tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66545070897083321842024-03-13T14:00:31.893-04:00Polka-Dotted PearlHandmade joy.Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-21789602793220374982014-09-20T20:14:00.000-04:002014-09-20T20:14:36.834-04:00Have Beer, Will Travel: Bike Six-Pack Holder Tutorial<div class="p1">
Hello, hello, hello! I know it’s been a little while…but I’m back with the long-ago-promised tutorial for a bike-safe six-pack holder (I know you’ve been waiting with bated breath, and quite frankly I can’t imagine how you’ve gotten along thus far without it! My most sincere apologies from keeping you from this vital information.) But hey! Enough chat. Let’s get to it!</div>
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This 6-pack carrier has strips of Velcro on the inside, so that in addition to being a regular carrier, it opens flat so that it can be draped over a bicycle bar for easy transport. </div>
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Supplies:</div>
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1/2 yard main fabric A (I used natural canvas)</div>
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1/2 yard contrasting fabric B (I used chartreuse duck cloth)</div>
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1 yard contrasting fabric (I used a lightweight cotton print)</div>
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Sew-on velcro, 10 inches total</div>
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1/2 inch elastic, 30 inches total</div>
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1-inch cotton webbing for strap, 10 inches total</div>
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Matching thread</div>
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*A bottle of whatever size you are planning to carry in your holder is quite helpful for making sure your pockets are the proper size before you sew them in place!*</div>
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1. Press and cut your fabric pieces to the following dimensions: </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span"></span>*Main fabric A-2 rectangles, each 22” by 14”</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span"></span>*Contrasting fabric B-1 rectangle” 10: by 22”</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span"></span>*Contrasting fabric for pockets-4 rectangles, each 24” by 6.5”</div>
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2. Start by prepping your “Contrasting fabric B” cut piece. We need to finish the two long edges, so press them under, but leave the shorter edges raw. Now grab one of your “Main fabric A” pieces, and set the other one aside. (We won’t use this second piece again until step 10.) Align the shorter raw edges of your B fabric with the shorter raw edges of A fabric, centering the contrasting fabric from left to right. Pin, and then topstitch in place, making sure to neatly enclose your pressed edges.</div>
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3. Now we will assemble the pocket pieces, so grab two of of your pocket pieces. With right sides together, stitch one long side of the pocket pieces. Turn right-side out and press. Repeat with the two remaining rectangles, and you should end up with two assembled pocket pieces. They will have one finished top edge, and three raw edges. Don’t worry, we’ll close them up later. </div>
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4.To make the pocket compartments, lay your main fabric piece out in front of you so that the stripe of contrasting material that we added in step 2 is running vertically, right side up. Now lay one of your pocket pieces (which should now have two right sides) on top of this main fabric, lining up its bottom left corner with the bottom left corner of your main piece.</div>
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Measure 1 inch from the left side, and place two pins, marking the vertical stitch line that will be the left edge of your pocket. In order to measure for the correct pocket size, I found it easiest to use a bottle. By placing the bottle under the pocket piece and just to the right of the pins I just placed, I placed two more pins on the right side of the bottle. </div>
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If you do not have a bottle handy (or would rather just use my measurements) you need to mark with a pencil (or pin) a line parallel to our first vertical line, 4” to the right <i>on the main (background) fabric.</i> Now measure another parallel line, this time on the <i>pocket</i> fabric, 7”to the right of the original line. Now all you have to do is slide your top pocket fabric to the left until it meets the line we measured on the main fabric, and pin through all layers of your fabric. If you would prefer to have ultra-clear sewing lines to follow, feel free to also mark these in pencil. </div>
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5. Repeat step 4 to create a second and then a third pocket. Your pocket compartments should be centered, relative to the stripe on the main fabric. You may end up with some extra pocket fabric, so if you did, don’t fret! Feel free to trim this off so that the raw edges line up (although it’s not a bad idea to slip a bottle into each of your pockets to check their size before you snip this extra fabric off!) </div>
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6. To close up the bottoms of our pocket compartments, we need to fold the excess fabric in, so that it sits evenly. </div>
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The two blue pins are the vertical lines we marked in the previous step. Pinch the fabric on the edge of each pocket compartment, and then lay it down flat and pin across the bottom edge. </div>
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Once these are all pinned, you will be able to sew one quick line across the bottom of your pockets, and your pockets will be neatly closed.</div>
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7. Rotate your fabric 180 degrees, and repeat steps 4, 5, and 6 to pin the 3 remaining pockets compartments. </div>
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8. Stitch all of the pinned lines, in the order that we marked them (beginning with the vertical lines, and finishing with the bottom edge.) If you have your bottle handy, this is a good time to make sure it fits into your pockets. Hooray, the hard part is over! Phew!</div>
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9. It’s time to attach the handle. You should have a 10” long piece of webbing. First, finish the two raw edges. Once that’s done, find the center of your main piece and make a dot with a pencil or chalk. With your fabric laying vertically in front of you (you should have your finished pockets at the top and bottom of your piece) measure out from your center dot 4 1/4” on either side. Line your finished strap edges up with these marks, and stitch in place. Since we are squeezing a 10” strap into an 8 1/2” in space, there will be some excess strap, for carrying ease.</div>
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10. Now we’re going to attach the velcro to the inside of our carrier. Take your lining fabric (the second piece of main fabric that we haven’t touched yet) and lay it out in front of you. I hope yours is a little less wrinkly than mine was, ack! Lay your fabric out horizontally in front of you. You should have 2 strips of Velcro, 5” each. Take each of your strips and separate them, leaving you with two male and two female strips. Centering from top to bottom, pin your velcro strips, face up, to your main fabric: I found that the Velcro matched up better when I measured from the center. So, once you’ve found the center of your piece, measure out 2” on either side, and pin one female piece and one male piece of Velcro to your fabric. From those, measure 6” out further, and pin your remaining pieces of velcro. Stitch them in place, using a zigzag stitch.</div>
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11. We’re almost done, can you believe it? Take your two main pieces of fabric and and pin them together, right sides together. (Your Velcro and pockets should be touching each other.) Stitch them together, leaving an opening big enough to turn your wonderful creation right-side out. </div>
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12. Trim any excess fabric (being mindful of your corners) and turn your project right-side out. Press it, and top-stitch around the entire perimeter, making sure to close up your gap. </div>
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13. To keep the bottles safely from falling out of their little pockets, I attached elastic loops to keep them in place. These loops could just as easily be made from bias tape, ribbon, or trim, so go crazy! I considered adding ties instead of loops, but since this was a gift for my beau, I decided to go with the least-frilly, simplest option, which was elastic loops. </div>
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Mark the placement of your loops: Find the center (left to right) of one of your pockets. Measure 3” up from the top edge of your pocket, and mark a dot with your pencil. Now do the same for your 5 remaining pockets. Cut your elastic (or other material) into 6 pieces, each 5” long. Take one of your pieces and form it into a loop. </div>
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Stitch the loop to your project at your pencil markings. **Make sure your project is open flat while you are attaching the loops, so that you don’t stitch the project closed!**</div>
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And now…voila! You should have something that looks like this…</div>
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And also like this...</div>
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I hope you have enjoyed this project as much as I did. As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns about the tutorial, and I would love to see your finished projects! Happy sewing! </div>
Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-5263294684759338482014-05-10T21:00:00.000-04:002014-05-10T21:00:13.026-04:00Hello, remember me?Hey remember the time that I posted a bunch of new years resolutions (including one to post often and regularly) and then disappeared for three months? Me neither. Actually, the past few months have been a blur of finishing up my Master’s degree once and for all, making plans for the future, and hanging out with these guys.<br />
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But the important thing is that I’m here now, and I’m chock-full of ideas that I can’t wait to put into action! First things first, though: I’ve got to get caught up on the past few months, starting with the Valentine’s Day gift I made for Sean this year. Since Valentine’s Day is right around the time that his <a href="http://www.troegs.com/our_brews/nugget_nectar.aspx" target="_blank">all-time favorite beer</a> comes out and he quite likes to ride his bike all over his sunny little town, I decided that the thing he needed for Valentine’s Day was a six-pack holder that he could strap right to his bike, and then take off and carry around if his little heart desired to do so. I did some poking around online and just couldn’t find what I was looking for, so I decided to make one of my own! I made it out of canvas and printed cotton, using some elastic to keep the bottles in their little cubbies, and velcro to fasten the undersides together.<br />
