Down Comforter Quilt

 Anyone who knows me would tell you that I am not the most patient person. I usually choose projects that can be completed in one night. So when I thought about making a quilt for my son's room I felt a little nauseous. I wanted to make him something original and by me. Something that he can keep until he is old and know that "my mom made this just for me." But making a quilt is not my favorite sewing project. So I decided to cheat a little. Here is what I came up with:

I used a down comforter that is super fluffy and soft. I measured each square and cut my quilters cotton 1" smaller than the square. (the down comforter had 8" squares so I cut my cotton 7" into squares).

Next I cut some wonder-under into 6" squares. I ironed the wonder-under pieces to each of the cotton square pieces.

Then I ironed each cotton square to the down comforter. I started with one row. Then sewed down the row in a straight line starting at one end of the blanket and going over each square in the row until you reach the other end. Continue until all the sides of all the square are sewed down.

Throw your quilt into the washer and dryer to see all the square edges frayed.

It is fluffy and comfy with a quilt flair.

 

*If you don't like the frayed edges look you can turn all the edges of your squares under, iron the edges down, and then sew over the top of them so you don't have the frayed look.

C is for Christian

Now that my in-laws are off in New Hampshire we finally have the house all of ourselves. I have been moving furniture, clothing, and children around for the last week trying to get everything in order the way I like it. Let me tell you, living in someone else's house is not as easy as it sounds. Not only do we have all our own furniture to fit but we also have all of their furniture and decorations. It has been difficult for me to put my personality into a home that is already fully furnished and beautifully decorated (but not exactly my style). We are going to be living here for the next 3 years and I would like it to feel like my house, not just a place I live.

Anyways, one of my first projects is creating a room for baby Christian.

I was snapping some pictures of him the other day and found inspiration in his red and white striped romper. A nautical theme is perfect for a growing boy.

In search of some decor I found this great tin case at Hobby Lobby for just $15. I think it was on sale because there is some wear and tear to the outside but I personally like that vintage look. I thought it would be fun to jazz it up by adding a large C to the outside.

  

I bought a cardboard C for $1.99 and some stripped trim. Then I used burlap twine to cover the letter. It took two coats to completely cover all the open areas. After the burlap I wrapped the stripped twine creating a zig zag pattern. I finished the C by using hot glue to secure it to the front of the case.

I love it. It is fun and different. I am working on many more projects to add to the room but this was a great start.

 

ruffled burlap table runner

My sister came to visit me last week from Seattle for a whole week. Whenever she comes we always have lots of plans for crafts. This time she really wanted to learn how to sew. We started with something super basic, a table runner. I loved this tutorial by Sew Much Ado, and it was just as simple as she explained.

 

 This project is a great beginning project because all the lines are straight. We actually started with a straight middle section instead of ruffled just to get the sewing jitters out. My sister is a natural. She has sewn a little in her life but she finished the table runner in less than 30 min. Sometimes I think sewing is in our blood. My mother sewed for us when we were little girls, and her mother sewed for her when she was a child.

I don't know if any of you have a craft or skill that runs in your family but if you do you might know what I mean. Some things just come naturally to certain people. Sarah is a natural sewer.

Next I showed her how to make the ruffled version and she sewed the entire project by herself. I have to tell you though this is a project I wish I had a ruffle foot for. Maybe that is something I should invest in for future projects?

So if you want a beginning sewing project check out Sew Much Ado ruffled burlap table runner. It will give you the confidence you need to progress in your sewing adventures.

Fun Find Friday- Pinterest Week #8

This weeks Pinterest finds are all home crafts. With the weather changing, we are going to be spending more time in doors and that is the perfect excuse to add these quick home makeover tips to your own home.

Crayon dipped candles. These would bring festivity to any home and make for a great gift.

 Cascading Ruffle Pillow from Mama Says Sew.  Remaking pillows is so quick and easy but can totally change a room.

Wall Stenciling Tutorial. This takes time but is so worth it when all is finished. Just make sure to use it as an accent not every wall in a room.

Painted Curtain Rods. This goes into the "why didn't I think of that" file. What a great way to add some pop of color and still use you old curtain rods. A very time and cost effective change. 

Graphic Bulletin Board. Again such a cheap change that would be beautiful in any room of your home. And I love the thumbtack embellishment.

Go and make some of these great ideas, most can be done in under an hour. Every home can use a little makeover once in a while.

Kids Bathroom Makeover

The kids bathroom has been in need of a makeover for awhile. We have 2 bathrooms in our home and both were very grown up. I wanted a fun room for the kids to go whether just taking a quick potty break or enjoying a hot bubble bath. I wanted something gender nuetral that still had a clean style but with a fun component. Then I found this adorable frog themed bathroom collection at Walmart. I fell in love with the froggy accessories and the colors.

But once it was all set up there was something missing. So I decided to create a canvas artwork for the wall above the towel rack.

I used 3 blank canvases and painted them teal (my daughter even helped with the painting).

Then I took a picture of one of the frogs on the shower curtain. I used Photoshop to manipulate the pictures size and color and printed it on matte photo paper. Next I used white vinyl to create the hopping lines and mod podged the frog to the canvas.

I think it finishes the bathroom off, with a fun design and the kids love to talk about the hopping frog. Now they have their own bathroom and I don't have to worry about kid mess in my nice (always clean) master bathroom.

Twin Bed Quilt Tops

Remember this fabric I picked out for the quilts on my kid's bunk beds. The line is Echo Lotta Jansdotter.

 It only took me 7 months but I finally put together the quilt tops for my kids room. I needed something that was not gender specific and I would like for a long time (after they grow out of them and want to pick their own room decor).

 

I found a great tutorial on these adorable square blocks at Cluck Cluck Sew. There are so many great quilt tutorials on this website. I really liked the squares blocks because they are simple and easy to match up, especially for someone with very little quilting experience. Once I actually got started it was so easy to put together. I wish I would have done it sooner, haha. Now I just have to cut the batting and bottom, quilt it together, and finish with the binding on both of the quilts. A lot of work to go, but I am super motivated to get it done by September. This is why I have a love/hate relationship with quilting. I love making something beautiful and picking the fabrics. I hate all the time it takes to finish each quilt. They really are made with love, hopefully it will last a long time.






 

At least my son likes it!

Wall Display with Colorful Frames

 

Check out my new wall display. I ordered all the canvas prints from Canvas People you can get a free canvas for your first order. The other frames are from Hobby Lobby. 50% off! I have seen these type of frames everywhere and they are always super expensive. These frames cost me less than $10 each (the small ones were only about $7). I love the pop of color and the mix of picture mediums.

It is really amazing how a little adjustment can make your whole room more cozy.

Frame List Organizer

I am a very organized person, but I am always looking for new ways to keep my life in order. This is a simple list that is easily changed and can be created to go with any decor in your room. All you need is a basic frame with glass, paper to fit in the frame, and a dry erase marker.

My frame was from Walmart at just $8. I used scrapbook paper from my supply and the pen was from my supply as well. Since I keep this list board in my craft room I added some similar decor by mod podging a strip of paper to the frame and adding some scrapbook paper flowers. I used stickers to permanently categorize my TO DO LIST, IDEAS, and the weekly POSTS for my blog.

 These type of frame organizers would be perfect in any room or theme. 

Here are a few examples I thought of.

 4th of July Theme

 Halloween Theme

 

BOYS ROOM THEME

 Simple and cost effective. My type of craft.