tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19041588390211620392024-03-14T06:07:50.694-04:00A Cultivated LifeAdriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-27466654640632099112011-01-03T19:24:00.000-05:002011-01-03T19:24:02.441-05:00Before and After: Living Room DrapesI finished a work in progress this week- yea!! When we bought this house, the main level was painted beige and we had these lovely (also beige) linen-look drapes in the living room. Here's what the house looked like when we moved in.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/acultivatedlife/5322005924/" title="Living room before by A Cultivated Life, on Flickr"><img alt="Living room before" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5322005924_b9182fa9b1.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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Then we had that AWESOME water leak that basically destroyed our house a few months ago. And thanks to that water leak, we got all new wood floors and a new coat of paint through the whole main floor. We chose a grey color, Olympic Grey Ghost. But the beige drapes had to go. And they are LONG drapes, almost 100 inches each. Do you know how hard it is to find long drapes in a color you like for a price you can afford? And do you know how expensive drapery fabric is? So I went unconventional on this project and dyed the drapes myself in the washing machine. [Don't worry- I have experience. The first washing machine dye job I did was on part of my wedding dress. Way to start safe, huh?] So as of a few weeks ago we had grey walls and grey drapes.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/acultivatedlife/5321428863/" title="Living room in progress by A Cultivated Life, on Flickr"><img alt="Living room in progress" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5321428863_59b3c317e9.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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Except now I had another problem- shrinkage. Major drape shrinkage. Look at how terrible that is! Dying them in hot water in the washing machine caused them to shrink to different lengths. High-water drapes are so not in our design scheme. So while at Ikea this weekend I purchased a dark grey curtain panel, cut it into sections, hemmed the sections, and then attached to the current drapes. Voila!<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/acultivatedlife/5321996398/" title="Living room after by A Cultivated Life, on Flickr"><img alt="Living room after" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5321996398_7c9352f2be.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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Not only do they look like fancy custom made drapes (because they are!), but this project was completed for a tiny price- many hours of work, some RIT dye, and one Ikea curtain panel. Even Husband (who is normally not so gung-ho about my 'happy hands at home' crafty projects) has said again and again how great these turned out.<br />
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I am on a drapery roll- next up 'custom' drapes for Baby Biscuit's room. Anyone have other ways to dress up, redesign, or repurpose old curtains?Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-14788365370583925762010-12-20T07:53:00.002-05:002010-12-20T07:54:06.488-05:00Christmas CraftingDecorating for Christmas is a big deal at our house. Not because we go all out, or because we buy tons of new things every year, but because Husband and I both enjoy it and we especially love building on what we've done in years previous.<br />
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This week I found a great little tutorial for <a href="http://www.seamsoflife.com/seams_of_life/2010/12/chain-trees-a-tutorial.html">Crochet Chain Christmas Trees at Seams of Life</a>. I whipped up a few of these before a Christmas party we had yesterday, and I think they add a nice pop of color to our dining room table. Last week Husband crafted (can you believe it?) this card tree. A simple branch from the back yard, a vase we already had, and some binder clips and tape and voila! A beautifully simple way to display our Christmas cards [except... we had 1 inch of snow last week. No one can drive in the snow here. Someone took out our GIANT bank of neighborhood mailboxes and now we can't get any mail until it returns. Hrmphf!]<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/acultivatedlife/5276647909/" title="Christmas Centerpiece by A Cultivated Life, on Flickr"><img alt="Christmas Centerpiece" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5250/5276647909_63a18dfe06.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/acultivatedlife/5277258648/" title="Card Tree by A Cultivated Life, on Flickr"><img alt="Card Tree" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5290/5277258648_0a7c08d26f.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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So, those are our little addition to the decorations this year. Do you have any last minute projects to add to your holiday displays?Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-70668952163497015272010-12-20T07:02:00.002-05:002010-12-20T07:21:47.197-05:00Welcome BackLong time no see, blog world. It's been basically 9 months since I have touched this blog. Don't worry, I have thought about you many, many times. But life got in the way, and the blog was pushed to the bottom of the list. <div><br /></div><div>So, what has happened in the past 9 months? Oh man, a LOT. We bought our first house, and moved in April. That was an ordeal, a happy ordeal, which included buying new furniture, painting, more painting, and spending a nice amount of time decorating our new home. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another first at our house... first baby is on the way! This has been the biggest change in the past nine months, and probably the biggest reason why the blog has fallen aside. Mama's got work to do! I have been planning, researching, sewing, crafting, and sleeping (oh, there is a lot of sleeping), in order to prepare for Baby Girl's March arrival. Husband and I are over the moon. Can't wait to show you all that we have done for her so far. Also can't wait for the blog to take on a new aspect... my little soapbox about natural birth and attachment/gentle parenting. </div><div><br /></div><div>What else? Oh, little things like changes at work, a huge water leak at the aforementioned new house, trips around the country for weddings of friends and family. But things seem to be calming down and I am excited to share my life with all of you again.</div>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-31226007770913242692010-03-07T16:52:00.007-05:002010-03-08T07:15:40.406-05:00Pillows<div>It has been a hectic, frenzied time at our house... Husband and I are making the leap into home ownership and when I say leap, I mean LEAP. One day of house hunting set the ball rolling for a super quick chain of events. We're still in the middle of it, but if everything works out, we'll be in our new house in early April! As stressful as it can be at times (especially because I tend to be the level-headed one around our house...), I just keep telling myself, "sewing room. sewing room. sewing room." I can't wait!</div><div><br /></div>We have had a few nice additions to the current living room recently. First up is this gorgeous pillow (and it's mate) made by <a href="http://www.handledcarefully.blogspot.com/">Amanda</a> for the BTRS swap.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2739/4414662802_18a99fde91_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; " /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4414665176_2bbee942b6_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4414665176_2bbee942b6_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>I don't know how she managed to cross an ocean, sneak into our house, record the exact Pantone numbers of our other couch pillows, and then create these beauties... but she did. And I am totally impressed and we LOVE THEM. </div><div><br /></div><div>We saw some more great pillows at a wonderful little store called <a href="http://www.whitebench.com/">White Bench in Middleburg, VA</a>. Although, I didn't necessarily love the price. I said what I always say, 'I could make that!', and this time, I actually did. The store version had a bit more going on, visually. I feel like this needs something on the right side. Any suggestions?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4414453469_9792c47d5d_o.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4414453469_9792c47d5d_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/4414668200_a66ecd4bc6_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The pillow is unbleached cotton fabric, freezer paper stenciled bird, and sewn on branch (Amy Butler Midwest Modern 2, Ripple Stripe in Rust). I added the blue trim; it was purchased as part of a grab bag from a church garage sale two years ago and is 50 year old bias binding. (I am really getting my $1 worth for that purchase!) Yes, the insert needs to be stuffed a bit more, but I really like it and it emerged from the sewing machine just as I had pictured in my head.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next up... angeling pillows for Becca from the <a href="http://btrsswap.blogger.com/">BTRS Swap</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-58249263865767106972010-02-19T07:13:00.003-05:002010-02-19T07:56:11.856-05:00Waste Not, Want Not<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4370409414_f75e5249cb_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4370409414_f75e5249cb_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />'WNWN' is a total cliche; but it has definite weight when I hear it. This plate is from the collection of the St. Louis Art Museum, and it is 300-400 years old (can't remember dates), so we know that the phrase has been around for awhile. Do I think that 400 year old wisdom has helped us? Ehh... maybe not. <div><br /></div><div>I am lucky enough to live in a place and have the means to go out and get a lot. I say 'a lot' meaning both many different things and great quantities of things. And in obtaining so much, I think things really loose their value. We live in such a disposable culture (get stuff, get tired of it, get more) and I want to really fight that mentality. I want to treasure what I have, utilize items to their fullest, and think before getting more. Not only is this a more centered or thoughtful way to live, it is also a 'greener' practice.</div><div><br /></div><div>At our house, the area that plagues me the most is food. Too bad I don't have a set of WNWN dishes to keep this thought in the forefront! I have a pantry full of food. I have a fridge full of food. I have a freezer full of food. Yet we eat out a lot and let a lot go to waste. This is not what I want for my family. </div><div><br /></div><div>What do I want for us? Healthy, local meals that taste good and nurture our bodies. My wasteful consumption definitely gets in the way of that goal! What can we do to get what we want? Plan meals, be willing to work (i.e. skip fast food, go to the farmer's market instead of the local big box grocery) for our meals, and use the left-overs afterwards. I look forward to being a better steward of what I have, and in turn, being able to provide my family with healthier and better meals.