WALLPAPER VS. WALLPAPER

Hey Everyone....hope all is well......  It is a rare occasion when I buy a Shelter Mag these days.  I did however buy the Oct. issue of Canadian House and Home.  I came across a Kelly Wearstler Wallpaper.  It was interesting in a very graphic, out there kind of way.....kind of like her.  In general I am NOT a fan of her work.  To me it "try's way too hard" and is completely unattainable for the majority of folks.  I know there are rabid fans of her work.....I just don't happen to be one of them....different strokes for different folks.  Anyways......When I saw this wallpaper I thought.....well that's kinda cool:

Kravet

It is Channels by Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa.  Now before you run out and place your order I have to warn you it is kinda pricey.....no actually is it outrageously pricey.....like RIDICULOUSLY pricey!!  In the magazine it lists as $1100 per double roll!!  When in reality I have seen it for around $795.00!!  How crazy is that?  You would only be able to do 2 stripes on your wall per roll.  I hope you all save up your pennies everyone.  Is is cool...yes.  Is it different....yes!  Is it worth the price?  Not in my books!!!
So......I came across another wallpaper that hits the same graphic note as this one....but at a reasonable price.

Feather-Serena and Lily

Feather-Serena and Lily

This lovely graphic wallpaper is Feather by Serena and Lily.  It retails for $88.00US per roll.  To be quite honest I like this one better.  For me it is less frenetic than the Kelly Wearstler one. But that's just me.  It is the kind of wallpaper that would look great in many decorating styles....Modern, Beachy, Minimalist.........It is different without being too crazy.  I really like it!!  Plus it's blue.....you know how much I loves me some Navy!

While at the Serena and Lily site I came across another wallpaper that I love;

Peridot in Crimson

It is the pattern Peridot in the colourway Crimson.  It also comes in other colourways as well.  But you know me......I am a sucker for Red, White and Blue!!  I really love this pattern.  Again it has so many uses in many different decorating styles.  It would look fabulous lining a bookshelf.....  Or as an inset on a ceiling... or as insets in panel moulding below a chair rail.....  or even in a powder room....the possibilities are endless with this one, I could go on and on...........

Anyways....just wanted to share some wallpaper love with you all.

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

ROWAN FINE LACE LOVE

Hey Everyone.....well life is starting to return to normal with the boys back at school.  I use the word "normal" as is anyone's life ever "normal"?  I came across some yarn I wanted to share with you all.  I saw some colours together that I wanted to show you.  When put together as I have they so want me to create something with them.  Listen to me imparting a lifeforce on the yarn.  Well I suppose they almost have. When I see a yarn that I love it compels me to do something with it.  Yarn can be very bossy when it wants to be!!

Rowan Fine Lace: Cobweb

Rowan Fine Lace;:Retro

Rowan Fine Lace: Quaint

Rowan Fine Lace: Vintage

If you haven't had the privilege of touching this lovely yarn....let me say it is heavenly.  It usually sells for around $12-$13,  depending on where you buy it.  I think I have a ball of the Cobweb upstairs in my stash.....Hmmmm.....I feel an idea brewing.
It is 80% Baby Suri Alpaca and 20% Merino Wool.  It is a Lace Weight yarn.  The yardage on this lovely is 437yds.  So you get a decent amount for what you get and pay for.  I have knit a couple of stitches with it in the past and it is a delight to hold and knit with.  There is nothing like having a supersoft yarn run through your fingers as you knit.
Anyways....just wanted to share some yarn love with you all.  It truly is a lovely yarn.  I saw a bunch of colours and put these 4 together...somehow they spoke to me......See I told you yarn can be bossy!

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

HEMS- A "SLIGHT" OBSESSION

Hey Everyone....as you know by now I don't draw attention to someone for the sake of calling people out or just making noise for the sake of it.  I feel that on certain issues I have a very strong opinion.  But I don't think the topics I choose to passionately talk about is done in a malicious way.  Nor do I feel I am alone in my feelings....I may be just willing to take it on more than someone else would....sometimes I just can't help myself!!  I just feel that sometimes certain things have to be said.
Case in point-Hems!  I would have to say that I am "slightly" obsessed about Hems.  Whether you are talking about Hems on a dress, on drapes or even pants.  In a previous posting I talked about how I can't stand it when drapes are too short-really one of my pet peeves.  Is it life or death?  No, but it kinda really bugs me...you can see that posting here.
What got me thinking about clothing hems is when I saw this pic of Rachel Zoe:

People

For the love of all things good....haven't these people heard of having pants hemmed?  Can't operate a sewing machine or thread a needle....can I suggest Hem Tape.  You can buy it at WalMart for goodness sake.  What bugs me more than anything about the above pic is that SHE is supposed to be a stylist.  I will never understand the fascination of these people and having their pant hems dragging on the ground.

