tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46465736311219992012024-03-14T03:23:49.019-04:00Gracious Farmhousegracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-30195808153454809322013-11-15T18:25:00.000-05:002013-11-15T18:35:14.892-05:00SunsetView over the farm tonight...<br />
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Too beautiful not to share!</div>
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We're slowly recovering from the madness that was October around here. Hope to be back to blogging soon! Lots of fun happening around the farmhouse! </div>
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Have a great weekend!</div>
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xo,</div>
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<br />gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-77456866954468524512013-10-26T21:08:00.000-04:002013-10-26T21:08:28.144-04:00Black DoorsYou may have noticed a few black doors hanging out in our house...<br />
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A few years ago, when I was painting the exterior of our front door black, I decided to just go ahead and paint the inside black too. In my mom's home we had used stained doors with cream trim and the contrast was really nice. Stained doors in this house wasn't possible, but maybe the contrasting look could be achieved with another color??<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A glimpse of the very first black door in the background...</td></tr>
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The result...I really liked it! It made the boring old white door a little more exciting.....for a door anyway. ;-)<br />
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Slowly, I've been making my way through our house. <br />
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And I do mean slllooowwwly. The reasons are many. First, I hate painting doors. Second, they take FOREVER to paint if you want them to look semi-decent. And third, it's not an easy project to do with munchkins around. But mostly, it's because I hate painting doors. ;-)<br />
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Almost as much as I hate painting doors, I hate that this project is unfinished. Kind of a catch-22 there...because I have to actually finish the project I dread (maybe the most??) to not have it bother me everytime I see one of my unpainted doors. I realized this is probably unbalanced...but it triggers a giant "to-do" list in my head everytime I see them!! If you think this sounds a little crazy...you're not alone...ask my hubby.<br />
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What?? Just finish them already?? Oh fine. I'm on a new surge of commitment to finish my door painting. <br />
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before:<br />
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now:<br />
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Long way to go.... blech.<br />
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I'd love to have this all wrapped up by thanksgiving. There are only 17 more to go. (Ugh, why'd I count...makes it seem so much worse!!) I guess you gotta have a goal right?? I'm not sure that goal is really achievable...but I'd settle for 2/3rds finished. How about it friends and family....who wants to paint some doors black!?!? Any takers??<br />
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You know where to find me... If I have any chance of coming even close to reaching this goal I'll be painting every spare minute of my days....<br />
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xo,<br />
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<br />gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-85352764105969811062013-10-25T20:11:00.002-04:002013-10-25T20:11:34.325-04:00SnowYesterday this happened.<div>
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Ugh.</div>
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Obviously it wasn't enough to cover the grass and it melted almost instantly...but it made its first appearance. </div>
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I'm less than excited.... Painting <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-blue-door.html" target="_blank">front doors</a> </span>(and a myriad of other little things) are really hard to accomplish when the weather turns crummy!!</div>
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I guess there's always next year??</div>
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xo,</div>
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gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-23861563402497670812013-10-24T21:30:00.003-04:002013-10-24T21:30:48.929-04:00Can we salvage this?So I really didn't intend to desert my 31 day challenge....but....I guess it kind of happened anyway. However, instead of admitting defeat, haha, I going to pick back up and try and salvage the last eight days of October. It may still not technically be a victory...but at least I'll have finished what I started. ;-)<br />
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And since we are on the topic of salvaging things...<br />
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One of the biggest challenges we've faced during renovating has been figuring out what to keep and what to get rid of. Our "salvage" pile is made up of both things we love AND things we have to choose to love (or at least live with) because we can't afford to replace them right now. <br />
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When we came to the bathroom renovation on the main floor we were faced with a lot of "choose to love what you have". We were in between babies and all spare change went directly to medical care...all so worth it...but ugh. Because we basically had no money to put into this, I'm not even sure it can be considered a renovation...we lovingly refer to it as a band-aid. But...it was the super-sticky kind because it hasn't peeled off yet! (yeah...corny...I know) :-) I'm planning the big before/after post soon, but here's a little sneak peak...<br />
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before:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">why, oh why, did I never take before pictures before demo began???</td></tr>
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after:</div>
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Now and then it's just plain necessary to start fresh, but sometimes making do with what you have by adding simple improvements does the trick and can be beautiful too. Stay tuned!<br />
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xo,<br />
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<br />gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-23149480664901830832013-10-12T00:40:00.001-04:002013-10-12T00:40:53.113-04:00Girls trip!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsCEYSBWqixnpasyqEhj383OTJWESeN3LRSRYlHW6-5p9pO2s7_e6TKOL_kM-WyZpbQk2smS0lQmg5cyNE_f2tzuGaNk1QLO4EbB2HVrCrPaoWRs6LDQSDqdNqLulGkwumez__wD7TUU/s1600/luggage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsCEYSBWqixnpasyqEhj383OTJWESeN3LRSRYlHW6-5p9pO2s7_e6TKOL_kM-WyZpbQk2smS0lQmg5cyNE_f2tzuGaNk1QLO4EbB2HVrCrPaoWRs6LDQSDqdNqLulGkwumez__wD7TUU/s400/luggage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The bags are packed and I'm headed out for a fun weekend with the girls!! I'm so thankful for family who is willing to take on my kiddos for the weekend so I can have some time with my friends. Sometimes us moms forget that we need a break too and I'm excited to have one!!<br />
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Ready for laughter, relaxation and shopping this weekend!!<br />
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Hope your weekend is great too!!<br />
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xo,<br />
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<br />gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-57780555985271112602013-10-10T20:58:00.001-04:002013-10-10T20:58:39.577-04:00DIY Throw Pillow Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Disclaimer: This post is a BEAST! There are a lot of pictures...most of them not great quality...I'm lazy and use the iPhone most of the time. :) Please don't become overwhelmed by the amount of information...it is not as much work as it seems! Just 4 basic steps...with a lot of detail in between.</div>
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Ok, let's get started!! If you missed out on the supply list...it can be found <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/conquer-fearof-sewing.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">here</span></a>.<br />
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No. 1: Cut front and back pieces.<br />
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Take measurements of your pillow. (As a reminder, this tutorial is strictly for down pillows) My pillow measures 34.5" x 19.5". <br />
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Subtract 1/2" from width and 1/2" from height to figure out measurement of both the front and back panel of fabric. For example, my fabric will be cut 34" x 19".<br />
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For my pillow I will be using a gold velvet on the front and a patterned compliment on the back.<br />
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Using your large ruler and cutting mat, cut front and back panels. <br />
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Obviously the goal here is to have nice straight lines, but this is not a precision project. If the ruler slips a tiny bit or your edge ends up a tad crooked, it will be ok. You can compensate for most things when you put the seams together. <br />
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With the "right" sides together, I folded lengthwise. Then, using my folded edge as a straight edge I lined up the fold with a line on the cutting board and cut both edges of the width first. <br />
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Next, I folded the two cut edges together and again using my fold as my straight edge I cut both sides of my height.</div>
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That all sounds way more difficult than it is. Trust me.<br />
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No. 2: Install cording. If you missed my tutorial on how to make your own cording, you can find it <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/diy-cording-for-throw-pillows.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">here</span></a>.<br />
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While looking at your fabric, decide which edge will be the bottom edge of your pillow. If you have a fabric with a pattern, usually this is obvious. If your fabric is a solid, just pick what you like best. The cording will be sewn to the right side of the pillow...line up the raw edges of the cording and pillow front starting in the middle-ish of the bottom edge of the pillow. <br />
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Begin sewing with a longish stitch (3.5-4) leaving about 1.5 inches unsewn at the beginning. No need to backstitch. <br />
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Use a light tension against the cording with the zipper foot. Sew until you near the first corner by about 2.5 inches. Then, take scissors and clip in the seam allowance in intervals of approx 1/4" for about 3 inches...enough for the cording to bend around the corner. I'll then line it up around the corner and begin to sew. Take your time and go slowly around the corners...makes it easier.<br />
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Continue sewing on straight edge and repeat process until you near where you began. Leave about 2-3 inches. <br />
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Trim cording with an overhang of about 1.5 inches.<br />
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Now, with the help of a seam ripper if needed, gently peel open about 2 inches of the cording sleeve.</div>
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Trim cording at the place where the cording would meet if it were one continuous piece...it's always best for it to be a hair longer than necessary here than short. You can always trim more off if need be.<br />
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Fold over end of cording sleeve<br />
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Now, lining up with beginning end of cording... place the beginning edge in the sleeve. <br />
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Fold over and straighten.<br />
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Now stitch. You can kind of straighten and tighten as you go here if you feel it is a little loose. When you pass where you began stitching to begin with, backstitch a few stitches. Clip threads and you're done with cording!<br />
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Here is where I'm going to show you just how crooked the edge can be sometimes.<br />
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I show this to encourage my fellow perfectionists out there that this is fine. It will NOT be noticeable in the final product, so don't stress. <br />
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No. 3: Next up, the zipper!<br />
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With the backside of the fabric in front of you, identify which edge is the bottom. The zipper will be placed on the bottom edge of the fabric, approximately in the center, face down. The zipper I used for this project was an upholstery zipper that was actually a little longer than I would normally use. I recommend sticking to the polyester zipper listed on the supply list...much easier to use.<br />
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Pin in a few places.<br />
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Starting at the end of the zipper, begin stitching (length 2-3) so your needle is a 1/8th or so away from the zipper teeth. <br />
