The sewing room is taking shape

Welcome to the redo of this room. I am turning it back into my studio/sewing room. It used to be an extra bedroom, but since the boychild has removed his furniture.. I got the room back!!!

Isn't this transition just lovely? Oh yeah.. so much had to be removed from the room and the hallway seemed the natural choice. Wouldn't this be a great shot for "Hoarders"?

 This is really the hardest piece to move.. I have two Horn sewing cabinets and a file cabinet under the solid core door. This piece has worked so well for about 20 years. Once I had that where I wanted it (it is getting skirted cause really who wants to look at that?), then I used blue painters tape to place the remaining pieces of furniture on the floor. I use the tape to outline the pieces and see how that will work for traffic flow and efficiency. That to me is the greatest tip of all time. I sometimes photoshop furniture into pictures to see the look, but for existing pieces you know you are using, this is just great!

Then my sweet husband went into building mode. These cube pieces came from Target. They are relatively sturdy and serve my purpose totally. My son volunteered to build shelves, but that would have taken time and I was into instant gratification. After the first 3 sets (there are nine cubes in one unit), my husband wondered if I would have enough to fill up the shelves. See the second photo.

Since there is still so much to do in here, You'll be getting snippets today. I need to order curtains, find some rods for art displays, a new desk lamp, skirt the desk, I do want my son to build a new cutting table, need to hang art work, and continue to purge excess supplies. But I do love how this looks. Oh the empty cubbies are now all filled and more fabric has been added.

I found this painter's tray at an auction for a pittance. Of course it came home with me. It's housed many things in it's time. This time around it's the keeper of some photos and lots of religious artifacts and other travel odds and ends.

I had to make room for my mom's Horn sewing cabinet. It's great for the second machine! Next to it sits an antique German thread cabinet that was a gift from my godmother. I love all the drawers and compartments for housing all those pesky little things.

 Some favorite things sit on top of the unit. I could have gotten a larger 12 cube unit, but that would have left me with no display room. I really wanted to have a spot for some pictures, my mom's doll wardrobe, and the few books that are too large for the cubes.

A few items in the cubbies themselves. This last photo is of two projects on which I'm currently not working. My son wants his Texas placemats!!

 Now just what's in those sweet "drawers" made for this cube system you ask? Well let me show you! One has antique lace on boards, one has lace each in it's own plastic bag. I had to untangle that mess from a tub! Not happening again.

 This antique German snap box holds my buttons, however all white ones are in the crystal jar!

 One holds anything in a can: 505 spray, starch, gold paint, glue, etc...  And another holds all the note cards I am going to send.

And then there are paints, inks, stickles, glitter.. ooh the mess!

So far. I'm quite pleased with the progress.

As is Regan. He thinks the desk is his new habitat! Put there just for him. He can guard me, watch the door and see outside. A heavenly perch.

He's also got to keep an eye on this little one. Yes, softy husband has started feeding this malnourished little one. If we can ever get him/her to trust us, then I think Regan might just have a playmate.

Have a blessed day!

Baseball, hot dogs and apple pie - a classic table for the fourth

What are you doing to celebrate the fourth?

I doubt we'll be getting outside - at all. Really, there is no doubt involved. We won't be getting outside. Not here in Lubbock. I am not a fan of sweating "glowing".

I am however sure, that baseball will be involved. What? You say it's played outside? Sure, that is true.. but I do believe that the magic of television will allow me to watch those 9 men chase that ball around in the cool comfort - inside! My beloved Yankees play at 3:10 in Florida and Mr. CJ's Rangers play in my favorite city of Chicago at 7.

 And then there will probably be hot dogs involved. Keeping with the feel of baseball....

Of course served in something cute - that is a given.

For that something delectable to go with those dogs!

Sweet potato fries, one hot dog, your choice of whole wheat or white buns. No need for cutlery, but always a need for a bit of added spice - for some folks. Did you see that little bottle of Tabasco?

How do you like your dogs? Chicago style? New York style? simple? with chili? with cheese?

Have you ever tried sweet potato fries? OOh their yummy sweetness is just sooo good.

And here's my tip: Fill a shaker with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. It's the perfect topping for those fries. Hey, we aren't counting calories today are we?

Cast:
Tablecloth - made by myself
Baskets - Dollar Tree
Gingham liners - Bernina Express, Switzerland
Fry cones and liners - World Market
Expensive Crystal - Dollar Store
Pitcher - One Kings Lane
Pitcher Contents - Dollar Tree

 the apple pie... well it's coming up so stay tuned!!!

