New kitchen additions

Little by little I have made a few changes to my kitchen. Since upgrading counter tops is not an option right now, I have focused on a few little changes. When we built our house I would say my style was very traditional, but now I'm not sure what to call my style. I think it's a combination of modern, a bit of retro, and a dash of vintage. Does that even make any since? I'm not sure, but that's the best description I can make.

Originally I had a bakers rack that didn't really fit in with what I wanted anymore. My original thought for the space was a buffet, but when all the ones I wanted were $500.00+, I decided to go with something else. I looked at several local antique stores, but never really found what I was looking for. After a few weeks of searching, we went to visit my mother in law. They had recently moved and didn't have the space for this desk. It was the perfect size and price (free). All it needed was paint/hardware and VIOLA!

I tried to do my own version of a wall collage. I loved my silhouettes that I printed on green cardstock. You can see my tutorial on how to make silhouettes in photoshop elements here. I also chose a couple of coordinating fabrics to hang in my hoops. I have seen that on several other blogs, and loved how simple and inexpensive the idea was. I decided to refurbish an old photo frame that held three photos, with wrapping fabric around some cork board that I had. I will be a great place to stick notes, maybe a honey do list. :)

You can see how I transferred my photo to my canvas here. This is another very fun and inexpensive project.

These are just a few decorations that were added around the kitchen. The vintage scale is my favorite. I plan on using it in some future infant photo shoots, but for now it works great in my kitchen.

My husband was given the above chair and the chair in front of the desk by his grandfather. They meant a lot to him and I was very happy with how well they worked in the kitchen. I was also happy they didn't need any work. I considered painting them but my husband was not happy with that idea. I guess I can let him have his way just this once.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Here are a few parties I will be linking to today

http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/

http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/

http://www.somewhatsimple.com/

A Few Living Room Upgrades

I am so excited to share a few little projects that I have been working on this past week. I'm getting ready to have people over for my kids 2nd birthday, and wanted to make a few changes to the house. I really haven't changed much since we moved into our house 6 years ago. We built it, so it was exactly how I wanted it. When the kids came along my world revolved around them and what they needed, and it showed in my house. When you have twins, it's double everything. My house was taken over for a couple of years. Things have gotten much better the past few months, so I thought it was time for some changes. I have started with my living room. I found some cute fabric at Joann's for 40% off. This was my first time at making curtains, so I went simple with tab tops. I'm very happy with how they turned out.

The next upgrade I made was to an old dresser that I have had for many years. It was mine as a child and has been in my attic for a while. I decided to fix it up a bit with a little love and a coat of paint.

I decided to go with the blue that was in my fabric. I found a good match in a Sherwin Williams paint called Watery. The dresser had been white for as long as I could remember, so it was a nice change.

When the dresser was done it looked a little alone on my entry way wall, so I decided to add some picture frames. I decided to try something new. I used 11x14 frames and cut poster board to fit. I then added a 4x6 photo to each frame. I used removable tape, so it would be easy to change them out. I think it turned out pretty cute.

I think it really brightened up my livingroom. My next upgrades will be to my kitchen and bedroom. I haven't told my husband yet but I would love to change the paint in my kitchen, but he hates to paint. For some reason he can take a car apart and put it back together, but he hates to paint. It doesn't make since.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog.

Vintage Sewing Machine Attachments

A few months ago I posted about my first antique purchase. It was a Domestic treadle sewing machine, which you can see here. The machine needs to be oiled, but could still work great. I have been looking at attachments on ebay and other sites, but have not made any purchases. My mom went to an estate sale over the weekend and found some attachments that the lady was selling for $1.00. The lady told my mom they were her grandmothers and she had no need for them. It came in a tin case, and is missing some pieces, but I love them. I am guilty of not knowing what all the parts did, so immediately did some research. The Greist MFG Co was the manufacturer, and has been making sewing attachments since the late 1800's.

I know the one on the right is a tuck marker. I'm not sure if the one on the left is also, because it is a little smaller. They do look very similar. If anyone knows for sure let me know.

I believe these are hemmer feet. I am missing some and the part to connect them to my machine. I have found lots of other sets like this one on ebay, some even with manuals. I think I may finally invest in one to have all the parts.

Antique Domestic Sewing Machine

This may come as a surprise to some of my close friends and family, but I have recently found love for anything vintage. Like I really needed another addiction. The blame can be placed on my sister in law Ashley, who has all kinds of vintage finds on her blog While visiting a local antique store I saw many antique sewing machines and I had to have one. My husband later surprised me with one that was in really good condition. I have to admit, with my lack of antique knowledge I was not sure what the Domestic brand was. I immediately started my research. I knew the machine was old because it wasn't even electric, but I was thinking the 1940's. I was pleased to find out it could range anywhere between 1911 to 1926. We found a serial number but was not able to locate any records. I found the ISMACS site very helpful with the history of the Domestic Sewing Machine Company. They even had a manual that I was able to print off. I do need a couple of replacement parts. If anyone knows of a place to get them I would really appreciate it. I'm sure I will find more antiques to list. I like having a little history around, and of course once I start an addiction I see it through.