tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66954862033712705052024-03-05T04:26:41.563-05:00Welcome To My HomeAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-49197335866586303162013-07-29T11:03:00.000-04:002013-07-29T11:03:12.867-04:00OverwhelmedSilence on my blog has not at all meant no projects have been going on. Quite the opposite, actually. I'm a little overwhelmed trying to write about massive projects I have done in the past several months, so I am going to start very small. <script type="text/javascript">
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I was recently in the market for a new chair for the desk in my bedroom. I would have loved a Jonathan Adler Chippendale chair--or any Chippendale chair really, but something new was just not in the budget.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRxN0k8_5bGvZ05sChWvZgy6casnbY65Q2R4lK5uVrYYKHk18cKryWAgRJ90k9MsngAllRXVdiifjRkq-BA8T8nTb1QAW2jBjhbEiviP0sLTB02JkAvZ7cvZfmK7dRBL4iO-b96_BnL4/s1600/chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRxN0k8_5bGvZ05sChWvZgy6casnbY65Q2R4lK5uVrYYKHk18cKryWAgRJ90k9MsngAllRXVdiifjRkq-BA8T8nTb1QAW2jBjhbEiviP0sLTB02JkAvZ7cvZfmK7dRBL4iO-b96_BnL4/s320/chair.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I headed to the local Habitat for Humanity ReStore--they were having a Grand Re-Opening Celebration!! which included 15% off everything. I thought I may have some luck finding a unique chair there, and I was right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qqLYs9EeD8ick8sZ94Vz4J5p_WsC1xq3HbFCXtKoznI074lVPzXTXhvjxxy9jOVipTbu_nprdyS6n423Ej3QU30U5ARbP-3JgSYYAQhajRyFhZmLfNLIAR06DFVE9-4OMJEPaV8jAM4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qqLYs9EeD8ick8sZ94Vz4J5p_WsC1xq3HbFCXtKoznI074lVPzXTXhvjxxy9jOVipTbu_nprdyS6n423Ej3QU30U5ARbP-3JgSYYAQhajRyFhZmLfNLIAR06DFVE9-4OMJEPaV8jAM4/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZB5gJE9KiDeYti2v9QEBwyRQicJ3AundZirwbnjB72JUowyfb6Rp30y3dfBQa71gv7VkaL7Z_8IV_hWBes5UzetO9xoqgVNiPPFLZPXFyO09DkQfZW259UyE7NrHM_nW1HAsD60WCevY/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZB5gJE9KiDeYti2v9QEBwyRQicJ3AundZirwbnjB72JUowyfb6Rp30y3dfBQa71gv7VkaL7Z_8IV_hWBes5UzetO9xoqgVNiPPFLZPXFyO09DkQfZW259UyE7NrHM_nW1HAsD60WCevY/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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I got this bamboo arm chair for a song- it was marked $10 but as I said before everything was 15% off. So I paid about $8.50 for it plus tax. It has a little damage in the form of discoloration on the back of the chair, but I think it just gives it some character.</div>
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The next step was to find some fabric for recovering the seat, and decide what to do with the frame.</div>
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For the frame, I thought I had a couple options- 1) paint the frame a bright, fun color, or 2)clean it up and maybe apply some polyurethane but keep it natural.</div>
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In the end, I decided to leave the frame natural, although I did give it a thorough cleaning and a coat of clear poly. It still has some color variation but at least now its all shiny!</div>
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I originally had bought a purple/grey patterned fabric from Joann's for this chair. I laid it out on the chair and let it hang out that way for a couple days, and then decided this just wasn't the fabric for the project.</div>
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I made a trip back to Joanns, and found this awesome fabric called "Hazel" in navy, from KAS/Richloom. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VeH-sqncfEEG514U-Vsr1Wh5O6PUrweGXcfVMMhUIGh3S1Cu9kiaWcHzyxH9SID_nssWEfqi79jLKTvAFAXR8Kk-b7jw8c0KK-6xGTxMeElYO01SP22sJS7WIRwGoRnkHB_z_ru6Th8/s1600/hazel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VeH-sqncfEEG514U-Vsr1Wh5O6PUrweGXcfVMMhUIGh3S1Cu9kiaWcHzyxH9SID_nssWEfqi79jLKTvAFAXR8Kk-b7jw8c0KK-6xGTxMeElYO01SP22sJS7WIRwGoRnkHB_z_ru6Th8/s320/hazel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Getting the seat off the frame took some work. The two screws in the front were easily removed, but the screw holding it on in the back was striped, and it seemed at one point the hole had been filed with woody putty or something, so that now the hole was smaller than the head of the screw. It took a couple hours and a lot of patience to get the screw out finally!</div>
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I won't go into details about recovering the seat, but it involved a staple gun and some patience to get things just right without wrinkles. I think all my hard work turned out well-- see below!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-Ygi8oIIq-T0RR3or185aGQm4hbMx4u5fCtufqnVIzprR1khyKLvrJcvWFfmdzkU0QyjNHgOT9GwIA52u5hxd_kJx2xYRWcUKleHPHhyMrtZKGyfJbk4TJuRsOU_2c-qe-CVMoTdWME/s1600/chairdone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-Ygi8oIIq-T0RR3or185aGQm4hbMx4u5fCtufqnVIzprR1khyKLvrJcvWFfmdzkU0QyjNHgOT9GwIA52u5hxd_kJx2xYRWcUKleHPHhyMrtZKGyfJbk4TJuRsOU_2c-qe-CVMoTdWME/s400/chairdone.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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Eventually I will get to the point of showing you the desk set up in my bedroom. Until then, this is the chair in my living room. At this point I haven't recovered the back cushion. For one, its a more involved project including my sewing machine and some cover buttons. But also, I don't think its necessary for making the chair comfortable and usable. </div>
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What do you think? Should I recover the back cushion? </div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-90410262032771218682013-07-14T22:38:00.001-04:002013-07-14T22:38:04.683-04:00Changing DirectionsHello. It's only been about 8 months since I last posted! I intend to start posting more regularly starting now, however I'm going to take a slightly different direction with the blog now. I started this blog purely as a way to share my projects with my family and friends that lived far away, and then started adding in some sewing. Sewing sort of took over...and then nothing.<script type="text/javascript">
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So I'd like to start writing more of a "lifestyle" blog. Naw, I'm not going to tell you how to live. I'm just using that term to mean I'm going to write about whatever pleases me that day. It will probably center around decorating/DIY house stuff, sewing, personal finance and organizing/housekeeping. Why? Because sometimes I have thoughts about these things. </div>
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So yea, keep on the lookout for a post from me soon. </div>
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Allison</div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-44090482084519517292012-10-31T14:29:00.000-04:002012-10-31T14:29:19.447-04:00Halloween DressThis is my first halloween at this job, and they seem to celebrate it a little more than other places I've worked. In addition to a cube decorating contest, there was a costume contest and a party. I took the costume contest as the perfect opportunity to make myself a ridiculous dress from halloween fabric at Joann's. <div>
I found this velvet-y black fabric with silver glitter spiderwebs and thought it would be PERFECT. At first I was just going to make a skirt, but I wanted a full skirt and since I've never made a full skirt before I didn't want to mess up with this fabric. Plus then I would have to have a top to wear, so I decided to just make a dress. Again since I wanted a full skirt, I looked through my pattern collection to find something that would work, and what did I stumble on but Simplicity 2444?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UQ9wsx3jsXHYv0R7TIx9WpzQBF_klmUHejrHuV6rKkTwRHyJ9KlIqVzOaLy1ozNzTynELmCdCSK2QMJpPk8359qWxUhhqXFxpAIPIV9f9UwYrEa62zF-a_8eXCWDa6ZhajYwQTNGQOw/s1600/2444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UQ9wsx3jsXHYv0R7TIx9WpzQBF_klmUHejrHuV6rKkTwRHyJ9KlIqVzOaLy1ozNzTynELmCdCSK2QMJpPk8359qWxUhhqXFxpAIPIV9f9UwYrEa62zF-a_8eXCWDa6ZhajYwQTNGQOw/s1600/2444.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've made this pattern at least twice before <a href="http://aburlock.blogspot.com/2012/03/simplicity-2444.html" target="_blank">(once documented on the blog)</a> so I thought it was a good choice. Since its cold now, I made it with 3/4 sleeves and the stand up collar. I'm rather happy with how it came out. Below is an iphone picture of me wearing it at work. Lots of people have commented on it, and I'm sure the custodians will have comments after they see all the glitter at my desk. It leaves glitter EVERYWHERE.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlW-XvyyIgnySjhF0BZ_WdtfKvnUx52kdL8_CxuITnYXyOadtRHFBJ7XadeIQSLo65vbfOLzstcqEBelRbi_Bmzjmr5dpfAP1PlzBd60NFn5PeYUIF0AqNo2sizYwOEoFdHU4Zof3Cehw/s1600/costume.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlW-XvyyIgnySjhF0BZ_WdtfKvnUx52kdL8_CxuITnYXyOadtRHFBJ7XadeIQSLo65vbfOLzstcqEBelRbi_Bmzjmr5dpfAP1PlzBd60NFn5PeYUIF0AqNo2sizYwOEoFdHU4Zof3Cehw/s640/costume.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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And now, pictures of my halloween decorated cube: I went for black and glitter. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIs96LiwXnQjIfCfeHiQ6rXjqetlC9tp-cPmagpgKhAAX58nBTNmmBjO6yki3OtK0ey_L534hBaaP8fLZ9tbGz8h0Bvc-p05J7ay3rnnW15ApBg6PryOoGle-ajExKUdlUmEx_41Kc1yI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIs96LiwXnQjIfCfeHiQ6rXjqetlC9tp-cPmagpgKhAAX58nBTNmmBjO6yki3OtK0ey_L534hBaaP8fLZ9tbGz8h0Bvc-p05J7ay3rnnW15ApBg6PryOoGle-ajExKUdlUmEx_41Kc1yI/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5SJCXl0DIygHSANFF2P8_xeqluupKgK_6hYXEWdO5W1E1Gyuczcz2W3ShqhBPcB1YUEn9QM7NktUBTzTPZbDJXR2QrCF3UXGqDGgDJhoU0ozMOAPPBxz55a9vT74AQX3rU3KDKvjG5k/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5SJCXl0DIygHSANFF2P8_xeqluupKgK_6hYXEWdO5W1E1Gyuczcz2W3ShqhBPcB1YUEn9QM7NktUBTzTPZbDJXR2QrCF3UXGqDGgDJhoU0ozMOAPPBxz55a9vT74AQX3rU3KDKvjG5k/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorThljhqMA5z9n2er-lIH2KL1ef5vEnZFNk4YM8UCzP7p2GwztPqmhaTSTiMRsVlmNluI_vKoG5dPKDrhSbN_H5iU3NA0Yzx83tiv8FGq116SGiWDCf56ifHViLIYvzjnXjtDmJTK4Y0/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorThljhqMA5z9n2er-lIH2KL1ef5vEnZFNk4YM8UCzP7p2GwztPqmhaTSTiMRsVlmNluI_vKoG5dPKDrhSbN_H5iU3NA0Yzx83tiv8FGq116SGiWDCf56ifHViLIYvzjnXjtDmJTK4Y0/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q9nlqsMFNlVQKINiUBM1rESpcx_CWLjdClVxvehtMPWnUVqRnhM9L2eiLIZNufdzEI-e28UgBSclSs-a1easy9wmeSUyyRqWs2YRRj-tk-ZaB8_obDWCPsXFQf2iWd2rdO1yPjtAx_o/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q9nlqsMFNlVQKINiUBM1rESpcx_CWLjdClVxvehtMPWnUVqRnhM9L2eiLIZNufdzEI-e28UgBSclSs-a1easy9wmeSUyyRqWs2YRRj-tk-ZaB8_obDWCPsXFQf2iWd2rdO1yPjtAx_o/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I got this idea from a kit at target. The kit was $5, I spent like $1.50 on craft foam and recreated the project myself.</div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-88796489506584999502012-10-26T10:21:00.002-04:002012-10-26T10:21:52.203-04:00Third Sewing Class<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last night was sewing class number 3, and I made some great progress! I had finalized my muslin in the previous class, so this session was time to start cutting the real fabric. I was super nervous about cutting my precious fabric but took a deep breath and went for it.</div>
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After I cut the wool, I cut out the underlining. We're using organza for the underlining, which the teacher provided. I had a choice between black and charcoal, I went with the charcoal because it was already out. No one is going to see this when the dress is finished so I wasn't worried about the color.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWiG5P3LAtct-YHKELBgBgNrzzn5KbbpIOwposI4x7RKNMHNJbOpyoLjWR0kdmun6T5syxglGW0SPY1bYtzZpXSOJ0Qz-JROEnTtUOWpxS-B9Hz2aXdinTMikif5qVkr5ruqbrb19XBA/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWiG5P3LAtct-YHKELBgBgNrzzn5KbbpIOwposI4x7RKNMHNJbOpyoLjWR0kdmun6T5syxglGW0SPY1bYtzZpXSOJ0Qz-JROEnTtUOWpxS-B9Hz2aXdinTMikif5qVkr5ruqbrb19XBA/s640/002.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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For the underlining, we used our already cut out wool pieces as the template, and cut at least 1/4 inch extra around each edge. The reason for that is so when we sew the two pieces together the organza will stay bigger than the wool. If the wool is bigger than the organza, when sewn together it will pucker. So I left a generous sidewalk around each piece. After they are sewn together to my liking I will trim the excess.</div>
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I'm excited to keep working on this through the next two weeks, as we don't have class next week. Michelle asked that everyone be done underlining their pieces by our next class. I am super excited for this dress to take shape!</div>
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Below: The pile of all my wool and organza pieces!</div>
