White Linen Curtains with Ruffles

I was recently contacted by a new client about making some curtains for her home. She wanted to meet about doing something for her living room. "Do you make curtains? Something with ruffles, perhaps in linen?" she asked. 

: )

"Why, yes I do," I replied, my heart beginning to race. Little did she know... My favorite two words are LINEN and RUFFLES. We made an appointment for her to come to the cottage so we could look at fabrics and talk about it. 

 Once we got together, I was able to get a feel for what she was after. We browsed some pictures for inspiration. This is the one she loved (me too). Look at the gorgeous tiers of ruffles along the bottom!

Needing 4 panels total, I washed 20 yards of linen to get it prepared. Then, my favorite, I got to spend the morning making all the ruffles. So fun!

 After completing one panel, I met over at her house so we could take a look at the length and decide the detail of the top, ties vs. pocket. Then it was back to the cottage to finish. A few days later and I was done. I could hardly wait to see them hung...

So pretty!
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NOTE FROM SHERYL

Words cannot express how happy I am with my new curtains. They are beautiful! I had the pleasure of going to Trish's house and I felt like I was visiting a cottage in the English Countryside. She has piles and piles of gorgeous fabrics. She is so incredibly talented and shabby chic oozes out of her pores...her excitement for sewing and creating is simply contagious. Her finishing and detail work is incredible and I can't wait to work with her again. Thanks Trish...every time I look at my windows it puts a big smile on my face.                             

Gifts for Baby: Blanket and Burp Cloths

My Mom recently asked if I would make a gift for a newborn. Gus, the grandson of her childhood friend, had safely arrived into the arms of his family. "Can you do something that has his name on it?" 

"Of course I can!" Happy to oblige...

Out to the stash of fabrics I went to see what I had. Now, my Mom had sent pictures of little Gus to me so I knew who the present was going to. The pictures showed a sweet little boy dressed in soft greens and yellow stripes. Another picture had him cradled in the arms of a cozy giraffe. Inspired by the animals, yellows, and greens, I was able to find a circus themed fabric.

From that fabric, I pulled a coordinating flannel backed satin to make a crib sized blanket. The circus print lined in the satin is a great weight for our California weather. I also made a set of burp cloths to help with all of the spills, drools, and diaper changes that new babies bring. And always one to listen to my mother, ; ), they were all embroidered with Gus's name in a playful font.

I had so much fun doing this for my Mom. We live so far apart so she doesn't get to see what I do all of the time. I got to make a special present that isn't in a store, but came from my hands. How cool is that? I love my "job."

: )

And the Winner is....

Thanks to all of you who entered the contest! After random selection by my two nuggets, 

the winner is entrant # 1 Deni : )

I'll be contacting Deni directly to find out which pillows she has a hankerin' for. And for the other entrants, don't despair! Stay tuned for the next contest for spring time aprons.

A sneak peek...

Enter to Win...New Pillows Just in Time for Spring

It's my favorite time of year. The smell of orange blossoms hangs delicately in the air. The temperature is that perfect balance of cool breeze and warm sun. My skin starts to get some color after sitting on the swing in the backyard... LUV it! I was able to catch up a little and take some time out for my version of "play." Inspired by the seasonal changes of spring, I've been itching to pull out my stash of cottage floral fabrics and spend the day sewing pillows. Just being around the pastel colors makes me happy. Nothing better than the hum of the sewing machine...

There are 8 different prints, 20 pillows all together. Some are pure pastels. Others have more of a tea-stained hue. All are 20 inch squares with a zipper closure. I will be listing them soon on Etsy for $38 (or give me a call and I'll ship them to you if any are calling out your name).

  

To create some buzz about these beauties, I'm giving away a set of 2 pillow cases. Leave me a comment (with your email) for a chance to win. Tell all your friends and maybe they won't mind giving you the prize if they win. One entry per email please. Contest ends Sunday night, April 8th. I've never done this before... I'm excited to see if anyone responds!

: )

Vintage Needlepoint Pillows

One of my favorite things to collect has been vintage needlepoint pieces. I would always keep an eye out at garage sales, flea markets, and Ebay. I'd look for bouquets of flowers done in pleasing palettes. My heart would race if I happened across petite point. That is the technique of using super small stitching, usually reserved for the highly detailed center image. It always made me feel a little nostalgic for days before TV, when ladies would retire to their needlework at day's end.

 I would re-imagine the tapestry as the focal point of a pillow design. Coordinating velvets, damasks, and fringe would be selected and off to the cottage I'd go. So much fun! The pillow below was made with a piece salvaged from a vintage piano bench. The completed pillow measured a full 36" long.

I knew I was onto something by the response  I'd get from customers. This beauty below barely made it to the shop before she was claimed by an eager shopper. I think it had been out all of 5 minutes before it sold.

Do you have a closet full of needlepoint that you don't know what to do with? Is there a special heirloom made by your favorite Aunt Edna? Let me help you with finishing it into a pillow. It would be my pleasure to do so.  

Prices start at $35 for labor. It includes washing and blocking of your needlepoint piece. Provide your own fabric and trim or use my stash of materials to compliment your unique creation. Email me with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you...

My pillows on Wedding Chicks blog

So, my uber talented friend Jeni (Found Vintage Rentals) and I were playing phone tag. We finally connected as she was walking out the door to a photo shoot. "Do you have any pillows already made that I can take with me? I'm leaving right now."

"Of course! Come on by," I replied.

Long story short... right place, right time... and POOF! 

