Desk Makeover!!!

I've been pretty quiet on Social Media lately because I've been sucked into a desk makeover project. I started it, then got sidelined by a cabinet refinishing project. I finally wrapped it up today.

I'm one of those lucky people who gets to work from home. Because of this, my home workspace is important. I have health issues so ergonomic comfort is important. My desk chair still needs to be addressed, but I had a sit-stand desk (purchased about 5 years ago) that didn't fit with the french country look I was going for. This is the before picture. I bought the sit-stand desk frame and bought a board from Home Depot, stained it, and screwed it on. So it was a plain old board. Let me step through how I went from that, to the final.

Craaazy Mannequin Decoupage Project

This is an exciting day! Not quite as exciting as  Mueller indictment, but still . . . It's pretty up there. Today is exciting in the way you remember anticipating a fun sixth grade art project coming up later in the day. Probably even more exciting than that.

Today is the day I start decoupaging my mannequin!!!

Why am I decoupaging a mannequin, you ask? It is a logical question. Well, clearly, it is because I need a place to put my headset when I'm not using it. What? That isn't clear? Well . . I did say it was a craaaaazy project!

Turquoise Roosters and Velvet Pillows

Sigh . . . My third sewing project is now complete and I am thoroughly satisfied. However, it was not without incident. 

Ode to the Seam Ripper

I love the sharpness

with which you cut threads

and help me to shed

proof of my failures

learning to tailor.

As I was fabric shopping this rooster fabric caught my eye and my minds eye would not let it go. I had to have it. I know the room has too much blue already, but that didn't signify. I WANTED the turquoise roosters and chickens. And the fabric was 100% linen. And so I bought it.

As all projects must, it required some planning. First I drew out the dimensions and seam allowances. I am a novice, so here is where I first started to error. I had a beautiful plan for how I would create a scalloped edge, then fold the fabric under, and over, and slip ruffles behind the scallop with the same piece of fabric.

However, I didn't count the layers of fabric and velvet is quite thick. When I executed that part of the plan, I ended up with a fabric sandwich that was over 1 inches thick. Now I'm a stubborn woman, so I had to fight my desire to just force it with hand sewing. But, after stepping away, I re-imagined the project. I decided to create two pillow cases. An inner blue velvet pillow case with the ruffles. And an outer linen pillow case with the scalloped edge. The end result is more practical and looks the same.

Lesson 1: Count the layers of fabrics at the seams.

Lesson 2: Better to create layered pieces and be on the safe side, if the project is too thick. 

Lesson 3: Apply the seam ripper liberally, as required.

This was also my first time working with a printed pattern. It is actually considered a toile (or so says the fabric store.) First I found what I perceived to be the center of each repeated section, and I marked it. Then, using my diagram of measurements, I then counted out from that point to mark my fabric, left, right, up, and down. 

The first cutting of this fabric was terrifying to me. But I soldiered through. Actually, I cowered in terror in the fox hole a bit, then I soldiered through.

Let me say that I adore the chalk pencil and orange chalk. I have a whole bunch of colors which will come in handy. When the project was at the messiest I lost my chalk pencil among the mess. I had to hold the chalk in my fingers and it broke 3 times. I will need to buy more of these so I have some spares.

 When the fabric was cut, I pinned it to the pillow and took a look at it for the first "fitting. It looked about right. It ended up being 2 inches too large, but I adjusted that later.

You may have realized that I have no pattern at this point. I do not want a pattern. The whole reason I'm teaching myself to sew and do woodwork is that I do not want to be constrained by what the market has to offer. I want to create what I want. In that vein, I do not want to be limited to patterns that are currently available. So I'm teaching myself to bring my own ideas to fruition.

So on to the scalloped edge. I've been itching to do this.I did look up several video tutorials and I'll leave the detailed teachings to experts. High level, I divided my total fabric length into a smaller piece. The scalloped portion was going to be 40 inches. So I used a 5 inch unit and found various round objects until I found a champagne glass that would fit twice in that five inch portion. So I created two scallops. I then used those two scallops to create a template 40 inches long. I then applied that template to each of the four pillow cases.

Lesson 4: A template of 2 scallops will allow you to create infinite scallops.

After drawing out the scallops, and sewing them, I flipped the fabric over and  trimmed it. I then used a different footer to sew around the edge to keep it flat. I had trouble seeing where to turn my needle, so I drew orange lines at the place where the scallops joined. This helped me pivot the needle properly.

Lesson 5: Use chalk liberally.

Here you can see what the scallops look like from the wrong side. All that extra fabric was going to be the "flap" that I tucked the blue velvet ruffles in.

