A sewing nook makeover

Earlier this year, I took a little break from sewing. I needed a step away to focus on other things. I've only maybe half-stepped back into making sewing a priority, mainly out of obligation to the other things in my life. The kids and my job and keeping the house from being condemned are all pretty much non-negotiable duties.

But another thing holding me back? The mess that is my sewing nook. How can you feel creative and inspired and excited about spending time on your favorite hobby when the place you do it looks like...(prepare yourself!).... this?

Please, don't call Hoarders. Or Child Protective Services. This is really the only corner that is in total mayhem in my house. I'm not a neat-freak in any sense, but this the place that for some reason gets really out of control and messy. Which leads to total sewing shutdown.

My sewing nook is in a small, L-shaped, ugly corner of my basement. It's lit by a single bare bulb hanging from the ceiling, and it shares real estate with the water shut-off thingy. The only electrical outlet is located in the base of the light-bulb, so my extension cord for my sewing machine, table light and iron hangs in the middle of the space. The third picture down shows the opening in the back left of the corner that goes into my laundry room. I had a bookcase shoved into the opening to close it off and hold all my fabric. It's a hard shape to make cute. But I was also not using the space well. I wasn't making a point to keep things neat. I needed way more organization. The smaller the space, the more important being really organized becomes.




So on Saturday, everything came out of the space. Things were sorted, fabrics were refolded, stuff that didn't belong there was sent to the get-outta-here pile. And then everything went back in.

In progress....

It has to get worse before it gets better, right?

After a few hours of working on it throughout the day, I finally had it reassembled and looking better.

I like to see some of my fabric, so for now, I'm storing a bunch of it here on this bookcase. Along with some notions like fusible fleece and interfacing, and on the bottom shelf, a small box of works-in-progress.

 Here's looking into the nook. I have had the striped rug for about 10 years, since I lived in an apartment. Haven't found a use for it in my house until now! I also bought the painting almost 10 years ago at a coffee shop. It too hasn't had a home in my house for some time. I like how they brighten the corner up!

The table itself is from the 1950s. My mother-in-law wanted to get rid of it a few years ago, and I love it dearly. The chair is from my childhood, so my vintage factor is not bad here, eh?

I'd like to get my threads mounted on the wall. Other than that, I'm happy!

 We bought a new storage unit for inside the laundry room, and it's doing wonders not just for that room, but for creating a nice barrier here. Eventually, when we add more storage options to that room, I might use some of the shelf space there for fabric.

 As part of my cleaning process, I threw away my old sewing cover, which was ugly, stained, misshapen and even cut apart down the middle. Time to make a new one!

 Organized these shelves by getting rid of most everything but the sewing books. I might add some baskets here eventually.

Right now, a lot of my fabric is hiding until the table. It's not ideal, as I worry I'll forget about things if they're so hidden away. And I also won't be as motivated to climb under there to put things away. But it'll do for now.

What do you think? Better?

It's still not a Pinterest-worthy crafting space, that's for sure. And it's not done. But I'm feeling way better about it. Before, just looking over into that corner got my blood boiling. Now, I'm actually drawn in and feeling inspired to go sit and sew.

Does your craft space need some TLC? Go in there and spend 30 minutes tidying up -- it feels so good! 

First birthday party inspiration and ideas

I work a 3-day workweek these days. I go to the office Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Those three days are a whirlwind. My work tunnel. I emerge from that tunnel each Wednesday with many things needing my attention on the home front and in my personal life, and of course, in my sewing nook. I spend the next days digging out, getting things back in order and attempting to rediscover my creativity and balance... And then I do it all again.

And so, here I am, emerging from my tunnel this week with a big deadline headed my way. JJ's first birthday party is Saturday.

Here's what I've actually accomplished: I've been dutifully collecting ideas on Pinterest. And I ordered the cake for the adults. Now it's on to finalizing plans and getting things done! First, I thought I'd show you some of the things I found that I want to try. Don't know that I'll get to all of these, but they're my inspiration for the party, for sure. Wanna see?

Original source: etsy.

 I can't decide what kind of applique shirt to make, or whether to make one at all. This one, with the "O-N-E" spelled out in nice big letters, is cute. I'd love it to say "JJ" somewhere. And another idea we had was to make one that says, "Cake, please!" That's be cute, but maybe too many letters to deal with in applique.

Original source.

 I want to keep the decorations simple. (Ha. Famous last words.) I love the ballons tied onto the highchair here. Sweet. Simple.

Maybe something cute like this for the door. Probably the last priority though.

Original source.

Cute banner with month-by-month photos of the first year, marked with clothespins. This I really want to do. I've been taking his photo each month, and I've printed out a bunch of them to display. So this one should be on the to-do list for sure.

