Fabric Galore

Well- now that New England finally has their first snow of the year (because I am just going to ignore the fact that it snowed 6 inches on my favorite holiday- halloween!) it is time to start doing indoor projects which to me = sewing! Here are a few of my favorites- all found on Spoonflower.

i. love. stripes. enough. said


perfect for a Valentine's Day project



I think this is perfect for a little boy's room






I have not totally understood, nor am I 'feeling' the whole mustache craze, but I know a lot of you have...so this fabric is for you



This is by far one of my favorite



I think I am ordering this today and making pincushions and a pillow with it



This one seems familiar, and I like that


Second favorite- especially for a little boy's room or a kids bathroom


It is like the stars aligned and took two of my favorites (rabbits and toile) and
combined forces!



Basic and perfect



fox = heart

I hope you find some inspirational fabric and come up with a great January project. Head on over to my Pinterest to get some ideas!

It Takes Two to Tango

What will you do with Tangerine Tango, the 2012 color of the year from Pantone? I don't know about you, but I really like this color as an accent...especially with turquoise and white. A similar color I love, and use a lot is a coral. The options are endless with this inspirational color!

 

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Here are a few ways I would love to use Tangerine Tango in 2012!!

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 These sheets are ah-maaz-ing (little shout out to my new favorite, Happy Endings)

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So...will you incorporate Tangerine Tango into your style this year?

Ugh Closet to Yeah Closet!

I don't know if you are like me- but if you are, than you have a closet in your house that actually gives you a stomach ache when you think about it- and how messy it is. Well, I have had one of those stomach aches for about a year now...and it had to end before I got an ulcer :) So, I tackled my 'craft' closet in our office once and for all. It took a little motivation from Matt- but finally one night after work last week, I took everything out...and so began the process.

- Messy, messy closet #1

- And picture #2

- And last but not least ... (note the pink doors and interior of closet)



- And here is all of the 'stuff' I had to take out, and figure out how to put it all back in...

- Ahh....and a little paint goes a long way. Side note: after Matt pulled out some old molding, a lot more came with it, including all of the 1890's horse hair plaster...literally horse hair. So after I sneezed for about a half an hour- Matt replaced the second shelving back wall with new 1/4 inch sheet rock. Bound to happen with an old house I suppose.

- It was one of those things, where the stars aligned for me at Target. I found a ton of great organizing bins in that section they have in the front, that everything is usually really theme oriented and $1.00. Well, this times theme was home organization. Score!

- They had great file folders (top left) and wire baskets for $2.50 a piece (second shelf).

- I loved the galvanized buckets they had, for $2.50- which work perfect for my fabric.

- I had this wire basket, which also works good for smaller fabric pieces. It is perfect so you can still see your options without having them all in a box.

- I use Mason jars for odds and end buttons, and when I get new ones from clothes, I just add them to the jar.

- Matt added peg board to the inside of the doorwhich is great for ribbon and scissors.

- I had some cute note cards that I loved, but decided to use them as tags to identify what was in each basket.

- Even the floor was pink, it now looks much better white and organized to boot!



- Target also had these great trays for little odds and ends. I love the gray print!

- TJ Maxx had this great apothecary jar for $7.99 which looks awesome with old thread bobbins I had.

- They also had these grey-ish baskets (3 for $12.99) which add nice texture to the closet. And of course, more thread!

So, there it is. A craft closet that does not give me a stomach ache any more! On another note, as you can see, I am still getting use to the new camera. Unfortunately since I work full time, I am never home during natural daylight. So I am still working with the flash...let me know what kind of photo you think looks best!

Happy organizing!

Little Touch to A Baby Must

OK, so my post title is not necessarily from experience, but I know my sister and many of my friends babies live in Onesies. Whether they are under outfits or taking a nap, I know they are a necessity. Here is a really quick, easy way to add a little touch to a basic white Onesie.

All you  need is some Onesies, DMC thread (like the kind we used to make friendship bracelets in 5th grade!) and a sewing needle. Separate and use three of the six pieces of thread of the DMC when you stitch.

The best way for you to learn this stitch, is by this YouTube link on exactly how to do the bucket stitch. I did the stitch around the collar and sleeves.

 Tie cute ribbions around if you are giving as a gift! 

