Ode to Picasa

I had grand plans to sew matching bedding for Scarlett and her little sister, as they will be sharing a room. Sadly, bedrest squashed those plans. My solution is to use items I already have and purchase a few others (trying to stay on a budget) to make it come together before the little one arrives.

My walls are grey with white molding and I plan to use shades of reds and pinks in the room. Then, I wondered what pops of lemon yellow would add. With Picasa (Google's free photo program), I simply take screenshots of what I like and have, crop them, and put them into a collage to help get an idea of what colors and elements would look together.

I love how Picasa allows me to do all the planning right from bed. Download the free program HERE.

Felt Hydrangeas

Nothing puts a damper on sewing like doctor-ordered bed rest. I'm not allowed to even sit-up but need to remain horizontally for the next month to avoid pre-term labor. Boo. Thank goodness I found at least one sewing project that can be completed while on my back.

These felt flowers are easy, fast and help pass many of the long long days. I've included a brief tutorial below (taken on my pillow).

1. Start with cutting a felt circle and several (10-20) petals, in soft x-shapes. Don't stress about making the petals perfect or uniform.

2.Start sewing them on, one at a time by simply sewing an "X" shape in each of the centers. I also like to pull the thread taut to help it bunch, making it multi-dimensional and more life life. Make a circle along the outer ring and fill in the center after.

3. The back will be a mess. I like to add a felt leaf at this stage and them add another felt circle on the back to make the flower more polished and help it remain flat. Sew the back on, making sure you secure the leaf in the process.

And that's it! Now add this to a headband or secure a clip on the back. It can be used for a hair accessory or broach.

Hmmm... any other sewing projects I can work on horizontally?

Sewing Station?

We are moving this weekend and I am contemplating this desk, from Ikea, for my new sewing station. I could fill baskets for the shelves with notions and hang shelves on top for the infamous fabric stash. Very tempting for only $119.
It also comes in black and white finishes.

My Sewing List

Here are several projects from the web that are on my to do list! With being 30 weeks pregnant, on semi-bed rest, watching an active toddler and moving this week to a new city, I am not sure when I'll get around to them but I can daydream for now, right?

1. These freezer paper stencils onesies from Happy Together. Dana, from MADE, offers a great tutorial HERE.

2. Happy Together also created this mod sailor dress. I have a real weakness for anything nautical. Tutorial HERE.

3. This Dress up skirt by Happy Together. I love the pom-poms with all the girly girl layers. Super cute. I think making one for the holidays would be fun. Full tutorial found HERE.

4. One Shoulder Dressy Dress from Prudent Mama. I want to be this lady. She comes up with fun and spunky designs AND she also has a daughter named Scarlet(t). Wonderful photo tutorial found HERE.

Speaking of little girls, how do you feel about matching/cordinating outfits for little sisters? I've always hated matchy family portraits but with baby girl #2 only nine weeks away, I wonder if matching/cordinating outfits for my two little girls would be cute. Or would it be cheesy? Spill your thoughts!

* All photos taken from the websites mentioned above.

Gorgeous

Leslie, from a room somewhere posted photos of this doily wedding dress and it took my breathe away! Have you ever seen anything more gorgeous? I have a million doilies from ebay and would love to use them in this way but can you imagine the hours of hand sewing this would require? This dress is a perfect example of how sewing is truly an art form. More photos of the dress found HERE.

*photo by Gia Canali

Apron

I decided that my 'helper' in the kitchen finally earned her own apron. I'm not sure white was a wise choice but it was fabric from the stash I wanted to use up.

Shirt to Skirt

Awhile ago, I saw a tutorial for this toddler skirt, made from a men's shirt on Sparkle Power.

Well, when my husband purged his closet of 12 dress shirts, I jumped at the opportunity to sew one. It's literally a 10 minutes project and came out pretty cute.

At first I worried it would be too pioneer-like but once paired with a cute top, it looks pretty cute.

Full tutorial offered here: http://candacetodd.blogspot.com/2010/03/mens-shirt-to-toddler-skirt.html