A Little of This That and the Other

A NEW JOURNEY BEGINS...

2011-12-30T08:16:00.000-08:00

It's been quite a year and as 2011 comes to a close, I am just really grateful that I made it through! The changes I spoke of several posts back are manifesting themselves nicely. I am in the process of deciding on a new name for what will turn out to be, I think, the biggest project of my life. I had hoped to continue to do it from this blog, but it is so radically different from what I am doing now that it really does not make sense to do that. I am hopeful that I will still do posts here, too, though my track record of late isn't very good. As I said before, I will continue to sew and create for my clients' homes AND I will be writing.

Make 2012 the best year of your life!!!

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

2011-12-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a

Joyous New Year!!!

GIVE-A-WAYS AT BELLA RUSTICA

2011-12-05T14:00:00.001-08:00

Treat yourself to a look at Bella Rustica Market - weekly give-a-ways through Christmas and her signature burlap pillows are two for one for another week. Limited to stock on hand so hurry...

WELCOME BABY

2011-12-01T19:39:00.001-08:00

Just when I put it out into the 'world' that I intend to start doing more writing, I seem to have frozen up. Oh, there's a reason for it and, I promise, I will get to it one of these days. That day is not today, however.

Today, I'll post about the crib skirt and bumpers I did recently. Of course, they took me far longer that I would ever have thought possible. That would be due to the fact that my brain is on a bit of a holiday.

(More on that in a future post.)

I had an existing crib set to copy, so I didn't have to truly figure out how to make it. It was very clever the way it was done, though, and how the bumper ties on. It was one long 'cushion' with two loops on one end and ties on the other to make the rectangular shape. The skirt, welting and ties are of the same contrasting fabric.

I made the bumper with a zipper that runs the entire length so that the inside 'pillows' can be removed and the bumper washed.

With as much trouble as this job gave me, I was very pleasantly surprised at how good it all turned out.

Another close-up of the ties attaching the bumper to the crib rails.

My client is having a boy in January and his new room is ready and waiting his much anticipated arrival.

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR

2011-11-10T11:05:00.001-08:00

You may be wondering, why all the quotes? Well, as the title of my post says, CHANGE IS IN THE AIR. For several years now, I have been slightly (not a lot, just a little) dissatisfied with what I have been doing. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE what I do AND I've felt that something needed to change. I just wasn't sure how to go about making the shift. I am currently in the middle of making that shift. Almost 7 weeks ago I went through an extremely traumatic event. I am still dealing with it and, unfortunately, will be for some time to come. I will continue to sew (for now) and will slowly transition to what I've been longing to do. Actually, there are several things I will be pursuing: photography (which will most likely involve custom fabrics) and writing. Let's just say that I have a lot to say and leave it at that for now. Since I will not be giving up what I have been doing for the last 20 years, I will continue to post about my various jobs. I will also begin to have more varied posts. I hope that those of you who have followed me for the last few years will continue to do so. The subject matter I will be writing about is very personal and I am hopeful that while it helps me to deal with what has happened, it will also be helpful to many others. I apologize for being somewhat cryptic here and I promise it will all become clear in the next several days. The urge to share has become overwhelming, and I plan to listen more closely than I ever have before to what my mind, body and spirit are telling me to do.

In case any of you are not familiar with Pinterest, all of the preceding quotes came from there.

A LA JOLLA FAMILY ROOM

2011-11-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

Love seat slipcovered in red/white ticking. Throw pillows that incorporate all the fabrics used in the room. A great way to tie everything together.

Queen Anne's chair with yellow/white check.

Notice how the slipcover follows the woodwork on the front of the seat.

One of two wings chairs slipcovered in this Ralph Lauren stripe w/ floral pattern.

The whole room: 3 completely different fabrics and all go together beautifully.

PILLOWS GALORE

2011-10-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

My client needed these pillows in a hurry. Her client's home was to be photographed and the original date was moved up, which meant I had to sew fast. There were 7 total pillows and I knew that I could easily make them all in one day if I absolutely had to. Turned out I had to!

I decided to make these two first as they were much more complicated than the others. As I was working on them, I kept thinking, why does she want them this way? They were a pain and I thought the fabric was interesting enough without adding a band of fabric with another trim on top. Well, when I finished them, I understood. They turned out really nicely and looked much better than I thought they would. Perhaps this is why I am the seamstress and not the designer? I think they turned out even better than the designer thought they would. Funny how that works.

These 4 were pretty easy, just brush fringe and zipper closure.

One side was blue tweed and the other was blue silk.

And last, but not least, one in a gold tweed with brush fringe.

Close up of fringe.

Don't know when the photos will be in the magazine, or, for that matter, what magazine they will be in. I forgot to ask. I was just happy to get them done in time.

A VERY ROMANTIC BEDROOM

2011-10-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

I looked through ALL 354 previous posts to make sure I never posted these pictures before. I couldn't find that I had, but, if for some reason I did, please forgive me. This bedroom, well, at least the bed, was so pretty it deserves a second look.

As pretty as it is and as nice as it turned out, the process of getting it to this point was not so fun. The fabric for the panels is sheer, my least favorite kind of fabric to work with. And as if that wasn't enough, the tabs had to actually work. The canopy was permanently together, so faking it wasn't an option.

The funny thing is when I measured and figured out how much fabric we would need and how many buttons and tabs (96!) there would be, I somehow 'forgot' that if I needed 96 buttons, that meant I would have to make 96 buttonholes! Yikes, that's a whole lot of buttonholes! Not to mention 96 buttons to sew on.

The end result was worth it. It gave a romantic feel to an otherwise not-so-romantic bedroom, which is why I have only pictures of the bed.

A FITTED BEDSPREAD

2011-10-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know this is not the most exciting thing I ever posted. And with everything being the same color, well, that doesn't help it either. Still, I was very happy with how it all turned out. As was the client, which is even more important!

Flanged pillow shams and a pillow tuck.

The split AND fitted corners gave me trouble. That is, until I realized I could treat it as a giant ottoman with corners that were only sewn part of the way down. Once I figured it out, I couldn't understand why I thought it was so difficult. I was making it harder that it actually was.

I promise next post will be more exciting!

WHITE LINEN WING CHAIR SLIPCOVER

2011-10-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

White linen slipcovers never go out of style! With the short, gathered skirt, this wing chair is updated and ready for anything.

This time, instead of covering buttons with the linen, my client wanted abalone buttons. It makes a nice change and adds interest to the back of the chair.

Close-up of shell buttons.

The 'man' of the house, Bailey, on 'his' new, luckily washable, throne.

THE COOLEST THING -- MAYBE EVER

2011-09-29T09:28:00.000-07:00

I took this picture with my new camera (thanks, Bill!) a couple of weeks ago. The orchids were awfully pretty on their own, but you know me and Photoshop.

This is one of the versions I came up with. Not entirely sure how I got the colors this way, but I was thrilled with it. The others were pretty nice, too.

This, though, is what is so cool: I had fabric made with my photo! Most everyone has probably heard of Spoonflower, the web site that allows you to make your own fabric. Well, I finally decided to give it a try. I am beyond happy with the results. The best part is I can now offer custom fabric for my custom home furnishings! Just imagine the possibilities - personalized, custom toiles; your own dog or cat or child on fabric for a favorite chair; your favorite picture from a trip forever memorialized on a duvet cover; vintage photo draperies. The possibilities are endless. I am so excited about this. All I need is a photo to begin the process.

THE TAVERN - CORONADO

2011-09-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

One of the newest restaurants to open in Coronado is called The Tavern. It is located across from the Hotel Del Coronado at 1310 Orange Avenue. I had the honor of making the cushions for the banquets and booths. We are talking 23 cushions, some quite long. It was a challenge, but, it seems, most of my jobs are in some way a challenge. An even bigger challenge was taking photographs once the cushions were in place. The restaurant is dark, the fabric is dark brown (thank goodness for the contrast welt) and the wood is brown. Still, it all looks great.

The table tops in the booth area are a beautiful turquoise.

The floors are made from recycled basketball flooring. Very cool! And it adds some color to the space.

Had I made just one cushion here, it would have been 344" long! Instead, I made 4 that were still 86" each.

The cushions in my workroom before being transported to their new home.

On opening night...Bill Harris, me and Laura Petersen.

ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING

2011-09-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

Kim Kelly and Bella Rustica are at it again. To get the entire story, go to her blog and read about the transformation of her new house on Saint Simons Island, Georgia. The small part I played in the renovation is captured in the pictures below. Although I haven't seen it in person yet, Kim's style is recognizable anywhere and, though it now has some beach touches that she didn't really use in her house here in Coronado, it is still pure Kim Kelly!