Original source.

I die of cuteness with this one. Definitely doing this. Who comes up with these ideas? Thank you internet for being so awesome!

Original source.

For food, these ham and cheese sliders with poppy-seed sauce looked so mouth-watering, I decided I must try them. They're something you can assemble before the party and then cook once guests arrive. So they'll be nice and warm and won't make my kitchen a big mess. Yay! I will do some turkey and provolone too, for the swiss-haters (i.e.: myself.)

Original source.

Both sets of grandparents are bringing a side-dish to pass. So my only other worry are some nibbles. Pita and hummus, cheese and crackers and I think these cute fruit kabobs. Kid-friendly, you know?

Original source.

As for JJ's smash cake, I want to do something simple. Small chocolate layer cake with a little confetti sounds about right.

Original source.

All I really want.... is this photo opp! Luke didn't really tear into his smash cake. He just gingerly touched its sides and then got weirded-out by the feeling of frosting on his finger tips. He's still a dainty eater, so I guess this was just our first clue. But JJ has a much more, um, voracious appetite. I have high hopes, little one! Please. give mama that messy show she craves!

Oh, and look! The first project is underway!

Swimming in wonderful new things

I've been a lucky girl this week when it comes to getting awesomeness in my mailbox or on my doorstep.

First, this.

These four books came as a Christmas present from my friend Kim. Is she way too generous or what? I could not believe it! So many projects to contemplate, my head is about to explode. Do you have any of these books? Where should I begin?! (And I should say, I do have the One Yard Wonders book already. Contemplating exchanging it, maybe for the new One Yard Wonders book, or hosting a giveaway with it. Decisions, decisions.... :) )

Then this came yesterday.

New fabric! Some solid fat quarters, because I never have enough solids in my stash, and two yard-cuts of fabric from Amy Butler's Lark collection in home-dec weight. I have a plan for that! And the top is a fat quarter collection with various fabrics. I have something in mind for those too, and it just might involve a baby girl headed my family's way in the spring. Meaning, I'm going to be an aunt! So excited!

I'm struggling to find/make the time to actually sew right now. But hopefully, all these new goodies will be a nice kick in the pants.

Has the mailman brought you anything this lovely recently?

Happy Thursday all!

2012 resolutions

From Etsy.com seller grey square.

 I can go a little crazy with my New Year's resolutions. (I even used to have a blog about completing 20 of them!)

This year, I'm trying to keep it a bit more simple. The other day, I tweeted a short list of resolutions, and it covers the basics. I wrote: "2012 resolutions: Focus on gratitude. Make my kids laugh really hard every day. Run outside more. Take it slow. Create as much as possible."

When I say, "Create as much as possible," I mean a few things. Sewing, of course! Taking photos I love. Writing. And whatever else inspires me.... Embroidery? Yes, I think embroidery, too. I'd like to do more of that in 2012.

From my Pinterest page, original source here.

When it comes to the sewing part, there are a few other bullet points to note. I want to work on my skills. Hone the ones I have and add some new ones. I'd like to take some sort of class (whether online or in person). I'd like to have at least one sewing lock-down day or weekend with a friend, where we hang out together with our sewing machines. (Hint hint, Jen.) I'd like to try new types of projects, which shouldn't be a problem with me. Yup, I have 77 projects on my Pinterest board!

Mini quilt by Jeni at In Color Order.

 And maybe one of the new things I try would be a quilt. Even just a small, mini quilt. Come on, Krista! Quilts aren't that scary! And I'd like to try sewing more with fabrics besides quilting cotton, especially knits for myself.

Inspiring sewing space. Originally found here.

Finally, I'd also like to make my sewing nook a more inspiring place. It's sort of a wild mess most of the time, and it could use more art work or sources of inspiration. So that's something to work on.

But the biggest thing, bigger than the individual sewing desires, is the gratitude. I want to bask in the gratitude this year. It's easy to get away from it. To think about what I don't have. To wish for grander things. It's a bad habit, and I want to be much more mindful of it this year. I'm going to start a gratitude journal. A place to write down my thanks, because writing things down always helps. And I'm open to any advice you have on how you stay thankful and away from negative comparisons.

Do you make resolutions? What are your resolutions, and especially what are those that will shape your creative life this year?

2012 Sewing Inspiration

I trekked to the book store yesterday to return a book I received for Christmas. I hightailed it right to the sewing books, pulled five or six off the shelves and sat in a chair for 30 minutes thumbing through them, trying to decide which one to buy. They all had great looking projects in them; how I wish I had $100 or more to just drop on new sewing books. But I finally decided on this one:

1-2-3 Sew, by Ellen Luckett Baker of the great blog The Long Thread. I like the progression of projects and the way they help you build your skills. I could use some work on my skills. There are a few projects inside I'm particularly excited about.