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As you approach the end with the zipper head, stop with your needle still puncturing through the zipper and fabric. You may need to lift the foot, but slide the zipper head behind the foot to ease sewing to the top edge. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnQU9IuN5yjd-JWxVA1yxrHWQVe0KEy7L0JG9CVU-edCLokh46NSyxjCKyo2ATboHbPcOn6-LdC85i6TcLvNMATmc32KJphjFtrfNexcpdqMwcBg_l2FAZZcrRGxbFBWtQKqGa4y1C0k/s1600/photo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnQU9IuN5yjd-JWxVA1yxrHWQVe0KEy7L0JG9CVU-edCLokh46NSyxjCKyo2ATboHbPcOn6-LdC85i6TcLvNMATmc32KJphjFtrfNexcpdqMwcBg_l2FAZZcrRGxbFBWtQKqGa4y1C0k/s320/photo+5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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When this is finished, you will have something that looks like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ojf2LaHaNtxWvzWAa7j1T_oscPkexeZ6diAYDsGuJhpsIeuw6aIoVPUDrN0Sf291YN0NU0-d-3oEWwoF-Zu634U5DNxo7mEFS1epf5UbiGtXUIE-r1CKilRtRsjr6jJNsvasGJSJKV8/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ojf2LaHaNtxWvzWAa7j1T_oscPkexeZ6diAYDsGuJhpsIeuw6aIoVPUDrN0Sf291YN0NU0-d-3oEWwoF-Zu634U5DNxo7mEFS1epf5UbiGtXUIE-r1CKilRtRsjr6jJNsvasGJSJKV8/s320/photo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Line up both bottoms of your pillow with right sides facing together. Place a pin in the general middle where your zipper will be sewing to your cording.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamAMozCauJ0QWE3SfFB9I3a3D1xKBchTN-e1VA9RIQnjs4QzW2TbJdI1X7TtHdhmfNNirvzV22L9wpMPxlg6bWcxLPZQ5IQ1SiNyWFkQHwbF2CnrSv2yVwi4sYalPtuP1cOXDb-33ME0/s1600/IMG_5013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamAMozCauJ0QWE3SfFB9I3a3D1xKBchTN-e1VA9RIQnjs4QzW2TbJdI1X7TtHdhmfNNirvzV22L9wpMPxlg6bWcxLPZQ5IQ1SiNyWFkQHwbF2CnrSv2yVwi4sYalPtuP1cOXDb-33ME0/s320/IMG_5013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unzip zipper and pin every few inches. These pins are just a guideline. I guarantee you won't sew exactly where you pinned, but they help hold things in the general vacinity.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm4IfktyISTJb3x512_0wq4SkUu0LC_syRKRbZK7piQWo3MVvk3TfEV36UmLtb4ak4oa1LeRVPAA4kDn7Eby1_axlH50GivcritbHvkzbUH4HoiMCA4kZ1rz7b5Bfks2-GIomyR4xfxY/s1600/IMG_5014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm4IfktyISTJb3x512_0wq4SkUu0LC_syRKRbZK7piQWo3MVvk3TfEV36UmLtb4ak4oa1LeRVPAA4kDn7Eby1_axlH50GivcritbHvkzbUH4HoiMCA4kZ1rz7b5Bfks2-GIomyR4xfxY/s320/IMG_5014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You want to sew as close to the teeth as possible without interfering with them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmnAWZYvSC9jQLGZVbckOMjprNgyqugLu0yolumyeHk_2r4fCRUCKoV8Ff4pfC7Nfk3nJLpaRF8KmAqNluIk-1XybAjxagWqB_KaJb6qLnnkIZXoJ5oSK5vGrLWEaASJtwibVctYaDyw/s1600/IMG_5016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmnAWZYvSC9jQLGZVbckOMjprNgyqugLu0yolumyeHk_2r4fCRUCKoV8Ff4pfC7Nfk3nJLpaRF8KmAqNluIk-1XybAjxagWqB_KaJb6qLnnkIZXoJ5oSK5vGrLWEaASJtwibVctYaDyw/s320/IMG_5016.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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As you near the end, close the zipper a short distance so it's easier to finish. Backstitch at the end.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkp59TwxH77dny74DaCHexp0XZtVNlQSYCYWkFrwV8hstSOJZywB6hYdIQOJLWhvteI7p7lER2jRMLw31fFvNAlbYh6tiex994ZKDIM9X7ew9qktKjRJ1eChgMKwXGFthCCuRQMs03fk/s1600/IMG_5018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkp59TwxH77dny74DaCHexp0XZtVNlQSYCYWkFrwV8hstSOJZywB6hYdIQOJLWhvteI7p7lER2jRMLw31fFvNAlbYh6tiex994ZKDIM9X7ew9qktKjRJ1eChgMKwXGFthCCuRQMs03fk/s320/IMG_5018.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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As you can see, it's a big tricky to get close to the teeth and my stitches are little jagged.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkqNV1p6jmpXPvfMdrNgt0IvjMYxjOEs5nkpDv8B5KSNAhWWooWodN-g8fi7ScVNCKVXbBc_uGOEhtNQDofB733PXVx5eA2voK8yJPM5Qwh4B1vScLbiVjD4PoXQgvN6cyJySuJuGw0U/s1600/IMG_5019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkqNV1p6jmpXPvfMdrNgt0IvjMYxjOEs5nkpDv8B5KSNAhWWooWodN-g8fi7ScVNCKVXbBc_uGOEhtNQDofB733PXVx5eA2voK8yJPM5Qwh4B1vScLbiVjD4PoXQgvN6cyJySuJuGw0U/s400/IMG_5019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, close the zipper and flip your project over.<br />
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Now, make stitch a pass over the nearest stitching line to your cording below. You can kind of feel based on the bulk where you should be stitching.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXP4AvmnYMGvrqccUIi5WeTswLDhxl7n70RlykxSMCVPmMNBYzRzO7wbb2xbpLSUQHVP5jdZkARc3AmZCFYBbiTW_SosYMQ9Ga5ERk-3tqYnwegN8FgCDHxgOkesb6grBq5DZT1Jk3j38/s1600/IMG_5021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXP4AvmnYMGvrqccUIi5WeTswLDhxl7n70RlykxSMCVPmMNBYzRzO7wbb2xbpLSUQHVP5jdZkARc3AmZCFYBbiTW_SosYMQ9Ga5ERk-3tqYnwegN8FgCDHxgOkesb6grBq5DZT1Jk3j38/s320/IMG_5021.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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When you are finished and you lay out your project, it should look something like this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlxnx2ND1g-IvVRS_5YX-LSbUam4pul1t9MR4nL3hSFaKuzNSSow_HtvgVjpRQ6pgAc3cHt4JZZttUTuzsEa6mJUEdvoWHFrlMB7iPZi8g8uL0PKY-WmC9503uckkQ6aTnVIx07AwP78/s1600/IMG_5022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlxnx2ND1g-IvVRS_5YX-LSbUam4pul1t9MR4nL3hSFaKuzNSSow_HtvgVjpRQ6pgAc3cHt4JZZttUTuzsEa6mJUEdvoWHFrlMB7iPZi8g8uL0PKY-WmC9503uckkQ6aTnVIx07AwP78/s640/IMG_5022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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However, we want to hide the teeth of the zipper for our final product, so we are going to make a casing to hide them. This is a little hard to explain, but with your project laid out as above, pull the back fabric down and pin to cover zipper. It will create a fold that meets at the cording. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nG3sL56LBocmdrKM-P6PHT1AvXsutSsYxdzz241aQxmhgJRda87hDoA8lDz-l3Sk1D7LlbnPTG0Tc-TqFfTTKrFimPeaBOVezrcWUqFXYHeQJQh6edKZZz_a7kEoLYbkIAYyTMr8jHw/s1600/IMG_5023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nG3sL56LBocmdrKM-P6PHT1AvXsutSsYxdzz241aQxmhgJRda87hDoA8lDz-l3Sk1D7LlbnPTG0Tc-TqFfTTKrFimPeaBOVezrcWUqFXYHeQJQh6edKZZz_a7kEoLYbkIAYyTMr8jHw/s640/IMG_5023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then, starting at the edge with the cording to the left of the zipper, begin sewing (2-3 length) a straight line catching only the back fabric and the zipper below. This will create the flap to hide the zipper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrQryfoIChBjNtnnoOj7aCV5kpMb8gvgqVXKnvg9gY2vFUsPVMt3QjbzinnZtmEF8MoVGoUAeRFADtwG9St-fPtUkBDHKpKaxa6m5AY2TzOf3xuXIXb-MouMua4j8xsCSX3zzWtXLevw/s1600/IMG_5025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrQryfoIChBjNtnnoOj7aCV5kpMb8gvgqVXKnvg9gY2vFUsPVMt3QjbzinnZtmEF8MoVGoUAeRFADtwG9St-fPtUkBDHKpKaxa6m5AY2TzOf3xuXIXb-MouMua4j8xsCSX3zzWtXLevw/s320/IMG_5025.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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As you sew down the row, pull pins as you go. There may be a more technical way to do this, but I just eyeball my measurement...keeping the line running parallel to the cording.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji21zHaUF7HwFbvn9sMtqngzc4akKzakTg0hvQGmzeKNLoG05AbQA4-48s_1Lo-A2AKEsjRUQD3A44Hnvg9gAWAQMwaaCK8NSZN2IaTgF-COfcxir1hhW0chaPtr5uRQ-EnqI_9C8lIvE/s1600/IMG_5026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji21zHaUF7HwFbvn9sMtqngzc4akKzakTg0hvQGmzeKNLoG05AbQA4-48s_1Lo-A2AKEsjRUQD3A44Hnvg9gAWAQMwaaCK8NSZN2IaTgF-COfcxir1hhW0chaPtr5uRQ-EnqI_9C8lIvE/s320/IMG_5026.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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When you get to the end, raise the zipper foot, keeping the needle in the fabric.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrs7kZuzJMtg44TYndVV6hP3rKvMcmRcp0euMaCVZ5ECxf9Yv2Da3c5X7N1LMSWMxlM5TEi3JV5SCrXPH29d_FXvL1ZuUCvR-15Mwg5RyHSnhL85jO3z-B5qJUKUa1qLg3wFfaAkIoFYg/s1600/IMG_5027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrs7kZuzJMtg44TYndVV6hP3rKvMcmRcp0euMaCVZ5ECxf9Yv2Da3c5X7N1LMSWMxlM5TEi3JV5SCrXPH29d_FXvL1ZuUCvR-15Mwg5RyHSnhL85jO3z-B5qJUKUa1qLg3wFfaAkIoFYg/s320/IMG_5027.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Turn the fabric 90 degrees, put zipper foot back down, and stitch across zipper to meet cording. Backstitch this a couple times.</div>
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Then, go back to the other end and stitch across zipper from cording to flap stitching, making sure zipper head is underneath flap section. Backstitch a couple times here as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yEcPiyvWyhCwZzH9qPinSXeExMFS7L0qGCh8EVH30sZBjaI-bDgZlqGK1ocxzO9YYJY5LOmdVovrIVeU3ZlAEVNcLtsxB2zh0LD57DtilVK06pTbIbjlHWLGy1RlcisxKLqEYUvmMUY/s1600/IMG_5030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yEcPiyvWyhCwZzH9qPinSXeExMFS7L0qGCh8EVH30sZBjaI-bDgZlqGK1ocxzO9YYJY5LOmdVovrIVeU3ZlAEVNcLtsxB2zh0LD57DtilVK06pTbIbjlHWLGy1RlcisxKLqEYUvmMUY/s320/IMG_5030.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Zipper done!! Check!</div>
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No. 4: Sew around edges. </div>
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Home stretch!! </div>
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With zipper at the bottom and right sides together, begin pinning on the top, in the center. Continue pinning top edge working from the center to sides. Some fabrics are stretchier than others, so keep a light tension to keep fabric from puckering when you sew them together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr6fpF5PjKL6dauaoqRtYdPnXO8-1vY8pt3nfieHm-Z_4PbsHA-ZUOF0cOp4goPvq__4cuOn-4ilp5T1El7LqTw8HZQEl7y15jZcb7DG7oUnlI5DPoqcDBqFp9jEZcqhdIqvH3ue4skg/s1600/IMG_5034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr6fpF5PjKL6dauaoqRtYdPnXO8-1vY8pt3nfieHm-Z_4PbsHA-ZUOF0cOp4goPvq__4cuOn-4ilp5T1El7LqTw8HZQEl7y15jZcb7DG7oUnlI5DPoqcDBqFp9jEZcqhdIqvH3ue4skg/s640/IMG_5034.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Depending on the fabrics used, when sewing cording to the front face fabric it may have "shrunk". This is why it's a good idea to pin from the center working out. You have a little more control easing the excess fabric out at the corners. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGf5OdUOBqLifvaSOxVgs5LgHZUwqoBFChmh-w2XGkA_jIb7d8CRfomP7PBjk5HnPWg7VWoYyqgsv7Tng-efwsBvOGod7GJPix81mUb43TEcqcpCNVtLpcnW9io8cHAHyYcUxs85I1HM/s1600/IMG_5035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGf5OdUOBqLifvaSOxVgs5LgHZUwqoBFChmh-w2XGkA_jIb7d8CRfomP7PBjk5HnPWg7VWoYyqgsv7Tng-efwsBvOGod7GJPix81mUb43TEcqcpCNVtLpcnW9io8cHAHyYcUxs85I1HM/s320/IMG_5035.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of my excess fabric</td></tr>
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After top is pinned, continue onto sides. Follow the same procedure pinning the center first and working to edges. </div>
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At the corner by the zipper closure, make sure fabric will lay nicely next to cording.<br />
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With fabric laying as smooth as possible, wedge zipper foot back as close to zipper closure as possible and begin sewing front and back pieces together. It is not necessary to get the zipper foot up super tight to cording. And a basting stitch (4ish) may be used for this pass.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6efKbveIBXd-HBlvh9KiCxzpcRJM3dHyUen1qBFqu5It8sphDxtrWr3rLGbQ7uKs_ihvyhIeqcCITXPoIjUw6Ih-8Y8mW86m_jeCzC1Hhyphenhyphen2jPnWfVLewDUMf1LkIj_YxP_ivANvxnT8/s1600/IMG_5039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6efKbveIBXd-HBlvh9KiCxzpcRJM3dHyUen1qBFqu5It8sphDxtrWr3rLGbQ7uKs_ihvyhIeqcCITXPoIjUw6Ih-8Y8mW86m_jeCzC1Hhyphenhyphen2jPnWfVLewDUMf1LkIj_YxP_ivANvxnT8/s320/IMG_5039.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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When you finish stitching the two layers together all the way around, flip project over and stitch on the other side. This time, stitch as closely to the cording as you can...using your previous stitching lines as a guide.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39ADGlqIbKvyGOzp6cOiLREskKtOmqNEYs6ApzpoIrnchA-7_q4XOL0-SySe8kmFymkvjv6xdguONNs13VrCYf2q9vhyrlfiKRApGkpRLD002xaKW6L5vHrFW8tcmXKDAcU_2G4G24y8/s1600/IMG_5041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39ADGlqIbKvyGOzp6cOiLREskKtOmqNEYs6ApzpoIrnchA-7_q4XOL0-SySe8kmFymkvjv6xdguONNs13VrCYf2q9vhyrlfiKRApGkpRLD002xaKW6L5vHrFW8tcmXKDAcU_2G4G24y8/s320/IMG_5041.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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When you finish going clear around the pillow, slip fingers in the zipper opening and open it all the way. Flip pillow right side out!<br />
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I usually do a quick check of my cording all the way around, just to make sure than no stitching is showing and no sections got caught accidentally or something. My seam-ripper is always handy! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PcbKr3EvSADyvLDf94hJHwfZAW5grEoDf4MyCqTQ8IKnyK3DhWdOoZ1AnPAPlsOKgJ9eAZLjWN5nckIHGc2sINRyJd-oJpYL0KWPX8pDj5FdwW1dhFy-ZUyVhZcqr7JfZpYivs29wdc/s1600/IMG_5043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PcbKr3EvSADyvLDf94hJHwfZAW5grEoDf4MyCqTQ8IKnyK3DhWdOoZ1AnPAPlsOKgJ9eAZLjWN5nckIHGc2sINRyJd-oJpYL0KWPX8pDj5FdwW1dhFy-ZUyVhZcqr7JfZpYivs29wdc/s320/IMG_5043.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If everything looks good, flip back inside out and trim seam allowances around corners. This just allows corners to lay a little nicer.<br />
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Before:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqu83WibBg1SsfZSIG_2RbVrzTiTh5UtGL6JtucQD0t05TCQqdvyuCkzsYo-c1srrwxJr7GMmDp_X6Tog-As1_u_2ZjFOjdOWulc26ighzIJE-RChQs6jtsNujaHzWv3XuOIr-JOD0HA/s1600/IMG_5044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqu83WibBg1SsfZSIG_2RbVrzTiTh5UtGL6JtucQD0t05TCQqdvyuCkzsYo-c1srrwxJr7GMmDp_X6Tog-As1_u_2ZjFOjdOWulc26ighzIJE-RChQs6jtsNujaHzWv3XuOIr-JOD0HA/s320/IMG_5044.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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After:</div>
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Flip back right side out! Stuff with your pillow!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhzuQd39XX0Rx5n-3mHD8cwUgurJCTGOeI-3LZW_-Auu4eBeigIZstBVY5wsjZCUGd1gfFGrZ-8dlx-bOxlu8gMSSyrXP4pbaGabubxDrJ7urnV6hr3AGPoNreELot8S0lO73yrhAM-Y/s1600/IMG_5046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhzuQd39XX0Rx5n-3mHD8cwUgurJCTGOeI-3LZW_-Auu4eBeigIZstBVY5wsjZCUGd1gfFGrZ-8dlx-bOxlu8gMSSyrXP4pbaGabubxDrJ7urnV6hr3AGPoNreELot8S0lO73yrhAM-Y/s320/IMG_5046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LOMUW72RwQ1Rco7wkUQn2i6OVk9GcbP00ZqUki2kciOYjxjhFqGH7_bHIipe2p6NUAbPhu5CNKQyDb-MqmRZw3oz-Zpq4W9nqJsTCaOXDpW6XrTil9ntxSlQ_LeoD8kyMiuv1ZfxdSg/s1600/IMG_5047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LOMUW72RwQ1Rco7wkUQn2i6OVk9GcbP00ZqUki2kciOYjxjhFqGH7_bHIipe2p6NUAbPhu5CNKQyDb-MqmRZw3oz-Zpq4W9nqJsTCaOXDpW6XrTil9ntxSlQ_LeoD8kyMiuv1ZfxdSg/s320/IMG_5047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back</td></tr>
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Congratulations!!! You did it! Time to marvel at your work!<br />
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xo,<br />
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<br />gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-76686112935250944082013-10-09T22:51:00.000-04:002013-10-09T22:51:30.871-04:00Mess & Perseverance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever had one of those days that just wipe you out in every way?? I had one of those today. It probably didn't help that I was running on borrowed energy when I woke up...or that I had misplaced my phone (aka "my life") by 7 am...or a number of other things... but I. am. spent. <br />
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Sometimes projects get a little messy. You know, when things seem to get worse before they get better?? I seem to remember this happening pretty much every time my mom told me to clean my room as a kid, haha, sorry mom. I suppose you could say that I've dealt with my fair share of mess over the last many years of renovating...but I'm still not a fan...and sometimes it still catches me off guard and takes me a minute to figure it all out. You may just want to ditch the project altogether, but...if it's important to you....at some point you must deal with the mess. Ugh. <br />
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On my way home from dropping my kiddos off at school this morning, I found myself admiring the morning sky. It was kind of like a rainbow was blanketing the whole skyline to the west beginning with red on the horizon and all the other colors that follow until reaching the blue that faded into the sky above. I would have taken a picture...but remember....lost phone. ;-) It was cool though and I couldn't help by revel in the masterfulness of the Big Guy upstairs. <br />