This is a shot from the living room into the kitchen, where the burlap (yes, burlap!) roman shade that I made is sort of visible. Talk about a pain to sew. Personally, I can't stand burlap to begin with. I know a lot of people love it, but it's scratch-y and it comes in colors I am not crazy about. And it is hard to sew. It shifts and sheds and is generally more of a challenge than I like. Still, when she ask me to do it, of course, I said, YES!

Here you can just see the bottom of the shade, but what's really cool is her new sink. Love it!

Another view of said burlap roman shade.

Living room with ottoman I did before she left for Georgia.

Linen duvet cover on bed.

CLEARING OUT THE OLD, MAKING ROOM FOR THE NEW

2011-09-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has been a very long time, more than 3 months, since I last blogged. To say that I've been busy and otherwise occupied would be an understatement. The truth is, I miss blogging and I miss reading other blogs. But, most of all, I miss my blogging friends. Part of what I've been going through the last, well, really, couple of years, is a desire to clear out the old to make room for the new. Several weeks ago I held a (HUGE) garage sale in my backyard. The pictures below are from that Thursday (big garage sale day here in Coronado) and Saturday. When it was all over, I did quite well (enough to pay for the new clutch and starter in my car) though to look around at the yard, it looked like I sold NOTHING. I had sooo much to get rid of. What was left was donated to Goodwill and to other worthwhile organizations. My house and yard look like a 'normal' person live here, though my garage still needs a little work. The biggest lesson from this experience has been learning that I CAN let go and release all of what I am not using and do not need. I had literally 100's of yards of fabric (some calicos since 1977!) that were doing me no good, packed neatly away in various boxes and such. The local puppetry theatre that got a large majority of it will benefit in ways that I never would have.

You may have noticed, too, some slight changes in my blog design. Well, the fonts anyway. I would like to re-design the entire thing to signal the changes in my life, but too much all at once is more than I can handle. Slowly, but slowly I am making the changes I need to make. My blog will, no doubt, relect them over the coming weeks and months.

VINTAGE BEDSPREAD SLIPCOVERS

2011-05-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

I delivered this sofa, chair and pillows yesterday. This job, a job that should have been much quicker and easier, took far longer than I ever thought it would. It didn't LOOK like it would be so challenging. The fact that I really didn't have enough of the bedspreads didn't help matters at all.

Even the pillows were a challenge because I had to remake them, which meant completely taking them apart, serging the pieces, and washing said pieces before adding the white linen to make them larger. The backs are the bedspread fabric.

Because there were only 3 full-size spreads and the old slipcover (which had holes that had to be worked around) from the sofa, I was working with, truly, not enough fabric. To make up for this, I used white linen for all the welting and white denim for the zipper boxes on the cushions and the decks on both pieces. The hardest thing, though, is this type of 'fabric' tends to 'grow' once it's cut out. Luckily, I was aware of this from previous jobs and that kept me on my toes the entire time, and a little concerned that once I finished them, they would be too big. It also made me not want to work on them.

For the sofa back, I made a big tuck at the center to allow for the arms sticking out further than the top. Buttons and button holes weren't really an option and this seemed the safest way to make sure the slipcover would actually go on without ripping it. I made the ties from the linen.

I, of course, had the same concerns with the chair. It was somewhat easier because a chair isn't as big as a sofa. Still, it was nerve racking.

I have to say that I was quite pleased and happy with how it all turned out.

My client was as well and in spite of them being more than two weeks late (combination of hurt back and a death in the family,) she added a large 'tip' to the final balance due! I've said it before and I'll say it again:

I have the BEST clients!

LEATHER SLIPCOVERS?

2011-05-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's not really leather, but it sure looks like it.

And it was almost as difficult to work with. The fabric was some kind of fake ultra suede.

And my serger really didn't like it at all. It skipped stitched and generally made serging the edges a challenge. In the end, though, it was worth all the pain: my client loved it!

I especially liked the ottoman. If it wasn't for the gathered skirts, you really would like the chair and ottoman were covered in leather. It's just amazing what they can do with fabrics these days.

On another note, I have been having a lot of trouble with my back again, which has made posting more difficult. It is much better, but still less than ideal.

MOO CARDS

2011-04-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

I received my new business cards yesterday. If you've been living under a rock or for some other reason simply do not know about moo.com, do yourself a favor and check it out.

Besides being incredibly cute, the possibilities are endless for designs. All of these are photos that I've taken and altered in Photoshop. I chose only 25 different images, but you can choose up to 100, so that all your cards are different. The card stock is VERY heavy and the service is quick. They have lots more than just these mini-cards.

Since I cannot seem to decide how to use my photography, this allows me to use the images while still figuring out what else I can do with them.

The only drawback to having such adorable cards is people tend to take more than one!

This is the only black and white image I decided to use. And as you can see, you have the option of up to 6 lines of information on the flip side of the card. If you haven't done so yet, go play at moo.com.

DAY BED

2011-04-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

This day bed is in a home here in Coronado. The designer, Max King, lives in New York City and the client lives in Connecticut. This is her second home.

The idea in this room was too make it look less like a bedroom and more like a sitting room.

These bolsters are HUGE. Once I made them I realized I was going to have a problem getting the covers on because, normally, when you put a bolster into a cover, you kind of bend it to get it in. Since these are so big, bending wasn't an option. At first I thought I was going to have to take off one end, slide the bolster in that way and then sew the end back on by hand. In the end, I smooshed it down enough that it popped in and I was able to zip it shut.

And as if the challenge of getting the bolster covers on wasn't enough...When we were installing everything, I opened up the coverlet and Max said, "They sent the wrong fabric. That's the wrong color." Great, I thought. Then I turned it over for him to see the 'wrong' side of the fabric and he said, "That's the right side." Turns out I used the wrong side as the right side. So I had to take it home, take the entire thing apart, turn the pieces inside out, make new welting (as it couldn't be reversed) and re-sew the coverlet. Not the worst thing to have to do, but certainly not the plan for that day. In the end, Max was happy and when the client comes to vacation in Coronado, she'll be happy. Have I mentioned before that I absolutely hate messing up?

ORANGE IS THE HOT NEW COLOR THIS SPRING

2011-03-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

According to all the magazines, orange is the new hot color this season. What better way to use it than as welting for this white duck cloth slipcover?

My client is an artist in La Jolla and loves color as much as I do.

Although the room is large and airy, using the orange as just a contrast does not overwhelm anything else in the room, including her art.

The original pillows were round, but I updated them with rectangular ones.

And this lovely piece of furniture is what's under the new slipcover! My client's husband's comment when he walked in and saw the 'new' sofa was, "What an improvement! Now that's something I can live with."

A KITCHEN BANQUETTE

2011-03-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

Talk about HUGE cushions!

This seating area in my client's kitchen is 12' long, which means each cushion and bolster is 6' long. It's not really much different sewing a very long cushion or a short one, it just takes a lot more fabric!

And because they are so long, getting the covers on and off the back cushions was very difficult. Since the ends do not show, I made the end caps part of the zipper box to alleviate that problem.

This is the 'before.' Let's just say that it was incredibly ugly before and now it looks way better!

CHAIR PADS AND THROW PILLOWS

2011-03-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Chair pads

A lot of wooden chairs are very uncomfortable to sit on. These stools at my client's kitchen bar were no exception.

From another job I did for her, we discovered that making double ties makes the cushion more secure. It also looks kinda cute!

The leather sofa also got some throw pillows from the same fabric. I used a red welting to frame the fabric. That red caused a near-disaster when I washed the fabrics. Knowing better than to wash the fabrics together, I did it anyway. When I opened the washing machine, the white areas on the fabric and the selvage were completely PINK. Rats! So I took the red fabric out and filled the machine with water and oxi-clean and let the newly 'pinked' fabric soak for a couple hours. I then washed it again. Luckily, the pink came out. I then soaked the red fabric in vinegar to set the color. In the end, I was able to avoid having to buy new fabric and you better believe I won't be making that mistake again. Never a dull moment here!

The 'new' chairs at the bar.

SHEER BED SKIRT

2011-03-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

When my client asked me to make a bed skirt for her, I said, "Sure." When she brought me this sheer fabric, I nearly had a heart attack. I HATE sewing on sheer fabric. It is so unstable. I call it slimy fabric. Did I mention I HATE it? Well, I do and as this is a very good client that I've done lots of work for and with in the past, I didn't feel like I could actually turn her down, especially after I said I'd do it.