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</script>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-53166126703455536302012-10-19T10:57:00.003-04:002012-10-19T10:57:53.470-04:00Sewing Class #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last night was our second sewing class, and we continued fitting work on our muslin. I had spent a little time over the past week tweaking the muslin myself, so I had time to draft and add a sleeve to my muslin. In the picture it is full length but on the final dress it will be 3/4 length. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4_2JnOS9wNAXvkKkmKnkaM2_L0W0p8Uxmb9-uZ3AAlqY_u05bkgC_Uw85SDwubVKBhlVxRH6xtdir3_w1IPFJ81CMpdp-i9GKXSgXWVObPA_MTy7u7NlyYDNRxRlP8L07rK-sqHhRdM/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4_2JnOS9wNAXvkKkmKnkaM2_L0W0p8Uxmb9-uZ3AAlqY_u05bkgC_Uw85SDwubVKBhlVxRH6xtdir3_w1IPFJ81CMpdp-i9GKXSgXWVObPA_MTy7u7NlyYDNRxRlP8L07rK-sqHhRdM/s640/001.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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In addition to adding a little room around the waist, we pinched out some fabric along the neckline to get it to lay flat. I have always had a gapping problem in that area but was never sure what to do about it outside of making some darts. But now I have learned a way to fix it! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsumwquFn2AhCmiQtlY6BT6dF7cVKjjxQiRBjB-dXKPX3HRLrZKmhAZw1j7tbIjlXCg4sSXOFrnSHWw_rPOe0N8BvzCAwqxrZMere8S1yH_nNVmPb3mzRaqIL9HVGuLBWFH2-si2GWyGI/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsumwquFn2AhCmiQtlY6BT6dF7cVKjjxQiRBjB-dXKPX3HRLrZKmhAZw1j7tbIjlXCg4sSXOFrnSHWw_rPOe0N8BvzCAwqxrZMere8S1yH_nNVmPb3mzRaqIL9HVGuLBWFH2-si2GWyGI/s640/002.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure why the back looks so wrinkly, but perhaps its because I'm fitting over my pants. </div>
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Also, a fabric update, I did go ahead and buy the raspberry wool. And I think it is going to be awesome!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-MIG8Rk4IorYMLRrP7AZ5bhm0aNOrnbVKZY5Bn97I5wNXxcytWZKpnOMgcZaLgPDosU1eKdLDEBDrEEV8tbzvYgrMEac2r0EMWSoW3B0pGu54EeQKk0pUxTH7ML3wBohiWOwaEZpSgY/s1600/CCW04453-306x306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-MIG8Rk4IorYMLRrP7AZ5bhm0aNOrnbVKZY5Bn97I5wNXxcytWZKpnOMgcZaLgPDosU1eKdLDEBDrEEV8tbzvYgrMEac2r0EMWSoW3B0pGu54EeQKk0pUxTH7ML3wBohiWOwaEZpSgY/s1600/CCW04453-306x306.jpg" /></a></div>
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I think its a great color for my complexion and also a color that will never go out of style. I can't wait to start cutting the dress and underlining it! We'll start that next Thursday. I'll have more pictures then.</div>
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</script>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-85451384718838012092012-10-12T14:21:00.000-04:002012-10-19T10:58:14.962-04:00First Sewing Class and FabricWell, I had my first sewing class last night. What a great time!<br />
We talked a little about the techniques we're going to use-- hand picked zippers, hand stitching, fancy couture darts, hand stitching...apparently we're going to do a lot of hand stitching.<br />
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We took our measurements and then started on making a muslin. Once the muslin was put together we made some adjustments, and by that time it was time for class to end! I am still working on my muslin adjustments, but I will post some pictures later this weekend or early next week.<br />
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Now on to the fabric- the fabric that I have purchased is this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJl213o30nAftD9XzKv-yNSaDDvrMJyUSYlP65uKZkx0uC9qw_NBWDlOv0jEX8Vh5H2p0ocKsFMYqAwFsavay0o-Cqj6Mz_IrsY7cIQBcXItF2C6Um4AzBciy0NEWyN5X8XghG1M65NU/s1600/CC04442-306x306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJl213o30nAftD9XzKv-yNSaDDvrMJyUSYlP65uKZkx0uC9qw_NBWDlOv0jEX8Vh5H2p0ocKsFMYqAwFsavay0o-Cqj6Mz_IrsY7cIQBcXItF2C6Um4AzBciy0NEWyN5X8XghG1M65NU/s1600/CC04442-306x306.jpg" /></a></div>
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An <a href="http://www.habermanfabrics.com/fashion-fabrics/fabric-suits-coat-warm-cashmere-plaid-menswear-garments?product_id=2636" target="_blank">apple green wool</a> with some texture. I got it at Haberman's for about $24 a yard. There's a couple problems though, so I may end up going with something else. This wool is a little thicker than the instructor would like us to use, and the texture will hide any of the decorative hand stitching we do. So I will probably end up back at Habermans, and if I do, I know just what I will buy...</div>
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This<a href="http://www.habermanfabrics.com/fashion-fabrics/fabric-suits-coat-warm-cashmere-plaid-menswear-garments?product_id=2664" target="_blank"> raspberry wool crepe</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FOJnWnV9KhB41KqQVeyXUbpvEJVE19I7PaWvFuzFAYH-pNOJ5hJFFRWtc4tiEC1bUOOWV_MQtuH7QwjURu8gQj4lUrM-ee7aISGFcPzahMPrvNOS24CS_9Db0VhfxGdAv1gxEQBOxLQ/s1600/CCW04453-306x306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FOJnWnV9KhB41KqQVeyXUbpvEJVE19I7PaWvFuzFAYH-pNOJ5hJFFRWtc4tiEC1bUOOWV_MQtuH7QwjURu8gQj4lUrM-ee7aISGFcPzahMPrvNOS24CS_9Db0VhfxGdAv1gxEQBOxLQ/s1600/CCW04453-306x306.jpg" /></a></div>
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It's also $24/yard, which is about normal for Haberman's wool. This wool is lighter than the green wool, and it also lacks the texture of the green wool so those details will show. I can then save the green wool for a coat or maybe a skirt.<br />
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Also, I picked a pattern. I am going to use <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8667-products-11347.php?page_id=857&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">Vogue 8667</a>, view F, possibly with 3/4 length sleeves. I am going to eliminate the darts on the front skirt, I think. This is because the skirt falls better on my body without them, as I discovered last night. This really is one of the biggest benefits of taking a class with a professional-- professional fitting advice.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDZTksSIrqoiI9j1iklIaJQ1vf66OCBhsFTKYKawNxuUYj8IqDRzkO0jHZDksH1i-YZC4ah5uk1Qend7C6-xIIZLpjqFbUWKaER4PpCkwVlJd647cmBmgflSW4QQG13HHmFkEX4uFUrU/s1600/V8667+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDZTksSIrqoiI9j1iklIaJQ1vf66OCBhsFTKYKawNxuUYj8IqDRzkO0jHZDksH1i-YZC4ah5uk1Qend7C6-xIIZLpjqFbUWKaER4PpCkwVlJd647cmBmgflSW4QQG13HHmFkEX4uFUrU/s640/V8667+(1).jpg" width="606" /></a><br />
I'm kind of undecided on the sleeves. On one hand, this is going to be a cold weather dress so the sleeves might be nice, but on the other hand, I like wearing cardigans/sweaters/blazers over dresses and if its long sleeved that wouldn't work as well. I think I may need to take a trip to the mall this weekend to do some sleeve research. Maybe I can try on some similar wool dresses with long sleeves to see how I like them? Anyone have input about the sleeves?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DSHkWglwTNg6zO19_k87OdTV9ZGKcLdsCalx3DDcBk94Abc-7R1acybah2isdLEHiAQxIqCt-8QZaI5jVvn8qeaW1cTL_htU7_L0IeoOi3hcTcPPjy1_pNCdr0T3GD_QiZ5xMmt63kU/s1600/V8667.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DSHkWglwTNg6zO19_k87OdTV9ZGKcLdsCalx3DDcBk94Abc-7R1acybah2isdLEHiAQxIqCt-8QZaI5jVvn8qeaW1cTL_htU7_L0IeoOi3hcTcPPjy1_pNCdr0T3GD_QiZ5xMmt63kU/s640/V8667.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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</script>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-49312352969157009302012-09-30T10:33:00.000-04:002012-09-30T10:33:52.342-04:00American Sewing ExpoI am fortunate to live only about 30 minutes from where the American Sewing Expo (ASE) is held each year. I missed it last year, as I was knee deep in buying a condo, but this year I made it!<br />
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I went to the blogger meetup first thing in the morning, and met some of the lovely ladies behind blogs I read regularly!<br />
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First was Kyle of <a href="http://vacuumingthelawn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Vacuuming the Lawn</a>. I've always admired the garments Kyle makes and the amount of time and dedication she puts into her pieces.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1c0QHQSoRhX9msRhPQVaP8ik8-oDyWpEehONAkDQS5uKKcFLqIRJxDRFCiwyGyOFCuD_ZjhFjCFnBOmocW0WcR7ZiRjsk-4KHRopA9pJj7jGmRY5CKfUmfy7XN6mfP6AWbBaXvibiY0/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1c0QHQSoRhX9msRhPQVaP8ik8-oDyWpEehONAkDQS5uKKcFLqIRJxDRFCiwyGyOFCuD_ZjhFjCFnBOmocW0WcR7ZiRjsk-4KHRopA9pJj7jGmRY5CKfUmfy7XN6mfP6AWbBaXvibiY0/s640/046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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SECOND! Was Gertie, of <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/" target="_blank">Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing</a>! Her book was just released and she was in town doing a signing and teaching some classes. And she was so nice! She told me she is coming to Ann Arbor in January to do a book signing at the public library. I will be there for sure!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNjW-G_t69iB4CoVMLMRJaqJYdoo9M_vFmvEK3lshrLYqHC_kxk837IiNF17cUyLPQI9OTVlpRWybzI7bJrU2OqYnYpMyANSAFKs3Jj5AzrJxWvI8JRGSBKU4mNRaR_ai64_c-FWzq7Y/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNjW-G_t69iB4CoVMLMRJaqJYdoo9M_vFmvEK3lshrLYqHC_kxk837IiNF17cUyLPQI9OTVlpRWybzI7bJrU2OqYnYpMyANSAFKs3Jj5AzrJxWvI8JRGSBKU4mNRaR_ai64_c-FWzq7Y/s640/048.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lastly, a picture of all four of us (Gertie, Sunni from <a href="http://www.afashionablestitch.com/" target="_blank">A Fashionable Stitch</a>, Kyle and Myself)</div>
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Sunni's pencil skirt is made of the exact wool I NEED for my couture dress making class. I shopped the expo for some similar wool, but came up empty handed on that front. I did, however, find some other fabrics to take home.</div>
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From Vogue Fabrics, I got three pieces. Two yards of a pretty flowery pattern, which I plan to use to make a blouse, 2.5 yards of a berry colored garbardine, which I will probably use to make a dress or skirt, and 2 yards of a pink/red/yellow/black pattern which will also be used for a blouse.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF_c81cAiEEKUh7ZlvHXOir-YG529hHxjlVY6_cnLi7s6VkthiozkBezLyy3_sFNq7Ea6vPRb6SQ9OWaE5yUjhvIPLeh1Kj-boY6JQONzNa_DDFxT4peaU3dAZ2L3mb_CuaI9ovaNddQ/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF_c81cAiEEKUh7ZlvHXOir-YG529hHxjlVY6_cnLi7s6VkthiozkBezLyy3_sFNq7Ea6vPRb6SQ9OWaE5yUjhvIPLeh1Kj-boY6JQONzNa_DDFxT4peaU3dAZ2L3mb_CuaI9ovaNddQ/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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At Haberman's, I got 2.5 yards of a geometric border print ponte knit, and 2 yards of a leafy pattern knit. I am going to make a dress out of the border print, probably my favorite Simplicity 2648. For the leafy print I am planning to use the new Angela Wolf pattern that I also picked up at the expo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBlDYSamjANhQSYflyX2gt5jxedr_5o_8zAxVcq-bpb7KGbbJfTvX4DivLgq1AiZgWje6fAtCdCYyT-LMVPNsV3hmuJFC6GuyZm2eSUK6FysR0jAh2ktDTvOFrubQjSQLaiuwV8YhrDA/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBlDYSamjANhQSYflyX2gt5jxedr_5o_8zAxVcq-bpb7KGbbJfTvX4DivLgq1AiZgWje6fAtCdCYyT-LMVPNsV3hmuJFC6GuyZm2eSUK6FysR0jAh2ktDTvOFrubQjSQLaiuwV8YhrDA/s640/003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I got the new Angela Wolf ruched tee pattern. I've seen this pattern on a couple other blogs and was interested in trying it. I am also after the Sewaholic Renfrew top but wonder if maybe this pattern can substitute? Anyone have thoughts on that?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Vc9yUbPeLqpq1DkVzkneCousvd9dD6Fi2ooL0yLIt8wAnTv2MbMXslUxfItfP_JI3q5t2t7QqlPo2h0GG4z_qiN2af-Gjnajw_kztKDoLF1XBLyFBQDYn9oilpyJWSjkLDqOfhuf0Hg/s1600/9050e42cbcdee38347cc5a8467114fa2.1280.1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Vc9yUbPeLqpq1DkVzkneCousvd9dD6Fi2ooL0yLIt8wAnTv2MbMXslUxfItfP_JI3q5t2t7QqlPo2h0GG4z_qiN2af-Gjnajw_kztKDoLF1XBLyFBQDYn9oilpyJWSjkLDqOfhuf0Hg/s640/9050e42cbcdee38347cc5a8467114fa2.1280.1280.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
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Overall, my experience at the American Sewing Expo was great! I am excited for next year and taking advantage of the classes (which I didn't do this year...baby steps). I'm also excited to use the fabrics I found!</div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-36160063150545704682012-09-27T11:09:00.002-04:002012-10-19T10:58:26.389-04:00Couture Dressmaking Class!!There is a sewing studio in Ann Arbor called <a href="http://nonpareilstudioa2.com/index.html" target="_blank">Nonpareil</a> that I've been to on occasion. The lady that runs it, Michelle, used to host "Crafts and Cocktails" once a month- a chance to see her studio, work on your project on her machines and of course get her expert advice on your project. Some of the projects shes helped me finish are the best projects I've completed! <script type="text/javascript">
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I was very excited to see that she was offering a Couture Dressmaking Techniques class this fall, but then saw that it was to be Monday nights, and I have other commitments on Mondays. I tried to forget about it, until YESTERDAY, I got an email from her studio saying among other things, that the class had been changed to Thursday nights! I registered immediately and now have started daydreaming about how awesome this is going to be.</div>
