the layers. Viola! See, I told you it was easy.

The kids were anxious to make a scarecrow this year. I must say, he does look pretty scary......and lumpy bumpy. We stuffed him with leaves -- a supply we have no shortage of around here.
He loses his head almost daily (didn't want to use the handy construction adhesive on the bouncy ball head -- it would never come off!!!) And the other night during a very windy spell, he lost his head and torso! He has also lost his hands because of {this dog} who just happens to have a leather glove fetish. Poor scarecrow.

Corn Maiden of the Palouse -- she greets you partway down our driveway.

Finding Time to Create

2009-10-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

I have been struggling -- no, actually failing -- to find time to be creative. I keep thinking that once soccer is over, once the living room renovation is done, once the garden produce is safely stored away, once my kitchen is COMPLETELY painted --then I can stop long enough to

sit .....

think ....

dream ....

create.....

Jeanne from {A Bushel and A Peck} (one of the blogs that inspire me), wrote a beautifully thought out post about dreaming and creating. I asked her if I could link back to her post so you could read it too. So head on over to her blog and read {this}. I was inspired, I hope you will be too.

(These are some of the photos I took last weekend that inspire me)

trackback

October Booth

2009-10-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some quick photos of my booth this month. I had to rush things to get the booth ready for last weekend -- Hullabaloo -- a fall celebration in our town. For about 1 1/2 years, I just sold pillows and had a very small display. I decided to take a step of faith and expand my little "store" when the space became available.

I plan on making many more bags
-- honing my skills and making some large and small.

This antique display hutch is the center of my booth.
I hope to eventually fill it with many handmade things.

More to come......more aprons and bags, reusable fabric coffee cup sleeves, nursing covers (aka hooter hiders), fabric remnants, little girl ruffle pants (baby and toddler size), and *maybe* note cards made from some of my photos.
Stay tuned!

I will post updated shots of my booth periodically.

Meet Betty -- My First Apron

2009-10-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

This is my first apron. I named the design "Betty" after my only living Grandma. (My next one I will name in honor of my Grandmother that has passed on). This apron was not as hard to make as it looks, and I love the vintage-looking print. The only thing I would change at this point is to somehow add pockets.

Betty is being modeled by a vintage dress-form that I scored at an antique/junk shop that is closing. The model has seen better days, but who hasn't, right? Actually, she probably looks better than me right now -- four babies in 8 years will do that to you.

Ruffles

Mercy me! This is to show you how the apron straps cross in the back instead of tying at the neck. The straps could tie in back or the front, as I have tied them. This strap configuration is quite comfortable. Betty is currently on display at my Farmhouse Accessories booth in Grady's Corner. I will post pictures of my booth later (hopefully tomorrow).

Tiny Teacup Confections

2009-09-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

So pretty

Like a tiny cupcake

Repurposed teacups and saucers

First Tote Bag

2009-09-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

I have been sewing. Imagine that! Here is my first bag--it is a market bag of sorts. The pattern is after Anna Maria Horner's Multi-tasker Tote. The fabric is all Amy Butler.

There are 4 pockets on the outside, and one on the inside.

I love the colors.
Different from my usual choices, but in this case, different is good.
Very good.

The inside pocket with loop.
The pocket is divided to allow for pen and cell-phone storage.

What I Have Been Up To....

2009-09-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

Remember when I said that September was supposed to be my month for sewing? Ha Ha. (And I don't think it is very funny.) I'm sure you know what it means when I say, "Life gets in the way." And it didn't help any that I decided to hand texture the walls similar to what I did on the ceilings. It looks so much better. The old orange peel texture was more like pea gravel texture, and so the smoother plaster-like texture is a nice respite from the former busy looking walls. But all that texturing took a LONG time and then I had to prime everything (ceiling and walls)...... and a certain little baby girl, who is not so much of a baby anymore loves to get her hands in EVERYTHING.

I guess that when you have a major renovation of your living area, it usually takes longer than you think it will. The good news is: I now have some furniture in my living room (after 3 months of the furniture in storage in our old garage).

