One Thing Leads to Another . . .

In my previous post I mentioned that "one thing leads to another". Which applies to pretty much any aspect of our lives. In this case I'm referring to what led me to the baskets. Here are some of the "things" . . .

This dresser was a hand me down, it was one of the few things I took from my parents when I got married, and it became our first dresser. It later ended up in the toy room, and then, when the toy room became my craft room, it ended up in youngest boy's room.

I had the headboard, and matching nightstand. 

I'm not so crazy about the speckled effect (I guess it's a 70's thing - wierd). I couldn't bring myselft to give up the set. Afterall it still had plenty of potential, and it is wood. Unlike most furniture nowdays, unless you want to spend ridiculous amounts of money. Not really wanting to do that for furniture that's going in my 5 year-old boy's room (which will more than likely end up with plenty of dents and scratches to go around. I figured when that happens, it won't hurt as much, as if it had been a brand new set. Besides I can easily touch it up when need be).

A bit of primer, and a few cans of spray paint in my colors of choice.(Youngest boy agreed, which is not hard, since these are his colors of choice at the moment). And here are the results:

I was going to replace the handles but ended up spraying them a brushed nickel instead.

 

I did replace this knob, which matches the desk that I will post later. . .

. . . Which is what led me to the dresser, headboard, and nightstand!

Basket Case

A few years ago I purchased 2 sets of 3 baskets. They were on clearance, and very inexpensive. I wasn't sure what I was going to use them for, but I knew I'd figure it out eventually.  Four out of the six baskets ended up in my youngest boy's room. There was nothing wrong with them before . . .

. . . Other than they were just a little plain. So I put my mathematical, geometry skills to work, (which by the way are not quite up to par, and has become even more apparent when I was trying to figure out how to make a skirt for oldest daughter a couple of weeks ago. I might post it some other time) and made new linings for the baskets.

Rather than make a little tie, I added a button from my stash.

Seems one thing always leads to another. . . Since I liked the fabric so much . . . I made a pillow.

Here's the back: (Or the front, depends what mood fits youngest boy)

Here's the front (or back!)

So don't underestimate the power of cheap baskets, and cute fabric. As I said, one thing leads to another . . . To go with the pillow, I would like to make a new quilt for youngest boy's bed in these colors. But it may be a while. I'll later post youngest boy's bedroom furniture make-over, (that I haven't gotten around to posting...) which is what led me to the baskets!

Play at the Park

As I've mentioned my little sister is getting married very soon. Days after learning of their engagement, I knew I wanted to make them a quilt. So while I've had the quilt done and ready to go for months, I couldn't post it until they saw it first.  She had a "Time of Day" bridal shower. I was assigned 8:00 p.m.
I enjoy seeing Plays at the local parks, (as well as others done on a more professional level). But there is that added bonus of being outdoors while watching and enjoying an art performance. Last year hubby and I went to see The Sound of Music, the outdoor setting couldn't have been more perfect! (It's one of my alltime favorite musicals, along with Brigadoon, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, and Into The Woods (All of which we saw out in the open air.)
Since the plays usually start around 8 p.m, I gave them the quilt for the shower.

I monogrammed their initials (which I did before they had their wedding invitations monogrammed!)

I used fleece for the back.

I just thought this fabric was perfect for the border.

I also made a strap to hold it together.

I must mention that while I know of several husbands that refuse to go see plays with their wives, I'm glad hubby will go with me, and I know my Brother-In-Law To Be, will go with my sister (They've seen two already!) So, wether they use the quilt for an outdoor concert, play, picnic, or whatever else, I  hope they enjoy it together for many years to come!

Tote-ally Green

My soon to be married little sister had a "Stock The Pantry" bridal shower. So, along with the recipes, I gave her the ingredients for dinner, dessert, plus some extras. I didn't have a gift bag to put everything in, so I  made a tote that doubles as a grocery bag. I've been meaning to make some for me, so I can do my part by being a little more enviromentally friendly.
I took note of some measurements from an existing bag I had. I used a thrifted Pottery Barn sheet. I thought the colors were just so summer-like! It would also be a great tote to take towels to the pool, or library, the places are endless!
I started with 2 ( 13-1/2" X 14-1/2 ") pieces. Sewed a 1" top hem.

Cut 2 (5" X 46") strip. Folded it in half

and then in half again.

And ended up with 2 (1-1/4 ") strips for the handles.

I pinned the strip 2-3/4" from each edge.

Sewed 1/8" from each edge of the strap.

I ended up with the front and the back of the tote.

I cut a 42" X 9" rectangle for the side and bottom of the tote. Also sewed a 1" top hem.

I pinned front of the tote to the side matching the top edge. With a 1/2" seam allowance, I sewed along both sides leaving 1/2" at the bottom. Then sewed along the bottom making a mitered corner (that's were the 1/2" was helpful.

Did the same with the back of the tote.

Enfored the handle.

Some minor embelishments . . .

And here it is!

I might just make a few more out of some vintage sheets, but now, I better get started on a few things I need to have ready for little sister's wedding!