At first she said she wanted it to be a double layer of the fabric. This stressed me out beyond belief. I couldn't figure out how to do it without all the seams showing, not to mention the bed frame. I finally told her that I didn't think she's really like it if I did it that way and suggested using lining fabric for the back layer. Basically, she wanted a ballet-ish look to the skirt.

I know it is very hard to tell from these pictures, but it turned out really nice. It was still an incredible pain to work with, but the lining fabric at least gave me the stability I needed to counteract the sliminess of the sheer. It is also hard to tell, but the skirt doesn't go all the way to the floor and the sheer layer is about 3/4" shorter, which gives it kind of a petticoat look. I was never so happy to finish a job and when I took it to her house and we put it on, she was thrilled! That, in turn, made me happy. If I never get asked to do another sheer bed skirt, it will be too soon.

IT'S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR

2011-03-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

At least it's the time of year in Southern California that people are thinking their outdoor furniture/cushions need updating.

The patchwork pillow is a favorite of mine.

My client loved this Tommy Bahama fabric.

The bench cushion and ottoman (not pictured) got a contrast welting so that everything tied together. And what you cannot see is that all the pillows are reversible, so my client can change the look whenever she wishes.

The 'back' sides of two of the larger pillows.

The way I see it is, by making both sides of the pillows different, you get twice as many pillows for your money.

BRIGHT, NEW SPRING 'CLOTHES'

2011-03-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

My client was having a going away party for her son (into the Navy) and wanted some updating and brightening of her patio cushions.

She chose a crisp navy and white stripe and I used red for the welting.

She already had the red bench cushion, but the new pillows pop on it!

We only did the cushion and pillows that you see. What you do not see are the other seat cushions and pillows that didn't get re-done and how tired and faded they look next to the bright new stuff. They are next on the to-do list, which often happens when I do a job for someone!

NEW LIFE FOR AN OLD WING CHAIR

2011-02-26T09:08:00.000-08:00

My client just moved into a cottage here in Coronado and decided her old furniture needed a new look. She ordered this fabric from Ballard Designs, though I don't think you can get it anymore.

She has two Cairn terriers and they love to sit on the furniture. Luckily, these covers are washable!

I can't tell from this picture which dog, Princess Fiona or King Riley, is enjoying a chew toy and ignoring one of the new slipcovered chairs, but I was informed that as soon as I left, toys were abandoned and the dogs hopped up to make the new chairs their own.

Slowly, but slowly the cottage is coming together. There are still things for me to make and once they are completed and installed, of course I'll be sharing those pictures with you.

I'M BACK AND AS GOOFY AS EVER!!!

2011-02-21T09:19:00.000-08:00

These are my new shoes!!! I got them yesterday. Aren't they just adorable? I had some pretty much like these in 1972. My mother used to call me 'Wilt,' as in Chamberlin. I didn't care then and I guess I still don't, even though I tend to tower over most people I know.

Yes, the heels are quite high. The good news is they are comfortable AND only make me 6' tall! I measured. With the shoes on, I am now 72" tall. It seems like I'd be much taller, but, luckily, they add just 2" to my height.

I know it has been almost a month since my last post. Nothing major going on, just life getting in the way of things I might rather do. Actually, ever since I hurt my back and spent those 6 days in bed in July, I've been out of my regular routine. Happily, my back is about a million percent better. And I am working on getting back to that normal routine. That has proved to be a VERY slow process. My new goal is to do a post every 5 days or so. That seems doable to me. Thanks to all my followers who still check me out. I promise to do better.

I did take pictures on Saturday of work-related stuff and that will be my next post. Stay tuned!

NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

2011-01-31T08:16:00.000-08:00

The name of my blog (and business) is, after all, A Little of This That and the Other and as I have never even come close to posting or talking about cooking before, I think this qualifies as 'Other.' I made this salad for Thanksgiving at my cousin's house. I was told to bring something green. I considered bringing green jell-o, but decided salad might be more appropriate. I asked a friend for a suggestion since I didn't want to bring the same old salad. He recommended this salad. With a little trepidation, I went to get the ingredients. I had to ask what kale actually was and even broke off a tiny bit to taste. It was VERY bitter, but as I had been assured that the salad was very good, I got everything I needed and went home to make it. It was delicious! The dressing and the cheese somehow take the bitterness away. I have since made it a couple of times. It lasts quite a while in the frig, so making the full recipe isn't a problem if it is only for you or one other person. It is also perfect to take to a pot luck.

The name of the restaurant this comes from is called

True Food Kitchen.

SPECTACULAR SKY IN SANTA BARBARA

2011-01-25T07:48:00.000-08:00

The sky seemed to be on fire! It was just so beautiful.

The sun sinking into the water.

Me and Dan

Dan Smith and Matthew Hester

Dan Smith, Don Townsend and Brett Brooks

I was in Santa Barbara this last weekend for a memorial service to celebrate the life of Michael Hester, Dan's step-brother. We took the Double Dolphin out to put his ashes into the sea. It was a very emotional and touching tribute to someone who's life ended much too soon. Although the occasion was sad, it was nice seeing old friends and family.

And for anyone wondering why I've been posting so little of my work lately, it's because a lot of what I've been doing has been either picked up by the designer or delivered by me to the client, but there hasn't been anything to photograph. A pillow cover without the pillow form inside never looks quite right in a picture. The same goes for valances that aren't on rods. Hopefully, this will change soon and I can go back to posting pictures of my actual work.

THE EVER POPULAR WHITE LINEN

2011-01-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

I delivered this slipcover yesterday to a client in La Jolla. There was no need to take a picture of the 'before' as it was also a white linen, but was waaaay past its prime.

Side view

Instead of the buttons I normally do, my client requested something different. This was after I had already cut the slipcover with the intention of doing buttons, so I had to figure out another solution. They have dogs and were afraid that the dogs may chew the buttons off. It was too late to do a zipper down the side and in an effort to foil the dogs, I chose to do ties.

The ties are hidden so there is nothing for the dogs to munch on! My client was very happy with the compromise and I now have another option to offer future clients.

Since I normally do not get sunset shots, I thought yesterday was the perfect opportunity since I was in La Jolla at the right time. I left my client's house and made my way to La Jolla Shores. As you can see, I was a little too late and only got the very last sliver of the sun sinking into the ocean. I may try again today, here in Coronado, as we are having simple beautiful weather and the sunsets have been pretty spectacular.

A WINTER SUNRISE SKY

2011-01-15T07:39:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist taking pictures of the sunrise this morning. My iPhone takes okay pictures, but as I didn't have my camera with me, it was better than not taking them at all. I know most of the country is buried in snow. Luckily, that is not the case here, though it was kind of cold this morning (53 degrees) and I do realize that it is all relative. We will warm up to the mid-70s today. This is my idea of a perfect winter temperature!

A ROUND CHAIR

2011-01-10T06:24:00.000-08:00

Yes, it truly is a round chair! Seems like something you might find in Las Vegas covered in red satin. In this case, though, it is just a very comfortable chair in a home here in Coronado. And instead of red satin, my client went with brown velvet. I keep thinking I've seen everything when it comes to furniture styles and what can be slipcovered, and inevitably something else comes along to, once again, show me this isn't the case.

AT IT AGAIN WITH PHOTOSHOP

2011-01-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

When I was taking pictures before Christmas at the Hotel Del, this was on the front porch and I couldn't possibly pass it by without taking its picture. I just knew I could alter it in Photoshop.

This is the inverted version. It's not great, though I do like the colors.

Now we're talking! This is simply posterized and I just love the look.

With a filter of some sort.

But this is by far my favorite. I like this one so much I made it the wallpaper on my iPhone. I just love the colors and the overall look of it.

One thing I really want to do this year is more photography and then figure out something to do with all the great images I come up with.

I'm open to any suggestions!

STARTING THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT

2011-01-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

Freshly cut from my tangerine tree! And I just love the orange with the aqua colander and the green grass.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011-01-01T07:06:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2011!!!

Do things you never knew you could do. You just may surprise yourself in the process!

Make it your best year. EVER!!!

(I swallowed fire 8 years ago. Just an example of what you CAN do if you put your mind to it!)

CHRISTMAS IN CORONADO

2010-12-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Hotel Del Coronado is all decked out for the holidays. After 3 straight days of rain, last night it finally was clear and I went and took pictures of the hotel.

The tree inside the hotel lobby.

Another display in the hotel.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa to everyone! And all the best in 2011!!!

A VERY VINTAGE DRESS

2010-12-21T11:04:00.000-08:00

This dress is/was my Great Aunt Leta's (second) wedding dress in 1950. I wore to a family dinner last Saturday night to honor her.