Do you like the color? I LOVE it. Let me amend that statement -- I LOVE the color during the day-- at night: not so much. At night, the green goes from a sagey green to a greeny sage. Not sure what if anything I will do about it (i.e. will I repaint?) I spent many hours agonizing over picking the paint. I bought way too many samples, poured over all my paint chips time and time again, picked one color, then another, then another. I even wrote a "Vote for the right color post" on my personal blog. I finally just picked my favorite color and went with it. The color is "Georgian Green" by Benjamin Moore (and not one of the first colors in the running.) I think I maybe should have just stayed with one of the golds. Who knows? For now, I will just live with it because having furniture in the living room seems so much nicer than repainting. Besides, I NEED to SEW!!!!!

Country French Slipcovers

2009-08-26T10:39:00.001-07:00

When I was at Costco last week, I picked up one of my favorite magazines -- Country French. From what I can tell, it is only published twice a year. These images are from the fall/winter 2009 issue. I couldn't find any information online except for that it is published by Better Homes and Gardens. Anyway, I was so enthralled with some of the glossy pictures in this issue that I decided to scan them and share them with you.

I especially like this picture, it is on the front cover and inside, and I find it very eye catching. The flowing drapes and table coverings would not work so well in my house, although I still love them. What I REALLY love is the slipcovered dining chairs. The fabric softens and feminizes them. When I get my living/dining rooms painted, I will get my dining room chairs out of storage and show you the slipcovers I made for them a couple years ago.

I tend to like French country fabrics -- a lot. Mmmmm--the colors, toiles, florals, animals, textures--all appealing.

More slip-covered dining chairs in a more modern setting.

Even more slip-covered dining chairs-- parson style.
I would say that 50% of the dining chairs in this publication are slip-covered.

Did you notice anything else in common in all the photos? Look at the wall color. Maybe it was subliminal, but I have been thinking about painting my kitchen walls a warm yellow-gold, and then as I was scanning these pictures this morning I noticed that they all had warm yellow-gold walls. Hmmmmm.........

(PS--I am giving the adsense one more try. If you happen to be on this blog and notice what I consider objectionable material being advertised on my sidebars--please let me know. I have no control over what ads they put on here. If it happens again, I will remove them and try to find another way to earn a few shekels).

What Dreams are Made Of

2009-08-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes my dreams are like this--rumpled and tumbled and all mixed-up. Each dream has it's own story to tell, winding in and out of other dreams, waiting to be sorted, ironed, and folded so that each story can be easily told.

Each dream is woven from soft cotton, printed in beautiful colors and patterns -- some muted and softly colored, others bright and bold.

I spent a few hours earlier this week ironing my dreams out in preparation for next month -- my month of sewing! Sewing, sewing, sewing -- around other chores such as school starting, the Palouse Empire Fair, putting up garden produce, continuing with my painting projects, and oh yeah -- LIFE. Think I will get much sewing done?

Dreams, dreams, and more dreams unfolded in my mind as each wrinkled yard of fabric was ironed and folded.

More dreams waiting to come true. Any dreams of yours in here?

Dreams -- setting on top of the London Shade sewing project for my friend (hope to get to that this weekend), setting on top of the fabric I bought 6 months ago to reupholster the bones of this vintage Martha Washington chair. I've got my work cut out for me.

Vintage Aprons

2009-08-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was able to go to a few yard sales in town --the first sales I made it to all summer. Is it just me or do the yard sales seem sparse this year? Anyway, I was so excited to find these lovely vintage aprons for dirt cheap.

I love the hand embroidery on this gingham apron. This apron has a soft, well-loved feel to it.

This one is definitely sheer and frilly! The green embroidered cherries are pretty.

Apron details

Hmm.....this one looks more like it belongs in the bedroom instead of the kitchen......my husband likes this apron..........

Last but probably the most used --this is a good old farm apron with a small amount of ric-rac applied to the pocket.

I love yard sale finds like these.

How to Hand Texture a Ceiling

2009-08-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

Here you found my tutorial on how to hand texture a ceiling (either you are totally bored or you are a glutton for punishment!)