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Do you think He ever had to deal with a project veering off course?? Mess? Honestly, I'd never really considered it in this context before but...YES! That little thing called sin...which can be found in each and every human being on this planet. His imperfect children who He loves so much. Pretty amazing if you think about it...we are the project! Perfect perseverance. <br />
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Sometimes it seems perseverance is becoming somewhat of a lost art in our "disposable" society. But, whether it be a trivial project in our homes or something more meaningful like the challenges we may have to face in our relationships or the hard choices we make as parents, how beautiful are the things that can be made when we persevere... <br />
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I still don't like "mess", but being reminded of what's on the other side helps the medicine go down a little smoother. And if you happen to be walking through my day to day life with me, which is probably most of you reading this blog... ;), thank you for persevering with me.<br />
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There's my deep thought for today...from my very tired brain... :)<br />
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xo,<br />
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ps. And speaking of mess...I'm going to bed with dishes in the sink tonight and a pile of laundry in the basket. I'm telling my inner-perfectionist to hush because perseverance in those areas are just going to have to wait until this chick gets some rest. gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-23519710313552357852013-10-08T22:37:00.001-04:002013-10-08T22:37:14.504-04:00DAY 8<div>
If you ventured here today in search of my pillow tutorial...you have my deepest apologies. Once again, I have to postpone till tomorrow. Let me share with you one thing I have learned so far during this 'writing every day' commitment....NEVER ANNOUNCE SCHEDULED CONTENT! Clearly, I am just not that organized yet!! HA!! </div>
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Blogging on my "to-do" list today was kind of like one of those kernels of corn that bounced off the bar and floated away.... oops. </div>
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xo,</div>
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ps. Can someone ask the "31 day challenge" police if a post still counts if it is written minutes before the clock strikes 12?? Better luck tomorrow...gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-17793440797994921832013-10-07T21:21:00.000-04:002013-10-07T21:21:26.239-04:00DIY Cording for Throw Pillows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In an effort to simplify the pillow tutorial, let's first tackle how to make our own cording. The same basic supplies are required. Go <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/conquer-fearof-sewing.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">here</span></a> to find that list...</div>
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The pillow that we will be making in the upcoming tutorial will have cording like this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1IyVFmwrOdvmbGDfQX4SMmu1hUrrggZFlGtqfjx8_wpHNLLVV0o70sfTzsbdmiGh7eb2FBn3b4bGg0e9i5WHYUXPBu_y9ntx7LSGC6hvdrHBfTUaqJscbEvtv4W_WHInLARxjsEk1Xk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1IyVFmwrOdvmbGDfQX4SMmu1hUrrggZFlGtqfjx8_wpHNLLVV0o70sfTzsbdmiGh7eb2FBn3b4bGg0e9i5WHYUXPBu_y9ntx7LSGC6hvdrHBfTUaqJscbEvtv4W_WHInLARxjsEk1Xk/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cording is a super easy detail to add to your pillows which gives extra punch to a regular throw pillow adding an even more customized and finished look. Ready-made cording can be found at the store, but with just a little bit of effort and a lot less money, you can make your own and incorporate exactly the look you want. <br />
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The first thing you need to do is figure out the diameter of your pillow to get the total length of cording you will need. I always round up my diameter a little so I have plenty. No one wants to be 3" short...so frustrating!!<br />
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*Math review* 2x length + 2x height = diameter<br />
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Then, you'll need to purchase "x" amount of yards of the cotton cording filler.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbxIMyWJOyPPeIS9rGRSdV_HY2-96-zvO57RRv0IxCDxVUN0RNr-GERcF2F4o0vli6VZukY6M7QgldJT0bwyRtQrKw92t1pj0ZFJ_uGGozvo1B8-o5VcBx5BszNCh4CCxJjXjmHk-nzg/s1600/photo+5-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbxIMyWJOyPPeIS9rGRSdV_HY2-96-zvO57RRv0IxCDxVUN0RNr-GERcF2F4o0vli6VZukY6M7QgldJT0bwyRtQrKw92t1pj0ZFJ_uGGozvo1B8-o5VcBx5BszNCh4CCxJjXjmHk-nzg/s400/photo+5-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are usually a few thicknesses available, but for this project I am using a 12/32". I believe a 6/32" was used in the picture shown above. </div>
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Next, you'll need to cut your strips of fabric that will be sewn together to make your cord cover. To do this you'll need to figure out how wide your strips need to be. </div>
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My dressmaker's measuring tape comes in handy here...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4xvkwg17j3mkWO_YAmSGStbGKM5z7sIYpOVslncgKLj7PfpnVNqWcd4PSJCnTzk5R4AGQmr4mHtZ6T9UrhbSocaitVaDO1o8doEU39XC2WXfjH_2KeerJODMoTyLZiFoW5Jsbt_TQy0/s1600/photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4xvkwg17j3mkWO_YAmSGStbGKM5z7sIYpOVslncgKLj7PfpnVNqWcd4PSJCnTzk5R4AGQmr4mHtZ6T9UrhbSocaitVaDO1o8doEU39XC2WXfjH_2KeerJODMoTyLZiFoW5Jsbt_TQy0/s400/photo+4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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First you have to decide how big of a seam allowance you will be using. For this pillow I am using a 1/2" seam allowance. In reality I will need to add 1" (2x my 1/2" seam allowance) to the circumference of my cotton cording filler. But...this is actually how I figure it out....</div>
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I place the cording on the 1/2" marker line on my measuring tape...</div>
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Then I continue to fold the measuring tape around the cording until it meets on the other side. </div>
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Then, I add my other 1/2". For tomorrow's project 1 3/4" strips are needed. </div>
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When cutting cording strips you need to determine whether or not it is necessary to cut on the bias. A bias cut cording is what gives the cording pictured in the pillow above a diagonal stripe. It allows heavier fabrics to bend and stretch more easily when going around curves. For this project, my fabric is lightweight and solid in color so I've decided to take the easier way out and use the straight grain. I'm sure there is a project on the horizon in which a bias cut will be in order...I will go into more detail at that time. It's not really any more difficult, I just don't have the supplies to demonstrate it for this project!</div>
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My fabric is 54" wide but I always round down for this so let's call it 50". My diameter measurement comes to 110"...so I'll need to cut 3 strips which will give me 150" (a little extra).</div>
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Side note: Remember when you asked your mom when you would need math in the real world?? Ha!</div>
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Ok, so I'm going to use my cutting board and ruler to cut 3 strips @ 1 3/4" wide.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxRcByErKfmw28tA0LL9xZkjm-82AYqUetzqIr63RaRZisb07wX_VPoRPresozZkYECCplOi5wgIX0VkxAlJambf1iFF3X1EcFURoCmqzmtbRKdiny0dCHEn1F6G7b1d_DWuozRUVfR8/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxRcByErKfmw28tA0LL9xZkjm-82AYqUetzqIr63RaRZisb07wX_VPoRPresozZkYECCplOi5wgIX0VkxAlJambf1iFF3X1EcFURoCmqzmtbRKdiny0dCHEn1F6G7b1d_DWuozRUVfR8/s400/photo+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Next I need to sew those three strips into one long piece. I find it helpful to mark the "right" side of the fabric with a pin if it isn't obvious which is the front or back. The navy linen blend I'm using here is undistinguishable. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtOkrmH-0S5iZL85jJY5H8AElNsN666jpMxtZd7xcIfTQMBZwdm_rDqhYCS4IGTzKAJxuDADCy-MRkjNnbwPBvyLENxMn5OeUjN14LmLX6_gWrnRATeRLUoREwVLAI8KQcBzr971cIsQ/s1600/photo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtOkrmH-0S5iZL85jJY5H8AElNsN666jpMxtZd7xcIfTQMBZwdm_rDqhYCS4IGTzKAJxuDADCy-MRkjNnbwPBvyLENxMn5OeUjN14LmLX6_gWrnRATeRLUoREwVLAI8KQcBzr971cIsQ/s400/photo+5.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pins to mark the "right" side of the fabric</td></tr>
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Then I'm going to pin the right sides together at the seams. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mSfiPBf4uNsLGSD-vQBAzn9JNKx4cQ-OP1PKr33m1d8ASmxaADPcO8GVxJTx4VogGLhRU1a4rzSPqP8yS-RKoQtkxw1y_KLy36NJFHU0U9J5waoGK0sP8DoX5NRwFCTI2Ps8IFoXPPI/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mSfiPBf4uNsLGSD-vQBAzn9JNKx4cQ-OP1PKr33m1d8ASmxaADPcO8GVxJTx4VogGLhRU1a4rzSPqP8yS-RKoQtkxw1y_KLy36NJFHU0U9J5waoGK0sP8DoX5NRwFCTI2Ps8IFoXPPI/s400/photo+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinned "right" sides together</td></tr>
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I don't bother to cut off the selvage edge of the fabric. You don't want to include it in the finished project because it has a tighter weave, but it won't hurt anything within the seams.</div>
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When I'm sewing the seams here, I use a shorter stitch length, 2-3ish, so backstitching is not required. And since I have pinned all my seams together beforehand, I can feed multiple strips through the machine without stopping to cut threads between each piece. Also, you don't need to use the zipper foot for this part of the process, but it won't hurt anything either. I find I use my zipper foot for quite a lot!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4vIodVUbSX9-3TB04SyCNX1m9VNqa3tsl5HImrUoWIHrNsT01NaPh40PcXRAIkENelzWXqCvAWnSm0WkZQ6VOLsRA7clGyFTwxFZ-mbyyCy8lVt3Zn35UUqdrJzNOdMlXjT3Z0zvftw/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4vIodVUbSX9-3TB04SyCNX1m9VNqa3tsl5HImrUoWIHrNsT01NaPh40PcXRAIkENelzWXqCvAWnSm0WkZQ6VOLsRA7clGyFTwxFZ-mbyyCy8lVt3Zn35UUqdrJzNOdMlXjT3Z0zvftw/s400/photo+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning first strip with extra wide seam allowance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZtdJa0G7u5or2ORP4Sl1v1wBIG5uqAkAX34a0tqXBZFP_g5H9TVEXh_s6w-j5dUZH9QbPr8rBTs-LnY-ovC_dQMypWLoKOfs1KkTT61j6ZldmBaHesO_42g0xxUpdenCAiLm34IJHaY/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZtdJa0G7u5or2ORP4Sl1v1wBIG5uqAkAX34a0tqXBZFP_g5H9TVEXh_s6w-j5dUZH9QbPr8rBTs-LnY-ovC_dQMypWLoKOfs1KkTT61j6ZldmBaHesO_42g0xxUpdenCAiLm34IJHaY/s400/photo+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Continue feeding strips through machine without stopping to cut in between</td></tr>
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I only had two pieces to sew for this single pillow, but when doing larger quantities of cording, this is a great time saver! When finished, I just clip the threads between each strip and bingo I have one large strip! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAywC5E2BY_olTMzuH8NBlMmoE90xzmkFCUQj9Rexe7_QKr-rlAsf4zjsjJ6yBc4EWSSfOpzUhE-xTNfiOJ1mCFE91fg4hpiIIWecunLNMZzXH6GU8s-pkDJRBRTLC4qtk3fdEz_brqq0/s1600/photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAywC5E2BY_olTMzuH8NBlMmoE90xzmkFCUQj9Rexe7_QKr-rlAsf4zjsjJ6yBc4EWSSfOpzUhE-xTNfiOJ1mCFE91fg4hpiIIWecunLNMZzXH6GU8s-pkDJRBRTLC4qtk3fdEz_brqq0/s400/photo+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next, trim the seam allowance to about 1/4". No measuring required - just guesstimate. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YIJaKBPdXCNfRYz9KFBn9QSqf1Z_bxHf7n_VZaZEcRsMDip0yPQfX3GglCMAdnkEtBW3VZobuhOo2mq8PwubtizluJsBhwm1OEtZ4HnpVcDC0nfkhEQmI1TsqYq4xi1xLeLWR7GF4d0/s1600/photo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YIJaKBPdXCNfRYz9KFBn9QSqf1Z_bxHf7n_VZaZEcRsMDip0yPQfX3GglCMAdnkEtBW3VZobuhOo2mq8PwubtizluJsBhwm1OEtZ4HnpVcDC0nfkhEQmI1TsqYq4xi1xLeLWR7GF4d0/s400/photo+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Unfold fabric and press open seams. If the fabric you are using is lightweight enough you may be able to just press open with your fingers. If it's a little heavier, you may need to bust out the iron.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4H6uj18OQnN65gEjsrI-UbQOtXwwCm271PKguD06zpksDrBNTYRvGBaCwbVYLLN3QpNQT1KF2Gv6ei94vZtBfhWrp5qc3Ng94pGfoGrhKIfDrn2zr71RahnJKhWm8PQGxNbtM7NBUoc/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4H6uj18OQnN65gEjsrI-UbQOtXwwCm271PKguD06zpksDrBNTYRvGBaCwbVYLLN3QpNQT1KF2Gv6ei94vZtBfhWrp5qc3Ng94pGfoGrhKIfDrn2zr71RahnJKhWm8PQGxNbtM7NBUoc/s400/photo+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Time to add the cording!!</div>
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Place the cording in the center of the wrong side of the fabric.</div>
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Fold the fabric together until the wrong sides meet and the cording is inside...like a taco. </div>
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Let's sew! Using a long stitch (4ish) together the cording sleeve. It is not necessary to get up close to the cording at this point. I find it is easier to make a first pass to just line up the edges of the fabric. It gives you a nice clean edge will be helpful when adding the cording to the actual project (a pillow in this case). As you can see from the picture below, no precision is necessary as far as straight stitching goes at this point.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-a6mQNKzaFrhL5sctgFCfnLn3PFKhyphenhyphenNdTKOuDfog2OUmGBTmGefXv2pE1sEiaw8Kl-Z-EQa1WZ_TyvvWXNYF_7HCr_Cj-bldUCvADjNX4BueCjrst0DfDIBnR8qIVPtCwi3fhT9cgaE/s1600/photo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-a6mQNKzaFrhL5sctgFCfnLn3PFKhyphenhyphenNdTKOuDfog2OUmGBTmGefXv2pE1sEiaw8Kl-Z-EQa1WZ_TyvvWXNYF_7HCr_Cj-bldUCvADjNX4BueCjrst0DfDIBnR8qIVPtCwi3fhT9cgaE/s400/photo+5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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For the second pass, you're going to place the zipper foot up next to the cording and stitch.<br />
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This is kind of tricky to explain, but I place my hand on the other side of the cording and allow it to guide the cording gently through. <br />
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The idea is that you stitch up closely to the cording without forcing it to be extremely tight. It is okay and even preferred at this point if it isn't the tightest in can be. That will be done later...when the cording is actually attached to the pillow. When you're finished with the second pass, you'll have something similar to this...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sYGQKL4QaZ474bINJrfsNKblsSbyRce7jdMFNhVZQHE9GzOJWSie-z8wS2ykHommDwZT3SlG52-XkxbLkDiIfPOTlhUdOVr_hNBgVPirvN_EhBRqZYnFIYorJKzNFVOupOXk6C9Y4kA/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sYGQKL4QaZ474bINJrfsNKblsSbyRce7jdMFNhVZQHE9GzOJWSie-z8wS2ykHommDwZT3SlG52-XkxbLkDiIfPOTlhUdOVr_hNBgVPirvN_EhBRqZYnFIYorJKzNFVOupOXk6C9Y4kA/s400/photo+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">notice: perfect stitches NOT necessary</td></tr>
