As promised, here is something for you from my recently beautified bedroom. These shams were inspired by a flip-through of one so called “Anthropologie” catalog. They are a perfect compliment to my nightly dreaming and lend a little frill, but forgo the froofy. Yes, something even a Mr. S can like. They beckon me to my bed nightly where I dreamily stare at their beauty before removing them from the bed. Ahhh…
Without further adieu, here’s a little tutorial on how to make some gathered pillow shams, to beautify your nest of dreams and catch some of those well earned zzzzzzzs……
Pillow Shams Tutorial
Have a wonderful and restful weekend,
xoxo,
Sunni
I recently invested in a two new sewing books. Twinkle Sews caught my eye after reading something somewhere on Wenlan Chia’s Big City Knits, which I do mean to buy soon, though I’ve never picked up a pair of knitting needles in my life. When I’m in one of those adventurous moods I’ll buy it, and then wait six months to make anything out of it. Anyway, back to Twinkle Sews which I find very different from any sewing pattern book I’ve seen. Traditionally, and I mean no disrespect, but sewing books and patterns can sometimes be well, traditional. Believe me, I actually like traditional. I make and sew lots of things from various traditional patterns. This book is different, in that it brings a very fashion runway approach to sewing.
Wenlan makes sewing sound like going and buying that skirt you really wanted right off the model. I like that. Her patterns in this book are fresh and so now. She includes a CD at the back of the book which have the patterns on it from which you print out onto 8.5″ x 11″ paper and then tape the pattern together.
She only includes sizes 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and then gives you instructions for how to get the sizes she doesn’t include from the sizes she gave you. Great idea and a little work never hurt anyone, besides you’ll need to fit a muslin anyway right? Oh yes and don’t forget to check out Wenlan’s patterns on Burda Style! The blue skirt is included in the book, just so you know, but the top is not.
Also bought Design It Yourself Clothes by Cal Patch . I’m not going to say much because you’ll find more info here and here, but I really really like the way Cal has put designing patterns into an easy to read, easy to understand book.
Both books are high recommendations for any sewist on your Christmas list!
It is with pleasure that I bring you….my finished nest of dreams. Yes, indeed I did finish this project, which for me is actually the best part, well…besides sleeping in that bed, of course. I was so happy to stay within a fairly inexpensive budget as well. Let’s go over exactly what I did, shall we:
For starters, all the furniture is painted black. Mr. S and I got rid of his sad old dresser that was acting as a double for his nightstand, and I moved my nightstand into another room. We found 2 matching nightstands at the local thrift and those too, were painted black as well as the bed. Surprisingly, those frames hanging above the bed were actually going to hold black and white photos, but I found that I really enjoyed not having any photos in the frames and ended up painting them black and forming a sort of imaginary collage on the wall. I think my dreams get caught in those empty frames making pictures only I can see and I like that thought. I found it rather inventive.
The bedding took the longest. The hardest thing to make was that dern blue silk pillow in the middle. Oh! it kept getting all whacked up on the sewing machine. Much kvetching went on there. Easiest thing….the duvet cover. It was incredibly large which made every process long. I got the idea from the book, Patchwork Style. It’s the lap quilt, but made into 6 sections. Love love love the ideas and sweets in this book. I used some fabric I had on hand, plus some old white sheets and bought some sale fabric (Joel Dewberry’s Manzanita) on Etsy.
Now you may ask how much I spent, so I’ll tell you:
Fabric – $50
The nightstand duet – $30
Paint – $20
Picture Frames – $8
New white sheets – $30
Grand Total = $138
I’m quite happy with the result. Mr. S is as well. It’s really funny how he keeps bringing it up to people and saying that he just can’t even believe how much better the room looks and feels. He’s so proud of me for finishing it and for actually posting about it. He’s so wonderful….sigh. Dream, dream. Hope you love the bedroom as much as I do.
xoxo,
Sunni
When I was young, my mum would always watch White Christmas as the holidays grew near. It’s become one of my favorite holiday traditions and something that I look forward to every year. Fancies of a bygone era, complete with dancing, singing and a white snowy christmas. And though its title may indicate that, indeed, it is a Christmas film, I always start thinking of it come Thanksgiving because of that small line that Bing says right before the quartet breaks into song about snow. “….hot buttered rum, light on the butter…” I never really even thought there was such a thing, just thought it was one of those delicacies of minimal vintage appeal. The idea occurred to me a few years ago to actually search for a buttered rum recipe, just to give it a good try. Needless to say, this is not some bygone fancy, but a very real and true treat, and one to sip white trimming your tree. And of course, to drink on Thanksgiving Day. Its a small reminder that life isn’t just about hard work and toil, but also about coziness and warmth on such a beautiful day.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, did you know it wasn’t elected an official holiday until Abraham Lincoln was in office? Not surprisingly we have a woman to thank for this yearly ritual of enjoying the bountiful harvest. So in the spirit of thanks and giving here’s a little treat to keep you in the nostalgic mood as you offer up your thanks and begin trimming your Christmas tree. Bing knew what he was talking about here, this rich and decadent treat will become a tradition for you as well, I’m quite sure. A holiday tradition from me to you, Happy Thanksgiving!
Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
xoxo,
Sunni
(White Christmas Film Stills from internet rummaging)
Mr. S and I went out for dinner over the weekend. A little Pho Noodle Soup and we were as right as rain. If you’ve never had Vietnamese noodle soup before, you should try it. It always reminds me of this time of year, you know, when things get cold out and you get to go and warm up with this cozy delight. The first time I ever tried Pho, Mr. S took me around Christmas time and so it continues to conjure memories of snowflakes and heavy coats as we trek towards the little hole in the wall restaurant.
Speaking of dates and hearts and romance Mr. S is always entertaining when we are out on the town. His tricks never get old, let me tell you. He’s always got some silly thing to relate to me in a very animated manner. Dates don’t really seem like dates anymore either. Maybe that just happens when you get married. Doing stuff together seems to be the most important aspect of the date and it feels good to do so much together. He loves me, even without the bells and whistles of make-up and clothes and even when I have nothing to say. We always reserve Thursday nights for our favorite show, Fringe, and make dinner and just be together. Believe me, I’m continually reminding Mr. S of this weekly engagement because he always forgets, even though he reminds me just as often as I remind him. As I take him to his train stop every morning, I always say “Don’t forget about our date on Thursday” just as he shuts the truck door. He pulls a very “Oh! You are so naughty” look and then I drive off before he can remind me. Our banter keeps us on top of it. Happiness is so catching around here.
Other Points of Interest:
My lil sis just had a baby girl. Dolce Daisy is her sweet little name and I have yet to meet her. Thanksgiving can’t come soon enough for me to caress this new little addition. I’m quite certain she’s saving a very special snuggle just for me.
The bedroom project is almost finished. Only a few more things. Well, and I’m still in the process of sewing up the duvet cover. But, my oh my! you would not believe how stunning its all looking. I’ve got another sneak peak this week along with a tutorial for how to add that little somethin somethin to your nest of dreams.
OK, time to sign off. Keep eating those cupcakes!
xoxo
Sunni
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Abby - Those ARE absolutely beautiful. I love the colors too. Perfect fit for your room.
Jennica - I saw the pillow shams in Anthro and wanted to try and make them. Thanks for your tutorial!!
Lynn - Gorgeous shams! The tut is perfect; your instructions are easy to follow. Thank you for taking the time to create and share with the rest of us.