Anyway, in case you ever wanted to learn how to spend MANY hours with your arm above your head while balancing on a ladder -- you are in the right place. First, it is best to start with a room such as the one above --empty of furniture with the bare floors that are yet to be refinished. If you don't have such a luxury, then you had better put down some drop clothes or plastic to protect your furniture and floors.

Second, purchase a BIG 5-gallon bucket of this -- all purpose joint compound. This is the most economical way to buy it. I bought this one for around $15 at the local hardware store.

Third, split some of the compound out into another bucket -- I pulled out about 1/3 of it to begin with. This just makes it easier to mix.

Fourth, add some water. I used approximately 4 parts joint compound to 1 part water -- that seems to be the best mix to me -- it allows for smoother application and it makes your joint compound go farther.

Here is the water and joint compound mixed up. I used a paint mixer attached to the cordless drill to help me mix it. The resultant mixture just barely holds a peak -- a soft peak (if you have ever whipped egg whites or whipping cream you will understand this terminology).

Here is the meringue-like mixture ready for application. The tools I am using here are a flat hock and a large taping knife or plaster trowel (8" to 12"). The hock will save you many trips up and down the ladder as you can load it with your compound and dip off of it instead of your bucket. The large knife helps spread more compound at a time and gives you smoother texture. You could use a smaller knife and get a choppier texture. Pie anyone?

Now it is time to climb the ladder and get to work. Pick any place to start. I started in a corner, but that is not necessary -- you can start and stop anywhere you want. I start and stop a lot because I have 4 kids to tend to while I am doing this and other fun chores. Just apply the compound in a somewhat hap-hazard way -- you can edit your work as you go along.

Here you can see what the old texture looks like compared to the new texture. (Feel free to click on the picture so you can see it larger). There is really no wrong way to apply the joint compound -- it just depends on the look you are trying to achieve. You can apply it heavily with lots of overlapping and chunking up of the compound, or you can apply it very thinly and smoothly so that very little texture is left. It is totally your choice. I like it to be somewhat smooth with shallow texture. You do have some time to play with it depending on how warm your ceiling is. I was doing this in about 90 degree weather so I had about 10 minutes before the joint compound started to dry and then if I tried to go back over it I would make a mess. The good news is, if you make a mess you can always go back over it after it has dried!

Here is the final product in another room that I textured over the winter. It is painted with a flat paint so that it minimizes the reflectivity of the texture. Once again, feel free to outclick on the picture to see it better.

There you have it! Just be careful getting up and down the ladder!

The Winners!

2009-07-31T10:39:00.000-07:00

The winners of all 4 GIVEAWAYS have been posted under each giveaway. Thanks for entering and I hope you enjoyed the blogs!

Winners--please contact me via email to receive your prizes. Thanks.

Stay tuned for a tutorial on how to texture a ceiling.

Bonus Round GIVEAWAY!!!!!

2009-07-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Just because you are such good followers, and just because I am probably hot, tired, sticky, and dirty this moment as you read these words, and because I am an "oldest child" (so there Pioneer Woman ;)-----

-----drum roll please.......

I am going to giveaway these two pillow covers from {my Etsy shop}. Now I am only giving away the covers, not the inserts as well (the covers are far easier to mail than the whole pillow -- that way you can either fill the pillows with high end down inserts or more reasonable poly inserts -- 20" square).

These french roosters are from the Waverly "Saison de Printemps" line and they are absolutely gorgeous.
To enter:

Just leave me a comment--whatever you want!
Visit Etsy via my shop and while you are there -- look around at the many other shops on Etsy.
Contest ends today at 11pm (for all you night owls) and the winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow!

Good luck!!!! Thanks for an enjoyable week.

*****This contest is over!***** Thanks for entering! C0ngratulations go to the lucky winner "klthompson96" (random # 3). Please contact me via email with your address so you can receive your prize!

Meet Cathe at Just Something I Made & GIVEAWAY!

2009-07-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

Meet Cathe Holden from {Just Something I Made blog}. Cathe is from Petaluma, CA. I know--not PNW, but I love her blog and her many talents so much that I had to ask her if I could include her in this week of fun. She is a VERY talented graphic artist, crafter, and blogger. I envy her talents and wish I had taken some graphic art classes way back in college (of course what I would have learned back then would be obsolete now!)

