changing leaves

sunrise

it's rare we get a good sunrise around here, but a couple days ago, just as we were getting up, my daughter said, "look mommy! the sun is waking up!" i looked outside the back door to see this:

trick or treat bags

i made these adorable trick-or-treat bags using *this* tutorial. only i used placemats because i couldn't find any bandana's at the dollar store. so i had to adapt the pattern a wee bit, but it wasn't any big deal, they're just tall and skinny instead of square.

my first big sewing project

i made this outfit for sage. it's a summer outfit, and i started it in the spring. but due to having 5 kids over the summer, i didn't actually finish it til september. fortunately, it's way too big, so hopefully she'll be able to wear it next summer.

she was an unwilling model that day

i still can't believe i made clothes! i've made a few little things here and there (rags, burp cloths for the baby, etc) but clothes!?! i'd like to make more, but geez, it took like 6 months just to make this one outfit. guess i just need more practice. i actually really like sewing.

another sewing project coming soon...

the 7-year rocking chair

this rocking chair was in this house when i moved into the upstairs apartment, 7 years ago.
i wish i had a "before" picture. it was hideous.
but, optimist that i am, i decided i could fix it up. so i got to work. then i got distracted by this guy i met, ended up marrying him, had 2 babies, moved a couple times (ended up back here in this same house - long story).
in the midst of a busy time, every now and then i would get it out and work on it a little bit.
tore off the old nasty upholstery.
stripped, sanded, stained and varnished.
and this weekend, i finally finished the cushions.
and it's done, to my husband's great relief.


this picture is of the back cushion.
for the fabric, i used a bed sheet i found at a thrift store.



found this pillow at a thrift store also. for ninety cents.
i saw as similar one at a craft store for TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS!!!
this is the seat cushion.

i sewed a removable cover for it so it can be washed, as it will no doubt get spilled on.

i thought about using buttons or velcro, but i don't know how to make button holes, and i didn't have any velcro, so i just made these little tie thingy's.

top front of the chair.
i finished the edges off with this woven ribbon type thing i also found at a thrift store.

bottom front.
back of the chair, using decorative upholstery pins.

i got a slight smudge of glue on the front right corner when i was gluing the ribbon on. not sure how to get that off. oh well.

for my first upholstery job, i'm really happy with how this turned out.

i don't know why i can't get the words to line up with the pictures. this is the 3rd time i've re-done this post, and i'm not doing it again. you get the idea.

it's fall!

this is real. i walked past this on saturday. beautiful, isn't it?

black eyed susan's