A New Lampshade

 My lampshade on my bedside table was old and gross and falling apart.  It was bringing me down every morning to wake up and look at it.  So I thought, I'll just rip the fabric off and recover it.  I ripped and the whole thing fell apart!  Apparently it was stiff fabric with no metal frame.  My husband came to the rescue and made a frame from wood slats.  I had this piece of embroidered linen left over from  this lined tote bag.   I basically just hot glued it to the wood frame.

I especially love it turned on!  Now I smile every morning (once I can pry my eyes open) when I see my new lamp shade!

Framed Pin Cushion

Here is a neat idea I saw over on Spincushion.  The Frame of Mind Pincushion got me thinking about this lovely frame I bought at a yard sale.   I used an Asian embroidered black satin for the cushion because I thought it went well with the opulent frame. 

Thank you Spin Cushion for a quick, easy project!

Fall Fashion Sewing List

Happy Beginning of Fall and Autumnal Equinox!  I love this time of year.  We usually go camping.  I can go outside again without a swarm of mosquitoes attacking me.  The kids are back in school so I now have a little more time to sew.  I've noticed a few things that keep appearing in a variety of stores-
cowl necks, poncho/ ruana, shirtwaist dresses, peasant blouses, bat wing tops, animal prints, bold colors, metallic, jewelled, velvet, faux fur.
According to Pantone Color Institute, these are the hot fall colors .  Not what I usually think of as fall colors. 

So what are you sewing for Fall?

This and That

You have to see these quilts by Luke Haynes.  Wow!  His 3-D illusions are amazing! 

How to upholster dining room chairs over on Craftaholics Anonymous.

An adorable travel sewing kit tutorial by Amy at Lots of Pink Here.  I'd love to get one of these as a gift!

Jessica at How about Orange shares a tutorial about how to wallpaper using fabric .  I love this new way to use fabric!

Watch this video of how Ashley of Lil Blue Boo creates a Frida Kahlo portrait out of buttons.  Fun music too!

Fall Sewing Class

For my locals:  I have a class called "Clothing Alterations and Repairs" being offered Oct.11-Nov.1, 2011 6:30-9:00p.m.  For more info www.henrico.12.va/AdultEducation.  Gain more wear from your wardrobe and save money by fixing it yourself!

Star Fish Wall Hanging

As summer comes to an end, here is a Star Fish Wall Hanging to remind us of the sea.  Beena created the beautiful star fish in the center.  I received the fabric back in May.  The border came completely from my stash!  They are all upholstery fabrics that I think go well with Beena's fabric.  The back and binding is a cotton with gold fish outlines, also from my collection.  It is 24 1/2"x25".  I haven't decided whether I will sell it, keep it or give it as a gift.  For now I am enjoying it on my sewing room wall, where it makes me smile and reminds me of home!

Sewing and Craft Alliance National Sewing Month Contest

Its time to enter the Sewing and Craft Alliance national sewing month contest !  It is super easy- just sew something with a heart on it!  Then go to the link above and submit a description and 2 photos.  I just entered, but I'm not posting the picture yet.  The winners will be notified Oct.31.

Sewing Cakes

I just had to pass these craft and sewing themed cakes on to you.  They are amazing and beautiful!  I have no idea why they are on a site called Cake Wreaks, because the workmanship is incredible! 

Happy Labor Day!

Emma and Alice



Book Review: The Sewing Machine Attachment Handbook

Talking about sewing machine attachments is not the most exciting of topics.  Necessary and helpful, but not exciting.  Charlene Phillips does a great job of it, however, in her book "The Sewing Machine Attachment Handbook".  She starts out with a brief history, choosing a machine and then attachments and how to use them.  Lots of color pictures and tips in the 140 pages.  I know I don't use all my attachments to their fullest so I'm hoping this book will help me.  If you own an older machine, Charlene's book will be especially helpful.  She includes how to use a buttonholer.  I found this antique box of machine attachments and this handbook explains how to use them with my Singer Featherweight from 1950.  In case you were wondering- the black circle in the lower left corner above- its a stocking darner!