Stylelist

I love Debra Messing.....adore her!  But for the love of all....why are her pants dragging on the ground??  I have no issue with her outfit except it would have looked way better if the pants fit better. Not only does it shorten the body but it is also a hazard.  Have you ever tried to walk in heels and pants that are too long?  I hope you have Health Insurance my friend!  Who is her Stylist?  Seriously??  Sometimes these people who are supposed to know what they are doing get on my last nerve.  You are dressing beautiful people....can you at least make sure that their pants fit correctly!!!
What is my point in all this?  A hem does not cost a fortune.....in fact it will cost you between $6.00-$10.00 dollars depending on where you go.  Better yet.....you can do it yourself if you have a little skill with a needle and thread....if you don't.....get it done professionally.....it will be the best 6 Bucks you spend.   When a pair of pants are tailored correctly......you look and feel fabulous.
Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against a longer hem....especially if one is wearing a killer pair of heels.  But as soon as that pant hem puddles on the floor- I AM DONE!!!
Like I said earlier....if you are in a bind turn up that hem with Hem Tape.  It really is a life saver.  It is quick and will hold for more than one wear.  As long as you know how to operate an iron that is.  Never press directly onto the fabric as this will cause the fabric to acquire a "shine".  Use a press cloth or if you don't have one use a light piece of Cotton Fabric or even a light Pillowcase.  Place the fabric on top of what you are pressing and press the two.  T/he top fabric will take the abuse from the iron thus leaving your lovely item underneath damage free.
Perhaps Hem Tape should be put into some of these "Swag bags" these stars seem to snag.  Maybe, just maybe they would think twice then.
Or....better yet.......check this out.......Melissa George came up with a way to Hem pants that isn't permanent.

StyleNews

Now that is how your pants should look my friends.  Just a peek at the shoe, no tripping no puddling-just right!!
 Sometimes you like your pants longer or shorter depending on the shoes you wear.  The product is called "Hemming My Way".  It looks really cool.  I will have to see if I can get it here.  Has anyone tried it??  Perhaps she should let Stylists know!  Goodness knows there is a lot of stars out there that could use this product.

Have a great day everyone.....
Megan 

KITCHEN REFRESH

Morning everyone........  Wouldn't it be great to completely gut your kitchen and start over??  Unfortunately many of us do not have that option.  However, do not loose heart my friends.......you can have a very lovely kitchen on a modest budget.  I came across this Refresh and was completely blown away.  It is simple, it is elegant and you can be sure did not cost a fortune.  This is an example of when painting cabinets really works.  If you have cabinetry that is relatively new or in great shape but do not like the finish.....then painting those babies may be just what the doctor ordered.  Enjoy this amazing Redo;

Houzz

Houzz

Houzz

As you can see by the 3 above pics the cabinetry is in great shape.  I for one have NEVER been a fan of this colour of Maple Cabinetry.  The Orange undertone makes it very difficult to decorate around.  I apologize to anyone out there who loves this colour of cabinetry but to me it just dates and overwhelms the space.  The Black Granite too is so overwhelming as well.  Not only that but the counter is tiled.  I would NEVER have tile as an option for myself or a client as a counter top- EVER!  I would rather source a great laminate than have tile if budget is the deciding factor.  For some reason this option seems to be way more popular in the States than here at home in Canada.  I think that I have only ever seen a tiled counter top once in my whole life here at home.
So between the cabinet colour and all that granite this kitchen is starting to be dated...still perfectly functional and would be for many years to come.  However, with a little paint, new counters, sink, faucet, lighting and hardware....well it really is amazing.......

Houzz

Houzz

Houzz

Houzz

This amazing pendant is by Juliska and can be found here.

Houzz

Everything that you see in this Refresh is cosmetic.  They kept all their appliances.....granted they were great to begin with.
The advantage to this type of Reno is that there is very little disruption as compared to a full on tear out.  These folks were very lucky in that their layout, cabinetry, and appliances were great.  This is the type of Reno that anyone can do.  You can either repaint the cabinetry yourself or have someone do it for you-whatever your budget allows.
I love how they used both Marble and Wood on their counters.  I am a huge fan of Marble (hope to have it myself someday), but I also love Wood for counters too.  The wood on the island is a great option, especially when you are sitting there.  It is way more comfortable on the arms for leaning-the wood will feel warmer to the touch.  As I have said in the past.....my island has a wood top.  I LOVE it.  It is warm to the touch, looks great and didn't break the bank.  For a couple of hundred dollars and a trip to Ikea we had a great counter top.  Doing so as the above family did, it really helps to stretch a budget as well as make a statement.


