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DIY Scrap Fabric Reusable “Brown” Bag Lunch bag

Back-to-school means back  to life if you’re a parent! No more 24/7 entertaining. No more constant whining complaints of boredom. You’re ready to throw them back to their teachers. I know, I’ve been there. Of course that doesn’t mean you don’t want to throw them back in style. Of course not! That’s a direct reflection on you Mom. Lunch bags are a big deal. They continue to be a hot trend with kids and adults. That statement lunch bag could spell the difference between the cool kids and everybody else table! But hey Mom, this doesn’t just have to be…

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For the HomePosted on

DIY Fabric Covered Privacy Window

Lots of decorating going on since we bought the farm. Too much to do! Too many windows, which means privacy is a challenge since I don’t want to cocoon the house in drapery! And then there are the door windows, which pose a unique challenge. This was my solution after a Pinterest (yep, a Pinterest idea) moment. Rather than putting a drape or a shade on the door which requires an installation, we’re going to install a window covering that is unique and will have your friends and neighbors wondering what you are doing, now that they can’t eavesdrop on…

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Easy Low Sew ProjectsPosted on

How to Add a Pocket to “Almost” Anything (Updated reposting)

Of all the projects we post to our Pinterest, this particular one has gotten a whole lot of attention. So, in response, I’d like to first thank Robin Vines Smith for the original publication, and offer an update based on a similar project. Like Robin said, most people think adding a pocket to a garment, retail or otherwise is simply not possible or too difficult. Fact is, adding pockets to a garment isn’t all that difficult. To be truthful, it’s easier when your garment has a side seam. But you can do this with a little tweeking even to a…

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You Made That Outta What? A Semi-Comprehensive Guide to Fabric – Part 4 Damask/Jacquard and While We’re at It, Let’s Just Talk About Brocade for Kicks and Giggles!

If I had your endless attention, I could really go deep on the subject of any fabric. Since I don’t, I’m going to do my best to just keep you entertained and teach you a little history while we’re there. No NO!! Don’t run away! There’s no quiz or paper due, I promise! So riddle me this. How are Jacquard/Damask Brocade and the modern day computer directly related? Wait, what? Yes, they are. And you’ll have to read on to learn how.

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Easy Low Sew ProjectsPosted on

Sham-WOW! Make a Pillow Sham in Under an Hour

It started with an Elsa event. Elsa, my Huskie mix, has many such “events” that usually involve tearing something up that is fluffy. This time, it was a pillow sham. Thankfully not the pillow, just the sham. Which didn’t really matter though. I just bought those shams for a staging. Now I had only one and no way to repair it since the machine was packed. Elsa is fortunate that she has cute going for her… So flash forward, I still have no matching shams. I could just repair the torn one. But to be honest, sometimes a repair job…

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You Made That Outta What? A Semi-Comprehensive Guide to Fabric – Part 3 Cotton Duck

And…we’re back! How often do we take the ordinary for granted; do we see the tools and necessary items in  our life as routine and take no notice? Whether it’s a pair of high tops, one of those trendy little zipper bags, the sails in your winds, or even the seat cushions on your lawn furniture, Duck is a whole lot more than you think. A close cousin to Duck Tape, their stories converge in an interesting way. So let’s dive into the history of this popular utilitarian fabric that’s getting some mileage these days.

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You Made That Outta What? A Semi-Comprehensive Guide to Fabric – Part 2 Toile

  Welcome back! Thanks for following the series. To be honest, I’ve learned a lot just in my research. I really thought I had a handle on fabric weave, type and design. Apparently I was mistaken! Last time, we (including me) learned about Dupioni Silk, a beautiful high end silk from India often used in formal wear such as wedding attire. We’re going to switch gears and go the opposite direction and dive into the world of Toile. And no, it’s not pronounced like foil or even close to that. Although, please don’t feel ignorant if you did. Potato/Patahtoe I…

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You Made That Outta What?! A Semi-Comprehensive Guide to Fabric – Part 1 Dupioni Silk

I work in the fabric industry and am an upholsterer by trade. Yet I still need a refresher, even a crash course on fabric nomenclature (That’s your big word for the week meaning the science of naming things. You know, what Adam’s job was in the Garden?). You’ll notice that we use proper names for each of our fabrics. But you might not know a chintz from a chenille, or the slight difference between a jacquard and a brocade. And that’s okay! We’re here to educate you. By knowing the specific features of a given fabric, you can make an…

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Matchy-Schmatchy…How to Match Patterns Without Being Wacky-Tacky!

You know what they say, everything old is new again. But let’s be honest, some things are better off kept in the past. Remember the 60’s and early 70’s (maybe you can’t “remember” it), pattern on pattern was groovin’ baby. Bold colors, overstated lines and shapes, psychedelic, groovy, Peter Max to the max! The effect was over the top. We embraced the look, but today’s approach to interior design takes a more refined thinking regarding how color, pattern, even texture work together to create an appealing, not mind blowing room vista. I’m fascinated by blending patterns and textures. My look…

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