Tis the season to make stockings

Burlap stockings::

I have been wanting to make burlap stockings since last Christmas, but it didn't quite happen (read more about that here). This year I was determined to knock 'em out, so yesterday I got 'er done! I am pretty excited with how well they turned out, not as hard as I thought they would be. They are definitely not perfect-but nothing is-it is called character. 

Each stocking has two pieces of burlap and two pieces of batting. The top of the stocking is actually the  outside trim of an old pillow case and I picked up some maroon ribbon from Walmart. I made the fabric rosettes out of the pillow case fabric and the ribbon trim. I played with different fabrics and embellishments and this is what I came up with. I used some old brass buttons to add a little something to the center of the rosettes.

How are you getting in the holiday CHRISTMAS spirit?

Pillow Talk

If you follow my pinterest than you know I have been searching for pillows for our new gray sectional.

I fell love with this collection,

(source)

Specifically the floral fabric (but after I found the fabric for $46-$60/ yd I didn't like it too much anymore).

The day we purchased the sofa we hit TJMAXX, Target, and Pier 1 (we don't have a vast selection of stores here) hoping to find some inexpensive pillows, unfortunately we came up with nothing. I poured over the internet and still couldn't find exactly what we were looking for, so I moved on to Plan B (which really should have been Plan A) making my own.
Last year for Christmas my big brother bought me a yard or so of beautiful Dwell Studio fabric in the Gate Citrine pattern.

I was in love instantly and for the past year I have been contemplating making some pillows, but didn't have anything they would go with, so I held off until now. I have only made two pillows in my life, one in home economics in 6th grade and another I sewed this summer out of clothe napkins, neither hit on much.
..So on to plan B, I found an easy tutorial at SewMamaSew and I was able to make three pillows ( all different sizes), I am so pleased with how they turned out.

 I wasn't sure how my husband was going to like the pillows, since the fabric is slightly too geometric/modern for his taste. It took him a good hour for him to notice them when he got home from work, so they must not be too crazy. I just ordered other coordinating fabrics from fabric.com to finish everything off. It is such a good feeling when you can make something you love for much less than the retail price, such as this same pillow at DwellStudio for $72 (no thanks). The other pillows on the couch are ones I was using in guest room and I did have to buy my favorite pillow at target for good measure (or maybe because I have been in love with it since Target started carrying it a few years ago).

As you can tell we still have yet to paint the living room, maybe this weekend if I get put on call..or it might just happen after the craziness of Christmas. Also, I am keeping my eyes opens for another rug and coffee table. 

I am loving this style of coffee table because it is sort of modern with an antique/our taste look..

(Ballard)

Do you know where to find similar coffee tables at a reasonable price? 

Hope yall had a great Thanksgiving!

Rearranging

I cant believe I haven't blogged in over a week. What was I thinking? The end of last week was a little busier with meetings and appointments and working Friday night (yippee). Saturday we slept in, went to Starbucks and piddled around. Sunday we spent the morning and afternoon rearranging furniture (I had these great plans of cleaning the bathrooms and getting some sewing done which didn't happen).

We have this awesome leather chair that was in my sewing room, so we moved it into the living room to bring some different texture. The next step was figuring out where to move the oversized chair that was in the living room because both chairs wouldn't fit, we tried it in the sewing room and must have moved everything around 20 times then to realize that it just stuck out like a sore thumb, so the last place we tried was the guest room and that is where is remains. Although I didn't get a chance to sew, we did get the sewing room/office organized, so now Chris can actually use the desk.

On a positive note, I made an aromatherapy rice bag and worked on some coffee sleeves yesterday as well as getting coffee with my kathleen, going to small group, and watching the Bachelor of course. I did get some pants hemmed yesterday, three pairs. Never again will I hem Chris's Carharts, they were horrible. They are canvas and lined, I will pay for them to be done next time. Hemming pants are hard and concerning, I love jeans, but I can't stand when they are too short. So it kills me when I have to cut pants because they are too long..what if you cut them too short ( and yes I measure, but still) then they are done-there goes $50. It scares me.

Well, I m going to try and getting some sewing done this afternoon. 

I am taking orders so contact me for more information, hewilson87@gmail.com 

Sewing station

A bit messy

office area

Sitting area

Girl Scout Cookie Tin

Feeling better- that's a relief! Started feeling better on Friday, just in time for the new year.

Since my last post, Jen and I made a trip to Charlottesville to check out some shops. We went to Covesville Antique Store on our way down and I found the cutest old fashioned Girl Scout Cookie tin, I wish they still sold them in old tins. Once in Charlottesville when went to some of my favorite spots, Bodos Bagels-yum, Anthro, and the Mudhouse-on the downtown mall. It was a fun quick jaunt. 

