Coming soon!

I'm the worst when it comes to spoiling surprises. I was the kid that would unwrap Christmas presents when no one was looking... Some things never change.

: )

I've been working with an incredible business consultant who has whipped my butt in gear. To coincide with a September magazine release, we've set the wheels in motion to open a virtual store. It's not ready...yet. When it's up and running, you'll be the first to know. The product line focuses on what I am drawn to...natural fabrics, easy care, and quality construction. Each piece will continue to be made by me, by hand, one by one. 

 I hope you love it as much as I do! And here's the sneak peek...

French Country Blues and Grays

Just a quick note after completing a slipcover today. 

This chair was brought to me by a client wanting to change the fabric that was no longer to her liking. Shannon brought the chair with her so we could try out a few different fabrics and see how they played off of the dark wood stain of the arms and legs. She knew that she wanted to stay away from florals and toiles so we zeroed in on the nubby natural texture of this muted stripe. Loving the damask pattern and blue gray color of the accent fabric, we chose a 16" by 24" size to make the pillow that would fit nicely with the scale of the chair.

Here's to hoping she loves it as much as I do!

What's happening today...

Hey guys,

I just found out that the amazingly talented Heather Bullard mentioned me on her blog...So for all of you out there in blogland who are stumbling to my site for the first time...WELCOME! I'm so happy you are here!


I must admit, I am a little unprepared in the blog arena. Wish I had more posts, better pictures, etc. but I find that's probably how I'd always feel no matter how much I had worked on this... Just thought I'd show you what is going on with me right now.

Now...you may be asking yourself, "Who is this person showing the world the gross, termite infested mess that is her home?" Well, you might say I've always been a come as you are, no pretense, glass is half full kind of gal. It's a little lot intimidating to expose myself so candidly to the unknown masses...especially when there are so many gorgeous and talented women who are blogging and sharing their loveliness to whomever cares to breeze through their world. So this is me, stepping through the fear of being judged unfavorably. I'm just going for it and hope you'll trust me and come back for a second visit...

Dump truck coming tomorrow. Deck demo should be done in 2-3 days. Then the fun part of making our living room/deck extension will begin to take shape. I promise it'll be worth the wait! In the mean time, I'll just focus on the flowers! By the way, that's my cottage (in the picture below) where all the magic happens with sewing and fabric and ruffles... More on that another time...

 

Super ruffly linen pillow

I can't help it! I just love this pillow. It's my all time favorite by far...

Can I make one for you?

White Denim Chair Slipcover

Thought I'd share about a chair that I just finished for a client...The chair was comfortable and useful, but she had never really been happy with the color or fabric. Could I make a slipcover for it? Of course, would love to!

Before

Why the original chair didn't work for her...

too dark, hard angles, too modern, style didn't match the casual shabby cottage look in the rest of the home. This chair was usually covered by a quilt to protect it from the pets (one cat, one dog) and to camouflage the burnt orange tone that clashed with the soft whites, creams, and pinks that she favored.

Why slipcovers were a good remedy...

Slipcovers aren't necessarily the best solution for all situations. They worked here because:

she already owned the chair, she used seating often, it was right size and shape for her other living room, it needed to be cleaned easily because of pets, and it had always bothered her.

After

Light, ruffled skirt, removable for cleaning in the wash, durable denim to stand up to claws of pets, and in a fabric choice she loves!

Cost of Labor: $220

Cost of Fabric: $10/yard

Total Yards: 10

Total: $360

Can't wait for her to see it!

New this week...Linen pillow with monogram, Linen pillow with embroidery

I wanted to share with you a few new designs that I made this week for pillows. 

16 by 24 tuxedo pillow with vintage buttons

16 by 24 ruched pillow with embroidered crown and bee

20 by 20 picture frame pillow with ruffles and monogram

They are done in linen, pre-washed prior to cutting, and personalized with embroidery or vintage buttons. The cases have a zipper and are proudly wearing an authentic Cottage by Design label. They are shown with a down and feather insert. 

Now if you are new to Cottage by Design, let me give you a little filler information...I have the ability and resources (embroidery fonts, etc.) to create anything you can imagine from scratch. I carry about 30 shades of linen (currently in stock) with access to a rainbow of hues if you so desire. The majority of my work is custom ordered and made after I have a chance to consult with you personally. The typical rundown of questions I ask...