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I’m working on a tutorial for this little beauty, so stay tuned! And oh, have I missed you. Glad to be back. Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-13706561591549187112014-02-10T13:29:00.000-05:002014-02-10T13:29:07.735-05:00Better late than neverToday is just one of those days that no matter how much I try to organize things and make things go my way, the universe (more specifically, the weather forecast) seems to have other plans. I have given up hope that my poor, snow-sodden street will ever be plowed, and the impending sub-zero temperatures are certainly a blow to my morale. But never fear! I'm going to stop complaining now. <br />
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When going over all of my past posted projects this weekend (have you checked out the new and improved <a href="http://polkadotpearl.blogspot.com/p/tutorials.html" target="_blank">tutorials</a> and <a href="http://polkadotpearl.blogspot.com/p/things-ive-made.html" target="_blank">things i've made</a> tabs??) I realized that this poor, poor bag I made last fall missed out on its blog debut. So, to remedy the situation, here is a <i>very</i> belated post of a little book tote I put together last fall sometime. I'm always in need of bags that are big enough to hold lots of music, and this amazing Anna Maria Horner print that I'd previously ordered was screaming to be put to use somehow. I found the rest of the supplies I needed from my overflowing bookshelf of sewing disorder, and threw this together in just a day. <br />
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I did some experimenting with details on this bag, so there is a lot going on, which suits me just fine. I had originally intended to give the top edge scallops, but I cut them too small, and they looked like messy spikes once I assembled the bag. So I took those off, and added some grey pleats to my now-flat-and-plain-top edge. I added some peach lace to the sides (I just felt like the blue/grey pallete needed some kind of contrast.) For the straps, I used some thick cord, covered with plain grey cotton, fastened with gold square rings. I added a small inner zip pocket, and lined it the same grey cotton that I used for the sides and straps.<br />
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I still have every intention of making a scalloped-edge bag, so I plan to mount a second attempt <i>soon.</i> I'm also beginning to dread the thought of moving my overflowing fabric collection when I finish my degree in May, so I've imposed a ban on buying, and have a good deal of sewing to do between now and then. Any great project ideas you'd like to share? Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-61532553630406461752014-01-28T09:48:00.000-05:002014-01-30T21:15:41.722-05:00Fabric Storage Bins TutorialToday, the temperature in Cleveland is somewhere in the -20's, and everything is covered in the grey slush of poorly plowed snow (which I'm sure is thoroughly frozen by now.) So, I whipped up a little <a href="http://polkadotpearl.blogspot.com/2014/01/bins-and-baking.html" target="_blank">fabric bins</a> tutorial for your sewing pleasure. Please let me know if you have questions or run into any problems while making this project, and enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeTluGZyHG73i1TpqKCfVJDsUh19bjf1ibD4xEbNafV0tWFAV8hAxX0BzGKsJM_DdrR5NiOv__7d6KG0yse5Hn8AfBKD0i17pXIbgyTEyXY6XyjqQ_T9RoTLCfLs1M753VQQDXOFcSDg/s1600/photo+26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeTluGZyHG73i1TpqKCfVJDsUh19bjf1ibD4xEbNafV0tWFAV8hAxX0BzGKsJM_DdrR5NiOv__7d6KG0yse5Hn8AfBKD0i17pXIbgyTEyXY6XyjqQ_T9RoTLCfLs1M753VQQDXOFcSDg/s1600/photo+26.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Click on the link below, and find the full tutorial after the jump.</div>
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Hello, and welcome to the fabric bins storage tutorial! This tutorial will show you how to sew these fully-lined, square storage bins. These bins have finished measurements of 6 inches on all sides (but you could easily change the dimensions to fit your own space.) Let's get started!<br />
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Supplies needed: </div>
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-1 yd each of outer fabric and lining fabric*</div>
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-fabric paint and letter stamps (for optional lettering)</div>
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-thread</div>
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-iron and ironing board</div>
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-scissors</div>
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*I used a neutral cotton for the outer fabric, and peach cotton for the inside. If you'd like stiffer boxes, feel free to interface your outer pieces. They stand up pretty well on their own (for my purposes) but if you're looking for more substantial bins, I'd recommend the interfacing. </div>
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1: Cut your fabric pieces. You will need 5 squares of the outer fabric, and 5 squares of the lining fabric, each measuring 6.5 inches. (You will have a total of 10 squares.)</div>
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2. If you would like to do the lettering on the front of the bins, it's time! I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tulip-Fabric-Paint-Velveteen-Black/dp/B0018N9AIG" target="_blank">this</a> fabric paint, and some letter stamps I found at Wal-Mart a couple of years ago. Any fabric paint or ink will work, though, so be creative! I stamped labels in French to house my belongings. "Les protections périodiques" sounds better than "tampons," doesn't it? I agree.</div>
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I chose just to stamp the label on the front panel of each of my four bins, and here they are! Now you'll need to let them dry completely (and make sure you follow the directions for whatever paint you chose to use.) Once your front panel is dry, forge ahead!</div>
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3: It's time to start assembling the outside of the box, so grab four of the squares you've cut of your outer fabric. Making sure to place right sides together, sew two of your squares together, along one side edge. Then, still with right sides together, attach two more squares outer squares side by side, in the same fashion. Once you're done, you should have four squares sewn together side by side, right sides facing up. It should look something that looks like this. </div>
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5. Flip your squares over and press the seams open (here's a few from the back)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkMDMm5OwDF1VB12wyN2wlm2eOmsUPazmuESXgTNlrGdHST6HlYyZ3CCqtM5rXnAgtUUJ9del0Wq0qTRHIr1ZqKoDdRtx0F5HxN0q5OvgdQlSBcAiYJeXUNZKAHm692nJ_3gGYo-UAGE/s1600/photo+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkMDMm5OwDF1VB12wyN2wlm2eOmsUPazmuESXgTNlrGdHST6HlYyZ3CCqtM5rXnAgtUUJ9del0Wq0qTRHIr1ZqKoDdRtx0F5HxN0q5OvgdQlSBcAiYJeXUNZKAHm692nJ_3gGYo-UAGE/s1600/photo+8.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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6: Making sure to put right sides together, sew the two end pieces together, so that you end up with one big loop. Press that last seam open. (I find this easier to do by hanging the loop off the end of my ironing board, as seen in the picture below.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hrhU9Jo-fkTqzlYpqJ1iXrsafmkKZDc271tI_TWyM6JjBlpHkistYABx9uCY2cFr8lI2Os40PADmf82XwWZaurIGy8Xf1ZcuRZgElrC5ahf3mUVMaeg2_YFYw53l-ynEu6k6FLsMnWs/s1600/photo+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hrhU9Jo-fkTqzlYpqJ1iXrsafmkKZDc271tI_TWyM6JjBlpHkistYABx9uCY2cFr8lI2Os40PADmf82XwWZaurIGy8Xf1ZcuRZgElrC5ahf3mUVMaeg2_YFYw53l-ynEu6k6FLsMnWs/s1600/photo+9.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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7: You have now assembled the four walls of your bin, and it's time to attach the bottom. Still making sure to put right sides together, pin your remaining outer fabric square onto the bottom of your loop, lining up the corners with the seams. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSygeQjIZ4ljRvbDU4hoTwAk6Obq-zh3QUV8Bhb6DDgT6HLqlQv99a8m5e5V9WSr_FfgAaScf0OLBY17Um2vCEWfLes9GC9zFqeHBqcNmZnPJDs31X8Mp-acS30du1-MdeIKeEHYtJS8/s1600/photo+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSygeQjIZ4ljRvbDU4hoTwAk6Obq-zh3QUV8Bhb6DDgT6HLqlQv99a8m5e5V9WSr_FfgAaScf0OLBY17Um2vCEWfLes9GC9zFqeHBqcNmZnPJDs31X8Mp-acS30du1-MdeIKeEHYtJS8/s1600/photo+6.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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8. Sew all the way around the bottom four edges, making sure to lift your presser foot at each corner to re-adjust the fabric. You should now have a nice little inside-out box, with four sides and a bottom. It should look something like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30iS_3fmjPW1tPadI7mxjapfvgWpvJw_5Q3bYmyvOnb9CYywMovOt-GlusGSMP_IHQCpj3j8EeJc6YjR2RXVXiM8bnNCjjeKGRCVbK79qpa_3hBkVyVOJlRNjQmorkOGCQd5eN62MzeI/s1600/photo+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30iS_3fmjPW1tPadI7mxjapfvgWpvJw_5Q3bYmyvOnb9CYywMovOt-GlusGSMP_IHQCpj3j8EeJc6YjR2RXVXiM8bnNCjjeKGRCVbK79qpa_3hBkVyVOJlRNjQmorkOGCQd5eN62MzeI/s1600/photo+10.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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9: Press the seams out as well as you can, and then turn your box right-side out. The outside of your box is now done, and can be set aside. Hooray! </div>