</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you want? How is waste getting in the way of getting what you want? </div>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-44076984650207893402010-02-15T09:30:00.001-05:002010-02-17T07:15:53.896-05:00Matthew's Baptism Quilt<div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday I finished this quilt for a new little friend of ours. Matthew was born in December and baptized yesterday. I started this quilt before he was born and both finished and gifted it to the family yesterday. It is a stacked coin pattern of Moda Oddysea fabric. The back is blue snuggle flannel finished with an embroidered image of yesterday's date and the baptismal shell. The polka-dot-esque fabric is actually a print of little seashells. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With every quilt I complete, I learn more and more and the process gets easier. I ironed open EVERY SINGLE SEAM on this puppy. Each and every one. And guess what, the quilt came together much neater and "stitching in the ditch" to quilt it was very simple. This one also has the best binding yet... all those hours of hand stitching that beautiful blue edge really paid off.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4358272750_65d14a9c06_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4358166508_609ea0c391_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The embroidery was done and then attached to the backing before it was all quilted. Backstitch for the numbers and the lines of the shell, stem stitch for around the outside of the shell, and satin stitch for the water droplets (which signify God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). I really need to do more embroidery; I love the process and with just a bit of work you can create something beautiful.</div>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-59548877642306523612010-02-14T20:45:00.004-05:002010-02-14T20:59:14.628-05:00Pizza Delivery?Note to self: if you are hungry, do not browse your Flickr photostream, as there are photos of Imo's Pizza.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4297646330_56de69d081_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4358166496_496e832843_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><div>I made sure to photograph our delicious lunch when we went during our St. Louis trip in December. Mmmmm..... Provel-y, saucy, square-y goodness. I am literally salivating at the thought of this pizza. I'll just let <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Louis-style_pizza">Wikipedia explain</a> what all this is about. In the meantime, I might give Imo's a call to see how big their delivery radius is.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow... the quilt I finished today. Yea!</div>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-89639894651396847072010-02-13T09:05:00.005-05:002010-02-13T09:32:18.267-05:00Mad Hungry<div style="text-align: left;">For Christmas this year, Husband and I bought gifts that fell under the umbrella of 'something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read'. All nice, important things in life, without going overboard. For my 'something to read' I asked for Mark Bittman's 'How to Cook Everything'. I didn't get it. Instead, while at the bookstore, Husband spied 'Mad Hungry'. He's a bit of a typography/design junky; here are the two covers, you be the judge...</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; " src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:CzjJh-NVnBS8_M:http://www.treehugger.com/how-to-cook-everything.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 130px; " src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:fbvj7DxWQY3ijM:http://mikkelvang.com/uploads/images/madhungry/Cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>No contest, huh. Mad Hungry sells itself as a cookbook with men's meals; the subtitle reads, "Mad hungry, feeding men and boys; recipes, strategies, & survival techniques; bringing back the family meal". To me this would be steak, potatoes, and more steak. However, the book is filled with wonderful recipes for all types of meals; breakfast, lunch, dinner, sides, even desserts! The author is Lucinda Scala Quinn, Food Director for Martha Stewart. She has created a wonderful assortment of recipes, photographs, personal content from her family and sons, and guiding words not just about technique, but also about true love of food and family. I've made quite a few things and we have loved them all. My new favorite all time cookie recipe (Oatmeal Chocolate Chip) comes from this book. Seems like these are made at least once a</div><div> week around here. Overall a great book, both to browse/read and from which to cook. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4296901735_c10306aaec_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div></div>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-49823569852549546092010-02-11T20:33:00.008-05:002010-02-14T11:02:43.380-05:00Welcome Back<div style="text-align: left;">It's been a long time, Internet. I haven't blogged in almost 4 months to the day. Do I know why? Ehhh.... life got very busy in November/December and creativity seems to dry up in the winter. I've been keeping busy recently with different projects, I've been inspired by things I'm seeing others do online, my sewing table is actually clean enough to work. So, all these things have converged and here I am. Lots of posts in the near future, I hope.