Projects

Over the past couple months Jon and I have had various projects in the works. I decided to pick up sewing. I bought myself a sewing machine on Black Friday and my mom came over to show me how to use it. My first project was going to be to make new curtains for the front room. But after searching for fabric, I couldn't find any that I liked. On a whim Jon and I decided to stop at JCPenney Outlet one day on our way home from IKEA. There were curtains there that we like and they were a great price. But the length was too short. So, my first sewing project was to add material to already made curtains. We ran into a small problem when I realized the width of the fabric didn't match the width of the curtains. So, I had to cut the curtains and sew up the length. But it was more practice so I couldn't really complain. The first panel took about 3 hours with instruction from my mom. I was dreading doing 5 more if they were all going to take that long. But luckily I found my groove and got them done within a couple days. My next project will be pillows to match the new curtains. (Oh and now we need to get new blinds and paint the front room) :)

Before picture

Side window after

Front windows after

Jon's projects have been loft beds for the kids. He called me one day and said he felt like doing a project that weekend and wanted to make Emma a loft bed. I said OK. He got to work and it turned out beautiful. He had a mishap with measuring the stairs, but nobody's perfect! :) Well after Emma got her new bed, Derrick had to have one. So Jon went to work again. And again it came out great. The kids absolutely love their new beds! I have discovered advantages and disadvantages to loft beds. Big advantage is the space in their rooms. Their bedrooms are so tiny and it is nice to not have a bed taking up all the space. Emma now has her desk under her bed with a lamp. She loves doing her homework there. Now we just need to get her a bookshelf and her room will be set. Disadvantages...I can't kiss them goodnight when they are asleep anymore. (Although I do climb the first few steps and blow them kisses). The sheets are not fun to change. But Emma has mastered the art of making her new bed. Derrick has chosen to just sleep on top of his comforter with a blanket, but that can't last forever because I am not washing the comforter all the time! I do worry sometimes about them falling or getting hurt. I fell off a bunk bed when I was 4 and broke my collar bone. But so far they have been very careful and followed the "Rules of the Loft Beds". Jon is amazing and I am so glad he took this project on. He did a fantastic job! Here are Jon's step by step pictures of the making of the beds.

Emma's finished bed

Derrick's finished bed