I made this patchwork out of the insides of security envelopes. I can't remember where I have seen this, but it was somewhere out in the blogosphere... My version is much more haphazard, I'm sure, since I did not have a plan, but I like how it turned out. I was looking to cover this ugly panel in my hallway and had grown tired of the piece of Japanese paper that had hung there for years. Sorry for these blurry photos. I took them in the evening when light was waning.
I had a good collection of envelopes as I am one of those people that thinks there is another purpose for pretty much every scrap of anything. I selected a variety of patterns and then cut out the glued edges and window panes.
Then I set about randomly sewing pieces with similar length edges together.
Once I had a few larger sheets made, I combined these into the final wall hanging. At the top, I turned over about an inch to create a tube where I inserted a dowel for hanging. Gave it a quick press with the iron and it was tossed up on the wall!
The back of it looks like a big mess like this. And the final product looks like this! I might do another with all greys next time as I am not favouring the blues, but I do like all the different patterns!
I left the bottom ragged with threads hanging on purpose. I liked how it looked!
'Twas a fun and quick project to do!
(When I was trying to figure out where I had seen this idea, I came across
this. Love the covered pencils! Next project!)
My Sister had an idea for a ginormous pillow. It was all round hilarity buying mass amounts of stuffing, actually getting it all in there, trying to wrestle the cover on and then transporting the biggie over to my Sister's place.
I finally got around to trying my hand at making a dress from one of the books that Aunt L. got me for Christmas. I made Dress D from the Japanese book Adult Couture Stylish Dress Book Volume 2. You can get a copy here. It's the same dress as the one on the cover. I made my version with a lovely fine cotton that is light and airy for this steamy weather we have been having. I ended up taking the side seams in by a total of 4 inches so it is slightly less like PJs. Next time I make this dress, there are a few things I would change. I may lower the neckline and either lengthen the sleeves, narrow them, or cinch them with a narrow cuff or a pleat. Also, I'd put pockets in the side seams. All in all, I am happy with this comfy number! 
