decor mistakes and sewing fears pic heavy

jejvtr

15 years ago

I suffer from the apprehension of sewing a project - so I worked to remedy the situation

few lil projects

Blanket (folded) for 5yo dd

Skirt that caused fits, tears, rrrrr - bad, bad, pattern - note to self never again

Blankie for now 5mo grandson who came into the world 11wks early giving us all a scare - he's fine! -Grandma's can brag a little?

Living room drapes that were about 8" too long - lined, weighted - I finally got dh to hang the rods w/my help - always a project going into plaster! He was adamant they stay at top of window trim - Ok - I deconstructed, cut, reconstructed - A feat for lil ol me - so happy the length turned out ok - i feared "high waters"! they need a steam

On to girls room - Researched, studied how to make a good flat lined Roman coaching all along "you can do this" - face fabric, lined w/thermalsuede, battons,rings, pulley, cord lock, head rail - Happy w/the construction - not happy with the fabric :(

We'll call that the "sample" one

next fabric - Wow this shows super bright on here - Not that bright irl

I have to make one more for that room (total 3), and screw the headrail to window trim (just sitting in there now)then I have the supplies for the boys room & kitchen

Thanks all for your inspiration & motivation - I'm getting over the apprehension thing!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (12)

declansmom
15 years ago
WOW jejvtr......you have been busy!!! EVERYTHING you did looks great. Can you come on over to my house now????
persnicketydesign
15 years ago
You are awesome! I love every single one of the projects...especially the blankies. Those will be treasured forever. :o)

Liam is precious!!! DS #1 was also 11 weeks early and weighed in at a hefty 2 lbs 14 oz. He was perfectly healthy, just tiny. You'd never know it by looking at him today. He's 14, just a tad shy of 6' and weighs 170 lbs. And he's still growing...quickly. :o)
Related Discussions
My Stupidest Decorating Mistake - or We Were Once All Newbies
Q
Comments (55)
OMG, I've been ROFLMAO reading through all these posts . . . they're priceless! My worst decorating disaster was way back in my very first apartment down in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The landlords liked me and so they ok'd me painting one (huge) wall in my bedroom as long as I agreed to put it back to (stark) white before I moved. My boyfriend at the time was an artist, who also had no previous wall painting experience! I let him talk me into painting the wall a dark forest green and then he got the great(stupid!) idea of making a mosaic design with mirrors on it. I let him (stupidly) glue (with some heavy duty auto glue) twenty-plus 12"x12" mirrors to the wall in a huge flying bird design. I know, we must've lost our minds! Well, six months later, as I was ready to move to my new duplex, I tried getting those mirrors off the wall. OMG, what a nightmare!!! When I finished, it looked like some cannon company had used my dark green wall for target practice! I was in tears and petrified that I was never going to get that wall back to normal again. My grandfather and I worked for days patching Thank goodness my retired grandpa was brilliant when it came to that kind of stuff (heck, he was brilliant at everything!), but he was ready to toss me off my balcony when he first got a look at that wall! I was on Gramp's poop list for a couple of weeks after that, but I did learn several big lessons on what NOT to do to a wall! Did I mention that the boyfriend was not allowed back at Gram & Gramps house after that? I broke up with him a couple of weeks after that anyway. I needed a boyfriend that was smart, like my Gramp. Lynn
...See More
Never thought I'd be back for paint help. Please? Pic heavy
Q
Comments (40)
Hi magpie, you could always fool around with some crafty stuff too. This is a $1 garage sale buy; it had an ugly picture print and a nasty brown frame. About eighteen years ago on a whim I poured a few shades of double pigment paint on Cling Wrap and zapped in an old microwave in the garage. After priming the picture I poured some metallic paints on and blended. I then glued on the Cling Wrap and stitched everything in with stitch craft paint. I wasn't actually expecting much out of the junk but I ended up liking it. The picture now lives in the game room; it took no time, money and little experience to make. Although this would not be exactly right for your space I hope I have inspired you to try and mock a few canvases like those cool panels in your inspiration picture. http://s1004.photobucket.com/albums/af170/jterrilynn/?action=view&current=picture017.jpg" target="_blank"> http://s1004.photobucket.com/albums/af170/jterrilynn/?action=view&current=picture015.jpg" target="_blank">
...See More
New constrution kitchen - layout critique welcome - Pic heavy
Q
Comments (26)
Thanks for all of the nice encouragement. There are several areas of the kitchen which I feel pretty strongly about, and then there are the ones I am uneasy about. I think the Marcolo / rhome concern of too many steps for something as simple as a bowl of cereal is certainly worth considering, and I am going to work to tighten up those functions which are common for us. I have one of those little "planning desks" in my current kitchen and at any given time it is piled with papers, bills, kids pemission slips, and mail. If I have somebody coming over, I quickly dump it all into a basket which quickly becomes a black hole! My little room behind the cooktop (Rachel's space) is to allow my mess, keep it close by, but keep it out of the kitchen area. I know this little space will be a favorite, and it is really there only to handle a roofline issue. The home planning area, is where I was thinking the kids could do homework --- they would be close by, but not in the loud main room --- I knew it would be darkish, and would have no windows, but that is a bit by design as the computer will not have a glare and the printer and all of that stuff can be tucked away in here. The butler's pantry will likely house the more formal china, and it is where guests can help themselves to wine, beer, drinks and a food buffet, though I think it will mainly function as a bar during parties, and food will likely be on the island. My thinking is the butler's pantry is a good connector to the dining room, and the great room, kitchen and porch. The corridor is wide enough for some milling around, and there will be a sink in there, but the related clean-up area will really be on the island. I'm OK with that. One of the other things that you've all made me consider, is the steps to do things like get cereal. What if the 2 cabinets flanking the kitchen table have a fridge and freezer drawer, coffee maker, mugs, sugar bowl, glasses and bowls on one side. On the other side, what if they have 2 big drawers (size of fridge drawers) filled with the cereal boxes. Silverware is another issue. Would it make sense to keep the daily silverware over by the table? If so, couldn't I just take the silverware basket out of the dishwasher and take it (or have the kids take it) over to that area to empty. In that case, a daily meal (cereal and coffee, and juice) would all be handled right there at the table. Clean-up would involve setting the dishes through the little pass through (I could make this a door, but I think I like the pass-through) and then loading the dishwasher, etc. Not too bad, it only involves the breakfast and clean-up area. Now, things are more complicated for other meals. Setting the table would mean getting plates, etc. out of the "dish pantry" area. In my little baking area, I think the comments are totally on --- I think I need to put uppers here for baking supplies. That would allow me to put drawers below for things like mixing bowls, pans, mixers, etc. The toaster could also go out here as well. I know I have lots lots more to figure out --- but thanks for all of the help thus far. Marcolo, thanks so much for the design and reclaimed wood, etc. encouragement. I have always loved these things and sometimes people look at me like I'm crazy, but I really love them. Good to know that I'm actually going to be current for a little while at least!
...See More
Color Gurus please help (pic heavy)
Q
Comments (17)
What a pretty home! Your cabinets are going to be wonderful painted out and I love that island countertop. Looking at the kitchen separately: I'm not usually a beige person (I think it's the name of the color, which reminds me of the pinky-beiges of the past). However, I gotta say... I really could see matching to the tile color as a crisp, classic, beautiful solution. What's the splotch in the upper left? It seems like a contender. Given your granite doesn't appear to be up against any drywall, I'd think you would have a little more flexibility, but you could also pick up one of the granite tones. Looking big picture: It's hard for me to imagine a gray or the cooler tones in your space because of that beautiful effect you have going with those arches leading into a room into a room perspective. It looks like you can't really see kitchen wall from that view, so maybe that's a non-issue, but if I had your wonderful layout, I'd be focused as much or more on preserving that lovely continuity of tone your architecture is inviting you to play with as the tile border color. Your current colors flow so well. I really love how it goes from darker to lighter but stays in the same tonal family to a large degree. I'd personally be tempted to stay with a color strip and use a shade from each of them for each room. PS - I'm being infected with the gray bug, too. I'm beginning to see it as highly contagious. And potentially dangerous, for warm color girls who live in Alaska anyway. lol I'm trying to decide if I need a vaccination (which typically involves injesting a bit into the system) or quarantine (strictly enforced restrictions from going into that territory). PPS - Fun to see sailcloth on the walls, in both splotch and finished product form. That color recently perked my curiosity.
...See More
PRO
Window Accents by Vanessa Downs
15 years ago
You did VERY good!!! I'm sure all your family has enjoyed your sewing blessings!

Can I make a suggestion? On your drapey panels - do you have any extra drapery rings? If so, You could insert a drapery pin about 3/4" away from the leading edge of each of your panels and hang an additional ring on the rod to insert that pin in. That will keep your leading edge from drooping down at the header.

Here's a photo of a header with the leading edge attached with a ring.

Click on the photo to enlarge it.
jejvtr
Original Author
15 years ago
dec
thank you! let's see, umm perhaps when I finish all the projects I've lined up!

Persnick -
Thank you it took me soooooo long to get to this pt, Wow DS is quite the man! Liam was 3lbs 9oz - due at Christmas - born Oct 10th he is over 14 lbs now
jejvtr
Original Author
15 years ago
downsy
Yes, Good pt,no extra rings - I think in the DR I attached a pin & pinned it to first ring - don't know if that will work here
cooperbailey
15 years ago
I am also "ascared" about measuring and sewing curtains. I can cut up fabric into little pieces sew them together, and make quilts no problem. But WTs scare me. So I get how you feel.
What pattern did you use? The roman shades are wonderful. Your drapes look good at the bottom too. I always seem to measure wrong!
Oh and of COURSE Grandmas get to brag!
bodiCA
15 years ago
Me too, exactly why it is so important to actually teach children to make mistakes and learn, try ideas and build knowlege. It's terrible to be paralized from subconcous fear. Thanks for you post, great reminder to just have fun and do it! My sewing maching is right here next to me, I should turn it on and let it rip!
Downsy, that's a beautiful elegant look, I'm too dyslexic to comprehend the pinning, may I trouble you for a picture of the opposite side and how to do this? I have drapes I'd love to reverse this way, love the smooth finish instead or the triple pleating pins sticking out.
jejvtr
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks cooper - I used Terrell designs, mentioned on here a number of times - the instructions are very detailed and you make your own pattern -

Almost forgot one lil project

Here is a link that might be useful: terrell designs
texashottie
15 years ago
You're my kinda girl!! Good for you!
PRO
Window Accents by Vanessa Downs
15 years ago
Bodica,

That particular photo I attached is called a box pleated panel - it has inverted pleats instead of your standard pinch pleats which come to the front side of the drapery. But I wanted to show how the leading edge is held up with the addition of a drapery ring.

The box pleated panel is formed like you would do any kind of inverted pleat. The drapery pins are inserted into the lining side (where your 2 folds meet in the front, but its considered the center of the back box pleat.) That is probably sounding more complicated than it is. Its sort of like a pp panel in reverse and you don't pleat it up - they stay flat!
debbimc
15 years ago
Gosh.. they all look great. I am thinking my first project is pillows--just some for little grandaughter to play on --practice. ARe the envelope pillows complicated? (did I ask that) LOL
jejvtr
Original Author
15 years ago
debbi
good idea - I take out books all the time from my library & just put in a request for them to update their selection which they agreed! Love my library -
I haven't made envelope pillows these are simple squares - just sew all the sides together (right sides together) leave opening for form or stuffing, clip corners turn it right side out & fill - Do get a book or you can even google it.
It's fun & rewarding

decor mistakes and sewing fears pic heavy

Comments (12)

declansmom

persnicketydesign

Related Discussions

Window Accents by Vanessa Downs

jejvtr
Original Author

jejvtr
Original Author

cooperbailey

bodiCA

jejvtr
Original Author

texashottie

Window Accents by Vanessa Downs

debbimc

jejvtr
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

decor mistakes and sewing fears **pic heavy**

Comments (12)

Related Discussions

jejvtrOriginal Author

jejvtrOriginal Author

jejvtrOriginal Author

jejvtrOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

decor mistakes and sewing fears pic heavy

jejvtr
Original Author

jejvtr
Original Author

jejvtr
Original Author

jejvtr
Original Author