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Here's the description of the class from her website:</div>
<i>Know the basics of sewing, and have made yourself a few (or many) garments? Ready to take your skills to the next level? Learn couture techniques like underlining, stabilizing edges, easing fullness and hand finishing a zipper to make your garments fit well, and look beautiful. 8 sessions. Must purchase Vogue 8828, 8648, 8280, or 8667 (only one), lightweight wool and lining of the appropriate yardage, and matching thread. I will give suggestions, and help locate fabric, if needed.</i><br />
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So I have to pick a pattern and fabric! I'm hoping to get some insight from my readers about which pattern to chose. Here are the options and my thoughts.<br />
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First, <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8828-products-27103.php?page_id=857&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">Vogue 8828</a>: </div>
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The description says " Lined dress has princess seams, fitted bodice, raised waist, semi- or loose-fitting skirt, back zipper and top stitching Narrow hem. A,B: flaps. F: button trim and sleeve bands. C,F: collar. D,E,F: back slit. E,F: welts. A,B,C,D cup sizes." I think I would probably make view D, as that would be the most versatile for me and my wardrobe. However, I like the buttons shown on view F. I could easily add that detailing to my version of view D. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXe4QYlr0tY-cbHdWkm-hKZu66Pin9F1qAiBgIvny10le2IHejl1FlqcNbKC41-uJV9vazZUAstdo8ZBuLkRo4KtLaiCkWDBDWahHOYzrbDMLFvAx8umHqzJJIO3E-p-c4EKYWrB79i7g/s1600/V8828.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXe4QYlr0tY-cbHdWkm-hKZu66Pin9F1qAiBgIvny10le2IHejl1FlqcNbKC41-uJV9vazZUAstdo8ZBuLkRo4KtLaiCkWDBDWahHOYzrbDMLFvAx8umHqzJJIO3E-p-c4EKYWrB79i7g/s640/V8828.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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The second option is <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8280-products-6705.php?page_id=857&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">Vogue 8280</a>:</div>
The description says " Fitted dress, lined bodice, back zipper closing with front flange. A, B, E, F: back slit opening. C, D: pleated lower section. Armhole and sleeve variations. A: sash with hook and eye closing." While I don't really love the sleeve options for this dress, I do like that it has a v-neck and I think that it might be most flattering for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HwLZBAGWtB3o4PZ1kQ-1VJYoRcAa81f6SkxAPjCsNkLdM2FAlwq2IADINoYL52oTc47nJzHcO9-yCRiyU1NRURHN3kH5Zg3Ue9qraoiQZWKTHphIAJZhb8k9HE6Jm1re3Sc125R5JKY/s1600/V8280.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HwLZBAGWtB3o4PZ1kQ-1VJYoRcAa81f6SkxAPjCsNkLdM2FAlwq2IADINoYL52oTc47nJzHcO9-yCRiyU1NRURHN3kH5Zg3Ue9qraoiQZWKTHphIAJZhb8k9HE6Jm1re3Sc125R5JKY/s1600/V8280.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8648-products-11100.php?page_id=857&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">Vogue 8648</a> confuses me the most. The line drawings make the dress look a little wacky in my opinion, especially the versions with a fuller skirt. I think I would go for view A for this pattern. Despite my being unsure about this pattern, <a href="http://goodbyevalentino.com/" target="_blank">Sarah at Goodbye Valentino</a> made a <a href="http://goodbyevalentino.com/2012/06/18/orange-blossom-special-vogue-8648/" target="_blank">gorgeous version of view A</a> using a bright pattern. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfI-v28tOw30kA5YOeKdwa38wHVD0RxDQBftjrKcr1Zlwm2pkyv5vEJgcWIVBuZIczm9xZWyMzdPyBAN-zdXkMkD-0fFtJiz-H5FUtXVEzEkoeJRNLm6FdEpCcIYVzwCzqQx-81IfIo9M/s1600/V8648.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfI-v28tOw30kA5YOeKdwa38wHVD0RxDQBftjrKcr1Zlwm2pkyv5vEJgcWIVBuZIczm9xZWyMzdPyBAN-zdXkMkD-0fFtJiz-H5FUtXVEzEkoeJRNLm6FdEpCcIYVzwCzqQx-81IfIo9M/s640/V8648.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally, <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8667-products-11347.php?page_id=857&search_control=display&list=search">Vogue 8667</a>:<br />
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From the Vogue Website: "Lined, mid-knee length dresses A, B, C, D, E, F have fitted bodice, princess seams, A-line or straight skirt and back zipper. A, B, C: front pleated skirt. E: contrast skirt. B, C, E: cap sleeves. D, E, F: back hemline slit. A, B, D, E: collar."</div>
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I already own this pattern, but I haven't made it yet. I like all the views with the straight skirt, but probably like view D best.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIR-6X2GMDBAv7pIPTPgm6NNV8W-lMmjY7CeeIAWAan8oygZWQp60OSl8da35sFQcbrBoBR3K9DvWLVhg3EGn1UU6vWF3jixMwZ9dgcb-5j24sDHgRCt8xduGDdZxgbt7q7rw-cQS72A/s1600/V8667.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIR-6X2GMDBAv7pIPTPgm6NNV8W-lMmjY7CeeIAWAan8oygZWQp60OSl8da35sFQcbrBoBR3K9DvWLVhg3EGn1UU6vWF3jixMwZ9dgcb-5j24sDHgRCt8xduGDdZxgbt7q7rw-cQS72A/s640/V8667.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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So those are my options. Opinions? Anyone made one of these patterns and have pictures of their finished project?<br />
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-61832398668847445562012-08-03T14:02:00.002-04:002012-08-03T14:02:26.576-04:00New Vogue PatternsVogue recently released some new patterns, and since there is currently a sale on them at Jo-Ann's, I picked up a few. I thought I would round them up as my favorite picks for fall.<div>
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First up is a dress, <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1314-products-27087.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">V1314</a>: I like the ruching on the sides of the dress, and that is the entire reason I bought this pattern! I think this would look excellent with horizontal stripes, and I have some fabric that just might fit the bill.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlkeBmfVfJiukGRrAlo2dmEaQBK9_y6_Efudb7olqT1dKn4kvwXQtXsHG8AmiVV0MsLn8muKyxxwdtXtjfJ7oxQS-7_4xSbcpxmCLz0xe3Z25OzK6Qm5kPMTHnri061zdUBJaT0Ad-lg/s1600/V1314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlkeBmfVfJiukGRrAlo2dmEaQBK9_y6_Efudb7olqT1dKn4kvwXQtXsHG8AmiVV0MsLn8muKyxxwdtXtjfJ7oxQS-7_4xSbcpxmCLz0xe3Z25OzK6Qm5kPMTHnri061zdUBJaT0Ad-lg/s400/V1314.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyKNpCW8KOyQ2B1BvpKukZb2qZkU6TbT367A5tog84rMj3JYD7LqwW6CiqdFLVvLpDWNYKmvAguBKKO2C9nGRn-C8wFKIBrfWuTdhEex90Ti2bCSjOD6xMTR6KnUKZLapfZr2Kj0nzI0/s1600/V1314.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyKNpCW8KOyQ2B1BvpKukZb2qZkU6TbT367A5tog84rMj3JYD7LqwW6CiqdFLVvLpDWNYKmvAguBKKO2C9nGRn-C8wFKIBrfWuTdhEex90Ti2bCSjOD6xMTR6KnUKZLapfZr2Kj0nzI0/s400/V1314.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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Second, <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1317-products-27090.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">V1317</a>- This is a Chado Ralph Rucci pattern. I like the open neckline and the front tie. The A-line skirt will also be flattering for me. I can see this as a great fall/winter dress with tights and boots. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdtK2muncxT4lFlSe5Lc3kSjiC4tNmBhKJw-0DGg-kFgavhvkxgsHzE_8Ns4mFso_05Y9DI1yP_YGGL-5r6uHok3q3aSOIKA8HS2WbEzFTREWMoePa1tv8AMWGBF7ejQODraIERSyTew/s1600/V1317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdtK2muncxT4lFlSe5Lc3kSjiC4tNmBhKJw-0DGg-kFgavhvkxgsHzE_8Ns4mFso_05Y9DI1yP_YGGL-5r6uHok3q3aSOIKA8HS2WbEzFTREWMoePa1tv8AMWGBF7ejQODraIERSyTew/s400/V1317.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLH6KawfNIV3aZD2pLcBIYDucAbiz5xJOdkiwNxE2nCFQ3i5KU3qLlWY1C0VbGQat7Chn_b23M9_iaq-P0JFM2NJdUzMT7kQ4DXR62iwIq933Kt6gWVq0SC7g6DEGqiVo-haxL47SSw8/s1600/V1317.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLH6KawfNIV3aZD2pLcBIYDucAbiz5xJOdkiwNxE2nCFQ3i5KU3qLlWY1C0VbGQat7Chn_b23M9_iaq-P0JFM2NJdUzMT7kQ4DXR62iwIq933Kt6gWVq0SC7g6DEGqiVo-haxL47SSw8/s400/V1317.gif" width="400" /></a>
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Next is <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8825-products-27100.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">V8825</a>. I really like the sleeves on this dress and again the tie waist. The crossover top is not too shabby either. I can see this as a work dress too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEuJdY2ZL2MgQnjqXbXpvJPVkT7JW3YgSy0QxGh3dATnDNl-dFJSBNOstfnyGgV6tIwSuob62CR1cdvl1H4mHf83BcWWaJVrhK1MRrluu7sDAuC-ycHnWxmzcxcfuhQBZPBVUY4IfI3A/s1600/V8825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEuJdY2ZL2MgQnjqXbXpvJPVkT7JW3YgSy0QxGh3dATnDNl-dFJSBNOstfnyGgV6tIwSuob62CR1cdvl1H4mHf83BcWWaJVrhK1MRrluu7sDAuC-ycHnWxmzcxcfuhQBZPBVUY4IfI3A/s400/V8825.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimG_wPSe3DQ6mqp8Hndop7RO_UGOV_DvbcaGJsIg9AptCy59YdINwdlR8lYBt9e9BXqOOTEWA0R4He-epNsiH1hVKRflWBEgn0MsL2io8qfEVGKYx7umlR0_bE6QooC0zmzzCgq3Xs1ho/s1600/V8825.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimG_wPSe3DQ6mqp8Hndop7RO_UGOV_DvbcaGJsIg9AptCy59YdINwdlR8lYBt9e9BXqOOTEWA0R4He-epNsiH1hVKRflWBEgn0MsL2io8qfEVGKYx7umlR0_bE6QooC0zmzzCgq3Xs1ho/s400/V8825.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next up is <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8827-products-27102.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">V8827</a>. Another dress. I do love dresses! This is a wrap dress with a drape on the front color. I think this dress is super and will get a lot of wear if I take my time to make it well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqyUQSbT0OmlcpXTZ3q42CXeSdN3D_DwSK7syhbXzazN4l7sBAzyWx2e25ylX4Q1SMIzdvF9VUh0h3LJ2kw6-dKp_tIonImMa-SbA-FtwXbVYqKrd-KBBbPXaHbJhk1cZYs7UCnAh-Bo/s1600/V8827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqyUQSbT0OmlcpXTZ3q42CXeSdN3D_DwSK7syhbXzazN4l7sBAzyWx2e25ylX4Q1SMIzdvF9VUh0h3LJ2kw6-dKp_tIonImMa-SbA-FtwXbVYqKrd-KBBbPXaHbJhk1cZYs7UCnAh-Bo/s400/V8827.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ypApHkheJj0DufDqfCbeLWpDTDVXspJKYw_0eXSEpp84HQzHTaa787TZcVU8xAtR7bwX1VHGLP2c5XTkeObx1t_DlXKTiN3kXV10sSyzq3u8OssTfJb7N1WwzUHrADYWNutrM3u1FAo/s1600/V8827.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ypApHkheJj0DufDqfCbeLWpDTDVXspJKYw_0eXSEpp84HQzHTaa787TZcVU8xAtR7bwX1VHGLP2c5XTkeObx1t_DlXKTiN3kXV10sSyzq3u8OssTfJb7N1WwzUHrADYWNutrM3u1FAo/s400/V8827.gif" width="400" /></a>
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Lastly, <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8835-products-27110.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">V8835</a>, a skirt. While its not a dress, it still has a wrap element to it. I like that there are no darts on the front and the buttons on the waist band. This could be a pattern I use over and over!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7W_IHN8R1169tMUM4kIA-21x001ntw61orwZ2g8wtlWZuF2Sn0TctwVVbUEnSFLjbLIkvvP7znJDg1n-8N5ZVh51Q_CJKCkfes6k-M73bPLkDFk16-dhXeqS-fx0qAJ46-pDn3RXMUM/s1600/V8835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7W_IHN8R1169tMUM4kIA-21x001ntw61orwZ2g8wtlWZuF2Sn0TctwVVbUEnSFLjbLIkvvP7znJDg1n-8N5ZVh51Q_CJKCkfes6k-M73bPLkDFk16-dhXeqS-fx0qAJ46-pDn3RXMUM/s400/V8835.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhOQP8KHFaZQoShnhCuEeJ5cxH2s3JRASlItavqNFwJfbk3LIWSzsrYMMSeM5fdsoiEccFZhVCoK2DGAN-hOYENKGAEP-oYzb0jZFkC_mQDBglJBi4lTOTkmW-LrtlgWCZwqB-CCBGuc/s1600/V8835.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhOQP8KHFaZQoShnhCuEeJ5cxH2s3JRASlItavqNFwJfbk3LIWSzsrYMMSeM5fdsoiEccFZhVCoK2DGAN-hOYENKGAEP-oYzb0jZFkC_mQDBglJBi4lTOTkmW-LrtlgWCZwqB-CCBGuc/s400/V8835.gif" width="400" /></a>
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What new Vogue patterns are you planning on picking up?</div>
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</div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-91790874158976626242012-07-13T10:52:00.000-04:002012-07-18T22:53:55.209-04:00Dresser Redo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The dresser pictured below was a purchase I made in college- second hand of course. It's an older style from Ikea, and I happen to have three pieces that match- the one pictured, a chest with 6 drawers, and a short style with only 3 drawers. I have certainly got my money out of this dresser, but recently I have been wanting a change. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzV8g298aRYoF_n7nByMlNcSoz-wxpuEvH1W-5g8T5raGObwX4OPcg-SQdGtxBijULO6okjP9a_0WdMmX23HnMTquo6jD7p2b4Ae3Z3B6JHSxliJHiA5kVBTIOYxuSaKioNxPZ9e3QBA/s1600/new+apartment+077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzV8g298aRYoF_n7nByMlNcSoz-wxpuEvH1W-5g8T5raGObwX4OPcg-SQdGtxBijULO6okjP9a_0WdMmX23HnMTquo6jD7p2b4Ae3Z3B6JHSxliJHiA5kVBTIOYxuSaKioNxPZ9e3QBA/s640/new+apartment+077.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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At first I thought I would just buy a new dresser, but months of looking at the Salvation Army and other local resale shops plus trolling craigslist turned up nothing that I liked well enough to schlep back to my house. </div>
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I recently started a new job, but had a week vacation between jobs, and decided this was the perfect time to tackle my dresser and give it a new look. I decided I would paint it and change the knobs, and then while in the process had the great idea to also change the feet.</div>
