tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17909418948128287222024-03-05T22:10:03.268-05:00Wood Pond Designsa blog about sewing, crafts, life in general, my inspirations, and some things EtsyJennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-76176482499329856842016-02-07T22:39:00.002-05:002016-02-07T22:50:34.987-05:00Upholstery Fabric Sample ProjectsHere are some totes, drawstring bags and zipper pouches I've made recently. Most of these totes will be donated to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theBagShare/" target="_blank">The Bag Share Project</a> (the first one I may keep it came out so nice!).<br />
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This tote has long shoulder length handles and is made from two contrasting fabrics in gray cotton canvas on the bottom and a green linen/cotton blend on the top<br />
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Drawstring bags are so fun and quick to sew and are perfect for small fabric samples. These were created by turning the top right and left sides in slightly at an angle- about 1/4" on each side, sewing down, and then folding the top down about 2 inches and sewing in place to create a channel. Then the fabric is folded in half and sew down the side and bottom. I may make more of these in a variety of sizes with a sheer fabric to use for bulk food (rice, oats, etc). Here's a <a href="http://notesfromthekitchentable.com/2013/01/30/how-to-make-a-drawstring-bag/" target="_blank">quick drawstring pouch tutorial</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1q2bG9EiSxfngN2QAQ4P2rbCSBpAYa4GcSxhVV1ZryDFm5RLxtZcf7uXaE1V8J0zCg_Ergqk37_ANY_tX-CIsYKrg0Pzgg5wlaxCfKp7ZKDXgSiWTxif8ip0v7lXwjKI6fIVpEYut-fQ/s1600/SAM_3945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1q2bG9EiSxfngN2QAQ4P2rbCSBpAYa4GcSxhVV1ZryDFm5RLxtZcf7uXaE1V8J0zCg_Ergqk37_ANY_tX-CIsYKrg0Pzgg5wlaxCfKp7ZKDXgSiWTxif8ip0v7lXwjKI6fIVpEYut-fQ/s320/SAM_3945.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
These zipper pouches will be gifts for some friends. These fabric samples are so pretty and have a nice texture. The reverse side of the fabric is equally pretty so they didn't need to be lined. These were finished with some awesome metal zippers from the 1950's which came in these tiny round plastic containers. .<br />
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Some more basic zipper pouches.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6FhkmYtH1n8zLxw3Kk3yvJL3TsEurxlYQgsUCeG8DlTAMhoOBk7B2ctWjDq8eNBNaa2MXs55q4wn3MXnxZ57VMmK2Q3kAvvOtwhoNQmjhdzT9iw8TfRlLC32AekQIFcpqBPdf_s5R29R/s1600/SAM_3947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6FhkmYtH1n8zLxw3Kk3yvJL3TsEurxlYQgsUCeG8DlTAMhoOBk7B2ctWjDq8eNBNaa2MXs55q4wn3MXnxZ57VMmK2Q3kAvvOtwhoNQmjhdzT9iw8TfRlLC32AekQIFcpqBPdf_s5R29R/s320/SAM_3947.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a Bag Share bag created from four fabric samples so each side has different fabrics. I made the bag shaped (narrow on top) and used a nylon conference lanyard for the handle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUbSAaam-QHR-ycSIvsYU64R5vpo76XA6f-DXNAVcZ18jSRMHUQ4ElTEt6zXMeBuG4GzPD3yteGk6Qn32RgD5M2Q4kAxiDIaNxjUBfecwqrqWVxzTarrNIl9PI_Dk94aeTaEz4XfEeEMx/s1600/SAM_3949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUbSAaam-QHR-ycSIvsYU64R5vpo76XA6f-DXNAVcZ18jSRMHUQ4ElTEt6zXMeBuG4GzPD3yteGk6Qn32RgD5M2Q4kAxiDIaNxjUBfecwqrqWVxzTarrNIl9PI_Dk94aeTaEz4XfEeEMx/s320/SAM_3949.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Here is the reverse side - such fun!<br />
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Here is another tote made with sample upholstery fabric with handles made from a belt I purchased from Good Will for .50. The belt handles are cream on one side and pink on the other which pairs nicely with the soft pink in the rose fabric.<br />
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<br />Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-29870279818470781812014-11-14T10:28:00.000-05:002014-11-14T10:28:39.331-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Mini Quilt - Snack Mat</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I created this small mug rug for my office so I can eat snacks at work without making too many crumbs. This was a quick project created from two 6" squares of linen that were upcycled from an old shirt. I sandwiched the two pieces (back is a pale apple green color) between a layer of cotton batting. I sewed around the perimeter, leaving a 3" space unsewn, folded the piece right side out, and pushed out the corners. The piece was ironed flat and then topstitched around the edge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Each row of stitching was done with 2-4 strands of different colored embroidery thread. I wanted the finished look to be varied and look hand done. The patterns are tree bark like with some wiggles and swirls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The overall effect is bumpy and colorful!</span>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-41000931172018092682014-04-07T22:24:00.003-04:002014-04-09T13:32:03.554-04:00<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Scrap-Tastic!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">(small pieced coasters)</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lovely pile of scrap fabrics (I have bins of fabric scraps!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Finished Mug Rug</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This one has concentric quilting:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here are a batch of complete coasters - using similar toned fabrics</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Gather up your scraps and sort them into piles based on colors you like together. Sew together several small (2-2.5" pieces) in a row. If you want, you can sew together several pieces and then using a rotary cutter, cut the entire sewn piece into two halves. After each addition, press seams open flat on reverse side, and trim off any loose thread. On average most of my coasters used 5-8 small pieces of fabric. Make sure to back stitch at the start and end of each section you sew together. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Keep adding scraps until the piece is at least 5" square. It's fine if the pieces are a bit wonky.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Make a second sewn together side out of similar or different fabrics. Trim it up to 5" square. Place both sides right sides together. Add a 5" square of cotton batting and pin together. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgBgeQTigfOdJqRuiYhYWY5Mg0Bg5m_pZUb5tGiy4xwb08CZbdLEgJC9jWwC7eiLEZSI-SfQFYUVW82N7qawiy0rA8aurvKrpITWuFu8JcLblJnhPIAeF398xHrRCLw9uLP9D2LqxJg4T/s1600/08+right+side+together+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgBgeQTigfOdJqRuiYhYWY5Mg0Bg5m_pZUb5tGiy4xwb08CZbdLEgJC9jWwC7eiLEZSI-SfQFYUVW82N7qawiy0rA8aurvKrpITWuFu8JcLblJnhPIAeF398xHrRCLw9uLP9D2LqxJg4T/s1600/08+right+side+together+-+Copy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Put right sides together....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5vvNObphbTmjWPBDzpQlPHDN-jS1S1dGPTJZEw_BL1mYi7oJXc346zJT4-f0h_xoDe8bUqGtOgEVvtlfMUgi0nPCEAaAdKQH_IPzK86mYsKlukoqxlDvthmZSxMV537Mbv4XIK6Sq1SA/s1600/09+batting+on+bottom+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5vvNObphbTmjWPBDzpQlPHDN-jS1S1dGPTJZEw_BL1mYi7oJXc346zJT4-f0h_xoDe8bUqGtOgEVvtlfMUgi0nPCEAaAdKQH_IPzK86mYsKlukoqxlDvthmZSxMV537Mbv4XIK6Sq1SA/s1600/09+batting+on+bottom+-+Copy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">and add the batting layer on the bottom. Pin together. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZHKsznMU3j3cdGhgG08u2kbH091GX8EKwxMGMngG4_PG80cF_e1FLNQ5Ot25kb5u-nTrFKkG9yXv2utj2BFr4r5pUDBqHVqzdwxuLhKFdnRAIZxWCOsTeRI77Yo0DB9xXB0272xLvPaM/s1600/10+sew+together+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZHKsznMU3j3cdGhgG08u2kbH091GX8EKwxMGMngG4_PG80cF_e1FLNQ5Ot25kb5u-nTrFKkG9yXv2utj2BFr4r5pUDBqHVqzdwxuLhKFdnRAIZxWCOsTeRI77Yo0DB9xXB0272xLvPaM/s1600/10+sew+together+-+Copy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; text-align: start;">Start two thirds of the way down one side, back stitch, then continue to sew around all sides using 1/4" seams. Leave a 2" opening. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Turn right side out, pressing to make corners square. Tuck in the opening and iron the entire coaster flat. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvRIiFmTl94w-WqBx9ppP8AcXfaRDCliLBkCBeQEQeW1VQzLuRqmN4BRz7FLabm1aDOOsL7_fAZiEeVciLW_ES1JN6UoDzNvbMk7iu6i9szQ1jRH3hT6PvBAuCgB2VxEoXX4TnkkOl-hD/s1600/11+trim+excess+batting+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvRIiFmTl94w-WqBx9ppP8AcXfaRDCliLBkCBeQEQeW1VQzLuRqmN4BRz7FLabm1aDOOsL7_fAZiEeVciLW_ES1JN6UoDzNvbMk7iu6i9szQ1jRH3hT6PvBAuCgB2VxEoXX4TnkkOl-hD/s1600/11+trim+excess+batting+-+Copy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Trim away the excess batting as it adds too much bulk to the finished coaster.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQwPKGg4zwjksDAVpUKFD3m6xwMbRKmFLWx4FPrQzZDbqyAGQOvSjWB9kDFMY87dxvBuzSnFHc5bTxhamwz3PdZfjhpjdKioLfbqx0EEMxTaGak6Y6PqQR2K7DYmcB4kNUGOsJJ8j0K-P/s1600/12+turn+right+side+out+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQwPKGg4zwjksDAVpUKFD3m6xwMbRKmFLWx4FPrQzZDbqyAGQOvSjWB9kDFMY87dxvBuzSnFHc5bTxhamwz3PdZfjhpjdKioLfbqx0EEMxTaGak6Y6PqQR2K7DYmcB4kNUGOsJJ8j0K-P/s1600/12+turn+right+side+out+-+Copy.JPG" height="303" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Almost finished!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2cz_LvM3gmGYX0_V7G-cHF5u_F7zjRsasLD_OFSPeTH9B8V0pRNrsEgXqCuyh8gUVXaMvAN20VNajsGiFrJ8czFbQ95GszajIDwx3VR0vbD_ajQgC6gXafFpqe556S0ydRqAP6iB51ZP/s1600/14+fold+under+opening+and+stitch+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2cz_LvM3gmGYX0_V7G-cHF5u_F7zjRsasLD_OFSPeTH9B8V0pRNrsEgXqCuyh8gUVXaMvAN20VNajsGiFrJ8czFbQ95GszajIDwx3VR0vbD_ajQgC6gXafFpqe556S0ydRqAP6iB51ZP/s1600/14+fold+under+opening+and+stitch+-+Copy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Top stitch around the outside very close to the outside edge. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpMEtyG6ZZabOZSDwUzDM6y0v0Lgep5cXVP4j09lNE0ZIXv57idiHOLNXJcssK26fqecwN9kPRRIG68Uj0zBHwYI65rsnGSgifQ3iWfYGFCxwHDdI7Uo063-3hKAT5DiHUHREvQXbuVQ1/s1600/SAM_3560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpMEtyG6ZZabOZSDwUzDM6y0v0Lgep5cXVP4j09lNE0ZIXv57idiHOLNXJcssK26fqecwN9kPRRIG68Uj0zBHwYI65rsnGSgifQ3iWfYGFCxwHDdI7Uo063-3hKAT5DiHUHREvQXbuVQ1/s1600/SAM_3560.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Trim any random threads and you're done! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This is another set I made with blue, purple, black, and yellow fabrics, adding in a contrast fabric with text leftover from a pre-printed pillow project. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDimnoKItWxHmPfxc_EiAxelO5CYPPeus7W5oieeT5Lv7x550RGohOAFb7vHKYNj7-wfuq5mSoypbLVyG-QwF82cPlScZrELg6KUTuWqt9-wO-QxgDopdsWv-x-k27czSTp3QwJkHoEu5/s1600/SAM_3567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDimnoKItWxHmPfxc_EiAxelO5CYPPeus7W5oieeT5Lv7x550RGohOAFb7vHKYNj7-wfuq5mSoypbLVyG-QwF82cPlScZrELg6KUTuWqt9-wO-QxgDopdsWv-x-k27czSTp3QwJkHoEu5/s1600/SAM_3567.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPrO33dsLJktQuFomnAzhlMJVrZfDWrHahsfLCcfGWPEjK_KfBryZG4LYxIF6jIuVDy1WBwYvg3ljdp4ret0je7JOoWUt46z2DkAU-gVkNF3IgogYVnz5USQ6jyS2OqQio5iVHIg7Fqqt/s1600/SAM_3568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPrO33dsLJktQuFomnAzhlMJVrZfDWrHahsfLCcfGWPEjK_KfBryZG4LYxIF6jIuVDy1WBwYvg3ljdp4ret0je7JOoWUt46z2DkAU-gVkNF3IgogYVnz5USQ6jyS2OqQio5iVHIg7Fqqt/s1600/SAM_3568.JPG" height="500" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdoSmnXXIBpF6SmFTnUdTBx3oeAi6UdjPrZlZAryn_0kzOFfB7IvGEc4PgLJKTp2lNeo4KYBtuTkgNuBaSN0D5w-FUFYdq15wg5OvmCPDYiftdRRB5H4kJBk4Eyg9XNYE1WCJE0Q8X45n/s1600/SAM_3566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdoSmnXXIBpF6SmFTnUdTBx3oeAi6UdjPrZlZAryn_0kzOFfB7IvGEc4PgLJKTp2lNeo4KYBtuTkgNuBaSN0D5w-FUFYdq15wg5OvmCPDYiftdRRB5H4kJBk4Eyg9XNYE1WCJE0Q8X45n/s1600/SAM_3566.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-88557932597506565912013-04-04T12:29:00.000-04:002013-04-04T12:35:51.757-04:00It's been so long!It's been so very long since I've posted on my blog! Life gets in the way sometimes! I guess working, caring for middle-aged children (8 and almost 10) and working on my Etsy Shop keeps me pretty darn busy. That and buying a 'new' (built in 1886) house last summer has kept us all very busy.<br />
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Recently, my husband and I did a superficial bathroom makeover. By that I mean, we didn't replace toilets, sinks and tubs. First up, hubby ripped some holes in the walls to inquire about a pesky ungrounded outlet (that was right next to the sink where there are plenty of wet groping hands reaching for a hand towel)- so a major safety hazard! As he dug in and found where the wiring went, we figured the bathroom was an add on to the end of the house that most likely used to have a outside door. Once upon a yesteryear, there was a wall switch that turned on an outside light! So after hubby rewired, and put in new outlets and switches, he patched up all the holes with drywall and compound and it was ready to paint. <br />
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<b>BEFORE:</b> white walls, brown trim around window and baseboard. The door and closet louvered door were also dark brown. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kjcb9tQHUlGctCF4azvvIJvRRZOGygLDX-WHTK7SmsBB3v4gYH65YdXO1K5iZ8dSNGsQ9IeMSe-ZylC1sSMwd8j_-jOsP4jd_PlTaqvYkQEOgHxWVYgquhlLWhaHotDk2zcNtJciS4B3/s1600/bathroom+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kjcb9tQHUlGctCF4azvvIJvRRZOGygLDX-WHTK7SmsBB3v4gYH65YdXO1K5iZ8dSNGsQ9IeMSe-ZylC1sSMwd8j_-jOsP4jd_PlTaqvYkQEOgHxWVYgquhlLWhaHotDk2zcNtJciS4B3/s400/bathroom+009.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<b>AFTER: </b> Aw, very spa-like, yes? Love the paint which is V<a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_221381-4-CI183-TRANQUIL221381_0__?productId=3414798" target="_blank">alspar</a> by Lowe's, color is Tranquility.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuOw8Ji9CutPdadwWvg3WdpyxdKpXohXL5YBP0s3ZeOv0IeEpdi4azI63sEv230cuipqSmAB21c0tdYQhlzXZzlISfvb9DjLePWrYDM9BTMagQSv5ZxR2N7ej7WRBYyQyXK22AYZpRaz7/s1600/bathroom+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuOw8Ji9CutPdadwWvg3WdpyxdKpXohXL5YBP0s3ZeOv0IeEpdi4azI63sEv230cuipqSmAB21c0tdYQhlzXZzlISfvb9DjLePWrYDM9BTMagQSv5ZxR2N7ej7WRBYyQyXK22AYZpRaz7/s400/bathroom+048.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_5232-17771-WL9360_4294798245__?productId=3231919&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1" target="_blank">LIGHT FIXTURE is from Lowe's</a> and even came with the lightbulbs! The mirror has to go as it doesn't match so I'll keep my eye out at the second hand shops and or flea market for something I can paint or fix up.<br />
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<b>BEFORE</b>: yucky dark door frame leading into the bathoom. I also painted the baseboard in this area, which is our laundry room (washer/dryer to the left).<br />
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Painting the bathroom door, which opens into our laundry room made a huge difference.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgkjfnoPqtsNO0junB5OrkDAE719qPeIQ8LtVvytmwPEk-ksSlwCSJCtCStXdaXnzVxt14PunQcHSYbo7KMPmpbjvwxcdpDfmZMgQ253Jb4mEV5UOf1ZMhyo2FdXH66dljpP5OgKfqCNw/s1600/bathroom+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgkjfnoPqtsNO0junB5OrkDAE719qPeIQ8LtVvytmwPEk-ksSlwCSJCtCStXdaXnzVxt14PunQcHSYbo7KMPmpbjvwxcdpDfmZMgQ253Jb4mEV5UOf1ZMhyo2FdXH66dljpP5OgKfqCNw/s640/bathroom+042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Side Note: </b> painting behind a radiator is a major pain in the back side. Usually this can be accomplished the same way you paint behind the toilet. My method is to wrap the toilet and/or radiator in plastic wrap, and use a very small skinny trim paint roller along with an extension to reach way down and behind. Unfortunately the bathroom radiator was too close to the wall so hubby used a giant pair of pliers to loosen the radiator and crank it toward the room (it was disconnected). As you can see in the photo below it's tipped away from the wall and the paint is drying. When it was complete it was moved back into place. Whew! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5K-MOjP81ZqCiD3YIJ83ZtqKJB9p0XWVhgRZtcy-FCAorxWxkx_EKxeL2HtIlnfN_WYiYIxXrtJ68bT99nN__JQQ2scxAe091vVSyQUL6_O5QFkA_F9ypwMIGD27jAvLKuwKp7zKtALF2/s1600/bathroom+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5K-MOjP81ZqCiD3YIJ83ZtqKJB9p0XWVhgRZtcy-FCAorxWxkx_EKxeL2HtIlnfN_WYiYIxXrtJ68bT99nN__JQQ2scxAe091vVSyQUL6_O5QFkA_F9ypwMIGD27jAvLKuwKp7zKtALF2/s400/bathroom+029.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Here is the louvered closet door which originally had a dirty white plastic knob (yuck)! Plus the thing was filthy so it required quite a bit of scrubbing before I was able to paint. Also, both the closet door and bathroom door were removed from their hinges and painted flat in a spare room.<br />
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<b>BEFORE:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9ObsrbLiFCnWzSYNVTWIbD-5vPRWLZOp5VU-ATUmQIyJGKWygmIrYA1DHSlBph6QNBzG00f4ovuQSNazbuH2xHBywSMgN8bthS4AnmlAL4EuY9thCKTqhiYYSR6MD-463ZqzMLDA9y6T/s1600/bathroom+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9ObsrbLiFCnWzSYNVTWIbD-5vPRWLZOp5VU-ATUmQIyJGKWygmIrYA1DHSlBph6QNBzG00f4ovuQSNazbuH2xHBywSMgN8bthS4AnmlAL4EuY9thCKTqhiYYSR6MD-463ZqzMLDA9y6T/s400/bathroom+003.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<b>AFTER:</b> Thank goodness for spray paint!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJsWBFDmgA7thOF1v7zQnU7gsjiN9WAPTJjMgtvuiBEaEwS6HRMnk0WrgauU6Ixr4ZSqP-ML5hSiw4b8o_7f8gCRtUdvqDpaE9noZP0PsyQdKLbfu04-EfvIjw9PAjJCXKXLo-z4RO9E6/s1600/bathroom+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJsWBFDmgA7thOF1v7zQnU7gsjiN9WAPTJjMgtvuiBEaEwS6HRMnk0WrgauU6Ixr4ZSqP-ML5hSiw4b8o_7f8gCRtUdvqDpaE9noZP0PsyQdKLbfu04-EfvIjw9PAjJCXKXLo-z4RO9E6/s400/bathroom+038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>BEFORE:</b> Here is the before of the dark wood trim - what a transformation. The room seems so much bigger and fresher. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeqjWKdE3d4iQC2gfStwlcwJswpxvgtRY5TLVmRx-OzelB-5FyFbtAKNEcV3pvcxsT_TA7A3_nmZPIKsUlBCIZgBsb4EWAvKvtZMjHKiKRunTUlXaBX5_EW5TnQ4yMe_Up_lo-O9sSbIt/s1600/bathroom+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeqjWKdE3d4iQC2gfStwlcwJswpxvgtRY5TLVmRx-OzelB-5FyFbtAKNEcV3pvcxsT_TA7A3_nmZPIKsUlBCIZgBsb4EWAvKvtZMjHKiKRunTUlXaBX5_EW5TnQ4yMe_Up_lo-O9sSbIt/s400/bathroom+010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>AFTER: </b>walls and trim have been painted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoPBFVUzdixSTR6NGnFnPpHDLbsDqCdXTrxq26pxTpDUdRmG1VlT4wM_hHxJnA-1vy330p5ABsZWSP_qLmoiZcNbY5-BevGuJPkPu2n11FvFgOSMxC7VMCgaDmsNhGGOlAvdIWEQ14kVZ/s1600/bathroom+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoPBFVUzdixSTR6NGnFnPpHDLbsDqCdXTrxq26pxTpDUdRmG1VlT4wM_hHxJnA-1vy330p5ABsZWSP_qLmoiZcNbY5-BevGuJPkPu2n11FvFgOSMxC7VMCgaDmsNhGGOlAvdIWEQ14kVZ/s400/bathroom+036.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>BEFORE: </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoAL7MC2NsSOTla_SpZUu66E4XGKSDVnmKdFUb8H-kpvR95JTuUb2lIz-eEzqLt7miEOKqrG_zKz2YjU0ga3DgApsrj90Y_0fAHlmp299F90TTpODvEKaMXWguIhl_fOdwHa1cRo5xHZ_/s1600/bathroom+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoAL7MC2NsSOTla_SpZUu66E4XGKSDVnmKdFUb8H-kpvR95JTuUb2lIz-eEzqLt7miEOKqrG_zKz2YjU0ga3DgApsrj90Y_0fAHlmp299F90TTpODvEKaMXWguIhl_fOdwHa1cRo5xHZ_/s400/bathroom+007.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<b>AFTER:</b> The shower curtain is Treshold by Target. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHf79lVE7eMqhh47aON4Ui4ZhRdaoGzsVj-A6pSxQCO9teRkNTYoJ7WMi_1_vWfY8fQZYWH6Ncpde89VV50-zMWE6ORZ5zEO5CJTbqpKVrrz9Fb2DzYzMdmbeisvfpNcyGjNOs0FsUfCB/s1600/bathroom+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHf79lVE7eMqhh47aON4Ui4ZhRdaoGzsVj-A6pSxQCO9teRkNTYoJ7WMi_1_vWfY8fQZYWH6Ncpde89VV50-zMWE6ORZ5zEO5CJTbqpKVrrz9Fb2DzYzMdmbeisvfpNcyGjNOs0FsUfCB/s320/bathroom+044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>AFTER</b>: Towel bars are Threshold by Target. It's incredible how much of a difference it makes to switch out light switch covers from dingy and yellowed to bright shiny white. Same for the towel bars!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVYzcPeIjshFWFn9jhyH4tLHUJFR7F2Ua8wfViHZV3gVJ0TnIqqZIYW6yeNBemDuBSXphhVcaESJvq8NgQIUaJOIr5DzfPtm3hlyqGAFH3i8pVeEUSeKbDFATYJvCirsA-gaH32QIuo_t/s1600/bathroom+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVYzcPeIjshFWFn9jhyH4tLHUJFR7F2Ua8wfViHZV3gVJ0TnIqqZIYW6yeNBemDuBSXphhVcaESJvq8NgQIUaJOIr5DzfPtm3hlyqGAFH3i8pVeEUSeKbDFATYJvCirsA-gaH32QIuo_t/s400/bathroom+039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeExHyLtTzOdbV_vsL2Ob-LGAvcJaWOzcXJkNY2vrW29q_H-CIZw58ieRM_NTvDqPfcFNSrVfvzjDXiaJXiXVPh3rXB2rJI3h0pIkNcAU0kxHrRe3OqJXli2KweW2qHvrjo9VQqLETwe3/s1600/bathroom+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeExHyLtTzOdbV_vsL2Ob-LGAvcJaWOzcXJkNY2vrW29q_H-CIZw58ieRM_NTvDqPfcFNSrVfvzjDXiaJXiXVPh3rXB2rJI3h0pIkNcAU0kxHrRe3OqJXli2KweW2qHvrjo9VQqLETwe3/s400/bathroom+040.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>The final AFTER! </b><br />
