Funny you should ask! A friend in CA has asked me to make some pillows for her and she used the Pottery Barn pillows as an example of what she's looking for. I looked all weekend for a good fabric that's "burlappy but soft and kind of a gray/seafoam green color". Not a lot of luck, so I'll check the website and maybe order some napkins. Thanks for the idea!

I, too, like to sew household things but not clothes. I don't have the patience any more for picky things, especially with a DS (age 4) who always wants to help. :)

I am hoping my DD will want help making pillows and valances for her first place.

Saturday I began making a "toothbrush" rug with the various flowered sheets I had been saving/collecting for years. I found these going through my linen closet last month!
DD moved out and I want to make her room a bit cottagey so I thought I would try this.I will know how big it is when I run out of fabric!

I can't feel needles and pins any more when I hold them so this is perfect right now for me!
( of course I can feel it if I poke myself with a needle though, how fair is that?)

I just made a large pocketed bag for myself. I bought some really fun spring like fabric and I'm thinking I might make an apron and maybe some pillows with it. Post pictures of the projects, tina. We love pictures. :)

The only clothes I ever sew are costumes(I count an apron as house vs clothes.)

Outside of the custom work I'm doing for various clients, my personal projects right now are:

My daughter is expecting twin boys this month and has asked me to do all the fabrics for their nursery. Fun, but time consuming because I have to make two of everything!

- Two gathered striped bedskirts for two cribs, each that have a two-tiered ruffle, with a detachable 20" drop and a 14" drop. This allows for the longer ruffle to be taken off when the crib mattress is lowered as the babies grow.

- 70" round tablecloth for nursery in coordinating green and brown fabric.

- Changing table pad covers in coordinating fabrics. Bumper pads for cribs.

- Artwork for the walls, consisting of pictures of a raccoon and an owl, made out of the fabric scraps from the nursery fabrics. I did this with my first grandson and they turned out so cute that she wanted it done again for the twins. It's time consuming, because I have to sketch out the shapes of the animals first, and then cut tiny pieces of fabric for all the different parts of the animals shape, then attach with spray adhesive to a cloth covered board, which is then framed.

Then, when time permits, I'm making a duvet cover for our bed. One side is a washed out looking robin's egg blue and ivory damask print, with a light tan quilted matelasse fabric on the reverse.

Plus having to keep up schedules with my customers window seat cushions and covers, shower curtains and two duvets on order.

The last thing I sewed was the curtains in my office. I've got the fabricfile a valance for my dining area, new seat cushions for a chair in the family room and fabric for a slip cover for my office chair. I also have a 3/4 finished bosporous throw for my bed

I used to sew clothing all the time when my kids were small. If I needed an outfit, I'd whip one up. I love sewing clothes more than home decor items. But I haven't dug out my machine in ages.

I'm considering a redo of my office/ craft room and might get my machine set up so I can use it more. Thanks for the nudge!

I'm actually building my sewing room lol. I bought all of the cabinets and desks at ikea and finally started building last week. If I finish them this were I will finish my parlor drapes and then costumes for our chicken run thing (mardi gra in Eunice la) which are made from lots of scraps. Definitely a first.

igloochic, you know we're waiting for you to build your kitchen. Stop working on other parts of your manse. ;)

We all need to promise to come back to this thread and post pics of our projects. I can't wait to see everyone's projects. I'm sure they'll be more exciting than my pillows.

I also just broke my machine out- which leads me to ask-

What machine do you guys use? I need to replace my old (as in under 10) singer.

Anyway; I took the machine out because I can't find any ruffled pillow shams I like. I started sewing some right before we moved; had them cut out & the ruffle partially done so I figured I'd put it together

Colors are horrible in this pic btw

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Colors are more accurate in this pic-

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I used to make dolls- here are 2 that are not packed up; the gal on the left is Twinkle; strawberry gal doesn't have a name. I also painted the face. I made everything on the dolls; from the body to the shoes

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I have a baby lock Esante, (sewing and embroidery) a baby lock Imagine (self threading serger) and an antique necchi for straight and zig zag stitching. I love my baby locks and would highly recommend them. I considered switching to another good brand but my first quality machine was another baby lock and I had already made a pretty good investment in feet so it made sense to stick to the same brand.

I recently made sixty silk holiday stockings with thick trims, fully lined, varying weights of fabric etc, fairly complicated ( which is why I have no time to work on my kitchen lax lol) I did a lot of embroidery in metallic threads and I have to say, the baby lock really rocked!!! I love it when a machine sings for me :).

I just finished a baseball uniform for a marionette (my husband made a wood marionette for our granddaughter - she wanted it dressed as a baseball player). Now I have to make a cap for said dummy :-). I'm also working on finishing a back for a pieced bird quilt from the book Backyard Bird Quilts. (link below). It will be going on the sewing room wall. Igloo, my cabinetry is from Ikea - I absolutely adore it - most of it is from their line of office tables, but I have a set of drawers from their kitchen department. Great storage and very sturdy.

I've been a Husqvarna Viking gal for many years now...currently have the Designer Diamond.

Helene

Here is a link that might be useful: backyard bird quilts

I never replaced my old sewing machine that broke down because I really have no place to use it except the DR table.

But I sure would like to get a cheapie machine to make pillows.

I used to quilt and I could spend hours in a fabric store.

I hated when my grandmother's old Singer Touch and Sew died on me. I loved that machine - and it was still all metal parts. She had it for years then I used it for many more. I bought another singer after it died. I don't sew alot and want just a basic machine. I don't have need or desire for a fancy machine. My mom had two expensive embroidery machines that neither my sister or I had an interest in. However, my sister sold them (for my dad) to a cousin who does some heavy duty sewing, embroidery, quilting.

Oakley, I actually like using my machine at a table. Usually the breakfast nook or in my sunroom. But I'm not a serious sewer. LOL I'd never have use for a sewing room.

tina

Blu we will have to compare or show off our ikea sewing rooms when I'm done to show how well they work. :). I personally rebelled against ikea just because they are so modern and my sewing room is in the floor level of a historic home. I didn't want the tourists to look in and see ultra sleek modern so I was trying to do it with antiques. But....they just aren't as functional! I absolutely love the square cubbies for fabric storage as well as the see through boxes (heavy duty plastic). They also have cabinet drawer and door inserts for the pieces I bought so I get some hidden storage and drawers (the most important in a sewing room to me). I was able to work in two sewing desks and they are very sturdy as well as nice and deep! But the other great thing is they do wrk with the few antiques I am keeping in the room.

I was going to get an ikea kitchen cab with lots of drawers for my cutting table but I tripped over aN old bank ledger storage cabinet (1860s) which has a couple dozen cubbies that are about 9x13 and 3" deep. It's perfect! So now I have a trestle table for my cutting table in the middle of the room. I'm going to wallpaper the doors on the ikea pieces to soften up their modern look and expect it will be a cute and functional room I hope :).

By the way....my other sewing machine choice was Viking/huskavarna. They are fabulous machines! I still sort of crave one for their auto tension adjustment ability....but I don't have room fir another desk lol.

I just finished making 2 pillows. Trying to get a newer, fresher look....without adding too much color. :0) I purchased a cheapie machine(a brother), it broke down within a year...my Bernina keeps going strong!

While I do sew pillows, curtains, drapes, bedspreads, etc., I MUCH prefer sewing garments. I've never made a quilt. I always sewed in the dining room of our old house, kept my supplies in the basement, but in this house I have a sewing room and I lovelovelove it!

Currently I'm just finishing a wool coat for my dtr. Don't laugh at this: my two youngest dtrs want matching summer dresses, and I'm going to do it! This is the silly part - they are 26 and 29 yrs old. The 26 yo lives in Australia, where it is summer, and the 29 yo is going to visit her at the end of this month, will take her sister's dress to her. After that, it'll be spring jackets for two granddaughters.

I'd love to have an embroidery machine - oh, the joy! I like doing hand embroidery and cross stitch, but to have a machine - oh, the joy! But I have an excellent electronic Singer and a 35 yo Singer Serger that is still as fine as the day I bought it. I must have made thousands of garments and things on my machines over the past 40 or so years, and am anxious to get going on those dresses. 29 YO is leaving Feb 23.

