Every year we have one yard sale.  Our annual spring cleaning for this year yielded more stuff than ever before.  It seems impossible, but there is never a shortage of stuff we have outgrown or that has outlived its usefulness in our home.  I guess part of that is the result of growing chilldren.  Our yard sale is just around the corner.  If you have one on the horizon, be sure to check out our yard sale tips from last summer.  This is an invaluable resource to get you on the right track.

As usual, before I could let anything go, I had to sift through it to determine if any of the goods could be repurposed for other upcycling projects.  I love getting extra uses out of discards.  What I found, among other things, was a pile of kids jeans.  I have been meaning to do a project like this one for some time.  This hidden treasure proved to be just the inspiration I needed.

The pockets of the kids jeans are smaller than those of adult jeans and just the right size to hold a napkin and cutlery.  Because they are already finished, they give a hint of authenticity to the project without me having to recreate a pocket.  The overall result is fun, cheap, and very stylish.

savour... remixed remnants

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I hate to discard useful things. 

I don’t keep things for the sake of keeping, but I admit that I do have an alarming collection of things that I am saving for the “perfect” project.  Sometimes they are items that have outlived their usefulness in our home.  Sometimes they are donated by friends to feed my obsession.  There is, of course, a wide assortment of thrift store/yard sale items waiting for their day to shine.  You might even spot a curbside find or two.

The materials used in today’s project have been kicking around the studio for months.  I do not recall how we came to own the bad green foam footstool, but I knew I wanted it for the foam.  Foam is expensive and if you are lucky enough to have a resource for different shapes you are certain to pay even more for it than the sheets available at most fabric stores.

The fabric itself was leftover from a chair we reupholstered long ago.  Apart from that, just a few other materials are required… many of them are likely to be in your craft area.

The casters were picked for this project strictly for their bright color.  I found them at a home improvement store.  This footstool will ultimately be used in the SK8R Boyz Room Redux.  The wheels lend to the overall style very well.

savour… salvaged goods

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Roman shades are a great way to dress up a window.  They are perfect for modern contemporary spaces as they are minimal in design with very clean lines.  They are well-suited for many other design styles, too.

If you wish to dress them up you can do so through your choice of décor fabric.  You might also consider adorning the top with a swag or cornice.  Sometimes they are used in conjunction with panels for a layered effect.

Additionally, roman shades can be purchased or made to address different issues.  Depending on your choice of fabrics you can have insulating, room darkening, light filtering, or sheer.

You can purchase them pre-made but you will likely be relegated to putting them on the outside of your window.  For a really clean look, you will need to put them on the inside of the window casing.  That will require custom fitting.  This can be very costly. 

Fortunately, we have the solution for you.  If you have access to a sewing machine and can sew straight lines, you can make these Roman shades.  Ours is a simple construction with manual pull, but you can purchase them with motorized controls.

savour... well-dressed windows

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Throw pillows are great to have around.  They are one of those accessories that can be easily changed to add new life to a space.  I firmly believe in bigger pieces that are somewhat subtle and adaptable and smaller pieces and accessories that can be swapped out as the mood strikes you.

Thankfully throw pillows are relatively inexpensive, too.  You may have already purchased loads of them in your lifetime.  Today we have a quick and easy alternative to the store bought throw pillow using an item you may already have… the cardigan.

Each fall and spring we dig through all of our clothes and purge anything that we won’t wear again.  This keeps the clutter down and opens space for new things.  The discards either go to a yard sale or to charity.  Without fail, there are sweaters... usually a few.  If you once loved them, picture them as a pillow before ridding your home of them completely.  They can add just the right cozy feel for the season.

savour… warming things up

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Now that fall has finally arrived, it is time to assess your scarf, hat, and glove situation.  We keep lots of hats and scarves around during the winter months.  It is always good to have them at hand when headed out for the day or just to walk the dog.

Today we offer up our tutorial for making a hooded scarf.  The hooded scarf is great for throwing on and running out the door with the pooch, but it is also useful for just running.  Made with nice enough fabrics you might even get away with using it as part of your outerwear fashion.  For our fabric, we have chosen old sweatshirts and polar fleece.  Some of the sweatshirts I had and the others I purchased from a thrift store.  None were over two dollars.

Part of what makes the hooded scarf so great is that there is no space between the hat and the scarf.  With the scarf portion tucked down in your jacket, there is no way for the cold air to get in.  You become almost instantly warmer… and you STAY that way. 

savour... toasty treasures 

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In part four of our month long Monday Series, Today’s Homesteading, we cover the basic sewing kit.  Part of being self-sufficient involves being able to tackle your own small sewing projects by mending clothes or basic home decor pieces.  Making and/or fixing your own things means fewer things go to the trash and keeps you from purchasing replacements. Besides... think of the money you will save in repair costs.

Truth be told, I believe most homes could benefit from a sewing machine and at least one person in the house who knows how to use it. However, in the absence of that, every home needs a basic sewing kit and someone with at least basic sewing skills.  If that person is you, prepare for lots of mending moments.

savour... a stitch in time

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