Since my dream of a French country inspired sewing room bit the dust with the return of my little bird to the nest I now have turned my decorating aspirations towards my dining room. The walls are Eddie Bauer Bungalow Gold on top and a combination of Brick Dust and Burning Bush glazed over the bottom portion. My dining table and chairs are painted black. The antique Hoosier cabinet is painted Toffee Crunch pulling in the kitchen cabinetry color to the dining room. I have two black wicker bookcases and a faux fireplace with antique mantel in Golden Mushroom which is also my trim color in the room.
Awhile back I purchased over 9 yards of decorator fabric on clearance for an insane $2/yard. It's a lovely smallish floral print on a muslin colored background in reds and golds. Perfect color match for my dining room and as well as very French country feeling. I have wanted to bottom border some panels for a long time as I think it looks amazing, now I have the perfect opportunity to do it. I have added 18 inches of dark red silk to the bottom of my simple panels and topped it with a wrapped tassel trim in a golden color. The result is stunning and elevates my dining room to a slightly more elegant look vs the casual look it's been grounded at. I've been busily cutting, pressing, pinning, sewing and hope to finish them today. Naturally I've followed the advice of my favorite decorating blog The Nester and will hang them 4 inches above my window trim and about 2 inches to the sides of my window as well as hemming them so they rest upon the floor.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Inexpensive Revamping
In the world of window treatments a major no no is having your panel curtains stop before touching the floor. Every decorating blog shows big box McMansions with curtain panels that brush the floor or puddle. Having spoken with a pro her advice was to avoid "puddling" because it just looks like a waste of fabric and appears unprofessional but definitely have panels "resting" on the floor.
With a critical eye and this advice, I evaluated my living room window treatments. The Martha Stewart panels have served me well over the years. They are neutral in color with a all over leaf vine design adding interest. Resting on the floor though? Sadly not. And the tab tops feel casual where I'd prefer a feeling of more elegance.
Shopping in my stash produced a nice piece of decorator fabric that I'd been saving for my dining room window treatments. But since my dream of a French country inspired sewing/guest room vaporized I've decided it's the perfect inspiration for my dining room leaving the black/red/gold plaid up for grabs. Careful measuring and planning was a must since I only had about a yard and a half for 4 panels plus a smaller curtain for the door. Not wanting to waste a single bit of this fabric I made rod pockets from muslin eliminating the need to fold over the top for forming a casing allowing all of the fabric to show.
Another dig thru my stash closet provided lush pom pom fringe in rich black with a single jewel cut clear bead above each pom. With the addition of a new chair in black/red/gold paisley brocade to replace my burgandy leather recliner my color scheme is firmly established. Now to do something with that blue faux oriental area rug...
This project was extremely low cost, I estimate that I spent less than $1 revamping my window treatments but only because I purchased the material by the pound at a decorator warehouse and the trim was another steal at 50% off clearance marked price of $1/for the bolt plus my 15% employee discount. But for others who are not as fortunate as I am with fantabulous bargains I would estimate this could easily be done for around $20 depending upon fabric and trim choice, number of windows, etc.
With a critical eye and this advice, I evaluated my living room window treatments. The Martha Stewart panels have served me well over the years. They are neutral in color with a all over leaf vine design adding interest. Resting on the floor though? Sadly not. And the tab tops feel casual where I'd prefer a feeling of more elegance.
Shopping in my stash produced a nice piece of decorator fabric that I'd been saving for my dining room window treatments. But since my dream of a French country inspired sewing/guest room vaporized I've decided it's the perfect inspiration for my dining room leaving the black/red/gold plaid up for grabs. Careful measuring and planning was a must since I only had about a yard and a half for 4 panels plus a smaller curtain for the door. Not wanting to waste a single bit of this fabric I made rod pockets from muslin eliminating the need to fold over the top for forming a casing allowing all of the fabric to show.
Another dig thru my stash closet provided lush pom pom fringe in rich black with a single jewel cut clear bead above each pom. With the addition of a new chair in black/red/gold paisley brocade to replace my burgandy leather recliner my color scheme is firmly established. Now to do something with that blue faux oriental area rug...
This project was extremely low cost, I estimate that I spent less than $1 revamping my window treatments but only because I purchased the material by the pound at a decorator warehouse and the trim was another steal at 50% off clearance marked price of $1/for the bolt plus my 15% employee discount. But for others who are not as fortunate as I am with fantabulous bargains I would estimate this could easily be done for around $20 depending upon fabric and trim choice, number of windows, etc.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Bought a book
Awhile back I purchased a book from Gooseberry Patch "Sew Simple". Naturally I had a coupon + my 15% employee discount. Really I only bought it for a particular project, one I could have easily figured out on my own but chose not to, fabric covers for hangers. I've made one so far, have one half finished, and two more cut out awaiting their turn on my sewing machine. The thing is sometimes it takes having a tactile reminder of a proposed project in order to actually start working on said project. Atleast it does for me. Having gotten the book I was determined to make sure I used it thereby rationalizing it's purchase.
