Spring Things : :

 






This morning I had Birthday Crown orders to finish up and an appointment, and to tell the truth I am completely out of my regular old routine. I need to figure out a new one now that the puppy is here and I'm getting up several times during the night. After just one week, I went from someone who stays up to on average 1am, to someone who can't keep their eyes open after 10pm! After sharing my wip evaluation post and reading all your comments and encouragement, I've deciding to let the pressure I was feeling go, to enjoy everything including this new pace, which just so happens to be a slow pace right now. Besides, there really is no point in rushing quickly into a new routine anyways. The kids finish up school in a little over a week, and then we'll all find a new groove together!

I can't believe how quickly May is going by! How about you? I love Spring and really wish it was a longer season here. I'm trying to freshen up the living room a little before Summer. I brought in some Forsythia for the mantel, I love the bright yellow! But when the temperature dropped and I was completely exhausted early last week, my living room sewing plans were delayed when I decided to make myself some gluten free cookies, recipe here, for breakfast. I'm sharing because they really were the best GF cookies I've made and everyone loved them! Now I'm planning to make an ottoman slipcover for Lily's new favorite corner of the living room. Penelope doesn't love the hardwood, she just slips all over the place, so Lily has taken retreat there. I picked out this gorgeous Portfolio Capparis print in Sunshine. I love it so much!! Once I finish my little home decor diy project, I plan to host a special giveaway sponsored by OFS right here!

Penelope is doing great! We had just a couple accidents last week, which were contained to her kennel, which kind of threw us, especially since she made them shortly after coming in from outside?  I keep referring to the comments you all left for us in my post introducing Penny for guidance! You guys really are the best!!

This week I'm having a sale in my etsy for 20% off any crown or felt purchase. Just use coupon code Spring20 at checkout.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! And a BIG thanks in advance to those of you who stop by my shop this week!  ♥,  Maureen

A Quilted Improv Chevron Pillow : :

It's been a while since I shared a new pillow here! This one is made up of an Improv Chevron block, a tutorial by Six White Horse's, in a favorite color combo of mine -- yellow, aqua, grey, navy, teal, white, and a little brown. It's for our Living Room, which I've been trying so hard to keep within this color scheme!



This quilt block pattern is such a favorite of mine! I made a couple several months ago for a charity bee quilt, and right away made a third, they are so much fun! And, I'm definitely not done with this block pattern yet. A quilt in this style, and even in this same color palette, would be so perfect for one of my sisters!



The back is finished in an Essex Yarn Dyed RK linen in Leather and some pretty Aurifil thread in Light Blue. The perfect combo to keep the earthy feel I'm trying to maintain in this room, which is for my husband mostly since that's his style all the way!



While finishing the envelope style back, I had some fun trying out a new stitch on my Janome Horizon, one of it's many Heirloom stitch options. It's a simple diamond pattern with a heavy double stitch. I love the way it looks and I can't way to try out more on a second pillow. Next, I think I might try to make some sort of embroidered sampler pillow, in the same thread colors as this pillow, full of the Heirloom stitches.



I'm really loving it next to my favorite Anthropologie lampshade, and I'm so glad it's finally finished!!



Happy Monday!   ♥,  Maureen

Our Living Room : :

I have had such a busy couple of sewing days!! I had originally planned to share some of my recent makings this morning, but decided to stick with the house tour I started this week and share some of the living room pics I took, pre-Christmas decorating, before the day ends! The enthusiasm our family, friends, and you all have for our little family right now is so amazing and moving! To have so many to share our excitement with, makes this home all the more special! THANK YOU.

This Living Room is the room I am most excited to make things for right now. For the first time ever I am trying to stay within a color scheme (I LOVE color, ALL of them -- you know that!), but I am trying to keep things to a minimum. I also want to keep it kind of nature inspired, with the calm earthy vibe that Kevin loves. Already, this is his most favorite room and has so many of our favorite things in it.























With pillows, a throw quilt, an ottoman on my things to make list, lots of artwork and a cozy wool rug on my wishlist, and several other ideas floating around like a photo wall and cool light fixture ideas -- I'm glad I have these couple of months with holiday decorations everywhere to plan and hopefully make!

So, this is our before and I can't wait to share all the after photos as it all comes together!! And, thanks again for being so sweet and encouraging!! This is so much fun! ♥,  Maureen