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4297646194_658d8daa2f_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></div><div>Here's a little glance into what was happening while I was away for so long. I made this quilt back in December as a Christmas gift for Husband's mother. The pattern is from Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Sewing (I have made 3 of these quilts. Love the pattern. Made another quilt this month that is actually NOT this pattern! Gasp!). I love the colors of this quilt and it came together beautifully.</div><div><br /></div><div>And as far as future posts are concerned, I, like <a href="http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/2010/02/built-by-wendy-dresses-book-review.html">everyone</a> <a href="http://u-handbag.typepad.com/uhandblog/2010/02/sneaky-peak-book-preview-of-built-by-wendy-dresses.html">else</a> in the blogosphere, have fallen in love with Wendy Mullin's new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Built-Wendy-Dresses-Guide-Making/dp/0307461335/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265939490&sr=8-1">Built By Wendy Dresses</a>. Hopefully I'll be back next week to share my own 'dirndl sloper' [read 'dress pattern']. (And don't google dirndl if you don't know what it is. You'll just get lady lederhosen. Dirndl is a dress shape that I suppose is popular at Oktoberfest. My dirndl will NOT be that sort of dirndl. Sorry.)</div>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-60328486209695618952009-10-14T08:17:00.002-04:002009-10-14T08:22:43.264-04:00Shenandoah<div>Ran away to the mountains this weekend. Spent some nice time with Husband and our friends Tyler and Gentri. We camped in Shenandoah National Park; the colors and the smell of fall in the air were amazing and I am wishing we could go back right this minute.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/4008631441_5dd0ecb615.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/4008631441_5dd0ecb615.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div><br /></div><div> </div>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-50771536346240082022009-09-16T08:06:00.001-04:002009-09-16T08:07:58.457-04:00New Fall BTR Swap!To all interested swappers... I've posted on the Bend the Rules Sewing Swap blog to begin a new swap. Please visit and weigh in!<div><br /></div><div>http://btrsswap.blogspot.com</div>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-56182658110310204032009-09-15T07:21:00.003-04:002009-09-15T07:59:14.717-04:00Corsage Shirt<div style="text-align: left;">What can you create with two knit shirts and half an hour?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3533/3918708773_6b51d74fc3.jpg" border="0" alt="" />This really is an easy cheater project; start with a shirt you like, buy another (the bigger the better... more fabric to work with), cut circles, and sew. See how easy that was? <div><br /></div><div>I used two different sizes of circles, 2.5 in. and 3 in. I cut about 15 of each. Stack a small and a large circle, crimp/fold to give it a bit of texture (see below), and sew about 1/2 inch across the center (don't forget to reverse at the beginning and end!). Placement is totally up to you. Before I began attaching flowers I put on my keeper shirt and marked a nice start and end location with pins (you can see one below, too). Continue stacking circles, folding, and sewing until the corsage has reached your desired size and fullness.<br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3918710361_7f88414a33.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><div>I love the way this turned out and am thinking about other takes on this idea... how great would a grey shirt with a multi-hued grey corsage look for fall? Gah! Another project!</div></div></div>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-14804034990749650492009-09-14T19:38:00.002-04:002009-09-15T07:17:18.394-04:00Accidental Mixed Berry Apple Butter<div style="text-align: left;">Canning has become my new obsession. The happiest moment of my day yesterday was when Husband found pint canning jars on the clearance rack of Target and picked them up without even batting an eye. What a man!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few weeks ago I set out to make apple butter; gathered necessary supplies, purchased Gala apples from the farmers market, de-cluttered the kitchen to make room for all my canning stuff. Ehh... did I mention I did this all one morning before work? So, there I was, in all my canning glory, counting minutes until I had to be at work. All was going well; the apples were simmering, the sugar and spices were mixed, the jars were steaming in the dishwasher.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3918669997_04fcb87c12.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" border="0" alt="" /><br /></div><div>It was going to be easy peasy... until I realized that I was short on apples and definitely not short on sugar. Lesson learned... measure your fruit BEFORE mixing it with the sugar. Since I didn't set out to make apple flavored candy that morning, I did what I could to spare my mixture. First I spooned out the excess sugar. Then I remembered the berries that had taken up residence in my freezer. I quickly got them defrosted and pureed, mixed them in with my apple/sugar/spice mixture and had the most incredible 'Accidental Mixed Berry Apple Butter'. YUM! I will definitely try to recreate this one in the future.</div><br /><div><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/3918668903_087a6617bc.