When it comes to essential DIY tools, a sewing machine is definitely at the top of my list. And before you say, "Oh, I don't know how to sew," let me assure you, you can learn. Sewing machines seem to intimidate so many DIYers, but once you learn the basics (mainly how to thread the machine), you find that there's really nothing to be intimidated by.  And while many sewing machines can do fancy stitches and really advanced things, you'll be … [Read more...]

I had quite a time deciding what my #2 recommendation for essential DIY tools would be (my first, without question, is a miter saw), but after looking around my condo, and looking through the projects that I've done, there's no question that my second recommendation would be... An Electric Sander I'd be absolutely lost with my electric sander.  To be quite honest, even after all of my years of DIYing, I'm still a bit fearful of saws, but I … [Read more...]

Few things thrill me more than getting emails from readers saying, "Kristi, you've inspired me to tackle such-and-such project in my house!"  And since I started my bathroom makeover, I've been getting an increased amount of these emails.  (Seriously, ya'll make my day!! :) )  So just in case any of you are new to the world of DIY, I thought this might be a good time to share my "Essential DIY Tools" list with you. I'll share them one by … [Read more...]

Yep, that's right...I've installed my very first door, so now I think I'm a pro and have decided to teach y'all how to install a prehung door.  :-D  Well, okay...not quite.  But I did just install my very first prehung door all by myself, and I learned some tips along the way that I want to pass on to you. Before I installed my door, I went to YouTube and watched several "how to" videos on the topic.  Then when I went to Home Depot, I … [Read more...]

Today I want to show you a very simple way to cut 280 inches of continuous bias for welt cord (also called piping cord) from 1/2 yard of fabric.  If you have no idea what I'm talking about, don't panic.  Let me back up just a little bit. Do you know what welt cord is? Perhaps you've heard it called piping?  Even if you've never heard the term, you've surely seen welt cord. