inspiration

i love to be inspired by others.
actually a lot of times it's how i accomplish most things in my life!
i'll be the first to admit that i'm a scaredy cat when it comes to trying something new unless it's in the kitchen.

ever since i got my sewing machine i've had big dreams!
i talk a good game, but often times don't produce.

when it comes to sewing a lot of my inspiration has come from my sister-in-law.
she's not scared to try anything.
she just got my great grandmother's couch recovered, which by the way looks fantastic, and made pillows to go with just like that.
she's always told me that making pillows is so easy and encouraged me to make some.
instead i've just dreamed of the prospect of updating my house with beautifully fabriced pillows ... sad, but true.

another recent inspiration happened on my trip to chattanooga this past week.
casey had a couple of days off and kept webb while i went to check on my grandfather and to attend a family friends wedding shower.
what a treat it was!
despite the fact that my grandfather is still in the hospital :(
but thankfully this time he was awake and knew who i was.
he even puckered up his lips, the funny way that he does (he's got lots of personality) to give me a kiss.
it broke my heart and brought me so much joy all at the same time.

so back to the inspiration ... i got to spend some time with one of my mom's best friends cindy while i was in town.
it was just what i needed!
she gave me all kinds of tips on decorating, cooking, traveling and raising a child in this crazy world!
all my favorite things, not to mention i've always loved her taste!
right now she's redoing a number of rooms in her house and it was totally inspiring!!
she's going for the neutral, white, natural look (not sure the best way to explain it) and it got me wanting to get back to giving my house a little boost.

so i headed to this fabric store in chattanooga that i adored going to with my mom when i was little, associated fabrics.
... and found some fabric to make pillows for our couch and various chairs in the house.

here's my first pillow.
it took no time to make! ... oh and only $10.
thanks al and cindy for your inspiration!

the back with opening to slide the pillow in.

for a tutorial on how to make your own pillow go to cool people sew.
i just skipped the cording part, but if you're up for that challenge ... go for it!