Saturday I got all of the Christmas decorations down and spent the whole day cleaning my living room from top to bottom. The builders paint they put in new houses scuffs so easily, so I got my pail of hot water and soap and got my walls very clean. It is worth it and makes a difference if you have the time to go around your house and hit those annoying scuff marks, is it quicker than repainting and cheaper! 

Also, I got the tree down all by myself-was really wishing when it was all said and done that we would have gotten an artificial tree. Needles and water everywhere, enough said. 

Chris and I made a quick trip to Richmond yesterday to pick up the island my dad built us, he is so talented! We are trying to decided on whether to paint the bottom half or just put a coat of varnish on it. My vote is to paint it and make it look slightly distressed, we are going to leave the walnut top as is with a coat or two of beeswax oil. Can't wait to have it all finished, it will be so nice to have some extra counter space.

The island

As far as sewing, I haven't made much since the last time we talked...but I am hoping to get a few things done today. I have some special orders I need to work on, but it all depends if I get called in-its a bittersweet dilemma.

Pictures of my most recent pieces, purchases and my house for the New Year:

Girl Scout Cookie tin

The mantel

The mantel-still working on it

Love my old apothecary jar

The Living Room

Wooden bowl with cork

The Nook-no more tree

Cell phone case

Eye glass case

Checkbook cover

Inside of the Checkbook cover

Cell phone case for an droid or iphone

worn out.

Ever have one of those days where you feel like nothing is going how it should and you feel like you just keeping messing everything up? Well that day was today. I woke up multiple times during the night and then got out of the bed around 1000. The entire day I have felt worn out and exhausted, I probably should have taken a nap at some point, but there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done so I decided to persevere. I was somewhat productive, I made two cell phone holders, an eyeglass case, and checkbook cover. This productivity was not without multiple frustrations, whether it was cutting something too short and realizing it after it was sewed together (it was a T&E project, but still grr) or trying to put a small flap closure on a cell phone case and remembering last minute that is what I wanted to do, so I cut some seams, made my flap and went to turn the fabric and my flap was on the inside...awesome.

On a more positive note I continue to be blessed with sweet comments about my various projects, they are definitely what keeps me motivated.
Also, I did get some laundry washed, not yet folded-hope my shower is clean because it is all piled on top of the basket located in the shower. Ran some dishes in dishwasher and yes, they are still waiting to be put away-remember what I said about not enough hours in the day?
Where is husband you might ask? Working Winterfest = long hours.

As fas as the sickness, I still have the runny nose and exhaustion, the ear pain is gone, but I went ahead and got azithromyocin called in, just in case. I am tired of being so exhausted.

Well I am praying tomorrow is a better day and that I will feel good enough to go to Covesville Antique Mart and Charlottesville with Jen.

Thank you taking time to read my ramblings and for your support.

-Haley

Under the weather

As you can see, I have changed my background. I have been wanting something cute but clean, I am pleased with how it has turned out.
I have been feeling somewhat under the weather, I got the sore throat, runny nose, head pressure deal-not fun. I am hoping it is not the beginnings of the flu. One thing I have noticed as a nurse is that I fail to care for myself, especially at times when I am physically sick. Also, I am lacking the judgement of whether or not to go to the doctor, mostly I do not want to pay a co-pay for them to say you have a sinus infection, drink fluids. So for now I will force myself to drink more water and take ibuprofen as needed. Maybe tomorrow if it is not better I will reconsider. In other news I have sewed a little bit, pictures below, I had to get some last minute Christmas gifts finished. Below you will see a little card holder and aromatherapy rice bag I made from I am momma-hear me roar and another type of rice bag from Sew Mama Sew. I also made a coffee sleeve from The Cottage Home. Hopefully later today after I get some errands run I will get some sewing done since I wont be working tonight, I wasn't able to work last night either due to low census ( which is probably a good thing since I am UTW).

In other news: I got more fabric for Christmas from Braden and Mindy and an awesome window pane mirror made by Braden-probably one of my favorite Christmas gifts!

Chris is busily working at Winterfest, but he did make sometime to make me a new magazine rack (since foster chewed the old one) and it looks great! Just needs a dab of paint to finish it off, might try to sneak by Lowe's clearance section to see if they have some cheap paint. Also, I am not sure if I shared before but also for Christmas my dad made us an awesome island for the kitchen, we are super excited to finish it and get it in the house!

Well leave me some love or advice if you get a chance!

Current listening to: Speak Now by Taylor Swift ( or Tay Tay as some refer to her as)

Eye glass case 

Push pins and magnets out of buttons

aromatherapy rice bag with lavender oil made by Mindy Gates, LAc

Card holder

Rice bag #2 with lav. oil

Coffee sleeve-yum.