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10: Now, repeat steps 3-8 with your lining fabric, making sure to always place right sides together during assembly. When you finish step 9, press your seams out as well as you can, but leave the lining inside-out. You should now have two boxes that resemble these:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmcDyIp-QjROf0ubRTzCz2nq9LVm7Zqvu5IsTEqWwB2r4TmeTatbdwiCuxEU8JYaxaLir7s3wlVv0oqDjUYc1CQtuu3-b73IpkL5Nym-92qgZ8uVoJUw3efXEW9wY5td4jB9uxqUtm54/s1600/photo+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmcDyIp-QjROf0ubRTzCz2nq9LVm7Zqvu5IsTEqWwB2r4TmeTatbdwiCuxEU8JYaxaLir7s3wlVv0oqDjUYc1CQtuu3-b73IpkL5Nym-92qgZ8uVoJUw3efXEW9wY5td4jB9uxqUtm54/s1600/photo+13.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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11: Place the outer box inside of your lining box, lining up the corner seams, and pinning around the top. The right sides of fabric should be touching each other. It should look something like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EeI1psfGI-BQXVM2-RDeLZuMkbAJLxSDSqKTo02m7Gl8uY_IrsPuL1Jg3fMV9iX7yeGW2tBOR5WkrG3v94uXnf76TXIevzlpzthb6v2NGZiZeMc6u6ENMlZ3GEIARLhdbicUPvVg0Q0/s1600/photo+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EeI1psfGI-BQXVM2-RDeLZuMkbAJLxSDSqKTo02m7Gl8uY_IrsPuL1Jg3fMV9iX7yeGW2tBOR5WkrG3v94uXnf76TXIevzlpzthb6v2NGZiZeMc6u6ENMlZ3GEIARLhdbicUPvVg0Q0/s1600/photo+16.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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12: Sew around the top edge, making sure to leave an opening of about two inches (or more!) on the backside, so that you can turn your box right-side out during the next step. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHZETy_cYyT-StL8jYudcwq3nUEuPt1L6jvjAijaTxHI-NJ032PsSVPQf_4I3eut5SM4vZTu-nVEmY5z49fJhSbq56EFGFv1vlQsNBNfDTXr-Q3EdIVNZIq7Gv1zWo1lZkssXlIZpwoo/s1600/photo+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHZETy_cYyT-StL8jYudcwq3nUEuPt1L6jvjAijaTxHI-NJ032PsSVPQf_4I3eut5SM4vZTu-nVEmY5z49fJhSbq56EFGFv1vlQsNBNfDTXr-Q3EdIVNZIq7Gv1zWo1lZkssXlIZpwoo/s1600/photo+14.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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13: Turn your box right-side out, and press all of the edges: press the top edge flat, and then press the corners and bottom edges so that the corners (any place that there is a seam) are as crisp as possible. </div>
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14: Once you're done pressing, topstitch around the top edge, making sure to neatly close your opening at the back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCHppFrCUDrvWZSSmch33jV7jdrAOL38RDVIAyLm7Gkn8KGvQhbAAszAwo3yiWs99CvTSbBdLYH8N-Nfo9JFMnpTim1spCvFWde3VIJImXYEjC52LYEBLvUNwWgb0xJ8KAzfuQYFPUWo/s1600/photo+19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCHppFrCUDrvWZSSmch33jV7jdrAOL38RDVIAyLm7Gkn8KGvQhbAAszAwo3yiWs99CvTSbBdLYH8N-Nfo9JFMnpTim1spCvFWde3VIJImXYEjC52LYEBLvUNwWgb0xJ8KAzfuQYFPUWo/s1600/photo+19.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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If you opted to use interfacing, or used a sturdier fabric, or are just happy with your box the way it is at this point, feel free to call it a day! If you're like me, and want your box to have a little more structure, forge ahead, my friend! We're going to do some more topstitching, which will help your little box to stand up on its own.</div>
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15: Pinch your corners together at the seams, and pin (including the bottom edges.)</div>
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16: Go ahead and topstitch all of your seams. I had about 1/4 inch seam allowance, which was just about as close to the edge as I could get, without my needle getting all caught up in the thickness of the previously-sewn seams.</div>
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Trim your threads, do a once-over for any last-minute pressing, and <i>voilà! </i>Your box is all finished...go and fill it with things!</div>
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Congratulations on completing this tutorial, and thanks so much for joining me today! As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about this project, and <i>please </i>share your finished products with me! Simply comment on this post, or <a href="mailto:polka.dotted.pearl@gmail.com" target="_blank">e-mail me</a>.</div>
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</script>Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-17188149516187172982014-01-20T21:35:00.000-05:002014-01-30T21:15:53.883-05:00Bins and BakingToday was grey and snowy outside, so it was filled with baking and sewing inside. Since it's only January and I'm still trying to stay true to my resolutions (just give it a few more weeks!) I finally finished a project that had been collecting dust on my ironing board (...and then on my bookshelf...and then on the floor of my closet...) since September. I've been meaning to amp up my bathroom storage for a while (read: come up with some kind of storage system at all) and these little fabric bins were just the ticket. They were pretty simple to put together, and certainly helped tidy up my bathroom shelves a bit. I'm working on a start-to-finish <a href="http://polkadotpearl.blogspot.com/2014/01/fabric-storage-bins-tutorial.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a>, which will be posted soon, but here are my lovely new bins, in all of their organizational glory...<br />
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The rest of the day was spent baking bread and my favorite lavender cookies. Not bad for a Monday, I say!</div>
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*The tutorial is now up! Click <a href="http://polkadotpearl.blogspot.com/2014/01/fabric-storage-bins-tutorial.html" target="_blank">here</a> to see it and make a bin of your very own!</div>
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</script>Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-18101596828759327032014-01-17T22:09:00.000-05:002014-01-30T21:16:04.377-05:00New Year, New Resolve<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello, friends, and Happy New Year! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you ever gotten so wrapped up in things that you just got so ridiculously behind with other things?</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please say yes.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, this little blog of mine has become one of those things I didn’t keep up with.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">just set up shop on my to-do list, and went on living there from early August until right about…now.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">In true personal fashion, I’m starting out the new year with </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">so many</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> ideas for the future, and I thought I’d share some of them with you today (nothing like a little public accountably, eh?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><u>1. Run a marathon</u></i></span></div>
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This one seems inevitably unavoidable, since I took the plunge and registered for the Cleveland Marathon in May. Wish me luck!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><i>2. Work my way through my unfinished sewing projects before I start any new ones</i></u></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhh1b94AnTD5Zf9LdYCA2sw9SOBlBHFD6g7cSlOYlYIYJW6eWduy-zY4evazkfq0_bgd43KQFAbDNpdrQ1ZBGvenFsJTgb7Nuqy6YluFY7n-Lpv3jj5uwjFiO6kdziqlh_UTpcewBAMw/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhh1b94AnTD5Zf9LdYCA2sw9SOBlBHFD6g7cSlOYlYIYJW6eWduy-zY4evazkfq0_bgd43KQFAbDNpdrQ1ZBGvenFsJTgb7Nuqy6YluFY7n-Lpv3jj5uwjFiO6kdziqlh_UTpcewBAMw/s1600/photo+1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This goal truly deserves a post of its own, seeing as my “unfinished projects” pile has slowly but certainly been taking over my bedroom annex for the past few months.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">One bursting bookshelf turned into two, which promptly turned into many, many, many piles of overflow, which led to me vowing not to buy any more supplies, which turned into complete disorder and chaos.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s time for me to dig myself out of this hole! </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><u>3. Try at least one new recipe a week</u></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Because I love food. Also, I tend to get into “recipe ruts” where I end up eating the same, weird but convenient foods for all of my meals (read: when I get busy, I eat mostly cereal.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><u>4. Go to bed early</u></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This is a back-handed attempt at forcing myself into becoming a morning person; a goal that I set and break just about every year. This is my year, guys!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><u>5. Take more pictures with people in them</u></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JWoBT1tgf8Zs7FJQhSrGuvRxLjekcO3hyQtD3r_JlxRTN5VSGFVWcY3AxQIF-rDln2odVCa7Mt0lMd_8dlY_TJkscwJ_IFGWJ1Q_ybg8fQpuzHJ7HMtxioXxQvVKi5PcswBfVveYm4w/s1600/photo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JWoBT1tgf8Zs7FJQhSrGuvRxLjekcO3hyQtD3r_JlxRTN5VSGFVWcY3AxQIF-rDln2odVCa7Mt0lMd_8dlY_TJkscwJ_IFGWJ1Q_ybg8fQpuzHJ7HMtxioXxQvVKi5PcswBfVveYm4w/s1600/photo+5.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So I have realized lately that the ratio of pictures in my phone is about 5:1; 5 being pictures of Oliver (of course) and 1 being…everything else. Instead of trying to take less pictures of my beloved pooch (who are we kidding, anyway) I’m going to try to take more pictures of everything else in my life. I swear, I do have human friends, too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><i>6. No more hiatuses from blogging!</i></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I’m sure you have been expecting this one since this post began, but I’m serious this time…I’m here to stay!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What are you resolving to accomplish this year?</span></div>
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</script>Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-72318251851023876342013-08-07T21:34:00.002-04:002013-08-07T21:37:12.630-04:00DIY Washi Tape Planner<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Call me old-fashioned, but I just can't seem to function without a real, I-can-write-things-down-with-a-pencil-and-flip-through-the-pages, paper planner. I'm not sure if it's the technologies' fault or my own (I swear, sometimes my tech devices have minds of their own) but whenever I try to use electronic calendars I just end up missing Oliver's beauty appointments or showing up to my cello lessons on the wrong day or having some other catastrophic scheduling meltdown. It's just such a comfort to be able to physically flip through my schedule and see everything laid out in front of me, and I can't seem to do it any other way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So this brings up the real dilemma: it's <i>really, really hard</i> to find a passably cute day planner that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Most of the time when I need one I scour store after store, searching for the perfect planner (it's a bit like looking for the Holy Grail, if you ask me) and I end up having to pick one up at the last minute for much more than I wanted to pay just because it's becoming unacceptable for me to be missing so many appointments. In order to preemptively avoid this with the start of the coming scholastic year, I just DIY'ed a little solution for myself, with a plain black day planner (it cost less than $4!) and some Washi tape that I picked up for about a dollar a roll. Simplest solution ever. Makes you wonder what else could be vastly improved by slapping on a couple of strips of Washi tape…Hope you enjoy this little project!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This project is so simple, this hardly counts as a "tutorial," but sometimes the simpler the project, the better.