Fruity Marimekko Coasters

Visit Whimseybox today to see my how-to for making Marimekko coated-cotton coasters.

Coated cotton isn't nearly as painful to work with as oil cloth, but it delivers almost the same result! And for all you non-sewers out there, there's also a version using glue and pinking shears so you won't feel left out.

A Vintage Singer Sewing Cabinet

Since upgrading from a shoebox NYC apartment to this NC palace, I've brought in a lot of furniture that I could never fit (or even transport) to NY. This sewing cabinet that belonged to my grandmother is one such piece.



I remember this sewing cabinet well from my grandparents' house. I was never allowed to use the sewing machine that was inside of it, but I was allowed to sit beside my grandmother and hand stitch while she used it. She sewed a lot of things for me using this cabinet, from a pretty green jewel-toned cape to doll clothes.

Twirly Circle Skirts

Every time I see a circle skirt, I want to squeal, "Weeeee!"

I found this circle skirt in a closet at my parents' house, half sewn and wadded up in a plastic Joanns bag. The pattern came from one of those panels you can buy, where you cut on the dotted line, then follow the too-simple instructions printed right on the panel.

I bought the panel when I lived outside Pittsburgh as an AmeriCorps volunteer and spent what little money I made at Joanns. (I know. Sad.) I cut out the skirt and sewed the side seams, but never bothered to do anything else. So I pulled that sucka out of the bag and finished it.