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You may have noticed that the color of thread I am using does not match the fabric. For this case, the thread is the same color thread I will be using for the actual pillow. It's not really necessary that it match the color of the cording fabric...no one *should* ever see these stitches. <br />
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Congratulations!!! You can now make you're own cording! And I promise...it took me longer to write this post than it has EVER taken me to make a few yards of cording. :-)<br />
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Next up...pillow making!!<br />
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xo,<br />
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gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-10773281656658111732013-10-06T21:11:00.000-04:002013-10-06T21:11:09.329-04:00Oh Homegoods...When any road trip takes me to a metropolitan area in which a Homegoods can be found....OF COURSE, I try to carve out a little time to stop and peruse the merchandise. I have to admit, I wasn't really feelin' it today. (shocking I know!!) It was kind of a rainy, yucky day and my traveling partner...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbzHSSRE0KCwi9HQF9gGbEwqh28CvE5qvAYLQY-UELq_0_wJMZ52_pp0YfDpUMTexaT2l9ifc_-zMJrwHsfFi6fXKl4P4ujMYgsUSuVk2lGmtPKR-Uku_naASvUET-TUh7ZNaZJCNd-Y/s1600/olivia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbzHSSRE0KCwi9HQF9gGbEwqh28CvE5qvAYLQY-UELq_0_wJMZ52_pp0YfDpUMTexaT2l9ifc_-zMJrwHsfFi6fXKl4P4ujMYgsUSuVk2lGmtPKR-Uku_naASvUET-TUh7ZNaZJCNd-Y/s320/olivia2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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...really needed a nap! But, as we founds ourselves nearing the Homegoods location... the clouds parted and the rains cleared. It had to be a sign right?!? (wink, wink) And they didn't disappoint...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmjnJCLudKz3_iLZFIzw8nW5SqXF5wF6PrdnSZJhTKDiCerg-YZIc1DRbUZsPuizDSjSq_SDr6J8pvHXPov4gz5l6Ixk1HwwQDH0FfABtSbZOlSvKSUlK9F-Ycr7H54H9AL9NTqz1gwg/s1600/bone+trays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmjnJCLudKz3_iLZFIzw8nW5SqXF5wF6PrdnSZJhTKDiCerg-YZIc1DRbUZsPuizDSjSq_SDr6J8pvHXPov4gz5l6Ixk1HwwQDH0FfABtSbZOlSvKSUlK9F-Ycr7H54H9AL9NTqz1gwg/s640/bone+trays.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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They had me at bone inlay... :-) I see a lot of Cynthia Rowley stuff at TJMaxx/Homegoods, so I'm not sure if this stuff is overstock or a specialty line for their chain, but regardless these trays were awesome!<br />
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Hope everyone had a super weekend! And don't forget to stop by tomorrow for that promised pillow tutorial!!<br />
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xo,<br />
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<br />gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-90780777655700268522013-10-05T19:28:00.000-04:002013-10-05T19:28:41.267-04:00New Baby Celebration<div>
There are few things that are more fun to celebrate than new life. This weekend Olivia and I ventured away from the farmhouse to go celebrate the newest coming addition to our extended family. Here are a few pictures of us enjoying the event!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda, guest of honor, and Olivia</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious cupcakes!!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08iO7wNYfA5wJWvXJO2Af20siOUfBqsJY3LMumrauBNc-3RkGJL6SaQOjNVjLzEp5CvaCQqS1s-BhchL2lDTHExIbXTqlakIG8FzCN8wBF_ZVF7OYbjfK5J_N4okTwMi-LHpMfXhIngY/s1600/_DSC7438_amanda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08iO7wNYfA5wJWvXJO2Af20siOUfBqsJY3LMumrauBNc-3RkGJL6SaQOjNVjLzEp5CvaCQqS1s-BhchL2lDTHExIbXTqlakIG8FzCN8wBF_ZVF7OYbjfK5J_N4okTwMi-LHpMfXhIngY/s640/_DSC7438_amanda.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpjVsBXsV7gCr_OG2nm6m1D0xlSW3p-Jds8YfyZYeCK5MNuxWqN92kNBjVSjTddFfVayNoOJcSqwDuG12s81sDmTtnMvwTkXRs-hCe9kIw1jCh7TqduM90jEm7l2IrYKMpNsvf5pQy-A/s1600/_DSC7444_amanda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpjVsBXsV7gCr_OG2nm6m1D0xlSW3p-Jds8YfyZYeCK5MNuxWqN92kNBjVSjTddFfVayNoOJcSqwDuG12s81sDmTtnMvwTkXRs-hCe9kIw1jCh7TqduM90jEm7l2IrYKMpNsvf5pQy-A/s640/_DSC7444_amanda.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olivia LOVES cupcakes!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECwNZWoSZihb73fq6QXy0uQRv4JqW08dDlyG2a7Aiz3fahSvPJHl2e59xfvWKYOlYpwwW_FZOp2h1bVzLwNOGaZsFRTuyZpqk4QGpZ3fYmdAn-o_gJ30xg_t9X4qm1HEQ2Ukw62DUp9A/s1600/olivia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECwNZWoSZihb73fq6QXy0uQRv4JqW08dDlyG2a7Aiz3fahSvPJHl2e59xfvWKYOlYpwwW_FZOp2h1bVzLwNOGaZsFRTuyZpqk4QGpZ3fYmdAn-o_gJ30xg_t9X4qm1HEQ2Ukw62DUp9A/s640/olivia.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olivia and her collection of nail polish - adorable baby shower favors!!</td></tr>
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I am so thankful for my family! And... I truly believe that if you have found a few great friends in life that stick with you through thick and thin you have been blessed. Bonus if you have someone in your family that you can also call a friend! This special girl is both to me! We are so thankful for her and we can't wait to meet baby E!!</div>
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xo,</div>
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gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-65770100659883141472013-10-04T18:16:00.000-04:002013-10-04T18:16:14.983-04:00The Little Farm BoyNo one is more excited about harvest than this guy! I may have to slow down on my projects, but his have just begun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOsptCsGCf1Yat3ptla83SOcJ0wrZtwplFdSIoCqTgA1kq-S8RRWR-9ZNSEtTClRGNi6MzzYZPN5H6P9SzFnwFneQinEi8n0Y3W5ZbOYnM3I1MW_5el5nOEl68tT9AIL1aYgAXHEbGak/s1600/zach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOsptCsGCf1Yat3ptla83SOcJ0wrZtwplFdSIoCqTgA1kq-S8RRWR-9ZNSEtTClRGNi6MzzYZPN5H6P9SzFnwFneQinEi8n0Y3W5ZbOYnM3I1MW_5el5nOEl68tT9AIL1aYgAXHEbGak/s640/zach.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The first thing he does when he gets home from school is ask to go to the farm...and as long as homework is done and behavior is good, that's where you'll find him. One night he caught a ride home from the field in the semi.<br />
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I met him outside as he ran up the driveway is his cowboy boots...pure joy on his face. <br />
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Every year I'm amazed by the guys working in the field. Despite the frustration of equipment breaking, occasional unfavorable weather, and sometimes 17 hour days, they plod through with generally positive attitudes and are still willing to take the time for this little farm boy in training. They wouldn't have to make time for a tag-a-long...I'm positive they have enough on their plate and it's just one more thing to keep track of!! But, I am so thankful they do, because going to the field and spending time with these men gives him a chance to see hard work and diligence in action as well as exposure to so many wonderful role models. What a lucky kid!<br />
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xo,<br />
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<br />gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-7969341070702531712013-10-03T17:51:00.000-04:002013-10-07T21:19:29.908-04:00Conquer the Fear...of sewing.<div>
Fear is a peculiar thing. I suppose there are times when it works in our benefit, but most often it seems to keep us from reaching our full potential. It may keep us from going somewhere we've never been, reaching out to someone we don't know very well, or maybe trying something new...like painting with a fun color....or...sewing a pillow. When you say it out loud, being afraid of sewing a throw pillow seems a little silly, but it has the same root as everything else. A fear of failure. <br />
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For me, the perfectionist, my biggest hang-up with trying something new is getting started. What if I don't like it and have to (gasp) try something different? What if someone else doesn't like it or even criticizes me for it? What if it takes more than one try to get it right? Trust me, I've been in all of those situations *many* times and here is the conclusion I've come to.... who cares??? If this is something you struggle with too, I promise everything will be alright. These are, after all, first-world problems. :) Let's face it, decorating is small potatoes in the big scheme, but I truly believe accomplishing these little projects, one by one has some great life skill practice woven in there somewhere. With every small success, a little more confidence to try something new takes hold.<br />
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Sewing seems to be one of those activities that creates fear in people. I've been told many times by friends that they would either like to learn to sew or can't sew. Don't get me wrong, there are some sewing projects that do require a great deal of skill...I don't recommend starting with those, haha. But two common home decor sewing projects, throw pillows and curtain panels, are well within the skill set of a beginner. <br />
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Here's an example of patterned throw pillows and simple unlined drapery panels made by me. A huge benefit to tackling custom pillow covers is the freedom to get exactly what you want, including better quality, for less than you would pay at the store! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRrOyimCwR6lhDhNH0IrssQH9kN19j95o4o4sQBzR5nCx_8j-JdrWQCOMTXRbAgnlDBmAh05Gxl3Q3TaVN-fN6AW2FGIsT_F4VLcFAdti6_XLrhyphenhyphennGu2EWjX9olextK-K0hi6dN0MzOM/s1600/_DSC5711_living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRrOyimCwR6lhDhNH0IrssQH9kN19j95o4o4sQBzR5nCx_8j-JdrWQCOMTXRbAgnlDBmAh05Gxl3Q3TaVN-fN6AW2FGIsT_F4VLcFAdti6_XLrhyphenhyphennGu2EWjX9olextK-K0hi6dN0MzOM/s640/_DSC5711_living.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/06/living-room.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Living Room</span></a></td></tr>
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So, if it's fear holding you back...let's conquer that fear together and make a pillow cover!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJ3OzccdY018WSCiarquAhfjyewdrZ8HRulfbCTpHjamzcSvRLhZ08dBD9FPqDssitDwfOXJl338yLNhr2f1ZFTqz5WCH-XdfmWQZajiv0RQ7kAY-tVpZ8mFn5brKkuFrpeNyfJXYHbg/s1600/zach+fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJ3OzccdY018WSCiarquAhfjyewdrZ8HRulfbCTpHjamzcSvRLhZ08dBD9FPqDssitDwfOXJl338yLNhr2f1ZFTqz5WCH-XdfmWQZajiv0RQ7kAY-tVpZ8mFn5brKkuFrpeNyfJXYHbg/s400/zach+fabric.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is your supply list:<br />
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-sewing machine: nothing fancy required...I've had my very basic machine for almost 17 years and it hasn't let me down yet!!<br />
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-standard foot and zipper foot<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWYC1EofsY54q5F6ldehXy3Z8F7O8kSSF00VVxTdmEGAn5iVkHwiTktQ4BwSFCJ7DnNprZZPQACNiznzt_7un5QApKDePY5XkOlQEgWeSHplo07ecvChqJ7_EKjmgbck4loT0BTB7oKA/s1600/sewing+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWYC1EofsY54q5F6ldehXy3Z8F7O8kSSF00VVxTdmEGAn5iVkHwiTktQ4BwSFCJ7DnNprZZPQACNiznzt_7un5QApKDePY5XkOlQEgWeSHplo07ecvChqJ7_EKjmgbck4loT0BTB7oKA/s320/sewing+feet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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-cutting mat, ruler, and rotary cutter<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkNf2CpNWIw6kNdybBXBVL15NwIuwuMePyJA57HN8ThtKfOv_NEsMY32_pwLPO7avQV2IO_T0wClzihvLSIzhWMKB579jGyEj2RNYnOlAmTSdp1mYjMfNo_-cV3kHEcCxuKF4iRhycnA/s1600/ruler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkNf2CpNWIw6kNdybBXBVL15NwIuwuMePyJA57HN8ThtKfOv_NEsMY32_pwLPO7avQV2IO_T0wClzihvLSIzhWMKB579jGyEj2RNYnOlAmTSdp1mYjMfNo_-cV3kHEcCxuKF4iRhycnA/s320/ruler.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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-pillow form: I only use down pillow forms. I stopped using poly-forms a long time ago. They go flat so quickly and look lifeless. It's worth the couple extra dollars to invest in a down form. Most times they can be found at local specialty fabric stores or upholstery shops, but Ikea is a great source for cheap pillow forms! All the measurement instructions I give will be based on the assumption that a down pillow form is being used. <br />
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-fabric: One yard of 54" fabric is usually plenty (and sometimes even too much) to cover a pillow using the same fabric on both sides. If you plan to use a contrasting fabric on the reverse side of the pillow, you'll need to account for that. You'll also need extra fabric if you plan to add cording or a ruffle.<br />
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-cotton cording (optional): this can be found in the home decor section of the fabric store. It is sold by the yard or in a package of a few yards. I will be using this in the pillow I tackle. Don't let it scare you!! It's really simple!<br />
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-thread<br />
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-zipper (optional): 4-6" smaller than the width of your pillow form should be just fine.<br />
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-regular scissors<br />
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-dressmaker's measuring tape<br />
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-pins...these are my favorite<br />
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-seam ripper (hey, mistakes happen ;) )<br />
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-iron and ironing board: There are probably alternatives out there to the ironing board if it's not something you use on a regular basis, but they really are handy for sewing.<br />
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Since this post has become a beast...meet me back here tomorrow and we'll get started! Can't wait! Remember...you can do it!!<br />
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Update @ 10pm: tutorial rescheduled for Monday. The good ol' iPhone taking the pictures for me powered down mid-process and I took that as a sign it was exhausted too!! And, good things don't usually happen when you try to force them...so I'm headed to bed! Forgive me? :) It's going to be great though! See you Monday!<br />
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xo,<br />
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gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-34042273756726500612013-10-02T18:05:00.000-04:002013-10-02T18:05:22.348-04:00The Blue DoorI really lucked out with a husband who is super handy. Between the two of us, we can and have done most of the projects around here. It has saved us a ton of money and as an added bonus, taught us how to work really well as a team. Learning to work well together definitely had its learning curve and we've had our fair share of arguments over the silliest of things, but I'm thankful...because I really believe that it strengthened us a couple and gave us the skills to face some of the other challenges that presented themselves over the last many years. And, usually, when we do a project together now we actually have fun!! and can joke about the things that don't always work out the way we want them to the first time! <br />
