A peek at my space...

(welcome to my world...)

Our back room has served a few purposes since we've lived here - an office at first, then a "dump and run room," and most recently a studio space. In November I started carving out my little space - I was tired of dragging my sewing machine and art supplies all over the house, leaving little messes wherever I went. Plus, I needed a more permanent (and large-ish) space for measuring and cutting fabric. Now, after months of working in 1-2 hour increments during naps, it's finally come to fruition and I couldn't be happier! The space is small, but inspiring.  My favorite part is looking out the window while I work - a bit of greenery, a bit of urban landscape, and a lot of sky. Here's a peek at my special space...

(I was originally going to give up this desk for something smaller, I'm glad that I didn't!)

(Those pretty fabrics followed me home, I swear! The curtains are made with vintage striped linen, which lets the perfect amount of light in.)

(A dress and a birthday present for a friend are already planned for this fun fabric!!)

(Catch a glimpse of what's coming to my shop soon(ish) - those pretty little paintings in the back-left. The other curtain is a Liberty of London scarf that I got on sale for $2...score!!)

(The other side of my sewing machine cover - the bow was given to us by my Abuela for our wedding, though she made it some years prior - a very special touch that makes me smile every time!)

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Blizzard? Blanket!

Here in Chicago we had a bit of snow and, well, I won't be able to get my car out of the alley for awhile yet.  Thank goodness for public transportation!  Our poor dog nearly got lost in the snow drifts this morning and I'm a little achy after hours of shoveling.  The best part about snow days like today are snuggling in with a good book or movie and a warm blanket.  Speaking of, here are a few that look pretty darn nice to me...

Who knew granny-squares could be so chic?!

 Happiness in blanket form, plain and simple.

A modern take on a baby blanket with upcycled felted wool - the burnt sienna and gray color combo may be a new favorite!

These kid-friendly blankets just make me happy - I'd take all three!!!

A classic patchwork, understated beauty, and certainly warm!

The bold pops of red on this vintage quilt remind me of warmer weather to come (soon, I hope!)

This soft gray blanket would be snuggly!

A sophisticated color combination in a warm vintage wool.

With all this snuggling, this is the perfect final addition, something to rest your head on!

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DIY Roundup: Sew Inspired!

Finally having a studio space has led to a rash of sewing.  I am finishing up one project (a sewing machine cover) and have three more projects waiting in the wings.  But even though there is much to do, I cannot help but be inspired to do more!  Here are some sewing inspirations that I've been eying (and will probably attempt)!

Love this! In fact, I have a vintage red Samsonite bag that could use a bit of sprucing...hmmm...

 I am seriously in LOVE with this handmade sweatshirt and hope to create something as beautiful (and functional!) someday soon(ish). 

This darling dress pattern creates an equally adorable (and reversible) dress - I have just the fabric for one (or many!!)

Compared to these, my makeup bag is so boring, guess it's time for a new one!

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Brrrr - Ice Bunting!!

Last Friday the high temperature in Chicago was 9F degrees.  If you ask me, that's not a temperature, that's a child's age!  Needless to say, we were not spending a lot of time outside last week.  To make things worse it was gray, gray, gray out!  So when I came across Two Chick's and a Hen's awesome idea for a colorful ice bunting, I thought, "Frozen fingers be you-know-what, I'm making it!"  and I set about gathering the needed supplies - molds for the ice, food coloring and twine.

(bunting in the night light)

Some thoughts on supplies... 

- The twine I used was not synthetic, or soft, and when dipped into the water prior to freezing started to untwist itself, inadvertently dipping into surrounding molds.  Very annoying!  Also, because of the rough nature of the twine my fingers got pretty raw braiding and then tying on the ice charms.  I'd recommend using a synthetic (but strong!) string instead.

- Ice molds that worked well included: small Tupperware squares, caps that go over the top of a bottle or sippy cup, and the tops of circular tin lip balm containers (that were rubbed with the residual balm - this is key for getting the ice out of such a small receptacle!)

- Ice molds that did not work included: film canisters (too small and deep), hard plastic cups (wouldn't release the ice), the top of the the lip balm containers without any balm (the ice smashed when I tried to release it!)