1.   Where is it going (bedroom, living room, nursery, outdoors)?

2.   Who is it for (couple, child, gift, male or female)?

3.   What is your design aesthetic (modern, feminine, clean lines, frilly, sophisticated)?

4.   How will it be used (seen but not touched, kids and a dog)?

5.   Anything else I should know (moving soon, hate/love a certain color, need it yesterday)?

From there, I can get a feel for who you are and what you are going for...So, need a room spruced up? Not sure how to pull it all together? Give me a call! Let me know how I can help.

Pale Pink Linen

My good friend Jeni asked me this morning if I wanted to go into LA to do a delivery. "Maybe we'll have time to hit the fabric district...wanna come?" Sure. Why not? I could always use more fabric. Those of you who have visited my Cottage are probably thinking to yourselves..."How in the world can she pack any more into that little studio?!?"

Well, there's always room for more breathtakingly gorgeous textiles. So off we went.

My dear readers, you may want to sit down while I tell you this... 22 yards of the most perfect shade of pink was brought home to live with me today. Not only is the color spot-on perfect, in my opinion, but it's [gasp] 100% pure linen and super heavy weight (at least 13oz.). And you know what else? I almost passed it by! It was Jeni who pointed it out to me as we were rushing out the door. Sometimes, our friends know us better than we know ourselves...



Lesson # 453
Be open to the possibilities in life. You never know when or where blessings will reveal. Whether it be true friendship, or, heavenly pink linen!

Rainy Days

Perfect weather to sit inside with slippers on and coffee in hand. It's been raining here in southern CA. Barely ever happens... I didn't want to make the long commute (really only 50 feet) to the cottage to sew, so, I've been cozy at the computer.



I've been dabbling in Microsoft Frontpage, trying to figure out how to build a website, for a few years now. My attempts have been in vain, never making it very far before I throw up my hands in frustration and walk away in a huff.

Cue angels singing and clouds parting.

Let the rejoicing begin! Armed (again) with google, I found a website that is teaching me how to use Frontpage! Simple, to the point, LUV IT! I had NO idea how off I was. Stay tuned you guys. Will let you know when I have something updated for the website.

I love the internet :)

French Market Tote

We all have to shop for groceries, right? And we should all reduce our carbon footprint. So why not do it in style with these adorable tote bags?

They are roomy, cute, and durable. Do your part and "go green" with these reusable French Market Totes.

Only $40

Pushing through the "next phase"

So, for the longest time if been thinking about taking the leap into technology. You know...all things etsy, twittering, facebook and being more committed to blogging. I was talking about it with a close friend who suggested that I hire someone to help me get it going. So I'm dusting off the laptop and my digital camera. Gonna prove that I'm not too old, too set in my ways, or too easily distracted.

So what if I make mistakes!

This is me being committed to putting in the time!!





Wish me luck.

I'm famous!

Not really... : )

But I did get a "shout out" in the Orange County Register this weekend!


Jennifer Palmquist's gorgeous home was featured in the Saturday Home and Garden section. She was kind enough (thanks Jen!) to mention Cottage by Design in Fullerton as her "go to source for slipcovers." How exciting! Hope you get a chance to check out the article and the yummy pictures seen here. Be sure to click on the more pictures link too!

Send me an email if you have any questions about get slipcovers made for your home!
(mrslemon@sbcglobal.net)

Super ruffly sofa slipcovers

I've been working for a while with Melissa, sewing slipcovers and pillows for almost every room of her house. This last assignment was to slipcover her sofa and loveseat. The original fabric had seen better days and she was wanting to change the style to something softer in color, a solid, but with lots of detail brought in with layers of ruffles. We chose a solid cotton canvas in a perfect shade to compliment her freshly painted walls.

The big reveal...

and what we started with...




Melissa asked for lots of ruffles. There are two rows of short ruffles on each seat cushion, longer ruffles on each of the square back cushions, and a fully gathered skirt gracing the bottom. We both LOVED it. With fresh inspiration, we worked up a sweat rearranging the room. It took four or five tries but we found a great flow that solved a few issues:

1. opening up the view to the fireplace
2. pulling the furniture off the walls (aka "spin art" decorating)
3. making the room feel less like a long bowling alley and more like a conversational group
4. brought in a textural rug that was larger and fit the space better

What a great day...I love what I do. And Melissa couldn't be happier!