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That being said...I plan projects around the two major times that my husband is completely out of commission...planting and harvest. There are other times, of course, that farming takes precedence but those are the two big ones. It actually usually works out perfectly, because there are a ton of little, but time consuming, things that make it onto the "list" but get neglected when the larger construction-type projects are going on. Painting happens to be a biggy. I love paint. It's cheap and provides a big impact. It's not a difficult project and it's low on the commitment scale...but seriously, it takes forever...and is about the most boring job!! <br />
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My front door really needs a new coat of paint. Actually, the whole front porch needs a lot of love. We'd hoped to get to that this summer, but we spent more time than we planned in the backyard instead. I'd love to get at least the door painted before it gets cold...and the rest will just have to wait!<br />
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I'm thinking a blue?? But I don't really have the perfect shade in mind yet. So, the girls and I trucked ourselves to Home Depot today and picked up a few samples.<br />
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I've got to say, it's become really fun to take the girls with me on these trips! I love how Olivia comments with her opinions on things! It's so fun to see her taste develop and I couldn't be more thrilled that she seems interested in the things that I love too! She has her limits though... She was 'Home Depot'ed out by the time we left...Isabelle clearly was still "cheese"ing it up!<br />
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Anyway, when we got home I painted up some samples. Normally, I would use poster board, but it I used these paper plates in a pinch!<br />
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Time to test them out on the door!<br />
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Ummmm...fail. After seeing these I know for sure that I do not want a blue door. Green's out also, too many green plants to compete with the majority of the year... How about red?? Do I dare?? I guess the girls and I will make our way back to Home Depot...they love us there, haha :) And I think that one of those blues will come in quite handy for another project brewing the downstairs bath!<br />
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xo,<br />
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<br />gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-33321960373200559962013-10-01T13:14:00.000-04:002013-10-03T16:20:07.480-04:00A place to rest.Harvest is upon us friends.<br />
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When I began thinking about what to write about today, I admittedly didn't have a clear direction on where to begin. There are many things that go on behind the scenes of creating a home...some which apply to our personal situation and some which are pretty universal!! Like most mornings, I took a few minutes to read my devotion for the day and today's topic was rest. <br />
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The irony of discussing *rest* during harvest season is not lost on me. It is during this time that our family is deeply reminded of how valuable rest is to each and every one of us. And, isn't it also one of the main functions of a home?? To rest. Decorating may seem like we are lost in the bustle of picking out paint colors and throw pillows, but behind the scenes we are really creating an atmosphere. <br />
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A place that's comfortable. A place that shuts out the world. And also, a place where we can rest.<br />
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One of my favorite rooms in our home which does just that is our <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-bedroom.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">bedroom</span></a>. For us, it's a perfect place to crash at the end of the day. <br />
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xo,<br />
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<br />gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-90486311574789781882013-09-30T20:25:00.000-04:002013-10-26T21:12:07.216-04:0031 Days - Behind the Scenes<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So as it turns out I haven't quite figured out how to work blogging into the everyday. It seems like each day runs out before "writing a blog post" makes it near the top of my "to-do" list. This month one of my favorite bloggers <a href="http://www.thenester.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">The Nester</span></a> is hosting a 31 day series. Bloggers are invited to "link up" and talk about any topic they wish to for the 31 days of October. It's been on my mind...albeit kind of in the back...that I would love to participate this year! However, October tends to be just a *little* crazy around here. It got me thinking the craziness of October and a 31 day writing challenge could be a good pair.</div>
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For the next 31 days I'm going to be blogging about the "behind the scenes" of our farmhouse. If you really stop and think about it...it is often what goes on behind the scenes which gives a project its heartbeat and purpose. This proves to be very true in the larger picture of our old house renovation. The things that go on which not everyone may see complete the pieces of the puzzle and give purpose to the very reason we desire to create our "home". I'll be sharing some bits about our family and farm life as well as some current little projects and inspirations...a journal of our personal goings-on for the month. It may be a slight departure from the traditional topics, but my personal challenge is to blog everyday for 31 days!<br />
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Hope you enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8xYmylOzPUNaBouBm0VBbI5O-MtwtQyltx20_a9NiD_6CvzE3g6TPy_zITkHcprwYqGZKwtpCjfVkUlu9ys0aQs0AWRNBpCCH4Au1afgV5WxlIUephoGflPSM6isEdjyRu86YdnKKYc/s1600/_DSC7366_harvest+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8xYmylOzPUNaBouBm0VBbI5O-MtwtQyltx20_a9NiD_6CvzE3g6TPy_zITkHcprwYqGZKwtpCjfVkUlu9ys0aQs0AWRNBpCCH4Au1afgV5WxlIUephoGflPSM6isEdjyRu86YdnKKYc/s200/_DSC7366_harvest+pic.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1: <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-place-to-rest.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">A place to rest.</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EkNYRM-T7bB_DXTY_98zbgfwExwSbstrqbv-xYnNFH9NXHPyg4ZcFzFJb3zJyQi7cdW8VHRr-L2Ck8X4Q4Xm8fS3j7GvUli0U4_HKPV7exid1x61OYNXJEIoqu2IYt08O4lIEUYlvZ8/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EkNYRM-T7bB_DXTY_98zbgfwExwSbstrqbv-xYnNFH9NXHPyg4ZcFzFJb3zJyQi7cdW8VHRr-L2Ck8X4Q4Xm8fS3j7GvUli0U4_HKPV7exid1x61OYNXJEIoqu2IYt08O4lIEUYlvZ8/s200/photo+4.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2: <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-blue-door.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">The Blue Door</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicB3mTooxvtBndKVJNXEiYLjuTG0xq8I1SAftOZfw38t9YDeACB9Lb6MtF16tpAWQnxELo14BjS1eRpwqHuzAbLZqs62wZl0QnwHhgoH4l7LYODrHdmL4ErGjpPGnuLIZJ-kEHTLz1ito/s1600/zach+fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicB3mTooxvtBndKVJNXEiYLjuTG0xq8I1SAftOZfw38t9YDeACB9Lb6MtF16tpAWQnxELo14BjS1eRpwqHuzAbLZqs62wZl0QnwHhgoH4l7LYODrHdmL4ErGjpPGnuLIZJ-kEHTLz1ito/s200/zach+fabric.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 3: <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/conquer-fearof-sewing.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Conquer the fear...of sewing</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2dw_6tHXzzbAfUd0fHPsLzxS-2ZvkFF-znDsUNkXg71tkaNtAcYzSHJer0F9GklXjG1PhEYtOiUIOa8L3C0MCpDpKtAncjgNWF_JWlQi5Ll7kuFsu4i0WlawKfXaL3e0PtjChyphenhyphenKhVxs/s1600/_DSC7396_zach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2dw_6tHXzzbAfUd0fHPsLzxS-2ZvkFF-znDsUNkXg71tkaNtAcYzSHJer0F9GklXjG1PhEYtOiUIOa8L3C0MCpDpKtAncjgNWF_JWlQi5Ll7kuFsu4i0WlawKfXaL3e0PtjChyphenhyphenKhVxs/s200/_DSC7396_zach.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 4: <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-little-farm-boy.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">The Little Farm Boy</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 5: <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/new-baby-celebration.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">New Baby Celebration</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHpX34ZdaogjwvxdFDtksfWH8FBIZX6uQSmB1p5jIEvDT-Fqx76UpTXuOd8_dxXkUmyQBDfe7DG-IqxwtcGrxb9fmQ67FIuFB6K8Vjeu3sVOwlgBKJ1a46Gf3Qm9MYqooAdsTTwolcrI/s1600/bone+trays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHpX34ZdaogjwvxdFDtksfWH8FBIZX6uQSmB1p5jIEvDT-Fqx76UpTXuOd8_dxXkUmyQBDfe7DG-IqxwtcGrxb9fmQ67FIuFB6K8Vjeu3sVOwlgBKJ1a46Gf3Qm9MYqooAdsTTwolcrI/s200/bone+trays.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 6: <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/oh-homegoods.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Oh, Homegoods</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEink_Gppvi7A54GRfWBfhwYEe4pS33snLqPdHfQ1F0by2H7LFZuW61dp7F4c3FC3jtlbKGZpZtz1wMXJbygNg4cRzHfYRGOPPOv9C0OSNgrGtIHQ-lMzaQmUX-74xi35Vuqi5hubhdCDc4/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEink_Gppvi7A54GRfWBfhwYEe4pS33snLqPdHfQ1F0by2H7LFZuW61dp7F4c3FC3jtlbKGZpZtz1wMXJbygNg4cRzHfYRGOPPOv9C0OSNgrGtIHQ-lMzaQmUX-74xi35Vuqi5hubhdCDc4/s200/photo.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 7: <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/diy-cording-for-throw-pillows.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">DIY Cording for Throw Pillows</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRxt9ZkSYD_Pe8ddvH5bsz5Nu0YNBYx3O6kqEdhNJeYyhWVYSsZgMc095z1IaKdS_UfbhZMKsHu9tSWfB_DtJTfqKpbVyf_8l5v_Y6MSaEzgZNBhCzJzzo6qUbKifRuIUrO44wXzXlWM/s1600/_DSC7509_auger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRxt9ZkSYD_Pe8ddvH5bsz5Nu0YNBYx3O6kqEdhNJeYyhWVYSsZgMc095z1IaKdS_UfbhZMKsHu9tSWfB_DtJTfqKpbVyf_8l5v_Y6MSaEzgZNBhCzJzzo6qUbKifRuIUrO44wXzXlWM/s200/_DSC7509_auger.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/day-8.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Day 8</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NY7IxYypyklSPBoDF4PxHh-1hTh3ZKFwYR4iJQDF7n-O3l3dXGPGg0Z7TtkpJffztMG2DUATmHNZxOgDUMKrxhWQx60hKNxqzOouYEtA7PSjZeQ_RmH4MdDGhdb1dDAY-W6PJOE9GkQ/s1600/_DSC6039_kids9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NY7IxYypyklSPBoDF4PxHh-1hTh3ZKFwYR4iJQDF7n-O3l3dXGPGg0Z7TtkpJffztMG2DUATmHNZxOgDUMKrxhWQx60hKNxqzOouYEtA7PSjZeQ_RmH4MdDGhdb1dDAY-W6PJOE9GkQ/s200/_DSC6039_kids9.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 9: <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/mess-perseverance.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Mess and Perseverance</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXV-Ud7yQ7Z97xH5LyceqbtKY90kD2rA7XrXxF_mjcWyyn5xWd4HoAW19MCABRzcPkC_r_y9t3WRfd-ous-D_oP5Be13XAV-McG82jQBWkd7RqASPoQfnAwTQm7BU_MXYV7DhQJe9-Uvs/s1600/zach01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXV-Ud7yQ7Z97xH5LyceqbtKY90kD2rA7XrXxF_mjcWyyn5xWd4HoAW19MCABRzcPkC_r_y9t3WRfd-ous-D_oP5Be13XAV-McG82jQBWkd7RqASPoQfnAwTQm7BU_MXYV7DhQJe9-Uvs/s200/zach01.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 10: <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/diy-throw-pillow-tutorial.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">DIY Throw Pillow Tutorial</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQp4q2F1tVHbLkwH7gnpIijMhxnB3CufVYpbEB-euuR6ekd73qQBm1Oxjd3lcy26Q3gq4xFAe-9jCZAKpQzt9dO_oTDMtOBQ_6q2danv6Mhzq6OmHEXjs_CLNHw1xP-hhF0Z57kR8jHE/s1600/luggage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQp4q2F1tVHbLkwH7gnpIijMhxnB3CufVYpbEB-euuR6ekd73qQBm1Oxjd3lcy26Q3gq4xFAe-9jCZAKpQzt9dO_oTDMtOBQ_6q2danv6Mhzq6OmHEXjs_CLNHw1xP-hhF0Z57kR8jHE/s200/luggage.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 11: <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/girls-trip.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Girls Trip!</span></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Day 12 - Day 23: Mid-month hiatus?? Oops.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCdF40Hmk1hWV1tKhB-yxMbOei63pLodPVSDSuVGENnODVjLO-xNBmA5IpwPpZuJhRZgDyFcP3luRwaB-xejXq3Q2Uy2ICwY1llK3aTStGHJYAm_CIs2VHahI7gVSWDFdMX3iSBMdaDY/s1600/DSC_7705_bathpreview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCdF40Hmk1hWV1tKhB-yxMbOei63pLodPVSDSuVGENnODVjLO-xNBmA5IpwPpZuJhRZgDyFcP3luRwaB-xejXq3Q2Uy2ICwY1llK3aTStGHJYAm_CIs2VHahI7gVSWDFdMX3iSBMdaDY/s200/DSC_7705_bathpreview.jpg" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 24: <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/can-we-salvage-this.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Can we salvage this?</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKQWu81z0kF45_ZqprTc81WQuNLDPBsUBeU-Myt293V4JJZXw40GNWaMQnCTKe7CRIof-KrcvdhAdn1rNfSQ5DvPM1ah5Q1cuCI7XETJi0-9v__GwExOa0Oc2WHVkAj1HRP55zOpZUVk/s1600/snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKQWu81z0kF45_ZqprTc81WQuNLDPBsUBeU-Myt293V4JJZXw40GNWaMQnCTKe7CRIof-KrcvdhAdn1rNfSQ5DvPM1ah5Q1cuCI7XETJi0-9v__GwExOa0Oc2WHVkAj1HRP55zOpZUVk/s200/snow.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 25: <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/snow.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Snow</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAcGanNexrooXEd51evdOuoC0iUAjlSNcIGfDtjRhVIgujEAnM4MdfzgG_YmseVK7Q4BpH9ot_bgZDdJ2FpCbTWYIVuJ3HvXdsTEcKF6ibPFCi_iL32jkpgJzOyf2FRvGOMNvyX7PZxY/s1600/DSC_1053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAcGanNexrooXEd51evdOuoC0iUAjlSNcIGfDtjRhVIgujEAnM4MdfzgG_YmseVK7Q4BpH9ot_bgZDdJ2FpCbTWYIVuJ3HvXdsTEcKF6ibPFCi_iL32jkpgJzOyf2FRvGOMNvyX7PZxY/s200/DSC_1053.jpg" width="135" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 26: <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/10/black-doors.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Black Doors</span></a></td></tr>
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And don't forget to check out the other posters <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2013/09/welcome-to-31-days-2013.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">here</span></a>!</div>
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xo,</div>
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gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-71046736514972518092013-07-09T14:11:00.001-04:002013-07-09T14:11:48.793-04:00Dining Chairs with PotentialDining chairs take quite a bit of abuse in our house. Years ago, before kids, I purchased a set of queen anne style antique english chairs which I love. I personally believe in using antiques and not just having them around to collect dust....but...given the current season of our lives, if we continue to use these chairs for everyday....they will be destroyed. So, I decided to scatter them about our house where they would be used in much lighter way and search for an affordable, sturdy option that would hold up to our brood. <br />