The Circle Floor pillow, Pleated Satchel, Yo-yo Scarf and Initial Blanket are tops on my list. Aren't these all so cute? And each project would expand on my skills since I've never done reverse applique, a heavily pleated projects, any fabric yo-yos or even a basic blanket stitch. I have lots to learn!

Did you get a new source of sewing inspiration over the holidays? There are so many great books out there, do share which one is topping your list right now!

My newest obsession: Vintage sheets

I'm becoming a bit obsessed. With what you see above. Fun, colorful vintage sheets. I first bought one in the spring, to make the spring wreath from In Color Order.  I made the wreath, loved it, and then used some of the remaining sheet to make a spring skirt. 

Jen's blog, by the way, is almost solely to blame for my obsession. Every week or so, Jeni will post a photo of the new sheets she has rounded up to sell in her etsy shop. Every week, I marvel at how awesome her finds are. I started to wonder whether the same awesome sheets lurked in thrift stores near me. Huge pieces of cute fabric for one or two dollars? Then I read her guide to finding the sheets. The desire to conduct a hunt of my own grew. Even though I have no real reason for it. She's got a shop to stock. I have nothing so practical. But I was a goner. I wanted those sheets.

So my hunt has begun. It's really not very hard to find them. And they make me so happy. It's absurd, really. This one above is my favorite find so far. Scroll back to the very top and you can see a bunch I found this week in one Salvation Army.

I've been rounded up projects on Pinterest that use vintage sheets. I get that you can replace any standard fabric in whatever project you want with a vintage sheet. But I like seeing the projects that are made with these gems in mind. It's my favorite pin board right now. Here are some of the standouts.

1.Mobile 2. Market tote 3. Snap pouch. 4. Bunting. 5. Vintage sheet quilt. 6. Owl Pillow

Are you feeling inspired yet? Have you crafted with vintage sheets? And how much luck do you have when hunting for them in your local thrift shops?

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Easy DIY Halloween costume, take two

Are you ready for the easiest DIY Halloween costume ever?

And dare I say, one of the cutest?

Here it is!

Charlie Brown!

This was Luke's costume when he was 1. I can't even remember him being this small. Crazy. But wasn't he a doll? Let me tell you, if you have a smallish boy, you should really consider Charlie Brown. It's just so nostalgic and cute. Tons of compliments will flow your way, believe me. And it's very simple.

Step one: find a yellow T-shirt. I got mine at a thrift store.

Step two: Use a Sharpie to draw a big zig-zag along the bottom of the shirt. Or if you want to be a little extra crafty, cut a zigzag out of felt and sew it on. I didn't know how to sew back then, so I took the easy route.

Step three: Use an eyebrow pencil to draw a curlicue on his forehead.

Step four: Pair this with dark pants, a football and whatever under-the-T layers you need to keep your kid warm.

Done!

Super fast, super cheap, super cute and memorable.

I have money to spend!

A month or so ago, I was delighted to sign into flickr one day and see a two-week old message from Pink Chalk Fabric Studio. They liked my Outside Oslo pillow, which I'd uploaded to their photo gallery, and wanted to include it in their newsletter. They wanted my permission. There was one decision I didn't need to think about long -- especially because when you're featured, you get a $20 shop gift certificate to use! Score!

So I have $20 of fabric money burning a hole in my virtual pocket. It's hard enough for me to pick fabric when I'm somewhere like Jo-Anns. Online is so much tougher! The shops are so well stocked with everything cute ever made, ever ever ever. Or so it seems.

I pinned a few of my favorites. Please tell me what you like. (All can be purchased, obviously, at PinkChalkFabrics.com) What would you spend $20 on?

My mother-in-law wants a Christmas apron. Here are a few fabrics I could snag for that project.

Dena Designs Kumari Garden Holiday Sanjay

Kate Spain Flurry Snowfall Red Ribbon

Michael Miller Holiday Calico Trees Multi

Or I could hit up the sale fabric. I do love sales. These are all on sale.

Alexander Henry Rivoli Floral Salmon

Not sure what I'd do with that one. Maybe another Go Anywhere bag?

Anna Maria Horner Little Folks Coloring Garden Sea -- Voile

Or this one. Voile is not something I'm familiar with. Maybe sleep shorts?

I am also a tad ga-ga for this new listing.

Dena Designs London Somerset Blue

So, what would you buys?

Of course, I could always be really practical and get something solid. Or a pattern to use again and again.

Help a girl out! What's your favorite?