Table Up

 

Design by Victoria Hagan

Photo elledecor.com

Typically, we see console tables used in entrance ways to create space for placing keys, additional lighting and for anchoring a mirror so you don't go out with lipstick on your teeth. In my own entrance, I have used West Elm's Rustic Acacia Table, which, at only 10" deep, was a perfect fit for the shallow niche just to the right of the door.

 

West Elm's Rustic Acacia Console Table

Console tables and even small desks are flexible pieces that can be placed in otherwise difficult or lack lustre spaces. Eye catching arrangements, like the Victoria Hagan designed space above, create key focal points leading your eye through a space. In many cases, the table can be multipurpose by converting quickly to a handy place to check emails.

I have been considering the versatility of console tables lately when considering my own decor dilemmas in our relatively new house. We have two radiators positioned under windows, flanking the fireplace, on the main floor. You can just see the radiator above hidden behind the chair to the left of the fireplace. (Can you spot the LEGO? This is how I really live.)

 

 

 

This is the radiator on the right side of the fireplace and nearest to the entrance. What to do with this useless space? Well, after much measuring and web surfing, I found that West Elm's Parsons Desk in white would be a perfect fit over the radiator.

 

It was shallow enough not to block traffic flow or impede using the doors just to the right of the desk. I chose the white because it would overly draw attention for itself and provides a nice focal point in the underused corner. Bonus, we can use it as a space desk for my hubby or one of my kids.

You can probably see just of hint of paint test swatches in the living room but that`s a decorating dilemma for another day! In the meantime, here are Ms. Dabble's Top Five Console Tables:

 

Peekaboo Clear Console Table CB2

Go-Cart White Console Table CB2

 

 

West Elm's Alice Demilune Console

Ikea's Stockholm Sofa Table

 

 

Crate & Barrel's Echelon Console Table

Serger Love

I finally set up my Granny's serger and tried it out using Salme's Pleated T-Shirt. I didn't want my first trial to be a big investment so I used a t-shirt knit from the ends bin. I had to modify the pattern by adding a band on the bottom because I got a little carried away with the pleats and the front ended up 1 1/2" shorter than the back!

Let's just say, I am now hooked!

Spring Sewing

 

 

So much for Spring. We were hit with freezing rain and snow last week sending a collective chill down our long underwear. I kept busy trying out a new Amy Butler pattern with some fabric I picked up at Designer Fabric Outlet.

 

 

 

 

First, I made the Liverpool dress with a cotton floral print. Admittedly, the thing I really dislike about home sewn clothing is the unfinished appearance of the seam allowance. Until I can figure out my serger (!), I am spending some extra time making french seams on my garments. It is worth it to create a finished looking garment and it also feels better when you are actually wearing it.

 

I am not sure about the finished dress. It reminds me of a vintage house dress but it might look a little more contemporary if I wear it with pants or this fun belt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Originally I was going to use my new stash for variations of the Liverpool pattern (blouse, tunic) but the thought of sewing it again did not make the dabbler in me very excited. So instead, I made this cute top from a PDF BurdaStyle pattern. The photo is not great because the trim colour is actually navy blue not black. It was a lot of fun to make and the top stitching looks pretty good if I do say so myself!

 

 

 

 

 

I had big plans for the blue cotton but after washing and drying it I am having second thoughts. The fabric faded and it now looks quite shabby. I might sew it anyways and consider it a practise piece.

 

 

 

I can't wait to get to my next stash!

 

 

 



Sewing Inspiration

Some of my happiest memories from my childhood include sewing with my Granny. When I was growing up, my grandparents lived with us for part of the year when they were not living in Florida. During that awkward time between being a child and becoming a teenager, I took refuge after school with my sewing, secure in knowing that my Granny was always there to help me out.

Granny on my Grandad's motorcycle in Saskatchewan.

I remember making crazy outfits that I actually wore to school. Do you remember the Hawaiian shirt craze of the early 80s? Unfortunately I do because I sewed my own purple, palm tree version when I was in middle school.

I recently inherited my grandmother's serger sewing machine and I have been meaning to learn how to use it but I have to admit it appears intimidating. In the meantime, I have stumbled on to some great websites for pattern and fabric inspiration. These sites may be old news to most of you serious sewers and craft bloggers but I feel like I have hit the jackpot!

Did you know that Spoonflower carries thousands of amazing fabrics designed by professional textile designers? You can also use their site to create your own fabric designs and have them printed on a selection of natural fabrics.

For instance, Jenny Gordy, of Wiksten, has created some gorgeous, one of kind fabrics sold through Spoonflower.  Here are some beautiful examples from her collection:

 

Dealtry + Wiksten Print in Cerulean.

Collaboration between Helen Dealtry and Jenny Gordy. From an original painting by Helen Dealtry.

Shown on silk crepe de chine that's been washed and dried.

Photo: Wiksten

 

Succulent print designed by Jenny Gordy using a watercolor sketch by Amy Albright.

Shown on silk crepe de chine that's been washed and dried.

Photo: Wiksten

Striped khaki print designed by Jenny Gordy.
Shown on cotton voile that's been washed and dried.
Photo: Wiksten

I was also looking around for patterns and found BurdaStyle which offers PDF patterns for designs featured in the print magazine of the same name. I love the patterns below and I think they would look great even though not of these gorgeous models would ever be confused for my twin.

 

 

Sailor Style Pants 08/2012 #125

Photo: BurdaStyle

 

 

 

Satin Dress 04/2013 #108

Photo: BurdaStyle

 

 

Necktie Blouse 07/2012 #117

Photo: BurdaStyle

 

Cruising around Etsy, I found Salme Sewing Patterns in London. I can't wait to try the following patterns.

 

 

 Salme's Kimono Sleeve Dress

 

 

 

 

Salme's Pussy Bow Dress

 

 

Salme's Pin Tucked Short Sleeve Dress

 

 

 

My Granny would be simply amazed at all of this inspiration at our finger tips. Happy sewing!

 

 

Five Finds

Happy Belated Easter! Thanks to the fantastic chocolatiers at Stubbe, my boys had a fun-filled Easter egg hunt for gluten-free chocolates. My youngest son has celiac disease and it is amazing how much commercial chocolate contains gluten, typically with malt flavouring made from barley. Although Stubbe does not run a gluten free kitchen because they do make some cakes but their chocolate is gluten free.

We spent our Easter weekend at our cottage in Picton in Prince Edward County where I was able to get out and about to some of my favourite little shops. Here are my five finds that I picked up that seem to tap into my Spring fever frame of my mind.

 

An enamelled bowl made from a coconut shell and stone necklace from Gilbert and Lighthall

 

 

 

Sew What You Love by Tanya Whelan features some simple patterns for knits from Books and Company.

 

 

 

Vintage-inspired selection of fat quarters from the local fabric shop.

 

 

 

Funky, purple reading glasses from Books & Company.