It has a full circle skirt. The dress is made out of a silk taffeta with a quilted waist and horsehair at the hem to make it stand out.

With my cousin Ryan

And my cousin Grace

This is Leta with her new husband Joe, 1950. She was born on 22 December 1915 and died several years ago at almost 93. (There is a picture of us together, taken in 2001 at a family reunion, but I cannot find those pictures.)

So, even though you are gone, I'll be thinking of you tomorrow on what would have been your 95th birthday!

AN EASIER WAY

2010-12-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

When my client asked me to replace the covers over her outdoor cushions (you know, the kind that are made out of the almost plastic-y fabric that have a bend in them so that the seat and back are together in one cushion) that are on the chairs in front of her shop here in Coronado, I balked. The covers that were on (and falling apart) the cushions at that point had (gasp) velcro for a closure. Have I ever mentioned I HATE velcro? Not only do I hate it, my sewing machine hates it as well. I avoid it like the plague.

So I figured out an easier, and I think, better way. I used little ties instead. It becomes a part of the design of the cover and looks waaaaay better than velcro ever could. This cover was actually pretty simple. It has a mock-box at the bottom to give the cover a more fitted look without making a boxed cover, which probably wouldn't bend the way it needs to. My client was happy, I was happy, and, most importantly, my sewing machine was happy!

AND THE WINNER IS...

2010-12-15T10:01:00.000-08:00

Debby from Romancing the Bling!

And do yourself a favor and go visit Deb's blog. She makes the most amazingly beautiful jewelry. As I've said many times, I am not a jewelry person, but her stuff could almost convert me! It's that lovely!

Congratulations, Deb!

This giveaway is the last I'll have for a while. At least that's what I'm thinking today. Next week, who knows? Thanks to everyone who left a comment. I wish I could have sent something to all who entered!

SEWING CLASS

2010-12-14T07:09:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday I taught a How To Make a Slipcover for a Dining Chair class at a local fabric store.

There were two of these chairs and as the class was scheduled for just two hours, I made this one at home on Friday.

I knew I couldn't do this short, ruffled skirt at the store since the thickness of the fabric (a kind of bark cloth-type weight,) the time factor and the fact that I needed to sew it on with my industrial machine made that impossible.

I also wanted to show two different styles for the same chair. I had everything cut out and ready to go. I thought the tailored skirt would be a more practical one to demonstrate and I figured I would be able to sew the skirt on with my regular Bernina. I thought wrong. In the end, I had to bring it home to sew the back corners with the industrial. Still, I was able to show how it is done and even put it on the chair so that everyone could see the finished slipcover.

The finished chair with its long, tailored skirt.

And the same chair with its short, frilly skirt (my favorite.) The manager of the store liked them so much that he is now going to design the new bedroom display around these slipcovers chairs. Not bad, if I do say so myself!

And just a reminder: You have just one more day to enter my Christmas Tree Skirt giveaway. I know that blue and white toile may not be everyone's cup of tea, but you can always give it as a gift. The pictures don't really do it justice. It is very pretty and will look great under YOUR tree, so leave me a comment on the post from 7 December. I'll be drawing tomorrow morning.

THE OTHER VELVET SLIPCOVER (FINALLY)

2010-12-09T07:32:00.000-08:00

I'm kind of embarrassed to say how long it took me to get this delivered. I finished it the week BEFORE Thanksgiving and just took it yesterday to my client. I forgot about it because I put it in the guest room and, for me, out of sight tends to mean out of mind. Plus, when I finish something, in my own mind, it's done and delivered, even if it's sitting in my guest room.

This velvet was no easier than the other one. At least, though, there wasn't a skirt, so I didn't have to worry about lining. I did a 1 1/2" ruffle at the bottom instead. If you click on the picture, you can see the detail better.

I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to button it (like the other one I had to fix) that I made it slightly looser than I wanted to. Still, it doesn't look bad.

My client was happy and that's all that matters!

DON'T FORGET MY TREE SKIRT GIVEAWAY. YOU ANOTHER WEEK TO ENTER THE DRAWING.

CHRISTMAS TREE SKIRT GIVEAWAY

2010-12-07T07:16:00.000-08:00

I 'borrowed' my next door neighbor's Christmas tree to take this picture. A tree skirt never looks quite right unless it is around a tree. As her husband is in Iraq, the tree is very patriotic! And the blue and white toile, though not traditional, goes well with the theme of this tree.

The skirt is approximately 43" in diameter, with a split up the back and a 1 3/4" pleated ruffle at the bottom. It is lined and has batting inside, so it's nice and puffy.

For a chance to win this skirt, just leave me a comment her on this post or 'like' it on my Facebook page. I will draw the winner on 15 December.

Good luck to everyone!

A NEW MOTTO TO LIVE BY

2010-12-06T10:31:00.000-08:00

I got this wonderful tile at Artisan's Alley this last Saturday in Coronado. The artist's name is Carla Stephenson-Funk. I've decided it is the way I am going to live my life from now on. And, really, if I am living Happily Ever Now, doesn't that included Ever After, as well?

Seems to me it does!

You may remember a while back I posted this:

When I first made them up, I did them in several different colors and only the top one made the blog. This time I thought I'd include the pink variation, too. I still haven't decided how to use the particular mantra or motto. Pillows? T-shirts? On canvas? Still contemplating this. In any case, between this motto and my latest, I think I'm set. What motto do you live by?

I'd love to hear.

Tomorrow I will do the tree skirt giveaway.

WE HAVE FOUR WINNERS!!!

2010-12-03T10:08:00.000-08:00

The winners of my sea star necklaces are:

Karin from Creative Chaos

Karyn from French Charming

Teresa from Cozy Cottage Slipcovers

Sandra from Quilt Art Star

Congratulations to all the winners.

I told you I am in a giving mood and my next giveaway will be a blue and white toile tree skirt. Stay tuned for all the details.

THERE'S STILL TIME TO ENTER

2010-12-02T06:53:00.000-08:00

You still have time to enter my sea star necklace giveaway. I will be drawing 4 names tomorrow morning. To see the other 3 I'm giving away, check out the original post from Sunday, 21 November. All are different but equally lovely.

To be entered, just leave me a comment on the original post, here on this post or on my Facebook page. Be sure that your contact info is included so I know how to let you know if you've won.

Good luck!!!

MY CONTRIBUTION TO THE NEW SHOP IN TOWN

2010-11-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, you might have guessed a few of things I did for Cotier. I made these pillows.

And the pillows and cushions on this spool chair. Not the ottoman, though. It is upholstered.

The curtains in the 'kitchen' are in lieu of doors and block the view of the things stored inside.

The red and white definitely add zip to the mainly blue and white color scheme of the store.

I did the cushions and pillow on this rattan chair. I probably should have either taken the throw pillow off or turned it sideways. This picture just looks likes a big blob of blue and white!

More throw pillows.

I also did some behind-the-scenes stuff. I skirted Pat's desk (again to hide what's stored underneath) and made another skirt for a table that holds the fax machine and other assorted office 'junk'. I'm not showing you those pictures because the office was still kind of a mess in the rush to get the store looking good and opened. So if you are in the area, please stop by and check out all the great stuff for yourself. Cotier is another great addition to Coronado!

THERE'S A NEW HOME STORE IN TOWN!!!

2010-11-29T08:39:00.000-08:00

Cotier

1053 B Avenue

Coronado, CA 92118

619.435.0791

I did several of the items in these pictures, but since there is so much to see, I'll do a separate post in a couple of days and show you those particular things.

YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY. I WILL DRAW ON FRIDAY MORNING, SO PLEASE LEAVE ME A COMMENT IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE ENTERED IN THE DRAWING.

FABULOUS WING CHAIRS

2010-11-26T07:43:00.000-08:00

I think these may be the BEST slipcovers I have ever done! They certainly were not the easiest, but they sure did turn out amazingly well. And, most importantly, my client was beyond thrilled!

It is hard to tell in the photos, but the main fabric is a hot pink (fake) ultra suede. Suede isn't exactly hard to work with and it sews nicely. It is just hard to pin. I have some very sore fingers. This is when the leather thimble is a necessary notion.

This is the same client I did the green slipcovers for a while back and there wasn't enough of that fabric, so I used white on one side of the cushions. Well, the white on these slipcovers is the same white from that job. It works well for large pieces, but making the small pleated ruffle around the top was very challenging.

It sure does look good though. I'd say it was worth all the difficulty.

My favorite part - the backs. I especially love the pink buttons on the white skirt.

And these two pictures show the original chairs.

And don't forget to enter my sea star necklace giveaway!