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I always love the colors that other people pick for the furniture but tend to be a little more conservative when it comes to my pieces, and this time I really wanted to be bold. I decided an orange color would be great and went for it. The color I picked is a Martha Stewart color, but it was mixed in Behr paint because I only wanted a quart and Home Depot didn't have quarts of Martha Stewart paint. I also went out of my comfort zone and picked high gloss paint.</div>
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I didn't take lots of progress pics because I didn't do anything special- just did a light sanding, a coat of adhesion primer (this is veneered Ikea furniture after all) and then two coats of the color. </div>
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After looking at all kinds of different knobs, I decided to go with this pendant knob that I found at Target.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMjsqmV37-93iuraizxaWBpgcKRqCRWvrIYUOc3OVPBH4vVy1-0qePX8ohiUzKheD7irednD2la4SKG8u7YQjQVn-vXVONbTDKBrQRPh8eOBdLmnnqQp812vTaYc9vtcry6F-Gj8XRTk/s1600/14034289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMjsqmV37-93iuraizxaWBpgcKRqCRWvrIYUOc3OVPBH4vVy1-0qePX8ohiUzKheD7irednD2la4SKG8u7YQjQVn-vXVONbTDKBrQRPh8eOBdLmnnqQp812vTaYc9vtcry6F-Gj8XRTk/s320/14034289.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
They came in packs of 4 for $14.99, so I needed 3 packs of them for a total of about $45.<br />
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I also mentioned that I switched the feet on the dresser. I wanted something more dramatic than what was there already, and I found these bun feet that I really liked at Home Depot. They were $8.84 each, so about $36 total for the four.<br />
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The final product looks awesome in my opinion, and fits in my bedroom nicely. </div>
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</script>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-86896611658707056892012-07-06T11:13:00.000-04:002012-07-06T11:13:01.409-04:00New Butterick Sewing PatternsButterick seems to have put out some new sewing patterns recently. I haven't seen many reviews of them so I thought I'd do one myself. Perhaps there haven't been many reviews because the patterns are pretty basic.<script type="text/javascript">
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In the "I'd make that" category is:</div>
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<a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5781-products-22953.php?page_id=147" target="_blank">B5781</a>- The dress looks a little like a skating dress, which I like quite a bit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHv18EUbRN5Gy1Xgu2IpVFV-y1h3PiEP9qk4JQrRiOw6z0lbcvbh4036BSH8n5Ei4Dwh0YGw_VwDXbtepHf3Wkc2-OwfYywu9uu-71veeed8C8DwDV-8m0yRKsb4UeFBEVtJk84OqI50/s1600/B5781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHv18EUbRN5Gy1Xgu2IpVFV-y1h3PiEP9qk4JQrRiOw6z0lbcvbh4036BSH8n5Ei4Dwh0YGw_VwDXbtepHf3Wkc2-OwfYywu9uu-71veeed8C8DwDV-8m0yRKsb4UeFBEVtJk84OqI50/s1600/B5781.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5778-products-22950.php?page_id=147" target="_blank">B5778-</a> I can see myself wearing this dress a lot. I like the seams on the front and the gathered skirt. I think it would be great with sleeves as well, as a winter dress. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOMWbF5rDw0iQaCv6YWot1HxCmmz2VDCSNt40PcRA4Ox3b5I870nZRMwFsJ8zLnIfBcYyhj_nqMjcRES7B8sSuv9vU_ZxCEfnAtAPT9NkMvSV0MfaCj7xl5XT1p_HRYcn8klN8XEwRzw/s1600/B5778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOMWbF5rDw0iQaCv6YWot1HxCmmz2VDCSNt40PcRA4Ox3b5I870nZRMwFsJ8zLnIfBcYyhj_nqMjcRES7B8sSuv9vU_ZxCEfnAtAPT9NkMvSV0MfaCj7xl5XT1p_HRYcn8klN8XEwRzw/s1600/B5778.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5770-products-22942.php?page_id=147" target="_blank">B5770</a>- This is a See 'n' Sew Pattern. While its not terribly original, it does look like it would make a nice shirt for work. I can see myself picking up this pattern and making it several times.</div>
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<a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5785-products-22957.php?page_id=147" target="_blank">B5785</a>- This is another shirt that has probably been done before, but I really love how it looks in the drawing below. I can't see myself wearing the tunic version, but the regular length one I would wear in both sleeve lengths.</div>
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That's all I found to be noteworthy. What did you think of the new Butterick patterns? Did I miss anything?</div>
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</div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-26662130187084399172012-06-11T12:05:00.002-04:002012-06-11T12:05:13.362-04:00Garden ProgressWhere we left off last with the gardens had them looking kind of like this:<br />
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But some significant progress was made over Memorial Day weekend! With the help of my dad and stepmom, we cleaned out the rest of the rocks from the two front beds, put down dirt in both beds, planted flowers, weeded around the back of the house, moved around some plants and put down mulch. Sounds like a lot of work, huh? Well it was!</div>
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The garden to the left of the door used to look like this</div>
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After digging up most of the lava rocks and planting some flowers, it looked like this-</div>
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Around the side of the house was looking better too.<br />
What before was an overgrown jungle is now much cleaner!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dU_7MetfCTg/T8LVEw7rAHI/AAAAAAAACNA/qjsrRIYduyc/s1600/garden+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dU_7MetfCTg/T8LVEw7rAHI/AAAAAAAACNA/qjsrRIYduyc/s640/garden+005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />AFTER:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxMyPKaogtjjL3-QJ_w4aLORmD9MZrdsQwOzAnDziDXcbutNlJ3ZLGs3RPKKV6Y6-Vrc99-YY8xg5ZYZVRL3309eXahC1V50gl4B5PUBqnfB6hwmvD80gKJgq1aLPJ6Dbn07_-uvu79U/s1600/garden+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxMyPKaogtjjL3-QJ_w4aLORmD9MZrdsQwOzAnDziDXcbutNlJ3ZLGs3RPKKV6Y6-Vrc99-YY8xg5ZYZVRL3309eXahC1V50gl4B5PUBqnfB6hwmvD80gKJgq1aLPJ6Dbn07_-uvu79U/s640/garden+022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oL6LvmtVaoQ/T8LYOgtnrwI/AAAAAAAACPw/tNE3L_X3L0c/s1600/garden+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oL6LvmtVaoQ/T8LYOgtnrwI/AAAAAAAACPw/tNE3L_X3L0c/s640/garden+023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have plans to add in some annuals with color in that empty spot, and of course mulch.<br />
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And around the front of the house isn't looking so bad either.<br />
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Before:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmcdr3vaMx5o1CR2XS6eTr78Gp-DF8McnOT_nQFiC9Asig2Kg1_KPzaAXrm_a0HKvR-RecgZyOxeAhUSsZ0JyAFC3Bsr3XY9f6uMFDHTsbGApm6M-Qgkor2O4ZGAjgXZ9DoIFTd-xOCs/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmcdr3vaMx5o1CR2XS6eTr78Gp-DF8McnOT_nQFiC9Asig2Kg1_KPzaAXrm_a0HKvR-RecgZyOxeAhUSsZ0JyAFC3Bsr3XY9f6uMFDHTsbGApm6M-Qgkor2O4ZGAjgXZ9DoIFTd-xOCs/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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After:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-woqvXiuZFH4/T8LWzOvi2HI/AAAAAAAACOc/FMhryvcltks/s1600/garden+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-woqvXiuZFH4/T8LWzOvi2HI/AAAAAAAACOc/FMhryvcltks/s640/garden+014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TPjUOrvKcM/T8LWRuhkdEI/AAAAAAAACOM/NuhE4mmIL0U/s1600/garden+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TPjUOrvKcM/T8LWRuhkdEI/AAAAAAAACOM/NuhE4mmIL0U/s640/garden+012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Also my dad got a little crazy with the hedge trimmers, and took the back of the house from this:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoq1PyweaAxDa-skR8yhL3ftSpZIAUgetq5ZYc81jKLUP2EkkJZpS2gFqYPV6tKgW6Bb_MHyjuTYl0WWkbzK4EmwjgOZffGABPD3QvIF-SoexaJnIL0scXfOt3eqcBQ_ihRfI7wR4o7z4/s1600/condo+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoq1PyweaAxDa-skR8yhL3ftSpZIAUgetq5ZYc81jKLUP2EkkJZpS2gFqYPV6tKgW6Bb_MHyjuTYl0WWkbzK4EmwjgOZffGABPD3QvIF-SoexaJnIL0scXfOt3eqcBQ_ihRfI7wR4o7z4/s640/condo+007.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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To this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhTGO_zQdOSWglhuYOyoP4gXlzdZVEZr1jTvrUF2Mfc6pBYlJFngD2peRJuUzwFa5JKjgBTtY1qrLDz0VR9g9iQs8GExg_0vZtC-8DAoNT-6Whny0KC65HiSzlMrKvsOxp6uTzg04lkQ/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhTGO_zQdOSWglhuYOyoP4gXlzdZVEZr1jTvrUF2Mfc6pBYlJFngD2peRJuUzwFa5JKjgBTtY1qrLDz0VR9g9iQs8GExg_0vZtC-8DAoNT-6Whny0KC65HiSzlMrKvsOxp6uTzg04lkQ/s640/012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In about an hour.<br />
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Now I just have to remember to water the flowers about every day, and maybe even water the grass a bit so its not so brown.<br />
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Have you done any gardening lately?</div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-4230500205791388592012-05-22T10:20:00.002-04:002012-05-22T10:20:18.692-04:00New Windows!I knew from the inspection before I bought the condo that the windows would need to be replaced soon. You see, the mechanism that held them open was broken, so when you pulled a window up and let it go, it slammed shut. I had my own little guillotines all around my place. At first I didn't think this was a huge deal- I would just use some sticks or what not to prop the windows open.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGhD6cxDB5YgHldvrxMT0qYG9iOPVFPQ3D9d1JdelSCPcl6-gkKOe5hnONKqQE1xuQHHajo3tA-n4nbcHbzW-cn0-VlZ1EJ8QcgZVWHsYQCpEGOgTfeDqKbOsK5SXfPyt6_OVvU8yP74/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGhD6cxDB5YgHldvrxMT0qYG9iOPVFPQ3D9d1JdelSCPcl6-gkKOe5hnONKqQE1xuQHHajo3tA-n4nbcHbzW-cn0-VlZ1EJ8QcgZVWHsYQCpEGOgTfeDqKbOsK5SXfPyt6_OVvU8yP74/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Looks Innocent enough, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMe6WRJhQC4DAia9LmgNiQ9CKNHTbuaHzwmRdd1CZlsSNoRfyxWp5C_MSeb22Ri8GqqXpXL4RHSCh9WT2gG4hRlyQAemsy1FUer89IhA8AA60710Jy1DkNEImQ19HUcMfd5FgxU2t7Mkw/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMe6WRJhQC4DAia9LmgNiQ9CKNHTbuaHzwmRdd1CZlsSNoRfyxWp5C_MSeb22Ri8GqqXpXL4RHSCh9WT2gG4hRlyQAemsy1FUer89IhA8AA60710Jy1DkNEImQ19HUcMfd5FgxU2t7Mkw/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The particular window above had a rotted sill, that had been removed and never replaced. This is a bad, bad thing because water could get in there and cause the wall to rot. No good!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kMpM1lly6roWWICjPZg_DFw7g1p2Sp1aTXF_5910Yw-xcQz0a6gUk4Vtx89l51q7v2CfBVip2q_eprfbOMdoEME6OkT5MqgScoqRKGFtX4gymKw7Mkq3JJPcHn3hv953b8yyUA_lZjI/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kMpM1lly6roWWICjPZg_DFw7g1p2Sp1aTXF_5910Yw-xcQz0a6gUk4Vtx89l51q7v2CfBVip2q_eprfbOMdoEME6OkT5MqgScoqRKGFtX4gymKw7Mkq3JJPcHn3hv953b8yyUA_lZjI/s320/003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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More old windows!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EfBT8V3lOSDU-oHfr1naqlXSej4ANeySlkRFg-O8fxFvG7Kon39F1Go9jSCeL0HSJcWzoclgrAoUsxf6y0qFHgFaWUSr_DMnxjHEnw62u-NXWLfMF6dqlC_uC4-1znuxT5z50jm3NmY/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EfBT8V3lOSDU-oHfr1naqlXSej4ANeySlkRFg-O8fxFvG7Kon39F1Go9jSCeL0HSJcWzoclgrAoUsxf6y0qFHgFaWUSr_DMnxjHEnw62u-NXWLfMF6dqlC_uC4-1znuxT5z50jm3NmY/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div>
Well, one week of really nice weather and I was ready for new windows. Between having to find things that could hold the weight of the windows, worrying that my cats would hurt themselves, and Franklin actually getting outside via one of the broken windows, I knew it was time.</div>
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In addition to the windows being annoying, they were original. So 35 years old. They had storm windows and were not at all energy efficient. I could hear every little sound from outside.<br />
I decided to go with windows from the Home Depot. They were a bit more expensive than I expected, but thats par for the course with house projects.<br />
They have now been installed and are working wonderfully. I'll be back in a couple days with some pictures of the beautiful new windows in situ.</div>