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">One that is so instantly gratifying, in addition to being useful, well that's something worth celebrating.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(ice cream, anyone?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To do this project, you will need: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Planner or journal to be covered</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Washi tape (I used two contrasting patterns, but feel free to go crazy!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Scissors</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Clear contact paper (optional)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mSh98zEK7_P5ZliEvtEOKT68XG_vGYo2F09nyYKjxHGlG8YH-kX3ugS5Jkv-c86MYGGLHVT6ejTTn_xkC4HePNHvgD3Wtsofshn0d5XJq3ThMsIAeZ77kLvChkt2WG11Z6QRU6xiPEE/s1600/washijournal2.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mSh98zEK7_P5ZliEvtEOKT68XG_vGYo2F09nyYKjxHGlG8YH-kX3ugS5Jkv-c86MYGGLHVT6ejTTn_xkC4HePNHvgD3Wtsofshn0d5XJq3ThMsIAeZ77kLvChkt2WG11Z6QRU6xiPEE/s640/washijournal2.jpg.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ready? Let's go!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1: Starting from the top, lay a strip of your tape down, from left to right, lining up the top edges evenly. Press it down firmly to your cover. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2: When you get to the end (the right side) cut the tape to be neatly even with the edge of your planner.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTQ5FdiI7caXRGgOI_3ID5fmoJ5oJc4woW8b0x4bNIYGB7O2FoV_IUUA0S4_05qe4Fz-GJAz40tvQju1lsWYs-mxr0TgsGsGhgFZ5QoBcdmFSll7voJDo81rv2heKqH-mh08iObqtGME/s1600/washijournal3.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTQ5FdiI7caXRGgOI_3ID5fmoJ5oJc4woW8b0x4bNIYGB7O2FoV_IUUA0S4_05qe4Fz-GJAz40tvQju1lsWYs-mxr0TgsGsGhgFZ5QoBcdmFSll7voJDo81rv2heKqH-mh08iObqtGME/s640/washijournal3.jpg.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3: Repeat until the entire front of your planner is covered, creating whatever patterns your little heart desires. I went with stripes, alternating strips of chevron and flowery tapes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0atrBdNSnk5NqrsL1CNMQv13vXV-561B78oDNvQEwI6wRZe2WZudVFnjNQCEz1-PLZOvfF65yezTFTV6eVa7cgjSIQNb0b464qlBVF-ahfuVk6s-9d0WbYvNQmWoW4a9FkqzEooepnEM/s1600/washijournal4.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0atrBdNSnk5NqrsL1CNMQv13vXV-561B78oDNvQEwI6wRZe2WZudVFnjNQCEz1-PLZOvfF65yezTFTV6eVa7cgjSIQNb0b464qlBVF-ahfuVk6s-9d0WbYvNQmWoW4a9FkqzEooepnEM/s640/washijournal4.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4: Admire your work. Then, press down all of the tape firmly, to make sure there aren't any air bubbles camping out under there. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rGbhyphenhyphenfuO1F1WzgNoHq4enLOAClYQd8yrHgmHJQ740KI_ZHY8I5V2Me5uLQegQzFPu5myi-z-t2J_J-B8MT48Sw-ZI_xMImtc5vizhrJlypSmC2kCbzT5RRzon31uIxziEZydjrpszVM/s1600/washijournal7.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rGbhyphenhyphenfuO1F1WzgNoHq4enLOAClYQd8yrHgmHJQ740KI_ZHY8I5V2Me5uLQegQzFPu5myi-z-t2J_J-B8MT48Sw-ZI_xMImtc5vizhrJlypSmC2kCbzT5RRzon31uIxziEZydjrpszVM/s640/washijournal7.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. If you are working from a large roll of contact paper, cut it so that it is just larger than your planner cover. Line your contact paper up with the left edges of your tape lines, making sure to not stick it on top of your binding. Adhere the contact paper to the front of your planner, pressing firmly and evenly, to make sure it goes on smoothly. You should have some overhang on the top, bottom, and right side, so just wrap that around, and press the ends down neatly on the inside of your planner cover. The contact paper isn't <i>absolutely</i> necessary, but since I'm in this for the long haul (and have a history of mildly mistreating my planners) I needed to know I wouldn't be losing pieces of my planner cover all over Cleveland.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. You've just DIY'ed yourself a new planner, so go get yourself scheduled and organized. After that celebratory ice cream, of course. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74pJ1I18Q8AazqsqmUz0VRBVbaOdeu10-V7i3X32K4SVufh3lhPX8S1ERnYWeng1klinltbkXzSmVLVn79ehO50T9osMpeiGYZX0gaJ-l_UvM7ttin4lSGw2N0yhu0jyYFK9BWqVqIiM/s1600/washijournal6.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74pJ1I18Q8AazqsqmUz0VRBVbaOdeu10-V7i3X32K4SVufh3lhPX8S1ERnYWeng1klinltbkXzSmVLVn79ehO50T9osMpeiGYZX0gaJ-l_UvM7ttin4lSGw2N0yhu0jyYFK9BWqVqIiM/s640/washijournal6.jpg.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhjYAkzPZhV442-ohNe8mt0PfTa1IGzNkjYCI_9_JGn6rtioI46-b4PwdoPRUXyBP5PFame6uVTTuE-a9f9VqPh39KLHG41BuZXPwnew5t2UVjDgfLFtyN9AJR-evghUq1wdwe261mWw/s1600/washijournal5.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhjYAkzPZhV442-ohNe8mt0PfTa1IGzNkjYCI_9_JGn6rtioI46-b4PwdoPRUXyBP5PFame6uVTTuE-a9f9VqPh39KLHG41BuZXPwnew5t2UVjDgfLFtyN9AJR-evghUq1wdwe261mWw/s640/washijournal5.jpg.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This post would just seem incomplete without at least <i>one</i> little dog picture, since they really help me so much with all of my projects (and by help, I mean run around like maniacs, and then curl up on my lap and go to sleep.) What else are puppies for?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sHNxAdRVoy3cRiQQGzOJINN6-uRi7t7WKaAxg7D4TSzuYDXVWM1YnN8RqzCfWEgH1y-QywSF0qh5ciwonNE7udjlfFC3H46w1Kr_AU3qeHqj20uRCzYeam_b6quKxdjQI2b1F9Fy0ZM/s1600/washijournalricky.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sHNxAdRVoy3cRiQQGzOJINN6-uRi7t7WKaAxg7D4TSzuYDXVWM1YnN8RqzCfWEgH1y-QywSF0qh5ciwonNE7udjlfFC3H46w1Kr_AU3qeHqj20uRCzYeam_b6quKxdjQI2b1F9Fy0ZM/s640/washijournalricky.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Wednesday!</span></div>
Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-41513436098326302902013-08-01T23:29:00.000-04:002013-08-01T23:32:28.904-04:00Snappy Dyed Wallets<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I might be crazy for doing this, but I just signed up for my second half-marathon! This one is in just a few weeks, but my sister and I picked it out a few months ago and have been training diligently (ahem, <i>almost</i> diligently) so I'm suuuure it will go splendidly. We chose one in Annapolis, Maryland, and we're going to make a weekend of it and spend a few days with my parents (and of course, their two pugs, Lucy and Ricky) on their sailboat. I can't wait to parade those little dogs around town, eat ice cream and seafood, and do some exploring in Annapolis. Here's to hoping I survive the race, as well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before I embark on that adventure, however, I have a few more projects up my sleeve: including the second installment of the dip-dyed adventures (earlier adventures can be seen <a href="http://polkadotpearl.blogspot.com/2013/07/adventures-in-dip-dyeing.html" target="_blank">here</a>!) For this project, I used a couple of dip-dyed striped pieces. I have been steadily working my way through them, in an effort to use these pre-cut pieces up before I forget what project I cut them out for (not like <i>that's</i> ever happened before or anything.) To create the stripes, I folded my fabric pieces, clipped them with clothespins, and then dipped them into the dye, leaving some un-dyed at the top. Once they were somewhat dry, I unclipped them and set them with a fixative to avoid bleeding. What a triumph it was to pull my little pieces out of their buckets and to see that they actually had stripes on them! Once all of the dyeing was completed for the outer pieces, I cut the insides bits and pieces from this great light blue/silver metallic lining that I found last week at Joann's, and already used for some zippered pouches. I layered the inside pockets to make room for credit cards (or in my case, a vast array of coffee shop loyalty cards) and a few larger pockets for cash, receipts, lists, pet photos, etc. I put a zippered coin/trinket pocket on the outside, and voila…a wallet! I hand-sewed a snap button to the inside (post-photo shoot-I'll upload a complete photo as soon as I snap one!) to keep everything tidy and closed up, and declared these beauties ready for their internet debut. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7aw3_an3QN8KF0eygow5f8rLYDnvrgfKzBjhUQFsTRahY3jGBihLGwDues2cyP2neEVPQy75EL-e7ZQ7U86tWX7aTBuohVwiviuxHdshdpO384UfD0O9xc75rCIsoNd6CVb-YEsYrO4/s1600/BeFunky_wallet+fronts.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7aw3_an3QN8KF0eygow5f8rLYDnvrgfKzBjhUQFsTRahY3jGBihLGwDues2cyP2neEVPQy75EL-e7ZQ7U86tWX7aTBuohVwiviuxHdshdpO384UfD0O9xc75rCIsoNd6CVb-YEsYrO4/s640/BeFunky_wallet+fronts.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGydtrjIKYWBwUhTCave3UBf-3nsb1nC6fiwkb_CJtuyb2NaeiPnzDqMTOX8uXHTH8I1LVl8787vutThOGDk4i1RcSpRFsYkUY1I-ENmYS9uCtqNpFwT5cDEp0iPCPwXQesLq4QpoBPQ0/s1600/BeFunky_wallet+backs.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGydtrjIKYWBwUhTCave3UBf-3nsb1nC6fiwkb_CJtuyb2NaeiPnzDqMTOX8uXHTH8I1LVl8787vutThOGDk4i1RcSpRFsYkUY1I-ENmYS9uCtqNpFwT5cDEp0iPCPwXQesLq4QpoBPQ0/s640/BeFunky_wallet+backs.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqjgiIVusPg2ln85EEAi8l6PrHbeoJcRK4kWaFcnz7LL4cItlQFWTjbm3basRZqcwUysY1bTX-w9kb-rlEQmbx2GvXl_wRsp29rt8JvGXhXlB3BKvw70vkRsIrlKR4sxgxudMfZh_k70/s1600/BeFunky_wallet+inside.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqjgiIVusPg2ln85EEAi8l6PrHbeoJcRK4kWaFcnz7LL4cItlQFWTjbm3basRZqcwUysY1bTX-w9kb-rlEQmbx2GvXl_wRsp29rt8JvGXhXlB3BKvw70vkRsIrlKR4sxgxudMfZh_k70/s640/BeFunky_wallet+inside.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5RjhnmYblEFlAtp0dPdLFKvjPv4yxMgoENH_eLIbG9ZxBnop97HaU0JdpG6mDfHluCUuunHi2sD8gsY_j4Dv9ZW_wPWs36ZvKno05H_-j5SKjJ0x44rszUReCrcopdRK76gkduE7nx4/s1600/BeFunky_wallet+detail.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5RjhnmYblEFlAtp0dPdLFKvjPv4yxMgoENH_eLIbG9ZxBnop97HaU0JdpG6mDfHluCUuunHi2sD8gsY_j4Dv9ZW_wPWs36ZvKno05H_-j5SKjJ0x44rszUReCrcopdRK76gkduE7nx4/s640/BeFunky_wallet+detail.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOZd8EFBZqriDuaQMy62Sgy-YPwbdjUuibRIQTZDz2GG5dNBXL8M2T6DcE0DkeLVse2Uy0JPT_xF1Wksx8mdMKgOrLFc_k_gHRdKXIqWZtzD-bmaO4Z4ifvIR0vRC_uWDNBuxWGOYe58/s1600/BeFunky_ricky.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOZd8EFBZqriDuaQMy62Sgy-YPwbdjUuibRIQTZDz2GG5dNBXL8M2T6DcE0DkeLVse2Uy0JPT_xF1Wksx8mdMKgOrLFc_k_gHRdKXIqWZtzD-bmaO4Z4ifvIR0vRC_uWDNBuxWGOYe58/s640/BeFunky_ricky.jpg.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of my many sewing "helpers" taking advantage of some good morning light</span></td></tr>