For me one of the best Whites to use for cabinetry in this instance would be:

White Dove OC-17

It is the kind of white that is "just enough".  What do I mean by that....well.....it is just clean enough, warm enough without being creamy, just plain awesome.  And depending on the Marble that was chosen would look so lovely with it.  I cannot overstate how amazing this white can be.  It is clean without being too stark.
So there you have it....a kitchen Redo that is completely cosmetic.  I just had to share this amazing kitchen with you all.  It truly does give one hope that with a little money, one can make a great impact on a space.

 I almost forgot to mention.....this great Redo was done by Kristi Spouse Interiors out of Kirkland, Washington.  She did such a great job.  Check out Kristi's other projects.....she has such a great aesthetic that is very livable.  That is one of my favourite things.....design that is both lovely and livable!!

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

CALIENTE RED DOOR!

Hey Everyone.....Just a very quick posting today.  Usually I am not a fan of White Siding on a house.  However, there are instances when it really works.  This is just one case........

Houzz

I LOVE a Red Door....and I mean love it!!  There is just something so amazing about a red door.  It catches your attention, yet at the same time it is so welcoming.  If you have always wanted to add a little Red to your life....then adding it to the front door is such a great place to start.......As long as it is the right Red that is.  This particular one is Caliente by Benjamin Moore.  It is an amazing Red.  One of my fav's in fact.

Caliente AF-290 Benjamin Moore

It is one of those Reds that is almost perfection.  It isn't too bright, to brown, too light or too dark.  It has such a richness to it.  If you are looking for a red that is a classic then this just may be your starting place.

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

WRITER'S BLOCK AND BOYS ALMOST BACK AT SCHOOL.

As you may have noticed I haven't been doing my due diligence when it comes to this blog.  As you know I am the type of blogger that puts a posting together most days during the week.  However, this summer it seems that I haven't been doing that.  Call it writer's block or whatever.  I have been concentrating on my boys, knitting and lord knows what else!!!  Time slips away and now it is nearly Sept.........  I promise to do my best in the near future....hang in there for now and I will see you all soon (ish)!

Until then enjoy the lovely Picot Edging on one of my favorite shawls....Thunder Shawl.

Have a great day everyone!

Megan

THUNDER SHAWL

Hey Everyone....I hope all is well in your Universe!  I finally got the pattern for my new shawl all loaded up onto Ravelry here.
So without further ado.....here is the new shawl:

It took 4 skeins of:

Mirasol Hacho

And it took 3 skeins of

St. Denis Nordique

I wish I could properly articulate how much I loved these yarns.  The Mirasol Hacho was like BUTTA!!
The softness of the 100% Merino Wool is like no other.  It is so soft.  The colours are amazing.
The St. Denis Nordique was so lovely to use as well.  Although not as soft as the Hacho it certainly is a lovely 100% Wool yarn.  I can't say enough about both of these yarns.  Before I even designed this shawl I had ordered the St. Denis and made a shrug.  I had bought the Hacho  at my local yarn shop Spun. and made a Capelet.....both of those projects will be shown in the future (not my patterns by the way.....just needed some mindless knitting).  But as soon as I finished the Capelet I knew I wanted to make a shawl with it....so using what I had left over and scouring the planet (England actually).....I found enough to make my shawl.  I just knew that these two yarns would look lovely together.
I cannot stress enough that picking the right yarn for a project is so key.  I was lucky enough that the Nordique really complemented the Hacho not only in gauge, type of yarn but also colour.  And the last point I cannot stress enough.  When using two different yarns for a project like this....it is so important that you pick the right colour to complement your variegated yarn.  I really wanted the shawl to have a subtle stripe in it.  I also wanted the Garter Banding to compliment the varigated yarn...And I think I was successful.
I have to say that designing and knitting this project was pure JOY!!  Between the feel of the yarn and the colour combo...well...... PURE HAPPINESS!!
Now.....why "Thunder Shawl"??  Well...the colour name of the Hacho was Thunder Skies, so I kind of just went with it!
But wait!  I didn't even mention the picot edge!  I love the Picot Edge.  I have always wanted to add that little detail to a shawl.  There is just something about Picot Edging..... I have to say it is probably one of my favourite edge details you will find.  There is just something about it!

Anyways....I hope you like the new shawl and maybe even want to give it a go.
And as always if you have any questions or comments......you know you can always drop me a line.

Have a great day everyone.
Megan