Sewing 101: Fringe Benefits

I had an "I can do that" moment... but then again... don't we all?

Whether it is criticizing your favorite sports team from your couch or seeing a Jackson Pollack painting, there is always someone who is arrogant enough to think they can do it too.

But, people... I really did think I could do this one. It is super cute and age appropriate and you can purchase it. See link below.

https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/403001866653417918/

But I made it! I did it!

Hallowe'en Costume Repurposed

A few years ago our friends had an adorable costume made for our 1 year old. Being horror fans, they knew that we would absolutely put our daughter in a Freddy Kruger costume.

We of course had to complement that costume with other classic horror characters.
So, what do we with this awesome knitted onesie?

Sneak Peak: Matched Set

Hello.
My name is Pat and I am a chair-a-holic.

Yes, people. I've done it again. I brought home more chairs.
If you recall, I brought these diamonds in the rough home a couple of years ago.

Today, my boss, knowing my affliction for the prop, informed me of three such specimens behind our building. My boss is officially my favorite person today.

Mini Dresser for My Mini dresser

My neighbour put this out before garbage day a few months again.

I thought it had potential, so I brought it home.

It is a night stand, but I thought I could use it in Millie's room.

Sewing 101: Shirts, Pants, Underpants, Oh My!

Here I am with another sewing challenge.

I am pretty good about keeping my daughter's clothes clean so that they can be sold on our local Mom/Dad's used goods site. However, some stuff just get stained and therefore are unsalable. I just couldn't turn it all into rags, so I had to get creative.

 

Architectural Drawings: Hot Dog Style

I got these awesome detail drawings from my Stepfather.
Given that I am a designer, he knew I would flip for these blueprints of non-traditional items.

There were two; a hot dog and a hamburger.

Holiday Wrapping: Brown Paper

Wrapping gifts can get a little boring with usual wrapping paper.
This year, I decided to use a boring brown paper and embellish it.

Reclaimed Wood: Harvest Table

Our dining room table is weird; the proportions are off.
The base is pretty substantial, and then the top only overhangs by an inch or two.
It served its purpose well, but the last couple of family visits have shown that we need something bigger. The current dimensions are 35" x 45" (889x1143).

Sewing 101: Shirt gets sacked

My awesome friends Jeff and Helen got me a rad shirt when I was pregnant with Millie.
I loved it.

Hey, no snickers about my crazy preggo photo.
Anyway, after the baby bump was gone, it was a less than flattering shirt.
I suppose that should have been obvious since it was specifically made for a pregnant woman.

Growing Like a Weed: DIY Measuring Stick

Wow, a year has gone by so quick.
Our little DIY project, Millie has gone from a little drooly bundle to an energetic happy toddler.

For her 1st birthday, I wanted to measure her for the first time.
The problem with this is that no one stays in the same house for 30 years like our parents did, so marking up a doorway with measurements over the years no longer has the same effect.

DIY Shade: Black Out Beaver

"Black Out Beaver"? It made you nervous, didn't it? Ha!

Okay, don't fret... it is all innocent.

Millie's nursery is fantastically light filled. I love that I rarely have to turn on the light in there.
Having said that, we are going to be moving Millie into her room, and out of ours. With summer days lasting much longer, the amount of light filling that room becomes a problem.

Solution - Blackout panel.
I decided to make a super easy black-out panel using items I already had:
An old airline blanket and canvas.

I cut them both to the size of the window, and stitched them together.
Easy.

Curbside Shopping: Radio Teaser

THIS!!

I was leaving for work, and saw one of my neighbours put this beautiful little creature out on the curb.

What I love most about items like this, is it is just the right amount of 'busted' to let me put my own stamp on it, and not feel obligated to restore it. In fact, I doubt neither the radio nor the record player work still. Truly perfect.

Stay tuned to what ends up happening with this Addison Standard Broadcast cabinet,

Real Estate: Mill Conversion

Gorgeous... and for sale. Check it out on their website!

Since Lanark County has a lot of old grist mills, it is pretty common to see them converted into residential apartments. I love it. This one is from the 1820s.

This is a great example of adaptive reuse.

Mission Chair: Reversible Reveal

The sneak peak for this project was 3 weeks ago. I finally put the finishing touches on this Mission style chair. To check out its sad story, check out the blog post, Chairpalooza.

Before it was in pretty rough shape, but the bones of it were still in great condition.

After, it turned out pretty fantastic. Grey-dog agrees.
So, how did I get from the sad chair to this gem?

Mission Chair: Sneak Peak

About a year and a half ago we found 4 chairs (find post here) destined for the dump. The owner happened to be curbside, and told us that the chairs had been saved from a hotel that was being demolished.

I am working on one of those chairs now - a mission style - year unknown.

The cushions had to be thrown away since plants were growing out of them.

Reclaimed Coat Rack: Everything Old is New Again

This house and the modest sized yard, have been a great source of found items. I kind of love how I have managed to find new uses for them.

Included in this found items list is an old coat rack that we found in the shed.

It is a simple design, not necessarily something to sand, stain, and bring inside, but certainly can be a very useful item.

Shopping Eco-Friendly in Ottawa: Terra 20

I am sad to report that this past weekend was the first time I went into Terra 20.

What is Terra 20, you ask? Well, I asked too, and essentially it is an eco-friendly department store.

And, it totally is; it is huge, and it is inspiring.

Much of the product is locally sourced too, which is fantastic.

This is just inside the entrance; a glass waterfall fountain.

So far so good!