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Still need to hang some curtains, a sewing project for another weekend. I'm thinking of a cafe curtain with appliqued birds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoPBFVUzdixSTR6NGnFnPpHDLbsDqCdXTrxq26pxTpDUdRmG1VlT4wM_hHxJnA-1vy330p5ABsZWSP_qLmoiZcNbY5-BevGuJPkPu2n11FvFgOSMxC7VMCgaDmsNhGGOlAvdIWEQ14kVZ/s1600/bathroom+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoPBFVUzdixSTR6NGnFnPpHDLbsDqCdXTrxq26pxTpDUdRmG1VlT4wM_hHxJnA-1vy330p5ABsZWSP_qLmoiZcNbY5-BevGuJPkPu2n11FvFgOSMxC7VMCgaDmsNhGGOlAvdIWEQ14kVZ/s640/bathroom+036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-16288914104760825322011-05-04T21:01:00.004-04:002011-05-04T21:24:36.023-04:00Using up your fabric scraps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjia3mXP3XLu8jPR-uC_oVZYy9A5FOkExjynxZ98-qOARqGqlUJ4WmY8os8Gq1xiv4Mmg28Tfv7kow8ulk7jkjkaCDD3uoMgRX_QnVk0XzYsfmX_3w5zrFHGDxxh8eOlPoPhUXZP0wkLuQZ/s1600/pillow+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjia3mXP3XLu8jPR-uC_oVZYy9A5FOkExjynxZ98-qOARqGqlUJ4WmY8os8Gq1xiv4Mmg28Tfv7kow8ulk7jkjkaCDD3uoMgRX_QnVk0XzYsfmX_3w5zrFHGDxxh8eOlPoPhUXZP0wkLuQZ/s400/pillow+front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eN7xWfz8VbMSpwmAWKQarn0tSarz8QR4wX88hn5K95uAUdOtDkH2oMx4dccPUZ-sfPOBDY_YSfvS1fvGXndXp5lJRxZBxeG_jTCtYsIntH7YBd9ppCaRFXwVCqHu4RF86BLLKOXQGGpY/s1600/9.28.2010+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZMpDTPO2S3DrN_NP0BijFgyfJ8wAfGwcKvY78K5kRnPo8Tc8_zQpVNJPZkwDRMzirI-V2TLYLk6HaCiRy2cdJDF8jkFHXRVKV5zZfjiNMVn-d0y7MS9yAL3E4xR99ZVx8Rox_p3m3bAg/s1600/minky++back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTRUQpV1AtgIYGz45IVcmS_sS0ZG0O_ga-QhGl3c1-r0Od_t__2L6asv8iZKmJx_3QL8mdC3QaaSKOoSOMDa0QLzGqFkIovo5aFbzRntaktdZvgP7fBVh12XgR2294OscCqX888irY04h/s1600/DSCN6711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWh0BOK5EJsE4Kln4t4V-CiMfuTcxsS0uQOQFGH2rauWaDMAfSjIHJIVxyxl8XbI1tI_bEQ2s1dlqZB0G3-dX4rd9znZ3H3nwxWK60dsEJYI3DcdBkZ7l16_4qHEmj6Lv4ZY777du4b7G/s1600/mini+lavendar+sachets.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJW5EjvbeN_DKBZlDYwxOS7VWNFQZhMfO2BqpoMxdpTWZ4VtxO6tRg0qvz525-RwN_tNjBB34f1SQJNuTlNfTCi7gPLlU8eAxaUg9VbZoG1qD1HYmlF7khtb1TEuFM-KCrIf67tMd4Xs2V/s1600/2side.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp83E0n1apLBgmB_kMjery8uy4ThrntOYpugV-ugoRhHJHsDUMIRfdoM9TEQZjjQdyClehj13LHcvrAX9zTWtvNZ5uBv6YGdDb5zeo1wzyVC2PtAenZ8BUmjEIjAAUBScV_rF7HgFV8iqp/s1600/best2+pillow.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"> </a><br />
If you are anything like me, you hate to throw out perfectly good fabric scraps! I make a lot of similar sized cuts for the projects I typically make, my soft baby toy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/woodponddesigns?section_id=6923049">Jumble Balls</a>. Depending on the size of the fabric, I almost always have a strip of fabric left. I have been saving and using my scraps fairly regularly.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJW5EjvbeN_DKBZlDYwxOS7VWNFQZhMfO2BqpoMxdpTWZ4VtxO6tRg0qvz525-RwN_tNjBB34f1SQJNuTlNfTCi7gPLlU8eAxaUg9VbZoG1qD1HYmlF7khtb1TEuFM-KCrIf67tMd4Xs2V/s1600/2side.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488900422103468258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJW5EjvbeN_DKBZlDYwxOS7VWNFQZhMfO2BqpoMxdpTWZ4VtxO6tRg0qvz525-RwN_tNjBB34f1SQJNuTlNfTCi7gPLlU8eAxaUg9VbZoG1qD1HYmlF7khtb1TEuFM-KCrIf67tMd4Xs2V/s400/2side.JPG" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender filled scrap sachet - measures about 4" square.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Recently I have created a few appliqued tree pillows. They have been my most popular items on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/woodponddesigns/4370428133/">Flickr</a> and I donated one to my nephew Mitch's school fundraiser and it fetched a nice high price. These are fun to make and I learned about them from the <a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/tutorials.php">Sew Mama Sew</a> site, specifically from <a href="http://www.cluckclucksew.com/2009/10/tutorial-scrap-buster-fall-pillow.html">Cluck Cluck Sew</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMEUKedZWqZlrvmwki80Lm_lXo9O29lY0uiLV6WxECHVUz5_Uaii0Rs7xpMS2TZSQFeVxy_VngfS-Pv_2g8jH2tdqqkV6M67Uvq6kYtjYjVI__VWuXQFaWfe_tubfL43IP6i4npVXSZpZ/s1600/DSCN5347.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488901891563659890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMEUKedZWqZlrvmwki80Lm_lXo9O29lY0uiLV6WxECHVUz5_Uaii0Rs7xpMS2TZSQFeVxy_VngfS-Pv_2g8jH2tdqqkV6M67Uvq6kYtjYjVI__VWuXQFaWfe_tubfL43IP6i4npVXSZpZ/s400/DSCN5347.JPG" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 393px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWgHSDCt-_jVzswDK62Cs_1MlMOtWBJloytwb9r697bj-bXu2rA7dvWcXNmcV4vtiY8PewmJR818LmgjbKrCcvLfLH7Kr4Wk3wS_r7zDNvvG7kjThZv6NoPmRM4wZMgCWdRWi47FhJXgV/s1600/DSCN5351.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488901883349683378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWgHSDCt-_jVzswDK62Cs_1MlMOtWBJloytwb9r697bj-bXu2rA7dvWcXNmcV4vtiY8PewmJR818LmgjbKrCcvLfLH7Kr4Wk3wS_r7zDNvvG7kjThZv6NoPmRM4wZMgCWdRWi47FhJXgV/s400/DSCN5351.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <br />
So far, this autumn themed pillow is hands down my favorite! The colors are wonderful.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzNP9c7uGz-71AecBKRBcsbhaP6NV47d48zKPcJINpwdc2X5MthKKevTVfrCdcdj-_Jxby9Sett3noFcyhL_8tAgRyUH-mqllDa30D870iAxDX6QrbkekZZeXEKf-6qezrOFYCVhqd_PC/s1600/tree+pillow4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzNP9c7uGz-71AecBKRBcsbhaP6NV47d48zKPcJINpwdc2X5MthKKevTVfrCdcdj-_Jxby9Sett3noFcyhL_8tAgRyUH-mqllDa30D870iAxDX6QrbkekZZeXEKf-6qezrOFYCVhqd_PC/s320/tree+pillow4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The same idea can be used to create other pillows as well, like these two featuring circles and squares.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWiQKMCVG5J7hy3y5ZxRoGQ6LsfYbqc1h4wOD5EJybi4-_1fcmOwLqB2Naj1tieyl83R95K6eHYK9tllsCaoXv1-K7oHIB9psjdvNhJzYPQPRmUg2hvbAu6GA8ozrWwuq8lCpVgu5CHBe/s1600/circle+pillow.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488901875265236370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWiQKMCVG5J7hy3y5ZxRoGQ6LsfYbqc1h4wOD5EJybi4-_1fcmOwLqB2Naj1tieyl83R95K6eHYK9tllsCaoXv1-K7oHIB9psjdvNhJzYPQPRmUg2hvbAu6GA8ozrWwuq8lCpVgu5CHBe/s400/circle+pillow.JPG" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 390px;" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EV5_FtSykFdSXExjpflImqwOFO6swSTqYbGFIY_EpRKASLIQ3fHNpF_RZpzdEruu8D7nOGJr7knuVTmwn7dKIvkZMPqDAz0PGsHdq0td-9XTCUxwB2GyO8mNoYmBpO_aHThX4ahjYUUE/s1600/pillowfront.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EV5_FtSykFdSXExjpflImqwOFO6swSTqYbGFIY_EpRKASLIQ3fHNpF_RZpzdEruu8D7nOGJr7knuVTmwn7dKIvkZMPqDAz0PGsHdq0td-9XTCUxwB2GyO8mNoYmBpO_aHThX4ahjYUUE/s320/pillowfront.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzNP9c7uGz-71AecBKRBcsbhaP6NV47d48zKPcJINpwdc2X5MthKKevTVfrCdcdj-_Jxby9Sett3noFcyhL_8tAgRyUH-mqllDa30D870iAxDX6QrbkekZZeXEKf-6qezrOFYCVhqd_PC/s1600/tree+pillow4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>Another scrap project I created is making these wee sized balsam (or lavender) filled sachets. I use a small ribbon or tiny rickrack for the hanging loop. They are fast and easy to sew up a bunch and would make a lovely wedding favor done all in similar or coordinating fabric.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9y1IQ0YC2S9cmNSgRq8qdJdQzmljg-mbl9WTOFT6SgASmdInTmf8mw8uFOs9BGFSnJBfJenOT-Lj7Y0gV9HobsFCoN4GsPdkizc_Vjjw4uBJLsSMjf73RO-9C30k8kPvGQvVFNcWRIts/s1600/FREEBIES2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488900439008673586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9y1IQ0YC2S9cmNSgRq8qdJdQzmljg-mbl9WTOFT6SgASmdInTmf8mw8uFOs9BGFSnJBfJenOT-Lj7Y0gV9HobsFCoN4GsPdkizc_Vjjw4uBJLsSMjf73RO-9C30k8kPvGQvVFNcWRIts/s400/FREEBIES2.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidygHpb4Jz9V84kDgZiP5k5pv8xc450KoLmUJIpJipjor56zzU7Wq0IKEzLw2WwgPwxwxQKF9JQp85PXFZGf60k-YVVtu-Eovs0Y3dpfVN2HpfTcpoE1wiwQN-Oa5roAfuSDBysRmgD3t/s1600/TETRA+PINE+SACHET+POUCH.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488900438677080850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidygHpb4Jz9V84kDgZiP5k5pv8xc450KoLmUJIpJipjor56zzU7Wq0IKEzLw2WwgPwxwxQKF9JQp85PXFZGf60k-YVVtu-Eovs0Y3dpfVN2HpfTcpoE1wiwQN-Oa5roAfuSDBysRmgD3t/s400/TETRA+PINE+SACHET+POUCH.JPG" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
You can make all kinds of coasters with very small amounts of fabric. These start out at 5" squares. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuMnzPlGaRAef9vASH6nmvDsisIuXnIq1MLPaMXFrRQIipY6LVRzfisnBQ4wFcnAOmiND7ErwuulGdm0KxydaBEmF3EqPQkEmxz4XtPFFPr1tiB7UmUM4262sPoGhqqiYElLFYjpcUhQD/s1600/coasters+page.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488901877296189698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuMnzPlGaRAef9vASH6nmvDsisIuXnIq1MLPaMXFrRQIipY6LVRzfisnBQ4wFcnAOmiND7ErwuulGdm0KxydaBEmF3EqPQkEmxz4XtPFFPr1tiB7UmUM4262sPoGhqqiYElLFYjpcUhQD/s400/coasters+page.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Of course the most logical thing to do with all my fabric scraps is make a quilt. I have felt intimidated about making a quilt for some time. Maybe because my mother is a fantastic quilt maker and she quilts the tops all by hand. Well, I haven't got the time or the patience for that!<br />
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I made this baby quilt for my friend Joanna. I used a variety of scrap fabric, lots of polka-dots, and loads with little animals - owls, ducks, caterpillars, dogs, birds, etc. Each piece is 5" wide and the length varies - some are 2.5", some 3.5" and others just under 4". I sewed the pieces into 5 strips. The backing is a blue dot minky fleece, which is super soft. The quilt is top stitched and I choose not to put batting in the middle as I didn't want it to be too thick.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZMpDTPO2S3DrN_NP0BijFgyfJ8wAfGwcKvY78K5kRnPo8Tc8_zQpVNJPZkwDRMzirI-V2TLYLk6HaCiRy2cdJDF8jkFHXRVKV5zZfjiNMVn-d0y7MS9yAL3E4xR99ZVx8Rox_p3m3bAg/s1600/minky++back.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZMpDTPO2S3DrN_NP0BijFgyfJ8wAfGwcKvY78K5kRnPo8Tc8_zQpVNJPZkwDRMzirI-V2TLYLk6HaCiRy2cdJDF8jkFHXRVKV5zZfjiNMVn-d0y7MS9yAL3E4xR99ZVx8Rox_p3m3bAg/s320/minky++back.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTRUQpV1AtgIYGz45IVcmS_sS0ZG0O_ga-QhGl3c1-r0Od_t__2L6asv8iZKmJx_3QL8mdC3QaaSKOoSOMDa0QLzGqFkIovo5aFbzRntaktdZvgP7fBVh12XgR2294OscCqX888irY04h/s1600/DSCN6711.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTRUQpV1AtgIYGz45IVcmS_sS0ZG0O_ga-QhGl3c1-r0Od_t__2L6asv8iZKmJx_3QL8mdC3QaaSKOoSOMDa0QLzGqFkIovo5aFbzRntaktdZvgP7fBVh12XgR2294OscCqX888irY04h/s320/DSCN6711.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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For this linen pillow, which was a birthday gift for my friend Mary, I made a bird pattern and a variety of blue and green fabrics. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp83E0n1apLBgmB_kMjery8uy4ThrntOYpugV-ugoRhHJHsDUMIRfdoM9TEQZjjQdyClehj13LHcvrAX9zTWtvNZ5uBv6YGdDb5zeo1wzyVC2PtAenZ8BUmjEIjAAUBScV_rF7HgFV8iqp/s1600/best2+pillow.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488900417891713282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp83E0n1apLBgmB_kMjery8uy4ThrntOYpugV-ugoRhHJHsDUMIRfdoM9TEQZjjQdyClehj13LHcvrAX9zTWtvNZ5uBv6YGdDb5zeo1wzyVC2PtAenZ8BUmjEIjAAUBScV_rF7HgFV8iqp/s400/best2+pillow.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <br />
I plan to make another one of these soon, as I still have a small basket filled with scraps!<br />
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<a href="http://tipnut.com/scrap-happy-fabric-scrap-ideas-free-patterns/">What to make with fabric scraps</a>:<br />
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Pincushions<br />
fabric covered buttons (which can be made into jewelry, magnets, pushpins, hair ties, etc)<br />
cell phone or ipod case<br />
doll clothes<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ68QEeURMGmBw0mCV9wgqXaFeM-CaGXJ9T6JlPxXyf9Ctj4lqgTWXgDPnG8u0mgVr2bJGUyeJve2xdxR6mDlAfqYRiIRjCxmUdxextBVg8gQfOVT8oN0db1CI-uI-uo_MaPgAifb120P/s1600/Fall+Festival.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ68QEeURMGmBw0mCV9wgqXaFeM-CaGXJ9T6JlPxXyf9Ctj4lqgTWXgDPnG8u0mgVr2bJGUyeJve2xdxR6mDlAfqYRiIRjCxmUdxextBVg8gQfOVT8oN0db1CI-uI-uo_MaPgAifb120P/s320/Fall+Festival.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><br />
For very tiny scraps of fabric, button cover projects are great. You can purchase the button cover sets on Etsy and they come in a variety of sizes. They come with either a button backing, which you'd sewn onto clothes, or flat backs that are easy to adhere a variety of clips to. You can attach them to ring and bracelet blanks or adhere the button covers to magnets, paperclips, or hair clips. They are so pretty, I made pushpin and magnet sets for all my coworkers for Christmas this year.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd124Seh8pQBzOMLPps771XGdmWlJZVQGxeCtMibXPAOJ_BC7XKm5TUEBqciE-MFooYk45oVfLrRsW2FigGZf6_YwYpEO_oWFKwhecqisDGgb0bgdbGMZjjX6BwmNl624zkWQpW4ztZ5UG/s1600/Nov14+104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd124Seh8pQBzOMLPps771XGdmWlJZVQGxeCtMibXPAOJ_BC7XKm5TUEBqciE-MFooYk45oVfLrRsW2FigGZf6_YwYpEO_oWFKwhecqisDGgb0bgdbGMZjjX6BwmNl624zkWQpW4ztZ5UG/s320/Nov14+104.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBzEr8-l10KlgcmcOG60oLINcroIGKxzcC0VwqYvbO6YxQtV0roaTYN_ajrB3kw_YZWgCTnL7EsRb-zDVQBl7soXrazkicQeMBehw-oaC2PU5ZahTH2LMXVmQt8SthbxUIjOrfjerT0MS/s1600/DSCN7157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBzEr8-l10KlgcmcOG60oLINcroIGKxzcC0VwqYvbO6YxQtV0roaTYN_ajrB3kw_YZWgCTnL7EsRb-zDVQBl7soXrazkicQeMBehw-oaC2PU5ZahTH2LMXVmQt8SthbxUIjOrfjerT0MS/s320/DSCN7157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ68QEeURMGmBw0mCV9wgqXaFeM-CaGXJ9T6JlPxXyf9Ctj4lqgTWXgDPnG8u0mgVr2bJGUyeJve2xdxR6mDlAfqYRiIRjCxmUdxextBVg8gQfOVT8oN0db1CI-uI-uo_MaPgAifb120P/s1600/Fall+Festival.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6MlqgLoTcH1IblUGcUq2-4ircdfznakjAmMKpS3_XYe2J0ZEcMiQo7umWbnAuK3xU1GGM1c21it5Q7KUyrLHcfsEbf2rh48gVh3B3jV6cF0BWw3JQqYO61ZR9GCPAWK0ZaVHtqMVLWHD/s1600/DSCN4225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6MlqgLoTcH1IblUGcUq2-4ircdfznakjAmMKpS3_XYe2J0ZEcMiQo7umWbnAuK3xU1GGM1c21it5Q7KUyrLHcfsEbf2rh48gVh3B3jV6cF0BWw3JQqYO61ZR9GCPAWK0ZaVHtqMVLWHD/s320/DSCN4225.JPG" width="294" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMI0e11rQatBXgfBYCUXqympHS0pU193a2zub6JPUcdQOsl_b-5_1PoT2HmqijbLfwSQOkBxt8VpvrMLxdbs6NPzdJxez3QSO7ViyMovXPnJ_2-qlLGXokGIoITY4FNmaUEI_J8FGLtje/s1600/browngreen1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMI0e11rQatBXgfBYCUXqympHS0pU193a2zub6JPUcdQOsl_b-5_1PoT2HmqijbLfwSQOkBxt8VpvrMLxdbs6NPzdJxez3QSO7ViyMovXPnJ_2-qlLGXokGIoITY4FNmaUEI_J8FGLtje/s320/browngreen1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-37510008157332279312011-05-01T12:43:00.013-04:002011-05-01T12:50:26.796-04:00Linen & Lace Shabby Chic home decor collectionHere are some of my latest creations. The little wee cottages are wonderful decorations nestled among vintage pieces or house plants.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJa-a2kKI9KAEtevGycevC3SOAzIwp3qsYPv_vUH-WBz8O40amPJ0nY3aP0c1DTXVjSmZm4e7866OqXXzY7t5h0Q3__zFeV-WYD6yNg6GsbEMGgT-Ahb5wZ0hCwpmJvwl2drFfFaKRenr6/s1600/both+houses+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJa-a2kKI9KAEtevGycevC3SOAzIwp3qsYPv_vUH-WBz8O40amPJ0nY3aP0c1DTXVjSmZm4e7866OqXXzY7t5h0Q3__zFeV-WYD6yNg6GsbEMGgT-Ahb5wZ0hCwpmJvwl2drFfFaKRenr6/s320/both+houses+front.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little Linen houses </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMZCjqayZRVQrwlWDoPOON9g7DoYrtp-X13mK4FJ4fJIMa76F6cOu1nkayD2DW6fv1Jns_ojOiZ2qDcj3O7vQ921gYIUDRi1bbq5irJPUTzT5L67JZgzkU-uH8DmOGTjomAoru8dcOupP/s1600/linen+collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMZCjqayZRVQrwlWDoPOON9g7DoYrtp-X13mK4FJ4fJIMa76F6cOu1nkayD2DW6fv1Jns_ojOiZ2qDcj3O7vQ921gYIUDRi1bbq5irJPUTzT5L67JZgzkU-uH8DmOGTjomAoru8dcOupP/s320/linen+collection.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMTskiKp5lDPJc348EuURLB0LaGI1JL6K9QMSoWfKEncdV_ghbAXPb3dhBrq0KqiXF21VNwabUTyB-YaM6jw2jeeyap4RsvHq8sC7VprITkU4Nu9bcsltznCTO-gQ_OTTaC6RVVbdT8KS/s1600/linen+house+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMTskiKp5lDPJc348EuURLB0LaGI1JL6K9QMSoWfKEncdV_ghbAXPb3dhBrq0KqiXF21VNwabUTyB-YaM6jw2jeeyap4RsvHq8sC7VprITkU4Nu9bcsltznCTO-gQ_OTTaC6RVVbdT8KS/s320/linen+house+page.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLGDnQ_fiBIFM7c29rDEurc72MoiDBCGi2X9SJ0arwGL74dRnOPEbwLZ3wOlyN-3RupflaIkkQcK7TaHHM6CF03AOM6rpZScdnnNqurM2bAi3nqzpiyP9UknwLst3HxssfltGPeCgCj0q/s1600/wee+house+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLGDnQ_fiBIFM7c29rDEurc72MoiDBCGi2X9SJ0arwGL74dRnOPEbwLZ3wOlyN-3RupflaIkkQcK7TaHHM6CF03AOM6rpZScdnnNqurM2bAi3nqzpiyP9UknwLst3HxssfltGPeCgCj0q/s320/wee+house+page.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some other wonderful linen and lace items found browsing on Etsy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx05as5vFpYpweSJsXPJaLkDtykZTL21fGODdzUEvYCQm8rhaHAj9T-pRhxymADJytEBNoo8YwZlqDCWnNiMLjCbU9tW3dGK6btZothdFiu9R9QlOBGBPo56Kc-wWscN1lOb38YRnUrA30/s320/linen+baby+shoes.jpg" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sweet little linen baby shoes by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BobkaBaby?ref=pr_shop_more">BobkaBaby </a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Fze2G4cG1a0-HP4KA7XVhSJkiXluBj1NnFtCvUelqX7mer2BWSocKByNCFioGKlP23YMEDnoMwMIqktpR1u13jo7xXNrI4WNMwP15nFzorTqscy4UY_M-md4TlgrtEvJOhuVABPjtkp_/s1600/linen+bucket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Fze2G4cG1a0-HP4KA7XVhSJkiXluBj1NnFtCvUelqX7mer2BWSocKByNCFioGKlP23YMEDnoMwMIqktpR1u13jo7xXNrI4WNMwP15nFzorTqscy4UY_M-md4TlgrtEvJOhuVABPjtkp_/s320/linen+bucket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Linen storage bucket by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66137220/linen-and-lace-storage-bin-small?ref=sr_gallery_24&ga_search_query=linen+lace&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Tuuni's Etsy Shop</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/NestInTheAttic?ref=pr_shop_more"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPOoZNvG7_nqXLjm-IsK2m2J1nm_SP9bxuX8WDnpPuFBuVZkdJLGNfzsluun6IluHb5upzZZm11ORQa6APwOwksOPiFTTvdUogAyxIFM-Jqoi4K38IUpi8gwBLjIwkXch8qiNtJs-Xr5Y/s1600/Linen+pin+cushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPOoZNvG7_nqXLjm-IsK2m2J1nm_SP9bxuX8WDnpPuFBuVZkdJLGNfzsluun6IluHb5upzZZm11ORQa6APwOwksOPiFTTvdUogAyxIFM-Jqoi4K38IUpi8gwBLjIwkXch8qiNtJs-Xr5Y/s320/Linen+pin+cushion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/NestInTheAttic?ref=pr_shop_more">Nest in the Attic's Shop</a> has this wee little pin cushion:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52073404/white-lace-and-organic-hemp-linen-mary?ref=sr_gallery_18&ga_search_query=linen+lace&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade"></a></div><br />
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</a></div>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-58852263720712874192011-04-17T22:13:00.001-04:002011-04-17T22:14:46.865-04:00Before & After Projects<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Before:</b></span> Inexpensive sweaters from the second hand store. Both of these sweaters are 100% wool and felted up very nicely. Curious how to felt sweaters? Check out <a href="http://woodponddesigns.blogspot.com/2009/10/upcycling-wool-sweaters-into-fun-new.html">my previous post</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhp_LPQkck9z7ApmKhQiMZXkJf8nGDBpmu1nvhLylb_-UUELxi95Rd8NhRBd67K1V79dmTDE4hi-qyS741uooGH3S3GkadBBAXDQ09_x1xVdlOfwlqa8f-T4Bmjzmo3h5Vmv4KSwDSbvg/s1600/stuffies+008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhp_LPQkck9z7ApmKhQiMZXkJf8nGDBpmu1nvhLylb_-UUELxi95Rd8NhRBd67K1V79dmTDE4hi-qyS741uooGH3S3GkadBBAXDQ09_x1xVdlOfwlqa8f-T4Bmjzmo3h5Vmv4KSwDSbvg/s400/stuffies+008.jpg" width="400" /> </a><br />
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The green one I have yet to do anything with. The pink one is from Old Navy, who seem to put out a batch of fun bright striped sweaters every year. I've bought a few and also some great ones made by The Gap. The pink and brown one was so pretty that I decided it would make some nice spring stuffed bunnies. The pink and the brown are both soft subtle colors. I have been putting little pockets on the front of all my stuffies for a while now and they have been a huge hit. All kids need a place to keep their secret treasures! I made these like siblings - similar but slightly different so they could be distinguished if bought together. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">After: </span></b> Sweet little <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71444673/stuffed-animal-bunny-rabbit-with-pocket">spring bunny rabbits</a>. Hand embroidered faces with felt scrap eyes. Nice and plump and squishy soft. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uvwuGmI4dcUbCUZNdrZ0wE_OipJSwyJ8BSCI-8m01B8FxqRlwC1RJaXVJ6EGV9Emq9B7Xf9ifqQiuj_0UOjQEnKJDoHLvsvh9uMfzquqVsExjOh19rcyZ8kQV-wuOCLcnGWOZcXrgx9U/s1600/pink+bunny+016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uvwuGmI4dcUbCUZNdrZ0wE_OipJSwyJ8BSCI-8m01B8FxqRlwC1RJaXVJ6EGV9Emq9B7Xf9ifqQiuj_0UOjQEnKJDoHLvsvh9uMfzquqVsExjOh19rcyZ8kQV-wuOCLcnGWOZcXrgx9U/s400/pink+bunny+016.jpg" width="336" /></a> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Before: </b></span>Some fantastic fabric I bought on a whim with no project in mind (shame on me, you should see all the fabric I have!!). The woodgrain or <i>Faux Bois</i> (from the French for false wood) <span style="font-size: small;">in bark brown by Joel Dewberry for Free Spirit Fabric. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The other fabric is a fantastic print </span>called Heath in chocolate brown by Alexander Henry. It has a hand printed look with just enough variation to make it interesting. It's even better up close. Just love it. Actually been looking for other projects to use it one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeKMGK9LBG7seMC7Pv803TpJ-e6Hcd5dXnJcBoTEf6mn7DRWDhioNnoeh7vnRsfp5lxWzGLbIvlbG6IBTLNpQgTJUj2M0UTN3otMPl-kbW5_B4OyF5zeMiqYsP__oG6qAk9D4vTDG6kQF/s1600/brown+fabrics.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeKMGK9LBG7seMC7Pv803TpJ-e6Hcd5dXnJcBoTEf6mn7DRWDhioNnoeh7vnRsfp5lxWzGLbIvlbG6IBTLNpQgTJUj2M0UTN3otMPl-kbW5_B4OyF5zeMiqYsP__oG6qAk9D4vTDG6kQF/s400/brown+fabrics.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuw2sAApAuiZT9NJLX5JPDKER-lP2ij0gtuF4BdE1Wp6q3UhncrgPYkpzPNHdmSC8bDu4lm-ZuMrxyGlNXntir7zSrhGAmnRhsKbinjFhQBCjudcrrNPhM4z0PTbr_1rkukk1OGNtdIfJ/s1600/fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuw2sAApAuiZT9NJLX5JPDKER-lP2ij0gtuF4BdE1Wp6q3UhncrgPYkpzPNHdmSC8bDu4lm-ZuMrxyGlNXntir7zSrhGAmnRhsKbinjFhQBCjudcrrNPhM4z0PTbr_1rkukk1OGNtdIfJ/s400/fabric.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>After:</b></span><br />
A page for my most recent <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68033886/soft-fabric-quiet-baby-book-cotton"><b>fabric baby book</b></a>. These little books are all fabric so they are soft and quiet and great for those times when you need to keep baby entertained.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk574gPVg0iDncdBtnumjCpAvVlbAxxOKZPmltMQMkiJvwLWRk_NSC4ynlZJQEbVDI4XI34nwGRM-U8R0Mhmz_hnOUXIWfe08X-1PzW4sUCQH_9-TttPogL-HvTdAzuj4Cv_BDxiAxhos/s1600/book+in+progress+003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk574gPVg0iDncdBtnumjCpAvVlbAxxOKZPmltMQMkiJvwLWRk_NSC4ynlZJQEbVDI4XI34nwGRM-U8R0Mhmz_hnOUXIWfe08X-1PzW4sUCQH_9-TttPogL-HvTdAzuj4Cv_BDxiAxhos/s400/book+in+progress+003.jpg" width="365" /></a><br />
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Here is one last project. I purchased a linen skirt at the 2nd hand store last summer. It was an Eileen Fisher so it was super long. I hemmed it to knee length and it fits great. I was left with a large scrap piece of linen which I have used in several different projects.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszRj8bgGwupVRvSW-lmn2D5XXzTe9Yb4l1X7KcE9Pren6s6EiFfiipS5UtalrwAbyw6_OJDbiePlZnj6ZIor6OXony6CGLIFb30Qlpi8n0hbdaxso5WgXxwnA2X7uFvTf5VcxMXMKtrh3/s1600/wee+little+house+sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszRj8bgGwupVRvSW-lmn2D5XXzTe9Yb4l1X7KcE9Pren6s6EiFfiipS5UtalrwAbyw6_OJDbiePlZnj6ZIor6OXony6CGLIFb30Qlpi8n0hbdaxso5WgXxwnA2X7uFvTf5VcxMXMKtrh3/s400/wee+little+house+sculpture.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSeGAxRqbpEpdJXA0aq09ONH-nNNCON_YidDtQoqdnOCiN4IfgkSYE3bDZZQur8560bjqNOyo1dFUAHR7whFQG2AMY5BDp79L36cqWfRrUk_mP3wIRdwtVPo3zDJLDUywNlMAlXTZw8LW/s1600/book+in+progress+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSeGAxRqbpEpdJXA0aq09ONH-nNNCON_YidDtQoqdnOCiN4IfgkSYE3bDZZQur8560bjqNOyo1dFUAHR7whFQG2AMY5BDp79L36cqWfRrUk_mP3wIRdwtVPo3zDJLDUywNlMAlXTZw8LW/s400/book+in+progress+011.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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This wee little house is just tiny - about 4 1/2" tall and 2" wide. I hand sewed the entire thing, trimmed it with blanket stitch along the edges, used some scrap wool for the roof and bottom and then hand embroidered windows, a front door and tons of flowers. It was actually too sunny in my studio today when I took these. I haven't decided yet if this will go in my Etsy Shop or to work with me this week to sit with the array of little plants I have growing. I was actually considering making an entire little village. <br />
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Thanks for stopping by!<br />
Jennifer -Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-44808906183865707912010-08-09T20:47:00.048-04:002010-08-09T22:18:52.236-04:00Free Sewing Pattern and Instructions DIY Waterproof Wet Bag for swim suits<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXa1CqbXG8y9GmuwaiqkU4V799UzvGXKtcSfuQqfQPSzmOC6FeYyGa78ZB-liRPpgTcM1EMt2OsKnIchnGwPap3lW8izHU6mR6FTu_kFmlGGBUghqjvYLBwdq30Qt4h3Vcbzz38J_EWIiU/s1600/wet+bag+complete.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXa1CqbXG8y9GmuwaiqkU4V799UzvGXKtcSfuQqfQPSzmOC6FeYyGa78ZB-liRPpgTcM1EMt2OsKnIchnGwPap3lW8izHU6mR6FTu_kFmlGGBUghqjvYLBwdq30Qt4h3Vcbzz38J_EWIiU/s400/wet+bag+complete.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503594522331948514" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vv6xIkGeH9gNJjCqdSaEBGMNlMZAdcOpBrxo1fzx0F4IrGwqh5YsDtdM5T3wJccvaIAFg4lVH0mVTLMHOQV7FwOY8fMV63Y-y_q_bBXddLtaqNiMuWADOv23vzzCIHL76talDuN6ci0B/s1600/right+side+out+showing+bottom+corners.JPG"><br /></a>Free Sewing Pattern and Instructions for making a PUL Fabric Drawstring waterproof Wet Bag<br /><br />My kids start camp this week and will be swimming every day. To avoid a mess the wet swim suits and towels will create, I decided to sew up some quick drawstring wet bags. These bags can have many uses - great for trash in the car, soiled clothes from preschool or daycare, wet diapers, etc. This bag is finished with a drawstring closure at the top, but you could just as easily use a strip of sewn on Velcro.<br /><br />This makes a generous sized bag and you can of course scale the size down to whatever works for you.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Materials</span>:<br />Outside Fabric (red hippo fabric is from IKEA by the yard)<br />PUL Fabric for lining (waterproof fabric - more about <a href="http://www.celticclothswholesale.com/pages/PULFabric.htm">PUL</a> at Celtic Cloths and <a href="http://verybaby.com/ecom-catshow/pul.html">here</a> as well)<br />drawstring (ribbon, cord, shoelace, etc.)<br />coordinating thread<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Instructions:</span><br /><br />1. cut both pieces of fabric to size: 24" x 18"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7qx3g0VcEVz1njSox-ZbogdaCg2H_FAIyGdQ8XrOJG5Y7UWckfWKCQblzMVUuzd3DHP05wYBYh0ZTjtGAwSIB506ZOZeGDRigxlXfl_IWyIrs1fOABuPrM17J6FbG6zA0hVEe1hUA-Ji/s1600/beginning+fabrics.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7qx3g0VcEVz1njSox-ZbogdaCg2H_FAIyGdQ8XrOJG5Y7UWckfWKCQblzMVUuzd3DHP05wYBYh0ZTjtGAwSIB506ZOZeGDRigxlXfl_IWyIrs1fOABuPrM17J6FbG6zA0hVEe1hUA-Ji/s400/beginning+fabrics.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503579832926697106" border="0" /></a><br /><br />2. lay fabrics wrong sides together - shiny side of the PUL facing up and focus fabric facing down. Pin pieces together and sew an 1/8th of an inch around to secure the two pieces together. This step is important because the PUL fabric is very slippery and otherwise the fabric slips.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjni3lDqvFJSD94QB7nuVn_izFGlCV5PX5MyAq4uCl3t0EJp9vvyYbN_w6nJheU3Qcl3EBEkr1YW9GVctiyiseEGxPv-o7d50Q1Aa0yYdRAUz64CgoI143XemHbUIw_z-iO2xbFwwsTAWi8/s1600/corner+pinned.JPG"><br /></a><br /><br />3. To start, fold down the top corners at a 45 degree angle and pin in place. This will create a hem for the drawstring. Lie the project flat and turn in each corner - sew in place.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjni3lDqvFJSD94QB7nuVn_izFGlCV5PX5MyAq4uCl3t0EJp9vvyYbN_w6nJheU3Qcl3EBEkr1YW9GVctiyiseEGxPv-o7d50Q1Aa0yYdRAUz64CgoI143XemHbUIw_z-iO2xbFwwsTAWi8/s1600/corner+pinned.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjni3lDqvFJSD94QB7nuVn_izFGlCV5PX5MyAq4uCl3t0EJp9vvyYbN_w6nJheU3Qcl3EBEkr1YW9GVctiyiseEGxPv-o7d50Q1Aa0yYdRAUz64CgoI143XemHbUIw_z-iO2xbFwwsTAWi8/s400/corner+pinned.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503579857486130002" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcM3jKDxw5NNd09bQcrTJkkO3SYOri-uWqHAletZxdJQvIPVK96BY5YF7NTOVwTPYCH9gEeEaTZTmMG61iafzMGrNGCSAZvjZXw-Q-0TtFp2uy3AqatT0X3ztf3_tBqq14bo1IvAGTstk/s1600/corner.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcM3jKDxw5NNd09bQcrTJkkO3SYOri-uWqHAletZxdJQvIPVK96BY5YF7NTOVwTPYCH9gEeEaTZTmMG61iafzMGrNGCSAZvjZXw-Q-0TtFp2uy3AqatT0X3ztf3_tBqq14bo1IvAGTstk/s400/corner.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503579844599335074" border="0" /></a><br />4. Turn the top edge of the project down 1/4" and then fold again a full inch. Stitch in place creating a tunnel for the drawstring closure.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIpHg01geTnQ4zcw3NNti3xoG3fxEz6zrbzFTYd-ThEsGJTOwesuj_6cVDWTsArdWp_m7dV9SWKg5sGMFc_NLCjV_eAs-ky1_5nj2gr1XXg2ZIp2Sg-QuZXKb9We-ByFKQ625ov05TzWa/s1600/creating+top+hem.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIpHg01geTnQ4zcw3NNti3xoG3fxEz6zrbzFTYd-ThEsGJTOwesuj_6cVDWTsArdWp_m7dV9SWKg5sGMFc_NLCjV_eAs-ky1_5nj2gr1XXg2ZIp2Sg-QuZXKb9We-ByFKQ625ov05TzWa/s400/creating+top+hem.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503583136831800946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMEMblwd1-5s1ZqBqLLPfxl9yUP7m42huUb2KQZKMfKTvQ0q9_zdWTDu9d-dX9906LjXXczud25UoJTcjUEjSOq8JJ4PYJc8gPSgpHwllO7ix7sOxJdicBpaktvEUNMNE21ps0lqLmV-V/s1600/top+hem+completed.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMEMblwd1-5s1ZqBqLLPfxl9yUP7m42huUb2KQZKMfKTvQ0q9_zdWTDu9d-dX9906LjXXczud25UoJTcjUEjSOq8JJ4PYJc8gPSgpHwllO7ix7sOxJdicBpaktvEUNMNE21ps0lqLmV-V/s400/top+hem+completed.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503583806043524370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />5. Here is the top hem completed:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-AxbHBW7v5cZ2m515GyfPkae-hElwrF9MlICtv6NPIfHO84x-Q96jcVhlA6Y-xyHqoqItmShsGWaQ4QsBhsljJX3USwqt4jDQ0GI_6FspgPxzMVTHWjfmGbt3gke54vCJtnnvVONKEY3/s1600/top+hem+unfolded.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-AxbHBW7v5cZ2m515GyfPkae-hElwrF9MlICtv6NPIfHO84x-Q96jcVhlA6Y-xyHqoqItmShsGWaQ4QsBhsljJX3USwqt4jDQ0GI_6FspgPxzMVTHWjfmGbt3gke54vCJtnnvVONKEY3/s400/top+hem+unfolded.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503583797705710994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMEMblwd1-5s1ZqBqLLPfxl9yUP7m42huUb2KQZKMfKTvQ0q9_zdWTDu9d-dX9906LjXXczud25UoJTcjUEjSOq8JJ4PYJc8gPSgpHwllO7ix7sOxJdicBpaktvEUNMNE21ps0lqLmV-V/s1600/top+hem+completed.JPG"><br /></a><br />6. Fold the project in half right sides together and pin in place. Sew along the side edge. If your sewing machine has difficulty with the PUL fabric (feed dog getting stuck), you can cut two small strips of tissue paper and lay them on either side of the fabric. Then just sew right on top of the tissue. When you are done with the seam, just tear the tissue paper off.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3VxDGr8G8JqbY7oc5CQakAYdcl8Vo1qcwUqP0DvW5WCw4jI4eZ2zxmyGjgvBoSwUZrpNs1P1uK4fzPeGSFXN8EeZUx1vgyTe7jBCcXw4QZ-QPnIdIqdjc_mw9i7dCcVJ6InqUH3my9uR/s1600/using+tissue+paper+in+hem.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3VxDGr8G8JqbY7oc5CQakAYdcl8Vo1qcwUqP0DvW5WCw4jI4eZ2zxmyGjgvBoSwUZrpNs1P1uK4fzPeGSFXN8EeZUx1vgyTe7jBCcXw4QZ-QPnIdIqdjc_mw9i7dCcVJ6InqUH3my9uR/s400/using+tissue+paper+in+hem.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503585804342564610" border="0" /></a><br /><br />7. Sew along the bottom edge starting from the folded edge. Now the bottom and sides are sewn and the top edge is complete.<br /><br />8. Now it's time to create the gusset at the bottom edge. Finger press the side seam open. Line up your seams on the outside by taking a pin and poking it through the side seam about 1 1/2" from the bottom.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-Q4XvFmQ8iteejsHvPhPIo6l4y_63NuwuA2vUd0dR6PiUOd87jxsPxMtT44JQF7MTjAoUztzuR1qZUFvmOkTUi416cUyvPNi70qh9w7bztS7iKey521cPGzZ17A0v6_he7L-yiD7UFAX/s1600/arrow+to+pin+placement.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-Q4XvFmQ8iteejsHvPhPIo6l4y_63NuwuA2vUd0dR6PiUOd87jxsPxMtT44JQF7MTjAoUztzuR1qZUFvmOkTUi416cUyvPNi70qh9w7bztS7iKey521cPGzZ17A0v6_he7L-yiD7UFAX/s400/arrow+to+pin+placement.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503588715789236562" border="0" /></a><br />Reach up inside the project to guide the pin from the inside of the side seam, out through the bottom....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpf_HJktw6Y1mfbHkt8yvIl6chmWcdXR4sp31WyFclJY4Ghru4JyVGEUvqdV1zg_Frq9s58oyoX8RNUmQT9788j-Izl1F8cEDMTfwPjPVtuu5CIdEf30sv8ZEPW4Y498L9kgBgy2Po9bd/s1600/poking+pin+through+bottom+hem.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpf_HJktw6Y1mfbHkt8yvIl6chmWcdXR4sp31WyFclJY4Ghru4JyVGEUvqdV1zg_Frq9s58oyoX8RNUmQT9788j-Izl1F8cEDMTfwPjPVtuu5CIdEf30sv8ZEPW4Y498L9kgBgy2Po9bd/s400/poking+pin+through+bottom+hem.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503588720136550802" border="0" /></a>9. Turn the project over and poke the needle through the bottom so it comes out right in the center of the bottom seam. Flatten out the sides and secure the pin in place.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCTMOygc3Zg9WpJ-vnMYgKzf059Eem9j0Gr-0RQH6VCHa5H4j-Lts-DhgRPegGWm_ty9xqDxQ9XAxo6Ac1lz3KNqKCWl4oNvw_ATtmymRTK5g5NH0Hi0ZQkEZW6epE4k7ndgXhFPZG4QU/s1600/flatenning+corner.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCTMOygc3Zg9WpJ-vnMYgKzf059Eem9j0Gr-0RQH6VCHa5H4j-Lts-DhgRPegGWm_ty9xqDxQ9XAxo6Ac1lz3KNqKCWl4oNvw_ATtmymRTK5g5NH0Hi0ZQkEZW6epE4k7ndgXhFPZG4QU/s400/flatenning+corner.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503588725709969762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhag_5ViAg0iwPOBwsF1bkUel5ZiMPL0OGzc4t4B9C8n-1AttiF4n_zdqqY_AS8Apd_gNtiakTie_GRAzk8IDiAd2dE0OSRWd8SwHTxIX_pZbqPRyjzftGT55QSYS5jLuP7zqzXARSQ0-xr/s1600/flattening+out+the+corner.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhag_5ViAg0iwPOBwsF1bkUel5ZiMPL0OGzc4t4B9C8n-1AttiF4n_zdqqY_AS8Apd_gNtiakTie_GRAzk8IDiAd2dE0OSRWd8SwHTxIX_pZbqPRyjzftGT55QSYS5jLuP7zqzXARSQ0-xr/s400/flattening+out+the+corner.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503588733673449010" border="0" /></a><br />Repeat with the other side: only this time you won't have a side seam to measure from. So you'll need to use your finger to flatten out the side to create a crease and then use that as the side seam, measuring and pinning into the side seam and through the center of the bottom seam.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkfzZu4vJUxh_dy-q438NaPTMF3t7xVJbMPwa3ifmb3J9lPlbTcY_-1XphaKtJgjELu83_0QwOuML7GJ48Ju-l6XAiIAISuywP8vQBwVxg88dcwmqZb3zXo5xr5-OKrWJVIw9jm-69ctg/s1600/corner+shot.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkfzZu4vJUxh_dy-q438NaPTMF3t7xVJbMPwa3ifmb3J9lPlbTcY_-1XphaKtJgjELu83_0QwOuML7GJ48Ju-l6XAiIAISuywP8vQBwVxg88dcwmqZb3zXo5xr5-OKrWJVIw9jm-69ctg/s400/corner+shot.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503591602669768162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />10. Flatten the bottom out.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OHUoU90-cQBC6kYibpuMO-j-6mi3Ee6Cr05DaF6fXOz_H9g0HXg8Pxklu8ficvZQaU7WBIz3zUFy_vsIJBXruezBz1XNodyMuf6QHIVc-ZMgqyjIDqGcvj8sUeZh7lZSkV8IhwKxfJIN/s1600/corner+pin+detail.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 366px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OHUoU90-cQBC6kYibpuMO-j-6mi3Ee6Cr05DaF6fXOz_H9g0HXg8Pxklu8ficvZQaU7WBIz3zUFy_vsIJBXruezBz1XNodyMuf6QHIVc-ZMgqyjIDqGcvj8sUeZh7lZSkV8IhwKxfJIN/s400/corner+pin+detail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503591955775910210" border="0" /></a><br />Now place the project on your cutting mat and measure 2 1/2" from the tip. Mark with pen/pencil. Now sew across this line back stitching at the beginning and end.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyJUKAasaZHzsgIuhbFLVwaO8grW4P6_A4NnjC_tPFNigpEsd0Dmt_15j015evkYJSkL3fwHK2cl_noOkUHa3dx5fa8a71DfM8kOaUh_e7RhUi7BNhEalhdO79oo-JICTjcrQ5jEXCB_q/s1600/measure.mark.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyJUKAasaZHzsgIuhbFLVwaO8grW4P6_A4NnjC_tPFNigpEsd0Dmt_15j015evkYJSkL3fwHK2cl_noOkUHa3dx5fa8a71DfM8kOaUh_e7RhUi7BNhEalhdO79oo-JICTjcrQ5jEXCB_q/s400/measure.mark.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503590787017950146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RQ6PtGv93sh3fRYzzVOAwyDp2VgwnzNZQZdSj4B71aIll2Sintp9hqWnP5g0dQloV4qCyWD_21kqodqZu_ViDwo7kROXfwK1ahOAa9V_HUxg4WSvpQwfVZSwMR57oxeVd_L95986SwoN/s1600/sew+across+corner.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 371px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RQ6PtGv93sh3fRYzzVOAwyDp2VgwnzNZQZdSj4B71aIll2Sintp9hqWnP5g0dQloV4qCyWD_21kqodqZu_ViDwo7kROXfwK1ahOAa9V_HUxg4WSvpQwfVZSwMR57oxeVd_L95986SwoN/s400/sew+across+corner.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503592168700241666" border="0" /></a><br /><br />11. Cut off the corner 1/4" from the sewn line. Repeat with the other side<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTDEkcorCfHUWUkZZmOggowcHjSnG_nxdHIaHLc3BgrFWdWvTcjEpfyiVnp0AUmO6hZa90cKBvpVG0HsqUsT9Fe8fxVy311ccTg0WHCF2leqKnUSBT54XUK_YrF2HZC62GGv_hUZByHG3/s1600/cut+corners+off.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTDEkcorCfHUWUkZZmOggowcHjSnG_nxdHIaHLc3BgrFWdWvTcjEpfyiVnp0AUmO6hZa90cKBvpVG0HsqUsT9Fe8fxVy311ccTg0WHCF2leqKnUSBT54XUK_YrF2HZC62GGv_hUZByHG3/s400/cut+corners+off.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503592448011030258" border="0" /></a><br />12. Here is what it should look like with both side gussets built:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngswhZfJsJQVx-HGov5LtINKpRLOzQz43GBvn9MekJdlWOVgaPl0X4R-6Awgt_mXw8Ly2gX1gaznsnYKgSz3_zRPnuwb3g2XVSeBbzd8ydQph8qO5VcmkTx6CrHebQpTN90UbqkdMBDZ3/s1600/inside+out+showing+boxed+corners.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngswhZfJsJQVx-HGov5LtINKpRLOzQz43GBvn9MekJdlWOVgaPl0X4R-6Awgt_mXw8Ly2gX1gaznsnYKgSz3_zRPnuwb3g2XVSeBbzd8ydQph8qO5VcmkTx6CrHebQpTN90UbqkdMBDZ3/s400/inside+out+showing+boxed+corners.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503592742251403026" border="0" /></a><br />13. Clip all stray threads, and turn project right side out. Here is how your gusseted bottom should look:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vv6xIkGeH9gNJjCqdSaEBGMNlMZAdcOpBrxo1fzx0F4IrGwqh5YsDtdM5T3wJccvaIAFg4lVH0mVTLMHOQV7FwOY8fMV63Y-y_q_bBXddLtaqNiMuWADOv23vzzCIHL76talDuN6ci0B/s1600/right+side+out+showing+bottom+corners.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vv6xIkGeH9gNJjCqdSaEBGMNlMZAdcOpBrxo1fzx0F4IrGwqh5YsDtdM5T3wJccvaIAFg4lVH0mVTLMHOQV7FwOY8fMV63Y-y_q_bBXddLtaqNiMuWADOv23vzzCIHL76talDuN6ci0B/s400/right+side+out+showing+bottom+corners.