She has a beautiful office workspace in her garage that you can view on her Flickr photostream. I wish I were that organized! (You should see my sewing room -- no, second thought, you shouldn't.) Cathe has tutorials on her blog showing how she took these metal cabinets from old and ugly to beautiful and functional.

I started following her blog when I made the change from a two column blog to a three column blog. Her blog has really blossomed since then -- many followers and lots of advertisers. I have used many of her {free blog buttons}, I shamelessly copy and save almost all of the {vintage graphics} she offers. Awhile back she offered a vintage monogram giveaway that was quite popular. Here is just a sampling of some of the vintage ephemera that she offers on a weekly basis. I hope to make blog buttons for my {Almota Roses blog} with some of the soap labels she offered below.

You can click on the above images, the right mouse click to save them for yourself -- there are lots more on Cathe's blog. And best of all, Cathe has offered a beautiful "winner's choice" sketch pad/journal from her {Cafe's Press Shop}.

All you have to do to enter the GIVEAWAY is:

Leave me a comment at the end of this post telling me whether you are more of a "vintage" or "modern" type person when it comes to decorating your home. (one entry per person please).
Go on over and visit Just Something I Made and let Cathe know you stopped by.
The contest ends Thursday July 30th at 9 PM. A winner will be selected randomly and announced on Friday July 31st.

Have a great rest of the week!!!!

You can visit Cathe
at her blog : http://justsomethingimade.blogspot.com/
website: http://www.homegrownlogos.com/
store: http://www.cafepress.com/JSIM

*****This contest is closed******Thank you for entering. Congratulations go to "The Hoppes" -- the lucky winner of this sketch pad journal. Please contact me via email with your address so you can receive your prize (let me know which one you would like).

Day 2 -- Meet Debi at Retreat -- and a GIVEAWAY!

2009-07-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Meet {Retreat by Kennedy and her beautiful blog} from Camano Island, Washington. I actually met Deb (1/2 of the Kennedy duo) at the Farm Chicks Show in June. My friend Tami and I had almost finished perusing the booths at the show when we came upon the Retreat booth. The booth was nothing less than beautiful -- put together with a warm neutral palette, the booth seemed to glow. I had been looking for wooden bent-back spindle chairs to match my current kitchen chairs.

So this display caught my eye. Unfortunately the chairs were being sold as a 6-pc set and I only really wanted 2-3. Still, I was sorely tempted. Afterall, what else are attics for but storing the things you may need someday. (I really like how the round black table was stacked on top of the bigger rectangular white table -- she had very creative displays).

Then I saw the lockers. (See them hidden on the left hand side of the above photo). At first I just thought that they were nice looking lockers. Then I thought---hmmmm....... 1,2,3,4,5,6 lockers.....there are 6 of us.....hmmmmm.....that would solve my problem for personal storage in the entry way..........hmmmmmmmm........only $150 (if my memory serves me well) for each set of 3........... Then Deb (I didn't know that was her name) says, "I would do about anything not to haul those back over the mountains." So, I called my husband. Ring, ring, ring.......Ring, ring, ring........ Ring, ring, ring.......Ring, ring, ring.......RING, RING, RING!!!! I didn't want to purchase the lockers no matter how good of a deal I got without the OK from the man that would have to come back up to Spokane and get them. So..... but they were immaculate, brand spankin new! Oh, well.

A few weeks later I found pictures on a blog of those exact chairs and lockers. That's how I found "Retreat by Kennedy".

Deb's husband builds or repurposes most of the furniture and large decorative pieces they sell at shows and their booth at {Poppyseeds in Stanwood, WA}. This baby grand was repurposed as a "piano bar" with collaged antique music sheets all over it. Very creative couple these two.

Above is a picture of some of their items at Poppyseeds, and below you see some of their creations for the {Barnhouse Flea Market} show they attended. I love that red door.

Retreat will be selling at the Sand Point Antique & Design Market in Seattle on Sunday, August 30th, and at a Paris Flea Market event in Mill Creek, WA. September 12. So if you are nearby, hop on over and check it out. You will not be disappointed. (Debi Ward Kennedy also writes a Retail Design blog: http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/ if you are interested.)