I added a free-hand heart on the sleeve of this Onesie. You could do any easy shape. I know Judi wants a green shamrock for Killian!

And Miles wanted to be part of the original photo shoot for the guest blog over at Cinsarah. I may not have a baby...but these two sure are the loves of my life! 

Showcasing Those Lucky Letters!

A monogram is a motif made by overlapping or combining two or more letters or other graphemes to form one symbol.(Wikipedia) And if you know me, you know I love monograms. It started when I was little, and I had a monogrammed sweater, and growing up seeing monogrammed towels in my house. As I got older, I think I would associate monogrammed items with my family, home, things that reminded me of my family. So, dare I say, my obsession began. Now that I am a bit older, I also know I like monograms because of the history they bring with them. Some of my favorite possessions are monogrammed items, whether they are from family, or something new I received for my wedding, I know it is something that has meaning, and can be handed down. I love seeing old monogrammed silver and other beautiful household items at antique shops. I always see it and wonder, Who did it belong to? Where did they live? What was their name? What did they serve with this dish or serving fork? I like to think when I purchase antique monogrammed items, that I am representing that person well, and going to be using that piece to serve my family and friends, or put my precious jewelry in it.

My post from Woodstock, Vermont showed some beautiful pieces I found. I did end up buying a pewter little jewelry box with an 'S' on it, that I have happily placed on my dresser with two pairs of earrings my late grandmother left for me which means a lot. I love monograms, old or new...and wanted to share a few old and new ideas for showcasing your lucky letters!


1. Monogrammed dishes. These are some of my all-time favorites. They have just become available at Williams Sonoma but are from Pickard. When I registered for my wedding, they were not easily available, but thankfully for any brides out there, you can now easily register for them. And I remind you...you will have them for ever, and can pass them down.



2. Vintage monogrammed baby spoons. How precious are these gold plated spoons. Keep your eyes peeled at antique/flea markets, vintage shops and yard sales- you never know what you will find.


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3. I love the traditional monogrammed towels from Pottery Barn, Neiman Marcus and the likes (my sister got me amazing ones from L.L Bean for Christmas!) but these ones from West Elm are a little bit of a modern flare for all of you who think monogramming is sooooo preppy :)



4. If you know a man that has been in a wedding, chances are he got a monogrammed flask as a groomsmen gift. Well....we did it too. Matt gave these Pottery Barn ones out to his brothers and brother-in-law. They are a safe, classic gift...and ironically, Matt who has been in 7, yes 7, weddings does not have one...maybe they are not as popular as I originally thought!



5. Speaking of gifts, one of my favorite bridesmaids gifts was a monogrammed silver 'Richmond' Mint Julip cup (similar to the one below). One of my best friends, Ginna is from Richmond, Virginia, and her wedding was in Virginia- so the gift was very apropos. I have it on my kitchen windowsill and change it out with seasonal flowers (currently I have boxwood and red berries).


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6. I just love the simplicity of this necklace. You could get your initials, you and your significant others, or even your kids...options are endless with this one! Handmade from Hot Mix Cold on etsy.



7. One thing I have had many of (and will always have room for more) is make-up bags. I love these ones from West Elm that are hand blocked.



8. So I know I JUST said that I loved the simplicity of the necklace above, but I also love the craziness of the one below from Moon & Lola. This is more of a traditional monogram...and I want one so bad! I think of it like the preppy take to the 'Carrie' necklace...you know what I am talking about...



9. Again, as mentioned in the Woodstock, Vermont post, Simon Pearce has amazing hand blown glass made in Vermont (and I know there is a shop in San Francisco that I passed with Ginna) but anyways, what a beautiful vase for a bride or favorite friend, with their monogram of course!



10. Shifting gears here...technology has come a long way. I did not even own a cell phone in college (wow, that makes me sound, feel, and generally realize that I am old). Now that I have a cell phone, I totally want one of these monogrammed iPhone cases from DaniNotes. I love the chevron one with the simple monogram, but all would do :)



11. And last, but not least for all of you iPad users (Brooke, perfect for your new Christmas present!) I love these needlepoint covers from Land's End...surprised that they are from Land's End, I will start taking a closer look to their catalogs :)



So you can make fun of me all you want about liking (errr loving) monograms, but I am sure at least one of those items peaked your interest. And if not, that is OK, maybe a gift for someone else that does...