Another Seat Re-do

This is the chair that came with the sewing machine I recently purchased from an estate sale. I am working on fixing up the sewing machine cabinet and I'll post photos of that later, but for now, this is what I've done...

Stool Recovery

I have recently gained more of an interest in yard sales and thrift stores. I used to just see lots of junk that took too much time to sort through to possibly find something useful. But many online blogs have inspired me and I no longer look for things I can use as they are, but I look for materials that I like. I look for sheets or dresses with pretty patterns to use for their fabric, I look for furniture that just needs a bit of sprucing, or a little sand paper and paint. I have a new found love for unwanted items.

A few weeks ago, I took a morning and went to check out some yard sales. My best find was an awesome 1954 Kenmore sewing machine in a cabinet for $25. But more on that at a later date. For now, I just want to show you this cute little stool I picked up at a moving sale. It was $3 and was begging me to recover it. So, I did. And I'm quite happy with the results.

The fabric is from Amy Butler's Love collection and it's laminated cotton. I'm really glad I went with something I could just wipe off to clean because Elora's all over this thing! It's the perfect height for her to climb on and it's also perfect for an ottoman or just a little seat.

I chose this pattern because I really want to add some lighter colors to our living space. It's a very small space and with my dark couch, it just needs something to brighten it up a bit. My couch is the burgundy color that's in the flowers. I'm going to make some pillows and maybe add other touches of the lighter colors to lighten things up in here. We'll see where it all goes, but I think this stool is a good start. I love it!

Kids' Clothes Week Challenge

So, over at elsie marley they are having a challenge. The Kids' Clothes Week Challenge (I guess I don't know how to add a button...just head to the site and you'll find it!)

She's making some awesome stuff and I'm just trying to keep with the rules and sew for one hour per day to make Elora some clothes. Normally that's not a real challenge for me because I sew for her almost every day. But she needs some fall shirts and dresses, so that's been my focus. Here's what I've got!

I tried to do the Go-To Dress from The Train to Crazy, but it didn't work out for me so well...it was my first time sewing with knits! I made some changes after it was done, that's why the neck is a little weird. But, I had to make it go over her head!! Like I said, it was my first time with knits and I just don't know how to sew them so they keep their stretch. I'll keep working on it.

Fall

So, we've had a few cooler days and I am really loving it. I can't wait for fall to be in full swing. It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Fall is a celebratory time for our little family too. My birthday was yesterday, Corey's is coming up on the 29th, our anniversary is October 15th, and Elora's birthday is October 25th!

I love the fall.

One of the tell tale signs of fall around here is the air raid of acorns on the roof. We're right under several oak trees and when the weather turns, those trees let loose. I remember last year when this happened. I often wanted to yell, "we're bein' invaded!" then run out of the shot (just in case you haven't seen That Thing You Do consider this a recommendation).

After a long labor with Elora, I didn't think much of the acorns. They just weren't that important to me. I had a new baby to take care of and since the sound of the acorns didn't wake her, they just sort of faded into the background. And so when my midwives gave me a cd of photos from her birth, I didn't think much of the photo of the three little acorns. Honestly, it seemed a little out of place to me. I thought it was just a nod to fall, it was late October and autumn was everywhere.

It wasn't until this morning when I heard a pretty good shower of acorns on the roof that I thought of that picture in a new light. The sound of so many acorns pounding the roof brought me right back to my labor. I can remember hearing the constant pelting during my hours in and out of the tub, pacing in circles in our bedroom. I could hear it over the "relaxation" music that repeated 60+ times during the whole event. Those acorns were actually a pretty big part of it all. They were there, all the time, pounding our little house.

So now, instead of leaving that photo unprinted, I think it will be on the first page of her baby book. And every time I hear the pounding acorns, I will remember Elora's birth and the joy (and challenge) she brings us.

National Sewing Month

Hey, did you know it's National Sewing Month? You can find out a little more at the official website :) They are having contests, giveaways, tutorials, and lots of fun. I think I might enter some things because I am determined to make something great this month!

My first project for the month will hopefully be done soon. Here's a sneak peak at what I hope will become something to add to my fall wardrobe. I seriously need some comfortable, cute tops and I'm hoping that this

will turn in to something great! The pattern is from Burda Style. I just discovered this website and I am loving it! This is my first project from the website and it's a lot of work! You can see all the scraps and tape and stuff. It takes a bit of time to get the pattern pieced together, but, it's free! And pretty cute styles. So check out the Burda Style website and find some great free patterns. Stay tuned to see if I can actually make myself something fabulous :)