« June 2010 | Main | August 2010 »
With the arrival of a few Essentials IV fabrics from Studio e, I thought some black and white decorating inspiration might be in order. Black and white contrast is stunning. Throw an accent color in for a little more punch. Enjoy!
I don't know what it is, but since I've only ever started (and not finished) one quilt, I sure am proud of this one! I've been planning to use the All Star collection from Riley Blake to make a blanket/quilt for Conner. But without being sure if I should make a toddler size, twin size, or full size, or if he'd ever start using a blanket to sleep, I sort of forgot about it. But now he seemed interested in having one, so I decided to put my skills to the test.
Conner has always been a hot sleeper, so making a quilt seemed like it might be a waste of time for him. Instead, I decided to piece the fabrics together like a quilt top and bottom, but then sew them together without batting. So it's little warmer than a glorified bed sheet.
I decided on a simple design with simple measurements. I used a fat quarter set for the top and 3 half yard cuts for the bottom. This kept it quick and easy. First, I cut the fabrics to make sure they were all exactly the same size. Then I pinned and started sewing.
I sewed them together in 3 pairs.
Then pinned and sewed those together to make a grid of 6.
I didn't take any pictures while I was making the reverse side, but I essentially did the same thing, only instead of using 6 fat quarters I used 3 half yards. Once that was assembled, I pinned both together, rights sides facing each other, and stitched around the entire thing, leaving a small opening for turning. Once I had it turned right side out, I did a top stitch around the edges and across the short seams in the middle.
And here is the final blanket/cover/throw/quilt!
He has yet to go through a whole night without throwing it out of his bed, but he really likes it and hopefully he'll get to use it before he grows too big!
But please tell me, what would you call it?
I'm so excited about getting in the full collection of Meadowsweet 2 by Sandi Henderson for Michael Miller fabrics! I want to make something with this fabric!! I loved Meadowsweet, the reds and greens, and thought it was going to always be my favorite. But now...I don't know. Sandy, you made these colors even more wonderful!
I bet you'd love to get your hands on some Meadowsweet 2 as well, right? That pretty robins eggs blue with soft golden maize...the striking raspberry red with the unexpected gray...tempted you yet?
Well here's your chance to WIN a fat quarter bundle! Go to my Fabric Flair Facebook Fan page for more info!
I love it when I am flipping through a catalog or browsing a website and I spot fabrics that make me say "hey, I know that fabric!" One of the most recognizable and renowned fabric designers is certainly Amy Butler. As I was browsing through some decorating articles on the BHG website, I noticed Amy's fabrics popping up all over the place. I thought they'd make for interesting browsing. Forgive me for not linking to each one individually, however each one is from BHG.
Lovely Lotus
A nod to Nigella
Inspired yet?
When we purchased our home, the previous owner left behind all of the window treatments. It was so nice to not have to worry about the expense. And MOST of the window treatments are beautiful, way more expensive than I would have ever purchased. But some of them were hideous floral nightmares.
The puffy roman shades in my office were one of these I-cant-stand-to-look-at-these-one-minute-longer styles. Huge pink and purple "old lady" roses on a pale yellow background, with all these dangling purple fringe beads...shudder. Did I mention the room is painted a deep garnet red? So I needed to find a solution.
The window in this room is a large double window, with a rather large arched transom above. So if I decided to hang drapes it meant they should probably be hung above the transom, thus making them at least 9' in length. Shopped around for long length curtains recently? Not much to be found over 84" that isn't custom (read: very expensive). So shades instead? Maybe. But those roman shades that come pre-fitted are usually boring white, and the fancier ones aren't available in custom sizes, unless you order them custom (read: very expensive).
But I found an alternative. Yeah! I found this video that demonstrates STEP-by-STEP (I love step by step because I'm such a sewing novice) how to make a flat roll up shade. Oh wait, did I mention they were NO SEW!! Music to my ears! I did end up doing a little sewing, however, because I wanted them to be lined, but that was not too difficult. I can sew in a straight line...sort of.
There are 2 styles, a softer, tie-up style and one that lays flatter and rolls up. I chose the roll up because it suited what I wanted. So make sure you take a look at both options.
So if you are looking for an easy (and affordable!) idea, are able to buy supplies, iron, and cut straight, you can make these! 7 short, easy, how-to videos on Monkey See by Sherry Tyra, owner of C.H.I.C., and the Assistant Designer on HGTV's hit show "Designed to Sell" will help you do just that. Here's the first one, the introduction. The rest can be found at How to Make No-Sew Window Treatments on MonkeySee. If I can do them, anyone can!
Oh, but what I couldn't seem to do was to take a picture of my window treatments without the outside light just blinding the camera. I tried so many different settings, but to no avail. If anyone has any suggestions on how to go about this, I'd love to hear them so I can post decent photos of my blinds! This one will not be winning any awards for sure!
Patterns from Sandi Henderson's Portabello Pixie collection have arrived! These dress, jumper, and ruffled pants patterns are sure to be perfect for every little princess. These peasant style outfits have ruffles, patchwork, and are oh so girly! Stop by the shop and pick out the pattern and the fabric to go with it.
Sandi's Meadowsweet 2 collection is expected to be shipping soon, and I'm sure that the colors and styles will compliment these patterns perfectly!