 

But that plan was laid to waste when I actually created my first two ruffles (2 for each pillow) and tried to sew the whole thing together. As mentioned above, I had a sandwich that was so huge the sewing machine needle wouldn't even to through. I broke my first needle in fact.

I then had to rip it all apart and strategize again. I'm much happier with the two pillow case solution.

I will not go into all the details of creating the blue velvet pillow case. There are a few things worth mentioning though.

I could not create the gathers on the sewing machine. The tiny hairs of the velvet would get caught on the thread and when I tried to gather it, the thread would get knotted up and stuck. I had to create a loose basted hem to create the gather.

Velvet gathers well and only requires you to start with twice the length, rather than 3 times the length of fabric you need to create a full ruffle, because of the thickness of the fabric.

I wanted the ruffles to be full. So this time, instead of tucking the ruffle into something, I simply sewed it on about 1 inch from the edge of the gathered tube. So each ruffle has a little 1 inch mini-ruffle sticking out on the opposite side of the sew line. When I layer the next ruffle over it (and about 3 inches back), that little 1 inch ruffle sort of fluffs the overlying ruffle out a bit, giving the pair of ruffles more body.



 I created ties on the inner pillow case to make sure the pillow remained hidden.


 







During the entire project I sewed strong double seams on all parts but the embellishments like the ruffle and trim. I don't know how people feel about this, but I want my work to last. So taking the time to do this seems worth it. I suppose on fine work you wouldn't want to create bulky seams, but it works well with the French Country style.

 

After the disaster of my 1 inch fabric sandwich, I figured out how to add the ruched band. I sewed it mostly on the fabric before assembling the pillow case, as it is easier to sew while flat. But I left the band hanging loose about 4 inches from either side of the pillow case seam allowance. Then after I sewed the pillow case together, I went back to the machine and finished sewing the band on over the pillow case seam. The steps of what to do first is quick tricky. It seems like for some projects you just have to do it a few times, step-by-step, to figure out what order of steps is best.

Here are some pictures of the completed piece. The beautiful plaid fabric you see around it will become part of a throw blanket eventually.

As I have two matching love seats, there are four pillows total.

Now I'm off to do the pad for the mattresses. The mattresses are not washable, so the objective of the pad is to create a washable barrier between body grossness and the mattresses. Of course, they must look gorgeous as well.

Happy creating!

Lisanne

The Romantic Pillows of My Dreams

I have completed a new sewing project. I've made the romantic pillow cases I've always dreamed of.

I don't use a flat sheet. Not because I don't like the feel, but because I toss my blanket around like crazy, moving it on and off me all night long. So the flat sheet just becomes a mess. I use a comforter instead with a cover that is sheet-like. Because of this, every time I buy a sheet set, the flat sheet is "extra" fabric. 

To make this project, I used the flat sheet and I cut up the basic queen pillow cases that came with the fitted sheet. I am using the fitted sheet as is. 

Lesson 1: Use as much material as you can that you have "at hand" to keep the cost of the project down.

I purchased some thread to match and learned my first lesson on thread. This thread was not the brand Coats and Clark like I usually buy. It matched well, but was very thin. The ends of the thread frayed when I cut it, so it was harder to thread the needle than the heavier Coats and Clark thread I've used in the past. The thread also kept breaking when I did the hand sewing on the roses.

Lesson 2: Cheap thread causes more work. 

I didn't actually buy the thread because it was cheap. I bought it because I wasn't going to run to the craft store and it was the thread that would be delivered via Amazon Prime in 2 days.

Lesson 3: Patience. Get the right materials even if it takes time.

The actual lesson I was trying to learn was how to sew straight seams. By the end of this project I was doing better, but I'm still not up to my standards. If you sew, and you have any tips, please share in the comments below. But you can see in the pictures that I am sewing a double line seam that is quite visible on the outside. I like this look. But I want the sewing line to be straight. Sometimes I sew 1 mm from the edge, then in places it ends up 2 mm from the edge. Do I need to draw my line before I sew? I'm using a slow speed on the sewing machine.

Also, for a few of the pieces, like the ties, I folded over the seams, and sewed the seams together. But in places the two edges of the seams didn't come together perfectly. One edge slipped out about 1 mm farther than the other. So I need to take extra care when pinning and be more precise.

The roses were made by first sewing a tube, then folding it and sewing it the pleats. Then rolling it, and sewing the underside together with each rotation. Then you "unfold" the petals. I should have taken more photos to show you how I did the roses as I did it. next time I do a rose I'll do that. But this was really an experiment. 