 (Like magic) 

 I'm getting mentioned on Wedding Chicks Blog for supplying pillows in one of their stories.

The pictures are amazing! 

Thanks Jeni for thinking of me : ) You're the best!

If you see anything that you like, let me know. I can make you your own pillows to cozy up with.

Facebook Page, blog, email, pinterest....

inspiration from my garden

So... I am muddling my way through all the different ways that social media and technology can be used and linked. I'm at a loss when it comes to the best way to communicate what is going on with me and Cottage by Design. I have a facebook page, this blog, email, etsy, twitter, a physical studio address, snail mail, and my phone. Are you as confused as I am when it comes to contacting me?

Well, I hope to clear up some of that! I am working on having a products page...something that you can click and check out easily. Until that day, a phone call to my cell (714.350.3187) or an email to mrslemon@sbcglobal.net is the best way to get a hold of me. I'm usually able to get back to you within the day, 7 days a week.

I'm a small operation with direct communication. My studio, workroom, and supplies are 50 feet away in my cottage and garage. Items get packaged and shipped out without any red tape. Using Paypal, invoicing your orders is easy and immediate. You can rest assured that your payment is secure using any major credit card. 


So what is it that I make? Lots of stuff! Pictures are better... here are a few of past jobs.

outdoor cushions

custom slipcovers

 

 

custom pillows

basket liners with vintage trim

custom lampshades

yards and yards of romantic fabrics

squishy dog beds

pocket rod curtains

tablecloths

Here's what previous customers have said about their experience with me:

• After several e-mails back and forth, Trish Banner of sent me this wonderful package. The pillowcase is made with beautiful white linen, trimmed with gorgeous antique lace. I can't say enough good things about Trish. I was so pleased that I immediately requested another custom order! I'll post on that soon. (From Trina's blog, A Country Farmhouse)

• Love, love, love the Market Tote! Beautifully made with first quality materials! Trish was easy to work with, made the bag within a day and shipped and received it here in Georgia within just a few days! Who could ask for more? I plan to order from her again....probably Totes for gifts as well as slipcovers! Thank you, Trish!

• Beautiful bag! It was a pleasure to work with Trish, and I'm sure I will return for more of her quality products.

cottage floral style pillows

Sunflowers and Mary Engelbreit inspired pillows

So a client recently asked me if I could help her with a project. A close friend of hers had recently been diagnosed with cancer and was going through chemo. Could I help make something to brighten up her home, and by extension, her mood and outlook during this trying time? "Absolutely!" was my response. 

My task was to make a few pillows. The inspiration? Sunflowers and Mary Engelbreit. When I think of Mary Engelbreit, I think checks, ticking stripes, clear bright colors in red, green, golden yellow, and black. Down to earth, unassuming, friendly and approachable. So out to my stash of fabrics and trims I went to look for what I might have that would work. This is what I started with...

green red gold and black cottons

I asked for some clarification just to make sure that I was on the right track... "This work?"

"Yes," she replied. "But don't forget the sunflowers." How do I make a sunflower inspired pillow design? After playing around with some fabric, I came up with something that I think will work....

The sunflower above is the first one I made. Maybe a little tweaking needed? The one in the group below was my second attempt. I thought it was a better "fit" with the style of the others.

 I hope they bring her lots of cheer and she is reminded of her dear friend that loves her...

Lavender Sachet Pillowcase with Antique Lace

Trina of A Country Farmhouse has honored me with doing a post on something that was recently made for her home. If you are new to her blog, do yourself a favor and carve out some time to read her catalog of entries...truly inspirational, beautiful, peaceful, talented... I could go on and on!

Read the blog HERE.

Too cute! Love her pictures!

For those of you wanting something like this for your own, I've been busy this morning taking pictures of the trims I've collected over the years. 

See something you like? Let me know if I should reserve it for you. Looking forward to hearing from you : )

Latest Pillow on Etsy

So I've got something special to share. 

This is my all time favorite pillow design. It's inspired by the idea of a night out on the town, an occasion of getting dressed up with the intention of being flirty and having fun.  I call it the Tuxedo Pillow. Not only are the details a show-stopper, its size makes it a real beauty. When you see it in person, you can't help to be drawn to it. Try and stop yourself from taking a closer look, running your hand down the little tucks that are sewn into each of the seams.

 

Check out that group picture on the sofa to have a point of reference. It's the one in the middle, calling out for you to take it home...

 100% Linen

I have about 20 colors of linen in stock. Shoot me a picture if you want a suggestion for the right color for your space.

Just went live on Etsy!

What's up party people?

Super excited to just go live on Etsy! I'll be adding new products over the next few weeks so be sure to sign up for updates and check out what's going on. If you know of anyone who might be interested in my line, please share my info with them. To see what's for sale, click the etsy link above.

Wish me luck!

French Market Totes

Good morning! In response to Heather Bullard's blog post, I wanted to let everyone know about the French Market Totes.

These roomy bags are BIG, sturdy, and just plain cute! This generous carryall is perfect for bringing home your haul from the local farmers' market. Woven cotton in a colored stripe on cream background. Handle made of dark brown embossed vinyl, an animal friendly alternative to the real thing. Bag measures approximately 20" wide X 14" tall X 4" deep with a 7" handle drop. Machine wash gentle cycle, air dry.

Getting something well made (in the USA to boot), useful, with a classic design is fabulous. Getting it at the great price of $40 is even better. Shoot me an email with color, # of bags, and shipping info. Hope to hear from you!

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...