Another cute project in the book was a stuffed wool felt frog. The Girl (The Boy's Girl) decided she wanted to make it, so I bought her a yard of cute cheap fabric and she set about frog making.
In the book is a gift bag project from old linen tea towels. Wow, I don't have any old linen tea towels laying about and if I did I certainly wouldn't be making them up into little gift bags. But the germ of the idea was born and after months I think I've come up with a pretty good alternative. From the fabric warehouse I love to frequent, I've gotten stacks of small bits of lovely fabrics, some florals, some plaids, most are not the size I'd need to make a purse from unless I did some sort of patchwork, but I snapped them anyway because they are lovely and cheap. Now the germ of idea has sprouted. I know what I must try next.
And finally there is a cute cute cute tote bag sized sling over the shoulder hobo style bag made from two gigantic triangle pieces of fabric. Hmmmm, looks very interesting. Gotta dig around in my stash for this one.
I truly hope I manage to get a move on with these projects. So many projects! So much laziness!
Another cute project in the book was a stuffed wool felt frog. The Girl (The Boy's Girl) decided she wanted to make it, so I bought her a yard of cute cheap fabric and she set about frog making.
In the book is a gift bag project from old linen tea towels. Wow, I don't have any old linen tea towels laying about and if I did I certainly wouldn't be making them up into little gift bags. But the germ of the idea was born and after months I think I've come up with a pretty good alternative. From the fabric warehouse I love to frequent, I've gotten stacks of small bits of lovely fabrics, some florals, some plaids, most are not the size I'd need to make a purse from unless I did some sort of patchwork, but I snapped them anyway because they are lovely and cheap. Now the germ of idea has sprouted. I know what I must try next.
And finally there is a cute cute cute tote bag sized sling over the shoulder hobo style bag made from two gigantic triangle pieces of fabric. Hmmmm, looks very interesting. Gotta dig around in my stash for this one.
I truly hope I manage to get a move on with these projects. So many projects! So much laziness!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Super Star
Monday is freight day where I work and it's always busy. Digging thru boxes, checking off the invoice, pricing everything and putting it up. In between all of that is customers to wait on. My coworker and I have devised a plan that we've been using for well over a month and it works great for us. We first work on her freight then we work on mine. This way we both share in helping the customers who come to my dept and I'm not stuck with all them. Sometimes customers can be such a challenge but I'll blog more on that later, lol
Yesterday I also had to put up the floral dept freight as the floral lady was out of town attending a funeral (so sad). My boss walks by several times throughout and said "My super star" or "you're a super star" or just plain "super star"... I know I'm a glory hound but hey, who does it hurt? NO ONE, lol And I love it... !
My creative thought for the day was I somehow have to manage to get to Mary Jo's in Gastonia while I'm on vacation so I can purchase a piece of that Wizard of Oz fabric a customer brought in to show off! OMGoodness, it's to die for!
Yesterday I also had to put up the floral dept freight as the floral lady was out of town attending a funeral (so sad). My boss walks by several times throughout and said "My super star" or "you're a super star" or just plain "super star"... I know I'm a glory hound but hey, who does it hurt? NO ONE, lol And I love it... !
My creative thought for the day was I somehow have to manage to get to Mary Jo's in Gastonia while I'm on vacation so I can purchase a piece of that Wizard of Oz fabric a customer brought in to show off! OMGoodness, it's to die for!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Projects Started
Somehow I manage to create a list of things I'd like to do on the weekend much longer than I'm able to finish. This is what I created this weekend:
Lounge pants: I have some fitted sheets that are so soft that I'm loath to part with them even though their elastic is completely shot and they creep easily off my mattress corners. I've noticed a lot of crafting blogs have been making lounge/pajama style pants from vintage flat sheets. So I thought why not from the fitted sheet as my flat sheets have plenty of life left in them. Sunday afternoon found me laying out and pinning a pattern to one of my fitted sheets. I even managed to start sewing them up!
Lined Baskets: I have some baskets that I purchased years ago from Waccamaw Pottery, these are blond and rectangle shaped along with some collected oval baskets that have seen better days. I've been using these in my scrap room but thought they need a little zing to update them. One can of cheap spray paint in flat black and a bit of left over black and white scroll fabric later and I have a stylish set of lined baskets to hold all my tools, pens, and whatnots.
Table Skirt: Remember my post on visual clutter in scrap room? This is part two of the project, skirting the work table under the stamp hutches. I finally got it made and hung with velcro to my table. I can't tell you how much it adds to the overall decor of my room. I'm totally loving it.