Sherry

I have a babylock denim pro. It's pretty basic, but does everything I ask of it. I'm so jealous of all you ladies with an embroidery machine. I kind of drool over my sister's dust covered one everytime I visit her. I'm hoping that someday she will finally admit that she has no time or desire to use it and give it to me.

Pretty fabric, nicole. Nice job on the pillow. And I'm in awe of the dolls, roselvr. What talent!

I don't sew but I've been feeling the urge to learn.

I made my niece a countdown to Xmas calendar using glue and a simple "x" stitch on felt. It had 24 little stockings with ribbon loops to hang them off candy cane buttons or red jingle bells.

Now I want to make a countdown to her birthday calendar. I can picture it, but I'm not sure how to achieve it. I'd like it to look better than the Xmas one.

What would be a good beginner sewing machine for me? Does it take a special (ie expensive) machine to do simple embroidery? I'm certain I won't ever make anything too elaborate (Sherry - a wool coat!?) so what features should I be considering for simple projects & crafts?

Thanks, Jean

Bernina girl here. Used to be a quilter- taught quilting in adult education and in a quilt shop and handquilted some projects for a national quilt author.
But kinda reformed after I had cancer I lost interest- but I still have a stash of fabrics- but my sewing studio on the 3rd floor has been disassembled for awhile. I have my Moms bernina up there which is now about 15 years old. My trusty Bernina is on the second floor and I use that one a bit in the dining room.
I had thought to do more quilty type stuff in the future but now not sure I will be able to do fine handwork.But probably ok with quilting pins and sewing machine( I can feel that)
I hate, hate, hate. making clothing, Thank you very much hated Home Ec teacher- ruined me. I cant seem to get the directions.
But give me anything else and I am good to go.
I also have 2 featherweights. that I absolutely love to use.I have some vintage sewing accoutrements stowed in the cases.
NO! Igloo you can't have them for your sewing room!

Another Bernina girl here. I had been using my mother's 34 year old Bernina for years and years and it got a lot of abuse because of my business. It was a workhorse of a machine, though, and I was devastated when the foot control for it died this fall. Because of the year of manufacture of that machine, a replacement foot control was impossible to locate, so it went into retirement. Fortunately, Santa heard about my wish-list, and gave me a brand new B 330 this Christmas!

Here is a photo of the beginnings of my rag rug or "toothbrush rug" folks used to use the cut off the brush,and sharpen the end of their toothbrush to use.
This "needle" I can feel.

Oh, cooperbailey, I love it! My mom used to have some in her kitchen in our old house. Although, I'm pretty sure she bought them. I'd love the instructions for how to make one. Any chance you're willing to do a tutorial or have a blog that I can find you at?

I don't have a blog! I used an Aunt Philly pattern I bought ages and ages ago when I was into primitive country. I had the idea that I could make it just an all over scrappy cottagey rug. Some patterns show stripes etc. I believe there is a website still.
I googled toothbrush rugs and there are a ton of hits- including a couple of utube videos.
My fabric is torn into two inch wide strips.Some call for thinner strips but I like the weight of the 2 inch.
It is relaxing and easy to do.

Sue....quick finish that rug and pop it in the mail? It would look great in my sewing room lol.

Great timing!

I am a 'beginning' sewer again (learned in HS but never did anything after). I have my grandmothers old Kenmore sewing machine and I sewed my 1st project this Halloween. I sewed my kids Halloween costumes (badly but they were thrilled). Neither my mom nor sis were home to call to figure out how to use the machine so between a bag of Pepperidge Farm White Chunk Macademia cookies and a beer I sort of figured it out and got them done.

Now I am all sorts of excited to sew up some basic pillow covers and would be ever so grateful if any of you could share tips or free pattern sources!

pretty please?