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503593129775683138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>14. Now it's time to string the drawstring around the top. You can use a shoelace, ribbon (heat seal by very quickly passing a lighter over the ends) or with a similar cord.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHu5nzXJiNItVteVUWMFppnkWi9c215RL-7kdQuRog11zUREjt1RLFwPdnU0ah53TCaY_k7f1lHSRt5a7ZUhN0DqDvQpoCWfZxMnjKAlHGSvBkBllqnlOKjZIyos3hi_g_wKXN4P59Uqk/s1600/finish+hem+with+drawstring.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHu5nzXJiNItVteVUWMFppnkWi9c215RL-7kdQuRog11zUREjt1RLFwPdnU0ah53TCaY_k7f1lHSRt5a7ZUhN0DqDvQpoCWfZxMnjKAlHGSvBkBllqnlOKjZIyos3hi_g_wKXN4P59Uqk/s400/finish+hem+with+drawstring.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503593989100029362" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Secure a safety pin to the cord to help you guide it through (easier to grab hold of and you won't loose the end inside).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLD7tGRULnlJlyCZD1BvqzMAbd6fCV3ZYhZbPTM4c8Ipk36kXbjd5JaUrfxFqZ1aC3VUhBSkIDkeQSHSbGZ_xRY8F1pYMmMX-92E5RhLtp_b3ED3A4oDFnWaZYugZTMjD5hKsbpgabeaY/s1600/finished+inside+of+top+hem.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLD7tGRULnlJlyCZD1BvqzMAbd6fCV3ZYhZbPTM4c8Ipk36kXbjd5JaUrfxFqZ1aC3VUhBSkIDkeQSHSbGZ_xRY8F1pYMmMX-92E5RhLtp_b3ED3A4oDFnWaZYugZTMjD5hKsbpgabeaY/s400/finished+inside+of+top+hem.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503593991723283298" border="0" /></a>Tie the ends in a knot if you want.<br /><br /><br />Here is how it should look when complete:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjard3ZKIi2D2IWtZXcPXQh1iceFx26W9KVCIWuCjhsnTZ-q1teaKgOOIdL8rOh6Fj2rC6bfYkdAtRsbUX3HEiJhnFPwK4aj0OaXuqQ4C2bao_v5kGqmUNBeEYCxzvWyJxGhChN9CqnFPxi/s1600/almost+finished.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjard3ZKIi2D2IWtZXcPXQh1iceFx26W9KVCIWuCjhsnTZ-q1teaKgOOIdL8rOh6Fj2rC6bfYkdAtRsbUX3HEiJhnFPwK4aj0OaXuqQ4C2bao_v5kGqmUNBeEYCxzvWyJxGhChN9CqnFPxi/s400/almost+finished.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503593135480074338" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aLVWA-Vac6qkGW_mhvGafgzoAxs3LCx_Rocq_MWGGAMhKt3zUa0kNiDWqkerEp0QMRR5vGpvRsGKu7hKd49ez0ak92WsaBWmr7-YzPa7QIFVM-8ksFzm45Jl06im7GrxKiM1v6JUCBoc/s1600/finished+hem+detail.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aLVWA-Vac6qkGW_mhvGafgzoAxs3LCx_Rocq_MWGGAMhKt3zUa0kNiDWqkerEp0QMRR5vGpvRsGKu7hKd49ez0ak92WsaBWmr7-YzPa7QIFVM-8ksFzm45Jl06im7GrxKiM1v6JUCBoc/s400/finished+hem+detail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503593999584959522" border="0" /></a><br />Finished Size: 14" long by 11" wide:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfnU51C15tE3H_XlH1o0CNIS4RYkTril5erqTq04gLzKyt-VXGUfTP-ocE2PCqTV9tqNZAsbWUp2eAkbjKmaL8guEqrTbZ2DGSU2EQoglsCKUMyEjcNf8tsh8U74Gqa6hV3VAXzkhzYES/s1600/showing+size.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfnU51C15tE3H_XlH1o0CNIS4RYkTril5erqTq04gLzKyt-VXGUfTP-ocE2PCqTV9tqNZAsbWUp2eAkbjKmaL8guEqrTbZ2DGSU2EQoglsCKUMyEjcNf8tsh8U74Gqa6hV3VAXzkhzYES/s400/showing+size.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503594521901610274" border="0" /></a><br />Now lets get ready to swim!<br /><br />Questions about these instructions? Please email me at woodponddesigns@gmail.com<br /><br />Enjoy! Happy sewing<br />Jennifer -Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-55443574191780920392010-07-16T07:33:00.011-04:002010-07-16T08:39:57.049-04:00Wood Pond Designs new world headquarters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHzz2UfSonWefk2md172PA14JUSVEEjt_CpJkrCjicT52RQYrCpe595kLeuBcZJ2zWvl_f9HQNUOiODNQxc-hmrDEf6NwgpmEXmHXrGixDfq-Qn4r5AeJiBGqMnXv5Dgu5QPT9t60k_TM/s1600/il_430xN.152551300.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9RdpRszseKp75qHGiVekJM-ySUgTs4_aae9CXaiIG1us-PU6N2SDUASdL8YBaIqwtZepQLOA0q811esSgOSITXq2BR9hooBtBp7oq56kJ0Zf170Y2RNvdh4o5vZsXqK-myhO87KLBoMV/s1600/sign.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj870ocgYMe1WTlZlqyLTDl_6gf4Hacro_QsSTKEbY-TcC02Hay55hl9vQvUYq18VcbhTdOdsh8wR2SbQ8CsGzldDl0EJLxyCJeBtt3HCwan7W_iLjLLmLUe1jCIxaUWVHjLPLXTSx3eFjq/s1600/Bears+purse.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj870ocgYMe1WTlZlqyLTDl_6gf4Hacro_QsSTKEbY-TcC02Hay55hl9vQvUYq18VcbhTdOdsh8wR2SbQ8CsGzldDl0EJLxyCJeBtt3HCwan7W_iLjLLmLUe1jCIxaUWVHjLPLXTSx3eFjq/s400/Bears+purse.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494480020164261058" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">We just finished unpacking from our household move. We were lucky enough to have a moving company who did all the heavy lifting. Now that the majority of the boxes are unpacked and things put in their new homes, I've had a chance to set up a spare bedroom for sewing and crafting. We've been calling it Wood Pond Designs New World Headquarters!<br /><br />I love WPD new digs - it's a small bedroom on the 2nd floor of the house with two big windows side by side that overlook the backyard with several towering White Pine trees, a smaller Maple and a backyard filled with birds, gray squirrels, and chipmunks. Plus I can see the kids playing in the yard. Though usually, they are lurking around wanting to help create things.<br /><br />In our other house, my crafting area was in the unfinished part of the daylight basement. It had concrete floors and even with the sunny windows, it was cold and always lacked a nice comfy feeling. However, it did have tons of space.<br /><br />That in part was due to a HUGE table that my husband built. The top is an entire sheet of plywood (8 feet by 4 feet), that has been sanded and attached to sturdy 2x4 base. He built it so he could set up the race car track to play on, but then when I needed a work space, I commandeered it, much to the disappointment of my 5-year old son, who reminds me often that I 'stole' it from him!<br /><br />The table takes up half the room, but it holds everything. There is plenty of space to spread things out and leave a mess (which I am prone to do, but try not to in the rest of the house to keep life harmonious). I have my sewing machine and bins of projects on one side along with little organizing bins for thread, needles, etc. and then I have my cutting mat on the other side with my laptop sometimes at one end (and the rest of the time, I drag it around the house). I have a small bureau where I store all my fabric (there's a lot!), and a closet for inventory. There are also several plastic storage bins with pull out drawers which are great for keeping stuff under the table.<br /><br />The only draw back is the room is completely white, with white trim, and a shade, but no curtains. Unfortunately, I can't paint and I am a bit restricted to hanging too much on the walls, so I am thinking of fun ways to dress the room up with color. It's a mess at present, or I'd share a picture (maybe later). Also, I have my ironing board permanently set up, since I use it constantly while I'm sewing.<br /><br />Here are some new projects I've created in the past week, since I got set up:<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSJtMWV5Uh9X8w4Mv09o6Dctrkd8LhQXlu57aQX-PIH3tWwCVp3G0CWbX9DFd-yVvWVd1x7cTBkLOGer3VXDdhjOZjWOwI_tzw5qsrSz-pqvrwosDg3DX-FyqPKhxFlb7Cp7jcbHwtKpn/s1600/Nicey+Jane+1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSJtMWV5Uh9X8w4Mv09o6Dctrkd8LhQXlu57aQX-PIH3tWwCVp3G0CWbX9DFd-yVvWVd1x7cTBkLOGer3VXDdhjOZjWOwI_tzw5qsrSz-pqvrwosDg3DX-FyqPKhxFlb7Cp7jcbHwtKpn/s400/Nicey+Jane+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494480033104453154" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnqLEvxkl-9FiUNhbOUQN1fAUev3hURQgApPM-Zq113s3pw4paw3qnhVsvxGlbfSrst7Cu35rm-iYJP-h4OsWznxHoiYv5sRg1UMHgkyMltjtNvUT8zGz3d6jLmeOsXzmKCTiZPQvNIUG/s1600/DSCN6811.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnqLEvxkl-9FiUNhbOUQN1fAUev3hURQgApPM-Zq113s3pw4paw3qnhVsvxGlbfSrst7Cu35rm-iYJP-h4OsWznxHoiYv5sRg1UMHgkyMltjtNvUT8zGz3d6jLmeOsXzmKCTiZPQvNIUG/s400/DSCN6811.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494480022591999362" border="0" /></a><br />Now I just need a sign on the door! Here are some that might work:<br /><br />A fun shabby chic sign from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thebackporchshoppe?ref=seller_info">The Back Porch Shoppe</a>:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9RdpRszseKp75qHGiVekJM-ySUgTs4_aae9CXaiIG1us-PU6N2SDUASdL8YBaIqwtZepQLOA0q811esSgOSITXq2BR9hooBtBp7oq56kJ0Zf170Y2RNvdh4o5vZsXqK-myhO87KLBoMV/s1600/sign.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 353px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9RdpRszseKp75qHGiVekJM-ySUgTs4_aae9CXaiIG1us-PU6N2SDUASdL8YBaIqwtZepQLOA0q811esSgOSITXq2BR9hooBtBp7oq56kJ0Zf170Y2RNvdh4o5vZsXqK-myhO87KLBoMV/s400/sign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494481627801527682" border="0" /></a>Or maybe I'd customize one similar to this funny <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49773552/welcome-to-the-man-cave">Man Cave sign</a> from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GoJumpInTheLake?ref=seller_info">Go Jump In The Lake's Shop</a>:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHzz2UfSonWefk2md172PA14JUSVEEjt_CpJkrCjicT52RQYrCpe595kLeuBcZJ2zWvl_f9HQNUOiODNQxc-hmrDEf6NwgpmEXmHXrGixDfq-Qn4r5AeJiBGqMnXv5Dgu5QPT9t60k_TM/s1600/il_430xN.152551300.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHzz2UfSonWefk2md172PA14JUSVEEjt_CpJkrCjicT52RQYrCpe595kLeuBcZJ2zWvl_f9HQNUOiODNQxc-hmrDEf6NwgpmEXmHXrGixDfq-Qn4r5AeJiBGqMnXv5Dgu5QPT9t60k_TM/s400/il_430xN.152551300.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494482338787968674" border="0" /></a><br />Until next time, happy crafting to you!<br /><br />Jennifer -<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><br /></span>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-30488224695376928382010-06-14T10:49:00.007-04:002010-06-14T11:01:23.770-04:00Sea Life Etsy Kids Team Challenge for June - Come Vote!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfYOR3eLk4odkeTqagHI5w1VTCPCPGcJEV7GkD7rCGo1YGW8KxqzbYRgARwBsu6uzfOB_DJI-efB58e6Sw_inb5DfLOGxd-1b9cJWuI_J7gkd3_xhCBCq4HD5Osk0TzNv240tUh14Ke10/s1600/fish.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfYOR3eLk4odkeTqagHI5w1VTCPCPGcJEV7GkD7rCGo1YGW8KxqzbYRgARwBsu6uzfOB_DJI-efB58e6Sw_inb5DfLOGxd-1b9cJWuI_J7gkd3_xhCBCq4HD5Osk0TzNv240tUh14Ke10/s400/fish.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482642810942025170" border="0" /></a><br />Every month, the Etsy Kids Team has a fun challenge for our 700+ members to join in on. A theme is chosen by the previous month's winner. This month the them is "Sea Life" which was picked by last month's winner <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/greengoat" title="Check out greengoat's store">greengoat.</a> Reefs, fish, shellfish, sea plants, sea mammals and birds, imaginary sea monsters and ship wrecks. Won<span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class=" on down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_InsertUnorderedList" title="Bulleted List" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 16);ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Bulleted List" class="gl_list_bullet" border="0" /></span></span>ders of the oceans and beach is our focus for this challenge, represented in original prints, applique, illustrations, paper-cuts, accessories, toys, deco, etc. It's a lot of fun. Come and vote here <a rel="nofollow" href="http://etsykids.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">EtsyKids blog</a> starting on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday June 21st - Sunday, June 27th. </span><br /><br /><br />Or search Etsy using the key words<b>:</b> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=EKchallengejun10&search_type=handmade">EKchallengejun10</a> to see all the entry's. The official <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">VOTE</span> takes place here: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://etsykids.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">EtsyKids blog</a>. The winner will be announced on<b> </b>Monday, June 28th<br /><br /><b><br /></b><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:180%;" ><b>COME VOTE FOR THIS WOOD POND DESIGNS FISH!</b></span><br /><br /></div><b><br /></b><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvdkOcjuZEg79fJFwG345-zYJcd3G9PfcBsi-lfcjsx_El1KJlv3r1WXJAsifEnv8olgqFL8PVqAWG2pX-ELUVhWmppqc5TUFajwtER6PGjSax32YgaDuVaA2w1fXCSzAxbX2wBz3TPzr/s1600/Fish+side.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvdkOcjuZEg79fJFwG345-zYJcd3G9PfcBsi-lfcjsx_El1KJlv3r1WXJAsifEnv8olgqFL8PVqAWG2pX-ELUVhWmppqc5TUFajwtER6PGjSax32YgaDuVaA2w1fXCSzAxbX2wBz3TPzr/s400/Fish+side.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482643610721235874" border="0" /></a><br /><b><br /><br /><br /><br /></b>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-8958439615922002702010-05-31T08:51:00.013-04:002010-05-31T09:40:58.849-04:00Random assortment of forgotten and unfinished projects.I love to create, and I love to create something new and exciting. I have loads of ideas. Sometimes, however, I start making something, loose interest, move on to something else and forget all about that cool new project. I found a bunch of these unfinished goodies just the other day. <br /><br />I went looking for something in one of my storage bins, and found a random assortment of half finished and forgotten projects. I have quite a few of those sturdy blue totes - one with patterns and misc. sewing stuff, and one for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/43660027/handmade-soft-fabric-toy-ribbon-ball-for">Jumble Balls</a>, another for plush critters and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/43680636/handmade-plush-stuffed-baby-rattle">bunny rattles</a>, and yet another with all my wool for making sweater critters, etc. In my search, I ended up finding a whole host of other things - mostly half-finished projects. I got a pile of stuff out and decided to see if I could finish them up and decide what to do with them.<br /><br />I found a bunch of <a href="http://www.craftstylish.com/item/58568/pretty-pincushion-from-bottle-cap">bottlecap pin cushions</a> that I made last winter. These are a ton of fun to make and I gave a bunch as gifts. All you need is a bottle cap from a soda bottle, some scraps of fleece, embroidery floss, and a tiny bit of filling. It's a great way to work on your embroidery skills. I has some in my Etsy shop, but they weren't great sellers so I just let them expire. Now I have them hanging around. Maybe I should do a give-a-way.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BZVENr6ZaU88IiMzScp0bUN-rwsh5WX-wu-f_z9QSNDUeSKAMaSxWkpHZNCyZIpGsvgC18DqGu99E9EtuAb1JM05953fDwSzv5xWWMFk1ezSLajMAh6JOWZmVLwyBK_ht18QJagirSU8/s1600/page.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BZVENr6ZaU88IiMzScp0bUN-rwsh5WX-wu-f_z9QSNDUeSKAMaSxWkpHZNCyZIpGsvgC18DqGu99E9EtuAb1JM05953fDwSzv5xWWMFk1ezSLajMAh6JOWZmVLwyBK_ht18QJagirSU8/s400/page.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477418665127486594" border="0" /></a><br />I had a custom order a while back to create a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45220328/passport-case-or-sleeve-maine-lobsters">passport case</a> for a European Passport. The size was just a bit different from a US Passport, so I had to modify the pattern. I ended up with a few extra's and now I can't remember if these are the standard or European size! I'm trying to figure out if they can be used for something else, like to hold an mp3 player. Here are a few that are the correct size! The batik fabric are brand new and I thought they would be great for Dad's on Father's Day, graduates and teacher appreciate gifts as they are more masculine than the others I've made.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGujt2wSMeT8gzg2UmEoCOuW7L-ta4kpTDWXWmfSDjMw6qZ5Aj23HPRgourvE_GrpZOq9Yr4uZcL4eR7BFYSx9MeOCcoUljiWO5xp5OEYKWDGTvfRKWbgRjOKyy3NjFvQuvXYrsVa2F6w/s1600/passport+page.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGujt2wSMeT8gzg2UmEoCOuW7L-ta4kpTDWXWmfSDjMw6qZ5Aj23HPRgourvE_GrpZOq9Yr4uZcL4eR7BFYSx9MeOCcoUljiWO5xp5OEYKWDGTvfRKWbgRjOKyy3NjFvQuvXYrsVa2F6w/s400/passport+page.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477423192445115282" border="0" /></a><br />Then I found some little totes I made. I was teaching myself how to create a lining that could be folded over the top. One of these I now use as a bin for my fabric marking pens and other little essentials on my sewing table. They are a little bit wonky and uneven, but still usable. Not sure what to do with these either!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3m4VjLAAbC2whDIcZwrVzAPU5DkGjiKaIQ70sKLlJDDe6q6-qfZ29b-nsZeQyPDNM7IT2d9x8rYA4WFEoPbBVDY2yk7YTIdHUXruBRMagBB-RmyZWpTJg47cgJoc-Yy7Sl0YrxxFA79Th/s1600/green+sweater+tote.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3m4VjLAAbC2whDIcZwrVzAPU5DkGjiKaIQ70sKLlJDDe6q6-qfZ29b-nsZeQyPDNM7IT2d9x8rYA4WFEoPbBVDY2yk7YTIdHUXruBRMagBB-RmyZWpTJg47cgJoc-Yy7Sl0YrxxFA79Th/s400/green+sweater+tote.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477420425918693074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimAS5OvN4mnoM-H7lPFayyzvuN_jKrNRb8Jn6q38WMZqy8ck3Gkzf9jdhtyPtn-r23YCMbUk0KmhURz4c0uCqgTxEOOoFpDabC1MzGxt48x6Kbjm0Pcmnxdd8p50yAKsUQzjDN_XMeef2/s1600/sweater+tote.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimAS5OvN4mnoM-H7lPFayyzvuN_jKrNRb8Jn6q38WMZqy8ck3Gkzf9jdhtyPtn-r23YCMbUk0KmhURz4c0uCqgTxEOOoFpDabC1MzGxt48x6Kbjm0Pcmnxdd8p50yAKsUQzjDN_XMeef2/s400/sweater+tote.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477420893365680034" border="0" /></a>I also found these nifty sweater blocks I made. I cut 6 squares from upcycled felted sweaters and then sewed them together. I put a jingle bell inside one of them, but the sound is muffled from the stuffing, but the other one has a rattle inside and it sounds just fine. I was thinking if I put the jingle bell inside of something else, maybe a film canister (do those still exist?), or some other small washable container. I have a ton of beautiful and amazingly soft cashmere that I could use to make more of these. They would look really cute with little appliqued shapes.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzr1PefdcALg5rYrzJJLrW-rZSzLxcilMf5MBd60cfTiQPCIXtLHdJ-utNCXuKnif1DuTrlZt4Yf9KoipIBa9j8OOA4S966ByFO-PPVtIJRTItj9pNssuPXC7xfFqc9N1Y4RI2e7p8iNfg/s1600/DSCN6362.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzr1PefdcALg5rYrzJJLrW-rZSzLxcilMf5MBd60cfTiQPCIXtLHdJ-utNCXuKnif1DuTrlZt4Yf9KoipIBa9j8OOA4S966ByFO-PPVtIJRTItj9pNssuPXC7xfFqc9N1Y4RI2e7p8iNfg/s400/DSCN6362.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477422331946835618" border="0" /></a><br />Then there tons of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44720764/cotton-plush-stuffed-fish-fresh-catch-of">Plush Fishes</a>. I have been modifying my original pattern, and here are a few of the latest ones.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSEGaj3-5aM6SJbjUtkyOgUBREwY-bXlwPGp-6J2k2VLZ62WYOJ7b6JZYty_H0B6tRLcOhSYm90o2_Qwi-sbXHYuSNhIfW-6oBtC_T1arBZrWdbX6peE-ZtnycsopPhHDlV5V9ajuqMkg/s1600/Fish+Page.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSEGaj3-5aM6SJbjUtkyOgUBREwY-bXlwPGp-6J2k2VLZ62WYOJ7b6JZYty_H0B6tRLcOhSYm90o2_Qwi-sbXHYuSNhIfW-6oBtC_T1arBZrWdbX6peE-ZtnycsopPhHDlV5V9ajuqMkg/s400/Fish+Page.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477426090443885490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXlVPAxrMR7VOiIF1brYZEQ8E3U3WDMX-1c4ArdLtv166OQUetFfpIjjAe4ofRZk8vbn0aPQrGtWQOWI4tkt0deD9RTWlGJnS3Ay1on91AR7Dwo3StKMvddNvBZIRfNlX6a_anUX4-KXH/s1600/blur+fish.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXlVPAxrMR7VOiIF1brYZEQ8E3U3WDMX-1c4ArdLtv166OQUetFfpIjjAe4ofRZk8vbn0aPQrGtWQOWI4tkt0deD9RTWlGJnS3Ay1on91AR7Dwo3StKMvddNvBZIRfNlX6a_anUX4-KXH/s400/blur+fish.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477426096021670546" border="0" /></a>Last but not least is this very cool silver fabric plush robot. He doesn't have a face yet, but I created the pink satin heart and my 5 year old decided he should be called 'love bot'.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy28jizZVnhbHwOV2jGZp_ir-Bw7xyZss8RxunR7tRV2kVWCWyHKC9AQPKUSxaj3rM4YYMBnKdQEC-xbOAVuBzuBpLJUHq8iSLvr4SN8y3dM0dz8OPWJckqYxJB_tJqaou7eKl8Cur-aH/s1600/DSCN5730.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 386px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy28jizZVnhbHwOV2jGZp_ir-Bw7xyZss8RxunR7tRV2kVWCWyHKC9AQPKUSxaj3rM4YYMBnKdQEC-xbOAVuBzuBpLJUHq8iSLvr4SN8y3dM0dz8OPWJckqYxJB_tJqaou7eKl8Cur-aH/s400/DSCN5730.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477426105442474834" border="0" /></a>Maybe I'll force myself to finish some of these projects before I create anything else new and exciting. Good luck with that....Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-35801808958947828712010-05-17T20:49:00.007-04:002010-05-17T21:43:09.814-04:00Birds of a Feather Appliqued PillowI just finished a birthday gift for my friend Mary. It's a decorative linen pillow with bird appliques. I couldn't find a nice bird silhouette that I liked. I am an avid bird watcher and had an idea of what I wanted, so I just designed something myself. I was looking for a classic song bird shape without too much detail, to make the applique easier to cut. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgna_QLWUIR0NN4JpHQgxzHOSgogyRVQCfi_aQhxqPLwT9xPivpk88pGSvLYprJPF2SD1UPBeSI0rfnGhAt6icP-rK5zPeRT8vJYgTuR7eDbYyHleKGvpnHqG8J576Yswzg5X0dgzy_fFtq/s1600/Bird+Pillow1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgna_QLWUIR0NN4JpHQgxzHOSgogyRVQCfi_aQhxqPLwT9xPivpk88pGSvLYprJPF2SD1UPBeSI0rfnGhAt6icP-rK5zPeRT8vJYgTuR7eDbYyHleKGvpnHqG8J576Yswzg5X0dgzy_fFtq/s400/Bird+Pillow1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472415018321625762" border="0" /></a><br />I used some heavy weight graph paper that was lying around and it makes a nice stencil. Then four different fabrics in coordinating colors of blue and green were chosen. I had recently made a few other appliqued pillows where I used a bright white cotton canvas. But Mary has a white slip covered couch so I wanted to go with a different fabric. I bought this beautiful 100% linen fabric on sale and I'm glad I got enough to make additional pillows. It's so soft and has a nice drape.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljcBfehAEdMXl2ZiPbDVVdJFCEva1dBrqOt6swU0U5PZm_f_8pxZV4WofZT0u4CxjPvFs3sbQlGa1TAkAoGtC7p0hehvroUhk-ZjPqEoYcA8hXzgbLJ2jshVoLlXHw_tBvAQ7hwpcdjWj/s1600/side+closeup.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljcBfehAEdMXl2ZiPbDVVdJFCEva1dBrqOt6swU0U5PZm_f_8pxZV4WofZT0u4CxjPvFs3sbQlGa1TAkAoGtC7p0hehvroUhk-ZjPqEoYcA8hXzgbLJ2jshVoLlXHw_tBvAQ7hwpcdjWj/s400/side+closeup.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472414875224309026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4DAZlTNuF9iQs1e73lz1p8GyWC_ft1U1UGP5Uo36sxMmUItDaArZr_u1v9ZxnavCprt9DNCELbZCdCulmqcNGIltVXY8xx2IWPLWGvQSLnalT6H7q4JiVtuJ5Ufbp4P8Ln6K39GaegdI/s1600/bird+closeup.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4DAZlTNuF9iQs1e73lz1p8GyWC_ft1U1UGP5Uo36sxMmUItDaArZr_u1v9ZxnavCprt9DNCELbZCdCulmqcNGIltVXY8xx2IWPLWGvQSLnalT6H7q4JiVtuJ5Ufbp4P8Ln6K39GaegdI/s400/bird+closeup.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472415417813657522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bird Applique closeup.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC9jVfoNIsyoiZO4-1njOBk5xQ8uXq8D6FqlDE3zlmH1qeMAN0d8laJoPqQPn7g4bZfOIibnjalxThsT3crjxpAggEZG-Kao_TU1iZvg8d3xsNS96NVtuJCPuBebWkMbynX55dJoJdcNv/s1600/linen+closeup.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC9jVfoNIsyoiZO4-1njOBk5xQ8uXq8D6FqlDE3zlmH1qeMAN0d8laJoPqQPn7g4bZfOIibnjalxThsT3crjxpAggEZG-Kao_TU1iZvg8d3xsNS96NVtuJCPuBebWkMbynX55dJoJdcNv/s400/linen+closeup.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472415414898313522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Linen fabric and back envelope closure</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hope</span><br />by Emily Dickenson<br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: lucida grande; font-style: italic;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-family: lucida grande; font-style: italic;">Hope is the thing with feathers<br />That perches in the soul,<br />And sings the tune--without the words,<br />And never stops at all,</p><div style="text-align: center; font-family: lucida grande; font-style: italic;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-family: lucida grande; font-style: italic;">And sweetest in the gale is heard;<br />And sore must be the storm<br />That could abash the little bird<br />That kept so many warm.</p><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:lucida grande;" > I've heard it in the chillest land,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:lucida grande;" >And on the strangest sea;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:lucida grande;" >Yet, never, in extremity,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:lucida grande;" >It asked a crumb of me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Bird Gift Tag</span><br />For the gift tag, I used the bird stencil to cut out a tag from heavy weight scrap booking paper and wrote the first part of Emily Dickenson's poem Hope on the other side.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJmvKzojEcLVDMpL8N-xbwKsnIQghJXl3g3QTz3A7u_RbexMtH7P7JSXWX9q577hLKCGgi74q8SiqDnmfN_xdWZKCUo5Do9NbNJzZ_sHoV4WNk5YryXy15EmSfWpF8tvm3BF5MKurifLj/s1600/Bird+gift+tag.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 365px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJmvKzojEcLVDMpL8N-xbwKsnIQghJXl3g3QTz3A7u_RbexMtH7P7JSXWX9q577hLKCGgi74q8SiqDnmfN_xdWZKCUo5Do9NbNJzZ_sHoV4WNk5YryXy15EmSfWpF8tvm3BF5MKurifLj/s400/Bird+gift+tag.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472416840202909970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></div><br /></div>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-79412265045036787612010-04-26T21:39:00.010-04:002010-04-26T22:06:56.967-04:00Here are a few of my favorite things<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4r-kZrAG8BmteFc1NRQwST4boX73Jk7hxhK57CWjCUzmGOohA0ibnsi41MHHSxfVtfsQuoalLEcOHbq7c9zY78D89z6XSgfY1Mlzc8K0UKikS1bNyfgBQRNZ5rVMocekYZ3vlqkYxdCT/s1600/pink+peony.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4r-kZrAG8BmteFc1NRQwST4boX73Jk7hxhK57CWjCUzmGOohA0ibnsi41MHHSxfVtfsQuoalLEcOHbq7c9zY78D89z6XSgfY1Mlzc8K0UKikS1bNyfgBQRNZ5rVMocekYZ3vlqkYxdCT/s400/pink+peony.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464629030709505586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVShCNjRsICcsJfKqmYNgJwQSjzLt5jcZTvnIp-MfeeCSnhow2zYK__Sr6QGOHgJ5Xp-xMJOtulrtYsl1ImsrM5oj7AJq-vl_H1nnYXo0yvJK6Ulz645ra6cWACWbCgoUtMcWyuOQ7pyQ/s1600/white+peony.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVShCNjRsICcsJfKqmYNgJwQSjzLt5jcZTvnIp-MfeeCSnhow2zYK__Sr6QGOHgJ5Xp-xMJOtulrtYsl1ImsrM5oj7AJq-vl_H1nnYXo0yvJK6Ulz645ra6cWACWbCgoUtMcWyuOQ7pyQ/s400/white+peony.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464629026420273842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEges-ARDJOBkf57XDBQCEo-j2t1Y6r5c2Ef87SyehuCHGSdx5VQGWPohTJrMHyqNOkCwU3WGGa4LHxwQNbzA0pHSFxEmxJfLlRVL634Mxk9iJtAKibopjhk08xAXjr_egBaTo97dl_MnU2j/s1600/peony.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEges-ARDJOBkf57XDBQCEo-j2t1Y6r5c2Ef87SyehuCHGSdx5VQGWPohTJrMHyqNOkCwU3WGGa4LHxwQNbzA0pHSFxEmxJfLlRVL634Mxk9iJtAKibopjhk08xAXjr_egBaTo97dl_MnU2j/s400/peony.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464629020632567234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I saw that my Peonies are popping up and I'm so excited because they are my favorite flowers. I went for a peony hunt on Etsy and here are some cool things I found.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">First off, can you believe these aren't real? They are from </span><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dkdesignshawaii">dkdesignshawaii</a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> and are made of clay. Really incredible.</span><br /><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4Z1t53i7J3EOIm4k3aeC8RwTCRrVb9jm3jlzYPTIEKe_PFbN2l7-qy3zBzNZT1CGqKhHsgHS18pQ5RPSzIncbCFxnbhHrLlx7ztsvMaGzlIHkAu2zlNVYc0sI9OLjf5I-eZcmkp6ZjTr/s1600/clay+flowers.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4Z1t53i7J3EOIm4k3aeC8RwTCRrVb9jm3jlzYPTIEKe_PFbN2l7-qy3zBzNZT1CGqKhHsgHS18pQ5RPSzIncbCFxnbhHrLlx7ztsvMaGzlIHkAu2zlNVYc0sI9OLjf5I-eZcmkp6ZjTr/s400/clay+flowers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464627199678584258" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Here is a beautiful baby hat by </span><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/37420588/crocheted-apple-green-beanie-and-white">PinkPeanutDesigns </a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">with a great big flower on top:</span><br /><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuvYsUY27Uv7sWpGM6Ayf-RHkj-fRMeCMZ1miRA7CkPA6srzxB1GRhSMCAh6fySxBUChevO0dtuIp6a5Cm2EmLkfZalcjfynZfZ5OEis-zWtXt5qFHDPLJt9airsTeMtGewZfCBVm0Goe/s1600/flower+hat.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuvYsUY27Uv7sWpGM6Ayf-RHkj-fRMeCMZ1miRA7CkPA6srzxB1GRhSMCAh6fySxBUChevO0dtuIp6a5Cm2EmLkfZalcjfynZfZ5OEis-zWtXt5qFHDPLJt9airsTeMtGewZfCBVm0Goe/s400/flower+hat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464627197949276994" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /></span><h1 style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45627134/8-flat-note-cards-and-envelopes-peony">8 Flat Note Cards and Envelopes </a>- Peony stamped in Rosebud and White by bisforbird</span></h1><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XxplmtrjvqqPq5itoOeNXeAsJjqigAtUxdZX_pl9tRpUgVmvENb8zlfOd6wcW8I_UKgzDoH0MkZvC730ZI7HniqmrBMXcRvP1kRr5O23CfAlKBnZ3lAxMjEqV6L7vtb9xdLMPjifFOe8/s1600/cards.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XxplmtrjvqqPq5itoOeNXeAsJjqigAtUxdZX_pl9tRpUgVmvENb8zlfOd6wcW8I_UKgzDoH0MkZvC730ZI7HniqmrBMXcRvP1kRr5O23CfAlKBnZ3lAxMjEqV6L7vtb9xdLMPjifFOe8/s400/cards.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464628383017584930" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pink Peony Fine Art Photograph Notecard by </span><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44338029/pink-peony-fine-art-photograph-note-card">JudyStalus</a><br /><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb65cMDnSgmi6IWY3OuCZS8qoX3LpYNhvCaEwzAQ7KqZTC_-MDV3j0tgR0VhchU7BRC9h5k-qYcAoYdBVF9fDLshXgkKb0zwRiEYVkeAitiRLIZ0rmkWF7_VysTqgM2lgw2rAdZhWbXyiL/s1600/cardd.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb65cMDnSgmi6IWY3OuCZS8qoX3LpYNhvCaEwzAQ7KqZTC_-MDV3j0tgR0VhchU7BRC9h5k-qYcAoYdBVF9fDLshXgkKb0zwRiEYVkeAitiRLIZ0rmkWF7_VysTqgM2lgw2rAdZhWbXyiL/s400/cardd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464629847474067634" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Peony Hobo Bag by </span><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44926844/reversible-hobo-bag-large-peony-in-sand">Retrofied</a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">. I have some of this exact fabric and last week I made a little reversible tote to keep odds and ends in.</span><br /><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBh2VRo2AAzLrs5g49L0Jw2G-LdQsHGI1T8fk23vzfR-5rykJZqTBUXtSNPLKZUEwWpfBJYP4nVuWQDeoSRP6ZsbEu3dXkRs4SwewQjQDRI65m6bZ77T8bOqsvOKkHaYFy1kPgBKqg5Yt/s1600/hobo+bag.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBh2VRo2AAzLrs5g49L0Jw2G-LdQsHGI1T8fk23vzfR-5rykJZqTBUXtSNPLKZUEwWpfBJYP4nVuWQDeoSRP6ZsbEu3dXkRs4SwewQjQDRI65m6bZ77T8bOqsvOKkHaYFy1kPgBKqg5Yt/s400/hobo+bag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464631528156815858" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Lastly, an adorable little skirt, perfect for the spring and summer by </span><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/muttsywonder">Muttsywonder</a><br /><br /><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8Biy6XWqERVxfLm-PfN1ImRR2K_qGXeH8HN1B-HyRnJ3C5ZDxc9syZP6lRn7hONayrE9iXSQCpaeaQBditYQkVuqIFMkC1RORW6fkeM-GgBW1QZjszMlSE3b0edTXSRXPPz9GXTTC-5w/s1600/skirt.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8Biy6XWqERVxfLm-PfN1ImRR2K_qGXeH8HN1B-HyRnJ3C5ZDxc9syZP6lRn7hONayrE9iXSQCpaeaQBditYQkVuqIFMkC1RORW6fkeM-GgBW1QZjszMlSE3b0edTXSRXPPz9GXTTC-5w/s400/skirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464632480564662610" border="0" /></a></span>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-17132098785668584902010-04-22T14:01:00.015-04:002010-04-22T14:40:44.809-04:00How to Edge a Garden Bed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLXqhePQ9l2U9wkwMeiwihu2rjPozRg8k6jzQQ2Z7QWmWag6_KVGBF2_ivNjPJE6QdNf6ToZ_LVqJU5lRtIvgnXxWJHHtClvg5q3oYxlzc3A_FzLq3NoVAKFG3YsmhKjioemkIC2ymjZ7/s1600/lilac+about+to+bloom.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLXqhePQ9l2U9wkwMeiwihu2rjPozRg8k6jzQQ2Z7QWmWag6_KVGBF2_ivNjPJE6QdNf6ToZ_LVqJU5lRtIvgnXxWJHHtClvg5q3oYxlzc3A_FzLq3NoVAKFG3YsmhKjioemkIC2ymjZ7/s400/lilac+about+to+bloom.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463031342397203810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" >Lilac about to bloom out some leaves.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIa5S_D84M0uhZQyUdk0f4KHjwHsCQxKwycZTfldoZdbzKY-Q8bnZVarwJyVmrvPA5kl75NCuz4LOs45XGbTDPZBwjEPO_fRWgavNsWWskdGB4WHPVBBcEw6LKxOkOnLweuYxFI1VRQdT/s1600/after.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIa5S_D84M0uhZQyUdk0f4KHjwHsCQxKwycZTfldoZdbzKY-Q8bnZVarwJyVmrvPA5kl75NCuz4LOs45XGbTDPZBwjEPO_fRWgavNsWWskdGB4WHPVBBcEw6LKxOkOnLweuYxFI1VRQdT/s400/after.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463031337189503234" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" >Newly created garden bed edge. Having a nicely defined edge is going to not only look great, but also make mowing a breeze (well, relatively anyway)!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRcCgvAkm6VVkZQ_MimVSCospMrhQ2pq-EiRbGSYwmhMETzcI5c-oHU-q9dQULert0h62lTksZdjFcmiG0XnlmHrcBLtzmlgi6DAg6HroGkuRQsn-rZS4mORkfn4dDoLb9Vpo0MiovBIr/s1600/clumps+of+dirt.JPG"><br /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" >It's spring and time to start working in the garden. My front yard has the typical garden beds that runs along the front of the house with a variety of bushes and shrubs. I also have a side yard garden with a small tree in it. My friend Melissa (who is also an Arborist) taught me how to create a proper edge along my flower beds. I've tried to do this on my own in past years by digging up a bit of the grass, but my approach was not enough to make a real difference and the grass just grew right into the beds. So, this year they looked doubly worse the last spring (arg!).<br /><br />So, here is what I learned and some pictures taken along the way.<br /><br />The BEFORE Picture of the side garden:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUxk3nHp4751xppIh7GmRDe8UzZKW_S6BMvVBRMPxwvv7hIyVxswqCJKgilGYxNc9G5Uc2kxPJH_nJHMQs12c2AIXI2Ci0x0GUMwXT5rHiS_Rxn1ZRhFAws2gdWSbaQiQpAYcx5Wd7QjM/s1600/DSCN5778.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUxk3nHp4751xppIh7GmRDe8UzZKW_S6BMvVBRMPxwvv7hIyVxswqCJKgilGYxNc9G5Uc2kxPJH_nJHMQs12c2AIXI2Ci0x0GUMwXT5rHiS_Rxn1ZRhFAws2gdWSbaQiQpAYcx5Wd7QjM/s400/DSCN5778.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463028138730605010" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" >STEP 1:<br />Using a flat edged shovel dig straight down into the grass where you want the edge to be. Use your weight to step on the shovel so it sinks down 6 or more inches. Now turn the shovel at a 90 degree angle and dig down the opposite direction cutting the sod into small squares about 6-8 inches square.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDIrOFfpj02kwAiyPpHVgAZSsX_5UtTOZe-Rn7H8HzW6Uz5uk91Pa_zV3iXCA7ZHkFAwkspP-CXGBbtryzzOIna5R_TqkneoI6SzqXunKdV6dtRHfQpzvdyhr9t1ICzm0esNM2xHuOpK3/s1600/edge+along+side.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDIrOFfpj02kwAiyPpHVgAZSsX_5UtTOZe-Rn7H8HzW6Uz5uk91Pa_zV3iXCA7ZHkFAwkspP-CXGBbtryzzOIna5R_TqkneoI6SzqXunKdV6dtRHfQpzvdyhr9t1ICzm0esNM2xHuOpK3/s400/edge+along+side.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463029196180695154" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgQTTyjy2yKIixr4kreaqyysNp0igMf54_EEnRFkiRkWauPx6fIOedzEvou4mSAfYVpMJPmx5fiYfTSETOXLWilbhzYBRNWEOInWyQq4M4sMV_52pYpxDdVN2UwFxHgM0Smz1tFD0Tc3G/s1600/cut+line+to+edge+garden.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgQTTyjy2yKIixr4kreaqyysNp0igMf54_EEnRFkiRkWauPx6fIOedzEvou4mSAfYVpMJPmx5fiYfTSETOXLWilbhzYBRNWEOInWyQq4M4sMV_52pYpxDdVN2UwFxHgM0Smz1tFD0Tc3G/s400/cut+line+to+edge+garden.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463029189312729058" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />STEP 2:<br />Using a small hand rake (and wearing garden gloves to protect your hands) push the rake into the top of the square of sod and with some back and forth pulling, get the clump up. Shake off the soil and throw the hunk of grass/sod into the wheel barrow or onto a tarp. Remove the clumps as you go, shaking off the dirt. Make sure to save those hard working garden worms and to cover them up with soil if it's a really sunny day. Every foot or so use the hand rake to scoop the dirt out of the edge of the little trough that you've made and neaten up the dirt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sUwORVsbcOzLxR0o4jRnFMmtySs4YsGliIWjEKTUw9Y3VRwY0kYvke-aNFn3xz2J09XNEsVQqpIJFhfe_S1POTo8qchzITszWCa600Mpq9o8miv_r_Z6pLtdYRQdUyqKV9cXDAtMe9OY/s1600/digging+in+the+dirt.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sUwORVsbcOzLxR0o4jRnFMmtySs4YsGliIWjEKTUw9Y3VRwY0kYvke-aNFn3xz2J09XNEsVQqpIJFhfe_S1POTo8qchzITszWCa600Mpq9o8miv_r_Z6pLtdYRQdUyqKV9cXDAtMe9OY/s400/digging+in+the+dirt.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463029192681412850" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRcCgvAkm6VVkZQ_MimVSCospMrhQ2pq-EiRbGSYwmhMETzcI5c-oHU-q9dQULert0h62lTksZdjFcmiG0XnlmHrcBLtzmlgi6DAg6HroGkuRQsn-rZS4mORkfn4dDoLb9Vpo0MiovBIr/s1600/clumps+of+dirt.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRcCgvAkm6VVkZQ_MimVSCospMrhQ2pq-EiRbGSYwmhMETzcI5c-oHU-q9dQULert0h62lTksZdjFcmiG0XnlmHrcBLtzmlgi6DAg6HroGkuRQsn-rZS4mORkfn4dDoLb9Vpo0MiovBIr/s400/clumps+of+dirt.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463030379234416418" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" ><br />STEP 3:<br />We kept both a wheel barrow and a tarp close by to chuck the sod clumps into (and later tossed them out in the woods in an out of the way spot).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3rkHOR37sVtJuOyePn-PPNN1bO9IQYKVmswgjAaWkZIMXFmxE9WMWfJweJyJjKMezn8hHRo0f2FnwjumBz52_ABrF77T4EVlNyF33vs2Y0iRbs6UyIF1un4XMeqJsAlvFpiwGyKNxVnE/s1600/happy+edge.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3rkHOR37sVtJuOyePn-PPNN1bO9IQYKVmswgjAaWkZIMXFmxE9WMWfJweJyJjKMezn8hHRo0f2FnwjumBz52_ABrF77T4EVlNyF33vs2Y0iRbs6UyIF1un4XMeqJsAlvFpiwGyKNxVnE/s400/happy+edge.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463029205383614994" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" >Garden edged and looking fine!<br /><br />FRONT GARDEN BEDS:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPmR3Gg9xfHNQnzMyDLhyphenhyphenW-9fOANhx9aKm5uuh3P3gcMm8VxgUeq5yTopwAWajt6Gi468BxZiqygDyBi2U3cwsCIjCQHU2qBqV7vf9CORNGsCJ9Fh5RtyHu4NdlW2xleoTfqxwakDYYgF/s1600/DSCN5773.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPmR3Gg9xfHNQnzMyDLhyphenhyphenW-9fOANhx9aKm5uuh3P3gcMm8VxgUeq5yTopwAWajt6Gi468BxZiqygDyBi2U3cwsCIjCQHU2qBqV7vf9CORNGsCJ9Fh5RtyHu4NdlW2xleoTfqxwakDYYgF/s400/DSCN5773.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463028255687269938" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" >Melissa doing some dirty work<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-a8GR_puuHVIRwNy3_IODtI1t0sDbX_5nYKTMMk6BeuwWq9agBb2lObHP_fC3HSSyrEP_X7-nhmtepBN-C2J7sLHrzjr6U9edo3FSyhQuMQa78HchAJSgcP4B1kkiDZn9S8q4qFgP01-/s1600/DSCN5772.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-a8GR_puuHVIRwNy3_IODtI1t0sDbX_5nYKTMMk6BeuwWq9agBb2lObHP_fC3HSSyrEP_X7-nhmtepBN-C2J7sLHrzjr6U9edo3FSyhQuMQa78HchAJSgcP4B1kkiDZn9S8q4qFgP01-/s400/DSCN5772.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463030380725377618" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" >Tarp filled with sod/weeds/dead plant material from last year<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUmh5V22DstNwgdWzMCYwA2drg2O1mbI77rivhGtbbIP1KsynV2X1bIOnxXabJ42GMAr__UnXi4vVRFiZw0ui34BskFlZXfhCZyp0Y87pqAPxtnrsONmNHDq_4qAR2X9uKIAg9ynaNZZC/s1600/front+yard.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUmh5V22DstNwgdWzMCYwA2drg2O1mbI77rivhGtbbIP1KsynV2X1bIOnxXabJ42GMAr__UnXi4vVRFiZw0ui34BskFlZXfhCZyp0Y87pqAPxtnrsONmNHDq_4qAR2X9uKIAg9ynaNZZC/s400/front+yard.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463030368945482066" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" >The after effect of all our hard work. We also moved a butterfly bush and removed one of the misshapen dwarf mugo pines (which I never liked anyway!).