[ amy butler gumdrop ]

AFTER finally fixing up my sofa cushions, I was left with 2 huge bags of the old stuffing. Not wanting to simply waste it and toss it out, it occurred to me that I had purchased a pattern for Amy Butler's gumdrop pouf a couple of years ago but had never gotten around to making one.

I dug through my fabric stash and found some of her fabric that I was originally going to use for a tunic top ~ {oh well... never got around to that project either!} I decided it would be a fun fabric to use for a beachy pouf...

It's an easy pattern to sew ~ the hardest part was getting all the stuffing in so that it's firm enough to sit on or rest your feet. It took almost the 2 big bags because I really crammed it in there but I love how it turned out...

I came across some other cute examples ~ there are so many variations and I love how you can totally customize it to your decor/taste...

There are 2 different sizes included in the pattern ~ I made the large size which makes a good-sized ottoman that you can actually use for extra seating. I love the fresh pop of colour and pattern it adds to the room...

If you want to give it a try, you can find the pattern at numerous Etsy shops as I did. Happy sewing!

lisa

[example poufs: via littlewillow.com; onceuponatime; betsymakingpretty; lady-blog.net; ajoyfulsoulfabrics; pinterest; cabbage corner; blog.fabric.com]

[ a tova for all seasons ]

THE TOVA by Wiksten has taken blogland by storm and I can see why ~ a comfy top, dress or tunic that's easy to wear and universally flattering ~ and with no fussy zippers or buttons, it's easy to make. I decided to jump on board and I just finished mine. I think it's perfect with a pair of jeans...

I used a very light cotton sheeting fabric which was very easy to sew. I went through my fabric stash and decided to add a coordinating tiny floral fabric for the inside of the collar, especially since the collar sits open and is very visible. I'm really glad I did ~ I think it adds a special little detail...

The pattern is available from Wiksten as a pdf download which is super convenient. The instructions are thorough and easy to follow ~ just download, print, tape together and cut out ...

I made a couple of changes to my pattern:

1} I made the collar 1/2" narrower and rounded the top corner

2} I chopped off 2.5" off the length to make it more like a shirt than a tunic

3} I sewed the placket closed about 1.5" from the bottom so that I don't need to wear a tank underneath all the time

It seems that everyone who has made this top has made multiples and I'm already thinking about my next one. Here are some pretty examples from blogland done as various tops and dresses...

Aren't they great? I think my next one will be a solid or tiny print ~ maybe a grey. Wouldn't a soft flannel be so cozy for fall?

If you want to give it a try, pick up the pattern here and read through the sew along over at verykerryberry for some great tips.

lisa

[ from curtain panel to...? ]

OK, I've kept you in suspense long enough. I know you're dying to know what I did with that curtain panel.

Well, I think most of you know that I'm a huge fan of a pretty tunic top. Looks great with white jeans or linen pants in the summer or skinny jeans in the winter. So much cuter and prettier than a t-shirt. I really can't get enough of them.

And so, here it is!

Isn't it cute? I love the casual peasant style of it and it's so comfy...

I wanted to add some beads to the velvet ribbon drawstring just for detail but I didn't have any on hand. Instead, I sewed a button on the front and back of each end and I think it does the trick!

This is the pattern I used for it...

It's a downloadable pdf pattern purchased from Sew Mama Sew. The great thing is you just print out the pages you need for your size, which style of sleeve you want {straight or bell}, tape them together and you're off and running! 

There are cutting lines for various lengths so you can make it as a shirt, tunic or dress. The best part is that it's a very easy pattern - no fussy fitting of sleeves or complicated facings ~ just the way I like it! And when I discovered that a single curtain panel or twin size sheet has just the right amount of fabric, that was even better {saved me a trip to the fabric store}. I love to repurpose things and this worked perfectly. {tip: use a very thin cotton}

So what do you think? A good use of a curtain panel?

lisa

linking to Shabby Creek Cottage Transformation Thursday

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Somewhat Simple

[ smitten with spots ]

SO MY favourite store has now arrived here in Dubai ~ Kate Spade! I've been a fan for a long time but haven't had access to a shop to visit regularly {the first one I stepped into was in SOHO, NYC}.

On my recent visit, I couldn't help but SPOT all the spots...

Cute huh? I love polka dots ~ they're so happy and timeless ~ have they ever been out of style? Are you as smitten with spots as I am?

lisa

[kate spade]

[ framed ]

I'M ALWAYS on the lookout for interesting ways to accessorize a space and I love this idea for art...

Framing a lovely scarf is such a great way to add a splash of colour and pattern. I remember once seeing a space filled with cushions made from vintage Pucci scarves she had inherited from her grandmother. Now that's one fashionable grandma! I'd love to inherit some fabulous scarves... but I'll have to settle for scouring vintage shops or eBay. 

Have you used scarves for anything around your home?

lisa

[via girlathome.tumblr.com]

[ accent pattern ]

ARE YOU a bit wallpaper phobic but still want to add some pattern to a room? As much as I love the look of wallpapered rooms, I love them more in other people's homes {perhaps it's my fear of commitment ~ I've always loved changing things up too often to jump onto the wallpaper wagon}.

When I came across this bedroom, I immediately thought what a perfect solution! A large statement floral pattern on a fabric panel. It works well hung on a four poster bed, or simply suspended from a curtain rod mounted at the ceiling. And when you tire of it, just take it down. Easy peasy.

How about you? Do you share the same fear of commitment that I do?

lisa

[via casasugar]

[ diy hoop art ]

I FIRST became smitten with embroidery hoop art on my visit to Purl SOHO in NYC back in 2010. When I walked through the door...

and saw this...

... I knew I would be creating my own little hoop wall somewhere {if you're planning a trip to NYC and you are a knitter or love to sew, it's a must-stop}.

I had an existing hoop art piece done by Lucky Jackson that I picked up at the Muskoka Arts & Crafts fair {read about it here} that I wanted to include in my grouping. I then purchased some embroidery hoops of various sizes.

First, choose the fabric {a great time to use up scrap pieces or buy some little quilting fat quarters for this}.

Cut them roughly to size and press out any wrinkles.

Although you can simply stretch the fabric on the hoop and trim, I decided to use some white glue to hold them in place and make trimming easier so they wouldn't shift around.

I found the best way to do this was to stretch the fabric over the hoop and press the top hoop over top to hold it, but don't press it down all the way. Then apply a line of glue on the back side between the inside hoop and the fabric. Push down top hoop completely and tighten.

Let them all dry.

Trim off the excess close to the hoop.

Done!

You can hang them each with a small nail or use some double-sided adhesive foam tape.

I love how cheerful they are and it makes me smile every time I walk into my studio.

It will be fun to continue to add to the grouping and perhaps create some embroidered pieces to mix in.

lisa

linking to air your laundry friday

[ turning everyday into holiday ]

ONE OF MY favourite ways to decorate for Christmas is to give the everyday a festive feel. And this home does just that.

By simply combining fresh chartreuse patterned bedding with a couple of raspberry pillows, and hanging up a simple boxwood wreath, a holiday feeling is implied without a Santa in sight. Remove the wreath after the holidays and in a flash, the holidays are over.

Gifts wrapped in simple chartreuse paper with the addition of red toile bands, feel festive even though there's nothing distinctively Christmas about them.

And this tablescape feels festive, even though no holiday-motif patterns are used. Again a simple boxwood wreath and Christmas tree add the holiday feel, but come January, ditch the tree and the wreath and this tablescape would work any time of year.

How do you decorate for the holidays? Simple festive touches to the everyday or all-out Santa theme?

lisa

[style at home]