Archive for October, 2017

I was getting set for the Erie quilt show this fall and while designing the layout for my booth, decided that it needed some character. I dug out my old steamer trunk that’s been sitting around, begging to be updated for at least 10 years now and got to work!

I pained for hours (not exaggerating) over what to recover this awesome old antique in. I wanted to preserve the beauty of this piece and had a hard time not overwhelming it with something too bright or too modern. After sifting through pages and pages of wallpapers, I finally came to the decision to cover it in cork (I told you I was obsessed—if you don’t believe me, make sure to check out my sewing with cork post or my cork wallet review!). I priced out options for covering the trunk in cork fabric…let’s just say it was a little incredibly pricey, so I did a little research and found metallic cork shelf liner for a much better price. I figured since this trunk was mostly for display, I’d give it a try! I’m tickled with the results and so glad I did. I’d love to show you my process! (Continue reading…)

I love budgeting…I have no idea why, but numbers and budgets really get me going. Unfortunately, when Christmas season comes around, no matter how much we set aside throughout the year, we quickly realize that we didn’t budget nearly as much as we would have liked for Christmas gifts. So, this year, I’ve compiled a fantastic list for people like you and me! I’ve gathered 18 of the best FREE sewing patterns I could find. Many of these can be created using the endless piles of scrap fabric that you have tucked away. Between the free pattern and little-to-no investment needed for fabric and supplies, our Christmas budget is looking quite a bit healthier this year! I hope that this list will inspire you to create one of these patterns for your loved ones this year, or maybe it gave you the push you needed to make something totally original! (Continue reading…)

The longer I quilt, the more I’m convinced that I’m not just sewing for fun and making pretty things. I truly believe that I am creating an heirloom that will more-than-likely outlive me. Today I want to share my latest creation with you and the story behind it. This commissioned quilt is near and dear to my heart because one of my sweet friends from high school requested it for her wedding. I can’t think  of a better day to commemorate the start of a new life together! (Continue reading…)

Oh squaring up quilt blocks…I’ve put off this post almost as long as I put off squaring up blocks when I make quilts. I have no idea why, but squaring up blocks is my least favorite part of quilting. Once it’s done I’m completely tickled, but thinking about doing it just makes me want to quit.

But that ends today! Today I bite the bullet and square up my quilt blocks and show you how to do the same. I’ll show you the traditional way of squaring quilt blocks, helpful tools, and a technique for when you think you’ve completely ruined your quilt (so don’t despair!).

Oh the dilemma…you want the look of long, lush curtains in your shiny new nursery, but know that long curtains are not suggested around children.

Been there. Justified that.

I went ahead and added long curtains in my daughter’s nursery (you can see the adorable details in my nursery reveal!) because I had a plan: I’d like to share this plan with you because so far, it’s worked out well for me. It’s even helped me with my cabin fever and freshened up the nursery as we’ve entered into different stages of my daughter’s development. (Continue reading…)