And best of all -- Debi has offered the Sea Queen Crown you see on her blog to one lucky person as a GIVEAWAY today! Isn't that wonderful? She hopes to be offering her crowns for sale online soon, so keep checking her blog.
So here's how to enter:

Leave me a comment at the bottom of this post telling me who in your life would love a Sea Queen Crown.
Head over to the Retreat blog and give them some blogging love.
No entries after 9 PM Thursday (7/30) and the random winner will be announced by 5PM July 31st. Have a great week!

Please go over and visit Debi at her Retreat blog : http://retreatdesign.blogspot.com/ and let her know you stopped by.

****This contest is closed **** Thank you for entering. Congratulations to "Linda" --she wins this lovely crown for her little princesses! Please contact me with your information so I can send out your prize.

Day 1 -- Meet Jen at Windy Ridge and a GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

2009-07-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

This week I am going to be away from my computer on a camping trip with my family. It is a sort of forced camping trip because the floors in our 1917 farmhouse are being refinished. Forced or not, we will be enjoying swimming, camping, fishing (the boys are SO excited), and hanging out together. So to celebrate our family vacation, I am going to host a couple of giveaways on my blog this week. Are you ready?

First, I would like to introduce you to some blogs that I love and find inspiring. No, I will not introduce you to {Pioneer Woman} ---everyone already knows her, right? She's kinda like {Martha} --everyone loves her and everyone hates her (but secretly everyone wants to BE her). Sorry -- got a little sidetracked there. Anyway, I thought I would introduce you to some Pacific Northwest bloggers that I have "met" either in person or through the wonderful world of blogging. Here we go!

Meet {Jen from Windy Ridge}.

I found her blog and her lovely shop not too long ago. I was enthralled immediately by the beautiful photography and gorgeous children's clothing. I have to admit that over the course of the next 24hrs, I read her entire (new) blog during little snatches of time here and there. (I deduced that she had a different blog before this one --haven't read that one). Anyway, Jen has 8 beautiful children with one on the way -- (exhausts me just to type that let alone live that) --and she designs beautiful boutique children and adult clothing -- AND she takes lovely photos of her life. She lives on the west side of Washington state near Mt. St. Helens. Her new home is gorgeous inside and out, and she says she needs to have a {Herman} at her home.

She has an online shop called {Eden's Bouquet}. I dare you to visit and not be enthralled. And guess what? She has generously offered to contribute to my first giveaway this week -- a pair of her best-selling {Eden Ruffle Jeans}.

Aren't they just the cutest little jeans? Sorry boys, these are for the girls.

I know a little girl who would look fabulous in them.

They would look scrumptious with this {Swiss Dot blouse},

or this {Peasant Top} -- don't you think?

So if you want to enter this giveaway --any size of Eden Ruffle Jeans:

Leave me a comment on this post and tell me what your favorite summer vacation is or would be if you could pick. (one entry per person please)
Then head over to the Windy Ridge blog http://edensbouquet.com/blog/ or shop http://www.edensbouquet.com/ and enjoy the beauty! Be sure and give her some blogging love.
No entries after 9 PM Thursday (7/30) and the random winner will be announced by 5PM July 31st. Have a great week!

*****This contest is closed******Thank you for entering. Congratulations go to "Hope" (random #36). Please contact me via email with your address so you can receive your prize. Please also include which size of ruffle pants you would like. Enjoy!

A Rose Clutch from Etsy

2009-07-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

I love Etsy. And I love the {merchandise} offered by fellow blogger {A Bushel and A Peck}. You can see her wares by clicking on her Etsy store on the right side bar of her blog. So when she had a sale this month, I succumbed to temptation and bought a clutch from her Etsy store. It arrived last week, but I was not able to get to posting about it until today. The clutch came wrapped beautifully with lots of attention to the details-- a vintage ribbon, a thankyou note, an old address label stamped on a tag. All very sweet.

