A book for Nikolai

I actualy started this book as a Christmas present for my adorable nephew Nikolai last year.  That didn't happen.  Then it was going to be a birthday present.  That didn't happen either.  So I decided to try to get it done before he graduates from high school and no longer needs to practice the skills in the book.  I took a picture of all the pages, check em out.
Ok.  The pictures aren't showing up in order, maybe you can figure it out.  Is it just me or is the Blogger app a little lackluster?

Dresser makeover

I finally finished a little project that I have been working on for a while.  Several months ago my sister in law and I decided to rescue a discarded dresser.  I knew right away what I wanted to do with it but it took a little while to get it in working order so I could start on the painting etc.  I finally put it all together today and here is how it turned out.  I think it is adorable.  It's going to go in my 8 year old nieces room.

Hi friends!

I am sure you have all given up on me by now, but I'm back! I finally joined the rest of the human race and got a cool phone I can blog from.  For the next few weeks I will probably remind you of a Christmas elf because I will be making a bunch of presents in preparation for a month long visit with my family. Can't wait.

So I hope my family doesn't read my blog or the surprise will be ruined.

I had this Batman fabric laying around and I needed to use it before my almost 6 year old nephew outgrew his passion for batman.  my sister in law said he needed pillow cases so there you go.

The second item is a closet curtain for my 12 year old niece.  It's sort of massive so it was hard to photograph.

I'll work on taking pics of all the stuff I have made since August 24.  Yikes!

Giant Giants Pants

My five year wedding anniversary was a couple of weeks ago and I wanted to make a little gift for my husband.  He is a big New York Giants fan and I thought he could use some lounge pants to watch games in.  My husband is a pretty big guy (like 6'4") and he has an affinity for baggy clothing.  I've been trying to get him to wear jeans that actually fit hit him for years to no avail.  Don't even get me started on his need to wear white tube socks with shorts. . .  Anyway, this is my compromise, a huge pair of pants that he will only wear around the house.

So about the pants.  I actually used a pattern for a pair of scrubs and added about an inch to the sides and the length.  I used a really light weight jersey knit.  I don't know that I've ever sewed a kit before and it was less difficult that I expected.  Here is a pic:

Look how wide the legs are!

A little Giants patch I found on Amazon

I sewed it all with a double needle, it is supposed to be good for sewing on stretchy fabrics.  You can see the double line of stitches. 

It is still insanely hot in the deserts of southern California so the pants haven't gotten much wear yet.  My husband modeled them for me and I achieved the fit I was looking for, they are massive on him!  I'm sure they will get plenty of wear once fall weather comes around.

Dresser Makeover

I bought a bedroom suite at an estate auction while we were in Tennessee.  I wasn't paying attention when people were bidding so some other guy won the bid for $10, I talked him into doubling his money and selling me the set for $20.  Bryant was super stoked when he came home to a garage full of furniture, In addition to this set I also bought 6 dinner chairs, an ottoman, and a TON of fabric.  But it was a great deal!  The set is probably from the fifties. 

Here are some before pics:

These pictures were taken after I sanded all the scratches and water rings out, just before painting.  You can see my dogs 'helping' in some of the pictures.

Here are the current pictures, still not quite 'after' pictures because I'm not sure how I am going to handle all the broken drawer pulls.  I'd like to find someone with a lathe that can recreate them for me. 

um.  Do you like my drawer pull selection?

I think these are what really appealed to me.  Simple, clean furniture with curvy, feminine pulls.  I really need to find a lathe.

KRU curtains

The lovely ladies at the KRU asked me to make some curtains for their salon.  The primary goal was to cut down on the blazing summer heat so I recommended that they buy some blackout lining.  It really made a difference.  As usual, my picture taking gives you an opportunity to use your imagination.

I made 5 panels.  

Closer shot of 3 panels.

Three of the panels were make in this purple crinkly stuff with blackout lining.  Do you like the chain tie backs?  It was my husband's idea and it totally goes with their look.

Two panels were in this luscious grey velvety stuff, also lined with blackout fabric.

I made a balloon curtain for the side window.  They don't get as much direct sunlight so its more of a valance look.

 I'm glad I got to work with KRU because they are super cool.  If you live in California you should check them out.

Birthday Dress for Miriam.

So my sisters birthday was a month ago and I just got around to finishing a dress I made for her . . .  I know, I'm working on it.  I used fabric that you might remember from a trip to textile fabrics and the red sash fabric was from my stash.

I hope it fits!  I'm mailing it to her tomorrow!

Front



Clear button with red thread

  It took me forever to pick out buttons.  I have like eleventy billion buttons so it seems ridiculous to go buy new ones.  I decided on these clear ones, you can't really see through the fuzz but they have a crystal look to them.


Dress back