The way our deck is set up, there was no way for me to hang the bunting alone and without a ladder (and in a place where we would not have to duck under it every time we go in and out...which for me, is several times a day!)  I decided to hang two rows of bunting in the back window - it's such a bright and cheery sight!  It's been up now for nearly 5 days and still going strong.  We have not had a day above freezing and I hope to have it around for a while longer...and hey, if it does melt, this project took me about an hour, so I could easily make another!!

(pretty view in an otherwise very gray and brown winter world!)

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A pillow fight...

 (pretty source)

...requires pillows! Lots and lot of luxurious pillows that you can just sink back into and rest...now that's my kind of pillow fight! I have been turning over some ideas for floor pillows for about a year, but have not been able to commit as of yet. Here are a few great pillow DIY inspirations, though, that may be the kick in the pants I need!

Tissue paper plus a sewing machine equals precise and beautiful pillow images without the fabric chalk!

 A sweet way for your little one to bring along a bit of home.

Fancy shams that you can sleep on? Yes please!

These pillows are beautiful but a little pricey...learn to make your own out of up-cycled sweaters here!

I have some beautiful scarves that I'm thinking of transforming into pillows like these...we shall see!!

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Feeling crafty (or just cold?)

The hustle and bustle of the holidays are over and it's time to (theoretically) hunker down for the cold winter months...but what's a girl to do with all this extra energy?  As it turns out, there is lots that can be done!  I know some people who, in the winter, turn to knitting - it's a good "hunkering" activity, and if you are knitting a blanket you are soon able to stay extra cozy while you work.  Try as I might, I am no knitter, but here are a few other DIY projects that already have my creative wheels turning!

These cone people are just too much (in a good way) - I see puppet shows in our future...

As a child I love, love, loved playing with felt boards!!!

So far my felting has been a giant fail...but this tutorial seems very doable (we'll see!)

New mini-comforter and pillow made from an old comforter...brilliant (I have an extra just waiting for a new life!)

 This little lovely would be a welcome addition to any child's room (or shelf in need of some love!)

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Baby it's VERY cold outside!!

Today is December 1st and baby, it's cold outside!  The first sprinkling of snow dusted our porch for a few hours and we had to make a blustery trip to the store for basic goods. This new introduction of white inspired me to share some other wintery lovelies...

Winter flowers to last until spring

 A sparkler with a clean soul

 Vvrrooooommmm!

Snow bird folk art

Greyhound not included with bed (drat!)

 Let it snow, let it snow...

 Touches of color

 Trumpet filigrees...just beautiful

A dress for any holiday occasion!

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(Eep!) they're coming...

The holidays...are right around the corner.  They sort of snuck up on me this year - what with a little munchkin running around and turning one, I could barely think past the beginning of November!  But now we're here.  Thanksgiving is staring me in the face and right after that, Christmas!!  I've got shopping to do, pies to bake, and traveling to, well, travel.  But what will I do right this moment?  I'll tell you:

I will...

(source)

Though at some point, I'll probably...

(source)

Heck, I'll certainly...

(source)

And most definitely...

(source)

And if I really get crazy, I bet I'll...

(source)

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*Before & After* Painted Step-stool

Last week was the last of our "nice" days (as in warm days).  One afternoon I decided to throw open the windows and redo a step-stool.

(Before - ick!)

Here's the step-stool before.  I picked it up in the "returned items" section of Ikea two years ago, and it has been spending most of the time since then outside as a plant stand.  Now it's stained, dirty, and just generally yuck.

(After - yay!!)

After giving it a cleaning and light sanding, I whipped out some blue and yellow paint samples and a can of olive green returned paint (as in, the original recipient didn't feel it was quite the right shade). 

The green paint is an indoor/outdoor paint, so that was the first all-over layer.  I then painted the steps blue and edged them in a creamy-yellow. 

For a whimsical touch, I stamped the alphabet on the front of the steps and a few letters on top.

All in all, I'm really happy with how it turned out.  It's a bright touch in our kitchen, and best of all, E is now able to see what all the fuss is about during dinner prep!

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