Inspired: Adding ribbon bows to your rainboots

This post is just another piece of evidence showing that I am incapable of leaving my stuff the way I bought it. Yes, I admit it, I'm totally addicted to refashioning. But what can you do, when you see these adorable rainboots on Pinterest:

Could you help yourself? I didn't think so. And, they come with a tutorial, so you can make your own. I actually didn't look at the tutorial until after I made mine since these were easy to replicate from the picture, but if you'd like some guidelines, be sure to check it out. Also, I didn't cut the back of the boots open like it says in the tutorial since my boots fit me as are. But, it's a great tip for those of you who have trouble squeezing your curvy calves into boots.

I adore my new rainboots! And, they were only 7€. Got to love a bargain like that! I got them ready just in time for the stormy season around here. I've already taken them out to splash in the puddles, and got some compliments. Thanks to Christy for the inspiration!

Autumn and dreams

It seems that with the new season I've also entered into a new phase of dreaming. With endings there is always room for new beginnings. And new beginnings always awaken the dreamer in me. There are so many possibilities and it seems that almost everything and anything is possible. It's an exhilarating and frightening feeling at the same time. With choices comes a lot of freedom, but also a lot of responsibility. And it makes you wonder wether you're going to make the right decisions. 

It's my final year in my current school. I can't believe the end is so near! This means that I have to look for another school that will help me nourish and build my dream of becoming a singer. I have my heart set on a school in Germany, so I'm working on finding a teacher and passing the language test. I want to get in so badly! I just feel that it's the right place for me.  

Applying for a school in Germany means a lot of travel, which means a lot of money spent of airfares and hostels. I've opened up my Etsy shop again in the hopes that it will help to fund my efforts of getting into my dream school. So, if you know somebody who'd love to get a cute knitted headband for Christmas... (hint hint ;))

DIY Zippered cushion covers

I've been in a major nesting phase for the past couple of months since my new roommate moved in and I moved to another bedroom. But, since we live in a rental, and are poor singing students, big interior design changes are out of the questions. And, not really necessary since I really love our apartment. Still, I've been meaning to add more personal touches to the apartment since moving in. I already posted about my mirror makeover a while back. Now it was time to move on to the living room.
We have a super comfy couch, but with the beige color of it and the white color of the walls, there simply not enough color. And I need color! So, I decided to switch the cushion covers on the couch pillows. Eventually I want to change all of them, but I started with the smaller ones. This is such an easy way to add a pop of color, so if you'd like to copy, read the process below.

I first started with removing the original cushion covers that the couch came with. Now, you could leave the original pillows as are, and simply add more pillows to your couch, but since we had already enough of them, I thought I'd change the covers instead.

The only tricky part of the process is installing the zipper, and you can omit that part, if that intimidates you and simply leave an opening where the zipper should be to insert your pillow, and finally hand sew or machine sew the opening shut.
1. Start with measuring your pillow (usually the measures are given with the pillow in the store), or use the original cover as a template for the new ones. Cut 2 squares of fabric per pillow using those measurements. Don't forget to add seam allowances. I added 1.5 cm on all edges.
2. Iron down the seam allowance on the side where you'll be installing the zipper. This will ease the installation process.
3. Before installing the zipper sew the zipper side seam from both sides of the zipper, leaving an opening the length of the zipper. Install the zipper (process in more detail below).
4. Sew the sides together. Leave your zipper open to ease the turning of the cover. Turn your cover inside out and push the corners out.

I use this method of zipper installation pretty often. I think it's rather easy and quick.
1. Once you've sewn the sides of the zipper and left an opening for it, pin it to the fabric so that the zipper teeth are exactly in the center of the opening.
2. To ease the sewing you can baste the zipper to the fabric. Since I've done it several times before, I needed just the pins to hold the zipper in place.
3. sew the zipper in place from the right side of the fabric, making sure that the turned edge is at the center of the zipper teeth.

I'm so happy with our new colorful cushions. They're super fun! Just the pop of color the couch needed!