Evie's Dresser

I wanted to dress up Evie's dresser so we went for a cheaper option from IKEA (although I've had the same line of dresser since leaving college and Ella has  the same as Evie; so they are sturdy but inexpensive). 

We are only painting the drawers so we bought a white version. As the top and sides will go with the room.

We sanded the drawers to remove the gloss seal that was present. (I do mean "we"; I did the first drawer, then Josh took over). 

Then I painted the bottom drawer the true coral color: 

From there came the hard part of gradually lightening the paint color by mixing in white: 

I love how it turned out and can't wait to see it assembled! 

Quilt Progress

I've continued to work on the quilt (http://gillespietreehouse.blogspot.com/2014/09/chevron-quilt-begun.html?m=0) for Evie. (I allow myself only an hour during nap time). 

I cut all the strips into squares. 5.5x5.5 inches. This took 1 hour exactly! My time limit during nap time definitely motivates me! 

Then I laid them all out. The first row took probably 5 minutes as I tried to figure out the pattern but after that it was a breeze. 

Today I started sewing the rows together. I'm working through it diagonally (so starting in the lower left corner and going towards the top right rather than doing a tradition row from top to bottom). 

I was able to sew half of the quilt front today. (I know it isn't really half because I still have to cut the final project, back it, and bind it - but the progress still feels great!)

I didn't use any pins on the entire project until I started sewing the completed quilted rows together. I used pins because it's really important to be maticulous where the chevron points meet - otherwise the finished project won't be crisp. 

Chevron Quilt Begun

I made a quilt for Ella and loved it. I know she doesn't understand the labor of love right now, and maybe never will, but I cherished making it for her and it will always bring joy to my heart when I see it. So...I decided to make one for Evelyn as well. 

We are 10 weeks out (although if history repeats itself, I'll be able to sneak in an 11th week) let's see if I can complete it before she arrives! 

Previously I had picked out the fabric. Period. End of progress. 

Today I finally got my butt in gear. I ironed the fabric, decided on the quilt size, cut my necessary strips of fabric, sewed together sections of two strips, and ironed the seams on those sections.

Fabric strips: 

I'm using this tutorial for a finished chevron product. She does such a great job walking through each step that there is no reason for me to detail all of that. 

I laid out my pattern. The trick: I didn't want 2 chevrons touching, 2 polka dots touching or the two corals together. 

According to the tutorial, (http://pinterest.com/pin/153263193544111594/) you then lay out two strips of each fabric. I ended up removing the last few rows (up to the last coral chevron print) because it seemed like the quilt was going to be way too long. We will see how it turns out - I can always add more rows. 

You can see that I sewed them together in chunks of 2: 

Now I need to cut my squares out and get my chevron brain on. I did a test a few weeks back and matching up the fabric correctly was definitely the most challenging part for me. 

Fall Pillows

I decided that our living room pillows needed an update. I liked them - but just wanted some change. 

I love fall - and found some adorable prints, so fall pillows it is! 

Here is the finished product:

I love the fun fox fabric: 

Working with chevron was a little trickier than I expected, but I think I was able to match it up pretty well. 

I used the remaining pieces I had leftover to quilt together this last pillow - I love how it turned out. 

As soon as Josh saw the pillows he said "Oh, Browns colors!" :)

Mailbox Revamp

Josh and I have been working to tackle the outside of the house this spring/summer. There definitely is plenty to keep us busy.

Josh is currently redoing our front deck: 

I In the other hand opted for a smaller project. I tire easily and like quick results! :) I still need to paint numbers on the mailbox, but I'm going to use the same paint color as another (yet to be announced) project, so I'm waiting on that color to be final. 

Super Hero Capes

This year for Christmas I made Super Hero capes for my fabulous nephews. I followed the tutorial I found here. They were super easy and fun!

I bought my towels at Walmart, they had the best color selection in my area. You will also need fabric paint and freezer paper. Although they are easy, plan at least 4-5 days to complete each cape. You will want to wash the cape before you begin working, then I did 2 coats of paint, and then you need to allow 3 days for the paint to dry. After the paint is dry, wash one more time.

The tutorial calls for velcro to close up the neck - I just used thick ribbon and sewed it to the towel with matching-color felt to reinforce the connection between the fabric and ribbon. 

Pretty Pretty Princess

Princess Dress-up ready to ship for my niece's birthday! Can't wait for the days of dress-up in my house!

Happy 3rd Birthday Bek!