There is a blog called "Cottage Magpie" - she, at one time, had a nice pillow cover tutorial. Covers with the envelope back. She showed how to do the nice curved corners instead of sharp points, and I think that makes a nicer pillow. Look up her blog and then search for the pillow tutorial.
I don't look at it often and can't remember if she has a tutorial section listed.

tina

You all have kept me motivated to keep the sewing machine out, so here's the apron I made with the oh so fun lemon fabric.(I wasn't wearing any makeup, so I cut off my head in photoshop.)

If you'd like the step by step with pictures and story, I just posted about it on my blog.

I always google what I want to sew now- I do have a lot of sewing books that were my Moms- she made a lot of clothes for her grandkids. But I like to google better- they even have video tutorials.
I taught myself how to make box cushions for my living room chairs complete with piping and zippers.
For simple pillows-
The easiest way- you can take two cool patterned napkins of the same size. Pin them together right sides together. sew aroound all the sides with a 1/4 of an inch seam- leaving an opening on one side about 2-3 inches- in the middle- not by a corner. Turn right side out- poke the corners out nicely with a finger( or a pencil).Stuff with stuffing. hand stitch the opening- tada pillow! You can make them of any size- just cut out the squares or rectangles of fabric and do the same thing.
Anyone old enough to remember those bright modern Vera cloth napkins back in the day- I made a pillow from two of them and thought I was a genius! It was my first apt. and that pillow was the only thing new in it!

That's how I did my Pottery Barn napkin pillows Sue, but I prefer having a cover I can remove if I want. I don't care for stuffing (and a down pillow insert snob now LOL) so I had to leave a larger opening and hand sew.

tina

How To Sew A Throw Pillow Cover In 10 Easy Steps

Wanted to post the link before I close the page by accident. Busy day; can't wait to come back to comment.

tina me too on the down inserts;0 thought I would make it soooo simple for a novice- I remember the less handstitchint was better for me back then you can even use large safety pin if no hand needles. I like trim and sometimes ruffles on the pillows. the sky is the limit!
lax-Neat blog! I dont know if I would ever have anything to blog about. Thats a fun apron!

cooperbailey, it's funny, because I don't really do anything that anyone else isn't doing. I'm a little confused as to why perfect strangers would want to follow me. I've seen parts of your home. I'd read your blog.

When I became a SAHM, my mother couldn't understand why. She asked "what'll DS1 say when his friends ask, 'What does your mom do.'" I replied they won't have to ask, because they all know me. I'm in school twice a week and at every practice and every game. They hang out here because there are always fresh baked cookies." Even though I had that answer at the ready, it ate away at me. I started writing the blog as a way to document the stuff I do or try to do in my life as a SAHM. While my mom doesn't follow my blog, she does check in on occasion. And it's nice to know that she no longer thinks I spend my day watching Oprah, and eating bon bons.

Oh, and to stay on topic - I'm a huge fan of the down inserts, too.

It figures, when I was a SAHM there were no blogs, heck there wasn't an internet until they were older.

Thanks!

I have fabric that I bought a few months ago for pillow covers. I ditched my pillows awhile ago and stuck w/ the inserts for space saving storage.

ttodd, if you put zippers in your pillow covers you can have as many "new" covers as often as you like, just by putting the same old pillow forms into different covers. You only have to store the covers that way.

Hi Tina -

I would love to see your flower pillows! That would be a great gift for my college age daughter.

Dawn

shermann is right, but if you are afraid to do zippers, just hand sewing along the bottom only takes a few minutes. I had many pillow covers- and stored just the covers that way- still do.
I have since conquered my fear of zippers.

I'm hoping to start a new project today -- Embellishing a fitted denim jacket with a paisley silk twill lining and mink collar and cuffs. I can see it perfectly in my mind, but have never worked with real mink...

My machine of choice is an old Viking. SUCH a workhorse, and one of the only machines I know that can transition perfectly between the silk and denim without dropping a stitch.

These are my completed projects that I finished today for my bedroom update. New linen curtains, a new perfect weight down filled duvet, and pillow shams. Now I need to work on a new cover for the bench at the foot of our bed, and a bedskirt. I was thinking of oyster colored linen for the bedskirt, and I need to throw together some new accessory pillows, but need ideas as to what would work well with what I have so far. Any ideas?

This was the room "before" - a totally different color palate.