This Blogger's Back!

 
I am back to blogging and sewing. DH and I got much, much done and are pleased with our results. This post doesn't show any big projects but will definitely give you a sense of where I am at.

Thank you, again, to all, for your kind words and your encouragement to get back on line here. That is so special and I appreciate you all so much, each and every one of you.

What we accomplished: well, first their were family issues as you know. Then there was a week off with hubby and our desire to freshen up the house. We are very very pleased with how things came out. They were not without frustration, however. Can I say, "don't buy, ever, Valspar ceiling paint from Lowe's" loud enough? Garbage, garbage, garbage. We started our large ceiling all over after doing half of it with the junk paint. We ended up with Sherwin Williams ceiling paint which was actually cheaper, and its gorgeous. It was much easier to apply. In a room 21 by 31, painting the ceiling is back breaking on a good day and to have to deal with a crap product really got us backed up. We proceeded however and are happy . I have my minimalist look. We rolled up the orientals to paint and they are staying GONE, at least through the summer. It is just such a clean, fresh look.

While all of this was happening things were just getting pushed and piled everywhere to the point where my usually very organized studio was a horror. I assure you, today is the first day I have gotten back in there and it is all back to organized now. Disorganization kills me, as you know.

Here is what is going on in the studio. You know I always have two projects going. My hand work was this simple little angel sleeved bishop for Carly's dolly.I also made her a hair band to go with the circle dress.

Also in the works and to be finished tomorrow AM is this felted bag. Can't see much in that pile, can you? There will be more tomorrow.

Today I also went and took advantage of the sale at JAs to get some goodies for the next project. First is a baby shower and I will make one of those padded, washable seats to put in the shopping cart when at the supermarket. I used to get so grossed out at some of the carts I put my kids in. How could I? Well, my niece in law won't have to worry about that. Here is the pattern and fabric I chose. Had to keep it gender neutral as no one has that info yet.

For my next project I may just do some figment sewing. This new baby could be a girl. If not, a little princess will show up on the gift list eventually.

Now comes my big project. I have decided after 6 years to put something in my windows. Here is my inspiration:

                           photo courtesy Robert Allen Design Dialogue

I want to mount them inside the windows which you can see in the first photo. I have been searching online for just the right fabric and you know how that is. So I went yesterday to JAs for the big HomeDec sale. I was prepared to spend big. They do carry some great companies in their special order department, Robert Allen, Waverly, and others but nothing hit me. I went home and sulked. Today  went back and decided to check out the  home dec clearance table, which I had already done the day before. BINGO! Could that be the perfect fabric on that table at 50 % off? Dang, this looked like the good stuff, too. It had a price on it of ten dollars, which made it five dollars. Add to that my twenty percent on all coupon and I paid four dollars a yard. It was a gorgeous quality and it had all the yardage I needed for ten windows,sort of odd on a bolt. I took it to the counter and it turns out it was a special order not picked up that went for much more, per the sales clerk, and it was just my lucky day. Here is what I got:

  The selvedge is on the left so it will hang a la "diamond". I have grosgrain ribbon which I may embroider or paint or  something. The color is perfect and the subtle texture very rich looking. It is like a heavy linen but is a blend so no cleaning nightmare. I am really excited. I have ten windows total to do. Did I also say I have 8 more doors to paint?....So glad to be back with you all. Dang, you are a patient bunch...Bunny