</div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-50920994780648731622012-04-27T12:26:00.000-04:002012-04-27T12:26:00.353-04:00Gardening: The Plan and some Initial Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have two/three separate garden spaces. One to the left of the garage in this picture, before you get to my front door.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC71gI_rahAsvEjSuz_2bNjmsu294huo4POGJnjwPu1SgrIDpo9iztEMrHqsfpfItfkpedISTAV37P0FlwKo3oCrCnOsiWw0LDLeFtWGNF6NN8s9xyBuR6ootZd1f2kHlcN0QPxebGURM/s1600/condo+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC71gI_rahAsvEjSuz_2bNjmsu294huo4POGJnjwPu1SgrIDpo9iztEMrHqsfpfItfkpedISTAV37P0FlwKo3oCrCnOsiWw0LDLeFtWGNF6NN8s9xyBuR6ootZd1f2kHlcN0QPxebGURM/s640/condo+002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It looked like this when I moved in, and up until today. There are a lot of different flowers in this spot, including a rose bush, azaleas, and possibly hollyhocks. How do I know this? There is a master gardener in my neighborhood who offered to help me prune the bush you can see in the above picture, and I also picked her brain about the rest of my gardens.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMH5wQ5W0X4wpWHQtP79iTGM3H0B-Yu-9vFbjh_pknOayExYAkfvnvJzz3G4b-gYBkm-poUq2VxDU-V1K4l5RQoPcBgHN2VzTTcXyZ3zwX90Q3HzJ6FQzn8K44Ucps7dhY2aI_KuzDEY/s1600/condo+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMH5wQ5W0X4wpWHQtP79iTGM3H0B-Yu-9vFbjh_pknOayExYAkfvnvJzz3G4b-gYBkm-poUq2VxDU-V1K4l5RQoPcBgHN2VzTTcXyZ3zwX90Q3HzJ6FQzn8K44Ucps7dhY2aI_KuzDEY/s640/condo+003.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The next garden you come upon is to the left of the front door. It looks like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxZZzdJtmjGi-CNn8cebKwx5Trv-904r_scmTvUGw21ao5U7i4xcRpxIBlhyphenhyphenSCa2RmzhyOMAZRD4nehSeqEv-AUb69DiFCFpZn_XqKQW791NXRtxzQwDZHikT4eBV0FOrcP5ayDmzANQ/s1600/condo+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxZZzdJtmjGi-CNn8cebKwx5Trv-904r_scmTvUGw21ao5U7i4xcRpxIBlhyphenhyphenSCa2RmzhyOMAZRD4nehSeqEv-AUb69DiFCFpZn_XqKQW791NXRtxzQwDZHikT4eBV0FOrcP5ayDmzANQ/s640/condo+006.JPG" width="640" /></a>
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Here you can see the overgrown violets and the shrub, along with the lovely lava rock that is being used as mulch. I'm planning to remove those bad boys and replace them with regular mulch. I think I'd also like to plant some pretty flowers in the open space. We shall see, as I am not an experienced gardener!</div>
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The last garden is along the whole south side of my condo. It is by far the largest.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoq1PyweaAxDa-skR8yhL3ftSpZIAUgetq5ZYc81jKLUP2EkkJZpS2gFqYPV6tKgW6Bb_MHyjuTYl0WWkbzK4EmwjgOZffGABPD3QvIF-SoexaJnIL0scXfOt3eqcBQ_ihRfI7wR4o7z4/s1600/condo+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoq1PyweaAxDa-skR8yhL3ftSpZIAUgetq5ZYc81jKLUP2EkkJZpS2gFqYPV6tKgW6Bb_MHyjuTYl0WWkbzK4EmwjgOZffGABPD3QvIF-SoexaJnIL0scXfOt3eqcBQ_ihRfI7wR4o7z4/s640/condo+007.JPG" width="640" /></a>
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It has three huge shrubs, that here look like one right in the middle of the picture, and then some smaller shrubs to the left. To the right of the monstrosity is a rose bush and some other random flowers.</div>
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There really is a lot of work to do here. First, those three shrubs are blocking the living room windows. Second, the beds in general are a mess of weeds and regular grass from lack of upkeep over the past years. The woman that lived here before me for 35 years was 90something years old, and I'm certain she wasn't outside weeding gardens. </div>
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This is what the same corner looked like after about 30 minutes of pulling vines out of the ground. Now the window is unobstructed and the azalea and rose bushes are visible!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSIfl65QoFj3sZAs99nwQoS2XgdZZ2iLHMwA6Pt0nopnGxncOcsxRk7_TR_GPPx949yNMHTS2B75G848XGBz6akZTBCDChsxgV8yDfMTYErp8blU_X9ElVNkSyilxOShA6mS4AlH0u7s/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSIfl65QoFj3sZAs99nwQoS2XgdZZ2iLHMwA6Pt0nopnGxncOcsxRk7_TR_GPPx949yNMHTS2B75G848XGBz6akZTBCDChsxgV8yDfMTYErp8blU_X9ElVNkSyilxOShA6mS4AlH0u7s/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt19tDAHxj07DbPIdDij9iV5x-LCI3P0z7GG1kchJfzeLTikYpwWfmggkFdM-2B-egFUPiIQNp4szOlheKeT3nIk3nEnCVWazWc8TB-zA7L3fXSF2ZlVFef6qG8Nlgx0QRKicJSoBbP0w/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt19tDAHxj07DbPIdDij9iV5x-LCI3P0z7GG1kchJfzeLTikYpwWfmggkFdM-2B-egFUPiIQNp4szOlheKeT3nIk3nEnCVWazWc8TB-zA7L3fXSF2ZlVFef6qG8Nlgx0QRKicJSoBbP0w/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Azalea bush. So pretty.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7HhkBYh1X9x5YeacY2kQ-cvzSPJz6oJB8PKY6WvVCnIf5DzpRelTvz_B80Vj79dmpnXQmNtEJoIZ9NRY59-XKvW6LO6wPtr7O8kedyD8_0JVLSmNyX9tiAGqYfSEk2iEZl49aguCFbM/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7HhkBYh1X9x5YeacY2kQ-cvzSPJz6oJB8PKY6WvVCnIf5DzpRelTvz_B80Vj79dmpnXQmNtEJoIZ9NRY59-XKvW6LO6wPtr7O8kedyD8_0JVLSmNyX9tiAGqYfSEk2iEZl49aguCFbM/s640/012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can't remember the name of this guy.</div>
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Can't remember the name of this either. Should have been taking notes!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmcdr3vaMx5o1CR2XS6eTr78Gp-DF8McnOT_nQFiC9Asig2Kg1_KPzaAXrm_a0HKvR-RecgZyOxeAhUSsZ0JyAFC3Bsr3XY9f6uMFDHTsbGApm6M-Qgkor2O4ZGAjgXZ9DoIFTd-xOCs/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmcdr3vaMx5o1CR2XS6eTr78Gp-DF8McnOT_nQFiC9Asig2Kg1_KPzaAXrm_a0HKvR-RecgZyOxeAhUSsZ0JyAFC3Bsr3XY9f6uMFDHTsbGApm6M-Qgkor2O4ZGAjgXZ9DoIFTd-xOCs/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ahh, one more look at the clean bed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMH5wQ5W0X4wpWHQtP79iTGM3H0B-Yu-9vFbjh_pknOayExYAkfvnvJzz3G4b-gYBkm-poUq2VxDU-V1K4l5RQoPcBgHN2VzTTcXyZ3zwX90Q3HzJ6FQzn8K44Ucps7dhY2aI_KuzDEY/s1600/condo+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMH5wQ5W0X4wpWHQtP79iTGM3H0B-Yu-9vFbjh_pknOayExYAkfvnvJzz3G4b-gYBkm-poUq2VxDU-V1K4l5RQoPcBgHN2VzTTcXyZ3zwX90Q3HzJ6FQzn8K44Ucps7dhY2aI_KuzDEY/s640/condo+003.JPG" width="480" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmcdr3vaMx5o1CR2XS6eTr78Gp-DF8McnOT_nQFiC9Asig2Kg1_KPzaAXrm_a0HKvR-RecgZyOxeAhUSsZ0JyAFC3Bsr3XY9f6uMFDHTsbGApm6M-Qgkor2O4ZGAjgXZ9DoIFTd-xOCs/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmcdr3vaMx5o1CR2XS6eTr78Gp-DF8McnOT_nQFiC9Asig2Kg1_KPzaAXrm_a0HKvR-RecgZyOxeAhUSsZ0JyAFC3Bsr3XY9f6uMFDHTsbGApm6M-Qgkor2O4ZGAjgXZ9DoIFTd-xOCs/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am generally overwhelmed by the gardens I have to take care of here, so I am going to start slowly. My goal for this spring is to get the two corner gardens in good shape by removing the lava rocks and putting down mulch, and then next spring I can focus on the longer back garden. I want to remove those large shrubs from the back but need to figure out how exactly that can happen. Dig them up? Cut them down?</div>
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</script>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-24451377116560625112012-04-22T21:25:00.000-04:002012-04-22T21:25:09.463-04:00May Punch ListIt's been a couple months since I've updated my punch list, but here goes:<script type="text/javascript">
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Here is my room by room punch list. It's still growing.<br />
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My focus for May is going to be </div>
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<ul>
<li>Removing the lava rocks from the garden and replacing with mulch</li>
<li>convincing Mike its time to start the baseboards</li>
<li>Possibly getting a new dishwasher</li>
<li>Continuing to replace outlets and switches throughout the whole house</li>
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Throughout whole house:<br />
<ul>
<li>Replace lightswitches and outlets with new, white ones- Done about 8 of them! Getting there.</li>
<li>Replace lightswitch covers and outlet covers</li>
<li><strike>Have GCI outlets installed in bathroom, kitchen;- scheduled for Dec. 22</strike></li>
<li>Purchase and install programmable thermostat</li>
<li><strike>Purchase and install new smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector</strike></li>
<li><strike>New Windows! </strike>Details soon.</li>
<li>Paint trim on new windows- In progress</li>
<li><strike>Replace old gross air vents with new ones</strike></li>
</ul>
Kitchen<br />
<ul>
<li><strike>Paint Cabinets (in progress)</strike></li>
<li>replace counter tops?</li>
<li><strike>replace floor- purchased! Installed!</strike></li>
<li><strike>Decide on color and paint walls</strike></li>
<li><strike>paint trim</strike></li>
<li><strike>Install under-cabinet lights</strike></li>
<li>Replace Fridge, Dishwasher, Range <- New dishwasher is in the works. Current one died last week! :(</li>
</ul>
Living Room<br />
<ul>
<li><strike>Paint Walls "Wild Aster"</strike></li>
<li>Pick out, buy and Install baseboards</li>
<li>Paint Trim</li>
<li><strike>Replace carpet with laminate!?? <- Purchased! Waiting to get installed!</strike></li>
<li><strike>Hang Curtains</strike></li>
<li><strike>Get new Couch</strike></li>
<li>Hang Art, <strike>mirrors-</strike> Still some work to do here</li>
<li>Hang blinds?</li>
</ul>
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Bedroom<br />
<ul>
<li><strike>Decide on color and paint walls</strike></li>
<li><strike>Paint trim</strike></li>
<li><strike>Paint Closet</strike></li>
<li><strike>Redo Closet system</strike></li>
<li><strike>Hnng Curtains</strike></li>
<li>Hang art, mirrors</li>
<li>Replace carpet</li>
</ul>
Bathroom<br />
<ul>
<li><strike>Remove shower doors</strike></li>
<li><strike>Hang shower curtain</strike></li>
<li><strike>paint vanity</strike></li>
<li><strike>paint trim</strike></li>
<li><strike>Replace or Frame mirror</strike></li>
<li><strike>Remove Wallpaper</strike></li>
<li><strike>Decide on color and Paint walls</strike></li>
<li>Clean grout or regrout?</li>
<li><strike>Replace Faucet AND sink!</strike></li>
</ul>
Second Bedroom<br />
<ul>
<li><strike>Decide on color and paint walls</strike></li>
<li>Paint trim</li>
<li><strike>Redo closet?</strike></li>
<li>Replace carpet</li>
</ul>
Basement<br />
<ul>
<li><strike>Paint paneling white <-!! Details coming!</strike></li>
<li>fix water damaged walls (probably a contractor will do this)</li>
<li>replace carpet</li>
<li>Finish basement bathroom (what a nutty set up!)</li>
<li><strike>organize and set up sewing area</strike></li>
<li><strike>replace washer and dryer? Ordered! Delivery Dec. 6th!</strike></li>
</ul>
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Gardens (writing a whole series of posts on the gardens right now)</div>
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<div>
<ul>
<li><strike>Prune shrub </strike><- done with help of Master gardener neighbor. Deets soon.</li>
<li>Remove ugly vine</li>
<li>Remove lava rocks and </li>
<ul>
<li>replace with mulch</li>
</ul>
<li>Pick out and plant flowers for two side gardens</li>
</ul>
<div>
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</div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-28650471738136669472012-04-22T20:19:00.000-04:002012-04-22T21:11:30.653-04:00Light!Continuing my progress in the bathroom is the replacement of the ugly 60's style light above the mirror. Unfortunately I don't have a great before picture...how did that happen?? Here are the two best pictures I have of it. Hard to see because the light is on!<script type="text/javascript">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5cFxWIWyAhs/TrwVuL0tNkI/AAAAAAAABqU/9hmuebOICtg/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5cFxWIWyAhs/TrwVuL0tNkI/AAAAAAAABqU/9hmuebOICtg/s640/022.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I found a similar light online- mine looked like this except no starburst pattern, and frankly this looks like a nicer version of what I had.I'm certain this light was original, so from the mid-70's.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXcp-9mN5M1pYFh1Hj7jWyVYRm1sI1pFcKpW4j9Tf5vfKVErbZIUbiF6pwiCX6xAz1PjY6cnz_BHN8xHAVRsc3v_4or0Bb3IUtdSr5WmXJ4xUfBHzMflcWJqDEG9lcoKRtqOghMRK4cc/s1600/retro-bathroom-sconce-from-menards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXcp-9mN5M1pYFh1Hj7jWyVYRm1sI1pFcKpW4j9Tf5vfKVErbZIUbiF6pwiCX6xAz1PjY6cnz_BHN8xHAVRsc3v_4or0Bb3IUtdSr5WmXJ4xUfBHzMflcWJqDEG9lcoKRtqOghMRK4cc/s1600/retro-bathroom-sconce-from-menards.jpg" /></a>
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I replaced it (all by myself!) with this light I found at the local re-use center. I paid $12.50 for it total, including the three glass shades. I recently went to Lowes and saw the same fixture for sale there for about $55. I felt pretty smug about that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVevu8-G1HrM_1IE8XkPFSxEnHvkd10l-jf9L4IjKq51l1dIPg1VxwNZxfvMkqyaQv7Xnj4p6NU3IDHonFvPMOzq9TZrZr6JBvoEeL10uHTa8Vce_MGtNJ6p4BLgd1VAj5jh7sw5ckC8/s1600/light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVevu8-G1HrM_1IE8XkPFSxEnHvkd10l-jf9L4IjKq51l1dIPg1VxwNZxfvMkqyaQv7Xnj4p6NU3IDHonFvPMOzq9TZrZr6JBvoEeL10uHTa8Vce_MGtNJ6p4BLgd1VAj5jh7sw5ckC8/s1600/light.jpg" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Jgk78qKZQILIOq634OdqZFfSV1P8V6yAkADuqVTFE3xwUdI46KhTKiD-1k8ekWNLd7NFrBZ1FRKSAitPWgVQwd-xQxBuCt2pG4DwcHyvlt4scQ6ch-x_sA1OFaPk2-bjlCGvsG4zorM/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Jgk78qKZQILIOq634OdqZFfSV1P8V6yAkADuqVTFE3xwUdI46KhTKiD-1k8ekWNLd7NFrBZ1FRKSAitPWgVQwd-xQxBuCt2pG4DwcHyvlt4scQ6ch-x_sA1OFaPk2-bjlCGvsG4zorM/s640/002.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqJW6flU9Ok7yTUtHGf3S8NaQ_yhocaNRhR4RYqy9PIArySMcz4gsMAaIXcpV7kUM_IBKd7a-HSMU95Fp6P0YQegexDy1_B6D4vUNF-6yBQ6EIGrdU_8UcV_tRFa3zsrOaajUxp8IdfA/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqJW6flU9Ok7yTUtHGf3S8NaQ_yhocaNRhR4RYqy9PIArySMcz4gsMAaIXcpV7kUM_IBKd7a-HSMU95Fp6P0YQegexDy1_B6D4vUNF-6yBQ6EIGrdU_8UcV_tRFa3zsrOaajUxp8IdfA/s640/003.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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It's a huge improvement. In addition to it looking more of-this-century, the added light from the 3rd light bulb makes a huge difference. The bathroom has so much more light now!</div>