I like the look of the wide band the roses are sitting on. 

For the ruffles, I used three times the width of the pillow, and sewed a double basting line, then gathered it. I'll have to do a separate blog post next time I do ruffles to show that as well.

Well, here they are . . . the new pillow cases, made out of a store bought 100% cotton sateen sheet set.

Notice the wide band. It makes me happy.

Notice the double seam. Is there a name for  this type of seam? I like it. But it is also another example of my not quite perfectly straight line. Some areas are extra "not" perfect.

 

On the inside of the pillow, under the ruffle, I placed some ties, to keep the pillow in place and to keep it from slipping out. I LOVE these ties.

 

Here is a close up of the banding. See how the seam lines are crooked? I need any tips you can give. Does it just take practice? I have no idea. Also, on one line I had forgotten to move the stitch length back from .5 used for the basting line to make the ruffles. The second line is set properly at .25. On close examination these pillows have lots of imperfections.

Lesson 4: Double check stitch length setting on the sewing machine.

But when not looking close, they are lovely.

 

Profile view of the roses. The center rose is taller. It is made from a wider tube of fabric, so the petals are higher. 

 

I have a queen size bed. I used two king size pillows. I probably should have stuck with queen size pillows, but I do like a longer pillow. I turn one to the side and use it as a body pillow.

Full room view. Obviously I need a lot more than new pillow cases in this room. I need a better comforter cover and a bed skirt, but this is a nice start. Notice the lovely afghan my mother crocheted for me.She made one for each of her children and grand children. We each got to pick our own colors and design.

My next project will be in the living room. I'll be making a pad to go on top of the new mattresses on the sofa, and pillows. I'm not sure which I'll do first.

Until next time! Please feel free to leave comments, tips, and links to resources that might educate me below. Also, follow this blog if you want to see what I do with turquoise chicken and rooster fabric.

Happy Making!

Lisanne

The Search for the Perfect Chair

Hello Universe of Strangers Who May Become My Friends!

I'd like to tell you a story about my search for the perfect chair. It began years ago when I purchased a swivel glider . . . No, we have to go back further. It began one day when I was working long hours at home, and I realized that the blood being cut off from my legs by the edge of my chair was not normal. You see, I'm petite. But the petite part is really the problem. Now that almost all products are made via assembly line process for a person who is approximately 5'9" (the average height of an American male) chairs are not petite.

The average height of an American female is about 5'4". If chairs were made to fit American women, then my own height of 5'2" would not be that far off. However, manufacturers mistakenly assume that it is better to make things bigger, for men, and women can just . . . I don't know what? Use a stool? Cross our legs on our chair like we did on the floor in kindergarten during story time? I've actually had women tell me they never sit with their feet down when sitting on the sofa, because they can't. They pull their legs up, or they lay down. It is ridiculous.

I have been single almost my entire adult life (except for a brief brief marriage that produced my lovely daughter and of which we otherwise will not discuss). Being a single woman, going about the world, earning money, decorating MY house, that I paid for with MY money, I am disinclined to purchase a chair with MY money, made to fit an anonymous man who may happen to be visiting and choose to sit in MY chair. Yes. I'm like that. Who wouldn't be? Would you want to spend your money to buy a chair that was designed to fit someone else?

Honestly, I don't mind throwing an extra chair in the living room made to fit the anonymous visiting male, but I'll be damned if that is going to be my main working/lounging chair. It will just be one chair.

Right now you are probably asking, "Why don't you just get an adjustable office chair like everyone else?" Excellent question! The answer is, "Because I have tissue pain." Those adjustable chairs are designed to be ergonomic, meaning they apply pressure in the appropriate spots to get you to set up straight with correct posture, so your muscles don't hurt. But here is the thing. My muscles already hurt. Like all the time. So I need something soooooffffft. You can liken my pain to fibromyalgia, though it isn't quite that. So I want a chair that feels like a cloud or like you aren't actually touching anything, while still being ergonomic.

To exacerbate the issue, I'm a writer on top of my day job. So not only do I need to sit in a chair for 8 hours a day to pay the mortgage, but I need to sit in it more to write.  I'm actually taking a writing pause right now while I #Resist, but as soon as Trump is out of office, I'll be back to writing. I might sit in that chair for 16 hours a day.

See, things just got complicated. But I have a number of things going for me. I recognize the importance of the chair that I sit in for 16 hours a day, and I am willing to spend a good deal of coin for the perfect chair that is designed to fit me, designed to ease my pain, and designed to provide ergonomic comfort. I'm not looking for a throw-away chair after all. I'm looking for "the Chair" for my lifetime.

