DIY- SHORT LOUNGE SET AND PATTERN REVIEW

I worked on this lounge wear short set all week. Ok, I started one day earlier this week, stared at it the other days, and decided to finish it today. I absolutely love the print and I thought of relaxing in the house on a warm summer day when I bought it. Unfortunately, the bottoms were a bit tight on me so I decided to give it up. I'm no seamstress and I tend to be in denial of my true measurements. I used McCall's pattern M6848. It was very easy to follow and I plan on using it again. I opted out of the binding on the arms because I was being lazy, but it still turned out great! I'm feeling pretty proud of myself right now and I hope the new owner loves it just as much as I do.

DIY: KIDS DESK MADE FABULOUS!

I found this desk at a yard sale and I couldn't resist. I've been trying to find the perfect desk for my kids room and when I saw this I had to have it. I knew I needed to sand it first. Home depot didn't carry the type of sander I needed, but they recommended a place by my house that has all kinds of tools for rent called quality equipment rentals. They were kind enough to show how to use it because I didn't have a clue. I didn't bother using a primer because the paint I was using, Behr, said it was a paint a primer all in one. I just bought a few of sample sizes since they were only about $3. I ended using 3 of those sample jars total. My sister in law thinks I should change the knobs, but they came with the desk and I was trying to keep the cost as low as possible. I really like how this desk turned out. Makes me want to play around more with paint and furniture. I know it's not perfect, but I'm definitely proud of it anyway. Enjoy.

DIY: FOLDING CHAIR MAKEOVER

I've been wanting to create a sewing chair for the sewing table my mother bought me.  I received some folding chairs from my in-laws and decided to reupholster one of them.  Why not use what you already have, right? I used a staple gun, staples (of course), two cans of  Montana Gold acrylic paint in dolphins, and one can of varnish gloss, spray adhesive (not pictured), and upholstery fabric from downtown.  This was my first time trying something like this so it isn't perfect, but I love how it turned out.  Unfortunately, all of the stapling and spraying has my right hand all messed up, but I'd do it again in a heart beat.

DIY: Polka dot jeans

I saw a blog where this lady put polka dots on her jeans and thought that would be a great idea to spruce up Sadie's jeans. All we used were bleach and a q-tip. Here is our finished product:

Andy just had to jump in her photo shoot.

DIY OVERLOAD

Lately I've been so into DIY on a site called Pinterest.  It just amazes me how creative people can be!  I barely watch television these days because I'm constantly wondering what project to try.  Deep within I know I have a super crafty alter-ego just waiting to bust out.  I want to go to every yard sale. I want to find great deals at all the thrift stores. I want to be able to see some scraps on the street and turn it into a masterpiece!

I've been wanting to create something for a while, but never acted on it until this week.  I pulled out my old sewing machine, skyped with an amazing seamstress and figured out how to get it working.  Now, none of my projects are perfect, but they are loved and appreciated by those whom they were created for.  That's all that matters.

First up were a pair of panties for my daughter.  She was not feeling this idea at all!  I was inspired from  here.  I just thought these were very feminine and looked comfortable.  What girl doesn't want a drawer full of pretty panties, whether you wear them or not? Anyway, here is my imperfect creation:

 Guess what? She loved them! She decided to try them on while everyone was asleep and told me they were the most comfortable pair she's ever had! That was a proud moment for me. Of course the edges aren't the neatest, but hey, it was just an experiment.  I'm sure my future panties will be more spectacular.

My next accomplished project was a sock monkey. I got the idea from here. My kids loved helping me stuff them and pick out the eyes.  Of course, they aren't perfect.  My old sewing machine decided to act up on me so I ended up sewing 95% of the first one by hand and 100% of the second one by hand.  My hand sewing isn't that great either, but we made it.  Also, the first sock monkey only has one arm and the second doesn't have a tail yet because I got tired.  They are works in progress and we hope to be able to make some to donate to a children's hospital.

I'm just so happy to feel inspired and actually do something about it.  Hopefully I'll be redecorating furniture in the near future because that's what I really want to do.  Baby steps.