Sweet Dreams Are Made Of Buckwheat?

Oh yes they are!  For a few months I have been waking up with neck pain.  Sometimes it was so bad, I would find myself with a pack of frozen peas on the neck.  My mom suggested a new pillow, a buckwheat pillow.  Well, what the heck? I would try anything at this point. So, I ordered one up from here... and after a night or two of sleeping on this unusual pillow, I feel better! I don't wake up with pain anymore.  I am so happy.

The crafty gal in my could not resist making a new pillowcase for this amazing piece of sleepy goodness.  It truly deserved some LOVE.  Amy Butler LOVE that is.  So now every night I get to rest my head on something pretty and comfortable.  Hurray for new pillows and pretty fabric!

Pillow Craze and Embroidery Love

Black Apple Design from Sublime Stitching

Last night I discovered I need to cover about 4 pillows in order to make my sewing room more comfy.  After much tossing of fabric on pillows I ran to computer for a fresh perspective. I was on overload with all that material being tossed around.  I came across my new favorite embroidery site and a whole new idea for some pillows.   Sublime Stitching has some really amazing and innovative designs! I am in creative heaven.  I can see some lovely pillow covers heading my way very very soon.  I love that most of the patterns can be downloaded into PDF format.  Instant gratification is key!

Upcycled Chic

 I know that the Oscars are far over, but I am so taken with Ms Firth's dress. Her dress is from Vogue's Green Carpet Challenge and it is beautiful.  The dress is eleven different dresses rolled into one beautiful gown.  The sacrificed dresses come from charity/thrift/vintage shops that were in the area of The King's Speech. Every single part of this dress has been recycled, upcycled, and repurposed. 

It is amazing.  Honestly, is shows some real talent and creativity on behalf of designer Gary Harvey.  I think I may have to add this piece to my inspiration board. 

Spring Sewing Is Here!

Simplicity Pattern 4589

I am so excited to finally start sewing for spring/summer. While it is still a white cold mess outside, inside thoughts are warm and dreamy with spring weather so close to coming.  I had some left over material that needed to be used.  Why not make a quick top that is great for layering (hence the sweater in March) and also on it own?  The brown was a silky type material.  I not sure exactly what it is, but it is very light and has a nice drape.  I am inspired this year by natuarl fibers like linen and light cottons.  For textures I am loving those silks (and "silk-like") fabrics. 

The only thing I changed on the pattern was to add the extra layer of material. This top needed a little interest and that pop of color keeps the brown from looking to much like fall.  The extra band of purple at the bottom added some length.  Nice for when you are 5'9" and patterns are cut for those on the shorter side. I also added slits at the bottom of the top for better movement around those hips.

I just finished up another Amy Butler skirt  . Her simple a-line skirt to be more exact.  It turned out super cute and I even got a chance to embroider. Pics will be coming, if it warms up a bit.  I am also anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first Japanese sewing pattern book.  I really want to work on sewing pintucks and this book has some lovely designs.  Perfect for summer and layering pieces. 

I would say that spring has sprung around here!