The Sewing Bug...

Yesterday I got to break in my sewing room.  I enjoyed it so much I sewed all day long.  And even sewed up some things for my own summer wardrobe, which I never ever do.  Im thrilled b/c Ive had the shopping bug lately in the worst way and its been sooooo hard to contain myself.  So this satisfied it a bit :)

Here is a few snaps into my room and projects.  Still working on photos for the home tour, eeek!  Ill probably do it in segments, by room.  ...My nanna gave me these velvet swatches... they are vintage and completely inspiring in color and texture.  Its like they used all of my favorite colors in each swatch.  And Ive always been in love with velvet.  Ive been enjoying incorporating them into my designs here and there.  And they are so pretty just to look at and touch.

This sewing room makes me one happy girl.  I cant wait to start busting out some new digs for the shop!  Oh my Im inspired right now.  The hardest part about being inspired is having all of the 'right' pieces at my finger tips.  I have alot of stuff, but my mind is always dreaming of something just out of reach.  But it always comes together in the end after a bit of digging and pondering.

PEACE,

Laura

Crochet Envelope DIY...

Hi Violet Bella readers! Thanks for having me here! A few months ago an Etsy friend and I decided to take our internet friendship to the next level and become pen pals! It is so much fun because the act of physically writing down my feelings, troubles, and joys to another person is a great way of releasing stress. Also, I just love getting mail. :-) In such a technologically driven world, the art of letter writing is dying away. I decided to start writing letters because I know I won't remember a single tweet or blog post in 20 years, but I will still have my letters. That's why I wanted to make this crochet envelope pattern to store the letters from my sweet pen pal. If you don't know how to crochet, this is a great way to get started! The pattern is simply a square done up in all single crochet stitches. You can really use any kind of yarn you like, so long as it ends up as a perfect square. If you change the yarn, remember to change the crochet hook too, to obtain the correct gauge.

Materials:
Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Seaspray
Size G6 crochet hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Pattern:

Finished Dimensions: 6 in. x 6 in. (when flap is closed)

Envelope:

Chain 32. (should be 8.5 inches)

Row 1: SC (Single Crochet) in each stitch across.

Row 2: Chain 1, turn, sc in each stitch across

Row 3: Repeat row 2 until it is 8.5 in. (or 37 rows)

Bind off.

 

Bring three of corners together to the middle. With your tapestry needle and a length of yarn, sew together two of the corners to the center. 

Sew in ends.

 

Envelope flap loop:
Chain 15
Row 1: SC in each stitch across
Row 2: Chain 1, sc in each stitch across

Bind off

Attach the loop to the envelope where the top flap will be most secure underneath.

Weave in ends.

 

Now store your letters, stationary, movie stubs or any memories you want to keep. It'll even hold a pen for you too! 

Thanks everyone! I hope you give this a try, and if you do, I'd love to see pictures! Just send me an email at sheepishknitcrochet(at)gmail(dot)com. 

etsy //  blog

*thank you Meredith for this adorable DIY!  love it*

p.s.  you may remember this post i did wearing a pair of Meredith's adorable monkey sock wrist warmers... love!!!

PEACE,

Laura

Makes My Heart Sing - Springtime Florals

It's been a while since Ive posted an inspiration post of pretty photos.  This one is inspired by springtime, florals, soft colors and dreamy textures...

1.  This photo via The Color Collective.

2.  The colors and flowers in this photo are just the sweetest.  via Litchi, i could eat up all of her photos.

3.  cutest knee highs and heels, found via Street Smart.

4.  goodness i would love these overflowing bouganvillas in my backyard.  gorgeous.  found on pinterest via The Haystack Needle.

5.  the prettiest swim wrap ive ever seen.  i think i would go between wearing it and hanging it on my wall.  gorgeous photo by Johanna Rene Lindsey, who is super inspiring.

6. i adore everything about this photo.  its like a sweet modern day time warp, darling.  found via Irina The Lonely White Dove.

7.  my dream couch and chair.  these two colors are perfection together.  found via Trendey.

8.  this is just a precious look on a very pretty girl.  darling.  found via pinterest here.

For more amazing visual pleasure, go check out Ruche's new lookbook.  hands down, the best so far!

Enjoy the spring eye candy!

Later today Ill be posting a fun DIY... and if you missed it yesterday, check out the sweet giveaway going on this week!

PEACE,

Laura

Family...

Yesterday was one of the most soul healing days I could of had.  For mother's day, I had my family up to our new house for the first time.  It felt soooo good to have all of my people in my house filling it up with laughter and life.  There were five little kids there and they had lots of fun and filled up the house with jibberish and giggles, it was so cute.  It meant so much to me to have everyone here.

And the best part was seeing this adorable little face below.  This is Aiden, my brothers son.  I wont go into details, but he is in the middle of trying to get custody of him and is currently guardian of him full time.  It had been well over half a year or more since Ive seen him, and he just melted my heart.  He was so happy and had so much fun playing with the other kids, and gave us all so much love.  We all missed him so much, and really really hope he gets to stay with my brother and our family.

Since the last time I saw him he has grown quite a little personality.  He loved getting his picture taken and was making all kinds of silly faces, and then insisted on seeing each photo after it was taken.  It was so cute.

My best friend Shelley and her family came and joined us.  She looked so beautiful in this amazing vintage dress she found at goodwill.  I wish I would have gotten more photos of it.  She is seriously the prettiest girl in the world to me.

The kids played a little softball in the yard, and Aiden was so patient when it wasnt his turn.  And he was so delighted and jumped up and down with his arms in the air when any of the kids hit the ball.  So sweet.

I am so happy for my brother right now.  It is such a special time for him.  Big changes are happening, and I hope all for the better.

I feel so blessed to have such a loving family.  We never ever argue with one another.  And we all know that any of us would be there for each other in a time of need in a heartbeat.  You cant beat that.

PEACE,
Laura