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!