Allyson Hill

Some Vintage Arrangements

Not much makes me happier than figuring out a great arrangement.  And then when the light hits just right, it catches your eye as you walk by.  I need these moments as I walk through my house. 

When these arrangements start getting ruined by the clutter of daily living, my energy gets zapped and I become non-productive - oh yeah, and I get grumpy.   

The heart of the issue is not so much that I'm seeing clutter, but rather that I'm not seeing beauty and art and therefore I'm not inspired.   

So.  I'm doing a lot of spring cleaning this week.  Finding a place for everything in order to make room for an artfully arranged living environment to inspire and brighten my moments.  To help keep on track, I use Fly Lady.  I don't follow all her rules, but in general, her ideas are really helpful. 

Back to organizing!

The bird bowl came from Good Wiu

Tins from a local shop called Ragtime Antiques & Collectables   

March of the Tools

I love March and I love Tools, so how could I not join in?

These three tools are basics that I believe every sewing body should own.  First of all is the Bamboo Pointer.  Keeps my real finger safe and it can handle a few pricks from the needle (unlike the plastic version or my finger).  I use this when installing zippers or when sewing small pieces of fabric.

Next are the Turn-It-All tube turners.  I know there are various kinds of tube turners out there, but I've only used these and I'm very happy with them.

Finally, is the Easy Threader.  This 24" snake-like piece of plastic can pull drawstring through a hoodie in one swoop.  Which is the reason why every household should have one of these alongside their measuring tape.  So handy.   

By the way, Reproduction Fabrics is a great place to find tiny prints.  You can buy only 1/2 yard pieces too, which is a big deal when you're just looking to collect piles and piles of cute ditzy prints. 

Simple Gifts To Stitch - Along

I joined my very first sew-along, Finny and Donk's Sewing Adventure (FDSA).  Project #1 was the button scarf.  I must say, I was so uninspired to do this project.  As you can see, I'm a day late in submitting it.  Lindsay and I were e-mailing eachother last night sharing our woes.  But thankfully, some last minute inspiration came and I must now say that I'm in LOVE with my new scarf.  I altered the positioning of the buttons so it's more of a cowl or a loose turtleneck.  I see more coming in my future and I'm just so happy that I was encouraged to make something I wouldn't have normally made.  I do love this Sewing Adventure, I feel like I'm back in college again - but less stressful!

Here's the details if you want to make one yourself:   

Two pieces of charcoal velveteen measuring 7" x 33.  I added rows of red stitching and simply overlapped the edges 4" and sewed the buttons on.  I didn't bother with button holes since this easily slips over my head.