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For our purposes we don't need museum quality furniture here. These new chairs have 3 requirements. 1) Handle abuse for 'x' amount of years of having small children</div>
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2) Look good</div>
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3) Not cost a fortune</div>
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Not asking for too much right?? ;)</div>
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The first requirement is the biggest. Kids are hard on furniture...there is just no way around it. I know these chairs are going to get dirty. I know they are going to get scratched and probably covered in spaghetti sauce or some other staining compound more than once. :) And while it is my goal to teach my children to respect and take care of the things they have, I do not want to be stressed 3 meals a day, haha. </div>
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My other challenge stems from having our only dining area located in the kitchen. For this reason, I would like these chairs to look fairly nice for occasions, no matter how few and far between, when this room takes on a more formal role. In my opinion, you can't beat a good upholstered chair and for this room I think an upholstered chair would add a lot of warmth to a room filled with primarily wood tones. But kids and upholstery in the kitchen?? Yikes! Without a doubt not as wipeable as a wood chair, and definitely not a great option for everyone...but I have a few solutions that will help make upholstered chairs manageable for us.</div>
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The best chair I found for the job was this one...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrHwqLj__HK4yKCT8s8rxosqcyVtvyODqRxslill6uAcc1-KfyM8Q9qWKAH4CZ3lGbXOvrD_KYrCSEYm4WHicpaxWlj4T_QirW37xJXU7XvcABc6WmBZQ8agYjkZ1uSRLw4v0KOWOPZU/s1600/_DSC6258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrHwqLj__HK4yKCT8s8rxosqcyVtvyODqRxslill6uAcc1-KfyM8Q9qWKAH4CZ3lGbXOvrD_KYrCSEYm4WHicpaxWlj4T_QirW37xJXU7XvcABc6WmBZQ8agYjkZ1uSRLw4v0KOWOPZU/s400/_DSC6258.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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I came across this one on <a href="http://www.overstock.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">overstock</span></a>. I liked the white, hated the upholstery (easy fix), and the reviews were good enough that I took a chance. The pricepoint, while certainly not free, was good enough that I won't loose sleep over it when/if my kids destroy these chairs and they need to be replaced down the road. Maybe they will be able to eat spaghetti without leaving evidence by then?? haha </div>
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The key to these chairs is in their reupholstery potential. This is a fairly easy reupholstry job. Very similar in difficulty to the <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/06/living-room-time-out-chairs.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">chairs</span></a> I reupholstered for my living room. Instead of a patterned fabric, however, my plan is to go with a linen from <a href="http://www.graylinelinen.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Grey Line Linen</span></a>. I can't remember where I first heard of this company, probably Jenny from the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Little Green Notebook</span></a>, but they are a fantastic source for linen. Their color range is huge and the price point is excellent! </div>
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Here is what I went with for the body of the new upholstery... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGlcMSi2eCOoFXVTmsnpkwPDfa4JF6e24_W-d4uEmnOPBs-GKRyuQ_figCtIPjWxHBbd-6PR99F-zz0vLjZvjY2IYrEebfSQTO4o06kyg5WI5th5xSdjZI62Ax6fbTCVkfbtv1ShFiuc/s1600/_DSC6266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGlcMSi2eCOoFXVTmsnpkwPDfa4JF6e24_W-d4uEmnOPBs-GKRyuQ_figCtIPjWxHBbd-6PR99F-zz0vLjZvjY2IYrEebfSQTO4o06kyg5WI5th5xSdjZI62Ax6fbTCVkfbtv1ShFiuc/s400/_DSC6266.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure how accurate the pic of this color is, but think of a natural burlap/jute color.<br />
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I found a few yards of this fabric stripe in my "fabric collection", haha, which will be used for the back of the chair. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9__dbOCWvUSVcXVEipYWTSO30vl859dMqX5Zfsjv-R0W9bDHlYtuA1yZ9XXKSFPMzOU018K4Q3BRQf3g0lTGZihHh3jXZwoOtI2Thkk4ktf-FnhTGn53nDVvVKKll1nZxHxy3vSZahQ/s1600/_DSC6259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9__dbOCWvUSVcXVEipYWTSO30vl859dMqX5Zfsjv-R0W9bDHlYtuA1yZ9XXKSFPMzOU018K4Q3BRQf3g0lTGZihHh3jXZwoOtI2Thkk4ktf-FnhTGn53nDVvVKKll1nZxHxy3vSZahQ/s400/_DSC6259.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A little sidenote about this stripe fabric... I'm actually using the "wrong" side of this fabric. The correct side of this stripe was just a little too strong...<br />
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So, I flipped it and it softened it just the right amount!<br />
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Instead of a double-welt like was previously used, I will be using this navy twill tape and antique brass nail heads. Here's a little mock-up of how everything will look together!</div>
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Now the fun begins...the removal of the old to add the new!<br />
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xo,<br />
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gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-69731426110257514282013-07-08T15:22:00.001-04:002013-07-08T15:22:32.121-04:00Backyard ProgressWe're moving along in the backyard!! If you need a refresher, before pics can be found <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/07/outdoor-project-week.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">here</span></a>.<br />
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The new deck is finished (sans paint/stain).... I think some planters would look nice on each of the corners on this deck...but that's pretty low on the to-do list as of now. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiwgeRSUKbtuXqkbFIimdm3fPkmpdVKGhkAVB_FdDgruvGWus4_S99s0xYbm5sNGWi9l312R83CUDoN10lP9FoIvKfrn-nUfIW0umDlDM7NQg0PrzCoRAdDNwVfRyp7AI1z8ua5z9rXo/s1600/IMG_4409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiwgeRSUKbtuXqkbFIimdm3fPkmpdVKGhkAVB_FdDgruvGWus4_S99s0xYbm5sNGWi9l312R83CUDoN10lP9FoIvKfrn-nUfIW0umDlDM7NQg0PrzCoRAdDNwVfRyp7AI1z8ua5z9rXo/s400/IMG_4409.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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New plants have been planted between the decks. There are just a couple more to add to the section next to the house, one being a climbing something between the two windows?? To be determined... <br />
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We also added some gravel in our new path between the decks to reduce the "mud" factor from all the rain we've been getting. Eventually, it will be the base of whatever walkway we finally decide on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QVtRmSosN_pWMR0sL0aTJ7oCcWZCq2TNgon7RThs5v7-PnOEh-DPAXlYRgNWKwOTo7l_-ykKCQOeF3zQMCC2uUMR5cU0i16OMWgcRR013Do8qL6lEFcrCa-pOTuPkIiltLLv5_qxfZQ/s1600/IMG_4436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QVtRmSosN_pWMR0sL0aTJ7oCcWZCq2TNgon7RThs5v7-PnOEh-DPAXlYRgNWKwOTo7l_-ykKCQOeF3zQMCC2uUMR5cU0i16OMWgcRR013Do8qL6lEFcrCa-pOTuPkIiltLLv5_qxfZQ/s400/IMG_4436.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's a view from the new deck to the existing deck with new railing! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmWJ791T5In0S8x0_VPq0uxQ_kmJOIWStd-EJ5413i3nKW87yRU3keutOi0X1sIlEUB1-DSggG8W7RV_4_SZFDvllRXY5BomD0KIeRfvA-xCrCq-v1h3LyUEAJ_3huqwQZ8CeQT8HCsQ/s1600/IMG_4412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmWJ791T5In0S8x0_VPq0uxQ_kmJOIWStd-EJ5413i3nKW87yRU3keutOi0X1sIlEUB1-DSggG8W7RV_4_SZFDvllRXY5BomD0KIeRfvA-xCrCq-v1h3LyUEAJ_3huqwQZ8CeQT8HCsQ/s400/IMG_4412.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And... a view from the existing deck to the new deck...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kulWlslEBGzwcKyqEEGAJOa-hIXQv-6RstYuWf9dTOvbW9fllyriGh-CCNIiTDccAQONlkE8joeuR1ooDQMm772j9UjyvxzzncCBAm3lyEE4kj0SrQkQINwR2QnF9vn5O7Qnw5E01V0/s1600/IMG_4429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kulWlslEBGzwcKyqEEGAJOa-hIXQv-6RstYuWf9dTOvbW9fllyriGh-CCNIiTDccAQONlkE8joeuR1ooDQMm772j9UjyvxzzncCBAm3lyEE4kj0SrQkQINwR2QnF9vn5O7Qnw5E01V0/s400/IMG_4429.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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View of the existing deck just as we began removing the old step down area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5ZG-3Ven987ml5P-SmWjylike9uMCdPb-CrLXt3-UaBZsy7QLCLQOtqNdVE_O1myd7clxoP_t_y9Z3GWteZsIJIH9yVxLwAs2bFFnkLauR9JW765AqijRMfX8BpyU97LqGWhZmRTL3g/s1600/IMG_4424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5ZG-3Ven987ml5P-SmWjylike9uMCdPb-CrLXt3-UaBZsy7QLCLQOtqNdVE_O1myd7clxoP_t_y9Z3GWteZsIJIH9yVxLwAs2bFFnkLauR9JW765AqijRMfX8BpyU97LqGWhZmRTL3g/s400/IMG_4424.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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See the caved in boards?? Yep, I forgot they had already been cut for removal when I ran up the old stairs to get my phone located on the railing. Oops. Somehow, I landed on my back <i>next</i> to the deck in a hole from where I had just relocated some flowers? Not sure I managed that...and yes, I'm fine. Just a few scrapes. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0hXzjgwLGMXjPlIn54rvSj8CVWO2r4crJj0AMsv5a4XtVVYmyKQqTViaRPpDmuwvHhxQQWcHuLtoV5LIkVLyK4cWdgOdqSgE9GGpP8ohmMpu3X6y6bGZU1BrHzewCYh0iVdYdZGg_Gk/s1600/IMG_4426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0hXzjgwLGMXjPlIn54rvSj8CVWO2r4crJj0AMsv5a4XtVVYmyKQqTViaRPpDmuwvHhxQQWcHuLtoV5LIkVLyK4cWdgOdqSgE9GGpP8ohmMpu3X6y6bGZU1BrHzewCYh0iVdYdZGg_Gk/s400/IMG_4426.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Progress made!! Old deck part removed! Ready for some landscaping! Some of the old posts still need to come out, but the yard needs to dry out a little before we can get the equipment back here again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZs2H-n8sRz51GRizTEahehab0w-VXG_tOxoHLTndWn1BEDhcFzwRUlAnMrnGMaIC2fYfBSHefUx6HtwMD1vXUnjmuZMv9CWRkIqas2rKXdi4h3bOzNFRkHcFefeOG99ASc-vYFAkxrsM/s1600/IMG_4435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZs2H-n8sRz51GRizTEahehab0w-VXG_tOxoHLTndWn1BEDhcFzwRUlAnMrnGMaIC2fYfBSHefUx6HtwMD1vXUnjmuZMv9CWRkIqas2rKXdi4h3bOzNFRkHcFefeOG99ASc-vYFAkxrsM/s400/IMG_4435.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next steps....</div>
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-a bit more construction to railing and posts toppers</div>
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-move some existing plants and fill in with a couple new ones</div>
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-add skirting to deck</div>
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-finish railing for deck stairs</div>
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-old paver removal</div>
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-grass planting</div>
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-replace screen door</div>
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-paint floors</div>
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-and...work on pathway between decks</div>
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Still looks like a big list, but we can see light at the end of the tunnel!!</div>
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xo,</div>
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gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-79105937381511282712013-07-01T16:02:00.000-04:002013-07-01T16:02:21.918-04:00Outdoor Project Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This summer we decided to tackle some exterior projects. A few years ago, we added a fence to a section of the yard as a safety measure to protect our kids from a pond that is near our house. Our swingset, sandbox, etc. reside in this area. We have spent <i>a ton</i> of time back there over the last few years but have not given its aesthetics much of our focus. </div>
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The house already had a deck and pergola as well as a paver walkway to another deck/pier that was located in the area which we fenced in. I'm not sure exactly when the existing deck and pergola were added to the backyard, but it was a least 20 years ago. There is a glimpse of it in one the aerial shots <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/03/here-it-goes.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">here</span></a>. Given it's age, it's probably not a surprise that it needs some repair. Also, most of the plants that were originally planted in this area have either kicked the bucket or gotten way out of control. And lastly, the paver walkway has settled so much that the pavers are very uneven and the weeds have taken over. It's gotten a little worse each year, and we have know for awhile that eventually we were going to have to deal with it. <br />
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Last week we had a little "stay-cation" and we worked outside in our backyard. Our major goals were to remove a large overgrown bush, figure out what to do in the space sans bush, and repair/modify our deck. All things combined, we decided this was a good opportunity to really think about our backyard space as a whole and consider what could work a little better for us or what needed changed. We also recently purchased a trampoline (giant eyesore but tons of fun :) ) for the kiddos and as things currently exist there wasn't a place inside the gated area to house this, so there was also that to think about. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW7Di3SrS1btRZ1-hLlZp58m0hF-Myl7oDLyuF0-JKaI-xp-lOpObObu7AXNjZn0y1cWgx2jszoCJgoy8E3r1iLD_MBcc_Nqt_-xFHBAueOwx6wyTT2_hHZIPldK4BDdGz0E-6P7wPzw/s800/IMG_4363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW7Di3SrS1btRZ1-hLlZp58m0hF-Myl7oDLyuF0-JKaI-xp-lOpObObu7AXNjZn0y1cWgx2jszoCJgoy8E3r1iLD_MBcc_Nqt_-xFHBAueOwx6wyTT2_hHZIPldK4BDdGz0E-6P7wPzw/s400/IMG_4363.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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We tackled the removal of the bush first. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIdrTUXc06a0taaCdBQeYiiysAu4U4SICaF1bULRFT-k05eapgAO04vuUsx8hJ3_mrFKzTCA9NTqg6edRVDxK5IOTgD4zXNNwchyphenhyphenxLXvv5V1ZCFWzT874SZ2Ovoju3Bl2U8kx4yN1joY/s700/IMG_4328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIdrTUXc06a0taaCdBQeYiiysAu4U4SICaF1bULRFT-k05eapgAO04vuUsx8hJ3_mrFKzTCA9NTqg6edRVDxK5IOTgD4zXNNwchyphenhyphenxLXvv5V1ZCFWzT874SZ2Ovoju3Bl2U8kx4yN1joY/s400/IMG_4328.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture of bush....excuse missing shutter...it's on the list with many other things :)</td></tr>