 I hope you stay cool, have fun and enjoy the day celebrating the birth of our nation. Happy Fourth of July. Depending on which parties are linking this week... I'll be there!
Cuisine Kathleen's Let's Dish
Susan's Tablescape Thursday
Yvonne's Tips and Tricks on Thursday, too.... 

A little bit of napkin embellishment

Now here is an idea that really adds some personality to a napkin. Adding a few stitches from your sewing machine. Most machines no longer come with just the utilitarian stitches, but have a bunch of decorative stitches add as part of the package.

After you've stitched them out, then what do you do with them. Too many stitches are never used.  I love, love my stitches! For this napkin I chose 3 stitches on the Bernina artista 730; lime green: #427 as is; orange: #411 SW 5.9, SL 1.71; yellow: #711 SW 5.1, SL 3.01. These were previously used HERE and HERE. Because of the triple thickness of fabric on the hem of these napkins, I was able to forgo using a stabilizer.

And my tip for the week.. Wind your bobbins with the same thread that is in the needle. That way you have the same look on each side of your napkin. I also use a less fussy thread, no rayons in bright colors.. I use a polyester embroidery thread because it will stand up to much use and many washings. Sample uses Isacord thread from EmbroideryOnline.com or your favorite Bernina dealer. Forgive me, I still bleed Bernina red.... ;-)

Enjoy.. Come pop over to Yvonne's at Stone Gable for links with more tips and tricks!

Wishing it was Summer tablescape with Citrus Salsa recipe

I'm recycling! I know I've been absent a bit lately, lots going on right now. And in the midst of all of the personal drama (gotta love your kids regardless!), we had a bit of an issue with the plumbing outside and our backyard was dug up in spots. Hope you enjoy looking at this post from the summer of 2010!

It's hot. Appetites wane. It's hot. Nobody wants to cook! But a great find at the Dollar Tree makes the heat seem not as bad. I walked in last week and saw fabric place mats. Lime green with white polka dots. They were destined to go home with me that day! I mean lime green with white polka dots, who could forgo such a find?? Really now. I had a set of white plates. Then the fun began. Welcome and join me for a cool dinner on the patio.


Dinner plates: Wedgwood Windsor pattern. These dishes have become a staple. The just play well in all different 'sandboxes'. The salad plates came from TJMaxx and are labeled Summer 2010. Oh did I mention the place mats were just a dollar each?

These colorful plates came in yellow, lime green, turquoise and orange. Still looking for additional turquoise plates.


Picked up a bouquet of flowers at the grocery store. They came with the glitter already on them. The dyed colors matched so well with the dishes and table!


Turquoise napkins tied with a lime gingham ribbon. Napkins - Stein Mart. Stitches - Bernina. Thread - Isacord. Napkins are a perfect way to show off those sewing machine stitches. Pick threads in your favorite colors, use an Organ embroidery needle and make sure to wind a bobbin in the same thread! This will ensure that your napkins look equally good on both the front and back sides.

Do you recognize the stitches? Stitches from a Bernina 730 - lime green: #427 as is; orange: #411 SW 5.9, SL 1.71; yellow: #711 SW 5.1, SL 3.01.



The green 'vase' is actually a larger votive candle holder purchased at Big Lots. I loved the green color and the resemblance to mercury glass.


Our margarita stemware was purchased last year at World Market. Instead of having a dark blue ring, this set has the lighter turquoise rim and base.


Once again the fish dinnerware from WMF. Sadly, it's no longer available. The whimsy lends itself well to the festive table.


A citrus salsa served on a bed of lettuce. Grilled Trout with jalapeno mayonnaise. Parselied potatoes. Healthy, yummy and is a great meal for a still very warm evening.



Indulge in a margarita of choice. Over ice or served blended with ice. Perfectly cool. The lime of the drink plays nicely off the lime in the place mats!


And if you gather all the stuff above.... then you too can make the citrus salsa and jalapeno mayonnaise.


Citrus Salsa from the Ultimate Grill Book.

1 large grapefruit, white membrane removed, cut into bite-size pieces
2 large oranges, white membrane removed, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped*
2 T lime juice
2 T orange juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 t sugar
Salt to taste.

Mix all ingredients. Can be made ahead and used the next day.
*Mr. Picky-eater doesn't like tomatoes. So I courteously omit these and serve them sliced on the side. ;~)

*Update: This is Regan's momma. We do miss her coming around. She was such a dainty little thing.
Miss Priss lies in the "outer rim", close enough to be a part of the group, but far enough away that no one could possibly touch her! She is just waiting patiently for a taste of trout and I can't say I blame her. She's also asking you to run on over to Susan's Tablescape Thursday! It's a fun place to be inspired to use the things you have... just click the graphic below.