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Of course I wasn't happy to stop there. While the shades on this fixture are ok, I don't love them. I found these seeded glass "bells" at Home Depot, for about $7 each and put them up in place of the shades that came with the fixture. Even now, I've only spent $33 on this light fixture total, still more than $20 less than what the cost of this fixture new is, so I felt ok spending the extra money to get the look I wanted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX1PtY2vE5u7FVdK1X-L4Nyh5e92QpFJS-V08Z5VR8064gwcyxO3t4bTTTcHQAQULO_eO2L0SmNRN3V2l3EMAXEO0bb3nygi3dscLDQqJ4bHxCclXlf1cJ8qzMatY_Cf1RH_q7qaTE0o/s1600/seeded+bell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX1PtY2vE5u7FVdK1X-L4Nyh5e92QpFJS-V08Z5VR8064gwcyxO3t4bTTTcHQAQULO_eO2L0SmNRN3V2l3EMAXEO0bb3nygi3dscLDQqJ4bHxCclXlf1cJ8qzMatY_Cf1RH_q7qaTE0o/s1600/seeded+bell.jpg" /></a></div>
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It looks kind of blue here, but I promise, its clear.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTS5OpjwsSH_5Iu3rAPEv3e5gJ8YicQ2Ya-W-84l7RRkHLcE3wEsC2Wxsb_HVO2iE_u6DRr-7rTVAkL2_SUg1-JetLpgK9rZndFtBFa557Ll_368vd2MlUN2XHxTbT1jpAtdRvCfv2TCA/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTS5OpjwsSH_5Iu3rAPEv3e5gJ8YicQ2Ya-W-84l7RRkHLcE3wEsC2Wxsb_HVO2iE_u6DRr-7rTVAkL2_SUg1-JetLpgK9rZndFtBFa557Ll_368vd2MlUN2XHxTbT1jpAtdRvCfv2TCA/s640/009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjewGi_Tr75_s32x1CluCwXl0M57gmXb7qwBNRxXOqoa4owO331-vrBmc5xkMuPOksV7BsOrOxoVTALrfdS3c2Les3-C0zbxllFwuwlWfPMLJ6ooHqwhe4ehOyXfWVItLyC9PR-Ibzlmw/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjewGi_Tr75_s32x1CluCwXl0M57gmXb7qwBNRxXOqoa4owO331-vrBmc5xkMuPOksV7BsOrOxoVTALrfdS3c2Les3-C0zbxllFwuwlWfPMLJ6ooHqwhe4ehOyXfWVItLyC9PR-Ibzlmw/s640/010.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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It was clear immediately that I need clear light bulbs in the fixture instead of white ones. I bought some recently but they are way too bright, so I need to try again. I had a hard time finding the ones I got (which are Halogen) so hopefully I can find similar ones with a smaller wattage. </div>
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Regardless I'm psyched about how my bathroom is looking. The counter top is getting closer and closer to the top of the list!</div>
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<br /></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-10667394171063607742012-03-17T11:23:00.000-04:002012-03-20T14:12:46.108-04:00New Bathroom CabinetWhere we left off last, my bathroom looked like this:<script type="text/javascript">
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Big empty wall, and a tiny little medicine cabinet. I thought about doing open shelves in that area, but ultimately I wanted to be able to hide some of my things out of sight so I didn't have to throw everything under the sink when someone came by.</div>
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Enter this cabinet!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVF3hxyy5hyphenhyphenFG0-EZLTTSkl8w7BA9utcAaHpxLThLIX8LWdR69RArzzq7MsTb7j1SGe80bwvxJrN7KpiYboLugAgQoN_GoDQNGgk9R9PVgkUXhEqA_JZUbAE_pITurxnGkepwDpRapnQ/s1600/cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVF3hxyy5hyphenhyphenFG0-EZLTTSkl8w7BA9utcAaHpxLThLIX8LWdR69RArzzq7MsTb7j1SGe80bwvxJrN7KpiYboLugAgQoN_GoDQNGgk9R9PVgkUXhEqA_JZUbAE_pITurxnGkepwDpRapnQ/s400/cabinet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I got it for $59 at Home Depot. I tried to find a similar cabinet at various resale stores instead of buying a new one, but I had no luck and I was running out of patience. Home Depot actually has a reasonable selection of these types of cabinets- more shallow than a regular kitchen cabinet and yet the same height. The guy at home depot told me these are called "Over John" cabinets. Lovely.</div>
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The cabinet stayed in my car until the weekend when Mike and I could put it up. We watched several youtube videos on ways to install cabinets, and decided on a basic approach of drilling pilot holes in the wall and corresponding holes in the cabinet, putting anchors in the wall and then screwing through the cabinet into the wall. I just have to show you how we managed to keep the cabinet at the height we wanted without breaking our arms, AKA I didn't buy all those textbooks for nothing!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-HfdaQeqZtwmVB5Tq4uRW-olpqAnjYsSiujXgRPtzBIAtzIUCMMtN_UzRBSS5DXN1SRNUrUcWuRnUSQ1F_TOHeOWl4K1dzi4fR0KCuLP8ecvjMxLxSsTnrhuh-nbz9LlNiVSNwiqP8w/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-HfdaQeqZtwmVB5Tq4uRW-olpqAnjYsSiujXgRPtzBIAtzIUCMMtN_UzRBSS5DXN1SRNUrUcWuRnUSQ1F_TOHeOWl4K1dzi4fR0KCuLP8ecvjMxLxSsTnrhuh-nbz9LlNiVSNwiqP8w/s640/007.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is the junk I'm talking about. </div>
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Now you know what I read.</div>
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Mike is really excellent (and exact) at tasks like this, so I'm certain I could hang off this cabinet and it wouldn't fall down (not that I'm going to try) but also it is perfectly level, and even with the top of the mirror. Well done, Mike!</div>
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I want to pretty up that area now with some unnecessary accessories like a plant and maybe some pretty candles or something, but for now, this is what my bathroom looks like. I'm quite happy with the outcome!</div>
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The two things left that bug me are doing something with that dang ugly counter top (perhaps painting it), and making a curtain of some sort to cover the strange open space under half of the counter. Actually, I would really love to find the same fabric that my shower curtain is made of. The shower curtain is from Target, about 3 summers ago. Anyone have one kicking around that I could buy? I've tried to find one on Ebay, etc but have had no luck.</div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-60941623985685022572012-03-13T10:55:00.000-04:002012-03-13T10:55:16.051-04:00Simplicity 2444<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This past weekend was a good one. I got several projects around my condo done, errands run and even finished a sewing project!</div>
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While browsing Joann's on Saturday, I came across this fabric from April Johnston's line. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3S6QRAVlgwY_4oJI3aG-dSxAEdMnYYYY84rKMxwbci_hFAkECD0Um9FgOpxYc1MtBtiBdZTwJ8mICCSRPX4wHHy403aqDR_mg3N10M0EcjdopBaOvYCl68ijcSz5kADT-qw9vlJK3E4/s1600/peony+sateen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3S6QRAVlgwY_4oJI3aG-dSxAEdMnYYYY84rKMxwbci_hFAkECD0Um9FgOpxYc1MtBtiBdZTwJ8mICCSRPX4wHHy403aqDR_mg3N10M0EcjdopBaOvYCl68ijcSz5kADT-qw9vlJK3E4/s1600/peony+sateen.jpg" /></a></div>
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I liked it, but I wasn't sure what I would make with it, so I didn't pick it up (trying to resist the urge to hoard fabric!). Then later in the store I saw a repackage of Simplicity 2444 as Simplicity 0345 or something like that, which was just view A of this pattern below, and it was made in the above fabric. I decided this is what I would make with the fabric. Luckily Simplicity patterns were on sale at Joann's still, so I was able to get a copy of the full pattern for $1.99. I bought 2444 so I'd have the options of the neckline variations and sleeve variations in the future.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a9tusks-z50kSgkWMoq8pEc4PLrYC-R8mU69cu-f13BIS8qMAW6FpPR8WYk0FkscVsZEt0GreaCwv_25RbOBB5mM8rUdkr-95XLev33VZGasQhp2ABollLWqZxYSqYJFueVEzpJg3gw/s1600/2444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a9tusks-z50kSgkWMoq8pEc4PLrYC-R8mU69cu-f13BIS8qMAW6FpPR8WYk0FkscVsZEt0GreaCwv_25RbOBB5mM8rUdkr-95XLev33VZGasQhp2ABollLWqZxYSqYJFueVEzpJg3gw/s640/2444.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EXmq4Sh74i3QRZ1MHS5IpxmBBvyaDY7-RtqBtBhIKOe9Gc13TMN5V9QciY_QSGUK_MCdqGnG2CdaKVcVB4RhRznekn6eg5NVXd4_T_L4Y9qCKRLqPSL70rvxDWRPcG6Q4fpRUwn9WRg/s1600/2444line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EXmq4Sh74i3QRZ1MHS5IpxmBBvyaDY7-RtqBtBhIKOe9Gc13TMN5V9QciY_QSGUK_MCdqGnG2CdaKVcVB4RhRznekn6eg5NVXd4_T_L4Y9qCKRLqPSL70rvxDWRPcG6Q4fpRUwn9WRg/s640/2444line.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
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The dress sewed up really easily, I finished it in just a couple hours. The only change I made was to use pre-made bias tape instead of the facing the include in the pattern. This was just sheer laziness. I also used iron-on hem tape for the first time--not like stitch witchery, but a nice ribbon with adhesive on it that you use to finish a hem. Perhaps you all know what this is, I had never seen it before. I got it in a large lot of sewing notions at the Salvation Army several months ago. </div>
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I wore the dress to work with a bright orange cardigan, a pink beaded necklace and nude suede wedges, all from Target! (I love that place). I felt very springy, even though it rained most of the day.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6trxrwiVdyg/T15z52chcyI/AAAAAAAACDc/Txs-iBycgUI/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6trxrwiVdyg/T15z52chcyI/AAAAAAAACDc/Txs-iBycgUI/s640/001.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here is the dress without the cardigan.You cant see the bias tape, and that's the idea! I really love how it fits, and I lucked out again and didn't make any alterations. I think I will put a dart or two around the neckline to get it to lay flat but otherwise it is good to go. Apparently I need a new hairdo.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JSk7nTuwQug/T15z6J3V9ZI/AAAAAAAACDk/F6xVv0yIP4A/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JSk7nTuwQug/T15z6J3V9ZI/AAAAAAAACDk/F6xVv0yIP4A/s640/002.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Have you sewn this pattern? Did you like it?</div>
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</script>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-42897704600247293192012-03-11T21:05:00.000-04:002012-03-11T21:05:40.594-04:00Early Summer Butterick Patterns!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As if I don't have enough patterns already, I've looked over the new "early summer" offerings from Butterick and made some picks.</div>
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First, B5749:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6LEyTk7gcXE9hdNgGHOeeG1yCbik8chTGDIpYeMV8pbjRDYw9V7AcEXxJIHXjhTuqvHOaK8Hv7BzROxSVgxuwNN1Nbfehg419sKDcbmmtzg95dmJTmd7IcBy7oR0XTjHQfDMq36SQEw/s1600/B5749.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6LEyTk7gcXE9hdNgGHOeeG1yCbik8chTGDIpYeMV8pbjRDYw9V7AcEXxJIHXjhTuqvHOaK8Hv7BzROxSVgxuwNN1Nbfehg419sKDcbmmtzg95dmJTmd7IcBy7oR0XTjHQfDMq36SQEw/s640/B5749.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikH9JPJMhDn-f-Oe3oNw-wWys_LpRQstU5qH0zE8Wl7N924GgfM2JDLHpViRWKZHa8UoLtMmFlbCfBisvxTaHVfD8NVBb_ffr4lYD0CuHlwh_z72DIWbnZndF3BDGx71f-XStEe5riUbI/s1600/B5749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikH9JPJMhDn-f-Oe3oNw-wWys_LpRQstU5qH0zE8Wl7N924GgfM2JDLHpViRWKZHa8UoLtMmFlbCfBisvxTaHVfD8NVBb_ffr4lYD0CuHlwh_z72DIWbnZndF3BDGx71f-XStEe5riUbI/s640/B5749.jpg" width="606" /></a></div>
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I like this one because it looks dressy, but not so dressy that I couldn't wear it to work. I like the draping of the neck and waist. </div>
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B5750:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrcnxG22VVmNfMFT0nz_NFuA6MnzsKzYxj1HJqaJWxVOWjAgkY3ywIW6Me1Fl-S-6qvKQjj523M8ufGaBBYAqXzrqggcytY83NEWenp07zu3NOF1bihEZsv7ssC_sfsmU_54lpoDqPUM/s1600/B5750.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrcnxG22VVmNfMFT0nz_NFuA6MnzsKzYxj1HJqaJWxVOWjAgkY3ywIW6Me1Fl-S-6qvKQjj523M8ufGaBBYAqXzrqggcytY83NEWenp07zu3NOF1bihEZsv7ssC_sfsmU_54lpoDqPUM/s640/B5750.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXRHC5_woYgT7peZVtFaSeu8HjAR-c_AP3O_Bu3XY2ph995H_4wsHLcnab7601uhzfngKr2KcBqxYEzc-lEBOouFdncbU0e-ykdpvwSSStwYFTrYR873eDl4L9b7etS0kfpyGmMg5U-k/s1600/B5750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXRHC5_woYgT7peZVtFaSeu8HjAR-c_AP3O_Bu3XY2ph995H_4wsHLcnab7601uhzfngKr2KcBqxYEzc-lEBOouFdncbU0e-ykdpvwSSStwYFTrYR873eDl4L9b7etS0kfpyGmMg5U-k/s640/B5750.jpg" width="606" /></a></div>
Another one that I see as versatile, able to dress up or down. Plus it looks very breezy and summery.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcLmY9OwBJscNkEKQhp1xObNCL5TMzWIbFyrB-86JTdELnzEotjpVumEHJbaNikGNbOwuem5AbsqLbpkJYnsu6M5PusFXulZWZ8vzsljUUh7J15sLr4Ywaa_XPG82JjzMHYXUMZGVQVU/s1600/B5744.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcLmY9OwBJscNkEKQhp1xObNCL5TMzWIbFyrB-86JTdELnzEotjpVumEHJbaNikGNbOwuem5AbsqLbpkJYnsu6M5PusFXulZWZ8vzsljUUh7J15sLr4Ywaa_XPG82JjzMHYXUMZGVQVU/s640/B5744.gif" width="614" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XNsUrqXMrCCZCdfvYfNxba2MBe7o7oEfnAZQx357vxmInlPnmXb9T6igDbHJx5I5ikDGPrlXDPZdKgZqurtgQ-qkgT9VWjSb7pZSm7cPS7djdGIJT1gX5T3nPFj7PikyXseVrXZMeL0/s1600/B5744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XNsUrqXMrCCZCdfvYfNxba2MBe7o7oEfnAZQx357vxmInlPnmXb9T6igDbHJx5I5ikDGPrlXDPZdKgZqurtgQ-qkgT9VWjSb7pZSm7cPS7djdGIJT1gX5T3nPFj7PikyXseVrXZMeL0/s640/B5744.jpg" width="606" /></a></div>
