Dog Car Seat Cover

It has been a busy past few months with getting Hoss and Christmas fast approaching.  My list of things to sew and projects keeps getting longer and longer and I am left feeling like I don't have time to sew all the wonderful things I have been planning. 

This morning I finally got a chance to complete one of my Pinterest projects: Dog Car Seat Cover.  Check out the link below if you are interested in making this quick, fun, and easy project.  It only took 2 1/2 hours and $30 to make.

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Original Idea from Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My final product

 

Hoss

 

Supplies:

Fleece

Heavy Home Dec Weight, Cotton Twill, or Canvas

Plastic Buckles

Metal Buckles

Cotton Strapping

Thread

Sewing Machine

 

 1 fleece and backing measured and laid out

 

 2 fold edges over and pin, then stich

(cut away extra fabric in corners)

 

 

 3 check measurements and pin on buckles

 

 4 sew buckles in place

TaDaaaa!  One Happy Puppy :)

Chirstmas Sewing

It has been a bit busy around our house the past month. Our new pup Hoss has kept us busy!  I am still here and busy sewing away for Christmas.  

Stay tuned....more to share soon :)

Puppy Love

Sew.......

I know this is supposed to be a sewing blog filled with passion and creative energy centered around sewing, fabric, and style, but I  just can't help but share and introduce you to another love in my life......

Our new puppy, Hoss 

 

1st Day-Thursday, November 3rd

Hoss was born on September 5, 2011 and is a German bred German Shepherd. Seth and I picked him up last Thursday afternoon in Mankato, MN.  We had been getting picture updates from the breeder every few weeks and we couldn't wait to see the pups. The mother had 8 puppies total: 3 males and 5 females. 

Everyone had been telling us that being a new puppy owner means having a lot of sleepless nights and requires a lot of patience.  Well.....they were right! So far Hoss has adjusted pretty well to city life, and the nights have been pretty good--but he likes to move. 

Even though I know it is important for a pup to be a pup, I still wanted to start working on a few things. Here's a list of what we have been up to this weekend :) 

Crate-cried the first night but has been doing pretty well since

Potty Patrol-Only two accidents on day 1...the rest (clean)

Steps- up 1 and down 1, that's about all he can handle right now

Hair Dryer-turned it on and he didn't even blink an eye

Vacuum-gave it a strange look, but then did fine

Collar-itched at his neck a few times

Leash-put it on for a few minutes just to give him the feel of the tug (did well)

Sewing (for me of course) I was actually able to get an hour done last night :)

 

 Well, tomorrow it's back to school and into a routine. I am looking forward to coming home each night to this puppy face.

 

 

 

Sweet Findings and Simple Joys

Where have you been?!  

A great questions that many have been asking---including myself.  With the start of another new school year, preparing for our new little pup (did I mention we are getting Hoss on November 3rd?!) and trying to find time to keep  my house clean, my sewing was put on hold for awhile!

Of course that all changed with having MEA break this week.  Finally, finally, finally I was able to wake up, get my cup of coffee, and head upstairs to my sewing retreat for some much  needed creative sewing time.

Here's just a little sneak peak at some of the things I have been up to.  

 

I love the original post it left by my mom from so many years ago

Over the summer I helped my mom clean out the basement, and while we were going through things we came across some old sewing patterns that my mom used to make clothes for me when I was a little girl!  I thought it would be fun to recreate some of the old patterns and then possibly find pictures or the actual outfits my mom made and post them.  

I can still remember wearing an outfit like this when I was 3!

The Result

*****

On A Side Note...

Sneak Preview of Pups

Fall Challenge No. 1 Complete: The Wool Purse

There is something about the start of a new season that brings with it new ideas, inspirations, and excitement.  Fall--by far, has always been my favorite season and I decided this year to start it off right by celebrating the beauty.  My first fall challenge was to design and sew a new fall purse. Here is how it went:

The pattern was sketched out....

                                 I dreamed about sewing

The fabric was cut......

                                 I dreamed about sewing

The interfacing was sewn in......

                                 I dreamed about sewing

I started my first week back at school.......

                                I didn't dream at all, but rather slept like a ROCK!

The cool weather approached this week....................

                               I started (finally) sewing!  

With all the excitement and joy of starting a new school year, I had to take a step back from sewing for a few weeks.  However, my project was never too far from my heart and mind, as you can see!  I honestly didn't think I would have the time to complete my first fall challenge before the cool weather began to set in, but once I felt that bite in the air, I headed straight home from school, marched upstairs to my sewing room, and didn't stop until it was done.