The clutch is made from a line of fabrics by {Anna Maria Horner} called "Social Climber". I think it is one of the more beautiful fabrics that features roses that I have seen lately. The gathered ruffle that adorns the flap and closure is what makes this clutch so appealing. That and the large button. The pale pink liner sets off the bright pink and green of the outer fabric so well.

Inside you can see her label that says "a bushel and a peck." I will use this cute little clutch to carry on special occasions (maybe going out to eat?). Now I just need to make myself a bigger bag to carry all the trappings that a mother of four small children has to strap to herself "just in case"!

Farm Chicks Book

2009-06-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Come, have a seat. Leaf through my new book. Yes, I know it has been out awhile, but I just purchased it not too long ago. What's that? Oh, sorry, can't hear you very well for all the racket of boys playing Tarzan and Trucks. Yes, I bought it as Costco, my favorite store.

I do love a new cookbook, especially cookbooks with lots of pictures. The Farm Chicks cookbook also has a little vignette on each of the Chicks with pictures from their childhood. Very sweet.

There are also lots of pictures of aprons and stories about aprons.

And pie recipes. Doesn't this one look festive for the 4th?

Also included is an apron stencil in the front of the book. The stencil doesn't say "Farm Chicks" so you can use it how you like. And guess what else? It comes with a free subscription to "Country Living." Can't beat that!

PS. You might find my post about Joel Dewberry fabrics over on my Almota Roses blog interesting--or not!

Sewing Machine Meme

2009-06-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

Over at Sew Mama Sew, they are hosting a month of Sewing Machine information. They asked for people to write about their sewing machines. Here's my contribution.

What brand and model do you have?

I have a red 1976 Viking Husqvarna beast that I was planning on taking a picture of to show you until my son did this to my camera. It is a Viking Selectronic 6570. The above picture I pulled off the internet.

How long have you had it?

I bought it used 13 years ago.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?

It cost $300 then, it seemed like a lot to a young person not too long out of college.

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?

I have sewn several quilts, lots of pillows, window coverings, fleece blankets. I guess mostly home decor with the exception of the occasional mending of clothes.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

I haven't sewn anything in the past month. I am itching to sew. It goes in spurts depending on if I have any custom orders or if I am sewing for a show. During those times my machine gets lots of heavy use.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

It is a good machine, but getting worn out. I am having a hard time with the tension. I have learned how to fix a lot of the problems myself, but it is getting to the point where it needs replaced. Too much sewing of thick materials. No name for her, but a good sturdy and versatile machine. It was quite expensive when it was new.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

It has a granny gear that is great for slow even sewing. It has 8 cogs that allow for many different stitches.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

Yes, the tension adjustment.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!

No great stories, but she is a good machine.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

Yes, especially if you are looking for a good old dependable machine. This is a workhorse with lots of bells and whistles. It is heavy and strong.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?

Dependability, I don't want to waste time and money having my machine in the shop a lot. Also, with the type of things I currently sew, I need to have a machine that can sew through pretty thick things--layers. I do have an upholstery machine as well, but my regular sewing machine needs to be strong as well.

Do you have a dream machine?

Not yet, afraid to start dreaming. That usually leads to spending! Ha! Someday.

Farm Chicks Show

2009-06-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

The day dawned sunny and warmer than predicted. I took it as a good omen, considering the night before I twisted my ankle really bad while I was vacuuming out the Black Burban (don't ask). My friend Tami and I headed north with little Nona Joe asleep in her carseat. It was a girl's day out (maybe by the end of the month we will find out if it was indeed a totally "girl's day out" ;) -- I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, Tami.) We met up with another friend when we got there.

I absolutely loved the booth you see in the two above photos and the one below. This vendor had many hand made fabric items. She had racks of aprons, embellished A-line skirts, place mats, napkins, and little fabric covered magnets. Very creative--and gave me lots of ideas, I might add. The prices were a little out of my range, but I saw many people carrying around skirts from her booth.

There were 129 vendors in three buildings. By the time we got into the third (and largest) building, I was feeling a little overwhelmed. I couldn't remember where the things were that I wanted to go back and see. I guess that's why they had maps--duh!

So many great ideas, so little time.

