Project 3.14 Completed!

Project 3.14 is now complete. I just have one question: With so many round and oval dining tables out there, why are there so FEW round place mats available?

This set of 6 place mats is the first project I've created with the new Janome sewing machine I received on my birthday. These are a belated birthday gift for my Mom (see how that works - a sewing machine is the gift that keeps on giving). So pretty, don't you think?


Here's my step by step guide to making place mats for the round table owner in your life:

Step 1: Select Fabrics

Step 2: Wash & Iron the Fabrics

Steps 3: Trace Circles onto the Wrong Sides of the Fabric

Step 4: Cut out all 12 Circles

Step 5: Pin Right Sides together &
Stitch around the Circumference
(Leave a 2" Gap to Turn Fabric)

Step 6: Clip around the Outside
(This allows seam to lay flat when turned.)

Step 7: Turn Fabrics Right Side out & Press

Steps 8 & 9: Top Stitch Around the Circumference,
Hand Sew the 2" Gap Closed with a Blind Stitch

Step 10: Prepare for Gift Giving

Fait accompli!!

Getting Cozy

Question: What's the best part of winter?
Answer: Curling up on the couch while it's snowing outside, with a hot chocolate in one hand & the most recent issue of my favourite magazine in the other.

Question: What could make it even better?
Answer: Being curled up in one of these cozy throws!!!

West Elm
Faux Fur Throws
Sale $99 USD

West Elm
Lutz & Patmos Honeycomb Throw
Sale $79 USD

Pottery Barn
Faux Fur Throws
Sale $119 USD

Missoni "Jocker" Throw

Missoni "Humbert" Throw

Missoni "Husky" Throw

Williams Sonoma Home
Tartan Cashmere Throws
Sale $268 USD

Williams Sonoma Home
Safari Print Cashmere Throws
$268 USD

Anthropologie
Winter's Respite Throw
$219 CDN (approx)

Tis the Season

Halloween is over, and we all know what that means: Time to prepare for Christmas!!

This evening, Holt Renfrew held a special event at the Bloor Street location to celebrate the annual unveiling of the Christmas window displays. The event was hosted by Holt's President & CEO Caryn Lerner along with Kim D'Eon & Rick Campanelli of ET Canada. Canadian entertainer Feist performed to the delight of the assembled crowd.

Hosts
Rick Campanelli, Caryn Lerner and Kim D'Eon

Each window had its own theme:
Love, Joy, Beauty, Wonder, Magic, Warmth and Sharing

LOVE

JOY

BEAUTY

WONDER

MAGIC

WARMTH

SHARING

Accent Colour: Orange

Now that the cold autumn weather has arrived, I'm in the mood for some warm colour indoors. Recently I've been inspired by everything orange. Because it is such a strong colour, orange is difficult to use effectively, and it can be overwhelming if overdone (think 1970's kitsch). The key is to use the colour as an accent in an otherwise neutral room, adding just a dash for flavour.

Inspiration: Hermes Boxes

These Benjamin Moore paint colour swatches have yummy names such as Tangy Orange Nectarine (2014-30), Carrot Stick (2016-30) and Sharp Cheddar (2017-20).

In this Roche-Bobois advertisement for the Satelis Modular Sofa the orange accents pop against the neutral backdrop.

This Suzanne Kasler vignette features a fabulous accent chair upholstered in an orange leather.

Another Suzanne Kasler interior features full length burnt orange drapes for a burst of colour.


Designer Jeffrey Bilhuber knows how to create a beautiful space using colourful accents.


This room also designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber goes all out with orange walls.


A black & white workspace gets an orange hit from designer Sara Story.


In this bedroom, Sara Story uses a chinoiserie wallpaper to brighten an otherwise neutral space.

Be Prepared

My Benjamin Moore Design Kit arrived in the post today!!!
Yippee!!!

6 Fan Decks
Affinity Colours
Colour Preview Collection
Designer Classics Collection

I'm now prepared to take design jobs...
...just waiting for the phone to ring!!

Check out Benjamin Moore paints here.