DIY Curtains...For a Friend...That I Want to Keep.

Follow my blog with BloglovinA sweet friend of my recently came to me with a dilemma.  She was working on overhauling her office, and could not find curtains for the space.  Things were either too expensive, or just weren't the look she was going for.  I could totally relate...the same thing happened to me every time I looked.  So I told her there was an easy solution...just buy fabric and make them!

She said great!  Buuuuut she didn't have a sewing machine, and she didn't know how to sew.  Welp, that could be a problem...except for the fact that I have one and knew how to {well learned to from my Mama}.  So we planned a date to fabric shop at a discount store near work, and she picked out a gorgeous orangey ikat fabric.  It's amazing...as in so amazing, I might need to go back and get myself a yard or two.

Anywho, once the fabric was bought, it was time to get down to business.

My friend was not going to use these for function {no opening and closing of the curtains to hide the window}.  Like those in our house {here, here,  here and here}, she only needed them to dress up the space and add a pop of color.  This helps to keep the cost of fabric down, since you can usually just buy the yardage you need for one panel and cut it down the middle to make two.

So that's just what I did.  I sliced the fabric in two and lined things up making sure the fabric was running the same way. 

Then I started pinning... 

And sewing...

After some time, I was all done with both panels!

Well I use the word "done" loosely.  I didn't sew the bottom hem yet because I was waiting for her to hang her hardware so I knew how long to make the curtains.  Hopefully I can post a picture of them hanging in their new home soon! :)

Anyone else ever make a project for someone that you wanted to keep yourself?  Am I the only bad one? ;)

Built A Sewing Machine Cabinet

I have slowly started sewing more and more. And the console table that I have been using to house my sewing machine is not very practical. Yes, a console table. It is great for the length, but it is a little high and it is a lot too big for the guest bedroom. So, I decided I would build a cabinet. I have had success with a headboard and a desk, so why not a sewing cabinet?! My inspiration for the cabinet came from my friend's folding IKEA table in her kitchen. It has great storage and folding leaves, which seems perfect for this project.

First I measured my sewing machine to see how large the cabinet needed to be - about 20" deep. Then it was time to cut the plywood - two sides, the bottom, a shelf, the top, and one leaf.

Then I drilled pilot holes and drilled out enough room to counter-sink the screws.

Now it was time to assemble the box. I used a little wood glue and a few screws to hold the box together. First I installed the sides to the bottom piece. Then I installed the shelf, and then the top. So I worked from the bottom up. And here is my secret - I used a saw horse to keep the side pieces stable since I only have two arms.

Once this was built, I flipped it over to install the leaf. I hinged the leaf so it would hang to the side when not in use. This makes the foot-print of the cabinet much smaller, but I can easily raise the leaf when I am sewing.

Now the box is built! I filled the holes with wood filler and then primed and painted it.

But, I don't like the finished product. Not because of the box or construction of it...but because I am not happy with the guest room / craft room. It isn't working for me, it seems like I am working for it. So, this box might or might not stick around because a desk overhaul is in the works. And I am not using the cabinet to sew with...it has become a storage cabinet - prepare for a scary photo:

The cabinet houses paint supplies and canvas, as well as a few to-do projects on the top. I have the sewing machine on my desk. Building the cabinet was good practice, but not the right solution for my space since it isn't being used for the intended purpose. Back to the drawing board...or pinterest for inspiration.

Take That Sewing Machine

I finally have triumphed over the sewing machine. Go me! You might remember the first sewing machine post - the one where I made a dress. Well, I wore the dress, but it wasn't the best made and I knew I needed to practice more. So, what is the easiest thing to make? Pillows. Four straight lines = easy. A few pillows down and I started feeling confident and wanted to spice the pillows up a little.

Enter felt. I used stencils and cut out a few sayings and objects to add to my pillows. I also made my own stencils from coloring pages.

To get the cut outs to stick to the material, I used a little spray adhesive. I easily could rearrange the cut outs into the perfect pattern. Then I got to sewing....very tedious sewing. I made sure to use the same color thread as the felt to help blend in any mess-ups, which there were a few.

And after about 15 minutes, I had a Later Gator pillow:

I was so smitten with my handiwork that I continued to make pillows for the next two hours. And I actually had fun making them.

I sure hope you can tell what the pillows are...but just in case there is any question I'll spell it out - hunt, bike, mustache, hog fan, and 2 later gators. Aren't they darling? And the best part is that I got lots of practice.

P.S. - Dad, make sure that mom sees this post. I want her to know that I have been practicing.