I understand that Saturday was a complete zoo -- long waiting lines, people jam-packed into stalls -- it probably looked like a hen house at feeding time. (I could have used the {tips linked here} that Pioneer Woman had on her blog for taking indoor pictures.)

Can you imagine how long it took to set up this booth? I could tell that by Sunday afternoon, the vendors were looking tired. I felt sorry for them all having to spend hours taking down their beautiful displays.

Is this not the funniest thing? Decked out in earrings even. I wonder if the wall paper was used on purpose? The pattern resembles the antlers-- at least to my eyes.

And here is all I came home with -- at least the physical things. I am hoping to use the bent-back booster chair in the kitchen instead of the ugly plastic booster seat strapped to my antique bent-back kitchen chair. I will have to do some gluing, cut off about 4 inches of the legs, and paint it black. I sure hope Walter likes it! Ha Ha.
I also came home with my imagination stirred. I couldn't fall asleep until after midnight for all the things I was thinking about. That's unusual.

Farm Chicks or Bust!!!

2009-06-02T12:17:00.001-07:00

Gonna go to the Farm Chicks show this weekend? I AM!!!! (shouting!!!) This will be the first time I have ever gone. I am so jazzed. Wanna join me?

You can read more about it here -- Farm Chick Party
I will be taking my camera so I can share pictures with you later next week.

And the Winners Are....

2009-06-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

1) Holee --she wins the box of goodies! Her comment follows....

I recently found a Simplicity pattern for tiny old fashioned aprons to be used as ornaments. First I turned them into pin cushions, barbie aprons, recipe holder, etc.

One day I was going to the nursing home to visit and needed something to take along to put a smile on the ladies faces. The gift of the day was bottles of hand lotion. I quickly sewed elastic on the little aprons and slid them on the bottles.

The sweetest thing happened. A little old gentleman turned down the glass case offered to the men and asked for an apron because it reminded him of his mother. The stories of his mother & her apron flowed for the next 2 hours and kept everyone entertained, many jumped in with a story of their own. I learned an apron is not just an apron, but a world of memories!

2) Cassie --she wins the elephant pillow! Her comment follows...

It is interesting how aprons have changed over the years... originally they were designed with a purpose, keep the dress clean so that you didn't have to wash it as often, and you could wash the apron which was less fabric and easier to clean. Then in the 40s and 50s with the woman's rights movement, the view of the housewife changed, people started making pretty/frilly aprons for woman to wear. I wonder if this was part of a ploy by someone to make more woman stay at home "Look you get pretty things to wear all day" or if this was a change that was brought on by housewives because maybe cooking had become less involved or something. I wonder!

My first apron came from my great grandma when she passed away, it was one of the things I got to remember her by. I think it ended up staying at my mother's house. I love that apron, thick fabric, cute print and functional!

Now I really have a hard time not buying aprons when I am out thrifting or yard saleing. I try hard to pass them up just because I already have so many of them. But they are lovely aren't they? :)

Good luck with your apron store! I hope it goes well. I love the box of goodies. The pillow is cute too! Elephants are my sisters favorite, the trunk pointed upward is supposed to be good luck or something.

Thanks for the giveaway!

Let me know, Holee and Cassie, if you did not get my email.

Thanks for visiting and come back soon!

Giveaway Winners Later Today!

2009-06-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all your wonderful apron stories and tips. I am working on picking a winner and will post the results later this evening. Have a great day!

Give Away!!!!!

2009-05-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

I am participating in "Give Away Day" over at SewMamaSew . The giveaway starts May 27th and goes through May 31st. Here is what I am giving away: Winner's Choice!

1) a box of fabrics and trim--see pictures below

4 pieces of a very light weight decorator fabric (200"X16", 120"X 19", 62"X33")

4 pieces lustrous high-end mohair (48"X16", 2-24"X 10", 50"X12")--this is great for teddy bear crafts!

3 yards pompom trim--balls about 3/4" diameter

32" green tassel trim

OR 2) a 20X16 lumbar pillow with feather/down insert sewn inside. This heavy cotton decorator fabric is from P. Kaufmann and is trimmed with beige tassel trim. Same front and back.

