4 Men 1 Lady

a lifestyle blog about the persuit of bringing beauty to a house full of men.

Guest room update.

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My dad asked me how my guest room makeover was coming along today.

“Dad, it’s taking me forever. I could probably get it done in 4 days but it’s impossible when you have little kiddos.”

He then told me he just watched The Bridges of Madison County and paraphrased a line from the movie, “When you have kids you put your life on hold to watch their lives grow. Then when they’re grown and you pick your own life back up you don’t know where to begin.”

Preachin’ to the choir.

So here’s my slow progress on my latest room makeover.

I found these amazing green trellis sheets at HomeGoods several moons ago. I actually purchased them for a client who has run in to some snags so her room has been put on hold. Collecting dust in my closet I thought I’d put them to good use. I’m using them for a few things (don’t want to prematurely ruin the suprise) but I will reveal that I cut them up and made a bedskirt. I simply detached the existing ruffle from the muslim and sewed on a new skirt. I will also reveal that I’ve given up on sewing machine. The thread broke 10 times while I was truckin’ along. What up? I fooled around with the thread tension on my needle and bobbin to the extent of a few explicitives…still can’t figure the darn thing out. Any ideas?

$16.00 on clearance (although I would have paid full price).
I was so thrilled I bought the last three sets.

I have to wait until my husband comes home to help me lift the mattress but here it is anyway.

During my Vegas thrift adventure I found this lamp for $5.00!
Check out who else found it:

(Image via Eddie Ross).
(Image via Little Green Notebook).

Comments

  3. When my sewing machine does that it’s usually the thread not the machine. Try a different thread (if possible a higher quality one) and see if it doesn’t help.

  6. Ohhhhhhh so lovely! I used those same sheets in blue to make a runner for my dining room table! Can’t wait to see the reveal!

  7. Try changing the needle in your machine. In theory it should be changed with every new project. I’m learning this the hard way now that I’ve started sewing for the first time since middle school!
    Karla

  8. Hey girl–gorgeous sheets! I can’t believe they were on clearance that low! Sometimes when I am sewing something large like that, I have to ball it up because it can pull with its own weight and make the thread tension higher. are you working on a really big table with enough area to hold the weight of the fabric?

  9. i am so jealous! i have been searching high and low for super graphic sheets for my bed, and i really can’t find them anywhere! they are lovely 🙂

  11. i’m a bit jealous that you’re always finding great trellis stuff at home goods, because i NEVER FIND THAT STUFF!! why, why, whyyyyyyyy????

    and enough of my whining. i LOVE that print, and i LOVE that you’re using it for a bedskirt. it seems that whatever you have up your wonderful, stylish little sleeve will most definitely be fabulous. can’t wait to see it!

  18. I have to agree with Jen M, I noticed after I bought an embroidery machine, that I quit buying cheaper thread and use the thread I embroider with and the sewing machine I almost threw away now works like a dream. Also, you may want to make sure the bottom bobbin was wound correctly (sometimes they get wanky) and I would make sure there isn’t lint buildup either, a little canned air in the crevices always seems to help – Happy Sewing!

  20. I saw very similar sheets at HG but sadly I was with the husband who gave me the famous “now what are you going to use that for?” So I passed and then had second thoughts two days later. But they were snatched up by someone else. Love what you did with yours!

  21. Don’t you just love scoring a bargain. That lamp is awesome. Are you going to paint it? Can’t wait to see the end result of the room!
    Angex

  25. Is there a home goods here in Tucson? I would say its your needle, if you haven;t changed it, that can cause a lot of problems. You want a VERY sharp one. For home decor weight a 14-16 size. A sewing book I read said to change your needle EVERY time you start a new project. I dont always do that, but its a good idea to change often.[

  27. I had the same problem with my sewing machine this weekend. I’m sure cheap thread wasn’t helping, but I finally figured out that my needle was in backwards (flat side toward the front, rather than the back). While I was troubleshooting, I also cleaned out all of the lint and oiled it. Like new! Maybe I’ll try nicer thread now…

    I can’t wait to see your update when it’s complete! I finally got around to finishing my curtain tie-backs and throw pillows this weekend for the living room I “updated” FOUR months ago! 😉 Funny how life goes on, anyway.

  32. I’m convinced that you have more talent in your little finger than most people have in their whole bodies! You are amazing.

    Can’t wait to see the finished product.

  34. Oooooooo those sheets are to die for! I found a trellis patterned wallpaper that I’m going to use in my dining area. I wish I had those sheets though. Love what you’ve got going so far. Can’t wait to see it!

  35. 3 sets!! That’s not fair! I never found a single one. The bedskirt looks great. Can’t wait to see the room.

  37. Love the sheets and what a great idea to use them for a bedskirt,you are a very clever lady. I just bought two pillows for my playroom bed with that same green, it just makes me smile. I have two sets of bedding one for when a girl guest is there and one when the boys are there. I was lucky like you and got most of them on clearance. I am right with you on when will it get done?? I did get the trial qt. of paint yesterday so that counts, right?! You can see the bedding here
    http://goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com/2010/03/enter-my-brain-if-you-dare.html
    I also show the beds made up in another post, but like you I have lots to do. Today I posted on some of the elements I would like to use. Have fun!! I am trying too.
    Kathysue

  39. I just love all your decor ideas. I love home goods.. but we don’t have one up here near Tacoma.. so in order for me to go there I have to drive 2 1/2 hours to Portland 🙁

  41. I have come late to this party, but agree that cleaning, oiling de-fluffing the machine can’t hurt. However I am cheap, and rather than use a new needle each project I sharpen them (just on an ordinary sharpening steel). Especially useful when all you can find in your sewing kit is leather needles, ultra-fine, ball-point, etc. etc..

It is nice to meet you!

Hey there! I’m Michelle; I’m an Passionate DIY’er and in constant pursuit of how to bring beauty to my house full of men (3 boys + 1 hubby). Stick around and see what I’ve got up my hard-working sleaves!

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