How to gather for ruffles and abstract tank top design

So, I cut 3 strips of fabric about 8 inches long and used the pinking scissors on the edges.

Next change the stitch length on your sewing machine to the biggest it will go.

I always back stitch the beginning edge, but make sure the you don't back stitch the ending edge.

So once you stitch the whole length of the fabric without back stitching the ending edge, leave a couple of inches of string be for you cut it.

Next , start pulling the top string and pushing along the gathered material to the end of the cut fabric.

Once you got your desired gathered look, tie the open end into a knot and trim it.

Now you should have 3 gathered strips. You can do many things with these ruffly pieces.

I was feeling like doing something funky, so I just went with it.

I just started pinning all three into a ruffly combo.

Next, change your stitch length back to normal and restitch over the ruffled strips.

Now, I have my ruffled cuteness I decided to add a little tie to the strap.

Kind of looks like a bird :).

Dining Room to Craft Room Part 1...

So I have been using my dining room to set up all my sewing machines and all the stuff that goes with sewing, and it has not been pretty. But I decided that since I use it full time as a craft room that I better just turn it into a cute one. I was thinking that it was sad we were going to have to get rid of this table because it was still in really good shape. And then I just knew what we should do. We needed to cut it in half and place it side by side and use it as a sewing and craft desk. I've been planning it out forever, and my husband finally did it! yay! Okay, so I was planning on taking a picture of our dining room before my husband cut the table, but when I got home he already had it apart and ready to cut. So, here it is decorated for my daughter's birthday.
My husband took out the leaf and put a piece of tape down the center to prevent the wood from chipping while he cut it . (He also took off some parts underneath the table that were no longer needed since he was taking the leaf off.) He then drew a straight line on it, and then cut away.

He bought these brackets and attached them to the table on two sides. Make sure your screws aren't too long so they don't go through to the other side.

Next it's time to attach the leaf that was just cut in half.

So now you can take the leaf that you cut in half and attach it to the table.
Once the table is secured to the leaf you need to attach 2 L brackets. So now one side attaches to the edge of the leaf and the other to the wall, and again this is done at two points.
But make sure its level.
Seriously, how cool does that look. I love how I have all the drawers are in front of me now, and it looks like I have a custom desk.
Do you like how I tried to crop out the mess? I guess it didn't work. I should have cleared it all off for the picture, but we are about to put up shelves and I thought I'll save a clean picture for the end result. :) This project probably took about an hour. So if you have a square table like this do not get rid of it if you need a desk. Or I'm sure you can get a cheap one on Craigslist too.

Fabric Rose Tutorial...

Fabric Roses

Cut a long piece of fabric about 2 inches wide.

Grab an end and fold it in half.

On the corner of the edge put some hot glue so you can tuck it together.

So after you tuck that first edge, add a little more and twist it together.

Now you can take the remaining fabric and always have it twisting ahead of time.

Keep dabbing the glue and attaching the twisted edge to it.

You can see how you start glueing along the edge as far as you can each time, and continue twisting and pulling it along the glued edge.

At the very end, tuck the edge underneath the rose.

Now I took a cute little tank for my girls and wanted to use the fabric rose to embellish it.

To attach it I double threaded a needle and knotted the end.

Next, I arranged the roses how I thought they looked best.

Then I pinned them all in place.

Starting at the back I began hand stitching the thread through the rose.

I continued around the outer edge. From the back I made big stitches, but in the front I only made small unnoticeable ones.

It's a good idea to push the pin into a fold so that you don't see the stitches in front.

So when your done, the back should look similiar to this. Then make a finishing knot and cut the end off.

And you are left with an adorable handmade looking tank!

Boys Pirate Themed Room...

I'm in love with this room! If I ever have a boy I will definetly be considering this look. I love the uneven wood on the back wall, the hammock, and all the fun fabrics. I got this picture from here.
How fun is this bed and rug? I'm sure this kid loves sleeping in a big pirate ship. I found this image here.

This is acutally form a hotel. I loved the mural on the ceiling and the hanging masts and ropes. Image found here.

I thought the treasure map on the wall along with the little boy as a look out was a cute idea. And love the fun pirate pillows. Image found here.

I did this room a couple of years ago. I loved the bed this little boy got to dream in. They wanted me to paint the walls to look like a treasure map. I just ragged an antiquing glaze all over the walls once I drew the map.