Laura Gunn's first line of sewing patterns from the Poppy Patterns collection arrived in the shop today! Adorable outfits, classy handbags, and even a gorgeous throw pillow! Her pattern description draw you in with intriguing narrative. Stop by the shop and check them out!
Oh, and I have an order in for a Poppy fabric restock! How on earth could I think of carrying these pretty patterns and not have the fabric!
This is an unbelievably simple project that takes very little skill but lots of creativity. A project that is right up my alley!
I found this simple white tote bag at JoAnn Fabrics on clearance for $1, and I picked it up thinking that for that price, I'd find SOMETHING I could use it for. Even just as is. But I decided that rather than have yet another bag lying around that I would make a simple tote for my niece. Well, for my sister since Kate is an infant. Just an easy bag to throw a few necessities in without having to lug a diaper bag around.
First I gathered my fabrics and a roll of Heat 'n Bond Ultra, no-sew iron-on adhesive backing. This has a paper backing that you iron and peel. I decided on a few fabric choices from Joel Dewberry's Modern Meadow collection in a color scheme that departs from the typical pinks and purples, which I know she already has enough of!
And of course, my white bargain bag.
I decided first that I wanted to monogram the bag. I went to the computer to find a font that I liked, then typed the K using wordart in a Word document, since all I wanted was the outline. But that was just to save ink and certainly not necessary. I printed it in the size I wanted and then cut it out. (great fun to cut out that curly q!)
Then I cut a piece of my fabric to fit the size of the K.
Next, I cut a piece of the heat n bond the same size as the fabric.
The ironing directions are simple. Just iron on a medium setting with no steam for a few seconds (use the directions from the package for whatever adhesive backing you are using).
I decided to go ahead and do all 3 fabrics at the same time so save trips to the ironing board.
Next, position your monogram BACKWARDS on the paper side. It must be backwards otherwise you will end up with the letter facing the wrong way.
Trace onto the paper.
And cut it out.
Then, peel the paper backing off, revealing the adhesive.
Position the monogram on the bag however you like.
Then iron it again in the same way (again, following the product instructions)
Then I made some flower petals and centers patterns in different sizes. Here's where you can get creative and do any design you like. In fact, it was hard for me to narrow down my ideas. In the end, I chose the daisies because they felt fresh and appropriate for my fabric choices.
Trace them onto the coordinating fabric selections.
Repeat the same steps as for the monogram, cutting, peeling, and ironing into place.
And don't forget about the back!
See! I told you it would be easy!
I found this color personality quiz on the BHG website and thought you might find it interesting. Somehow I'm not surprised that my color personality is green! If you know me, you know I'd paint the world green if I could!
Take the quiz and let me know, what's your color personality?
Quiz: What's Your Color Personality?
By Kristen Finello
Unsure whether to paint your living room a sunny yellow or a more sedate blue? People, by nature, tend to be drawn more to certain colors than to others. The trick is determining which colors best reflect your personality -- those are the hues that are most likely to make you feel comfortable in your surroundings. To find out which shades best represent you, take our quiz below. Then, get out your paint brush and start creating an environment you'll love.
Okay, first things first. Is that title lame? You can say yes. How lame? Very? I guess that's okay. My feelings are not hurt. Much.
Remember back when I said that I was going to work through learning to sew better using decor patterns and then share the frustrations results here with you? Well here it is! Installment 1 of "If I can do it, sew can you"!
I started easy. Really, really easy. I found a free pattern download available on AmyButlerDesign.com for Fabric Leaves. Here's Amy's:
So pretty, right? I really wish I had more left over Nigella, it clearly makes a lovely combination for this project. I decided to go with my favorite stand-by fabrics from Sandi Henderson's Meadowsweet collection. I love these reds and greens, and I thought they would make very pretty leaves.
Amy's pattern instructions are very clear, and very easy to follow. I do recommend, though, that when she specifies to use a heavy duty sewing machine needle... just do it. I was lazy and I broke 2 needles. I'm not quite sure why they broke, but once I got the heavy duty replacement, I had no more problems.
The directions called for using heavy weight double sided, fusible Peltex. I'm going to be honest. I don't know what that is, exactly. I have a roll of HeatnBond lite, so I decided to use that instead. It has and iron-on adhesive with paper backing that you peel off and iron onto your second fabric. Here's what I mean:
Do not iron the paper side.
Peel off the paper backing, exposing the sticky adhesive.
Lay the second fabric on top of adhesive, right side up.
Iron again, same as before.
Do this about 8 more times!
Follow Amy's directions for straight stitching, zigzag stitching,
cutting edges with pinking sheers, and sewing on the stems.
And voila!
All I needed to do was the other branch and then put them in the vase.
Okay, now here's what I'd do differently.
Amy suggests a lightly wired stem and I popped the daisies off the closest stem I wasn't using. It was a bit thick and chunky and didn't give quite the graceful appearance I was hoping for. Maybe I can try to change it.
I think this would be pretty with different sized leaves. I may consider filling it in with some smaller, more petite leaves.
Other than that, I thought this was an great project, with easy to follow directions, and it didn't take a whole lot of sewing experience what-so-ever. With a few tweaks, I think I'm going to be happy to this on my shelf!
For a list of materials, tools, and complete instructions, download the pattern from Amy Butler's free sewing project section of her website.
