ModCloth

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Long Time No See!

Well, hello there blogging world! Long time no see seems fitting since I have been M.I.A for about 5 months now. Bad blogger! Bad! *slaps hand* Please forgive my absence and I will definitely try harder with my participation.... I know, I have said this before. At least I have somewhat of an "excuse" for the lack of my presences and let me explain to you.....

WE ARE EXPECTING!!

Yay, for baby #2.... booooo on the comatose morning sickness, a.k.a ALL day sickness, that lasted for 2 months or more. Whoever decided on the phrase "morning" sickness, clearly hasn't been pregnant. We are due on Valentine's Day with a healthy, sweet little girl and have yet to decide on a name. Who knew that it would be so much harder to come up with a name the second time around?? So, here she is, making her big debut:
 
 
Don't think I have been absent on my crafty-ness while being gone, I have just been absent from sharing. Again, bad me! My husbands cousin has welcomed her own little girl in to the world, and of course, my motto is that every baby needs a blanket! From me, obviously. Here is her one of a kind blanket that I have made for her:
 
 

I also am making a couple of onsie dresses to send to her. I got the tutorial from Jessica over at Running With Scissors. You can find her tutorial here. I will be sure to post those once I get them finished. Procrastinator, I know...

My cousin is also expecting her first baby boy in January and I have just completed her blanket for her new bundle. I absolutely LOVED making this blanket. Not only because it's special since it's for my only cousin who is like a sister to me, but because I tried something new with an old pattern and can't get over how well it turned out. I am thinking of possibly making another one to add to my future Etsy shop.
 
 

Next, would be a blanket I am making for the family Christmas party. They do a White Elephant gift exchange every year and last year I made a blanket that was a big hit. So, I decided to keep the tradition going and make another one this year. Different design, of course. Here is what I have started so far:
 
 

See, I have been busy! I also have a scoodie pattern in the works, as well as a quilt that was special ordered for a family friend. I can't share the details of the quilt just yet, as it is a Christmas present.

There you have it, all the things that have been in the works for the past few months. Hopefully, that makes up for the large amount of time that I have been absent ;)

Monday, June 4, 2012

DIY: Up-Cycled Toilet


As you know, we are re-doing the bathroom in the master bedroom and in it, use to live the wretched pink toilet. Well, with a little hosing down, paint, stencils, sunshine and free time, I turned that ugly toilet in to a somewhat decent planter.

Now, I have asked around and my Grandma was NOT the only one with a toilet in her backyard... in case you were wondering where I got the idea from. There are MANY things about my Grandparents old house that I think about and miss often. I am kind of excited to be able to revive one of the many things I loved about their backyard.


Goodbye pink! Hello pistachio!


You can kind of see how I stenciled a design in lightly with a pencil (left photo). I then used acrylic paint to add different colors and details.


The front of the tank..........


Both sides on the bottom have a design.....


And of course, our family name and little critters around the rim!


With a little touch of everyone on the back of the tank!

The final touch to the whole project was spraying it down with a finishing spray and adding some plants!


And there it sits in its final resting place! I need to add something different in the top of the tank, but I love the white petunias and the whole project in general. You can never have too many planters!

Friday, April 6, 2012

Tutorial: Scrappy Patchwork Pillow Cover


If you are the faithful follower, you know by now from my post here and here, that I am really excited about pillow covers! With Rae Gun Ramblings tutorial for a simple pillow cover as my inspiration, I have been sketching away and making some creations of my own. I have 4 more pillows to cover, so if I am successful, I shall be able to share those with you too!
There are just two things that I must share with you before I get in to how I made this cute little creation.
  1. I am warning you in advance that I am NOT a professional quilter. I think the only class I ever took was in Middle School and have some how retained those basic skills. So, please forgive me if you are a professional and squirming at how I threw this together, or even at my explanation of the process.
  2. Please excuse any horrible photography. Due to being a Mom to an amazing 2 year old, my crafty time (and photography) takes place during the day AND night.
Ok, let's get started!!! Here is everything that you are going to need:
  • 25 - 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" squares in various colors
  • 30 - 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangles in white
  • 6 - 16 1/2" x 1 1/2" strips in white
  • 2 - 2 1/2" x 15 1/2" strips in white (sides of block)
  • 2 - 20 1/2" x 2 1/2" strips in white (top and bottom of block)
  • 1 - 19" x 14" in white
  • 1 - 19" x 11" in white
  • Ruler
  • Rotary cutter
  • Thread
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine
    I worked this pillow cover in sections due to not being too sure how it was going to turn out. First, I cut all the squares and rectangles that I needed to make a cover for a 20" x 20" pillow. I used 5 (five) different colors with 1 (one) of each color in every row. You can kind of see my test strip in the background below.
Cut and ready to go!
Next, I pinned all the white rectangles to one side of the colored squares.



After pinning all the rectangles to the squares, I played around with a layout making sure to only use 1 (one) of each color in every row, up and down and across.


Using my handy test strip at the top for a guide, the picture above is what I came up with.

