Sew Excited!

Drum roll please...I know its a bit dramatic but doesn't it make the story already seem more exciting because it has a drum roll?...here is some info on the duvet I made.

It all started when the comforter set I just bought a little over a year ago started to fall apart. Yup, that's right...$250 comforter set from none other than Linens-N-Things...falling apart. Literally, the fabric was just pulling away from itself, not at the seams, not that the cats had tore it, just falling apart. So, first I was beyond annoyed and then I was sad. Sad because I REALLY loved the set. It was a beautiful chocolate brown with the ice blue color. Beautiful embroidery, cool pillows and shams...and I really didn't want to get a new one.

So, I hit the internet running. I searched everywhere for something that was affordable and that I loved and thought Chad could handle...result...nothing of course. Then it hit me...why don't I just make my own duvet? Hmm...now there's an idea. FABULOUS I thought...I can make one that will meet my standards and it will be one of a kind.

Here is what I knew I wanted...my "old" comforter's kind of intricate styling, something that would be durable and easy to clean, something that was soft but not super girlie, something that would coordinate with all of the pillows, sheets, and towels that I already have...so what was I going to do? Well, you'll just have to see...ha ha...teaser I know! :o)

I knew in my mind what I wanted to do. Our old comforter had this band on embroidery. I wanted to make a white duvet, cut out the embroidered band and sew it on to the new white duvet. My problem was trying to figure out how I was going to make the duvet...where was I going to get fabric 108 inches wide...oh ya, did I forget to mention that our bed is a Cal King? I was practically making a circus tent! Lovely...I know. So, back to my problem, I didn't really want a seam down the middle so I wasn't sure what I was going to do. Then it hit me while I was in the shower...yes, that is where I do all of my great thinking...SHEETS!

Sheets, you may say...I thought she was making a duvet? That rhymes...I tell you I crack myself up sometimes! Yes, I did make a duvet. Here is what I did. I went to Target...my sanctuary...and bought two king flat sheets, and a down comforter...all for under $50...amazing I know! Then I sewed the two sheets together like a big giant pillowcase. Next, I cut the embroidery band from the old comforter and get this...I velcroed it to the white duvet. Why velcro? Well, here is why I wanted white...I wanted to be able to throw the duvet in the wash, bleach it and know that it was squeaky clean. How could I bleach something to squeaky cleandom if it had color embroidery on it...well, I couldn't. So, I decided to velcro it, so that when it needs to be washed, I can take off the band, wash the duvet and away we go. Not only that...but, if I get sick of the band...never...I can always switch it out with something else. FABULOUS! So, here are some pics...sorry I don't have step by step ones...I got so excited and carried away that I forgot to take some!

Here is what I started with...no, this is not my bedroom...I wish...just the picture from the website.

Here is my final result...I know, compared to the above photo not nearly as exciting but still...it is step one in a list of many!

Detailed view of the embroidery band that I fell in love with! Yup, good ol' velcro works everytime. So, does my new duvet meet all of my specifications?

1. "Old" comforter's intricate styling...check

2. Durable and easy to clean...check, check

3. Soft but not super girlie...check...come on its brown and blue...total boy colors!

4. Coordinate with my pillows, shams, sheets, and towels...check, check, check and check

5. Affordable...big check...total cost...right around $60!

6. Do I love it...LOVE IT!!!!

7. Can Chad handle it...he likes it as well...I think even better than the "old" one.

Now, was that worth a drum roll or what?

Sew Happy!

Okay, so I know that most of you know that I have only known how to sew for about 6 months...totally a rookie. And you probably also know that it has kind of taken over my life...I mean I don't need rehab or anything...well, maybe...is denial the first step to recovery? Hmm...anyway, all I know is that it is keeping me busy and the projects just keep flowing. So, this week I just finished up two major home projects...drapes and, oh yes, the rumors are true...a duvet! I know, aren't you so excited...I am SUPER excited about them!

