sew that's what i've been up to; slipcovers.

Remember when I mentioned needing to not only learn how to work my sewing machine but actually open the box?

You don't?

Yeah, me either because it's been so long ago. But, I'm happy (and very proud) to say that I finally did open it and completely surprised I actually figured out how to thread the darn thing.

I've managed to sew some stuff.

=)

Let me assure you, it's far from perfect.

My lines aren't the straightest. (Although they're getting better.)

The large pillow covers may be slightly too small.

My lack of patience and normally short amount of (todddler nap) time to work with, leaves ironing to be ignored. But I'm learning how important that can be.

And I have a slight obsession with ruffles, yet my machine won't ruffle fabric on it's own so frustration sometimes runs high.

But, I think it's fun.

And, I've managed to make these:

(pillow covers and an ottoman slipcover)

Not too bad for my first.time.ever using a sewing machine, right?

I used drop cloth and it is much more practical than the suede covers that were on the pillows. *A toddler boy (runny noses, sticky fingers, leaky cups, etc.) is not a good combination with suede. And it makes the giant leather sofa much lighter and brighter.

Case in point.

The before.

The white sofa, rug, and coffee table have been replaced with a new furniture layout and a comfy ottoman. The inspiration and tutorial I used as a guideine for the ottoman can be seen here at one of my favorite blogs.

We didn't have the ottoman but once I saw that tutorial, I went on the hunt and found one on Craigslist for $50 that was perfect size in front of the huge sofa.

It wasn't very pretty...

But, I fixed that.

=)

There are still changes on the way.

The recliner is finally going to go.

I'm going to attempt to sew a slipcover for the armchair shown in the photos.

The shelves will be taken down and replaced with a big old farmhouse mantel.

*who says you have to have an actual fireplace to have a mantel? not me.

That giant orange-ish buffet will get a big dose of sanding and white paint.

And, eventually I'll love a layout for the living room and be better at accessorizing it.

Eventually.

For now, I'm happy sewing a straight line.

=)

I'm linking up here:

a good thing to remember.

via

As things that I can't control create a whirlwind all around me lately, I've been focusing on the important things. My family. My happiness. My well-being. And the rest? Well, I'll let that be.

I hope you all find even the simplest reason to smile today.

Seeing as I'm facing a doctors appointment for a health concern that has me convinced I'm dying (no really) and have been losing sleep over it, I'm having a hard time smiling today.

And, let me tell ya, these gray Ohio skies sure aren't helping any.

However, God blessed me with Jack Trenton and he sure knows how to make his mama feel good better, on a day like today.

I'm off to Pilates.

Then the dreaded doctors appointment.

And I'm sure that if my medical concern doesn't kill me,

the anxiety just might.

Don't forget, just smile.

=)