Warehouse Fabric Shopping: This wasn't on my list but a sweet little friend of mine wanted to check it out so we drove over Saturday for a few hours of fabric shopping and lunch. Found a few interesting bits for myself, she found $230/yard designer fabric for $3.99/yard!!! It will make a gorgeous Renn Faire style dress for her.
That's my weekend! Next weekend my vacation starts....
Lounge pants: I have some fitted sheets that are so soft that I'm loath to part with them even though their elastic is completely shot and they creep easily off my mattress corners. I've noticed a lot of crafting blogs have been making lounge/pajama style pants from vintage flat sheets. So I thought why not from the fitted sheet as my flat sheets have plenty of life left in them. Sunday afternoon found me laying out and pinning a pattern to one of my fitted sheets. I even managed to start sewing them up!
Lined Baskets: I have some baskets that I purchased years ago from Waccamaw Pottery, these are blond and rectangle shaped along with some collected oval baskets that have seen better days. I've been using these in my scrap room but thought they need a little zing to update them. One can of cheap spray paint in flat black and a bit of left over black and white scroll fabric later and I have a stylish set of lined baskets to hold all my tools, pens, and whatnots.
Table Skirt: Remember my post on visual clutter in scrap room? This is part two of the project, skirting the work table under the stamp hutches. I finally got it made and hung with velcro to my table. I can't tell you how much it adds to the overall decor of my room. I'm totally loving it.
Warehouse Fabric Shopping: This wasn't on my list but a sweet little friend of mine wanted to check it out so we drove over Saturday for a few hours of fabric shopping and lunch. Found a few interesting bits for myself, she found $230/yard designer fabric for $3.99/yard!!! It will make a gorgeous Renn Faire style dress for her.
That's my weekend! Next weekend my vacation starts....
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Future Projects
I thought it might be fun to make a list of projects I either have in progress or I'd like to create. Here we go!
- lounge pants from vintage sheet
- apron
- bar stool cushions
- covered buttons
- tote bag from Sew Simple book
- crochet dishcloth
- collage style canvas
- raggy quilted jacket
What's your list?
Friday, May 16, 2008
inspiration
Time is super short this morning... After rousing "the boy" from slumber and getting his help moving two really huge and bulky bags of fluff into the bed of Mr Fluff's pick up truck which is on loan to me today for transporting said fluff, I was inspired to do a bit of crafting goodness on the PQ (read: pretty quick).
First I started off with an old country craft framed print of a little boy in blue and some appropriately circa 1980's country crafting phrase of wisdom and took it apart. Cleaned the glass, etc. Then I painted the small stained wood frame black and didn't do that great of a job of it as I noticed a corner could have used a bit more coverage (insert the mantra of THE NESTER here - don't remember it you say? read previous post posthaste) then I painted the oval mat in robin's egg blue. While both dried I found an appropriate rub on phrase in my stash of stashes "bE yOu" and cut a piece of white cardstock to fit inside frame. Once the mat was dried I positioned my rub on & using one of my many appropriated Hobby Lobby box cutters to rub it on I had a piece of personalized art. Again inspired by THE NESTER, I plugged in my trusty Natilda and glued some fluffy bits to it. Black and white check ribbon to hang it from, another smaller check ribbon bow in the corner, some spanish moss and mushroom bird on top and it's so stinkin' cute I amaze myself!
Here's the breakdown on materials cost:
First I started off with an old country craft framed print of a little boy in blue and some appropriately circa 1980's country crafting phrase of wisdom and took it apart. Cleaned the glass, etc. Then I painted the small stained wood frame black and didn't do that great of a job of it as I noticed a corner could have used a bit more coverage (insert the mantra of THE NESTER here - don't remember it you say? read previous post posthaste) then I painted the oval mat in robin's egg blue. While both dried I found an appropriate rub on phrase in my stash of stashes "bE yOu" and cut a piece of white cardstock to fit inside frame. Once the mat was dried I positioned my rub on & using one of my many appropriated Hobby Lobby box cutters to rub it on I had a piece of personalized art. Again inspired by THE NESTER, I plugged in my trusty Natilda and glued some fluffy bits to it. Black and white check ribbon to hang it from, another smaller check ribbon bow in the corner, some spanish moss and mushroom bird on top and it's so stinkin' cute I amaze myself!
Here's the breakdown on materials cost:
- Frame - from my packrat stash of wooden country-ish bits in attic
- Cardstock - more stash bought by ream at Sam's several years ago
- Rubon - left overs from another project and I originally paid $1 for package
- Ribbon - less than Zippo as I buy bits from work for dirt cheap
- Paint - black was nada as it was left overs from a project for friend who bought supplies and I supplied labor and blue paint was 67 cents - 15% employee discount purchased for multiple upcoming projects
- Glue for Natilda - maybe a few cents, I've purchased glue sticks maybe twice in over 15 years for my glue gun as I buy the biggest bag I can find each time
Wow would you look at the time!?!? Gotta run, working this afternoon/evening!
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