I had good intentions of taking pictures along the way and sharing all the steps with you, but there is only so much time during the week nights to get things done! I am happy with the way it turned out--especially since this was my first dabble at designing a pattern of my own that incorporated unique pockets and sturdy fabric. 

I would definitely make it again--only I might use leather next time.

 

Stay tuned for more upcoming fall projects and ideas!  I will be sure to include some step-by-step photos.

Celebrations of Fall

Fall is by far my favorite season. The beautiful colors, the crisp, cool autumn air, and being able to wear a warm, cozy sweater outside with no jacket is Priceless!  The past few days it has definitely started to feel like fall is here--especially with school starting tomorrow and Starbucks kicking off their traditional fall drink: Pumpkin Spice Latte!  (Don't look at the calorie count--everyone deserves a little treat for the first day of school, right?!)  It feels good to be getting back into a routine and starting a new school year.  The first month back is always a bit busy, but my goal is to be sure to make some time this season for sewing!

Sew--with that being said, fall also brings with it the opportunity to celebrate beautiful fabrics such as wool, corduroy, leather, and sturdy denims. The next few months I will be celebrating the fall season with pictures of  fall color, inspiration, and new upcoming projects!  

Stay tuned for my fall challenge of designing and creating vintage inspired wool purse.  I will keep you updated!

Wool Purse Fabric

What do you love most about fall?! 

Here are just a few of my favorites, but feel free to add on or comment about your favorite fall moments or things. 

1. Bonfires
2. Warm cups of coffee/chai tea
3. Sewing (of course!)
4. Reading a good book by the fireplace
5. Fall camping and getting cozy under the stars
6. Starting a new school year
7. The colors of the changing leaves
8. Raking leaves and jumping in the pile :)
9. Day trips/hikes
10. Hoodies and sweatpants
11. (insulated flannels) my husbands pick!
12. ADD YOURS HERE!

Unexpected Late Night Finds

Nothing is better than finding a steal when you least expect it!  Last night this happened for me.  My husband decided that he wanted to take a trip to one of his [few] but favorite stores: The Electric Fetus. He loves to dig through the volumes and volumes of old vinyl records and cds, looking for his "hidden gems."  

I decided to tag along. {Thank Goodness}

Immediately upon entering this was the first things that caught my eye.

Of course....being way too excited about the simple things, I was in love with this little, amazing book and had to have it! :)


The author, Melody Fortier begins by explaining some basic information about what exactly is VINTAGE and how can you define it.  I have often wondered this myself.  You hear words tossed around all the time such as antique, rEtRo, and Vintage, but what is the difference?  Is there a difference?  I have to admit myself that I have misused these terms in the past.  But before I get to this, I think it is worth the time to talk about why this term appeals to so many.

Melody sums it up best by stating:

                  For me [Melody] it began as a love of creating from textiles.

                       I found vintage to be a rich source for studying unique design, 

                       beautiful materials, and skillful techniques. Vintage also provides 

                       an intimate connection with our history, and element of nostalgia. 

                       It is a rare area of fashion where the person on the street creates 

                      the trends instead of following them. 

I believe Melody is right in the fact that Vintage does create "an element of nostalgia," and perhaps this is a part of why I love the textiles and clothing of the 40s, 50s, and as discussed in an early post on  New Inspirations, the fashion of the 60s. These styles share the history of strong women.  Women who experienced the depression, faced war, endured stereo types of what a woman should or shouldn't be.  These women knew how to work hard and understood the value and beauty {not necessarily physical} of how a person carries themselves, their character, and the value of quality.  They were not afraid to change with the demands of a changing society, and simple things in fashion that are often overlooked today, such as hand-bound button holes, were things to be treasured.  

I realize in our busy world today there isn't always time to spend on these small elements of clothing, but I think these are SMALL THINGS that should always be Treasured and remembered. There is value in the concept that Good Things Sometimes Take Time! 

A good lesson for myself to remember :)  

So.....what does the term Vintage mean already! Melody Fortier sums up her definition of Vintage by stating "Fashions from the past that are worthy of resurrection."  You can see how understanding the history of clothing can help to define what this term means. What is worth bringing back in style.........and beliefs?

These are some big questions to ponder. Perhaps in a later post I will explore what I have found "worthy" of reviving and why, but until then.....

How about you?

What is your Enduring Style?!