However, there are two more complication to this chair thing. I have an artistic eye. That means I admire beauty. In fact, I demand beauty. And finally, because I am going to have this chair for 45 years, it needs to be designed with cleaning in mind. I'm not going to sit in the same body oil for 45 years after-all.

I didn't learn all of my requirements at once. Ohh no. This has been learned after spending hundreds of hours searching for the perfect chair. Yes. I said hundreds and that isn't hyperbole. The search for the perfect chair has brought me to learn about different time periods of chair design, and history. I've learned about woods, and angles of seats, and slip-cover styles, and fabrics, and casters, and on and on. This search has led me into the "Furniture is Art" world.

The lessons were learned after buying the swivel rocker that had the correct seat height, but was too deep, that caused my belly to jut out and my chin to dip down, giving me a double chin while I sat in the chair. Plus the loose cushion back put forward pressure on my head, causing it to lean forward. Trust me, it is as unattractive as it sounds. The lessons were learned when I bought a petite chair from Ikea that had a washable slipcover, but the foam was hard a rock and painful. The lessons were learned when I bought a beautiful used and reupholstered chair from an antique store, that was just two inches too high, and two inches too deep and tufting on the seat that was so thin, I could feel the wood bar of the seat frame through the fabric. The final lessons were learned with a pair of nice chairs that have the proper seat dimensions, but the chair itself is overstuffed and too huge for my small house.

Now we have come to the point where it is abundantly clear that I am picky. All of these chairs had some good features, but other features that were bad for me. They might have been right for someone else, but not for me.

I figured out that I was picky some years down the road, and tried finding someone to custom design and build a chair for me. But these people don't really exist. Sure, you can find someone to upholster an existing chair frame that they purchase. But most of those chair frames are made for someone 5'9" tall. When I inquire as to if they will alter the chair frame, they seem to become very afraid. I once sent a sketch to one of these Master Upholstery Craftsmen (as his wife labeled him). His wife called back and said they could not make the chair, because the chair had too many curves. So, I must assume he was in the business for 30 years, and spent his hole time mastering the 180 degree angle.

About a year ago, I decided the only way I would ever get "The Chair" would be to build it myself. And so I am. You may be asking, "How do you build a chair?" I must answer you, "I don't freaking know. But, I'm damn well going to figure it out."

Yes. I am going to build a chair. Before I build that chair I must master the following skills:

• Design
• Sewing
• Upholstery
• Wood joinery
• Wood Carving
• Possibly Wood Bending

I am undaunted. I will learn these skills and I will use them to build "The Chair" and every other beautiful thing I want for my home, exactly the way I want it, all by myself.

I am started the process of "Skill Building." I have no illusions that this will be quick. Ohh, no, I expect it to take years. But I've already spent years and thousands of dollars buying stuff that isn't right and doesn't fit. I've spent hundreds of hours searching for the perfect chair. If I would have started "Skill Building" to begin with, I would already have my chair.

So let me get you caught up with where I stand in the process of "Skill Building."

I bought some starter wood carving tools and carved my first "Little Guy." In the process, I jabbed a hole in my finger and decided I needed a different approach. This was more whittling and seemed too dangerous and ineffective.

I bought different wood carving tools to use with a wooden mallet, and a large slab of walnut. This approach seems to offer much better control and my hands aren't in danger. The carving process is going much better with the sign. I can't show you pictures of that yet as it is going to be a Christmas present for someone.

With the guidance of my mother (since I haven't sewn anything since Home Economics in high school) I made a desk skirt, decorative scarf to go across it (under glass) and some desk accessories.

That turned out well, so I've bought a sewing machine and decided to make home made tufted mattresses for my love seat. I was very excited about the tufting work, but then I remembered the lesson I learned about placing tufting on horizontal surfaces. It is not wise. All sorts of dirt and crumbs collect in those tufts. So the mattresses are hand welted, but not tufted. They made of latex foam, wrapped in bamboo batting, and covered with a home spun ticking. I did NOT make the fabric, though the thought is intriguing.

Then I was off to my mother's house again to use her excellent cutting tools and I made my first pillow cases. These are actually intended for a guest room. I'm about to start making lavender pillow cases to match my sheets, out of a flat sheet of the same material.

I have many different projects in mind for the near future. I'm going to work on sewing for a while, then move back to carving toward the end of the year. This blog will document my projects as I go about the process of skill building so I can eventually build that damnable glorious perfect chair.

Would you like to join me on this journey of learning?

If so, please follow my blog. I'll be glad for your company.

Lisanne