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I really like view B of this pattern. I am currently digging the look of the skirt. I'm unsure if I would leave the ruffle on there or not, but I guess it gives it some nice visual appeal. </div>
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Unfortunately this round of patterns lacks any in the "WTF" category, I have no snarky comments to make about any of them!</div>
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</script>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-36717043186938889162012-02-24T16:11:00.001-05:002012-02-24T16:11:22.546-05:00New Spring Vogue Patterns<div>
Vogue released their new spring patterns ohh maybe 2 weeks ago. At about the same time, Vogue patterns were on sale for $3.99 at Joanns, so I picked up a couple.<br />
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The first one is V8787, an Easy Options pattern with an asymetrical neckline. I've actually already whipped this one up and wore it to work, it is a great little dress. I need to get pictures of it! I made view A below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuq1MZy5tcO1IY58OiHrIYxqRIuntgwGDXPuJg5qXWOTqzMDmHFwUCVHNc8s7p11U3QTT07EGd7_XV-EogIJwu0BgAJlJcjGGGHY4EkBAEEq4cHVhWDFQSjlWsRm_ClxVCkON06LjGi4/s1600/V8787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuq1MZy5tcO1IY58OiHrIYxqRIuntgwGDXPuJg5qXWOTqzMDmHFwUCVHNc8s7p11U3QTT07EGd7_XV-EogIJwu0BgAJlJcjGGGHY4EkBAEEq4cHVhWDFQSjlWsRm_ClxVCkON06LjGi4/s400/V8787.jpg" width="377" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOVsxC1NjPDOf8fhmISZGinCHqIN8ecIkomg0Cb8nLo_Z4iOrobffJzcZgoVzQYf3rRVT8ho2KS8wpbbwffV67MRpKbPL9rkB35Nr7qb0Ez2oYPUsVrEOoqFWHEvi81Ajnt2VH2zQ0pw/s1600/V8787.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOVsxC1NjPDOf8fhmISZGinCHqIN8ecIkomg0Cb8nLo_Z4iOrobffJzcZgoVzQYf3rRVT8ho2KS8wpbbwffV67MRpKbPL9rkB35Nr7qb0Ez2oYPUsVrEOoqFWHEvi81Ajnt2VH2zQ0pw/s400/V8787.gif" width="310" /></a></div>
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The other pattern I bought is V1287, a DKNY pattern. It's hard to see the details in the picture because of the crazy pattern they used but the line drawing shows it better. Also I liked that this pattern includes a slip. I am definitely going to make myself some slips! It is getting harder and harder for me to find the kind that I like.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisfSwWuucmEk0V5A6IF91zgqvwehrzTi36SRgE7tD2g1-R4QlUbr12mCQwOEYNkJrCGtdEjQ_6N0AEhe58XMz-X0FtJw2RGUSVWOxyzKcEREx-joxI7fxXS9KI7h5hIZ_fMqTMPgPLVE/s1600/V1287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisfSwWuucmEk0V5A6IF91zgqvwehrzTi36SRgE7tD2g1-R4QlUbr12mCQwOEYNkJrCGtdEjQ_6N0AEhe58XMz-X0FtJw2RGUSVWOxyzKcEREx-joxI7fxXS9KI7h5hIZ_fMqTMPgPLVE/s400/V1287.jpg" width="378" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFYjcl5yrTpZB8rU6YpnJlzQcI_QKQWGQ-GhqQKcAwLZGV60G8Sx-4kQ9QZ89o4P6m-_eoTyr85L3tqlAbxlZqz6gCxLnhNexuBdDthughly8427qz9o0DCpqn0E3z8auQjkcmip-Zko/s1600/V1287.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFYjcl5yrTpZB8rU6YpnJlzQcI_QKQWGQ-GhqQKcAwLZGV60G8Sx-4kQ9QZ89o4P6m-_eoTyr85L3tqlAbxlZqz6gCxLnhNexuBdDthughly8427qz9o0DCpqn0E3z8auQjkcmip-Zko/s400/V1287.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here are some patterns I didn't buy because I don't know when I would wear them, but I definitely like. </div>
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The first is V1280, a Donna Karan pattern. I like the interesting straps and asymmetrical back. But its a little too fancy for wearing to work!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCrk3qupPmVHQ3fsNqycQKFV1k1RBjvtBUqC5gLLDk3pDRT0qhyphenhypheniuY_4Nmdca7v75MazHAMwrvXcJ5XmaO5E8kjWv5L8pESFnlNyIeYIG8TS5RtnRYem86aDrwD2F1tfQ6RRD9Ere29U/s1600/V1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCrk3qupPmVHQ3fsNqycQKFV1k1RBjvtBUqC5gLLDk3pDRT0qhyphenhypheniuY_4Nmdca7v75MazHAMwrvXcJ5XmaO5E8kjWv5L8pESFnlNyIeYIG8TS5RtnRYem86aDrwD2F1tfQ6RRD9Ere29U/s320/V1280.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
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Lastly is V1286, a Tracy Reese pattern. This is definitely not appropriate for work but could make a cute summer dress for the weekends...or a cocktail dress if made from the right fabric. I may end up buying this pattern next time Vogue is on sale at Joann's. I just really love the back and the banding on the front.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX9-FI3X-QVBPRIg55Hl0V72TAUI5PnaoW4_10fq5R-ppNYSucbvtV-J-Y_X_8AYUtCZC0FYmFIgIvFfVIGc3tdbv20V_81gLVc64DObyQI89NPp3qai1OqmNLaXaHj53sA12KZgovYU/s1600/V1286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX9-FI3X-QVBPRIg55Hl0V72TAUI5PnaoW4_10fq5R-ppNYSucbvtV-J-Y_X_8AYUtCZC0FYmFIgIvFfVIGc3tdbv20V_81gLVc64DObyQI89NPp3qai1OqmNLaXaHj53sA12KZgovYU/s320/V1286.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
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In the WTF category is V1284, a Guy Laroche pattern. It's not flattering at all on the model and I can't imagine it would look good on anyone with curves! The model looks pissed and I can imagine why. Uggggllyy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjRN9wvf1fUhSKjL6z4vEeeERLs08d4V7uxvYaqY2EGkdUtCN8QrL98B1IUz1PCGZPkoI-Fjyjbm3TnSNoUjLw1g1k3ojRjlXehHLF6UfW56sT7oCNLw8svg-J0NhppOlWFmpfqicTVg/s1600/V1284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjRN9wvf1fUhSKjL6z4vEeeERLs08d4V7uxvYaqY2EGkdUtCN8QrL98B1IUz1PCGZPkoI-Fjyjbm3TnSNoUjLw1g1k3ojRjlXehHLF6UfW56sT7oCNLw8svg-J0NhppOlWFmpfqicTVg/s320/V1284.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
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Since my last post, I have moved all my sewing supplies up to the second bedroom. Here are some photos of how it looks now (pardon the mess!) I'm still trying to figure out the best placement of the furniture and all the gadgets I need. I also plan to put some things on the wall-- currently all my notions are in the closet but they would be more easily accessible on a shelf.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sNL87IQ4SeU/TzkRt_m21XI/AAAAAAAAB-g/jHqkB5J5V7Q/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sNL87IQ4SeU/TzkRt_m21XI/AAAAAAAAB-g/jHqkB5J5V7Q/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And I need to repaint my desk...but I love the light that comes thru these windows.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIWm45tg0D5OQbDRhH1LzfgNNeLWmbu7yroXptYFucbaoTuDC6J5K_EKSr9_Onk0xdUqn-mR8fAQlv1BHzZLumoNMug-GGRmzs-TLo1PKqMdeCV12LiBSC6hSZEPiAeXuMXURZaJZuOc/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIWm45tg0D5OQbDRhH1LzfgNNeLWmbu7yroXptYFucbaoTuDC6J5K_EKSr9_Onk0xdUqn-mR8fAQlv1BHzZLumoNMug-GGRmzs-TLo1PKqMdeCV12LiBSC6hSZEPiAeXuMXURZaJZuOc/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My ironing board.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qrvy8CZdCkU/TzkRpS9Pv4I/AAAAAAAAB-Y/bnQ5QGneivQ/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qrvy8CZdCkU/TzkRpS9Pv4I/AAAAAAAAB-Y/bnQ5QGneivQ/s640/003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This book case is going to have to move elsewhere. I don't use my statistics and calculus texts much while sewing, although they'd probably make nice pattern weights.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-giVGLLspaDs/TzkSJlY2bVI/AAAAAAAAB-w/kKAd0l5To2Y/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-giVGLLspaDs/TzkSJlY2bVI/AAAAAAAAB-w/kKAd0l5To2Y/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nice view out the window!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XPkEt-6ta4E/TzkST8HvCxI/AAAAAAAAB-4/qN13nTbLD-s/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XPkEt-6ta4E/TzkST8HvCxI/AAAAAAAAB-4/qN13nTbLD-s/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm not the only one that's enjoying the light in the new sewing space:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znKpbLtdpPs/TzkS9HgseoI/AAAAAAAAB_U/CT0oHxZepos/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znKpbLtdpPs/TzkS9HgseoI/AAAAAAAAB_U/CT0oHxZepos/s640/009.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FnSiVK0tswY/TzkTR2KU6rI/AAAAAAAAB_k/ywNRkNnHPo8/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FnSiVK0tswY/TzkTR2KU6rI/AAAAAAAAB_k/ywNRkNnHPo8/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxgewo-Zay6WSJKjA9oOu9u7TfDWvflEKxiS7LlWiYCIF0S_vkpuzdSEMqVy1T4VZwXBPFqIeUhCA80tViBfMFK8TZVFZIedSNsId-CoGgS7Pu5V-Jxe1Zldew7iXVxlG5IHzJYXlwkE/s1600/condo+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxgewo-Zay6WSJKjA9oOu9u7TfDWvflEKxiS7LlWiYCIF0S_vkpuzdSEMqVy1T4VZwXBPFqIeUhCA80tViBfMFK8TZVFZIedSNsId-CoGgS7Pu5V-Jxe1Zldew7iXVxlG5IHzJYXlwkE/s640/condo+019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've done that now, and I have to be honest. I don't like it. It's dark. It's kind of cold, and its dark. There is one small closet that I can store things in, and the rest of the stuff is out on a big wire shelf. It's ugly. I haven't posted pictures before because it never looks good in pictures, regardless of the amount of cleaning I do. But here are some pictures now...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZklN8D-ybJeRA70JI43KYp3zc3gYt6FNj2KVZ5ICiKhCkU5frj_TVbAivxEkjiCPOd2T3LmBiyQTxl3RFyv5xwL899Uym2zh822IxXaxtqbg_PoWs5JQt_6S6Bz4ktsD8GorCGfd6E0/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZklN8D-ybJeRA70JI43KYp3zc3gYt6FNj2KVZ5ICiKhCkU5frj_TVbAivxEkjiCPOd2T3LmBiyQTxl3RFyv5xwL899Uym2zh822IxXaxtqbg_PoWs5JQt_6S6Bz4ktsD8GorCGfd6E0/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While painting the walls white- ceiling tiles removed because of water damage from the kitchen flooding</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzaOB-xNzpemk5kc7K0cwm4eRVn_Gy8aPzsOU4sNUS1YDN4QvMQszCqOTN6HLtQ5RfoqgspWyqcL7GZQv-xvsqSqhUXud8JGdyOPPloTOqav9iTt8YUJWnr2L818OBhkUlnyR7ikhsIU/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzaOB-xNzpemk5kc7K0cwm4eRVn_Gy8aPzsOU4sNUS1YDN4QvMQszCqOTN6HLtQ5RfoqgspWyqcL7GZQv-xvsqSqhUXud8JGdyOPPloTOqav9iTt8YUJWnr2L818OBhkUlnyR7ikhsIU/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtRjbFzPu7OvEFCDVyUcJxBGiWIyew4mrw3c5Pwjkv1ot9IlIFOJg_zjWi1o_MQDu_MUjeD5jVkHFyLXo5jtbyo5EQawvr837fj7hl-0_isA5b2H_H7cRW1syftHtWFCGp8HFdaJxRnw/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtRjbFzPu7OvEFCDVyUcJxBGiWIyew4mrw3c5Pwjkv1ot9IlIFOJg_zjWi1o_MQDu_MUjeD5jVkHFyLXo5jtbyo5EQawvr837fj7hl-0_isA5b2H_H7cRW1syftHtWFCGp8HFdaJxRnw/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RMM3FHII6QsnNnNYyKSjj5-eMGZjeSqG-pLWmUFBmR1FLfNM32dTrCHbi0FJ_q9NEiVvCuWCrE4jpmHpLxqxfln2SyTLKcAkTa8-hHYDDVp3jUCGsxKGiMnS6q5g11O2_DOqy029Tjc/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RMM3FHII6QsnNnNYyKSjj5-eMGZjeSqG-pLWmUFBmR1FLfNM32dTrCHbi0FJ_q9NEiVvCuWCrE4jpmHpLxqxfln2SyTLKcAkTa8-hHYDDVp3jUCGsxKGiMnS6q5g11O2_DOqy029Tjc/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The area that now houses my elliptical</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNene5E_YWLOjSerfPwBFHHvY0G2jST2rcC9DLrbTXRZgn-Yj5ilzL-plqyy6wTzXV3E4tLitfJZNUVmG0Qq-RRvJUoALpUafstat24JcP59AKTXmjyf3V1ushAGgyAhIWXTIMSM5QTM/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNene5E_YWLOjSerfPwBFHHvY0G2jST2rcC9DLrbTXRZgn-Yj5ilzL-plqyy6wTzXV3E4tLitfJZNUVmG0Qq-RRvJUoALpUafstat24JcP59AKTXmjyf3V1ushAGgyAhIWXTIMSM5QTM/s640/009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the meantime, I have a nearly empty upstairs second bedroom with amazing light that I don't use. So while I was planning to make that into a guest room, but I spent last weekend carrying up a bunch of sewing things to make that room my sewing area. This is my space and I should use it however makes me most happy! I can always get an air mattress for guests to use in the sewing room instead of the bed...or hey, why not make the basement a "guest room"?<script type="text/javascript">
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</div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-37578163795822742502012-01-31T12:56:00.000-05:002012-02-01T22:37:36.736-05:00Tom Binns-Inspired Necklace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A couple weeks back a great blog <a href="http://cocokelly.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Coco+Kelly</a> had a <a href="http://cocokelley.blogspot.com/2012/01/trendwatch-fluro-pastels.html" target="_blank">post about combining pastels with </a><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>fluorescents</u></span>. The post featured the Tom Binns necklace shown below. For me, it was love at first sight. That was, until I saw the price-<a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/172575?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-ProductFeed-_-Tom_Binns-_-Jewelry&siteID=QFGLnEolOWg-pY6NZq1GwBn9AnywHM4_XA" target="_blank">-$1860</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iHw5LNQ2lF-mmOW6HSA6ed3IwYycVbJipyxuek1Jf9Ou5L0CAVgVm77eMRBtLEAx8K8lw250IifjvO1ZGLbrQ9lUPv2QHDf5XL3GVNKDauTMpwpdisghn3gizcjwQm_CBGA9p5c16vQ/s1600/tombinns1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iHw5LNQ2lF-mmOW6HSA6ed3IwYycVbJipyxuek1Jf9Ou5L0CAVgVm77eMRBtLEAx8K8lw250IifjvO1ZGLbrQ9lUPv2QHDf5XL3GVNKDauTMpwpdisghn3gizcjwQm_CBGA9p5c16vQ/s400/tombinns1.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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After looking at <a href="http://www.tombinnsdesign.com/" target="_blank">Tom Binns' website</a> a bit, I found several necklaces that I'd love to have in my collection, except for their price tag. I decided I might have to hit up Forever 21 and other similar stores with low priced trendy jewelry to get something similar when I remembered a DIY project I had seen on the blog <a href="http://www.fabfindsunder50.com/" target="_blank">Fab Finds Under $50</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNhlHUNxz0ebqpwG9xO6O9gKZhft-OLMD5KWJ4k-U9SQPVMFmEbp37JTBoCvsLiw9iZdNQbInW1IfXo7MuKTSmJDATNtDXpwMtdbgX1sdQatK1tjfTBmbcXdzkA8HULxwqiFKArgd92k/s1600/tombinns3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNhlHUNxz0ebqpwG9xO6O9gKZhft-OLMD5KWJ4k-U9SQPVMFmEbp37JTBoCvsLiw9iZdNQbInW1IfXo7MuKTSmJDATNtDXpwMtdbgX1sdQatK1tjfTBmbcXdzkA8HULxwqiFKArgd92k/s400/tombinns3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA68fezfdcboDAI2R_8HA27wdsN9hl787ra4a9AylM6H_mgz92vZ9TcXzoVpddnOHVUc5eLdZwkz9RYutjki1CeazvZ6Q-fupKrYNO9g7LWHV5JNJeGiZlazzBX016rtpVQb4AuPm5Ouc/s1600/tombinns2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA68fezfdcboDAI2R_8HA27wdsN9hl787ra4a9AylM6H_mgz92vZ9TcXzoVpddnOHVUc5eLdZwkz9RYutjki1CeazvZ6Q-fupKrYNO9g7LWHV5JNJeGiZlazzBX016rtpVQb4AuPm5Ouc/s400/tombinns2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kimberly took a plain rhinestone necklace she found at Burlington Coat Factory for $10 and added some nail polish. Her finished product is quite excellent:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc1DDX6ElfneRL-AbH_MBgOog4qgaw8e-Upqi_1Kt4AGOMNhUyDqBhPJMVZVWlR3m5WYHjSYy0BerOGM0jJgZKlyGxIDMvgAgMGfR3m_Sp7aGVZcpi6v0f8efN3nI7vuXMpRTlx4pfxc/s1600/fabfinds_before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc1DDX6ElfneRL-AbH_MBgOog4qgaw8e-Upqi_1Kt4AGOMNhUyDqBhPJMVZVWlR3m5WYHjSYy0BerOGM0jJgZKlyGxIDMvgAgMGfR3m_Sp7aGVZcpi6v0f8efN3nI7vuXMpRTlx4pfxc/s400/fabfinds_before.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWrx0BwDkp-pEwfwM7epBnTKG1C1vmNmjJI5wMdMGBS5_7Qk_HtUnq3PKxEBhqcjzgiiq4IS8oygOrq2uIqF7BSkbW7q00bu-dmE9V4wY7rrT38Y6tY45U78jdReEiXrpaCYOUAXkI0k/s1600/fabfinds_after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWrx0BwDkp-pEwfwM7epBnTKG1C1vmNmjJI5wMdMGBS5_7Qk_HtUnq3PKxEBhqcjzgiiq4IS8oygOrq2uIqF7BSkbW7q00bu-dmE9V4wY7rrT38Y6tY45U78jdReEiXrpaCYOUAXkI0k/s400/fabfinds_after.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
