For the sake of privacy...

It became apparent relatively quickly that covers for the windows were needed for more than just pretty in our new abode.  So to protect myself from indecent exposure I opted for a simple shade that let both light and privacy come together on mutual ground.

Also, I thought I should document it and learned that this is easier said than done.  So here it goes...

First, find a super clean and inspiring place to work in.  Like the stove area where you cooked last nights dinner...

and the floor area in which you have not really scrubbed yet, on a towel that seems clean enough.

Okay, great.  

Now this is where documenting got tricky.  Trying to take pictures of my hands ironing and almost burning the fabric was super fun.  Obviously the lighting was my first priority too...

  Basically I took a fat quarter, cut a piece of muslin to be the same size and sewed them together.  

 

I left two holes at the very top sides for the tension rod to go through and also to allow for flipping it right side out, like so...

Then I ironed it and pressed the sides all nicely together and sewed a top stitch up top (remembering to leave enough room for the tension rod to fit through).  

This stitch does not have to be perfect.   

None of this does.  

In fact, I did not use one pin or ruler or pencil...nada.  This did result in me having to pull them down, flip them inside out again and make one the same size as the other... but whatever.

And there ya have it.  Done.  Privacy installed with a whole lot of pretty!

Here is to a terribly rushed and not so informative DIY post.  If you really want to know how to make these you can call me anytime ;-)

xo

New Project....

I am refusing to let the 3:30 sundown deter me from posting pics of my new evening projects!  How sad that I leave for work in the dark and come home in the dark (well almost dark)...  Thank you instagram for kinda sorta spiffing up a grainy night time pic of these super cute ... not really sure what they are ... kinda bags!

Hope to see them in a farm store soon ;-)

Read all about it....

I have some fun and exciting news to share....

This news is why I have been MIA on my little blogspot for a few days...

It is all consuming and super exciting....

I am building an Empire.

Not really, just a small creative business to call my own and get back to my roots.

I love two things in this life outside of my family and the glorious State of Vermont and they are to write and to sew.

So expect a few changes around here at The Village Press. I have a talented woman working on a blogidy makeover... I simply cannot wait to see how it turns out!  The Mr. is even excited and staying up late helping me grow this little seed of mine.  I am so thankful for him, he is truly amazing.  As far as the smaller ones in the house, they are annoyed at the sound my sewing machine makes while they are watching a movie, or eating, or brushing their teeth or putting their shoes on.  Let's just say they are not fans just yet.

Aside from the new blog look I am also excited to share my sewing adventures with ya too!  I don't care if I sell one thing I make, I LOVE to sew...this means all friends and family now know what will be under the tree in December time...

So as I am so consumed with my new blog look coming up in a few short weeks that I have to remember to keep blogging!

And speaking of writing some news...turns out I am not the only lover of words in the house!

 Noah has started a family news paper.  We will be getting a new read once a week.  There is a box set up for us to drop in new happenings in that can be announced in the paper.  I adore it.  In fact, it makes me want to weep...

Kids came back with a hurricane...

Quite a lot has been happening in the last 48 hours.

I wish I was better at signing in and jotting down some thoughts.  Once a day would be ideal...

For this is a journal for the kids to look back at what was when they were younger and growing up... but sometimes you just have to enjoy the happenings and not worry so much about the journaling.


Noah and Gabrielle were escorted back to the forest from the desert by a lovely grams.  The shrieks upon arrival were earth shaking, coincidence?  I think not.  And then we were granted an entire day, in the house, while it rained, to just chill.  and enjoy.


So I gave Gabi her first lesson in sewing...

She learned to feel her scissors and cut beautiful fabrics.  

She learned to use the serger to overlock her fabrics raw edges.  We practice using the foot pedal which she did all of for her entire project.  She was very good at using appropriate speeds as well as keeping control of the material.

She picked out her applique and chose its perfect placement...

We ironed it on very carefully and gently pulled back at the sticker.  It came out beautifully!

And then all that was left was to admire her very handy work.   

 I think it came out darling, don't you?


Hope all of you enjoyed the wild weather and are safe and well.

Feeling Grateful...

I suddenly feel a wave of gratitude on this Thursday morning.

My children were in high spirits on the phone last night and I went to bed feeling at ease with the distance between us. Look at the smooches I have been getting!

-
 My husband has done his absolute best to prepare for a most difficult exam.  He is working so very hard to be the best provider he can be and I love him dearly for it.

and there is so much to look forward to beginning now:

Noah and Gabi will be returning to our cozy loft in 8 short days, giving me the excitement to squeeze the bajeezus out of them... also giving me eight solid days to spend with the Mr. minus all the studying!

School begins shortly and the smell of new paper and clean backpacks makes me giddy. 

My 33rd birthday is just around the corner.  A. I love being in the 30's and 33 is a great number even though I usually prefer even numbered birthdays... B. We get to go out to Flatbreads for the best pizza dinner and Church Street Ben and Jerry's after that!  That is all I want and need.

A girls trip is in the forecast, to spend with my mother in my favorite city doing some of my most favorite things... 

FALL IS COMING!!!

Then an oh so important date.  11/11/11.  I have been waiting years for this date... and my dad too.  He and Sue are flying all the way from fancy England to spend this day with us... and in posh Montreal of all places!  Crazy lucky!!

Thanksgiving will be spent in nyc this year.  Can you say Macy's Day parade??

Then it is Christmas. 

Life is a blessing and I am oh so grateful. 

Also... I have re dicovered an old passion.  I resurrected my sewing machines from the  

depths of neglect.  I have a lot more to say on this matter but will post a pic of my very first project in close to eight years probably...

 

 The feel of the fabric and the hum of the machines... LOVE.