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" border="0" alt="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>How do you serve your apple butter? So far we've had it on toast, graham crackers, and waffles. Mom has suggested on ham. Any other suggestions??</div>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-35525289457349225442009-09-01T21:02:00.000-04:002009-09-01T21:02:00.171-04:00Hamburger Dills<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">You might remember Stephanie, the friend for whom I made <a href="http://acultivatedlife.blogspot.com/2009/06/merry-belated-christmas.html">this quilt</a>. Steph is a fabulous gift giver and I cannot wait to blog and blog and blog about this one. A few weeks ago an entire home canning set found its way to my house. What a fabulous bday gift! CANNING! and PRESERVING! Seriously. Husband might have shaken his head a few times at me, but when the word 'pickles' was uttered he was on board.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/3871698473_9428b5302e_m.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px;" border="0" alt="" />Here it all is; canning salt, vinegar, dill, cucumbers, lids, bands, peppercorns, jars.<br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3871698651_4f42fa8458_m.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" />Cucumbers (from the Farmer's Market) sliced and ready to go.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2522/3872481248_0006aaf181_m.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height:" border="0" alt="" /><div><div>The canning set-up; left front is brine, left back is lids simmering, right side is the canner (big, isn't it??).</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2445/3872481584_eb6444a532_m.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px;" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The finished product. Give me 4-6 weeks and then I'll let you know how they turned out. Recipe is from the Ball Blue Book.</div></div></div></div>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-61555340468434129722009-08-30T18:29:00.002-04:002009-08-30T18:49:37.466-04:00Felt iPod Touch CaseLast weekend I became the owner of a brand new iPod Touch. Husband bought a MacBook Pro, I received the iPod as part of the deal. Immediately I knew it would need a case. The metal back attracts fingerprints and the iPod slips right out of my hands; I am a klutz and would be needing some protection from myself! I spent a whooping $0.29 on some blue felt, pulled out my embroidery box, and went to work.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2556/3872482218_67d7b0b024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2556/3872482218_67d7b0b024.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/3871699519_138e62d4a4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/3871699519_138e62d4a4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I love the way the 'free motion embroidery' on the medallion turned out. The case is held closed by a strip of elastic sewn onto the front panel. Headphones go in one side and iPod goes in the other. Simple enough. Did I mention the felt is reincarnated plastic soda bottles? Goodbye Diet Pepsi, hello Pedro the Lion.<br /><br />Unrelated note... do you see my lack of album art? It was all lost when transferring music from one computer to another long ago. Makes Cover Flow pretty sad. One of the downfalls of not having internet at home, I suppose.Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-27256828673953731162009-07-14T19:49:00.000-04:002009-07-14T19:49:00.364-04:00Richmond VA<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Husband and I spent 4th of July weekend in Richmond, VA. Nice little town and an overall nice getaway. The fireworks display claimed to be the only show in the country to have fireworks, live music, and cannons to perform the 1812 Overture (which is Russian, by the way. Go figure...).</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We had a great time and every moment of that weekend made me so happy to be married to this man. I don't think that there is anyone else with whom I would want to spend the good times <i>and</i> bad times. We got word that his 'Oma' (grandmother) had died during our vacation. It was upsetting news, but she's off to see Jesus now; no longer dealing with cancer and old age. We worry about Opa; how her death will affect him. Many times we remarked to each other, 'You are not allowed to die'.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So, today, on our 3rd anniversary I just thought I'd tell you all (and him) how much Andy means to me and how greatful I am for such a wonderful partner. Below are some of my favorite photos from the weekend in Richmond.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3698218192_0a5f0f78e0.jpg?v=0" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: center;">During the car-ride there. Horrendous traffic with a smile on his face.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2676/3697408057_79fff29344.jpg?v=0" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" border="0" alt="" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Winking at yours truly before the fireworks started.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/3698218810_0c7061aec2_m.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" border="0" alt="" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">My happy husband. He's got a very happy wife. Happy anniversary, babe!