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Over the last few years, this bush has totally taken off and had become my adversary. It was impossible to keep pruned back and it was covered in prickly thorns. For a couple years we had some kind of tree pop up behind it and grow into it....that was fun to remove....ouch! :) And...it was starting to get way too close to the pine tree beside it. Before long I'm pretty sure it would have overtaken the kitchen window too! Mark and I were both a little apprehensive to remove it because we weren't sure how we would feel about the big and empty section of house that would be revealed, but we really couldn't come up with a better option. The bush had to go. It's really hard to tell from the pictures just how big this bush was, but it took 3 full truck loads to haul all the branches away. We were both amazed at how much of an improvement simply removing the bush was! A clean slate to work with!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7_cd8AMQbQmOnQpOtcMl89WVqNpjkudFPIw_t4mlaJauzNiarBVF5_jaX0uUCPYqJ4oZ_UpJFaKrrXD-C3tCgc_QH775IPaNm2uYQdhGTDS4Ne0EdjlNl8X_M1FH6mJTyvfb8RfgG94/s700/IMG_4370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7_cd8AMQbQmOnQpOtcMl89WVqNpjkudFPIw_t4mlaJauzNiarBVF5_jaX0uUCPYqJ4oZ_UpJFaKrrXD-C3tCgc_QH775IPaNm2uYQdhGTDS4Ne0EdjlNl8X_M1FH6mJTyvfb8RfgG94/s400/IMG_4370.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bye, bye bush...</td></tr>
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Back to the deck....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggb2PYJwwJvpmkqsKbOgOrPSjoIaMcAbEzXvPH1VTTGtYsj5S2dyW1DHVNCKJ5oeH0Wru0_f00gxufa_pYH5RGGRaE5OvUIIBs5ifUJXNopjd9wAHy0fcT0Aoo-2HwbBfJNLYEExEwLFE/s800/IMG_4334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggb2PYJwwJvpmkqsKbOgOrPSjoIaMcAbEzXvPH1VTTGtYsj5S2dyW1DHVNCKJ5oeH0Wru0_f00gxufa_pYH5RGGRaE5OvUIIBs5ifUJXNopjd9wAHy0fcT0Aoo-2HwbBfJNLYEExEwLFE/s400/IMG_4334.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Existing deck and original pavers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DCpTttHfN3-cZsNnebCyt55krgFXgevgmM0bVERCYEwrn9E3OjE5-ta1oq27LjQXgAxK8cPGRshwNRyhyphenhyphenHVJOIZmSyj2n_hd_wVQZiSykCC1QrFohwvbTqoTW502BTb0YbVSZ8j5B9s/s700/IMG_4330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DCpTttHfN3-cZsNnebCyt55krgFXgevgmM0bVERCYEwrn9E3OjE5-ta1oq27LjQXgAxK8cPGRshwNRyhyphenhyphenHVJOIZmSyj2n_hd_wVQZiSykCC1QrFohwvbTqoTW502BTb0YbVSZ8j5B9s/s400/IMG_4330.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view</td></tr>
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A few years ago, we painted the deck white to match the house. We love how it feels more like an extension of the house by being the same color, almost like a big porch. We have replaced a few boards here and there as needed, but the railings were starting to rot and we knew that they were going to need some attention soon. This deck has served us well, but since major repairs are on the horizon this year, it made sense to now change the things that could really function better for us. </div>
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No. 1: You may be able to see there are built-in seating areas. While great for extra seating, they obstruct the view to the swingset where the kids play. Since we are out there all. the. time...it would be really nice if we could sit on our comfy patio furniture and relax as we watch the kids. <br />
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No. 2: There is about a 5' section of the deck that steps down just after the pergola ends. We have found this is completely useless space to us. There just isn't much in the way of furniture that either fits or makes sense to put there. <br />
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No. 3: It's just a little tight to have both an eating area and a seating area on this one deck without it feeling congested and obstructing the flow of traffic. <br />
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We tossed around *a lot* of possible ideas. This was kind of a giant puzzle, but once we figured out all the pieces, we became really pleased with how everything will work together when we are finished!<br />
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Our Solution:<br />
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(<i>Side note... I would love to show some progress pictures...but it decided to rain today and I don't have any taken. As the wife of a farmer in an area of the country that has experienced drought for the past two summers...I am absolutely not allowed to complain about this. Haha. Even though it's slowing down my project. And messing with my schedule for the week. ;) So please bear with me and try to visualize... </i>)<br />
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In place of the bush, we built another deck. It's only one step off the ground, so it doesn't require an enclosed railing and still feels open to the yard. We plan to use this as our outdoor "dining area". It's the perfect size for our table and chairs with an umbrella for shade. <br />
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The decision to add this second deck, as well as figure out a way to include the trampoline in the fenced in area, greatly influenced the changes we are making to the existing deck. <br />
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We decided that the best place for the trampoline is directly out from the deck. Kind of to the left of where I was standing to take the picture of the deck and pavers above. The only problem is that if placed here, the trampoline will interfere with the existing paver walkway. <br />
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We resolved this by changing where the stairway accessing the deck is located and also relocating the paver walkway. By doing this, we can create a new walkway between the new deck and the existing deck and create a larger yard area where the old pavers were located so we can include the trampoline. We will no longer have a walkway to the pier/deck area, but we have decided for no more than we access that area (currently never) it should not be a problem to walk through grass. <br />
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We are also removing the 5' step down extension of the deck as well as all the built-in benches and replacing the rail all around. By removing the deck extension this also allows us a few more feet of additional yard space.<br />
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Needless to say, we did not complete this project last week. I'm pretty sure we checked off the bulk of the difficult steps , but we still have a ways to go! Most of the construction that needs to be finished is pretty straight forward and then I can move on to the landscaping and a few other finishing details! (Yay! My favorite part! ;) ) Unfortunately our updates won't reach there full potential until the end of the summer, at the very earliest, when we can paint it...(pressure treated wood takes forever to dry before it can be painted/stained...ugh!)....but I'm so excited about the changes we've made that it's totally worth the wait!<br />
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I'll try to get a few pics soon with the updates completed so far!<br />
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xo,<br />
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gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-40035556499325693722013-06-21T10:23:00.002-04:002013-06-21T10:23:24.655-04:00Ahem....Recliners... :)Large overstuffed recliners are <i>not</i> my favorite thing. If you love them, please by all means <b>go for it</b>, but they are just not for me. If it were up to me, nary a recliner would be found in the walls of my house. My husband, however, feels a slightly different. :) So we compromised....you may have spotted it in this picture...<br />
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Do you see it?? The recliner is leather with a traditional shape and nailhead details so at the very least I find it only <i>slightly</i> offensive, haha, but...I have to admit...it is VERY comfortable and the most used chair in the room. <br />
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We've had this chair almost as long as we've been married. (11 years tomorrow!!) It. has. been. abused. It's time to be replaced. Seeing as this *is* the most used chair in the room, I had resigned myself to the fact that it's replacement would probably be pretty similar, but I may get to pick a slightly differently color leather this time.<br />
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Until....i found this....<br />
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I stopped by one of our local furniture retailers on a whim to get a feel for what my options were and I came across this chair. Tufted back recliner??? Ummm...yes!! I thought maybe even the color would be acceptable, but after comparing with my fabric swatches I decided it wasn't going to work. It was all for the best though....it was available to order in lots of other leather options and the only drawback was the wait for production.... 16 weeks. Yep, still waiting. It *should* be here in about 2 weeks or so, hopefully, and I can't wait!! <br />
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xo,<br />
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<br />gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-43690284103387325862013-06-19T09:39:00.001-04:002013-06-19T09:39:43.074-04:00Living Room: Time-Out ChairsIt's not too often I shop ebay for furniture....but in this case it totally paid off! Most of the time shipping costs for furniture make any potential good deal a bust, but.....then these popped up...<br />
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$20.....for a pair.....and located near me. Meant. To. Be.<br />
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Sure, the existing fabric was <i>less than desirable, </i>and there were broken springs and questionable foam (yuck!)....but the frame was in perfect condition and I was up for the challenge! I should probably give a shout out to my husband for the demo process of the chairs. There were *at least*<i> </i>72 million staples holding that ugly fabric on. *Someone* wanted to make sure it wasn't going to come off easy!! They succeeded. My fingers were literally bleeding as a result of the staple removal process, so he offered to help! What a guy.... :)<br />
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On to the fun part....picking out new fabric! There were two criteria that had to be met for the fabric on this chair:<br />
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1) It had to coordinate with the crewel print already being used in the room. (See ottoman below)<br />
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2) It had to be strong on it's own, but not <i>overpowering</i>.<br />
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The fabric I selected was Artissimo in Navy, manufactured by PKaufmann.<br />
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It's still available <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://www.joann.com/home-decor-print-fabric-pkaufmann-artissimo-navy/zprd_01458991a/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">here</span></a>!</span> Awhile back I spotted a similar fabric used <a href="http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/portfolio/sarahs-cottage/master-bedroom"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">here</span></a> by one of my favorite designers...Sarah Richardson! I knew I liked her... ;-)</div>
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One thing I love about this type of chair is the opportunity to use a contrast fabric on the back! For these chairs I used Le Zebre from Brunschwig and Fils. <br />
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I love the way they turned out!!<br />
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As a sidenote....I'll also confess that these lovlies are the "time-out" chairs in our house.... Sometimes they are the most used chairs of the day!! Ha! At least the kiddos get to sit and reflect on their actions in style?!? :) Maybe I'll put myself in time-out....<br />
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xo,<br />
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gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-31602831944484092762013-06-18T10:57:00.000-04:002013-06-18T10:57:12.870-04:00Beautiful LampshadesIt's entirely possible I have a <i>slight</i> addiction to lamps....which ties right into my love of lampshades! A quick and easy way to dress up nearly any lampshade is ribbon! My personal favorites are grosgrain ribbon and twill tape, both of which are very inexpensive and fairly easy to find. Grosgrain is fantastic because it comes in tons of colors! While twill tape doesn't have quite the range of colors available, it does has a little more stretch which is better suited for rounder shades.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grosgrain in action!</td></tr>
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Sometimes a shade in a color other than plain white is just the ticket. The shade on the right below is the shade that was sold with this lamp. Not to mention the original shades proportion problems, I love the way the tan pleated shade transforms this lamp!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Before</td></tr>
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Probably my favorite custom lampshades are those using patterned fabric. In our <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-bedroom.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">bedroom</span></a> I had purchased swing arm lamps that came with a standard white pleated shade. The white felt pretty stark to me and I was looking for another surface in the room to repeat this blue stripe pattern from Carleton V. The lampshades seemed to be a great place to accomplish that!<br />
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I started inspecting the construction of the shade a bit and decided to go for it! <br />
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I'm obsessed with the way they turned out!! There is something about patterned lampshades that adds just a little extra punch! I've done this a few times now...and good news....it's such an easy and inexpensive diy project!! Even for a pleated shade, if you can measure, fold, and glue you're in business!<br />
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The shades on the lamps flanking the sofa in the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"> <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/06/living-room.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">living room</span></a></span> are really begging for some love, so there may even be a tutorial in the future. :)<br />
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Are you inspired to go embellish all your lampshades?!?! ;-)<br />
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Happy Tuesday!<br />
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xo,<br />
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<br />gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-37977959108793542952013-06-17T16:37:00.000-04:002013-06-17T16:37:20.482-04:00Future Fireplace?A few weeks ago, I decided a change was in order for the arrangement of our living room. The room really doesn't have a ton of options for different furniture placements given the many traffic flows through the space, but the wall where the secretary currently resides was really troubling me!<br />
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This wall is one of the first views from the <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-entry.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">entry</span></a> hall. It previously housed the kids toy table with a shelf above. I don't mind that the kids have and keep toys in the living room...that's just a sign of our current reality ;) ...but I don't love that chaos is the first impression when you walk in the front door! Anyway, I've been on a quest to find a solution to this problem once and for all!<br />