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My mom and I have also been spending some time on a super-secret project that I will be able to share in just a few weeks (if you can manage to contain your excitement that long, that is.) I'll be posting a sneak peek this weekend, and the will be revealing the finished project soon, so stay tuned! Hope your weeks are going wonderfully, thanks for stopping by!</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-34479548150650557842013-07-29T22:38:00.000-04:002013-08-01T23:36:17.070-04:00Zippered pouch tutorial!<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As promised, I worked up a little tutorial, filling y'all in on how I make my little zippered pouches (I knew you were just dying to know!) Check out the full tutorial after the jump! As always, I would love to see any projects you come up with, so I hope to hear from you soon!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello, and welcome to the zippered pouch tutorial!</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">You'll love this project, I promise.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ready?</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's go!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To make this project, you will need: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Two pieces of outer fabric, each 9" 7"*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Two pieces of lining fabric, each 9" by 7"*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">9" Zipper*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pins</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thread</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Scissors</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sewing machine</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">*Feel free to change around the sizes of this pouch, the possibilities are endless!</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just make sure that the length of your zipper is </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">at least</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> as wide as the top of your pouch.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't worry if it's longer (a little extra zipper never hurt anybody!)</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">But you will run into some problems if your zipper doesn't reach from end to end across the top of your pouch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1: Cut your fabric to the measurements specified in the above list of supplies. You should have two pieces of main outer fabric, and two pieces of lining (a total of four pieces.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2: Lay one of your main outer pieces out, right side up. Lay the zipper on top of this piece, face down, and align raw edges.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3: Lay one piece of your lining, right side down and on top of the zipper, creating a zipper sandwich. Make sure your top edges are lined up and your right sides are touching each other, and then pin through all three layers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4: Sew through all three layers. A zipper foot is not absolutely necessary, but makes this step much easier. You should also be aware of where the zipper head is (this is tough to get around!) so you may want to do half of the length with the zipper zipped shut, and half with it open. I usually just pause every few seconds and make sure everything is still lined up properly, and that I can get around that pesky little zipper head. One final tip: watch out for the thick metal teeth, located at either end of the zipper. Running those over is a quick and easy way to break a needle!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5: press your fabrics away from your zipper neatly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Repeat this process for the other half of the zipper, and using your other two pieces of fabric. Make sure your fabrics are all facing the right direction. Once you've completed this step, you should have something that looks like this (here are views from both sides): </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Open the zipper halfway(I find this makes turning the pouch right-side out much easier, and also keeps the head out of your sewing path) and match up the two outer pieces (right sides together) and the two lining pieces (right sides together.) Pin the pieces together, making sure to line up the zipper teeth. I also like to make sure the zipper teeth are pointed up towards the outer fabric, just so things lay a little nicer when everything is put together. Once everything is lined up and pinned, stitch around the edge of the entire pouch, leaving at least a 3" gap somewhere in your lining, so that you can turn everything right-side out. I usually leave my gap on the bottom of the lining, because it's the easiest to close it up from there (although you can often see the seam when you open the bag all the way, I usually just use a matching thread and it blends in pretty well.) We're almost there, folks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">8. Once you've stitched all the way around (except for the gap you left in the lining, I hope!) you can clip your corners and turn everything right-side out again. Poke out your corners and admire your work. It should resemble a pouch at this point! Go ahead and press it a bit with the iron, it really does make it look better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">9. All that's left is to close up your little turning gap! To do this, I pull the lining out all the way, and press the gap closed neatly, so that it will sew shut without any creases. Once I've done that, I switch my thread color to match the lining (if necessary) and just sew it shut!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">10. I really just wanted to make it an even ten steps. This step is totally superfluous, and completely congratulatory: CONGRATULATIONS! You've just made a fully-lined zippered pouch. Go fill it with things and enjoy every second of it. </span><br />
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Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-83453104394878076312013-07-28T23:04:00.000-04:002013-07-28T23:04:35.450-04:00Adventures in Dip-Dyeing<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello, there! I've spent the last few days trying my hand at some dip-dyeing, and I'm so excited to share what I came up with! This recent dyeing experiment came out of a valiant, if vastly unsuccessful attempt to right a pair of my sister's pants that had been quite wronged by some hand sanitizer. By that, of course, I mean that she tried to remove some tree sap from her pants with hand sanitizer. While it took out the sap brilliantly, it also seeped through to the front of the pants and caused some massive bleach stains (oopsies!) Of course, my first response was "don't even worry about it, we can <i>dye</i> them" only to realize that bleach stains don't really want to be any color than white (or really, some gross yellowish variation of actual white.) After employing many creative (read: ridiculous and very messy, even for an outside project) dyeing techniques, I threw in the towel (or pants: I literally threw the whole pair of pants in my dyeing bucket in an effort to unify the color, to no avail) and moved on to Plan B, which was dying some lace to match the pants, cutting the stains out of the pants, and adding the lace behind the holes. We'll just have to see what happens with hair-brained scheme #2.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">However, the real up-side to this dyeing disaster was that the pants in question are a great coral color, which I matched by mixing two boxes of Rit dye: magenta and orange. It seemed such a shame to make a whole batch of dye for just a little bitty stain, so I planned a few projects, picked up come unbleached cotton, and had a blast experimenting with dip-dyeing. For the most part, I just dipped parts of the pieces into the dye, leaving the other portions white. For a few pieces (once I had some confidence in my dipping skills, really) I folded the fabric to make stripes, which I'm pretty proud to say <i>actually look like stripes.</i> I've been making my way through the dyed pieces, cutting lining pieces to match and sewing them into little pouches, wallets, and bags, and I have just a few to share with you today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These four pouches were the simplest of my planned dip-dyed projects, so I started with them. I interfaced all of the dyed pieces, cut linings from some great metallic prints I found at JoAnn Fabrics, and just added a 9-inch zipper to each to make some simple pouches. I have been meaning to try a half-circle pouch for a while, and I love how they came out! The only thing missing from these little pouches is a great zipper pull. I'm thinking…tassels? Maybe a little pull made out of lace? So many possibilities!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VQqbwVNTWrN3uRl04lLroGtu3MqZLtTzVyWz0zAQ5E5ZxyQ2ueL9BOcg1QD9MfsQ6sJdeQDKXRyj3_NU2rD0sMs715WuTfLQUpfAlcAUcq4-S8kQDvXCwraXUedRZtNILfRKkmAodM0/s1600/BeFunky_pouch+4.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VQqbwVNTWrN3uRl04lLroGtu3MqZLtTzVyWz0zAQ5E5ZxyQ2ueL9BOcg1QD9MfsQ6sJdeQDKXRyj3_NU2rD0sMs715WuTfLQUpfAlcAUcq4-S8kQDvXCwraXUedRZtNILfRKkmAodM0/s640/BeFunky_pouch+4.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PJoQCEFeVkoJjP2fTAEWlZnmlvOlbOjO7muPSFWdT7Bc_PNcSf2uuPA4BimCOxRowfKyGjdJajHFlN97GwisyIYjz2u_JfeM6kBZWb8-28vis4waY3id4kPIGWbtbxT8o_t5Qn5cK8w/s1600/BeFunky_pouches.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PJoQCEFeVkoJjP2fTAEWlZnmlvOlbOjO7muPSFWdT7Bc_PNcSf2uuPA4BimCOxRowfKyGjdJajHFlN97GwisyIYjz2u_JfeM6kBZWb8-28vis4waY3id4kPIGWbtbxT8o_t5Qn5cK8w/s640/BeFunky_pouches.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In other news, I'm working up a simple photo tutorial on how to make your very own zippered pouches. They've really become one of my go-to projects…they're simple, quite quick to whip up, and leave lots of room for customization (the world is your oyster with this kind of simple project template.) I hope to have that up tomorrow, so stay tuned!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I spent the rest of the weekend doing lots of running, practicing, spending time with my sister, and of course, with this guy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I hope your weekends were as lovely and relaxing as mine was. </span><br />
Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-6278961243333301632013-07-26T21:56:00.000-04:002013-07-26T21:56:53.236-04:00Mountainous Adventures<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hiccups really are the worst. I'm trying to remember if I've done something karmically tragic that would have incensed the powers at be and afflicted me with the worst case of hiccups known to man, but I'm just not sure. I suppose it's possible that it was that post-dessert chocolate bar that I ate. But how could something so delicious cause something so terrible? I may be being a little melodramatic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On a lighter note, I just returned from a magical trip to Banff, Alberta, Canada, where I participated in a music festival for most of July. The trip itself was less than magical (twenty-four hour travel days plus a cello and waaaaaay too many clothes jammed into waaaaaaay too many suitcases makes for a rough day of travel.) While <i>everybody</i> thinks they are being just so clever when they think to ask you and your cello <i>"do you have a body in there?</i>" or to exclaim <i>"that's as big as you are!"</i> or to knowingly inform their child "<i>that is a guitar, sweetie.</i>" or to just shout the word "<i>cello!"</i> at you each time you pass by, it's really just part of the charm of traveling with a large instrument. Who doesn't like to have a little extra attention thrown their way when they're making their way from gate to gate in a busy airport? Speaking of extra attention, my cello got lots of it on our travel days, including being strapped down like a wild beast in this contraption, which took the ENTIRE CREW OF THE PLANE (including two pilots, three flight attendants, and two men of the ground crew) to strap onto the seat.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Air Canada does it right.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was just like being in first class, except that we were in row thirty-four, and I couldn't see the window or straighten my legs because my cello was in the way.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I mean, twelve of one and a dozen of the other, if you ask me. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, it was all worth it for the trip, which was incredible.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can you think of a more beautiful place to spend a few weeks?</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not to mention the amazing people I met, worked with, played with, and got to know over the course of my program.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm one lucky girl.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful sunlight on the way up to the top of Tunnel Mountain</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Myself (left) and friend, Rachel, on top of Tunnel Mountain (photo credit to the sweetest German traveler, who we met up at the top)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8kbnEeDFsYnQbVA_Y3mJseh4dXhKGkE9Y_pyWnKr1XXRu5Ynszvkc9SkUYRazVlzCNLNjEeU8gd6REPcfx4r521UX-Bu3Z95DgzQX8CetzdYdxpmJBz6ohrjPr8wJ8FgI-VuqvT4qJ0/s1600/BeFunky_banff+3.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8kbnEeDFsYnQbVA_Y3mJseh4dXhKGkE9Y_pyWnKr1XXRu5Ynszvkc9SkUYRazVlzCNLNjEeU8gd6REPcfx4r521UX-Bu3Z95DgzQX8CetzdYdxpmJBz6ohrjPr8wJ8FgI-VuqvT4qJ0/s640/BeFunky_banff+3.jpg.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lake Louise</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFIHvh8mjRwyIvRjYHHOk41_OVgRyrGGR6UMOH-eNissdMMxWjRmTEnG8MUmzQ4am1VF8zx2PoGHARAhjzzXpLCSEKWmVlihh8BT3lqF3jDI6q1JIUSCDHTMWxsdEy6vkdTzTHrPSiH4/s1600/BeFunky_banff+4.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFIHvh8mjRwyIvRjYHHOk41_OVgRyrGGR6UMOH-eNissdMMxWjRmTEnG8MUmzQ4am1VF8zx2PoGHARAhjzzXpLCSEKWmVlihh8BT3lqF3jDI6q1JIUSCDHTMWxsdEy6vkdTzTHrPSiH4/s640/BeFunky_banff+4.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A small lake on the hike up to Lake Agnes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lake Agnes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The view from the main dining room. Can you think of a better way to enjoy your morning coffee?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But now, it's back to the grind in Pennsylvania, which means spending a few wonderfully relaxing weeks of swimming, playing with dogs, cooking, practicing, and sewing, before I return to school in a few weeks.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a lot to ask, but somebody's got to do it. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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I've got quite a few projects on my plate for the coming weekend, including adventures in dip-dyeing, and lots and lots of little bags and pouches. Can't wait to share them with you all tomorrow!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And just like that, folks, my hiccups are gone. Like magic. Thanks a bunch!</span>Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-70266080235695605742013-07-25T22:50:00.000-04:002013-07-25T22:53:32.720-04:00Home again, home again<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello, hello, hello! I've made it safely back from the land of practicing and hiking (also known as Banff, Alberta, Canada) to the land of practicing and crafting (also known as Pennsylvania.) Although he's pulled a few naughties since I've been back (he sure does love those trash parties...) I don't think Oliver gave my parents too tough of a time in my absence (or perhaps, compared to their little monsters, his naughties just didn't stack up…)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgTK3W84B_9SZAvzXIwzI1DeyJ6Csa808FHVS6o_x85Zgew0boxMWPQzwHj_7NV-aFbYhSEayTXG9-uHOxCvbQuKvLYLG2EKeJII-4UYFIOnPFPTbMgCCtH8TbDmUbPLqqxX84TgHpOM/s1600/BeFunky_Ollie.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgTK3W84B_9SZAvzXIwzI1DeyJ6Csa808FHVS6o_x85Zgew0boxMWPQzwHj_7NV-aFbYhSEayTXG9-uHOxCvbQuKvLYLG2EKeJII-4UYFIOnPFPTbMgCCtH8TbDmUbPLqqxX84TgHpOM/s640/BeFunky_Ollie.jpg.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My little guy's nose and a book, what a little gentleman!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My parents' dog, Ricky, just being weird.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But since I spent so much time away from all things bloggy, I really do have a few things to catch up on. First and foremost: pies. It happened like this: the other day, I mentioned to my parents that I wanted to try strawberry rhubarb pie. My mom wrinkled her nose and offered a non-committal response, and my dad informed me that rhubarb is "hillbilly food." So, I went to the store and picked some up. After whipping up <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Smitten Kitchen's</a> strawberry rhubarb pie <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2010/06/strawberry-rhubarb-pie-improved/" target="_blank">recipe</a>, I decided that my parents were undoubtedly and unequivocally wrong about my new best friend rhubarb, and I'm already planning to make another pie in the morning. I also stopped by the farmer's market in town this morning and picked up some fresh blueberries and peaches, and made them into a pie today, too. Pies really are something to write home (or online?) about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Also, before I left on my long Canadian adventure (pictures to follow, if I ever get around to uploading them onto my computer) I whipped up some packaging for the goodies in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PolkaDottedPearl" target="_blank">my little Etsy shop</a>. I picked up some tags at JoAnn's (about $1 for 20 tags), tissue paper, butcher's twine, and some stamps, pads, and gold pens. I made the polka dots using a regular old pencil eraser on a stamp pad (I didn't not feel proud of myself for thinking up that little idea) and now my goodies are all packed up and ready to go!…hint, hint…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking of my Etsy shop, I have some new things in the works, hopefully to be added soon! I spent the day playing around with some dip-dyeing techniques, and I can't wait to post some pics of the finished products!...Once I get around to finishing them, that is. Back with more soon, thanks for stopping by!</span><br />
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Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-49646636051037326042013-06-03T19:22:00.002-04:002013-06-03T19:24:16.291-04:00Big Day, Big Day!Hello, friends! I have been busily sewing for the past few days, and I am happy to announce that...<br />
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I have finally opened up my very own Etsy Shop! I only have a few items up for now, but expect more soon! Please check me out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PolkaDottedPearl" target="_blank">here</a> if you get a chance! This is one of those things I have been wanting to do for ages and ages, and just always came up with a reason not to. Not anymore! I have some big plans for my little shop (and for my little blog, as well) so stay tuned! Happy Monday!Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-43700835958208429272013-05-29T23:48:00.000-04:002013-05-29T23:48:17.094-04:00Bonjour, mes amisToday was one of those perfect days where the temperature is steadily rising outside but inside we're still holding onto the cool from the past few days. It was supposed to storm all day, but I've seen nothing but sun. I had some grand plans to take a dip in the pool today, but after careful consideration (I stuck the big toe on my right foot in) I decided it wasn't a good idea (<i>so so so </i>cold.) Aside from that little adventure, I've spent the day getting a few projects together: lots of little bags, clutches, pouches, and sacks. Here are just a couple of sneak peeks of what's coming up soon... <br />
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While this last photo is most certainly not a photographic masterpiece, I feel like it just about sums up this day, and therefore felt obliged to share it. Oliver was quite a pal today. I hope you get as much of a kick out of it as I do!Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-45617410865914003622013-05-27T23:01:00.005-04:002013-05-27T23:25:58.455-04:00I'm baaack!Hello, world! I know I've been gone for some time, but the truth is...things just got a little too busy, and a little too crazy, and I took a little hiatus. Okay, it was an I-dropped-off-the-face-of-the-earth-for-a-few-months-hiatus, but I'm back now and I'm full of ideas! I spent this lovely Memorial Day in Pennsylvania making some great big plans for the coming weeks, checking out the new fabric store in town, and hanging with the family (and quite a few pugs, of course!) Here is my day in a nutshell:<br />
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I jumped in head first with some new projects this afternoon (which, of course, means that I spent the afternoon washing, drying, and pressing the fabric I picked up today) and I just can't wait to get behind my machine tomorrow. I hope your Memorial Day weekend was as relaxing and family-filled as mine was. And it's great to be back, I've missed you!Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-67908420587111686642013-02-08T00:14:00.000-05:002013-02-08T00:18:14.551-05:00DIY pom pom headboardAside from the usual busyness of the semester, I've still had my nest (also known as my apartment) on my mind. Whether it's because of the cold weather, my lack of free time, or because I am a self-proclaimed homebody, all I want to do these days is decorate my apartment. One project that's been on my to-do list for a good long while is a DIY headboard. There's just something about a headboard that screams "I make your bedroom look warm and inviting and pulled together!" <br />
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Since I live on the third story of an old house, my bedroom has some charmingly slanted ceilings that make a large, traditionally-shaped headboard completely impossible. I also wanted to do something somewhat temporary (since I am only renting) and cheap (since I am not only a poor student, but also somewhat of a starving artist after all.) Enter my brilliant idea: <i>tissue paper pom poms.</i> They're inexpensive, simple to make, easy to install, and the perfect project to work on while watching the Bachelor (did you really think I'd forgotten about that show?) There are probably an infinite number of hanging arrangements to play around with, which made it an ideal headboard option for my space. Once I had made all of my pom poms, I just arranged them how I wanted (which was apparently in the shape of a triangle) and hung them with thumbtacks, and admired my handiwork.<br />