TURKEY DAY

2010-11-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone the Happiest of Thanksgivings!!!

THE GIVEAWAYS CONTINUE...

2010-11-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

I am giving away 4 different sea star charm necklaces. For a chance to win, just leave a comment on this blog post or on my Facebook. I will again use random generator to determine which 4 lucky people will receive one of my necklaces. This drawing will take place 3 December 2010.

Good luck!

Aqua glitter with beads and a heart charm.

Light green glitter with a giant 'pearl' and small seashell.

Silver glitter with a small glass bottle and beads.

Purple glitter with beads, a key charm and a 'faith' charm.

All necklaces slip over your head.

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

2010-11-19T13:50:00.000-08:00

I actually got caught up in my day and forgot that I was to draw and announce my winners today. In total, there were 19 entries. I used random generator and it gave me #5, who is Val from Val's Art Studio and #19 who is Julie Marie from Idyll Hours!!! Congratulations to you both!!!

Tomorrow or Sunday I will announce my next giveaway and here is a sneak peak at what it will be:

My sea star necklaces! There are all different and unique. I will choose 3-5 winners, depending on how many entries I get.

DON'T FORGET -- DRAWING TOMORROW

2010-11-18T06:40:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow's the day!

I'll be using the random number generator to choose 2 winners of my Vintage Quilt Christmas Stockings.

To be included in my giveaway, you can leave a comment here or on the original 10 November post. I'll notify the winners by e-mail so be sure I have that information . You do not have to have a blog to participate. All are welcome.

MORE VELVET

2010-11-17T07:33:00.000-08:00

As if the velvet, or make that, the challenging velvet slipcover I posted about last time wasn't enough, I am currently doing another. This velvet is just the same - a big, fat pain to work with. I had not done a velvet slipcover in forever, but that seems to be the way it goes. Sometimes all I do is white denim or white linen. Now, apparently, it's velvet. Anyone else want to drive me a little crazy? Just choose a velvet and ask me to do a slipcover!

It looks relatively harmless cut on the loveseat, doesn't it? Well, let me tell you, in case you did not already know, looks CAN be deceiving! Because it is such a pain, the actual construction is taking me far longer than it should. I'll post a picture of the finished slipcover just as soon as I get it done and delivered.

Just a reminder: There is still time to enter my Vintage Christmas Stocking Giveaway. I'll be drawing 2 names on Friday at some point. That gives you plenty of time to leave a comment to be included. If you don't want or need the stockings yourself, they would make a great gift.

VELVET SLIPCOVER

2010-11-13T08:45:00.000-08:00

Some velvets, like cotton velveteen, are pretty easy to work with. This velvet was not. It washes really nicely and that's about the best I can say about it. I was unable to line the skirt (which I really dislike) because, no matter what I do, I cannot get the two fabrics to go together. Even if I sewed it by hand, which is never gonna happen, I don't think it would work. Luckily it doesn't look bad, it just isn't what I usually am able to do.

Side view

This velvet was even harder to work with than I first realized. When I took the slipcover to install it, I got it on and the back wouldn't button. Now, I knew I had cut it correctly and I could see that the skirt was pulling in a way that made it not fit. Rats! I ended up cutting the skirt off the slipcover while it was still on the sofa. I did this mainly to make sure that it actually fit. It did. The way to 'fix' it was to more or less stretch it while sewing it back on. It was more annoying than anything. I hate messing up, but like I've said before, it is so much easier to fix my own mistakes than someone else's.

This is the before shot. And behind the sofa, you can see the window seat with it's old cushions. In the first picture of this post you can see the new cushions. I haven't done the back pillows yet, so I'm saving it for a future post.

Don't forget to look at my previous post and enter my giveaway for the vintage Christmas stockings. I am in a 'giving mood' and have decided to have several more giveaways when this one is done. Next up, my sea star necklaces. So please enter and tell your friends to enter, too!

VINTAGE QUILT CHRISTMAS STOCKING GIVEAWAY

2010-11-10T07:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, it took me long enough to come up with a good giveaway. These stockings are approximately 16" long and are made from a vintage quilt. I also used a vintage hanky as the cuff at the top.

As there are 4 stockings, I will choose two winners and each will receive two stockings. Leave me a comment to enter and be sure to leave your contact information so that I can get a hold of you if you win.

You do not have to be a follower, but if you are or if you become one, I will add your name twice. Since this blog posts on my Facebook wall, if you see it there and wish to enter the drawing, you must do more than just click on 'like.' You will need to go to my actual blog and leave a comment.

Good luck to everyone and I will draw the winners on

19 November 2010.

LAKE TAHOE

2010-11-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

I just returned from Lake Tahoe and my (Great) Uncle Darrell's 80th birthday party. I had never been before and though it was quite lovely up there, it's not the beach. And it was cold! Not horribly so, but cold enough that I had to wear real shoes, not flip flops. Still, it was fun. I think the final count was 75 family and friends, most of that family.

And yes, it did snow while we were there. Luckily though, only on the mountain tops. It did not make it to the ground.

It was a very stormy, windy day Saturday.

Mostly we had blue skies.

The real reason I went, other than to honor Darrell, was my Mother. She came from Atlanta and I had not seen her since right before her stroke. She is doing better each day, though still in a wheelchair for the most part.

My nephew was also there.

I will announce my giveaway in the next couple of days (have to decide exactly what it is first,) so stay tuned for more information.

IVORY/CREAM LINEN SLIPCOVERS

2010-10-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

Linen is such a perfect fabric for slipcovers. It washes wonderfully well and gets softer with each washing. These chairs are in my client's master bedroom.

As they were so close to the wall, I had a difficult time taking a picture of the backs. Still, you can see the buttons. In this case, they weren't needed to get the covers on and off, just to add detail and interest. You wouldn't want your walls looking at the plain back of a slipcover, would you?

The side view

Another view of the front

And, last but not least, the original chair. My client has had these chairs for 20 years and they just needed a little updating. Even if you have the world's ugliest upholstery, it is nothing a slipcover can't improve. The one thing slipcovers cannot change is the comfort of a piece of furniture. If you hate it because it is uncomfortable, get rid of it. If it's only ugly or tired looking, a slipcover is the perfect solution.

INTERNET ISSUES AND A GIVEAWAY

2010-10-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

Almost a month ago my electricity went off and ever since then I've had internet connection issues. I've spent approximately 4 hours on the phone with AT&T, got a new router cord for my DSL and I'm still having a problem. I can get where I need to be through some extra steps, so I thought I'd finally get back to my blog. A couple more updates before I get to Kim Kelly's pillow giveaway. My mother is progressing in her stroke recovery. It is slow-going, but each time I talk to her, she sounds better. As for my back, the pain comes and goes. Today it is painful. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to when or why it hurts, so it's hard to avoid doing whatever it is that may be causing it to hurt. Anyway, mostly I am working and resting when necessary. I do have new jobs to show you and as I get back into the swing of posting on my blog again, you'll be seeing what I've been up to lately.

ANNOUNCING A GIVEAWAY

Bella Rustica is giving away a burlap pillow. For all the details, go to Kim Kelly's fabulous blog. There, you will find out about her giveaway and learn about another giveaway, as well.

And stay tuned for my own giveaway.

Details the beginning of November.

SLIPCOVERS AND A CREATIVE SOLUTION TO NOT ENOUGH FABRIC

2010-09-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

This sofa and loveseat presented a challenge. My client ordered all that was available, but there was not enough of the green fabric to make everything. It helped doing a contrasting welting, but, still, there wasn't enough. The solution we (my client and I) came up with was to use the same fabric in white on the back sides of the cushions.

My client can kind of mix and match. In this picture, the back cushions are turned to the white side.

In this shot, the white sides are showing in both the seat and back cushions.

Sofa back, which doesn't show as it is against the wall. My client's 18 year old son was very sweet when he said, "But all your good work doesn't show back there." Yes, but the loveseat's back side does show, so all is not wasted!

The loveseat with all green showing. (To the left you can see a pink chaise. That is the next project.)

And from the back, the white shows a little, but it doesn't look bad.

Sometimes there simply isn't enough fabric to do what you really want to do. If you can be open to creative solutions, you just might get something even better than your original idea. In this case, my client has kids and 3 active dogs, including a 10 month old St. Bernard puppy, so she chose a polyester fabric that can be washed and will stand up to the abuse it is sure to receive.

I'M ALSO IN KITCHEN+BATH MAKEOVERS (a Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publication)

2010-09-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

I'm kind of liking this being magazines so much lately. 3 times in about 6 weeks! Not bad, if I do say so myself.

