Inspiration

I was browsing the Better Homes and Gardens magazine this weekend and came across this color scheme that caught my eye. I love the pops of citrusy colors against the neutral background, and those spicy oranges are  just the right amount of warmth. It is such a contrast to the gray, white, wintery blah that is outside my window. Feels a little tropical, which is exactly where I'd like to be right now. 

I think these colors would make great clothing for spring and summer!

What is keeping you inspired?

--Sarah

New Sewing Machine Cover

I bought my present sewing machine about 10 years ago.  I love my sewing machine!  It is a Husqvarna Viking, Lily 550.  It sews like a dream and there are so many stitches, many I have not tried yet.

Years ago I made a cover for it.  To be honest,  I just sewed a few pieces of fabric together so that it would cover the machine, no finished edges, I did not even trim off the extra at the bottom.

Pretty sad really!

I have been so inspired by many of the sewing rooms on the blogs I have visited.  Organized, coordinated and amazing!!

I decided to make a new cover for my machine.  My goal was NOT to buy any new fabric!  Use up some of my stash!  I had this blue paisley which has a bit of red, and the red with these black starburst like things. I have had these so long I don't remember where I purchased them or who the designer was.

First I measured the dimensions of my machine, you know: height, length, depth... I made two panels, one for the front and one for the back.

I pieced the panels and layered them on some cotton batting, then I top-stitched a few of the lines to hold the whole thing together.

I measured the width of the top of my machine, {that was a mistake, as you will see later}... and cut a strip, that wide and the length of the two sides and along one of the long edges.  

I pinned this strip around the edges of the panels.  The corners are pleated to make the straight strip go around  a corner.   I did not bother to put batting on this strip, to keep it from being too bulky.  This was repeated  for the other panel.

Here is where I fess up to the mistake, I measured the top width of my sewing machine, but the bottom  is wider than the top.  SO it does not fit down over the machine.  So I...

... cut up the side panel about 6 inches  and inserted a wedge of fabric, it now is wide enough at the bottom to fit down over the bottom of the machine.

I made a binding and finished the bottom edge.  One note here, I did not make a lining, but all the seams are serged.  

And here is the finished Sewing machine cover.

Cindy

Bargain Hunting

I like shopping. I like bargain hunting even more. January and February are PERFECT for bargains: the "after Christmas rush" has died down and most things are marked down so stores can clear out the fall and winter inventory to make room for spring. I like to shop thrift stores (Savers is great!) and pretty much any retailer that has a well-stocked SALE section: Old Navy often fits into this category. 

I happened to get an Old Navy gift card (thank you mom-in-law!) for Christmas, so my little shopper and I headed over to take a look. Boy did we make out like bandits! I bought a few things for myself and a few things for Sophia: a cute coat and boots for now, and the rest for next fall/winter. 

Here's a look at our bargains:

The Loot.

 Chic belt.

 Super cute boots!

Here's how it breaks down:

Original Total: $217.50 (!!!)

What I paid: $39.49 

(and that was on a gift card, so technically I didn't pay anything...AND I still have money left on the card! Woot!)

What's your favorite bargain hunting story?

--Sarah

Shower Decor Highlights

As promised, here are a few more photos of the bridal shower decor: 

The mantle 

The favors.

There are the "shower pillows" in position.

 Here's our buffet. After all those yummy soups were cleared and we set out the dessert: chocolate lava cakes and cream puffs. Yum!

Chunky yarn, pine cones, sparkly silver ball, white and cream linens = the perfect winter decor.

--Sarah

Pillows for my Sister

We had my little sister's bridal shower this weekend. Her only input into the shower came in one request: "I don't want a brunch. I want a cozy evening, that glows with candles and a fire in the fireplace." 

So her best friend and I went about planning a cozy evening. Part of that cozy evening was the menu: mulled wine, homemade soups (Cheddar Broccoli, Butternut Squash, Chili, Potato Bacon and Pasta Sausage...oh so yummy!) and homemade bread. And the other part was the decor. I wanted to pay homage to her wedding colors (ivory and charcoal) and settled on using ivory and variations of cream and white. 

With this in mind I did my best to transform my parent's living room into a cozy, creamy backdrop for the evening. The best way to do that was with pillows and throws. So I spent all last week making pillow covers from scraps that I happened to have, and this is what I cam up with: 

The cable knit throw and pillow covers also doubled as my shower gift to her: perfect start for a newlywed home. 

For this pillow I used the Holister sweater I chopped up to make Sophia's Sweet Dress.

And you may recognize this tan fabric from the wedding I did in October. It was on underneath the cocktail table toppers.

This one, with the pleats and "signature" fabric was Alissa's favorite. 

Along with the pillows we had LOTS of candles (thanks mom and Rachel!) a few pine cones and chunky yarn for a rustic hint and lots of silver accents to really make things glow! Here's a little peak at the rest of the decor, more to come later!

--Sarah