Now that I had a general idea of what I wanted, I started sewing all those rectangles and squares together. One helpful tip I found while blog hopping one day, was to continuously sew, leaving a gap between squares, and separating them at the end. This helps avoid having to start and stop multiple times. Genius! (Like I said, not a professional, so I am sure this is common knowledge in the sewing community)


Notice how I started with the purple, continuing to sew a gap, adding the blue, sewing a gap and adding the orange? I continued like that, stopping at the end of each row. You can keep sewing through all the pieces if you wish, I preferred to stop at the end of each row so I could keep better track of my layout. (Not that it really worked....keeping them in order that is :) )

Next, using your scissors and handy iron that has been on in the background, (I probably should have made note of that earlier...) snip your corners and press out your seams.


Because the white was really thin and pretty much see-through, I pressed the seams towards the colored side. However, always feel free to do whatever works best for you.


After I pressed all 20 seams (you would have 25 if you didn't make a test strip), I pinned the first rectangle and square group to the second, and pinned the third to the fourth of all rows, leaving the fifth piece as the final attachment to the strip. Keep grouping and sewing the pieces together like you can see below.

You should end up with something like the picture on the right, ending with sewing the fifth and final group to the strip.
Below is all 5 strips sewn, pressed and ready for the next pieces! Notice it's slightly uneven?? Yep, that's what I was trying to tell you....not a professional. I am hoping when I add all the other pieces and put it on a pillow that you won't be able to notice!
See my sneaky little helper?? He always wants to know what I am making..... Love him!


Alright, now back to work!

Using 4 of your 6- 16 1/2" x 1 1/2" strips in white, pin to the bottom of your strips with the colored squares and sew in place. Pressing the seams when done.


Below are the first two rows of colored squares with their strips attached. Now, sew the first and second row together. Doing the same with the third and fourth rows.



Once completed, it should look like the picture above. Next, sew those two pieces together........


 then, add the fifth and final strip to the patchwork block.

Sew the last 2- 16 1/2" x 1 1/2" strips to the top and bottom of your patchwork block. 


Next, sew the 2 - 2 1/2" x 15 1/2" strips to the sides of the block and the 2 - 20 1/2" x 2 1/2" strips to the top and bottom of the patchwork block. (See below) Once sewn together, press your seams and trim the edges to make an even square.


Take your 19" x 14" and 19" x 11" pieces and sew one on each side of your patchwork block.
Ending up with something like the picture below.

At this point, it's basically like Rae Guns, one piece of fabric, tutorial. You are now going to finish the right and left sides. Folding over the finished side of the longest piece, pinning and sewing, to create a smooth edge. This will be the exposed piece on the back of the pillow cover.

Next, fold the 19" x 14" piece over the front of the patchwork block and pin in place at top AND bottom.

Fold the 19" x 11" piece the same way and pin in place. The 19" x 11" should lay over the top of the 19" x 14" piece.
(If the picture below is confusing when comparing to the one above, it's because I flipped the piece upside down and then took the picture. Sorry about that!)


Finally, sew the top and bottom of the pillow cover, flip inside out, shove a pillow in there and then..... TAH - DAH!!


Would you believe it took me longer to write this blog post than it did to make this pillow cover??

If you end up making one of these creations for yourself, I'd LOVE to see how it turned out!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

*March* Round-Up: DIY Pallet Projects

I have been finding all sorts of wonderful ideas for up-cycling pallets lately, that I couldn't help but share my favorites with you. Not only are they my favorites, but I am hoping to be able to create them ALL..... someday. The couch may have to wait though since we just bought a new one not too long ago. Maybe I could re-create it and make it in to some sort of outdoor furniture?



Click on the links below to learn how to make each of these projects!
Link to project is first, followed by link to the home page of the author.

1. DIY Pallet Couch // cuartoderecha.com // Note: This blog is in Spanish, so remember to use your handy translator to assist you! Isn't it an amazing idea though?? Comfort and storage, all in a few pallets and some foam!

2. DIY Rustic Pallet Coffee Table // thewonderforest.com // LOVE this! When I don't have little feet running around my house all the time, I would definitely enjoy this piece in my living room!

3. DIY Pallet Shelves // amandacarverdesigns.com // How simple and great is that idea??  I have also seen something similar, just smaller, being used as shelves in the kitchen.

4. DIY Pallet Potting Bench // bhg.com // I'm making this and that's all there is to it! Thank you Better Homes and Gardens!

I am determined to keep my eye out for some abandoned pallets! Wish me luck, it's Spring time and I wouldn't mind having that cute potting bench in my backyard.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Pillow Makeover

I've been going back and forth with many projects lately, one being a tutorial for an 'envelope pillow case cover' from Rae Gun Ramblings.
This tutorial is easy to follow and even easier to create! I was more than happy with the end result and even more excited to create MANY different kinds/designs of pillow covers.



See how the pillow on the right blends in to the couch? Not to mention, the design is just not my style..... But, how about the pillow on the left?? Would you believe one of those "not so cute" pillows is stuffed in there??