</span>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-56886209256091779862010-04-19T08:58:00.008-04:002010-04-19T09:42:53.442-04:00Ruffle Pillow Project and Ruffle T-Shirt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpnDJVpgQntyO9gDhmA1QtAY7rX2ibnAh-HJ48ApILV1iPUpp_SZafDEqYtRXJqTV1KEEBad3KA6V0UxJdEC_epifkHYgobChuFfSj1Dp8nMyKw_7p8GFqexX8UehR9t0wyVoe6v_Z11X/s1600/Diagonal+Ruffle+Detail.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpnDJVpgQntyO9gDhmA1QtAY7rX2ibnAh-HJ48ApILV1iPUpp_SZafDEqYtRXJqTV1KEEBad3KA6V0UxJdEC_epifkHYgobChuFfSj1Dp8nMyKw_7p8GFqexX8UehR9t0wyVoe6v_Z11X/s1600/Diagonal+Ruffle+Detail.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJzdQTT8eqebe0PN2PTFl3_6jbgJN6jBvsNgQI05j9uTcM-PpQC9wa10CzPE45qFi-ZJwnKTw6Lj1DgVDj29XHSXKU9jBAen2oKN_7zPUQ4UR1BlC9zryML_Op0On1_o6LhuJaN1iHQA5/s1600/diag+pillow2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJzdQTT8eqebe0PN2PTFl3_6jbgJN6jBvsNgQI05j9uTcM-PpQC9wa10CzPE45qFi-ZJwnKTw6Lj1DgVDj29XHSXKU9jBAen2oKN_7zPUQ4UR1BlC9zryML_Op0On1_o6LhuJaN1iHQA5/s400/diag+pillow2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461841368395720290" border="0" /></a><br />I've had some fantastically soft organic cotton jersey knit scraps hanging around my fabric stash for quite a while. So this weekend, I decided to try some new projects. I saw a ruffled purse that was pretty cool, and it seems that ruffles are showing up on everything this spring, including some really cute cardigan sweaters and t-shirts.<br /><br />I used the sumptuous organic cotton knit, which is a nice bright white and paired it with some durable khaki colored cotton canvas. Together they made a great stark contrast, both in the colors and the feel of the fabric. I cut 2" wide strips of the jersey fabric so that it stretched the long way (length of strips). I left the edges raw.<br /><br />For the pillow front, I cut one 17" x 17" square from the canvas. Because canvas tends to unravel along the edges, I did a zig-zag stitch along all 4 edges before moving forward. Then I cut the two pieces for the back and set them aside. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpnDJVpgQntyO9gDhmA1QtAY7rX2ibnAh-HJ48ApILV1iPUpp_SZafDEqYtRXJqTV1KEEBad3KA6V0UxJdEC_epifkHYgobChuFfSj1Dp8nMyKw_7p8GFqexX8UehR9t0wyVoe6v_Z11X/s1600/Diagonal+Ruffle+Detail.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpnDJVpgQntyO9gDhmA1QtAY7rX2ibnAh-HJ48ApILV1iPUpp_SZafDEqYtRXJqTV1KEEBad3KA6V0UxJdEC_epifkHYgobChuFfSj1Dp8nMyKw_7p8GFqexX8UehR9t0wyVoe6v_Z11X/s400/Diagonal+Ruffle+Detail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461841971918679106" border="0" /></a>I marked lines on the pillow front to indicate where I wanted to sew the ruffles. I attached the ruffles free hand because I didn't want them to look too perfectly even. They came out great! I loved the first pillow so much, I made another. One pillow has diagonal ruffles and the other the ruffles run vertically (though you could set the pillow either way).<br /><br />After my daughter saw the pillows she wanted to know if I could add ruffles to other things. In an instant, she dashed to her room and returned with a plain white t-shirt. She wanted me to attach some ruffles to the front. It was one she's almost outgrown and it had some stains on the front, so I figured we had nothing to loose if she didn't like it. She picked out the colors she wanted from the scraps I have and in just a little while, she had a totally updates shirt, which she now loves!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic83y9TWxPUiSmay8dF4hESHLfpnY56JOVU46w0y8sd56t39YcGlR4iGCDfaDqrdec14keerTZNW5YPNq_G06nSVa9WQdo4Z1WkXlnFJ0ovdWBpndL_5_ml7k039tCt0er-NmGl5fI3Hco/s1600/ruffle+tee+makeover.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic83y9TWxPUiSmay8dF4hESHLfpnY56JOVU46w0y8sd56t39YcGlR4iGCDfaDqrdec14keerTZNW5YPNq_G06nSVa9WQdo4Z1WkXlnFJ0ovdWBpndL_5_ml7k039tCt0er-NmGl5fI3Hco/s400/ruffle+tee+makeover.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461841080526315090" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBxyyM0oz0EuT5h_8pD2GK8bBN3awxxbbFRFy5_4zL4QYx9r5p__oa66-GMBx7ZXFyx61Wh0KeMxLi0DQWxr16BYEO2R7xOCGZ5npgxY5BcD_z9N_axTBfVGj_byYizBAwwfuyi0pcnmw/s1600/ruffle+tee.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBxyyM0oz0EuT5h_8pD2GK8bBN3awxxbbFRFy5_4zL4QYx9r5p__oa66-GMBx7ZXFyx61Wh0KeMxLi0DQWxr16BYEO2R7xOCGZ5npgxY5BcD_z9N_axTBfVGj_byYizBAwwfuyi0pcnmw/s400/ruffle+tee.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461841218272086162" border="0" /></a>What comes next? Well, MORE RUFFLES of course! Stayed tuned for more fun projects.Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-53125554082577218252010-03-22T22:53:00.002-04:002010-03-22T22:55:21.140-04:00Wordle - FUN!<a href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/1817053/Wood_Pond_Designs" title="Wordle: Wood Pond Designs"><img src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/1817053/Wood_Pond_Designs" alt="Wordle: Wood Pond Designs" style="padding: 4px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221);" /></a>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-72710218617770194122010-02-23T10:04:00.004-05:002010-02-23T10:12:19.160-05:00Felting Wool Sweater Tutorial Tips Help Questions<span style="font-size:130%;">I have been getting quite a bit of interest on my blog from the articles I've posted about how to felt wool sweaters. So, now I'm curious if your questions were answered by my article, and if not, what issues, problems, ideas, etc. were you looking? I'd love to hear from you to see what you are interested in.<br /><br /><br /></span>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-75336616463388008842010-02-17T16:47:00.020-05:002010-02-22T08:37:23.050-05:00The creation of a new baby bunny rattle from an Upcycled Wool Sweater<span style="font-size:130%;">I just posted a new pale blue baby bunny rattle in <a href="http://www.woodponddesigns.etsy.com/">my Etsy Shop</a> and here is the story of his creation.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVukmD_xyBa82Y9dBWT1qj6kfsa_w87nDxoSlVf4Kaw-dWZFCycI7E8dSnExP4pGFDe078NoaPPhZr8-i22hMXaOFmmZUyMUl8A6xa9R7L5KiwF-oxAPGsLidaIqfRBzDwEF06far87dfy/s1600-h/DSCN5334.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVukmD_xyBa82Y9dBWT1qj6kfsa_w87nDxoSlVf4Kaw-dWZFCycI7E8dSnExP4pGFDe078NoaPPhZr8-i22hMXaOFmmZUyMUl8A6xa9R7L5KiwF-oxAPGsLidaIqfRBzDwEF06far87dfy/s400/DSCN5334.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439338774413315346" border="0" /></a><br />A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go, to <a href="http://www.goodwill.org/">Good Will</a> that is, for 100% wool sweaters to felt. Second hand stores (and your friends closets) are great locations to find wool sweaters to felt. On my last trip I found a beautiful blue and tan woven wool skirt, and two super soft sweaters. One is a pale blue cable knit sweater, 100% lambswool, and the other is a gray cardigan with a pretty knit pattern along the edges.<br /><br />Once I got the items home, I got them ready to felt. For the cardigan sweater, I removed the buttons and set them aside for another project. I could have left them on, but it was easier to remove them before the wool was shrunk. Other than that, I just removed the store price tags. See my <a href="http://woodponddesigns.blogspot.com/2009/10/upcycling-wool-sweaters-into-fun-new.html">earlier blog post</a> for instructions and tips on how to machine felt sweaters.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGqV9OlyqDbSWInmvUiwi6yUlGAU6X0U5zhxaEqkgnDyLTGEep6k0BwxEPYhWjMHBWYSGw1x_-bXJ0XhNa1im9EMTx1HpjkRUxTB5oJeISVN5bO55NbjDux-mdZ9bCH357SFE60TRQ6iB/s1600-h/DSCN5318.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGqV9OlyqDbSWInmvUiwi6yUlGAU6X0U5zhxaEqkgnDyLTGEep6k0BwxEPYhWjMHBWYSGw1x_-bXJ0XhNa1im9EMTx1HpjkRUxTB5oJeISVN5bO55NbjDux-mdZ9bCH357SFE60TRQ6iB/s400/DSCN5318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439334072597096210" border="0" /></a>I took some pictures first and you can see how large they are by the how much space they take up on the top of my washing machine and dryer. Also note the fabric contents. Sometimes items with mixed content (not 100% wool), will shrink a little less than 100% wool. And sometimes, even 100% wool won't felt, which is what happened to the skirt I attempted to felt.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KCZFzS1A85mflIieLLm_SbwtYKrc3mhDegQdZ_u6qOsqI09picJJbieFA60SwnuhVSh-0uixZAJvP_lyUIE7wbVdiSAffCvTp19ofdzAwKN6IdRdn-UXgYCkrvkgwiFfOw4sWVxryr2s/s1600-h/DSCN5320.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KCZFzS1A85mflIieLLm_SbwtYKrc3mhDegQdZ_u6qOsqI09picJJbieFA60SwnuhVSh-0uixZAJvP_lyUIE7wbVdiSAffCvTp19ofdzAwKN6IdRdn-UXgYCkrvkgwiFfOw4sWVxryr2s/s400/DSCN5320.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439334505446523330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdKG0OMLeoep_9j9i4AdHDw6J5tlAVw2LrodnJU6qTr1wQdEzwklDQI-vZ4kbPCv_Hfcy61wHHTbAy-6ZFsxdD-VsheQNnNCIdH-D4MoOQK76p5GOveXgc9Mt8Ok34FhMTM5zXyjcU7v6/s1600-h/DSCN5321.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdKG0OMLeoep_9j9i4AdHDw6J5tlAVw2LrodnJU6qTr1wQdEzwklDQI-vZ4kbPCv_Hfcy61wHHTbAy-6ZFsxdD-VsheQNnNCIdH-D4MoOQK76p5GOveXgc9Mt8Ok34FhMTM5zXyjcU7v6/s400/DSCN5321.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439334830196141618" border="0" /></a><br />These two sweaters were both womens size medium but once they were machine felted and then dried on hot in the dryer, they are roughly sized for a small child, but with longer arms. They feel different too - thicker and more dense with the fibers locked together and matted.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwGVRXDaEI38djr0Z7M8WuUQxzdjuR84wqSe0YMdnEctL7U6oP2tBY8U0_k7Fc9P3oPD1vqFxoFF6Z2tDiuxmutXOxeLMhRLbiy8zFtKzgaURsKvXgsgs7PU8gnN_eVHlKIQvrq-nhHhP/s1600-h/DSCN5323.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwGVRXDaEI38djr0Z7M8WuUQxzdjuR84wqSe0YMdnEctL7U6oP2tBY8U0_k7Fc9P3oPD1vqFxoFF6Z2tDiuxmutXOxeLMhRLbiy8zFtKzgaURsKvXgsgs7PU8gnN_eVHlKIQvrq-nhHhP/s400/DSCN5323.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439337854695070882" border="0" /></a><br />Here are some closeups. You can see that the cable knit is not as definitive and that the fibers looks softer and fuzzier. You can even see some little fuzzies on the sweater that fluff off in the wash.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1G0j16tdJLcyg8Em_Kw5B6TSebYn-Jgn-hxHLvsSdyW7tgVYh_uw807q1N4MXD3FfGTnfQSqsTzaDaqbYeBZgblqmFLj-TXtvm5ExVc68CEIF-Mhddjr_DrzKEhqFzaL_J_6Z6xpxoWr/s1600-h/DSCN5326.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1G0j16tdJLcyg8Em_Kw5B6TSebYn-Jgn-hxHLvsSdyW7tgVYh_uw807q1N4MXD3FfGTnfQSqsTzaDaqbYeBZgblqmFLj-TXtvm5ExVc68CEIF-Mhddjr_DrzKEhqFzaL_J_6Z6xpxoWr/s400/DSCN5326.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439338071371226386" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_vWu3-63fbMNM0pKpi2bE9giPPgHjP7s2kN2ddUPb-EluxYPwZsowB5YmY-47DzjsH3ic_-jHKaLaAvDnQKpQdz9sC1RT9i1HEBlSfXC6t_vAuG9JMsGKdrRG9Br3EwCI6gWsmjjelGW/s1600-h/DSCN5328.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_vWu3-63fbMNM0pKpi2bE9giPPgHjP7s2kN2ddUPb-EluxYPwZsowB5YmY-47DzjsH3ic_-jHKaLaAvDnQKpQdz9sC1RT9i1HEBlSfXC6t_vAuG9JMsGKdrRG9Br3EwCI6gWsmjjelGW/s400/DSCN5328.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439338215640856578" border="0" /></a>For whatever reason, the woven wool skirt I bought and washed along with the sweaters, did not felt. I'm guessing it's because of the way it's woven and not knitted. Also, some knit wool is pretreated to make it easy care, and no amount of heat or agitation will result in felting, even if it's 100 percent wool. No worries, though as you can use those pieces in other creative ways, as I did here. Since, the colors of the skirt went together nicely, I decided to use some of it to create the ears and belly patch on the bunny rattle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7UvcvYZdViDsmwg_6DWWdWs6ZGtrv4ccZJOgSvyt_C-soRoQ_j9wE2JxGXnRT_AWHH5ki56xgVwLtOp5accQrvYlj31MxlptxRZbUA1UXU7Q2DPlHpHvIKHfOplogP6n5ENl0O-lxJ8F/s1600-h/DSCN5329.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7UvcvYZdViDsmwg_6DWWdWs6ZGtrv4ccZJOgSvyt_C-soRoQ_j9wE2JxGXnRT_AWHH5ki56xgVwLtOp5accQrvYlj31MxlptxRZbUA1UXU7Q2DPlHpHvIKHfOplogP6n5ENl0O-lxJ8F/s400/DSCN5329.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439338636895006162" border="0" /></a>You can see on the little belly patch that the fibers are roughed up along the edges were I sewed them to the the wool. If the fabric had felted, it would not fray. That's part of the beauty of working with felted wool. The fabric can be cut and sewn and won't come unraveled.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpulHI0fW7TnzEVAnmyYpslOjWPqMzBtvwIoZD3TZa4VO-43XUaPyeOnrFM29yNNWh7DVy9BSm8S4mgqLHEqno3kMJbJkr1HnYv0VUeRr9a_jk2lNp60GjrGK63Z8BRXeTlh_xd5GeQ_3V/s1600-h/DSCN5331.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 361px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpulHI0fW7TnzEVAnmyYpslOjWPqMzBtvwIoZD3TZa4VO-43XUaPyeOnrFM29yNNWh7DVy9BSm8S4mgqLHEqno3kMJbJkr1HnYv0VUeRr9a_jk2lNp60GjrGK63Z8BRXeTlh_xd5GeQ_3V/s400/DSCN5331.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439339702252637634" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A word of caution however though - the felting process makes the wool thick and dense and it can be really difficult to machine sew. That is why there are a lot of handsewn felted projects out there. If you do use your machine, you probably won't be able to go through more than 2 layers of fabric. So attaching limbs to stuffed animals can be really tricky. You can always hand crank the wheel of your sewing machine, but that works best for small areas.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sfcaUwAwICXnqw8dnEqzfBzwiCM6qTkxDuux-xJdTMZpPWMS4xsPGBTgCIGNtp7rIVKsnstt7z3ySatWRMtko0IJjG_3FQnkHqc_k6uC8p77x3LPiOHfzX9iIQ1Gm1CMLi5NvxuEtswj/s1600-h/DSCN5332.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sfcaUwAwICXnqw8dnEqzfBzwiCM6qTkxDuux-xJdTMZpPWMS4xsPGBTgCIGNtp7rIVKsnstt7z3ySatWRMtko0IJjG_3FQnkHqc_k6uC8p77x3LPiOHfzX9iIQ1Gm1CMLi5NvxuEtswj/s400/DSCN5332.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439338902545674482" border="0" /></a><br />First I cut and sewed up the little ears. Then I cut out the shape for the body of the bunny and sewed it up and attached the ears. Next, I turn it right side out, insert the rattle, and stuffed it with bamboo fill. Next I create the neck and cut and attach the bottom, which is sewn by hand with a classic blanket stitch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgws-50lFjhg0Fcelpxr8C51rF0RvMQVHo6jZsqI_coudzNTHByPNKUsenZ7xmS3cgLJF-xbd_8Q_bwkDw83dwxgUOebLgbbEQn17iZhgcqDcHpMBZ-TKAl8LBZaIKbH9SPVWjegUmEPtm8/s1600-h/DSCN5336.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgws-50lFjhg0Fcelpxr8C51rF0RvMQVHo6jZsqI_coudzNTHByPNKUsenZ7xmS3cgLJF-xbd_8Q_bwkDw83dwxgUOebLgbbEQn17iZhgcqDcHpMBZ-TKAl8LBZaIKbH9SPVWjegUmEPtm8/s400/DSCN5336.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439342747575098690" border="0" /></a>With the hand embroidery on the face complete, he's done! Here is a picture of the little bunny all finished (except for the little content tag I have to sew onto the backside). How cute!</span>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-71974564830337642052010-02-15T21:17:00.009-05:002010-02-15T21:44:25.689-05:00Handmade Gifts for Mama's and their babies with The Etsy Baby Shower 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEb3KqzoyQI18V5Dbh8CKIqcVIxQP1eJ9goH2EX9w3S9VRlAeQ3L7n1J0c1uoxVrLh_WZNtrGearTDnWeoHkry2kt8pj6LC7jF_8PTJ4CqJ3kVA5zBIukxih-DVGL7ISZuEWP3mSNvnlX/s1600-h/Slide1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEb3KqzoyQI18V5Dbh8CKIqcVIxQP1eJ9goH2EX9w3S9VRlAeQ3L7n1J0c1uoxVrLh_WZNtrGearTDnWeoHkry2kt8pj6LC7jF_8PTJ4CqJ3kVA5zBIukxih-DVGL7ISZuEWP3mSNvnlX/s400/Slide1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438663469915592786" border="0" /></a><br />Etsy is a wonderful community of handmade sellers, many of whom are also moms/parents. So, last fall when I heard about the Etsy Baby Shower, where a variety of shops donate their handmade items to new mommies, I signed on. I thought it would be fun to help shower the new moms with gifts and at the same time get some valuable promoting for my shop and meet some other shop owners. After donating in the fall, I thought I would participate again for the Winter 2010 event. There have been Etsy Forums chats and also a Flickr group started so we can share pictures not only of the donated items, but eventually the babies with their gifts.<br /><br />The Etsy Baby Shower started a few years ago and is currently organized by two shop owners, Jessica of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/buggalove">BuggaLove </a>and Deniz of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/decorativelabels">DecorativeLabels</a>. They both make the event really fun.<br /><br />You might be wondering how these lucky moms were chosen. Moms are nominated on <a href="http://etsybabyshower.blogspot.com/">Etsy Baby Shower's</a> blog. The event takes place several times a year, and nominations can be submitted as soon as April for the next Shower. If you are interested in nominating a mom-to-be, you can find the information on the blog. Additionally, there are some wonderful write ups about each of the donating shops and a complete list with links.<br /><br />Each mom is matched up with several shops, so they are able to get a variety of lovely handmade gifts. The baby pictures and birth announcements are just now starting to roll in and it's so wonderful to see the wee babies!<br /><br />For the Winter 2010 Shower, Wood Pond Designs donated a High Contrast Black Red and White Jumble Ball and a very popular Upcycled Wool Baby Bunny Rattle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Hq813c3i3PNyRXSNGyXjUlQREDo7w7VH2yPUYqcJR5BeH3SifThTHpIc1_HdU6ruKBGvd4p9KugqjRXptWcjCytk3aKmpqNDdm3GhqgYIeH1yR6pn0rmunE3JN7KxqFVL_oN2s5y-O6q/s1600-h/DSCN5180.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Hq813c3i3PNyRXSNGyXjUlQREDo7w7VH2yPUYqcJR5BeH3SifThTHpIc1_HdU6ruKBGvd4p9KugqjRXptWcjCytk3aKmpqNDdm3GhqgYIeH1yR6pn0rmunE3JN7KxqFVL_oN2s5y-O6q/s400/DSCN5180.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438664419073758306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAlTatY_zaR1UNp4FaLT4F-Nkuey4kKjYXfRVMlYm_RL24gU1ww7842jcXt0AuVO3L1iqiEprZaFPy5xL9VO9J8O7x5C4PQn0zzllvCXP1LTjmQ_L1hs3Y7sn6hSmRk4HzmYCVznPCUXk/s1600-h/green+laying+down.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAlTatY_zaR1UNp4FaLT4F-Nkuey4kKjYXfRVMlYm_RL24gU1ww7842jcXt0AuVO3L1iqiEprZaFPy5xL9VO9J8O7x5C4PQn0zzllvCXP1LTjmQ_L1hs3Y7sn6hSmRk4HzmYCVznPCUXk/s400/green+laying+down.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438664031878556082" border="0" /></a>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-43309428244537208882010-01-08T10:52:00.013-05:002010-01-08T11:05:22.085-05:00Upcycled Recycled Felted Sweater Plush Stuffed Animals<blockquote></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">Here are some of the latest felted wool sweater projects I've been working on. These little pocket pals fit inside the pocket of their bigger counterpart. I made some extras too.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkEUtt3Sv9zVCCBAGVidra__j_YHiC22Ihhm9rKhpRzFbXExbYEkjcn9Fj-mfP8MDqK-j2pYA3McWh0CQdeXxBOd2Jinh88WZZahq2z2GIE_rGhBRlydG-_30DdP_3KY9Z10qUQl1qSG_/s1600-h/2010.01.08+022.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkEUtt3Sv9zVCCBAGVidra__j_YHiC22Ihhm9rKhpRzFbXExbYEkjcn9Fj-mfP8MDqK-j2pYA3McWh0CQdeXxBOd2Jinh88WZZahq2z2GIE_rGhBRlydG-_30DdP_3KY9Z10qUQl1qSG_/s400/2010.01.08+022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424397999412012610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0v9MjNLQBT-L7Es04TjDHjDBOKQuhlwQW3szymK0jz-hhj1qKFNOF37bpFpa8AplOTRW0mnKxuecoKmDpJbEk5WOL89CNR4COrI6XPG3RWgrR3pQTErs7PGN9_JTGCGwwhrJyi5BqtjAT/s1600-h/2010.01.08+017+best.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0v9MjNLQBT-L7Es04TjDHjDBOKQuhlwQW3szymK0jz-hhj1qKFNOF37bpFpa8AplOTRW0mnKxuecoKmDpJbEk5WOL89CNR4COrI6XPG3RWgrR3pQTErs7PGN9_JTGCGwwhrJyi5BqtjAT/s400/2010.01.08+017+best.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424397828131817602" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZAAh_la1Z_QJ1t0Cehc5aiPFV-suSUEvU9082WYIS24zO6uhHU5NvpRXCE_LrHllzPCSa9YntTSWsFaSKfeJfgQtPnHDxEZ38u8MrrypLQ6e2-4LIS6yDMiFXcEtq_2m2WnDkI1riGKO/s1600-h/2010.01.08+004+Good.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZAAh_la1Z_QJ1t0Cehc5aiPFV-suSUEvU9082WYIS24zO6uhHU5NvpRXCE_LrHllzPCSa9YntTSWsFaSKfeJfgQtPnHDxEZ38u8MrrypLQ6e2-4LIS6yDMiFXcEtq_2m2WnDkI1riGKO/s400/2010.01.08+004+Good.