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To see how I made my pom poms, continue after the jump...<br />
<a name='more'></a>DIY Tissue Paper Pom Poms: <br />
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Supplies:<br />
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tissue paper in 20x25 inch sheets (I used about eight sheets per pom pom)<br />
scissors<br />
string<br />
thumbtacks<br />
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Step 1: Stack your sheets of tissue paper together. The more paper you use, the fluffier your pom poms will be. I used about eight sheets per pom pom. If you'd like to make smaller pom poms, you could easily adjust the size by using smaller sheets of tissue paper. Just keep in mind that your sheets should be roughly three times longer than they are wide.<br />
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While keeping your sheets stacked as neatly as you can, fold them accordion-style, making a fold about every 1.5 inches.<br />
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When you're finished folding, you should have something like this:<br />
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Step 2: Round off the edges on both ends.<br />
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Step 3: Tie a piece of string around the center of your folded pieces, tightly enough that it will stay secure. I left some extra length, so that I could use the same piece of string to hang the pom poms when they were done.<br />
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Step 4: Once your piece has been secured in the middle, it's time to separate each piece of tissue, and fluff your pom pom into a flowery, whimsical masterpiece. Go crazy!<br />
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I made mine using different shades of blues, yellows, and whites, to go with the colors already in my bedroom. I tacked them up on the wall behind my bed, and laid beneath them to dream of lavender cookies (hopefully tomorrow's project!) and <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/shoes-new/27704535.jsp" target="_blank">these shoes</a>. Sweet dreams!<br />
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<br />Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-73628347856007931722013-01-19T11:55:00.003-05:002013-01-19T11:58:05.438-05:00NestingGoodness, it has been cold in Cleveland this week. With the wind chill in the teens and the blustery wind rattling the windows, all I feel like doing these days is nesting. Nothing beats the chill like a cozy spot to call home. What this really means is a whole lot of baking and decorating, and a fair amount of spontaneous craft projects. One such random project was inspired by <a href="http://www.17apart.com/2012/05/how-to-diy-antiqued-mercury-mirror.html" target="_blank">this</a> tutorial and a bathroom with open shelving. I took a couple cheap glass containers (each about $1 at Wal-Mart) and treated them to my heart's content (and my family's discontent, as the lovely scents of spray paint and vinegar wafted through the house.) Here are some before and after shots:<br />
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It was seemingly impossible to get an "after" shot without my camera-clad self reflected in the shot, although I suppose that's to be expected, when using a spray-on product called "looking glass." At any rate, this project was quick, easy, and left me with a burning desire to use up the rest of my can of "looking glass" paint on random household objects. I held off for now, but I'm sure this project will have a reprise sometime soon.<br />
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In other news, our (read: Ollie's) new futon arrived yesterday, and my roommate and I dragged it up the barely-lit-and-also-disintegrating staircase to our third-floor apartment. With only one legitimate near-catastrophe, and considerably tired forearms, we got it up into the apartment and set it all up. Needless to say, we were pretty proud of ourselves. Now that our living room is finally furnished, let the pillow-making commence! My return to Cleveland has been pretty chilly, but it sure is great to be back in the land of productivity (and cannoli.) Happy Saturday!Meghan Berindeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862121579549298059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-32199999466304019302013-01-07T20:44:00.000-05:002013-01-07T20:44:34.528-05:00Moving aheadAs intended, I sewed my recent embroidery project into a little clutch. I used some navy corduroy for the back, and some pretty white cotton for the lining. So now all that's left are some final decisions: pom-pom zipper pull? Strap? For now, my little clutch is just that, and I love it. <br />
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My plan for now is to avoid these last earth-shattering clutch-related decisions and forge ahead with more projects! There's nothing like the creative boost that comes with New Year's resolutions and a little (but actually quite long) break from school. <br />
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The rest of my day was spent getting a little work done, sipping coffee, and making pattern pieces for my next project, (drumroll, please...) a dress from the <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/the-burdastyle-sewing-handbook" target="_blank">BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook</a>. I got this book for my birthday last August and have since been lusting after the projects within and plucking up the courage to try one. Since the book is designed to be used with handmade patterns, I have been gradually working up the courage to tackle this seemingly insurmountable task. I can't say why pattern-making frightened me so, but I came up with one excuse after another to avoid it. So in light of the recent New-Year momentum, I jumped right in last night, and began drafting the pattern pieces for my dress. (I had a little help...see below.) Today I finished them up, cut them out, and went ahead and cut out my fabric pieces. I'm ready to start sewing tomorrow! This project will also mark my first invisible zipper, and my first fully-lined dress. Can't wait to get started!<br />
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Happy Monday!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-3808771228020694832013-01-05T13:33:00.000-05:002013-01-05T13:33:45.115-05:00Happy New Year!Have you ever had a crafting emergency? In the Carey household, they're not so unusual and come in many varieties (everything from "I-can't-believe-we're-out-of-glitter" to "I-just-can't-believe-I-spilled-all-of-that-paint!") This most recent emergency involved a brand new <a href="http://store.annamariahorner.com/nanmaneno.html" target="_blank">needlepoint book</a> and an incoming snowstorm. Despite the impending snowy disaster, my mom and I packed ourselves into my little car and made our way to a local craft haven to load up on a few projects to keep busy with while snowed in. (You might be wondering why we weren't heading out for actual emergency supplies-like food. But I can assure you, we had plenty of coffee and Christmas cookies leftover...what else could we need?) Since we were in quite a hurry, we were faced with such snap decisions as "Michael's or Ben Franklin Crafts?" and "Will navy Aida cloth work, since they don't carry black?" and "Oh my goodness, they don't have any crewel yarn, what are we to do?!" Suffice it to say, I had to make quite a few compromises, and spent a few minutes running between the aisles muttering to myself while tossing a strange assortment of craft goodies into my basket. Admittedly, I felt a little like MacGyver. I ended up going ahead with my intended project, and just made a few tweaks based on the supplies I was able to find.<br />
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I made a piece for a clutch from <a href="http://annamariahorner.com/" target="_blank">Anna Maria Horner</a>'s new book; she calls this project the "star-crossed clutch." While she uses many more colors, black Aida cloth, and crewel yarn, I decided to keep with a mostly blue color scheme (partially due to the fact that I didn't want it to be too busy with the blue background, which was all that was available to me.) Since we couldn't find any crewel wool, I picked up some standard embroidery floss and just made do. The finished product isn't quite as filled-in as the original (since the embroidery floss was much thinner than wool) but I like it just the same. I went ahead and added the gold stitching that is called for in the original pattern, and it really brought the design to life...it's definitely my favorite part!<br />
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As embroidery projects go, this one was pretty darn speedy. Considering I started it the day after Christmas and am finished just about one week into the new year, it's definitely a new personal needlepoint record. Considering my track record, it's a miracle I finished it before <i>next</i> Christmas! All that's left for this project is to sew it up into a little clutch, and take it out on the town! Happy New Year!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-50712742081689196382012-12-10T11:18:00.000-05:002012-12-10T11:18:45.968-05:00Table fancyDearest blog world: I promise I haven't forgotten about you. I know you've heard it all before, but I've just been so busy at school. Not only have I been doing lots of musical things, but I'm officially working my post at the library, as well. That's right, folks, I'm a real, honest-to-goodness reference librarian, complete with thick-framed glasses and a wheeled chair in which to pretend I'm doing actual work. Life is good!<br />
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On the home front, I've been dealing with some minor behavioral "incidents" with Oliver. These have mostly involved raucous trash parties, and some presents of the #2 variety in the living room. I usually call them "incidents" or "on-purposes," because I just know they're not "accidents." But who can stay mad at that face?<br />
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I also finally got around to re-upholstering the folding table and chairs in our living room. This card table and chairs was a wedding present to my parents thirty-something years ago. I took it with me to Boston when I lived there a few years ago, and my mom helped me re-upholster it then. While I still love the funky prints we found, they were looking a little worse for wear:<br />