This kitchen belongs to Kim Kelly and just to give you an idea of how long it can take for something to come out in the magazine, this was shot a year ago last June. More than 15 months ago! This time, though, the pictures are really good (for me.) This was the first (and I think only) time I've done a roman shade with an attached valance. It is a little more interesting than just the plain shade.

Another view of her kitchen.

This time they got all my information correct. Gotta love that.

So, as far as I know, I don't have anything else coming out in any magazines. I always look, though, because you just never know when something might show up and if I don't come across it by accident, I'd never see it.

THE FABULOUS TERRI BRUSH IS COMING BACK TO SAN DIEGO

2010-09-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

Terri Brush will be in Solana Beach Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 19-23 November. For more information, go to her web site: http://www.terribrushdesigns.com.

I'M IN THE SEPTEMBER BETTER HOMES and GARDENS!

2010-09-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

I received a call this morning from a woman in Michigan. She informed me that she had seen the white denim slipcovers I made and that she wanted to order some. She also told me that what she had seen was in the September issue of Better Homes and Gardens. So I went to the store to check it out.

Okay, the pictures aren't great for actually seeing the slipcovers. I was a little baffled as to what made her call from these shots. I looked in the Resource section and, sure enough, my name and phone number, which they got right, and the name of my business, which they messed up, were there. I guess getting my name and number are more important than the name of my company, right?

The ottoman shows pretty well in this shot, though not as good as if I took the picture! When magazines come to photograph your home, they have an idea in mind and unless the article is specifically about me, my work is secondary to the story. Still, it is nice to see something I've done published.

I took these shots (above and below) after I delivered the finished slipcovers. I was hoping that the magazine would have a better pictures. And they do, just not of what I wanted.

I have also been informed that another job I did is also out now. I haven't been able to find the magazine yet, but as soon as I do, I'll be posting those pictures, too.

WING CHAIR AND OTTOMAN COMPLETED

2010-09-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

As promised--the finished wing chair and matching ottoman. The flash has kind of bleached out the welting and made it appear white. It is actually a wine/white checked.

It kind of shows up better in this photo. This is a bad angle, as it looks like the skirt doesn't match up properly. It does, I assure you.

I also made a throw pillow, using both fabrics.

This is the before shot. The biggest difference the slipcovers made, besides hiding the damage done by the cat, is the skirts go to the floor, which really changes the whole look of the room. It is always amazing to me that such a seemingly insignificant thing can so alter the look of something.

A WING CHAIR IN THE PROCESS OF BEING SLIPCOVERED

2010-09-10T08:30:00.000-07:00

I actually have finished and delivered this slipcover, but I thought I'd show you the process of cutting and fitting that takes place.

This technique is the reason why I MUST go to your home to be able to make a slipcover that fits your particular piece of furniture. A wing chair is a perfect example. There are about as many different styles of wings chairs as there are people who have them.

This fabric is a really heavy duck cloth that has been pre-washed and shrunk. I cannot emphasize enough that it is not possible to cut a slipcover to allow for shrinkage. All fabric shrinks at different rates and it would never fit properly if I tried to figure out how much it would actually shrink.

As with all furniture, except a one-arm chaise, I cut only half of it because the other half is a mirror image. If I was not putting buttons down the back, which in this case are just decorative, the back piece would be all the way across. After I cut, I carefully label each piece. Once I have it home and begin work on it, it's just flat pieces of fabric that would be a lot more challenging to put back together without knowing specifically which piece goes where.

Tomorrow I'll post the finished chair and ottoman.

SLIPPER CHAIR AND OTTOMAN

2010-09-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

I finally got this chair and ottoman finished. I think I originally cut them at the end of May. I did have other jobs ahead of them, but it was never supposed to take as long as it did. If it wasn't for my back, they would have been completed about 2 months sooner. Luckily, every single one of my clients has or has had back trouble themselves and were beyond understanding of my predicament. I have always had, and continue to have, the best clients.

It's always a bit of a gamble when you send people out the get their own fabric. What seems obvious to me is not always the case with everyone else. You cannot tell from the photos, but the fabric is a kind of almost open-weave, gauzy synthetic. Not really a first choice of mine for slipcovers.

I think I am making it sound much worse than it really is. It's not bad and shrinkage will definitely not be a problem.

In any case, my client was happy with the end result.

And, really, even with a less than desirable fabric, the 'afters' are so much better than the 'befores.' I forgot to take a picture of the chair, but you can see it in the background.

Her lamp also got a new slipcover. This did not photograph very well. In person, it looks much less like a silk sack and more like a lamp shade slipcover. As with the furniture, the finished product is a vast improvement, even if it doesn't show that way in this picture.

GOOD FRIENDS ARE THE BEST

2010-09-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, my very good friend, Lisa Michelle, who actually lives in Miami, was in Los Angeles for a job, so she hopped on the train and came to visit me. We met as models in Barcelona in 1989 and have been friends ever since.

We acted a little like tourists while she was here.

There is nothing like having your picture taken while driving across the Coronado Bridge. I thought it best to keep my eyes on the road!

This was taken in March 2001, right after I moved to West Hollywood from Chicago. Lisa decided that I was NOT driving out alone and flew to Chicago to make the trip with me. We took 7 days to drive, 3 of which we spent in Santa Fe. Anyway, this is us all dressed up with someplace to go!

The glamorous girls! For sure not my usual style, but when someone offers to lend you diamonds and furs to attend Oscar parties, you don't say no!

IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG

2010-09-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe the last time I posted was 11 August. Where does the time go? I had every intention of posting yesterday and, well, that just didn't happen. Oh well. I am finally getting back in the swing of things and posting here is a big part of my 'normal' routine. My back is so much better. I have started on some core strengthening exercises that will, hopefully, keep me from EVER ending up in bed again with a thrown out back. It was not fun. As for my mother, she is healing as well. Maybe a little more slowly than she'd like, but getting better nonetheless. Thank you again for all your messages and e-mails and positive thoughts and prayers for both me and my mother.

Now back to my work:

I delivered this sofa last Saturday morning.

Back view with the ever-present buttons. In this case, they were actually needed to get the slipcover on.

There are two of this chair.

In the case of the chairs, the buttons, though functional, are strictly for looks.

Even the chairs at the bar in the kitchen got new clothes.

It's kind of hard to tell from the pictures, but the fabric is linen.

Below are the sofa and chairs that I slipcovered. What a difference!

And this sweet little face belongs to the son of my client. Isn't he just the cutest?

Not only have I not been posting on my own blog, I haven't even been reading anyone else's either. My other intention is to catch up with all those blogs that I love.

SUNSET ON CORONADO ISLAND

2010-08-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was on the beach at sunset. For the 8 1/2 years I have lived on Coronado, I do not recall ever going to watch the sunset here. Pretty pathetic, huh?

Since Coronado doesn't face directly west, the sun sets behind Point Loma, which is what you can kind of see at the bottom of the clouds.

The Hotel Del Coronado

I rather like this sea gull standing at the water's edge, but was told that you shouldn't take pictures of certain things, like pigeons and sea gulls, because they are too easy to shoot. Oh well, I did it anyway.

I am still trying to get back in my regular routine with work and with posting. I haven't even been good about reading other blogs either. Part of it is I have to sit to do these things and that is still a little painful. Not bad, just not back to normal yet. Slowly, but slowly I AM getting there.

A REALLY CUTE OTTOMAN

2010-08-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

I started this ottoman before I threw my back out. It was all cut out, except for the lining for the skirt, and I had even serged everything.

Then, as you already know, I spent 6 days in bed. I thought about this slipcover a lot but couldn't do anything about completing it.

Finally, I was able to work on it. Of course, it took about three days because I couldn't really sit down for very long. I am still doing my best to get back to work. Now, as much as anything, it is fear that I will hurt myself again and have to go back to bed. The short-term solution is using banquet tables pushed together. I'm going to have to get the extenders to make them higher, as they are currently about 13" too short for me. Long term solution is to have a work table built and turn my living room into the workroom that it already is. The sofa is getting put in the garage, but it's not like I sit on it anyway and I will need the extra space. My finished table will be 12' long. 6' wide and 43 1/2" high. Rather large but what I need.

And this lovely piece of furniture is the ottoman before it got its new slipcover. The after is much nicer, don't you think?

SOMERSET HOME

2010-08-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

My pink denim folding chair slipcovers are in the new Somerset Home.

UPDATE:

My back is getting better each day. I am almost back to 'normal,' whatever that is! I am ever hopeful that I can get back to work as well. I may even be back to blogging on a regular basis again soon! I've missed it and missed all of you.