</div><div><br /></div></div>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-19202428779529058592009-07-07T19:04:00.000-04:002009-07-07T19:04:01.299-04:00Bringing the Outside In<div style="text-align: left;">Our rental townhouse is severly lacking in green space. As in... we have a small dirt patch about 9 inches by 2 feet and that is our 'yard'. Basically it's enough space for our gutter downspout to train into. The view is not pretty, folks. Concrete and vinal siding as far as the eye can see.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been saying for months that I wanted to find small succulant planters and have a small collection of plants in our living room. Succulants are great because they're hard to kill; both for me and our cat. While shopping at Ikea a few weekends ago we came upon these planters AND the succulants to go in them.</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2500/3698196682_acfb8ef559.jpg?v=0" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" border="0" alt="" /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3430/3698196544_9fbb8e0d01.jpg?v=0" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" border="0" alt="" /><div>They take hardly any work and they look fabulous. The cat has stopped trying to eat them, even! A great way to bring the outside in.</div>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-40765308725044933102009-06-28T09:30:00.002-04:002009-06-28T09:43:39.170-04:00Merry Belated ChristmasWay back in the fall I decided to make my friend, Stephanie, a quilt for Christmas. When we lived in Chicago Stephanie would come over every week to watch LOST with us. Because the Husband is a polar bear, our house was always freezing and and TV viewing required a throw blanket (still does, even now in June because of the high speed usage of the ceiling fan). Steph and I would hunt out whatever blanket or quilt we could find, settle in, and try and decided whether or not Charlie was dead [!!!]. <div><br /></div><div></div><div>So back to this quilt; it didn't get done by Christmas. Not at all. Steph came out here to visit us in May; the quilt was done then, but wasn't bound. Steph's birthday was last week. The quilt was finally finished and shipped away to it's new home. Procrastination at it's finest, folks!</div><div><br /></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3657250961_1e5d874087.jpg?v=0" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/3658043966_3221da0f2d.jpg?v=0" border="0" />Brown to match Steph's couch and yellow to match her living room walls. The patterned fabric is Amy Butler, the brown and green are cotton solids, the bright yellow/orange is gingham fat quarters. I freezer paper stenciled the tag with her initials and mine... the paint bled a bit more than I'm comfortable with, but after 6 months I didn't have time to be picky.<br /><br />So, what's the longest you've ever had a work-in progress? Can you beat my 6-8 month quilting endeavor?Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-30170900960361520172009-06-18T19:43:00.000-04:002009-06-18T19:43:01.977-04:00Happiness is...It has been almost two months since my last posting. During a recent conversation a friend asked, "when am I going to open your blog and see more than an apron?". Well, friend, the time is now.<br /><br />Creativity seems to have dried up at my house; the only sewing I've done recently was projects for other people [basket liners for a friend's nursery and two lap quilts made from Sunday School quilt blocks]. Sewing out of necessity and not because of inspiration is a total <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">buzz kill</span>. Plus, I think I've adjusted to the Eastern time zone [Conan isn't on until 11:30!!!] and Husband and I have been sleeping in more, thus negating all free time I used to have between 5:30 and 8am way back in our CST days.<br /><br />I think I'm coming out of the slump, though, as the past few days have been INCREDIBLY busy from 7-9am [in two mornings time I've done five loads of laundry, cleaned and vacuumed the first floor of our house, changed the engine air filters in both cars, and started practicing my yoga again. PHEW!]. I've even got my eye on a few projects, namely, the Summer Blouse from Weekend Sewing, something or other out of some Amy Butler I bought on a whim [perhaps the summer blouse!], and a skirt or two.<br /><br />Now... to get to the post I originally set out to write.<br /><br />I have the great joy [and sometimes frustration] of working with kids on a daily basis. Today one particularly ornery 5 year old said to me, "Miss Adrienne, I really like my life", and then continued to list all the reasons why his life is so grand. Got me thinking about the good things that have been happening in my life recently and so, this list is born.<br /><br />Happiness is...<br /><ul><li>having an incredible Husband who is just an all around great guy. </li><li>talking to friends from far away, sharing life via the phone even though the miles keep us apart.</li><li>patiently waiting YEARS to find a watch that I had pictured in my head and randomly coming across it at <a href="http://www.sundancecatalog.com/">Sundance</a>. </li><li>having a 6 year old tell me 'I like <a href="http://acultivatedlife.blogspot.com/2009/04/simplicity-4111-remix.html">your shirt</a>!'</li><li>the new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Around-Well-Iron-Wine/dp/B001VKSPS2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1245345295&sr=8-1">Iron and Wine collection</a>. Some old stuff, some remastered stuff, and some new stuff, too. </li><li>getting away from life for a bit; Husband and I will be traveling to Richmond VA soon. Any must see things?