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I really never photographed it in its prior state, at least without mess and toys...haha, except for this one shot from the <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/03/blue-white.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">blue and white</span></a> post. You can kind of see how the secretary looked on the paneled wall previously.<br />
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Here is the wall today...<br />
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Not too exciting.....And <i>very</i> bare. I miss the secretary being a focal point on that wall, but I really like its new location better overall. What's a girl to do??<br />
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Well...actually there has been a plan all along! When we first put up the paneled wall, in the back of my mind I had plans for a future fireplace on this wall. I love fireplaces...who doesn't??...and it would be a great focal point for the room! A fireplace wasn't really a priority back then because we had *A LOT* of other large projects that needed our attention/$$ first and it's still not at the top of the list, but I could see it happening in the somewhat near future...??? I did a little mock-up to get an idea of how the proportions might work out...</div>
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Painters tape....so many uses!! :) It's a rough layout, but it definitely helps me see what adjustments need to be made so my proportions are correct!</div>
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I'm not sure when/if this is going to happen...so for now this space remains dedicated to the kids play table where they still have easy access to their toy closet hidden behind that little door (topic for another day). And I like that the table is kind of hidden behind the chairs in the current layout instead of in plain view from our front door like before. It kind of bothers me that the wallspace is so empty, but I'm not sure I want to put much effort into changing that if a fireplace is in the near future. Fingers crossed!!<br />
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xo,<br />
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gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-9015721507824850192013-06-14T08:51:00.000-04:002013-06-14T08:51:47.820-04:00Living Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As promised here are the progress pictures from the living room! Let's start with some before pictures...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBIoodYDs8gGfpcR9HXhKBlX9miF1F1IZ5hFHzwlWpfdbPTrLTvrmZOmG_YtyX4RlskAYWmkhGCb09Mk1R7s5oX9aXR1a0g1xfzwJz27XM7JpAW69GOpj9rLuv8XMDmArj5aIOmTeKHs/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBIoodYDs8gGfpcR9HXhKBlX9miF1F1IZ5hFHzwlWpfdbPTrLTvrmZOmG_YtyX4RlskAYWmkhGCb09Mk1R7s5oX9aXR1a0g1xfzwJz27XM7JpAW69GOpj9rLuv8XMDmArj5aIOmTeKHs/s640/IMG_0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from kitchen doorway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxyc_nVPxNi3_nvC0lgZ9bKY-lsnU9ibIbv-DG-ylWd1Z48urXzc0NTtF37fKFs7yPPtjThPUHhyphenhyphenj0j1LUUsZzuHuAzigB8gd_xp0bcafEY8-HRgJn2cVyIjkv31Z5BLIRdZ55c-N_oE/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxyc_nVPxNi3_nvC0lgZ9bKY-lsnU9ibIbv-DG-ylWd1Z48urXzc0NTtF37fKFs7yPPtjThPUHhyphenhyphenj0j1LUUsZzuHuAzigB8gd_xp0bcafEY8-HRgJn2cVyIjkv31Z5BLIRdZ55c-N_oE/s640/IMG_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View also from kitchen doorway. Door on the left leads to the bedroom and door on the right is the entrance to the closet under the stairs. </td></tr>
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One of the first things we did in this room was add crown molding, wainscoting, and the paneling on the west wall to this space. My husband has become quite the skilled trim carpenter over the years!! We also changed out the existing window and door casings for one with a slightly larger profile. I probably should have taken some pictures of that process, but at the time we were so focused on getting through it the thought didn't cross my mind! Trimwork takes some time and patience, but it is my favorite way to add character and life to a space.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsW7Y_G7C-0PyR0G-AW7t_FXO8BHCPfXnzQsL_n6L5Epe1bRwIg5DIecwYSUCnCjOBl4x5krCln4t9dDi8Lp2t1a5cMMip4jjsmI3wND_xaD-fmvo5JEoUS3CsIbed5Lhaop7g5FAMWwA/s1600/IMG_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsW7Y_G7C-0PyR0G-AW7t_FXO8BHCPfXnzQsL_n6L5Epe1bRwIg5DIecwYSUCnCjOBl4x5krCln4t9dDi8Lp2t1a5cMMip4jjsmI3wND_xaD-fmvo5JEoUS3CsIbed5Lhaop7g5FAMWwA/s640/IMG_0004.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piles of trim! Oh my!</td></tr>
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On to the current pictures..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from kitchen doorway facing east window<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View into entry hall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from entry hall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from kitchen doorway towards bedroom and stair closet doors. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteIkPNb1jO4B2rJn5bnlZLlKfG_PLfLGZnn7PNPicQ_CeFmqX8cd7Wux5BJNcwUxdg1Pls7aHepoDBcG8ToRhUKoH4ZDqItsFyvjTYkBgfD2LJVmZ56eVXw0b34Zcljq_dS9yXc55q7E/s1600/_DSC5736_living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteIkPNb1jO4B2rJn5bnlZLlKfG_PLfLGZnn7PNPicQ_CeFmqX8cd7Wux5BJNcwUxdg1Pls7aHepoDBcG8ToRhUKoH4ZDqItsFyvjTYkBgfD2LJVmZ56eVXw0b34Zcljq_dS9yXc55q7E/s640/_DSC5736_living.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the tv corner...to the left of the kitchen doorway.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tzzZ22nqSMzkiM6U08TxWuWV8joPliObe2yuwy7nh8dnrdVs3MqxRtSGKemMpNGWP8M5nb1zZ_6_OdmfcefxDZ0nt_kBFEhX39Z1oi2dAs31d4OI0YCpVZ2f9zXznZpRctSXI45j29Y/s1600/_DSC5742_living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tzzZ22nqSMzkiM6U08TxWuWV8joPliObe2yuwy7nh8dnrdVs3MqxRtSGKemMpNGWP8M5nb1zZ_6_OdmfcefxDZ0nt_kBFEhX39Z1oi2dAs31d4OI0YCpVZ2f9zXznZpRctSXI45j29Y/s640/_DSC5742_living.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite things...Grandma Hazel's diary.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRrOyimCwR6lhDhNH0IrssQH9kN19j95o4o4sQBzR5nCx_8j-JdrWQCOMTXRbAgnlDBmAh05Gxl3Q3TaVN-fN6AW2FGIsT_F4VLcFAdti6_XLrhyphenhyphennGu2EWjX9olextK-K0hi6dN0MzOM/s1600/_DSC5711_living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRrOyimCwR6lhDhNH0IrssQH9kN19j95o4o4sQBzR5nCx_8j-JdrWQCOMTXRbAgnlDBmAh05Gxl3Q3TaVN-fN6AW2FGIsT_F4VLcFAdti6_XLrhyphenhyphennGu2EWjX9olextK-K0hi6dN0MzOM/s640/_DSC5711_living.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of east facing window.</td></tr>
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Another major change in this room involved the windows. We replaced the old casement window with a series of taller double hung windows that match the height of the existing double hung window. Not only does it unify the look of the windows, but it's also amazing how much more light filters in from the just slightly taller windows.<br />
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The color of the room is called Mexican Feather Grass from <a href="http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/products/paint/lifestyle_colors/items.aspx?haid=50"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Ralph Lauren</span></a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixM4ft3TpT_S_cKZLe21HGZUo43HpvWkDhSobE21dNWzENi94rIYj0hJoVS1iVJtdhmiT5-4WBo7YEPm_HErppdTjqcJ5AOIlZ4Gg7g7dQPr_GgkDknVxj359llFgOkakT8YvlM929EL4/s1600/rl-mexicanfeathergrass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixM4ft3TpT_S_cKZLe21HGZUo43HpvWkDhSobE21dNWzENi94rIYj0hJoVS1iVJtdhmiT5-4WBo7YEPm_HErppdTjqcJ5AOIlZ4Gg7g7dQPr_GgkDknVxj359llFgOkakT8YvlM929EL4/s200/rl-mexicanfeathergrass.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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This is the perfect color for someone like myself who doesn't like to commit because it changes colors throughout the day! Sometimes it's a grey, sometimes it takes on a grey-green hue, and in the glow of incandensant lighting it almost reads like a sage-y green. It looks a little bit different in each of the pictures above and that is a pretty good representation of the way it changes in real life too!<br />
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Our living room is definitely the most used room in the house. We don't have a separate family room so this space takes a lot of abuse! And while the closet under the stairs does a good job at storing the toys out of sight when not in use, this is also where most of the "play" happens. As a result, the living room often looks like this...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO330djQVEqdGVfeBzAaY75A1yrf8FmhqWZLm7uj_UYZG53J_8RNVxo20ViDUsWGPx3Bi4WqDUwtkfhHkvNgN4n9J10nh-GzPi_yyH5oxbaOiV1pllOvZjv2vhhYoQoxUNrLdBi5JBkjM/s1600/_DSC5821_isabelle-construction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO330djQVEqdGVfeBzAaY75A1yrf8FmhqWZLm7uj_UYZG53J_8RNVxo20ViDUsWGPx3Bi4WqDUwtkfhHkvNgN4n9J10nh-GzPi_yyH5oxbaOiV1pllOvZjv2vhhYoQoxUNrLdBi5JBkjM/s320/_DSC5821_isabelle-construction.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">barbies, and tractors, and blankies....oh my!</td></tr>
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I'll be honest and admit that the mess drives the neat freak in me a little nutso at times... but I wouldn't trade one minute of having my kiddos around for a perfectly kept house! After all, that's what all this decorating stuff is about right??<br />
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xo,<br />
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PS...did you notice the <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-new-season-rug-layer.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">rug</span></a>?? :)</div>
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gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646573631121999201.post-5469385587648856722013-06-13T11:49:00.000-04:002013-06-13T11:49:09.670-04:00Caution: Life In ProgressOne of the main reasons I began this blog was to document the many projects we have completed over the last decade in our home. I have come to realize lately, however, that...oops!...there are no finished rooms in this house!! How can that be?? We have been chipping away at projects for almost 11 years and nothing is completed? I've taken some time to really analyze how this could be possible and I think I *kinda* figured it out. <br />
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Our house is constantly evolving....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdf834DqlL2LDEsj6sFN4_MvGnS3w55eUEMWQ77-7OgP-xMAyFqk1F_7SgRkkrs7QNTzLKwC2u65J7-qB_jDgF4wYj1gNYEjjFBls4U9CONJTI5hokW-r56EbSIxGdfhgxjQMhFhVruPY/s1600/constructiongirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdf834DqlL2LDEsj6sFN4_MvGnS3w55eUEMWQ77-7OgP-xMAyFqk1F_7SgRkkrs7QNTzLKwC2u65J7-qB_jDgF4wYj1gNYEjjFBls4U9CONJTI5hokW-r56EbSIxGdfhgxjQMhFhVruPY/s640/constructiongirls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard hats required :)</td></tr>
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There is always a room undergoing some sort of project in order to serve our family better....currently it's the <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/03/laundry-room-layout.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">laundry room</span></a> (although you wouldn't know it because there has been zero <i>visible</i> progress, haha). As our family grows and changes, how we live and what we need from this house is under constant revision. I was given the book "A Good House Is Never Done" as a gift. I instantly adopted the title as my motto, haha. The changes which take place aren't always huge and sometimes they're not noticeable to anyone but us, but <i>change</i> is always happening. </div>
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The challenge in blogging about our ever-changing house is that I really don't love showing my half-finished work....<i>I'm a perfectionist...remember?</i> :)<br />
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For almost as long as I've known blogs exist, I've been reading posts from The Nester on <a href="http://www.thenester.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Nesting Place</span></a>. Her mantra is "it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful"...just the kind of encouragement a crazy perfectionist like myself needs to hear! She is a fantastic example of using whatever resources you may have efficiently and creatively to make not only your home beautiful...but your life as well...all while not stressing out about the nitty gritty! I recently came across a post Nester wrote for <a href="http://www.incourage.me/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">(in)Courage</span></a> called <a href="http://www.incourage.me/2013/03/the-durring.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">"The During"</span></a>. She says...</div>
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"I'm learning that the biggest, best, and most informative part of the story happens in the during."</blockquote>
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It was exactly the motivation I needed to proceed in showing all of our <i>unfinished"ness"</i>! The more and more I think about this statement the more it's truth resonates with me. Realistically the during is a *much* bigger part of our lives than the finished project...especially if you consider "finished" to be a relative term as I do. Those who visit here frequently don't even find it odd anymore to see a color sample painted on the wall or a piece of fabric draped over the curtain rod, haha! <i>Or maybe they still do and they just gave up trying to understand my craziness? ;-)</i> While finished rooms really *are* the goal...the how and the why are a pretty large part of their story...so I guess that makes them pretty important too! <br />
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I'm starting to come to terms with the fact that if I wait to document only our finished projects, I may have nothing to write about...ever... And since I've already mustered up the courage to show current pics of the <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-kitchen.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">kitchen</span></a>, <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-bedroom.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">bedroom</span></a>, and <a href="http://graciousfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-entry.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">entry</span></a>...what better time than to venture into the living room. This room sees probably the most frequent changes of any room in the house....<i>read...lots of during.</i> :) Because it gets *a lot* of use, things are always coming and going! Sneak peak?</div>
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Come back tomorrow to see the rest of the room! We've got oodles of "during" going on all over this house....so brace yourself...I know I am! :)<br />
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xo,<br />
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gracious farmhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16630917638252428321noreply@blogger.com0