My mother is home from the hospital and is also getting better each day. Thank you for all the well-wishes, nice comments, e-mails and extra prayers I received for both my mother and for me. It ALL helped, I am sure.

SLOWLY BUT SLOWLY

2010-07-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've been able to post. And just so you know, the pictures you are looking at now have nothing to do with anything. Basically, it's just more of my playing in Photoshop and not wanting another picture-less post.

The above picture is the original. I set these vintage bottles out on the table in the backyard because I needed the tupperware container they were in.

This is the photo inverted. I really like the way this looks.

Another angle, with the blue bottle back in the group.

Same picture with color added.

Doesn't it look cool inverted?

Okay, now for the update on my back and what else is going on in my life. First, it was a very frustrating and painful week. It took much longer than I had anticipated and longer than it took last time I did this. The good news is, my back is better. I have still not been able to work yet, but I am hopeful in the next couple of days, I'll get back to it. I have to share with you the amazing, and dare I say miraculous, process I came across for helping in that healing. I saw a blurb about it in the Oprah magazine and promptly googled it. It is called The Alexander Technique. Luckily, there are a couple of people who teach it in the San Diego area. I ended up going to Eileen Troberman and after only one session, I had significant relief. She made me a believer. I have since gone an additional time and will go 3 more times and then re-evaluate my situation. All I can say is she changed my life. I wish I had known about this years ago. Go check out the web site and learn about it. It is so hard to explain what she actually does, but whatever it is, it works.

Secondly, and not good at all, my mother had a stroke the same day my back went out. She is in the hospital and they are giving her physical rehabilitation. At this point, it is a day-by-day thing. Her mental capabilities are fine and that is proving to be part of the problem. She's a doctor and she's in the hospital and not happy about it. Please say an extra prayer for her. Because of this, I am going to be taking a break from blogging. My mind is all over the place and I need to concentrate on my mother and getting my back 100% healed. I will do my best to visit your blogs during this time. Thank you for your understanding and I'll be back soon.

SUMMER HAS ARRIVED

2010-07-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I have attempted a post from my iPhone, but it is my only option right now. Yes,summer seems to have finally made it to Coronado. Better late than never, right? So why no photos to go along with this post? And why am I posting from my phone? Well, I am in bed, with a totally spasming back. Supposedly, after tomorrow, I should be okay. That's how it went last time, but it sure doesn't feel like I'll be able to move so soon. Let me just say that this really sucks. This is pain like no other. It's not like I can just isolate my back and get on with it. I cannot sit, walk, lie down(at least not comfortably) and all I really want to do is cry, but I know that will hurt my back. Just now as I was writing this, I sneezed. Not a good thng and a bad word slipped out as it happened. I don't think I will, or can, die from this pain, but the way I feel right now, I can't see how I'll get through this. It's funny how our minds block out traumas and this is no exception. It's been about 12 years since I last experienced this and though I remember that it occurred, I don't remember the specific details, like did day 2 feel just like this? The main difference last time was I was married and my husband could help me out. I had to call my neighbor to come feed Emily last night and this morning I was able to make her breakfast, but I couldn't put it on the floor. My exchange student is up now and I asked him to set it on the floor for me. Have I mentioned that this SUCKS?

So even though I am home, I still won't be doing any blog reading. I hope you are all enjoying your summer and out having fun. At least the marine layer is gone and we have bright sunshine, even if I am only able to enjoy it from my bedroom window.

HOME AGAIN, HOME AGAIN

2010-07-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

I'm home from Denver and trying to get back in my routine. I had no computer access while there, so I haven't read any blogs in 6 days. I think that's the longest since I started on this blog journey. I have so much catching up to do. Denver is a very nice city. It's very clean and very green. The city has over 200 public parks. We were staying in downtown, right on the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall. I went from the wonderful (NOT) marine layer to rainy, overcast weather in Denver. Luckily, it did clear up after a couple of days, and I got to enjoy warm, sunny days. I took lots of pictures on my trip, but most would be boring in a post. We also went to the Denver Zoo and I could do an entire post on pictures of the backs of the animals. Had a terrible time with them all facing the other direction.

Someone decided to fancy up a construction site fence with crocheted flowers. I've never seen anything like this and it was quite pretty.

A big (40' in fact) blue bear looking in the Denver Convention Center.

Giraffes. Not quite their backs, but not facing the camera, either.

I am not a fan of snakes, but the color of these boas was just too pretty to pass up.

A little monkey sitting on a larger gorilla.

My brother Brian, nephew Benjamin, mother Patricia and me.

LEAVING (AGAIN) ON A JET PLANE

2010-07-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

This time I am headed for Denver. (It is so nice having a built-in house sitter in my exchange student.) I'll be back Sunday and will have to catch up with everyone then.

Pictures taken on my trip to Georgia in May.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

2010-07-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

And to all a safe and Happy 4th of July!!!

CORONADO IS ALL DECKED OUT

2010-07-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

NOT THE SAME OLD WHITE DUCK SLIPCOVERS

2010-07-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

Would you believe me if I told you I did this slipcover in a Jackson Pollock inspired fabric?

Or that this room actually looked like this?

And that this ottoman was done with a nice turquoise duck?

No?

Okay, okay, I confess. The slipcovers are in white duck. I do so much in white duck, white denim and white linen that I get bored posting the same old pictures. I thought I'd fix them up in Photoshop but that didn't exactly go as planned. I've done it before but for the life of me I could not simply change or replace the color.

I had to hurry up and get these finished and delivered so that my client's renters could enjoy them for the next month. And they have their house rented out for August as well. Eventually they will get to enjoy the new slipcovers themselves.

In case you are feeling sorry for my clients, don't. While their lovely house in Coronado is occupied this month, they will be at their beach house in Hawaii and will spend August on their sailboat anchored in Glorietta Bay. Rough life, huh? Hey, someone has to live it!

COLORFUL CAMOUFLAGE

2010-06-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

This bright, colorful fabric makes the perfect camouflage for what's actually underneath. I bet you can't tell what it is!

Okay, I'll tell you. It isn't an ottoman or a bench or a table. It is a wicker chest! We just put a piece of foam on top to soften the edges, added a small throw pillow and, VOILA! This is recycling at its best.

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY PARTY

2010-06-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

Beautiful cupcakes

(I only had two last night!)

The table

There was a beautiful cake, as well. It came from the same place as my cake, though this one was lemon.

Me with my cousin Megan, who actually turns 20 on 2 July.

And me with Mackenzie, the other birthday girl. It's hard to believe she is 20 years old. Where does the time go?

MORE PRETTY

2010-06-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

This is a charm bracelet my cousin made for me. All of the charms are beach inspired. As I have often said, and I still stick by it, I am NOT a jewelry person. However, I do like bracelets. Doesn't mean I actually wear them much, but I do like them. This charm bracelet is kind of heavy and I chose so many charms that a second bracelet had to be made.

These are the left over charms that just would not fit on the blue bracelet. If you click on the picture, you can see the charms: sunglasses, a turtle, a seal and a palm tree.

This bracelet I got in Arizona several years ago. I love the colors.

So in spite of Nancy from The Attic thinking I am a changed woman, I'm really not. I still do not like to wear jewelry. Collecting it is an entirely different thing, though.

PRETTY, PRETTY

2010-06-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I should stop going in to The Attic since I always seem to find a bracelet that I didn't know I needed. For someone who doesn't like jewelry, I certainly seem to have a lot of bracelets. This one was just too pretty to pass up. Luckily, it was not expensive.

AN ATTIC RETREAT/PLAYROOM

2010-06-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

This unused attic space in my client's home was converted into a playroom for the kids and, more importantly, a place that Mom and Dad can retreat to whenever they wish.

The welting on the the chair and ottoman is the loveseat fabric.

And the welting, and the throw pillows, on the loveseat is the chair fabric.

SLIPCOVER FOR A TELEVISION!!!

2010-06-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

Just when I think I've slipcovered everything it is possible to slipcover, along comes something new.

This outdoor television is already pretty protected from the elements, but my client wanted to keep the dust and moisture (that pesky marine layer) away.

Cutting it was rather a pain since, just as with anything that isn't covered with fabric already, there is nothing for the fabric to hold onto. I have to tape the fabric in place until I can get another piece pinned to it. This was even more challenging than it might have been because the Sunbrella was particularly stiff and had to be sewn on my industrial machine. In the end, it worked out and it was just what my client wanted.

IS IT REALLY A SLIPCOVER?

