This weekend was very domestic for David and I, and I finally got around to some nesting projects I've been putting off forever. Primary among them:
Way back when we were originally shopping for bedding, we had a hard time finding any duvet covers we liked. Since we had an old, cream-colored cover for a double-sized bed, which we could cannibalize for remnants, and a gift certificate to a quilting store (which, speaking of letting things go, I received as a gift for my college graduation back in 2004), we got the novel idea of whipping up our own and saving money. Indeed, this little wonder only cost us about $20 out of pocket...and a year of waiting, because I have taken this long to get around to it.
The design is inspired by Lotta Jansdottir's gorgeous, simple pattern for a duvet cover in Simple Sewing - a book I don't possess, but covet just for the lovely Scandinavian-minimalist project photography. Not owning the pattern, though, and having certain yardage-based restrictions, I just improvised my own take on her basic idea. I'm quite pleased with how it (eventually) turned out, and it was interesting doing such a large-scale sewing project, when I'd only ever made garments before. Those are some loooong, straight seams, I tell ya. And one HEAVY project. I thanked my lucky stars for my table arm, and for the fact that I wasn't trying to pull off all the measuring and cutting in my old 300-square-foot apartment. Mr. Bingley thought the whole thing was a ball (David took this hilarious photo):
He's upset now, of course, that his nest has been taken away and he still doesn't get to come up on the bed. Curses!
I really like the clean lines and Japanese-inspired sandal print of the contrast fabric. The cream compliments it nicely, and even though this design was born of frugality and the resources at hand, I wouldn't change a bit of it. A solid block of the red would be much too much, and this is just enough visual interest to be engaging. Even though it's still pretty warm for a down comforter enhanced by two layers of heavy cotton, it felt wonderful to fall asleep last night under an aura of finished project and clean, new bedding.
This is wonderful! I think often the simplest designs are the most pleasing.
Another excellent work of stitchery.
Unfortunately, now I have that darn "Turning Japanese" song bouncing through my brain. Gosh.
Also, good work with the new camera! Now that I have a new job it is high on my list of "things to acquire."
Also, brilliant work on the newest edition of Knitty! I love them!
Also-also-also, I've liked to an awesome recipe for chipotle brownies on mah blog that I think you and David will loff. Though, if your spice tolerance for heat is feeling on the low end, then maybe consider halving the chile, or having lots of vanilla ice cream around. Were I in PDX still, I would be at your doorstep with these confections. Blog about chipotle brownies: HERE!!!
Anyhow. Ok, stitching, camera, food... what else... AH! Mr Bingley gets handsomer by the day. :)
I miss you guys!
Still life on bed (D will understand).
This project is very cute, as is Mr. B.
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