Sunday, February 20, 2011

My New Bestie

It's not like I didn't know what it was good for. And it's not like I didn't know exactly where I had it stashed all these years. But what I didn't know is that is would be by best friend!

Ahhh...The walking foot....

It finally made it out of it's original box from 10 years ago when I got my sewing machine. I made Melody a dress this weekend that was made out of a gauzy knit cotton, and it just kept getting jammed down in my machine. So I thought what the heck, I'd try the walking foot. After all I hear about it all the time for quilting and applique projects.


Oh how i've been missing out! The fear of jamming my machine as I was sewing was suddenly lifted! I want to use it forever and always!

Anybody use their walking foot for their everyday projects?

New Pillows for Spring

We are seeing signs of spring and me likey!

It's been time for new pillows for our living room for a while. I ordered a bunch of fabric that I liked, but really wasn't sure how it was all going to come together. And I have to say i'm liking the results! Our couches are dark leather brown, so we really needed something light and colorful!

Here is the result...
So...Two fantastic blogs are both hosting pillow contests this month. Stitched in Color and Sew Mama Sew (both must reads)!

Blogger's Pillow Party

For Stitched in Color's Blogger's Pillow Party, i'm entering the linen pillow with the vine applique. And for the SMS pillow contest, i'm entering both in the 'Pieced Pillow' category.


I started with the blue pillow with the strip of yellow fabric, and wanted to coordinate the other pillow with that.


I used mostly coordinating Heather Bailey fabrics from her Nicey Jane collection. Love the cutesy modern feel of these fabrics!

And because I think linen is the cat's pajamas, had to use it. Couple books that I've been reading lately (Applique Your Way and Sew Liberated) helped with the inspiration of the applique and the chain stitch embroidery of the vine. I used fusable web in where I sewed the leaves in placed, but wanted to keep the edges natural and loose from the pillow, to add more texture.

I made both pillows as slip covers, so I can easily switch them off when fall and winter roll around. And so I can wash them easily, since I know Louie sneaks up on the couch when we aren't home!

Oh Lou.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Amy Butler spotted at Homegoods!

As if Homegoods couldn't get more awesome, today I spotted sheets and comforter sets from Amy Butler! Not exactly my bedroom colors, so I took a pass, but it was still fun to see.


Then I saw this comforter in twin size by Cynthia Rowley. Love it. Got me thinking about Melody's room, when It's time to move her out of her crib. I think we have a long time still (which i'm totally fine with), but It will be fun to make her a big girl room.
And after reading a Prudent Baby post last week about making your own twin comforter, I realize I will probably end up purchasing something. It's an undertaking with ALOT of fabric, and at $9 a yard, I don't think so. Absolutely love her little girls new comforter though! Check out the tutorial here!
Amy Butler fabric of course!