2010-06-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I amazed when I look back at slipcovers I have done. This, to me, does not even look like a slipcover. If I wouldn't have made it myself, I'd think the person claiming it was is crazy. That's the thing about slipcovers--they don't have to be messy or loose fitting. More than anything else, the look of the finished slipcover is determined by the fabric. If you use an upholstery fabric that is fairly heavy (like the one above,) the slipcover tends to look a lot more like an upholstered piece rather than a slipcover. It's totally up to you. What look do you want in your home?

SLEEPER SOFA

2010-06-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

A blue chambray linen and a rose damask are the fabrics used in this slipcover. I did this a very long time ago, and, at the time, this rose fabric was quite popular and available in many color ways.

The welting on the side throw pillows is shirred. This is a style that used to be popular and I am hoping it never is again. It's mostly a big, fat pain to do and uses a lot of fabric.

I used the rose fabric for the welting on everything.

And most of the welting was 'normal.'

And since this was a sleeper, I had to do a zipper in the deck. This way you can get the bed out without having to take the entire slipcover off. Making a zipper do two 90 degree angles is always a challenge, but it's the only way with a hide-a-bed. Luckily, I don't have to do this very often.

THE CAKE WAS YUMMY

2010-06-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

And beautiful! It had a layer of strawberries and another of mango with a whipped cream frosting! So, so yummy!

I just want thank everyone for their comments and birthday wishes.

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!

2010-06-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

9 June 1961
(first birthday)

Okay, so I've changed a little in the last 50 years. Make that, a lot!!! I cannot believe I am 50 years old today. It just does not seem possible. I do NOT feel 50, I do not look 50 (though if this is what I look like, then this must be what 50 looks like,) so there must be some kind of a mistake. (However, the calendar and my mother say differently.) Michael J. Fox, Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman also have birthdays today, so I am in good company.

I particularly like the quote I put on my Facebook page this morning:

"It takes a long time to grow young."

~Pablo Picasso

So, I will continue to grow young, even as my actual age may say something a little different. Like they say, it beats the alternative!!!

AND SPEAKING OF MISTAKES

2010-06-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

These were my very first slipcovers ever. (To get the full story, you can check out my post from 19 December 2008.) I'll just say here that I truly had no idea what I was doing. I just faked it really well.

This is the first sofa I did. Ever! Again, it looks pretty good.

And this, one of a pair, has the distinction of being my first chair. What isn't apparent is how bad they actually were. This was long before I had a serger and I didn't even zigzag the edges. I'm pretty sure I didn't pre-wash the fabric either. About a year after I did these (all for the same client,) and had by then done more than 50 slipcovers, I really wanted to call up my client and tell her if she bought new fabric, I would remake all her slipcovers. I never did, but it has always bothered me that the work I did then was less than good. I did the best I could with what I knew (which wasn't much) and I definitely learned along the way. Still, those slipcovers haunt me.

EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES

2010-06-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

The year was 1994. This is the first wing chair slipcover I ever made. At this point, I probably had only made, maybe, 10 or 12 slipcovers. It was in the shop I sewed for and I cut it right there. Now, it doesn't really bother me if someone watches me work; then, was a different story. It made me nervous and I almost always messed up. I didn't let the client know that, but it happened just the same. Anyway, I cut this slipcover and then took it home and made it. When I came back to install it, I wondered where the pleats on the front had gone. Turned out I accidently did the pleats at the welting from the arm fronts instead of at the corners of the deck. No one seemed to notice and I sure didn't point it out. I never did it again, though.

This sofa was a challenge all the way around. First, the skirt had a 2" band of the contrast fabric. (Looking at the picture now, I'm not even sure how I did it.)

Secondly, when I cut the slipcover, for some unknown reason, I cut the back and outside arm pieces higher than I should have. The result was a skirt that was two different lengths. It sure wasn't an easy thing to do and it was all my own fault. No doubt someone was watching me as I cut!

Again, I did not point this out to my client. I just acted like the way I did it was normal. Truth is, they probably never noticed and if I would have brought attention to it, well, nothing good would have come from that. I kept my mouth shut and learned another lesson. Never did this again, either!

A GIANT BLOSSOM

2010-06-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

Since I usually use my side door, I don't always notice what's going on in the front of my house. Yesterday when I came home from walking, I saw this huge bloom on my cactus-type plant. (No idea what it is actually called.)

I am NOT a gardener, nor do I enjoy it and my plants somehow sense this, I think. This plant has done so much better in the past, but never has it put out such a large blossom. I think it is just beautiful!

And how could I resist altering it in photoshop? Answer - I couldn't!
Below are just 3 samples of the new and improved blossom!

A SEAT CUSHION AND A STOOL

2010-06-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

This office chair got a new cushion.

You can't really tell in the photo, but I made two sets of ties so that it will stay in place even better. The first set we tied in a square knot and the second in a bow. Hopefully, that will do the trick.

I don't know if this is a stool or an ottoman. I guess it is whatever you want it to be. In this before shot, I'd say it looks more like a stool.

With its new little slipcover, it looks more like an ottoman.

Whatever you call it, it looks much cuter now. The welting on both this slipcover and the seat cushion are a black and cream check for contrast. What you cannot see is the valances I made from that same check fabric. They had to be installed, so no picture. I happened to go by the house this morning and I could see the backside of the valance hanging in the larger window. You'll just have to take my word for it, but it looked pretty cute from the outside.

THE COTTAGES OF SAINT SIMONS ISLAND

2010-05-31T09:09:00.000-07:00

Dictionary.com defines cottage as: a small, modest house at a lake, mountain resort, etc,. owned or rented as a vacation home. I think the title of this post should be more along the lines of "The Mansions of..." or "The Anything but Cottages of..." A lot of the homes here ARE second homes. Some are rentals, some not. Not all the homes are as grand as most I photographed. Some are down right dilapidated. Still, the majority of the homes on Saint Simons are beautiful. And large. The following caught my eye for one reason or another.

Enjoy!

UPDATE:

I agree with everyone who left a comment. The first cottage is my favorite, as well.

A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT

2010-05-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

Not your typical pink flamingo! I rather like it.

Sunset reflected in Kim's office window.

Probably the cutest sunglasses ever! I just want to know why they don't make these in adult sizes. I, for one, would for sure wear them! Modeling them is my almost 4 year old nephew, Ben.

Should I change careers?

Or perhaps NCIS would be a better choice?

And last, but not least, I got this sparkly, glittery bracelet the other day at The Attic. The picture does not do it justice.

(All photos, except the last one, were taken on my trip to Georgia. Still to come, the cottages of Saint Simons Island, but I'll save those for another day.)

BATHROOM SINK SKIRTS

2010-05-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

A client e-mailed me last week with a rush job. She and her husband decided to put their house on the market and needed a couple of things done rather quickly. One of them was this curtain for the cabinet in her kids' bathroom. The green and white polka dot matches the tile on the counter. Before this job, every sink skirt I did was the type below.

This sink skirt was in a showcase home a couple of years ago. I used to do this kind of skirt fairly often when I lived in Chicago. The old pedestal sinks lent themselves to this treatment very nicely. I haven't had much call for them in San Diego. I think the designer used it in this bathroom more for color. There was also a roman shade of the same rose fabric.

WELCOME BABY

2010-05-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

I did these rocking chair cushions a couple of years ago for a client in Point Loma. It was her first baby and she chose a pink toile. Instead of a self-welting, she wanted to have a purchased rope cording. If you click on the picture, you can see the detail better.

She wasn't a really frilly person, but thought long ties with big bows would look good. Since I do like bows and ruffles, I was more than happy to do it.

Years and years ago, in another lifetime, I sewed for the baby store Bellini. This was for one of their clients. I always loved this angel fabric and it came in about 8 different colors.

The client had this vintage wicker baby bed that got the same fabric.

I even made a little 'mattress' for the bottom. The thing I remember most about this job was trying to decide which direction the angels should face on the hood. I finally chose to put them so that the baby would be looking at them in the correct position and not upside down. Not that a baby that small would even be able to distinguish the angels, let alone understand they were upside down, but just in case, I did it anyway.

CRESCENDOh LAUNCH PARTY

2010-05-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

Last night was Jenny Doh's launch party for CRESCENDOh. And what a party it was. Seeing old friends and making new ones was just a part of the fun. There was good food, good wine and good music. You could just feel the creativity and talent in the air.

Jenny Doh and me

Deb Hodge and me

Miss Maija and me

Kelly English Snelling and me

Jane Pollock, Kelly English Snelling and me

Melody Ross and me

The amazing back of Jane's top. No jewelry necessary!

A NEW MANNEQUIN ON THE BLOCK

2010-05-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

I guess it was inevitable.
With so many implants out there, I guess the mannequins had to follow suit.