Here is my rather small collection of albums. My trouble isn’t so much the albums as the picture taking. I like to take the same annual photos, but manage to take very few in between. My albums are a little reminiscent of Groundhog’s Day–like each year consists of the same handful of days. My greatest photographic achievement to date was taking a photo of Betty with every elf from A to Z in Santa’s Village, including B, Betty (!). (I can’t wait to do it again next year.)
Jessica Jones, How about Orange blogger, has a great series of posts about printing fabric using Inkodye, which reacts to sunlight like a sunprint. It looks like lots of fun, and I want someone to try it! I really love the safety pin fabric.
I am meanwhile working away on some quilts, cushions, and other home improvements.
Sometimes I buy fabric that seems almost too pretty to use. Recently, I bought half a yard of this Marimeko fabric that I was both eager and reluctant to use. In cases like this I opt for an easy project that almost keeps the fabric in tact. Here are three projects that really showcase a beautiful fabric.
1. Simple envelope enclosure pillow. If your fabric is about the right size for your pillow form, you hardly have to waste any, and you can finish in no time. I used most of my Marimeko fabric for this pillow. Download the easy instructions here: Simple Envelope Enclosure Pillow.
2. Napkins. For this project, I use Martha Stewart’s pattern for linen napkins from her Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts. Just add a fancy hem to your pretty fabric and voila. I have to say making this hem is super satisfying–one of the rare things in my sewing life that really comes out perfect. (The only problem, of course, is that you actually have to let people use your beautiful cloth napkins. But, I’m a firm believer in not saving things for special occasions, and this hem will stand up to lots of trips through the washer.)
3. Double-gauze receiving blanket. This pattern from purl bee makes wonderful use of Japanese double-gauze fabric and shot cotton. This fabric is so beautiful, and you hardly do anything to it–just sew two squares together then add a running stitch in embroidery thread around the border. I made a blanket for a friend’s baby and I hear it was a very popular item!
And … here is the painted table. The color is just what I imagined. My handiwork is not perfect–I find that painting furniture is much harder to do well than it seems. The cable box is also a bit of an eyesore, but so essential! I am really pleased to have such a tidy place to stow my napkins. Wouldn’t it be nice to have an array of polka dotted napkins in each little cubby?
I am now living in Florida, where it is very hot and very steamy. So, Sweden is extremely appealing. In the Truman Show-like village near my house–think very cute clapboard houses and little village green strung with lights–there is lovely shop that carries European housewares, mostly from Sweden. Marimeko and felted gnomes–hooray! Before we moved here (did I mention that my parents’ house is less than a mile from our new house?) I always made a point to visit Marianne Coveney, European Essentials. All my favorite dishes come from here. So does my favorite ornamental chicken (totally essential). I am delighted that the store is now within walking distance. I adore my new house and it deserves some Swedish knick knacks.
Some other Swedish things I love? Jessica Jones, How About Orange blogger and textile designer, has a new fabric collection, Outside Oslo. Surely something in my house needs sprucing up with this delightful fabric. I think some laundry bags will make the task of doing laundry–in my own house!–even more pleasant. Although, these pillows from the blog look pretty awesome.
Scadanavian Needlecraft. I got this book for Christmas, and have yet to make anything. It has some lovely embroidery designs and somthing in my house will soon be sporting one of them.
Painted Swedish furniture. This “hunt table,” as my parents call it, is sitting in my garage (thanks Mum and Dad!) waiting to be painted pale gray-blue. I am tempted, really tempted, to paint some sort of folksy motif on there, but I don’t think anyone else will sign off on that. Maybe just on the inside of the doors? Don’t you think that would excellent?
homemadecity.com 