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424397720248554034" border="0" /></a><br />This sweater critter is pocket-less, but still just as sweet.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBQKVQypWpdoQqXf5ewovALRN8qESWq2wn3gQFj5PY36IKJvOeJYVwkLYAL2yym4-AMLa6zyNHkfL7CXz7VTQJS-iJzMgHvk-hRRDfL6TTAgeNQ71wqY8CZhX9Y2IHtxMAUq-1ZgDY5G9/s1600-h/2010.01.08+026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBQKVQypWpdoQqXf5ewovALRN8qESWq2wn3gQFj5PY36IKJvOeJYVwkLYAL2yym4-AMLa6zyNHkfL7CXz7VTQJS-iJzMgHvk-hRRDfL6TTAgeNQ71wqY8CZhX9Y2IHtxMAUq-1ZgDY5G9/s400/2010.01.08+026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424399122035374706" border="0" /></a>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-87656137375438660342010-01-03T21:12:00.018-05:002010-01-04T10:34:28.695-05:00Bare Winter Trees<span style="font-size:100%;">I love to browse around Etsy looking for items to my favorites. If I had more time, I would take the time to create a lovely treasury. I started my search by looking for Garnet jewelry. My birthday is coming up this month, and garnet is my birthstone. In my search I found lots of pretty things, but several tree or branch items caught my eye.<br /><br />First I went looking for items with garnets and found this stunning necklace.<br /></span><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deep Roots-- Tree Of Life Pendant Necklace by <a href="http://lecollezione.etsy.com">Lecollezione.etsy.com</a></span></h1><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8kblS5lGXNEdrFjWMvG-vQHeyPYCVc6FErIHh_vrptrsxYUAymHOUBimG_k_TXKGfRYUFJjOGSmvYc06tB04k3M7NIcYGaPq6zgMlV_SDvk4d4LHP8J3ouFK0VxYEGKzwb6QKXcDPgBq/s1600-h/tree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 358px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8kblS5lGXNEdrFjWMvG-vQHeyPYCVc6FErIHh_vrptrsxYUAymHOUBimG_k_TXKGfRYUFJjOGSmvYc06tB04k3M7NIcYGaPq6zgMlV_SDvk4d4LHP8J3ouFK0VxYEGKzwb6QKXcDPgBq/s400/tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422704870752052994" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then I found these lovely earrings by <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQ_bfHwKmnvsQ0Y8j56Sz7FJRQB0RBDmmSMSVvw2rwvm0F7Kq1l7lGNlIYUyDso5sI235y_U1MK118heCJIS9u6RgNmm33NuGKJId2YsL1HdMdACIL9rrNY3mUPO3VU2SxaqmUGJ5a_e1/s1600-h/tree+earrings.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQ_bfHwKmnvsQ0Y8j56Sz7FJRQB0RBDmmSMSVvw2rwvm0F7Kq1l7lGNlIYUyDso5sI235y_U1MK118heCJIS9u6RgNmm33NuGKJId2YsL1HdMdACIL9rrNY3mUPO3VU2SxaqmUGJ5a_e1/s400/tree+earrings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422705346401675298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is a very popular Etsy Seller, and for good reason, what an adorable little owl peeking out from this hollow tree:<br /></span><h1><span style="font-size:100%;">Little owl in a tree in all silver by </span><a href="http://www.lulubugjewelry.etsy.com"><span style="font-size:100%;">LuluBugJewelry.etsy.com</span></a></h1><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunJVWbA6qLlNoaTxuwpbFkuWIGeK57WTOOqL70IZv0ulKPdl2yxNb6pLAcKbTc9LPWSmZbMlRJUH3pgqbPLf98m3pGKTDTnU6mjkf4tUrykkf75hflJFdmu_fMcsC4PCXf2_Y3jqdkgmQ/s1600-h/owl+in+tree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunJVWbA6qLlNoaTxuwpbFkuWIGeK57WTOOqL70IZv0ulKPdl2yxNb6pLAcKbTc9LPWSmZbMlRJUH3pgqbPLf98m3pGKTDTnU6mjkf4tUrykkf75hflJFdmu_fMcsC4PCXf2_Y3jqdkgmQ/s400/owl+in+tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422881517370489442" border="0" /></a><br />As my search continued, I seemed to find more items with branches, trees, and twigs and my search expanded to other items. These lovely dishtowels are so pretty and wintery.<br /><br /></span><h1><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:100%;" >Dishtowels-Elf Trees in Red and Brown by <a href="http://www.appetitehome.etsy.com">Appetitehome.etsy.com</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></h1><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-pCImsHlMNpTyHs2NTwPUm8oBuuJSeDQQVxQvdaZ0Yc5-iVqfmDQnTp__qKmR3TpqapIorUngHIhyphenhyphen3h7qZbnnhvTcphtVmnOteByjUFb3oqPunSm1x2zUILg5iSTyQZyfaj5q2X5RgFZ/s1600-h/tree+towels.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-pCImsHlMNpTyHs2NTwPUm8oBuuJSeDQQVxQvdaZ0Yc5-iVqfmDQnTp__qKmR3TpqapIorUngHIhyphenhyphen3h7qZbnnhvTcphtVmnOteByjUFb3oqPunSm1x2zUILg5iSTyQZyfaj5q2X5RgFZ/s400/tree+towels.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422881177129754146" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Bare tree tote bag by <a href="http://www.practicalrabbit.etsy.com">PracticalRabbit.etsy.com</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdaAaLf5WiUCveYQzSW4G5v2Z-BoOr5AAYbektw93Spn9ohr5xE8aK2yIKYkE9d-0HktJtc84Q1ILrjswbdwxuyisWOM4D1i6PpI4Jjt7uTVYdlyHyIGl0E5U62E6DZnAKQzNxMGafCUa/s1600-h/tree+branch+tote.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdaAaLf5WiUCveYQzSW4G5v2Z-BoOr5AAYbektw93Spn9ohr5xE8aK2yIKYkE9d-0HktJtc84Q1ILrjswbdwxuyisWOM4D1i6PpI4Jjt7uTVYdlyHyIGl0E5U62E6DZnAKQzNxMGafCUa/s400/tree+branch+tote.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422883373221992322" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Branch Pillows- 2 Covers Included- 16 x 16 inches- Eco Friendly by</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> <a href="http://www.modernality.etsy.com">Modernality.etsy.com</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCywtzk5xEWQy2Cv-ee6EieX90_f7o1zM5VH94UDyZu3Qfige2xJ2qQD_VMxa_qKkUKLljRYXYLCW8WUhW4-PUPuIa7LPSr_3kOLwFRp-a-kquunUcsJOBpdmP-Y6-iw3QOTCH9JBydx_4/s1600-h/pillow+tree+branch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCywtzk5xEWQy2Cv-ee6EieX90_f7o1zM5VH94UDyZu3Qfige2xJ2qQD_VMxa_qKkUKLljRYXYLCW8WUhW4-PUPuIa7LPSr_3kOLwFRp-a-kquunUcsJOBpdmP-Y6-iw3QOTCH9JBydx_4/s400/pillow+tree+branch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422884656190141650" border="0" /></a></span><h1><span style="font-size:100%;">Winter Tree Letterpress Greeting Card by <a href="http://www.bryankring.etsy.com">BryanKring.etsy.com</a></span></h1><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGj0vwXSZXDSsd_1DOBYtgdJ5pC8c01wFQ8yGfltVYHcrW127YBcyIpGw8Dio1KXwMgUUOfMc2e99T-VKTo4DsY6b0Orpxp20KnxxcdUDeare1CL7MgOxpn0J1q_9berll5ezDbKi-pH8s/s1600-h/tree+letterpress+card.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGj0vwXSZXDSsd_1DOBYtgdJ5pC8c01wFQ8yGfltVYHcrW127YBcyIpGw8Dio1KXwMgUUOfMc2e99T-VKTo4DsY6b0Orpxp20KnxxcdUDeare1CL7MgOxpn0J1q_9berll5ezDbKi-pH8s/s400/tree+letterpress+card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422885624868333282" border="0" /></a>Lastly, I made this <a href="http://www.woodponddesigns.etsy.com">small passport wallet </a>out of a simple, yet beautiful twig fabric called 'Twiggy' from Moda by Sanae</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvl32BrNqum5KGFIqF9Yeehsi1QQbHOZUL9HNmeDJ40occcTW9Ix1KwYVU4RaBlBQIiXNzPRU61Ff_x2c20BIjFFgYm6QCFRD39jjjLAmVMQs_LWNleBrd6JkGIea5yNkILR7cRK7yU0gR/s1600-h/twig+passport+sleeve.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 354px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvl32BrNqum5KGFIqF9Yeehsi1QQbHOZUL9HNmeDJ40occcTW9Ix1KwYVU4RaBlBQIiXNzPRU61Ff_x2c20BIjFFgYm6QCFRD39jjjLAmVMQs_LWNleBrd6JkGIea5yNkILR7cRK7yU0gR/s400/twig+passport+sleeve.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422887837665163218" border="0" /></a>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-53683554133908151552009-12-17T19:21:00.026-05:002009-12-17T20:39:39.980-05:00Making Dollhouse Beds from foam and fabricMaking Little Dollhouse Beds:<br /><br />A few Christmases ago, we got my daughter a <a href="http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=5850&e=dollhouse-thumb">Fisher-Price Loving Family Dollhouse</a>. We've given her additional rooms over time for birthdays and such. Now it's almost Christmas again, and I recently went shopping for the bedroom for the parents and the little brother. It appears that they don't make a bedroom for the little brother. They make a dog house for the family dog, but not a room for the brother! So I thought I would take a stab at making some beds myself.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPmYzH4gCqBGqPKGN0k4V77q0UtubE7ak2a5Y8Zt7gq2UB70Oq9lS0-M1Bp3M0jTqhHTE2V7C2Y3H0mfu3nWJCHhpwYHPTBgMW-n17Umsb8J7MGP9qpbSrUCj9JewxlqwMdkpekhZ9f9s/s1600-h/bed+project+021.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPmYzH4gCqBGqPKGN0k4V77q0UtubE7ak2a5Y8Zt7gq2UB70Oq9lS0-M1Bp3M0jTqhHTE2V7C2Y3H0mfu3nWJCHhpwYHPTBgMW-n17Umsb8J7MGP9qpbSrUCj9JewxlqwMdkpekhZ9f9s/s400/bed+project+021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416381760777921858" border="0" /></a><br />I browsed online and found some nice tutorials about how to make a <a href="http://dollhousedecorating.blogspot.com/2009/04/make-your-own-wooden-dollhouse-bed.html">wooden dollhouse bed</a>, but I was looking for something simple I could make with materials on hand. So, I decided that with some foam, felt, fabric and a glue gun, I'd see what I could do to make one myself.<br /><br />These are very basic and simple, which is just what I was looking for.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Necessary Materials</span>:<br />Foam<br />utility knife or coping saw<br />hot glue gun<br />fabric scraps<br />craft felt<br />polyester fiberfill<br /><br />MEASURE: First, I found a hunk of foam that's been lying around the house since I did a small repair on a couch cushion a while back. I put the dolls on top and made some general measurements. I wanted the beds to be almost the same size as the dolls, as the dollhouse rooms are very small.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSX7nd9VfY2wc9TgBmXSBraiJC625_6wtkhBp0KzCdBLzYlJTEvQptEeV48XYYAFWe85MnQGQA7M3U1W3XIL_Os_SSrGWz9e1zzMhn1SU-Gk9UZVmMxJPZBTnv9bM8uZTBdxaxhTo8zyL/s1600-h/bed+project+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSX7nd9VfY2wc9TgBmXSBraiJC625_6wtkhBp0KzCdBLzYlJTEvQptEeV48XYYAFWe85MnQGQA7M3U1W3XIL_Os_SSrGWz9e1zzMhn1SU-Gk9UZVmMxJPZBTnv9bM8uZTBdxaxhTo8zyL/s400/bed+project+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416383304617434498" border="0" /></a><br /><br />CUT: To cut thick foam you'll need a sharp utility knife, or better yet a small hand saw. It's a MESSY job; I was covered in tiny hunks of foam and so was my work table, floor and little helper (that would be my 5 year old son). Once you have the pieces cut, you can use sandpaper to smooth them out. We tried this for a few minutes and decided we didn't mind that they were a little rough since they would be covered in fabric.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Oxdx8Mc706bWTVZc_x9is99GKreuVcz-55ZmQEdEqFkzyo0yYqTh61CviDJ4CABOsN9mzVm9PmbwNnUzkWUU74AnxZyNAAY6rofzJQMDfLu9loj3MEtM5N7ga6ADMxiU_qBgSiCTx0PX/s1600-h/bed+project+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Oxdx8Mc706bWTVZc_x9is99GKreuVcz-55ZmQEdEqFkzyo0yYqTh61CviDJ4CABOsN9mzVm9PmbwNnUzkWUU74AnxZyNAAY6rofzJQMDfLu9loj3MEtM5N7ga6ADMxiU_qBgSiCTx0PX/s400/bed+project+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416382979452892018" border="0" /></a><br /><br />COVER: I used Eco-Fi Craft Felt to cover the beds. It's cheap and readily available (Walmart or Joann's Fabrics, and comes in a ton of colors). I used whole pieces as there was plenty of overlap to tuck around to the backside. I used a little bit of hot glue to secure the piece down to the foam. Then I turned the bed over and secured the ends with hot glue like wrapping a gift. Then I added a little bit of lace trim to the parents bed, and a blue ribbon to the boys bed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BLezqYLy3yeaGtmqUlufJ2RX95UW0XynbzqBpjsyZIMyELD8yvKEnM_6_snwal1YZ0nHrkI1uMKbFXVwvUEdscVt5WN98o51-mh_waDfRjUpj0k2C8afH9FdZApFRzq936MU-xa-ksqP/s1600-h/bed+project+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BLezqYLy3yeaGtmqUlufJ2RX95UW0XynbzqBpjsyZIMyELD8yvKEnM_6_snwal1YZ0nHrkI1uMKbFXVwvUEdscVt5WN98o51-mh_waDfRjUpj0k2C8afH9FdZApFRzq936MU-xa-ksqP/s400/bed+project+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416380531347886130" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlzAtRr9n6mXzZ4was6xAT0599txpCVnim2vMpn_K7e90hucmVkzTYnBCpzXJeLEvCDb8N1JAzu0VeIwayZ20Dq0WIx-0S8SSZX36zCDaJCbheJbqdF3zEYjkkarJKk68Bp9cUBCDjQEO/s1600-h/bed+project+007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlzAtRr9n6mXzZ4was6xAT0599txpCVnim2vMpn_K7e90hucmVkzTYnBCpzXJeLEvCDb8N1JAzu0VeIwayZ20Dq0WIx-0S8SSZX36zCDaJCbheJbqdF3zEYjkkarJKk68Bp9cUBCDjQEO/s400/bed+project+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416380162458115666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqggKa7p4oNTIanvL03qRkzjbWQ6PsZfr5yiLjePVBGPFXZBxALceieDUazOCtbr2kxa1hoBIqnkghDkI5YAV70dti3D0EFfGpSHOeD_x8jEbREMCQr7DASXQ-bFoH5oLPTxPMazMuefJC/s1600-h/bed+project+010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqggKa7p4oNTIanvL03qRkzjbWQ6PsZfr5yiLjePVBGPFXZBxALceieDUazOCtbr2kxa1hoBIqnkghDkI5YAV70dti3D0EFfGpSHOeD_x8jEbREMCQr7DASXQ-bFoH5oLPTxPMazMuefJC/s400/bed+project+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416379582671757522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQPqZy8_HSiG_6ecZ_22z6wsLL4Q_OWFszJ__hv0xBSJg3MJM9n3ac8j5o9q23t3h0iYZYdwa8L6S42hEpJqHroShG6tnljL3_LJSQ1fn3FX6nMXLXtc9QgOfXmWY2yrMBvxKy6PsL7rp/s1600-h/bed+project+013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQPqZy8_HSiG_6ecZ_22z6wsLL4Q_OWFszJ__hv0xBSJg3MJM9n3ac8j5o9q23t3h0iYZYdwa8L6S42hEpJqHroShG6tnljL3_LJSQ1fn3FX6nMXLXtc9QgOfXmWY2yrMBvxKy6PsL7rp/s400/bed+project+013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416380733366365842" border="0" /></a><br />PILLOWS/COVERS:<br />To make pillows, just cut a small scrap of fabric, turn it wrong side out, sew around 3 sides, turn it right side out, fill with a bit of polyester fiberfill and then sew the ends up. To make a bed cover, I used a small piece of fleece and I sewed a zigzag stitch around the outside so it didn't fray. For the boys bed, I used two small scraps of orange and blue striped fabric - cut the fabric, add a layer of cotton batting, and sew the pieces wrong sides together around 3 sides. Turn rightside out and sew up the open section. Make a matching pillow and your done!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWKtvA5lFnHlWVBE9ptdzq8S3_B2AO2N60ph9cqKsQxgwWtE8N2waMLv9JYORmHtUldxzRpI7gCsBUBPBZ-6XQJoJg9E7xlG-S9gtAKLyOdNArQexicI2AzE7IOEYvgghA4WkWNRNWqA9/s1600-h/bed+project+011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWKtvA5lFnHlWVBE9ptdzq8S3_B2AO2N60ph9cqKsQxgwWtE8N2waMLv9JYORmHtUldxzRpI7gCsBUBPBZ-6XQJoJg9E7xlG-S9gtAKLyOdNArQexicI2AzE7IOEYvgghA4WkWNRNWqA9/s400/bed+project+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416380910607253090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Measuring for the Boys Bed:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigK-GFMVtqptg3db7JiU6vlprUuU9uFuI6-264L9TjfciY94mS0_OyFcfFIyylZydsdiqoV155lk-2Lb2leesZ6TrhRflLq0dinthyYFrQo3J1T9po_Shss0cHzntVaUnWksgFYyaFA-G_/s1600-h/bed+project+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigK-GFMVtqptg3db7JiU6vlprUuU9uFuI6-264L9TjfciY94mS0_OyFcfFIyylZydsdiqoV155lk-2Lb2leesZ6TrhRflLq0dinthyYFrQo3J1T9po_Shss0cHzntVaUnWksgFYyaFA-G_/s400/bed+project+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416381111950447394" border="0" /></a><br />Stuffing the wee Pillow with fiberfill:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvTL2fVWC6SW2yx0YeQ_NfgSbb99fDaqN2nH-Kovn80W_tyVtDORtJZmtLWTG0dB0NCeh7PHOWhjr5fLq5QMTNdO4Pnd7zU7K8ElNDxhbbQi5MZeN4Hqka6MK9eOAJh6inqG484Ja5Wvg/s1600-h/bed+project+017.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvTL2fVWC6SW2yx0YeQ_NfgSbb99fDaqN2nH-Kovn80W_tyVtDORtJZmtLWTG0dB0NCeh7PHOWhjr5fLq5QMTNdO4Pnd7zU7K8ElNDxhbbQi5MZeN4Hqka6MK9eOAJh6inqG484Ja5Wvg/s400/bed+project+017.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416381372770685458" border="0" /></a><br />Sewing the Bed cover:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKZwiYNKvcyyNnG1KEA0YoLHaW9tsTe5XeRDLhIN4wbZ7ApvMKM_mYhwknP7lum2czhOkFmYE3hWg2ANUlyTXGm47090a08VmwbyWIxbRM9qpZT8iD7dcalw3bf4McrXSkzoLhC-8GJe1/s1600-h/bed+project+016.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKZwiYNKvcyyNnG1KEA0YoLHaW9tsTe5XeRDLhIN4wbZ7ApvMKM_mYhwknP7lum2czhOkFmYE3hWg2ANUlyTXGm47090a08VmwbyWIxbRM9qpZT8iD7dcalw3bf4McrXSkzoLhC-8GJe1/s400/bed+project+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416381279625796146" border="0" /></a>Added the ribbon trim with more hot glue. Now the boy's cozy in his bed!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5BOtqxbzpg2YgzbNGc31-J8DqxJn1Uyi9Z2IWu8pNIyevhlTTRZ68fBbW2aFdP5OidJiYmJzqjRrTkRdYrN0R_FUOLa0vFZ_rcXxSOSx5peFYa7DloZtAbMLS5ijgohFCw60eJCauc-n/s1600-h/bed+project+019.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5BOtqxbzpg2YgzbNGc31-J8DqxJn1Uyi9Z2IWu8pNIyevhlTTRZ68fBbW2aFdP5OidJiYmJzqjRrTkRdYrN0R_FUOLa0vFZ_rcXxSOSx5peFYa7DloZtAbMLS5ijgohFCw60eJCauc-n/s400/bed+project+019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416381592939808338" border="0" /></a>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-63129039336061353552009-11-21T17:23:00.015-05:002009-12-04T21:27:04.081-05:00Pumpkin Goodness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichTqfKnGF2y_YxrKBzGA0lqTNGawz57DLqk1xEsXUxh8OUD15BxKVC1fBZdBVyKTNP0Ma1O3RZFbKJ2VDX4xVP0zj0nKqCkQfM7kK8AsO7S4G-JBa0d3Wcho_SBu5kYbwFjW1iaXYxE7-/s1600/pumpkin-pie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichTqfKnGF2y_YxrKBzGA0lqTNGawz57DLqk1xEsXUxh8OUD15BxKVC1fBZdBVyKTNP0Ma1O3RZFbKJ2VDX4xVP0zj0nKqCkQfM7kK8AsO7S4G-JBa0d3Wcho_SBu5kYbwFjW1iaXYxE7-/s200/pumpkin-pie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406719525670528642" border="0" /></a>I love the fall for so many reasons. The cool crisp weather, the beautiful foliage, and the harvest of great food. I have two favorites, apples and winter squashes. My favorite squash is definitely pumpkin and pumpkin puree is great to bake with in lots of different recipes. This adorable pie graphic is from <a href="http://www.nataliedee.com/">NatalieDee.com</a><br /><br />You can buy canned pumpkin puree or make it yourself. I like to stock up when it's on sale, usually around Thanksgiving in preparation for all the pie baking.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTn58E-Zk45YoES-WlSEPmlFrwvmi2oLybu4Ov1HFj3keAGPADMNW8r4DmeuN4Bw3Gf2ImVK9XCzTccMXaCm7gcIlOTBDHrssfCrk_xMoGpay7inaIqYOKOWflCkhwR0sXHCJYsqfH93A/s1600/Nov14+088.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTn58E-Zk45YoES-WlSEPmlFrwvmi2oLybu4Ov1HFj3keAGPADMNW8r4DmeuN4Bw3Gf2ImVK9XCzTccMXaCm7gcIlOTBDHrssfCrk_xMoGpay7inaIqYOKOWflCkhwR0sXHCJYsqfH93A/s200/Nov14+088.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406720628812174290" border="0" /></a>If you want to make your own pumpkin puree, you'll need a sugar or pie pumpkin. They are generally smaller, sweeter, and less grainy than the kind you carve into jack-o-lanterns. It's a bit time consuming and messy, but you'll yield a larger amount of pumpkin than you'd get in a standard 15 oz can, and it has a fresh bright color and taste.<br /><br />Look for a pumpkin at the farmer's market or grocery store. There are several cooking methods - bake, steam, or microwave. To get started, rinse the pumpkin in fresh water and dry it off. Then remove the stem and cut in half and scoop out the seeds and gunk. Then cut it into a few large pieces.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">MICRO</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYB7diymdlO-pYC5NpSfUQZyLIP10CgeUyJQsaEhBJPnCh2rS7DJGccijYTM8zkICyrq0HQbhi1124YJk49-2gaQNs-fLbMbLnsyNG84-fNB-nz31Kn3Arnr2KSQ6h8PgihzlttNWzM-uD/s1600/247841151_e3274a8407.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYB7diymdlO-pYC5NpSfUQZyLIP10CgeUyJQsaEhBJPnCh2rS7DJGccijYTM8zkICyrq0HQbhi1124YJk49-2gaQNs-fLbMbLnsyNG84-fNB-nz31Kn3Arnr2KSQ6h8PgihzlttNWzM-uD/s200/247841151_e3274a8407.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406719387684060306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">WAVE: </span><br />To microwave it, just put it in a safe pan with a little bit of water, cover and cook until it's soft.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STEAM:</span><br />Put a few inches of water in the bottom of your pan, add the steamer basket and put in the pumpkin pieces. A large pumpkin might need to be cooked in more than one pan. Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat and cook covered until pumpkin is soft.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BAKE:</span><br />Place the cut up pieces in a large pan with a little bit of water, and cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil, bake at 325 until it's soft. A few years ago, I found instructions on how to bake a whole pumpkin from Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Basically, you just poke a few holes in it, and put the whole thing in the oven in a shallow pan, then bake it until it's soft. Once it's soft and the skin has shriveled, you take it out of the oven and let it cool. Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds and guts, cut it up,then peel the skin off (which practically falls right off).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxUYK4GVC5eP3YmG-xNHXwn6CnEGC9FHrS8nvWfBFZwbDQhbv3eSmJNRWecJbL1eGx_-lr5sCfsFvdQxgslipbFUlrbfbezaxZr_yMCKHJZ7vzmfMQS4EBLQEvIvxNR01_W0MyKYsvf9F/s1600/Nov14+090.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxUYK4GVC5eP3YmG-xNHXwn6CnEGC9FHrS8nvWfBFZwbDQhbv3eSmJNRWecJbL1eGx_-lr5sCfsFvdQxgslipbFUlrbfbezaxZr_yMCKHJZ7vzmfMQS4EBLQEvIvxNR01_W0MyKYsvf9F/s200/Nov14+090.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406720098077634210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">PUREE:</span><br />Use your food processor to puree it in batches until it's smooth. This is probably too big of a job for blender. A hand blender would also work well. You could also mash it by hand, but you won't get the same smooth consistency as with a food processor. If the puree ends up very watery you can drain it out. The easiest method is to line the bottom of a large colander with a few overlapping coffee filters and plop the pumpkin puree on top. Put a large bowl underneath to catch the excess water.<br /><br />What to do with all that yummy pumpkin puree? Not a problem! Here are a few of my favorite recipes (any extra puree can be frozen in zip top bags, plastic wear or my preference glass Pyrex containers).<br /><br />I made some s<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHsdMR6LoveQHVlpOeHDzhflELVZB7A8pCDcgDpmc8DDSsp2m1q8RTHPdKUNXOE_5IR7hs_kjr8DWuV9nzRptrPC5mT2aK1wrblnTYlUzZxhG89h_V7TYkTF36xHIDwRXtJIRuv_wZn9O/s1600/libbys-canned-pumpkin-de.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHsdMR6LoveQHVlpOeHDzhflELVZB7A8pCDcgDpmc8DDSsp2m1q8RTHPdKUNXOE_5IR7hs_kjr8DWuV9nzRptrPC5mT2aK1wrblnTYlUzZxhG89h_V7TYkTF36xHIDwRXtJIRuv_wZn9O/s200/libbys-canned-pumpkin-de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406721193674394226" border="0" /></a>uper yummy pumpkin strudel topped muffins a few days ago using the recipe below. You can also make it into two small loaves. Strudel topping elevates even the most boring muffin, and here it's super yummy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVCeL2GijSvTnJs2VjKz2oO4BP_Cyiv3fx4QOVTN-YakgQbJdnnMGGKqgVWuOsemV-vLMJKmLf31gP31TVK8SH86djcGZJsrbQY_vcku2U0aMfsGMcnDuB54BLvAs1rScL_PfQnnk5wrh/s1600/Nov14+084.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVCeL2GijSvTnJs2VjKz2oO4BP_Cyiv3fx4QOVTN-YakgQbJdnnMGGKqgVWuOsemV-vLMJKmLf31gP31TVK8SH86djcGZJsrbQY_vcku2U0aMfsGMcnDuB54BLvAs1rScL_PfQnnk5wrh/s200/Nov14+084.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406719152602998610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pumpkin Bread or Muffins with Strudel Topping </span><br />yields 18 muffins or two loaves<br /><br />1/2 cup butter<br />3/4 cup brown sugar<br />3/4 cup sugar<br />1/2 tsp. vanilla extract<br />2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)<br />2 eggs<br />2 1/2 cups all purpose flour<br />1 1/2 tsp baking soda<br />1 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />1 tsp cinnamon<br />1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg<br /><br />Strudel Topping:<br />3/4 cup flour<br />3 tbls butter<br />1/2 cup brown sugar<br />1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)<br />1 tsp cinnamon<br /><br />1. Beat butter in large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and brown sugar, beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla, then blend in pumpkin puree<br /><br />2. In a separate bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients with wet ingredients, blending slowly. Scrap sides of bowl and mix again. Spoon batter into greased muffins tins or loaf pans (or use muffin paper liners).<br /><br />3. In the same bowl you used for the dry ingredients, combine strudel topping ingredients. Using a pastry blender tool or the back of a fork, cut up the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the top of each muffin or loaves.<br /><br />4. For loaf pans bake 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For muffins bake 20-25 minutes. Cool on cooling rack 10 minutes then remove from pan.<br />Extras can be frozen.<br /><br />My friend Heather can't eat gluten so recently I made this yummy cheesecake to bring to one of our girls nights out get togethers. I modified the crust of this recipe from Libby's Pumpkin.<br />I used <a href="http://www.midelcookies.com/gluten_Free/ginger_snaps.shtml">Mi-Del's Gluten Free Gingersnaps.</a> I think the gingersnaps give it a little something special, as opposed to a standard graham cracker crust, which can also be used. Cheesecakes are super easy to make and they are always a show stopper and delicious!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gingersnap Crust:</span><br />1 1/2 cups Mi-Del Gingersnap cookies (grind up first in the food processor)<br />1/3 cup melted butter<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350. Blend crust ingredients in a small bowl, then press onto the bottom and up the sides of a springform pan. Bake 6-10 minutes until set and just slightly golden brown. Set aside to cool<span style="font-weight: bold;">. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cheesecake:</span><br />3 8-oz packages of Neufchatel (reduced fat cream cheese) at room temperature<br />1 cup sugar<br />1/4 cups packed brown sugar<br />2 eggs<br />1 3/4 cups pumpkin puree<br />2/3 cup evaporated milk<br />2 tlbs cornstarch<br />1 1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />1/2 tsp ground nutmeg<br /><br />Beat cream cheese in mixer until very smooth, add sugars and blend. Add eggs, beating well, and scraping sides after each. Add remaining ingredients and blend well.<br /><br />Pour batter into crust, smoothing the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes until it's set and the middle is ever so slightly jiggly. While cake bakes, prepare the topping<span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Topping:</span><br />2 cups low fat sour cream at room temperature<br />1/3 cup sugar<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br /><br />Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Spread evenly over the top of the cake as it comes out of the oven. Then bake (still at 350) for another 5 minutes. When done, shut off oven, leave oven door open and let cake cool very slowly. After 30 minutes, remove from oven and cool on wire rack, then cover tightly and chill overnight.<br /><br />Then there's always the <span style="font-weight: bold;">classic Pumpkin Pie</span>, which is a staple at most Thanksgiving dessert tables. I use the <a href="http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/specialty/libbys-detail-fpp.aspx">recipe from Libby's</a>, because it always comes out great.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichTqfKnGF2y_YxrKBzGA0lqTNGawz57DLqk1xEsXUxh8OUD15BxKVC1fBZdBVyKTNP0Ma1O3RZFbKJ2VDX4xVP0zj0nKqCkQfM7kK8AsO7S4G-JBa0d3Wcho_SBu5kYbwFjW1iaXYxE7-/s1600/pumpkin-pie.jpg"><br /></a>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-71157298564821661982009-10-22T13:14:00.018-04:002009-12-19T21:13:39.812-05:00Upcycling Wool Sweaters into Plush Animals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyh7ys5KMr7PwXhmVu0lA42PldMMmdSC22MrDelapGQsNNVjtApG531TRHg9i9y2Y0aYJ8pSNaeqqQyFbGnPA4XHsJBkg8eQAMEH1niqtpgHm4rO7Z6QJ34KhRVfbK0V3_6pNwXuqbBExc/s1600-h/tree2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyh7ys5KMr7PwXhmVu0lA42PldMMmdSC22MrDelapGQsNNVjtApG531TRHg9i9y2Y0aYJ8pSNaeqqQyFbGnPA4XHsJBkg8eQAMEH1niqtpgHm4rO7Z6QJ34KhRVfbK0V3_6pNwXuqbBExc/s400/tree2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417029375419207906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Have you ever accidentally shrink one of your favorite wool sweaters? It's so disappointing to ruin something so nice. But wait, don't toss it out! You can 'upcycle' it - that means turning it into something new and different. Not just reused, but repurposed. I love the idea of upcycling. Me, personally am drawn to all things small and cute, so I use old sweaters to create cute plush animals.<br /><br />Don't know ho<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21JIl-uQFQLhmgrppGTjsgiK9xyHvswgSDaD3rnsctU4rJ8g1SfZyxnQiKwmKYlApLnZ-5XhmaBtrUGzTQWbpvwT9L8CdITmemJn1kUJ-IXKG56dTOGedNol26Lc79KqJgPsgCZMDv0ne/s1600-h/bunch4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21JIl-uQFQLhmgrppGTjsgiK9xyHvswgSDaD3rnsctU4rJ8g1SfZyxnQiKwmKYlApLnZ-5XhmaBtrUGzTQWbpvwT9L8CdITmemJn1kUJ-IXKG56dTOGedNol26Lc79KqJgPsgCZMDv0ne/s200/bunch4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395476845449867762" border="0" /></a>w to felt a sweater you no longer use? Ignore all the labels that say to handwash or dryclean only! Instead, just pop it in the washing machine with a little detergent and hot water. Some sweaters will shed A LOT, so first put the sweater in a mesh lingerie bag or pillow case (close with rubber band). Too many little fuzzies in your washing machine can cause damage to your machine. Choose the longest wash cycle. Check it once or twice during the wash to see if the fibers are getting tighter. You'll know if it's working, if you can no longer see the rows of knitting, and the sweater has shrunk. As the fibers shrink, they lock together. Heat and agitation are key. When it's done washing, check to make sure it's shrunk and then put it right into a hot dryer which will shrink it up even more. When it's dry, you are ready to work with your fabric.<br /><br /><br />I bought this sweater at a second hand store for less than a $1 because it had holes on the elbows.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmj85OaLrfkPq8Baw9ZPe4PlyEz9D-Bau9vScLWSf_kaGTQU5Wu4qpzVPv_wcFYRF_AtauNh8LauQWVwDxcNOpDLvNjVUg_yzL791FSeFd02w6VBwoxfms7_P6eBPTlouCDtVMqi_rnNUX/s1600-h/DSCN4371.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmj85OaLrfkPq8Baw9ZPe4PlyEz9D-Bau9vScLWSf_kaGTQU5Wu4qpzVPv_wcFYRF_AtauNh8LauQWVwDxcNOpDLvNjVUg_yzL791FSeFd02w6VBwoxfms7_P6eBPTlouCDtVMqi_rnNUX/s400/DSCN4371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417027878356589970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Depending on what you plan to make, you may need to cut the sweater apart to create one large piece of fabric. To do that, cut up the side seams and carefully cut the arms off. The ribbing at the bottom and cuffs is handy and can add a nice detail to finished pieces. The fabric is wonderful to work with. Not only is it soft and fluffy, but the now felted fabric won't fray or come apart and it's thick and will hold it's shape.<br /><br />I am thrilled with how this crazy Orge came out and I even made him a little buggy friend. This sold in my Etsy Shop a few weeks ago. This sweater had a zip up neck and a zip chest pocket. I carefully cut so that I could use the chest pocket as the critters mouth. I still have the long zipper that was part of the neck, but haven't decided what critter is waiting to be made from it.<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGoIo6mJTcC-r0Z4t3Jn4W2h43Sr_5_C6RMKFwSqxqeaOUfx-4EwIiBJMyrxH861HCTJY3bCEm1ELxH8swnnaOBC2bOmhXxCh7RaKqB60WDHEwafvoajaWxoCxis6a73MWARWVgQpba9F/s1600-h/ogre3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGoIo6mJTcC-r0Z4t3Jn4W2h43Sr_5_C6RMKFwSqxqeaOUfx-4EwIiBJMyrxH861HCTJY3bCEm1ELxH8swnnaOBC2bOmhXxCh7RaKqB60WDHEwafvoajaWxoCxis6a73MWARWVgQpba9F/s400/ogre3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417030800898732098" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I love the zipper mouth and the little bug friend!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUeQmltjfJXnecX6NvfdfwcoEmoIVTOqpyeWuwUiEjcRvS2SXfa1mjFrgHJ6CpxpqyoyP7X6oiN33F5syq4XlssVAL-psrupBKAfwsZYpWg5z7DT_sG12B7f4g6H6H4EInn5N_p7MMUpe/s1600-h/ogre2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUeQmltjfJXnecX6NvfdfwcoEmoIVTOqpyeWuwUiEjcRvS2SXfa1mjFrgHJ6CpxpqyoyP7X6oiN33F5syq4XlssVAL-psrupBKAfwsZYpWg5z7DT_sG12B7f4g6H6H4EInn5N_p7MMUpe/s400/ogre2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417030739427988898" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXu4XZLu4DZZgkzAAFf8Wt9LNXVbbtyaSPEVO9_pzHpM_16wa8rCyaj7s0NgeGQ9XxOazjj7dLrZFhZHpUr8VaKxn9vEf9Yg7I_mUOFlSyz0TR9MQWGhwQonY_CNERAXkt5LuzoqubpauX/s1600-h/ogre1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXu4XZLu4DZZgkzAAFf8Wt9LNXVbbtyaSPEVO9_pzHpM_16wa8rCyaj7s0NgeGQ9XxOazjj7dLrZFhZHpUr8VaKxn9vEf9Yg7I_mUOFlSyz0TR9MQWGhwQonY_CNERAXkt5LuzoqubpauX/s400/ogre1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417030681335269954" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWj06p92WYcTbXJKI033h3o9lXaCcGwgVZXpmx7UuLaDAKypRSKSLb2BcKQGqDg3VBkQgJPokVSbuC_XTRi2nmwFX3eksVbs1Ct-toB3SKlvMKP4pAO2zEqnKLxgKYCOL9VEGdWFemcbX2/s1600-h/sitting.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWj06p92WYcTbXJKI033h3o9lXaCcGwgVZXpmx7UuLaDAKypRSKSLb2BcKQGqDg3VBkQgJPokVSbuC_XTRi2nmwFX3eksVbs1Ct-toB3SKlvMKP4pAO2zEqnKLxgKYCOL9VEGdWFemcbX2/s200/sitting.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395480036716122802" border="0" /></a><br />If you have a sweater that is a mix of wool and another fiber, like cotton, you may still be able to felt the sweater. It just won't be as tight as 100% wool.<br /><br />You can make pillows, a small case for your IPod or cell phone, purse, or a plush animal (my favorite). The felted wool also lends itself very well to hand embroidery and applique.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tUT7t9n0niQA898bwR6NzE17Lbh6V4CjWfB_QlCBazt_kLi_YVT1NZzT1J8iSQtdxawiyvl00QusJAl9EWczIa03YgiajTM2Byi4kzFuPrFppoDR7aaebR_DgD71QAuuD8a_MFwZU1-o/s1600-h/DSCN3633.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tUT7t9n0niQA898bwR6NzE17Lbh6V4CjWfB_QlCBazt_kLi_YVT1NZzT1J8iSQtdxawiyvl00QusJAl9EWczIa03YgiajTM2Byi4kzFuPrFppoDR7aaebR_DgD71QAuuD8a_MFwZU1-o/s400/DSCN3633.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417029474411787570" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here are some simple sweater blocks I made for a friend's baby.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR93TepC8cSXokwrWGKGaFGlzjpyj71D0QKb9CsZdud_RZG_jWhKj-xqufdzBDjdsfBYByuD1TFQhYidIF9eiecIlNsR_27oWSnMANofX2XBkLPU36ba1lCvQ_jo0oyflwZ5gGHLjGRB6e/s1600-h/DSCN3340.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR93TepC8cSXokwrWGKGaFGlzjpyj71D0QKb9CsZdud_RZG_jWhKj-xqufdzBDjdsfBYByuD1TFQhYidIF9eiecIlNsR_27oWSnMANofX2XBkLPU36ba1lCvQ_jo0oyflwZ5gGHLjGRB6e/s400/DSCN3340.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417028322878340658" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I just finished making these totally <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33072568">cute baby rattles</a>. I've also made this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28528451">plush cat</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=17864892">plush mouse</a>, a funny bunny, and another critter monster.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOCJscgIlher5KoQNymHNxH5t6r1JVcrhq3jVSyAOBFYHFAp1dSH6ysR4DmFuNfNdS5_fIcotaJvq84owebAjX8jKAe2O6Jsb4digCdxCTRI2voKpPRsHIcuZBXihZcet_O8LafboGRgm/s1600-h/Nov22+BEST.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOCJscgIlher5KoQNymHNxH5t6r1JVcrhq3jVSyAOBFYHFAp1dSH6ysR4DmFuNfNdS5_fIcotaJvq84owebAjX8jKAe2O6Jsb4digCdxCTRI2voKpPRsHIcuZBXihZcet_O8LafboGRgm/s400/Nov22+BEST.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417032231486213666" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68291jpQKs7kHGcAuLokMdZ8falC5i-QoPjJb8-G9gIaPE3u0m9JWJ9L0HTaGZzWG-Z0Aw98_io-_HAwHnlJ7VlFWW_IXZRLIb0A9NO8m_ApszhzFhcTc4GyI79nYXPXLZwMcm-NYtFYP/s1600-h/to+scale.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68291jpQKs7kHGcAuLokMdZ8falC5i-QoPjJb8-G9gIaPE3u0m9JWJ9L0HTaGZzWG-Z0Aw98_io-_HAwHnlJ7VlFWW_IXZRLIb0A9NO8m_ApszhzFhcTc4GyI79nYXPXLZwMcm-NYtFYP/s200/to+scale.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395480344688939650" border="0" /></a><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;">One of my favorite Etsy Shops is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32007644">Pogo</a> - <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlk_WLPUjsfxzaos_QSA1yVV1O43M3Kz3_wmBn4fMvpyQA9fsPRURm60WeSB2Oqf8mDV6NqQX2vg3hbQKeRhDIrT9vH13AyQ8brCH4YygT7cBKlyvl5W4_Cqn6rpfUcL9MKcEF7E3EqBDP/s1600-h/il_430xN.94070696.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlk_WLPUjsfxzaos_QSA1yVV1O43M3Kz3_wmBn4fMvpyQA9fsPRURm60WeSB2Oqf8mDV6NqQX2vg3hbQKeRhDIrT9vH13AyQ8brCH4YygT7cBKlyvl5W4_Cqn6rpfUcL9MKcEF7E3EqBDP/s200/il_430xN.94070696.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395477969163651458" border="0" /></a>so many adorable little animals all made from upcycled sweaters.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I found this really cute brown bunny plushie, from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22817294">ChurchMouseStudio</a>. It even comes with a little skirt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DujMXK5oq33L_UMxDP8yyNk_zCAyCGRlAN83Zah9zpFiPGm8khTRPsXndZyl4ZeEXsJYpD9Dc-k6uChP1w5Jkrg-B0dWUzXzwUcXvUUxT4xoOM2OHBBuuPWTX5CABubZnKSbRZy6nzVR/s1600-h/bunny.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DujMXK5oq33L_UMxDP8yyNk_zCAyCGRlAN83Zah9zpFiPGm8khTRPsXndZyl4ZeEXsJYpD9Dc-k6uChP1w5Jkrg-B0dWUzXzwUcXvUUxT4xoOM2OHBBuuPWTX5CABubZnKSbRZy6nzVR/s200/bunny.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395479031461793314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is the latest little critter I made, also with some silly hair and a rattle inside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_TqtpxbkgeJalnPXe3P9kYXj7kG6edKSEDCahcH22Md1GXTgGa7rvRpZ2HxTSmaYKKNsOsdvR-g5LeZYryU41RXh57RKWCwag3yKuAdNnhqQ9-np0ds29m0n1wVcZCXBDsAWGUnqb1GJ/s1600-h/Dec17+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_TqtpxbkgeJalnPXe3P9kYXj7kG6edKSEDCahcH22Md1GXTgGa7rvRpZ2HxTSmaYKKNsOsdvR-g5LeZYryU41RXh57RKWCwag3yKuAdNnhqQ9-np0ds29m0n1wVcZCXBDsAWGUnqb1GJ/s400/Dec17+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417029759612842706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I love Owls and this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32458722">stuffy</a> from BlackBirdFashion is just adorable. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oJM4Cite0Gj3jstrE0Mng-K4nw1RmUsOMf6azjfVhXPMVehi-fXVeVFd1pUO9kXrMdcsYlAIxIuYG8eB8mh_0VRL52dfjfx2B5CLXNEVT-corV13skXVmkFqUzjH5Bnd5lorQeV4JR7y/s1600-h/il_430xN.95583652.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oJM4Cite0Gj3jstrE0Mng-K4nw1RmUsOMf6azjfVhXPMVehi-fXVeVFd1pUO9kXrMdcsYlAIxIuYG8eB8mh_0VRL52dfjfx2B5CLXNEVT-corV13skXVmkFqUzjH5Bnd5lorQeV4JR7y/s200/il_430xN.95583652.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395478033745656322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />You can also create tons of other items like wallets, purses, handbags, etc. Here is a fun Halloween <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32827544">Frankenstein Monster Handbag</a> from SnowOwl.etsy.com</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4FlHPV93KT2km0oYhPK7So4UIST-vO4N35mh2q3n1NtdVWG9e_vrkH-v4N7_PeYVHdnsCjlXvzIT7ncUsLBVQXvGsPT1OqHFnZBEpLn5vjwufioJwy0O2OKcDGQjrkv43CO6SgECepIG/s1600-h/il_430xN.96819144.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4FlHPV93KT2km0oYhPK7So4UIST-vO4N35mh2q3n1NtdVWG9e_vrkH-v4N7_PeYVHdnsCjlXvzIT7ncUsLBVQXvGsPT1OqHFnZBEpLn5vjwufioJwy0O2OKcDGQjrkv43CO6SgECepIG/s200/il_430xN.96819144.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395478096421596210" border="0" /></a>Jennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790941894812828722.post-89942547156514482092009-09-29T21:23:00.002-04:002009-09-29T21:29:06.961-04:00buy one get one half price saleI am running a special sale in my Etsy Shop for the next week and a half!<br />This deal is effective on Passport Sleeves and Mini Wallet Pouches. Check it out!<br /><br />This week I'm working on getting a big consignment order completed and delivered up to <a href="http://www.buykindred.com/">Kindred Gifts</a> in Damariscotta, Maine. Earlier this evening I also washed, dried, ironed and cut Christmas fabric for making some really fun Jumble Balls especially for the holidays. Last year I made a batch of super cute felt gingerbread men ornaments and I'm looking forward to making some of those this year too.<br /><br />-JenniferJennifer Towlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14006136461156145307noreply@blogger.com1