OUT OF THE BLUE

Out of the Blue

315 S Cedros

Solana Beach, CA 92075

858.755.7630

As promised, pictures from the shop. Just know that I could have taken a lot more than I did. In every nook, cranny and corner, there are all kinds of treasures. I thought I'd let the pictures speak for themselves.

Enjoy!

A LITTLE OF THIS THAT AND THE OTHER MARKET PLACE IS HAVING A SALE

I was so busy changing the prices of the pillows, etc. in my shop that I forgot to mention that I'm having a sale! Go check here for all the details.

THE MERMAID'S MERCANTILE

The Mermaid's Mercantile is held in the side yard of Out Of The Blue, a very cute shop in Solana Beach, owned by Debi Beard.

The fabulous Deb Hodge was there with her equally fabulous belts. And just so you know, these belts caused a near riot in Arizona earlier this month. They sell as soon as she makes them!

Her ever popular 'faith' belt, embellished with beaded trim.

The latest denim craze, the slouchy boyfriend jeans, altered as only Deb does it.

New styles of belts.

Perfect for the beach!

Another 'faith' style.

Custom designed for Debi by Deb.

I took 75 pictures yesterday, so there is lots more to share. Tomorrow I'll feature the actual shop, Out of The Blue. You don't want to miss it. It may just be the cutest shop ever! And I do mean EVER!!!

MISSING THE 'KIDS' FROM DOWN THE STREET

Miss Paws

Miss Scout

And Mr. Kenyon

It's just not the same with them all gone. I spoke with Kim yesterday. She called while on the River Walk in San Antonio. The dogs are traveling well, though I am sure they all want to get to St. Simon's sooner rather than later. Kim's mom was flying into San Antonio yesterday and will drive the rest of the way with her and the dogs.

WHITE LINEN SLIPCOVERS

I finished last night and just got home from delivering these white linen slipcovers. The good thing is, they are washable; so if the unthinkable (cranberry sauce or red white, eek!) happens, my client can wash it right out. I don't think the grandkids will be allowed on the furniture tomorrow, though, just to be safe!

Over all view of the sofa, 2 wing chairs and the ottoman.

The sofa with its extra large pillows.

I did a 2" pleated ruffle on the 3 throw pillows.

The skirts on the sofa and ottoman are gathered just at the corners.

The ottoman also got a short skirt.

The wing chairs are a slightly different size, though to look at them, you can't tell. Luckily, my client pointed it out when I was there cutting because I, for sure, would have just cut one, made two the same size and just now when I was putting everything on, I would have found out I screwed up. I've done it before and it isn't fun.

All the pieces, except of course the ottoman, got buttons up the back, though none of them had to be undone to get the slipcovers on. They just look cuter that way.

Hope everyone has a wonderful and yummy Thanksgiving!

BELLA RUSTICA IS LEAVING TOWN

Today's the day. The movers are packing Kim's house right now. Tomorrow she begins her cross-country journey to her new home on Saint Simon's Island, Georgia. Since she'll be traveling with 3 large labs, she'll be taking her time. Coronado just won't be the same with her gone. I'll miss all of you!

I delivered these cushions to Kim last week, but this chair was off being repaired. I wanted to get pictures before the movers packed them.

Flat-flange welting in contrasting fabric.

Same for the back cushion.

This is an example of not-enough-of-either-fabric to make two complete cushions. So each got welting in the opposite fabric to at least make them look like they go together. Both fabrics are Sunbrella and will look great on Kim's new porch.

GOING AWAY SLIPCOVERS

This is a partial post of the slipcovers I am doing for Kim before she leaves for Georgia next Monday.

This little ottoman is mostly used by Paws (her 14 year old lab) to get on and off the sofa. I cut the top piece and she had it printed with the fleur de lis. Then I made the slipcover.

This ottoman is at the foot of her bed and serves the same purpose. After I made this one, Kim decided she'd rather have a gathered skirt, so I took this tailored skirt off, took it partially apart, added the extra fabric and lining, and gathered it. I just forgot to take a picture of the new one.

This small chaise got two new covers. The skirt on this (not visible) is tailored and short.

Back view

This is the other fabric (with the gathered, to the floor skirt) and you can see the size better with Scout on it. This is her chaise.

The #3 is for Kim's 3 'kids,' Paws, Scout and the newly adopted Kenyon.

This slipcover is the first time I have ever made a skirt and not lined it. Instead of the 'normal' 2 1/2 times fullness for the skirt, it is just 1 1/2 times full, which is also a first. I was actually pleasantly surprised and pleased with the result.

The back side of the chair. I think Kim has decided to paint the legs black.

The rest of the photos will have to come later, as the other 2 slipcovers are not finished yet. Kim is having the inside back of the light blue linen one printed with an image (yet to be determined) and then, at the last minute added another for the same chaise (a larger, people-sized one) and I have basically run out of time as I have another job that must be finished by Thanksgiving. Those will have to be mailed to her in Georgia.

LEE JOFA BEDDING

Those who know me know I love color. However, these are not those colors. And I am not crazy about pattern in large amounts. That being said, part of what makes what I do fun is all the different fabrics I get to work with. I don't have to love what I'm sewing, though it is more fun. For this client/job, I was working with a designer. He worked with the client on the choice of fabric. I just make what I'm given. I am rarely involved on the fabric side, just the fabrication of whatever it is they want.

The designer had the headboard reupholstered. I made the pillow shams, the long bolster, the coverlet and the bed skirt. I am unable to quilt fabric, so Michael had the fabric quilted locally and then I made the coverlet. Next time, I will seam the pieces first, have it quilted and then cut it to size and finish the edges. Sewing it was quite a challenge.

I think this is the longest bolster I've ever made. Again, a challenge because sewing a 48" zipper into a 'tube' of fabric that is only about 7" in diameter is kinda hard.

The client was very happy with the completed project and that's what's important.

PINK DENIM!

Even more than white denim, I LOVE pink denim. And it is so perfect for a little girl's room! Girls may be made of sugar and spice, but having a washable slipcover is still a smart thing.

Those covered buttons I love. And in this case, although they do work, they are strictly decorative.

I got this pink denim in the fabric district up in LA about 4 years ago. The bolt had approximately 60 yards on it. I've used it on several different jobs over the years and am sorry to say that this slipcover took the last of what I had.

The little Tutu Monkey who I made the slipcover for.

I delivered 4 different jobs yesterday, so the next several posts will all be of new slipcovers and bedding.