</li></ul><p>So what do you have in your life to be happy about this week?</p>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-31230901252412201992009-04-29T11:30:00.004-04:002009-04-29T11:41:53.328-04:00Flirty Apron Swap- SentAnother recent creation...<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3483412580_ebd03df034.jpg?v=0" border="0" /> <div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>...sent to <a href="http://www.sheknitsallday.blogspot.com/">Frieda</a> for the Flirty Apron Swap. The two parts are connected at the waist band and seperate down the sides. The overlay is a vintage table cloth. The underskirt is new fabric from JoAnns. I thought the curves on the new fabric mimicked the scallop and curves on the table cloth. The edge is done in bias tape. I have a new found LOVE for bias tape after this project. SO EASY! </div><div> </div><div>Originally blogged about it <a href="http://flirtyapronswap.blogspot.com/2009/04/new-meets-old.html">here</a>. </div>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-86715070073563692072009-04-28T10:11:00.003-04:002009-04-28T10:27:30.255-04:00Simplicity 4111 RemixSimplicity 4111 is a great pattern that I've enjoyed sewing before. My (uhh... and Husband's) one gripe was that the neckline was <em>so</em> low. I lept out of my comfort zone and decided to alter the pattern. I pinned the pattern onto muslin fabric. I raised the neckline center point a few inches and then drew in the curve. Then I traced this new neckline edge to make facings. You can see the height difference and the old/new pattern pieces below.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/3483411890_4722b76ace.jpg?v=0"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/3483411890_4722b76ace.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3483412048_19dc56b33b.jpg?v=0"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3483412048_19dc56b33b.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a><br /></center><div align="left">I love the way this came out! The height is just perfect. </div><div align="left"></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3482594989_25fda2b4ef.jpg?v=0" border="0" /><br /><div align="left">I left the sleeves off and instead created bindings from the extra fabric. Never done that before, either! How do you start/stop your bindings?? Mine is a bit lumpy. Luckily it's hidden when worn. My favorite part is how the facing stripes became this beautiful little perpendicular trim when turned. I couldn't have planned for this to be so nice. Love it! </div><div align="left"></div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3483411688_9bfa659ece.jpg?v=0" border="0" />Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-12932327518470502152009-04-02T09:46:00.003-04:002009-04-02T09:54:58.620-04:00Swapped: Charming HandbagHere it is... my finished Charming Handbag for <a href="http://btrsswap.blogspot.com/">the BTRSSwap</a>.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3407100116_0a7fc938b5.jpg?v=0" border="0" /><br />For the most part, this was a breeze to put together. I put in a hidden magnet closure (not sure how it will work out. My swap partner will have to let me know). I used a vintage floral that my mom had given me awhile back. The ribbon trim was also from mom; whenever she sends fabric she ties them up in little ribbons. This was exactly enough to add to the bag. Lining is pale blue quilters cotton. Overall a great stash-busting swap.<br /><br />I also sent 4 cards of vintage rick-rack that I had. I'm not really a rick-rack person and I bought this as part of a larger lot at a church sale. I'm happy to be able to pass it on to someone who will hopefully use it (since I won't).<br /><br />Both this swap and the flirty apron swap have really gotten me thinking about sewing with vintage fabrics instead of purchasing new ones. Where does one find great vintage sheets, tableclothes, and linens? Ebay? Thrift stores?Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-18141245772762452652009-03-25T19:32:00.002-04:002009-03-25T19:47:22.220-04:00TwosdayThis Tuesday was a great day for two reasons:<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3385479838_a1c7c41e98.jpg?v=0" border="0" />1. I received my BTRS Swap package! <a href="http://thedabbler-emily.blogspot.com/">Emily</a> did a fabulous job on all of it. She made a wonderful bag out of a really fun fabric. I love the way she made the tab closure (I <em>will</em> be stealing this idea, Emily). She also made a really cute pincushion and included new pins, too. THANK YOU EMILY! [Ummm, perhaps I should start sewing for my partner now...]<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3384664847_d0ebc0ffb1.jpg?v=0" border="0" />2. Carrot cake! I made this cake last year when Husband and I celebrated Easter with our Chicago friends [I MISS you guys!] instead of our St. Louis families. It was GOOD then and it was GREAT again on Tuesday night. Husband and I are members of a small group Bible study on Tuesdays of several really great couples in their 20s and 30s. We always have dinner and dessert before we begin. I usually bring dessert (although others have made fabulous desserts, too). As you can see by the large portion that was eaten, this was a big hit. Cake recipe <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Fourteen-K-Carrot-Cake/Detail.aspx">here</a> and frosting <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cream-Cheese-Frosting-II/Detail.aspx">here</a>.Use only 1.5 C sugar in cake and 3 C in frosting, or else it will be WAY TOO SWEET!<br /><br />Time for me to run home (posting from the library again; who volunteers to call the Internet company for me??) and eat the last of that cake!Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-55005710168622181382009-03-22T15:33:00.005-04:002009-03-22T16:08:27.190-04:00Crafting 365I've been a member of the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/crafting365/">Flickr Crafting 365</a> group for awhile now. Only a few days ago did I realize what that meant; members are trying to do a bit of crafting every day for 365 days and upload a photo of such daily. Whoops. I had been uploading at intermittent times and definitely not crafting everyday. Seeing as how the office is somewhat clean, Spring has awakened my creative spirit again, and I went to the fabric store yesterday and got a bunch of new fabric, I will now be actually attempting Craft 365. In the sort-of words of Ben Folds, "I've got one I finished yesterday and I've got three (sixty four) to go."<br /><br />Here it is, a fabric box that I made to keep our house clutter free [can you tell I'm sick and tired of clutter?]. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/3375928467_eecdfbf9bc.jpg?v=0" border="0" /><br /><p>Amazing that last week I said 'we should put a box at the bottom of the stairs to collect things to go up' and this week it actually happened. The damask is navy blue from JoAnns, the natural fabric is unbleached cotton that I LOVE LOVE LOVE and would wrap everything in the house in, including the Husband and the cat, if I could. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3376746190_6a836bcd23.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></p><p>My favorite part of this box is the way the edge turned out. I have been trying to slow down my sewing; focus less on speed and more on a beautiful finished piece. The slower speed has allowed me to stitch straighter and with smaller seams. Look at that!<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3376745840_1fc86868e7.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></p><p>I've also started writing all my sewing notes in this book. I usually pull out whatever scrap paper I can find (as you can tell by my first draft of notes in the background). Now I will not have to search the house for little scraps of paper, or worry that my project plans have gone out with the recycling. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3573/3376826766_913d92beeb.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></p>I am all set to make another box; same natural fabric, but with a cream and grassy green damask. After that I will attempt to slipcover a chair [that fuzzy one in the first photo]. Any hints, tips, or tricks??Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1904158839021162039.post-66491915388552604612009-03-19T13:29:00.006-04:002009-03-20T12:10:08.930-04:00The End of Water Marks and Paper ClutterMany crafty things have been happening at the Cultivated house (finally!). The onset of Spring has not only brought on the beginnings of new plants and an increase in temperatures, but it has awakened my desire to create and craft, too.<br /><br /><p align="center"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/3368514132_614e4bca80.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></p>I've sewn 6 Crooked Coasters. Now Husband can stop freaking out about mug rings on the coffee table. The top one is finished and the one behind needs it's strings cut. I sewed all the lines without cutting the thread; I just backstitched at the end, lifted the foot, moved it, and continued with the next line.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3368513954_dc00b648e6.jpg?v=0" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />I modified a pattern from the wonderful book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Stow-Projects-Organize-Yourself/dp/1603420274/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237564714&sr=8-1">Sew and Stow </a>to make this organizer. Our filing cabinet lives in a closet downstairs and our shredder is upstairs. We have so many papers cluttering the kitchen counter that need to be either filed or shredded. I will be hanging this up and separating the papers into 'file' and 'shred' until they can be taken care of instead of throwing them all over the counter or piling them up around the house.<br /><br />The green fabric is home dec from the stash and the print fabric is vintage that my mom found and then gave to me. I love it and have just enough left for another project. The trim is bias binding. I have never worked with store bought bb before, and will definitely do so in the future. This binding is also vintage; I purchased a huge bag of old rick rack and bindings at a church sale last year. $1 for nearly 20 packages. Very nice deal! I am so happy with how this turned out, very evenly sewn and neat. Too bad it will probably end up hanging in a closet (the whole point is to get the papers OUT of view...).<br /><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/3367689471_a82116782f.jpg?v=0" border="0" />I've also been working on this. More photos and explanation to come later. As you can see, much has been acomplished recently. Now to begin on my <a href="http://btrsswap.blogspot.com/">BTRS Swap</a> project.</div><br /><div></div><div>PS... I am not nearly as angry or fanatical as that last post might have made me seem.... Just someone who's examining their own life through the scope of society. I am still ruminating on the idea of consumption and am constantly evaluating my own successes and failures in this aspect of my life.</div>Adriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05995825850232848819noreply@blogger.com0