New Hair Cut by Sarah Kline

Window Pane mirror by Braden Hale

Magazine holder by CAW

Christmas Time

Since the last post we have travelled to Amelia, Chesterfield and back to Madison Heights. We visited my dad and stepmom for the first two days and then to mom and stepdads for two. My MIL and FIL came in town yesterday and are here until tomorrow. If you follow me on twitter you have seen that my burlap stockings did not get made :(. I made a very novice mistake- I forgot my sewing petal- I figured it out on the 23rd after I cut out my batting and burlap and was about to pin the fabric and noticed that my pedal was nowhere in site. Sad I was, very disappointed. So no sewing was done while I was gone. I had planned to make the stockings last night, but it just never happened. Instead we used my socks, will post pictures- pretty ridiculous. I do plan on finishing up some projects tomorrow after MIL and FIL leave.

Exciting news: for Christmas I got gift cards to Joann's and Quilt Expressions and a new seam ripper, fabric weights ( awesome invention), magnetic wand, large rotary cutting board and yard stick. These items have made a world of difference when I was working on my latest item- will post pic soon. Also for Christmas I got some jackets, trail/road bike, tennis shoes, scrubs, stock pot ( which I made some soup this evening in), Nike running chip, sheets, and other odds and ends. On another note: I didn't have to work today! We closed Thursday, what a great present! Today we, along with the ILs hung around played country music triviology and I figured out how to skype! We also drove around in the snow to look at Christmas lights. As mentioned above I made catchall soup-basically threw what I had in a pot- sausage, chicken, celery, carrots, Cayenne pepper, S&P, lasagna noodles, can of diced tomatoes and chicken stock with some spices and let it simmer for about 5 hours- didn't turn out too bad :) .

While out of town I continued my blog reading. I love scouring over blogs and finding some good ideas- loving Moda BakeShop!

Today my MIL gave me my first lesson on hemming pants-I am going to attempt hemming Chris's new Carharts and Dickies.

Well on my to do list is finishing some last minute presents and posting new pictures.

Your job-leave me some love or advice or suggestions.

Hope you had a blessed Christmas.

Busily creating

As you can see I have changed the name of my blog to be more reflective of what I have been doing lately. Since Saturday I have tried to make a creation everyday. Below are pictures of all of the fun. I have been scouring over sewing and craft blogs to give me some ideas. My favorite blogs are  Sew, Mama, Sew! (there are such great tutorials and links to other blogs) and A Pretty Cool Life. When I made my first sewing project on Saturday I felt completely lost and unable to remember any of the sewing techniques I once knew. Since then I have regained that knowledge through reviewing blogs and trial and error. Speaking of TandE (trial and error), I have loved everything that I have produced except an eye glass case I made today. Big disappointment, but I must say out of all the things I made I only dislike one thing which is pretty good. I am not sure if it is the fabric that makes me uneasy or just the way it turned out, but either way I love a seam riper. What a waste to just let the ugly duckling case sit around or to just throw it away, so now I can use the fabric for a smaller project.

What sewing is to me: Sewing reminds me of my mamu, my grandmother. She was an amazing seamstress, growing up I had entire wardrobes and multiple quilts made by her. She taught me a few things about sewing when I was younger, but unfortunately when I started getting into sewing she developed Alzheimer's. Although she is unable to teach me all that she knows, I am excited to visit with her over Christmas to show her what I have made. I know my passion for sewing comes from her.

Sewing is usually very relaxing and helps me get my mind off of the stress of life and work. There are the times when my bobbin runs out mid-project or tread collects in one area when I sew or no matter how hard I try I cannot cut a straight line, hopefully overtime these frustrating aspects will get better.

One thing I love about sewing is the joy of it, how can you be down when you are working with such beautiful fabrics! I have so much joy when taking a piece of fabric and turning it into a beautiful piece of art.

Handling the hardships of sewing: I mentioned a few of my beginner blips above, but recently I bought a rotary cutter and board to assist with my cutting handicap, helpful yes, but still struggling with my fabrics being the right size and not lopsided. Hopefully for Christmas I will get a big ruler (not sure of the real name) and some chalk or fabric pen. As far as my bobbin, I am learning to check it before, mid, and after  each project. Also mentioned above I am having issues with tread collecting on the underside of my stitch, haven't figured that one yet, any suggestions? Lastly, expense..fabric is not cheap, but I love me some Amy Butler fabrics.

I would love some feedback- leave me some love.

Braden's satchel

Ipod, Iphone, Digital camera, cell phone case

Eye glass case

Checkbook cover

 

Tissue holder

Eye glass case

Coasters

More fun coasters

You can get all of one kind or mix and match

Mix and Match

Christmas present