Well, I started the drapes a while back...and when I mean start, I mean I searched for fabric. As is typical with me, I saw what I wanted but just couldn't find it. After many days searching the good ol' world wide web I found it! Black Damask by Michael Miller...FABULOUS! So, then I ordered and yup, you guessed it...it sat in my "studio" that's what I call my sewing room...doesn't "studio" have a much better ring to it? Anyway, it sat in my "studio" for a few months. Finally, I had the rods, clips, fabric, etc...but was working on getting my hubby to put the rods up so that I could finish these bad boys up.

Here they are, finished and hanging in all of their fabulous glory! I made a total of four panels...I still need to do a cornice box for over the sliding door and then something for a window in our kitchen that is on the same wall as the dining area. Hmmm....

Here is the family room area...sorry it is kinda dark
And the dining area...


Close up of the family room and dining area

So, what do you think?

A Week Full of Whimsy!

Isn't it funny how things can be going along, kind of calm, and then all of a sudden it is crazy? Well, I can't say that things are totally crazy...trust me it could get so much worse...but this past week I have been quite busy with my "whimsy" venture. Strangers are actually buying my dresses...crazy, right? The Etsy orders keep on coming. Even though I love to make things for those I have never met, I really enjoy making something special for those I love and care about. So, when my sweet friend Erin asked me to make some gifts for her friends I was so excited. Here's what she designed and I created:Perfect for the future "Executive!"Gotta love anything personalized! And...the "piece de resistance"...say it out loud...it really adds to the story...I promise!Seriously, is this not precious! Erin, I love your ideas and thank you for letting me create this. Total side note...a word to anyone associated with JoAnn's...what is the deal with you not carrying every fabric I fall in love with? Yup, you heard it right...three times in the past couple of months I have purchased some fabric, fallen in love with it...and then, when I need more...it is no where to be found...ANNOYED!

Now, on a totally different note...check out my home project. I am in love with it! So, my long lost friend, Carrie...check out her blog All Things Llanos on the sidebar...is always doing amazing home projects. She also has some cool links to other blogs that she says she "stalks"...which I love...and I myself have found myself "stalking" her "stalked" blogs. So, one of my favorites, Thrifty Decor Chick, had a project she had done in her home with wooden squares and scrapbooking paper. Well, I took the idea, twisted it a bit, gave it my name...literally...and I love it. It is three artists canvases that I bought at Michaels. Then used Modge Podge and paint to"glue" damask printed scrapbook paper on top. After a few coats of paint and Modge Podge, a few dark brown accents to give it a bit of an aged feel, and some black paint, I have this really cool monogrammed wall decor to hang in my entry way. How cool is that? And the best part...it only cost about $15...yay for that!!!

Two Wineries, One Wedding and a Ton of Fun!

So, I am a bit behind on my blogging...what else is new! I have been debating about posting this blog or not, but it was such a fun a weekend that I couldn't help but share it with everyone. Chad and I had the honor and pleasure of spending 4th of July weekend...which by the way is our 7 year mark... on the coast with our closest friends as we celebrated the marriage of our dear friends Pat and Jen! We kicked off the weekend by stopping in Paso Robles for some wine tasting. So much fun!!!!Here's the group at my favorite winery...Malloy O'Neill...we only went to 2...but they were the best! Then we met up with some other friends and had dinner in Avila at The Custom House. Big thanks to Julie the Cruise Director for organizing that...he knows who he is! :o) Saturday we relaxed in Avila before the big wedding. Oh, did I mention the wedding? Ya...it was AMAZING!!! Pat and Jen are two of the sweetest, kindest people we know. Their wedding was absolutely beautiful...weather was perfect, setting amazing...oh ya, did I mention the candy bar. Yup, they had a candy bar with a whole assortment of candies you could bag up and take with you...those were a delicious snack for the drive home.Are they not the most beautiful couple?We all had a blast dancing the night away, sharing laughs, bringing back some "old school" dance moves and of course taking a TON of pictures. All in all, it was an amazing weekend! We are so excited to go on our next "group trip" in August when we celebrate our friend Frank's 40th birthday on a three day cruise to Mexico.

Viva Mexico!