time flies

How is it DECEMBER already??

My brother gets married in less than one week!  I have been working on a little bit of decoration for their reception (pics next week!) and I made them an envelope box.  I also whipped up a lined zipper pouch as a bridal gift for Jenny.

Look!  Pictures of garlands in action!  They look great and I love how everyone is using them a little bit differently.  You know you want some...

a tree in Charleston, SC

a living room in Durham, NC

with greenery in Chapel Hill, NC

Exciting new product coming for L&L in January.  We decided to get something fun as a Christmas gift to each other.  Can't wait to get to work!  More details on the L&L blog.

Also, coming this week: the Winton Annual Photoshopped Family Holiday Greeting!  It is going to be out of this world (yuk yuk yuk).  Check your emails, check the facebook.

I will have a few days off for Christmas and I am excited to relax in Gibsonville. I will help David get those drawer fronts out of Dad's workshop on on to his desk.  We are also going to check and see how manageable it will be for us to refinish those Gunlocke chairs.  Fingers crossed!

quickie- part 2

And by "quickie" I mean this one took a LOT longer than the first one. First of all, I wanted pockets. I used a dress I already had as an example, and traced the pockets. No biggie. I had everything all lined up and ready to go, and sewed the best seam ever... to realize then that I sewed the pocket on inside out. Doh! I got good use out of the seam ripper, and everything turned out fine. The second side I was sure to attach in the correct direction. I love the fallish color and pattern. Although I am sure I will be rocking this all year round with boots & tights, or flats or sandals.

This is the same fabric I used when making Mary's nesting bowls. More bowls to come, and I am working on a schmancy beaded boudoir pillow!

fabric bowls

Here is another project from Sewing in a Straight Line: fabric nesting bowls!

I made these for Mary for her birthday. I think they are perfect for holding pins/brooches or other chunky jewelry right on top of the dresser. The bigger size could be good for keys & things right inside the front door.

quickie

I made a 1-hour skirt! I saw a video online on how to make a simple skirt in just 1 hour, and only sewing in straight lines. I picked up some fabric and whipped this up, lickety split!




I might try a patterned fabric next time, which may hide some of the imperfections of cheap fabric. I definitely did not splurge as this was a first attempt. Also, I may adjust the measurements so that it is not so thick at the top, and not as flared at the bottom. SO easy though. I can see more of these in my future. To wear and to make for gifts.

Check out the instruction video (and a cute DIY blog) at:
www.BrettBara.com

Totally just ordered her book.

homemade holiday

It is almost Christmas!! I spent a lot of time making some gifts this year...
I baked a couple of batches of blueberry oatmeal cookies. YUM. I am going to try cranberry almond next.


I made some aprons for a couple of gal friends too (and one for me). I used the same pattern as my last attempt, but did the half version. It was much easier. I am getting much more comfortable with the machine and gaining a broader understanding of sewing. Hooray!
Next sewing projects: yoga bag, and more jewelry pouches.

one

two

three!

Lowell and Louise have been on the road a lot this Fall, so our etsy shop is looking a little sad. We have new designs and new product though! We will be replenishing our stock and hopefully getting the shop looking good again after the new year.

hard at work:

surprise inside

I have always been attracted to the purses and handbags that are plain/neutral on the outside, but have a fun patterned fabric on the inside. Its like a visual treat each time you open the bag.

Continuing with all the sewing I've been doing, I decided to make some zippy pouches. Neutral and kind of generic on the outside... then BAM! Pretty and colorful fabric on the inside! I used scraps from the apron project, and finds from the Scrap Exchange.

domestic

I decided that September should be sewing month and boy am I on a roll! I cranked out some jewelry pouches:

earring-sized... cute!

fun fabric from scrap exchange

The main project was an apron. I got a pattern and went to work. It has ties and pockets and pleats and everything!! This one is for Mary (surprise, Mary! Hope you like it!), and I have plans to make some more half aprons. With all of the kitchen experimenting I like to do, I think an apron will come in handy.

full apron and little helper

pretty & pleated

sew done

I made a birthday present for David:



He attended the GSA for 2 years and does not have his diploma displayed anywhere. I thought this would be a nice reminder to hang on the wall of his work room at home. It took FOREVER. Why did I think stitching the coastline of Scotland was a good idea? Look at all those islands and nooks and crannies! I completed the school logo in time for his birthday, but the outline took some extra time (and a lot of thread). It was a fun craft and I had not cross-stitched in a very long time. It was nice to revisit something I really enjoy.