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It took me a couple days to find a suitable starting necklace, but I finally found one--on clearance even--at Claire's in my local mall. It was originally $25 or so, but was only $5 that day. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InZGSZ3YbNU/TxeETLKNZKI/AAAAAAAAB6w/RugXi4ai6ek/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InZGSZ3YbNU/TxeETLKNZKI/AAAAAAAAB6w/RugXi4ai6ek/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like Kimberly, I collected my bright nail polish and purchased a couple cheap new colors that I didn't have. I then set out to paint the stones. I tried to not paint the prongs originally, but eventually gave up. This is my final product</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_9HQVG0WOs/TxeEq8cckRI/AAAAAAAAB7A/jRrwuPmJ79k/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_9HQVG0WOs/TxeEq8cckRI/AAAAAAAAB7A/jRrwuPmJ79k/s640/013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_i7MdbnfDbGcqZAkzXxgLeU3zo5JDmoX35afWbAAdiv1XXjH2BDvrIZ_bksHskRTtq18xwHsrTVC_zDergsptyoJderbPaPd_DxuQbMxsq_v8yhKZ7m_JPBpD6KjgU1ayFq6UtsO9YWs/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_i7MdbnfDbGcqZAkzXxgLeU3zo5JDmoX35afWbAAdiv1XXjH2BDvrIZ_bksHskRTtq18xwHsrTVC_zDergsptyoJderbPaPd_DxuQbMxsq_v8yhKZ7m_JPBpD6KjgU1ayFq6UtsO9YWs/s640/012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My partner in coming up with these projects, also named Allison, made her own Tom Binns inspired piece, based on the second necklace above. She started with a necklace that she found for $25 (came with matching earrings, of course)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7lqjHj7HPU80oZmpDkXbv6HoktPfX2xnBNaSRWXZMvdBlSoOm4tvfJ6W37zAUmzn4duHM81NCV1lCGtf-kueHe9Nq_WK1uDZOlXOHB5u7xjC3awbg-V58JcaNiRbrNySfSGvv5fSj-I/s1600/allison_before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7lqjHj7HPU80oZmpDkXbv6HoktPfX2xnBNaSRWXZMvdBlSoOm4tvfJ6W37zAUmzn4duHM81NCV1lCGtf-kueHe9Nq_WK1uDZOlXOHB5u7xjC3awbg-V58JcaNiRbrNySfSGvv5fSj-I/s640/allison_before.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then she painted some random areas on the necklace with neon yellow nail polish. Her finished project is below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha33pFpDrIZYch3hdK1I0OSqZlq7ShfTr-Y2B9G4nd6EBh9mPVwpkyRiY8CeJG9zpL3-R1t8k9NnCDx3XYmgsiHuP4c2FybPRoEHG5hjFmInDTwT-ktp1D4PZmpuWwLEZ5mQktRj7sZpk/s1600/allison_after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha33pFpDrIZYch3hdK1I0OSqZlq7ShfTr-Y2B9G4nd6EBh9mPVwpkyRiY8CeJG9zpL3-R1t8k9NnCDx3XYmgsiHuP4c2FybPRoEHG5hjFmInDTwT-ktp1D4PZmpuWwLEZ5mQktRj7sZpk/s640/allison_after.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In addition, I've found another <a href="http://www.lovemaegan.com/2009/10/multi-strand-chains-vintage-rhinestones.html" target="_blank">Tom Binns inspired necklace DIY</a>, at<a href="http://www.lovemaegan.com/" target="_blank"> Love Maegan</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ST-O3XwyOj8Ki_XAXarOUDgDDfiPeVHTUXMsPbJUuMyEO_vbYBDZyb42cimLWWfCpKcOdPP1kJps7XFXcETqIp5EoeWXnk5OPK9tjjLP2fGrBzmlUwwdM4cHbsXtVed8ujKNggJzDLs/s1600/magean_after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ST-O3XwyOj8Ki_XAXarOUDgDDfiPeVHTUXMsPbJUuMyEO_vbYBDZyb42cimLWWfCpKcOdPP1kJps7XFXcETqIp5EoeWXnk5OPK9tjjLP2fGrBzmlUwwdM4cHbsXtVed8ujKNggJzDLs/s320/magean_after.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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What projects have you done that were inspired by an item way out of your price range? And doesn't doing it yourself feel great, better than doling out the cash?</div>
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<a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><img alt="IhookedupwithHoHlamespice" src="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/HoHnewfeatured1.png" /></a></div>
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</script>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-60461915068792758932012-01-28T23:33:00.000-05:002012-01-28T23:33:33.947-05:00Small updates= big impactBelow is my guest post as it appeared on <a href="http://theivycottageblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Ivy Cottage</a>!<br />
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Hello! My name is Allison, and I my blog is called "Welcome to My Home." The name came from the first line of Brenda Dickson's home tour from the 80's. If you've never seen that video, now is the time! It is usually available on Youtube, but is taken down from time to time. The OFFICIAL trailer is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4K2qdXdf_A" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
Anyway, as you can tell, I have a sense of humor. I'm a statistician (yup, you read correctly) in my mid-twenties and originally started my blog as a way to let me family who lives far away see my projects.<br />
I write about sewing, crafting and updates I am doing to my newly (end of October, 2011) purchased Condo. You can see my whole blog at <a href="http://www.aburlock.blogspot.com/">www.aburlock.blogspot.com</a>!<br />
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When I <a href="http://aburlock.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-digs.html" target="_blank">bought </a> <a href="http://aburlock.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-house.html" target="_blank">my condo</a>, I inherited all the outdated fixtures you can imagine. There is more brass and almond color in this condo than you can shake a stick at. I decided along with fresh coats of paint on the ceilings, walls and trim I would update the switches, outlets and doorknobs.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--RrDj9AmtVo/TtOlm6ERCVI/AAAAAAAABw0/ISrwmJJHQ0g/s1600/Picture+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--RrDj9AmtVo/TtOlm6ERCVI/AAAAAAAABw0/ISrwmJJHQ0g/s400/Picture+013.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nd_NtBT0Tk8/TwZY0InpRVI/AAAAAAAAB30/rqgRvPI9Khs/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nd_NtBT0Tk8/TwZY0InpRVI/AAAAAAAAB30/rqgRvPI9Khs/s400/004.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Probably time to paint that door. It's supposed to be white but look at it next to the trim! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mQALkIwv84/TtOluAw2mnI/AAAAAAAAByc/f7YpOBwGfWY/s1600/Picture+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mQALkIwv84/TtOluAw2mnI/AAAAAAAAByc/f7YpOBwGfWY/s400/Picture+012.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Ugly Carpet! Good thing that's gone. Read more about my new floors <a href="http://aburlock.blogspot.com/2011/12/floors-are-finished.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4toFsFNcUIVEOD3pY4y-4semV5Yonc3C7yIDpejo8gbMQd0puEtA4qTH6DkijUkzPf0TLHNfzQvbxSw1YDkobMaH1gtcKwJQh_OtGNddxEPkhKDMYsIvgQXobv4bdFAVppqU0zy8eB7I/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4toFsFNcUIVEOD3pY4y-4semV5Yonc3C7yIDpejo8gbMQd0puEtA4qTH6DkijUkzPf0TLHNfzQvbxSw1YDkobMaH1gtcKwJQh_OtGNddxEPkhKDMYsIvgQXobv4bdFAVppqU0zy8eB7I/s320/008.JPG" width="240" /></a>
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I've slowly but surely been replacing these fixtures, and what a difference it makes! </div>
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Turns out door knobs really aren't that expensive--about $10 each, and aren't hard at all to install.</div>
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The results really are impressive.</div>
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See those closet door knobs in the back? Also brass. I'm in the process of spray painting those nickel to make them match. I tried to find new knobs, out of laziness, but I was unable to find any I liked that were large enough. One can of spray paint will take care of all 3 of them in the condo and I can update them later if I find something I love!</div>
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The second thing I've been tackling is outlets and light switches. All of the outlets and switches and corresponding covers were that bisque color that never looks clean, in my opinion. And they don't look clean especially when they AREN'T clean:</div>
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The good news is new switches and outlets are extremely inexpensive to buy, and rather easy to install yourself. It requires turning off your electricity, unscrewing some wires from the old fixture and putting them back on the new fixture in the same place. I'm not going into anymore detail than that because I'm not an electrician. But this is a really simple task that can be done without an electrician (but at your own risk!).</div>
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The result is clean, beautiful outlets and switches! It is really amazing how much these little tweaks change the feel of a house. And I personally think that having consistent fixtures throughout helps keep your house calm. Paying attention to the details makes your house look well taken care of, which we all want, right?<br />
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What small changes have you made in your house that have had a big impact?<br />
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If you want to see more, check out my blog at www.aburlock.blogspot.com. In particular, check out my <a href="http://aburlock.blogspot.com/2011/12/floors-are-finished.html" target="_blank">new flooring</a> and my <a href="http://aburlock.blogspot.com/2011/11/kitchen-progress.html" target="_blank">kitchen </a><a href="http://aburlock.blogspot.com/2011/11/painting-cabinets.html" target="_blank">updates</a>!<br />
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<br /></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6695486203371270505.post-19697339442529055222012-01-26T15:56:00.001-05:002012-01-26T15:56:31.667-05:00Built-in Shelving?Just today I was browsing Apartment Therapy when I came across <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/small-space-storage-solution-look-above-the-door-164953" target="_blank">this post</a> about putting shelving over your door when I was struck with an idea.<script type="text/javascript">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/small-space-storage-solution-look-above-the-door-164953" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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What if I were to make built-in shelving on the wall that I currently have my TV on? It could go on that wall, over the door, and down the other side of the doorway. </div>
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Unfortunately this is a new idea and I don't have a good picture of that wall at the moment. But here is a sort of angled view of the wall just after my floors were installed.</div>
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And here's an awesome mock-up of what it might look like with my TV on the middle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQzxSZPvSFtnD6fWhIE5suw6ovgJY5_WrPU8K__GW1RUsrsiUG0t5uJ_Rm0jz7mh5jB3lTPHzg4A4WJtOXjlnGS8sdzv4VrwEoGLblP-06svyZjXu1hYCwGlF4V3xO9bzfwkDYBf_T2Y/s1600/bookcase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQzxSZPvSFtnD6fWhIE5suw6ovgJY5_WrPU8K__GW1RUsrsiUG0t5uJ_Rm0jz7mh5jB3lTPHzg4A4WJtOXjlnGS8sdzv4VrwEoGLblP-06svyZjXu1hYCwGlF4V3xO9bzfwkDYBf_T2Y/s640/bookcase.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
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What do you think?? Should I go for it?</div>
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Allison</div>
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<br /></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411984306425518138noreply@blogger.com0