I absolutely LOVE how it turned out! Who knew that a simple cover could change the dullest pillow into the most inviting pillow you have ever seen. I will be honest, myself and this new pillow have been having our own love affair on the couch since I made it...... I can't get over how well it works with the colors of the couch and the living room. Now, to make 2 more for this couch! Keep an eye out for pillow covers!!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Remodel: Master Bathroom

Oh, how I have wanted NEEDED to re-do our master bathroom. I wish I could have taken a pre-tear down pic, but the husband just went at it one day and took everything out. (yay!!!) Especially, that pink toilet! Good riddance! Pink is definitely NOT my color of choice for a toilet.

We are getting ready to paint and hopefully do the floor this weekend, so I thought I would share how far we have the husband has gotten and just what my mind has envisioned for it.



Yes, the bathroom is more like a nook, but it's going to be the cutest nook! Notice all the drywall work he had to do? All for my pretty pedestal sink! Eeeek! And I have big plans for the super old medicine cabinet we took out.



We have lived in our house for 2 years and have yet to use this shower. Everything about the master bathroom screamed 1964 (the year our house was built), it was old and needed a good makeover. I am SO excited to be able to use this entire bathroom and actually enjoy the space that we are creating for us. Especially since the next upgrade is going to be our bedroom. We have all the pieces to make our new space, I just wanted to wait for the dirty work of the bathroom to be finished before I put out all our new pretties ;)

Oh, and what's that hand-sewn shower curtain you are asking about? Well, here is a sneak peak of what I have so far. You may remember me blogging about here, which also has a link to the pattern that I am using for reference. The husband helped pick colors and which design I should use. I really thought he was getting in to it until I showed him a pillow cover I made out of fabric he picked and he asked me where I got it from?? Really?? Oh well, I am still going to ask his opinion because even if it is just an "in the moment" decision and he never thinks about it again, he makes some good choices and eases my mind that is always questioning itself. Any who.... enough rambling...

All cut and ready to sew together...... so I thought :/

LouAnn the helper.......


Annnnnd..... I need more rectangles.......



Good thing I usually get extra fabric! Just for these occasions! Unfortunately, I have to get the green and the orange, I didn't buy enough of those. Sad day :( I like how it is coming together though! I think my favorite is the 70's yellow. I know what most of you are thinking, it's an ugly color, but I will admit that I LOVE it! It has an old feel and reminds me of the wallpaper my grandmother use to have in her kitchen. The pea green, mustard and rust mushrooms.....oh I know you know what I am talking about! Stay tuned for an update on the shower curtain's progress and a post on my new pillow covers!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

National Craft Month: Projects In Progress

I've been working on MULTIPLE projects the past couple of weeks. One being our master bathroom! Hooray! Here are links to some of the things that I have been working on, in case you feel like giving it a try too! I am sure you have seen them around on craftgawker or Pinterest if you are a daily browser like me :)
NOTE: Click on image OR the link above the image for the source of all these amazing creations!



When I first spotted this crafty idea, I immediately said "oh this is easy, I can do that!" It's easy, until you start to over-obsess about the perfection of the rosettes..... That was my problem and I had to keep am reassuring myself that "it doesn't NEED to be perfect." Amy created an excellent tutorial and a VERY helpful video to go along with it!
Below, is my results of her tutorial and my rosette skills. I think my rosettes are smaller and more squished than Amy's, but I am liking how it is turning out. I am also using a light blue crepe paper to add it as a decorative piece for our new bathroom!


The beginning.........

Half-way through and not too shabby, if I say so myself......
 Makes you want to try it, doesn't it?




I absolutely CANNOT wait to try this out! I have written down all the instructions and know just the pillows that need a good cover. This tutorial is seriously the tip of the iceberg when it comes to making pillow cases. Once I figured out how simple this project really was, SOOOOO many ideas came into my mind. The case is just the beginning, you can add embellishments, appliques, fabric rosettes, or even use some freezer paper to create a stencil and paint on your design with fabric paint...... Like I said, SOOOOO many ideas!



Designed by Amy Smith of Diary Of A Quilter


Tell me you don't love this? I sure do! When I couldn't find any shower curtains for our shower stall that really called to me, I decided that I was crafty enough to try sewing a quilt-like one of my own. This could end up being a complete fail, but I am keeping faith! Anywho.... I went on a Google mission for easy quilt patterns and this one was the winner.
I am using different fabric choices than the ones above, except I am keeping the white squares. I also plan on adjusting the width and most likely the length to accommodate my need for it to be a shower curtain. I'll keep you posted!
P.S. Moda Bake Shop is a GREAT website to check out, if you already haven't, for fabric and patterns!






You're running to get your hook and yarn aren't you? I don't think I have used "love" (or air quotes) enough in this post, so here it is one more time.... I LOVE this pattern from Sarah London! There are two patterns, square and oblong. This is a great way to use up scraps, but also a great reason to get more yarn if you are set on a color scheme. I am doing a rainbow-ish blanket to brighten up the couch in the library/second living room.
SIDE NOTE: Sarah's instructions are in UK terms. If you use US terms, make sure you translate her instructions before you get started. 


 


I am only partially done with it (maybe halfway?), and get excited with each new color I add. Would you believe that I already had every single one of those colors? I think it will be a perfect addition, especially with spring around the corner!