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I took all of the seats and seat-backs out of the chair frames, and spray painted them gold. This part of the process did not go quite as I had planned, largely because of the plummeting temperatures and blustering winds on my back balcony in Cleveland. I wound up almost <i>completely </i>covered in gold spray paint (as did the back balcony) while the chairs are spotty, at best. As luck would have it, the set was a golden-beige color to begin with, so I'm hoping I can get away with a shoddy paint job. Fingers crossed! <br />
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For the upholstery, I used navy blue cotton ($2/yard at Wal-mart) and a sheer pink polyester blend ($1.50/yard at Wal-mart.) I covered all of the chair pads, as well as the table top, in the navy blue cotton. For the chairs, I covered the navy with the pink, and I left the table navy. Cutting out the fabric was simple enough (and I used the previous upholstery pieces as general patterns) but getting the new pieces attached with the staple gun was a battle. Thank goodness for reliable (and strong-armed) help...I just knew Sean wanted to help me with a project when he visited! I love the combination of the dark navy, this peachy pink, and the gold frames. It was just what I had in mind! Overall, this project was pretty simple: just dissemble the table and chairs, cut out the pieces of fabric to cover the pads, staple them on, and re-assemble! My favorite part of the new setup is this lacy vinyl overlay that my mom found for me at a local craft store in Pennsylvania. My original intention was to cut it so that it fit on the table top, but I have yet to do so. I sort of like the way it looks as a table cloth, so I may try this out for a bit before I snip off the ends. It sits just under the glass top, and the white lace patterns contrast with the navy table top perfectly. Since it's vinyl, it wipes clean easily when I (inevitably, and quite often) spill food and/or coffee on it.<br />
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Happy Holiday Season, everyone! I hope you're feeling better than I am today (I'm suffering from my annual "the-semester-ended-so-I'm-immediately-sick" cold.) But this is giving me some much-needed time to do a little bit of catching up, and Ollie is certainly an adorable sick buddy. Happy Monday, and thanks for stopping by! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-62178537697162337702012-10-26T15:45:00.001-04:002012-10-26T15:48:49.091-04:00Tablecloth curtainsIn keeping with my last couple of projects, I <i>finally</i> finished the curtains that I started a few weeks ago. I had gotten rather used to them sitting in a semi-folded pile on top of Oliver's crate, but I do think they look better hanging! They were just so simple, and I'm glad I finished them before the weather really turned to winter here in Cleveland. Curtains just make everything seem a bit cozier, don't they?<br />
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I made them out of some white cotton lining fabric I'd been holding onto for a couple of months, and a teal tablecloth that I found in the clearance section of TJMaxx. I'm not quite sure what the the tablecloth is made of (it was shelved sans packaging or tags) but I just loved the embroidered detailing...and for around fifteen bucks, it was quite a steal! Since it was a large rectangular shape, I simply cut it into four pieces (two panels per window) and hemmed the unfinished edges. To make up the difference in length (since the tablecloth wasn't quite long enough to cover the window) I cut four rectangles of the lining fabric that were about the length of the windows, but with some width to spare (as you can probably tell, I'm not exactly nit-picky with measurements.) I hemmed the edges, and folded the top edge over two inches to make a casing for the curtain rod. I picked up some double curtain rods, and that was it!<br />
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I just can't get enough blue these days, so I'm loving the added color in my bedroom. I'm slowly but surely working through my list of home projects...so on to the next! Happy Friday!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-13550243140466744962012-10-22T23:14:00.000-04:002012-10-22T23:14:59.064-04:00Joy of cookingAs promised, I snapped a few photos of my Pennsylvania adventures, which today consisted of practicing and cooking (pretty crazy, hey?) Contrary to previous home cooking experiences (I can't even recall the various assortment of "I-just-don't-know-what-happened-I-swear-I-followed-the-recipe" dishes I've served to my family over the years) I spent this afternoon in the kitchen without any major catastrophes. I made <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/11/braised-short-ribs-heaven-on-a-plate/" target="_blank">these</a> braised short ribs with <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/herbed-polenta-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">this</a> herbed polenta, along with a salad topped with a cumin salad dressing (recipe courtesy of my sister.) <i>La <i>pièce de résistance </i></i>(in my humble opinion) was <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2012/10/apple-mosaic-tart-with-salted-caramel/" target="_blank">this</a> lovely apple tart. Mine doesn't look quite as good as <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/about/" target="_blank">hers</a>, but it tasted pretty dang good. So without further ado, here is a mini recap of my day:<br />
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Okay, <i>technically</i> I took this photo in Cleveland before we embarked on our trip home. But finding Ollie with his head on a pillow and the rest of him under a blanket (just like a person!) was just too cute<i> </i>to not share. Just look at that mug!</div>
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The view from my morning practice session. Look at that plant stand my dad whipped up yesterday!</div>
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Mid-afternoon raspberry latte treat made just for me by my lovely sister.</div>
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My crowning achievement for the day: apple tart with salted caramel.</div>
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And although he's a bit blurry, nothing says home like a little pug love. Here, my sister's pug, Abraham, is saying "go to bed and stop trying to take my picture!" (this was the last of many failed photo attempts.)</div>
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With that, I will heed Abe's advice and turn in early for the night. Happy Monday, and thanks for stopping by!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-76056635339982865392012-10-22T01:03:00.002-04:002012-10-22T01:03:15.424-04:00Welcome, welcome, welcome!Welcome to the new Polka-Dotted Pearl! What started out as a minor layout tweak quickly became a major overhaul. Hope you enjoy!<br />
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Oliver and I have been spending a blissful couple of days at home. Pictures to come soon! But for now, here's an oldie (but definitely a goodie!) for you to enjoy:<br />
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{Photo taken from Oliver's modeling debut for the publication <i>Calendar for Sean's Office, 2011</i>}</div>
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Hope you had a wonderful weekend!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-61019425903296518582012-10-15T14:56:00.000-04:002012-10-17T16:30:01.807-04:00Green tea, green topHello, friends! On this (dreary) day, I took a much needed break and enjoyed a cup of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/aag/main?ie=UTF8&asin=&isAmazonFulfilled=1&isCBA=&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&orderID=&seller=A5GLXRDKVV9S2" target="_blank">Heavenly</a> loose-leaf green tea from a sampler pack Sean sent me last week. So tasty! Aren't those tea leaves gorgeous?? <br />
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Perhaps it was the green tea (or the fact that I haven't had much time for sewing lately) but something reminded me of this green top that I made towards the end of the summer and never got around to posting on here. It was pretty quick to put together, and I was able to do it in a day. I bought this <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-6481-misses-tops.aspx" target="_blank">pattern</a> intending to use of some of my favorite bits of fabric (that I've been hiding away for months, always saving them for some hypothetical, future sewing project.) Not wanting to ruin these pristine pieces of fabric, I decided to do a trial-run of the pattern, using basic (read: cheap) cotton. I used some very inexpensive green cotton (it cost around $2 a yard) for the body of the blouse, and some white cotton I had in my stash for the collar and sleeve edges. <br />
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In case you were wondering, I haven't gotten around to sewing the pattern again, although I still intend to! There are a couple of minor changes I would make to the fit (I'm more of a baggy blouse kind of a girl) and I'd like to change up the sleeves a bit for fall/winter. But overall, the project was a success! I'd love to make it in a sheer, camel brown chiffon with some gold buttons...doesn't that just sound like fall? Maybe that will be next on my to-do list!<br />
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Happy Monday, and thanks for stopping by!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654507089708332184.post-10395455574694035442012-10-11T21:33:00.000-04:002012-10-17T16:35:39.158-04:00La maisonGreetings from Cleveland! My oh my, grad school is busy. Between practicing, lessons, rehearsals, classes, and homework (what's that again?) I haven't had a lot of time for projects. But I have been trying to come up with some ways to spruce up the apartment a little bit, and I popped in today to share one. We don't have much on the walls as of yet, so I hopped onto Google the other day, and sought out some vintage images that I could print and stick on the walls. Lo and behold, I came across an arsenal of copyright-free vintage advertisements. (Jackpot!) I picked out my favorite food-related ads, printed them at the drugstore, and bought some basic black frames at Wal-Mart. I staggered them diagonally on the wall, along the slope up to the ceiling. <br />
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Once all was said and done, each picture cost about $1.25, and the whole set cost about $11.00 Can't beat that! It was cheap, quick, and easy (right up my alley!) and it really brightened up our little kitchen. <br />
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Other than general scholastic busyness, I've been enjoying the beautiful (albeit few and far between) sunny fall days, and finding time to spend with my favorite little buddy, Oliver. Here is one my favorite photos from this week: Oliver (of course) with two of my favorite fall treats (roasted sweet potatos with cinnamon, and a strong cup of coffee.)<br />
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It certainly looks like Ollie has an idea about those sweet potatoes! I've got some more projects up my sleeve for the coming weeks (I'm just itching to get behind my sewing machine again!) so I hope to be back with more soon! Thanks for stopping by!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0