All you have to do is leave me a comment below and tell me SOMETHING about aprons. I am looking forward to sewing aprons for my Etsy shop and for local craft shows, and I want to learn all I can about sewing aprons, apron-lore, and fond memories of aprons. So---leave me a comment and tell me something interesting. I love a good story, and I love tidbits. I will pick the one that I like best--or heck, if I can't pick just one--maybe I will give both gifts away! Good luck!

Have a great day, and come back and visit anytime!

Slip covered Rocker

2009-05-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a beat-up old chair that has followed me around since college days. Really, underneath this lovely slip-cover is a natty old wool-blend upholstery fabric that you would hesitate to sit on. Last summer I decided to update this chair. I had slapped together a sort-of slip cover before my first baby was born and that slip cover was worn and faded, and frankly not very pretty.

This chair has always been used in our bedroom for nursing babies at night. It is pretty low to the ground, and you can sit in it half asleep and not worry about the baby falling off your lap. So even though this chair is not worth $10 by itself, I still value it for this reason. Besides, I've nursed all four babies in it and it has sentimental value.

I chose two decorator fabrics from Waverly -- "Country Fair Red Gingham" and "Norfolk Rose". I have always liked this combination since Waverly introduced Norfolk Rose. I made the back with ties not only for the pretty details, but also to hide an expanding panel that allows easier application of the slip cover.

The arms were a real bugger. I cannot tell you how many times I had to redo them. I wouldn't recommend slip covering another chair with open arms. Ugh! I used lots of velcro so that the cover can be removed and laundered. Also, all the cut edges of the fabric pieces were serged before sewing together so that the cut edges will not unravel later. (Oh yes, I forgot to say that I did wash and dry the fabrics before I made the slip cover--very important if you intend to launder the slip cover yourself instead of have it drycleaned).

Here are some of the pleated details. I like pleats this way--they make me happy.

There you have it -- from ugly to beautiful. Glass of lemonade anyone?

How it All Started

2009-05-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Wendy and I have a fabric addiction. It all started innocently enough. I do a lot of shopping online since it is downright difficult, if not impossible to shop in a real store while stringing along 3-4 kids (depending on the day). So, I turned to eBay. I eventually found a few sellers that I really trusted and would peruse their wares on a regular basis. Seems most of the textile manufacturers, and thus discount warehouses, are back east-- in the Carolinas and Georgia -- so shipping is a bear. At the time I had no interest in sewing apparel, I was shopping for home decor and upholstery weight fabric because I had a new home to decorate and hand-me-down furniture to slip-cover or reupholster. One seller in particular I really liked (and still like) browsing. His name is Ray and he has literally hundreds of fabrics up for bid every week. I was like a kid in a candy store--although with limited money. But over time--I have managed to collect quite a bit of beautiful "I might be able to use it someday" fabrics. I also have some "but it is so inexpensive" and "since I am buying this one fabric..." lucky buys. Here are some of his fabrics for sale this week.

Then, to give credence to my fabric and trim addiction, I decided to start sewing decorative pillows to sell at craft fairs and shows. Along the way I collected an industrial upholstery sewing machine, and industrial serger, and boxes and boxes of down/feather pillow inserts. I have learned a lot, perfected my pillow making technique, and discovered that not everyone shares my taste in fabric selection. Would you like to see some of my pillows?

Now, I am going to switch gears for awhile and start sewing in a different direction--aprons! I can't wait to get started. I still have fabric to shop for though. Oh darn!

Welcome!

2009-05-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my sewing and decorating blog! In this blog I will occasionally showcase projects I have completed for myself and others, neat ideas that I have come across, and fabrics and trims that are just to die for.

I love fabrics and I love to sew. I have sewn most of the the soft furnishings in my home and am always scheming up new ways to redecorate my home (not that I get all that much done--but I have plans =). I have quite a large stash of home decor and upholstery fabrics that I have picked up mostly on eBay. Recently I have been buying fabrics and patterns off Etsy. I will do a post on Etsy sometime to introduce you if you haven't already become acquainted with Etsy.

I love to hear from you -- either through comments on this blog, or via email. Thanks, and have a wonderful day!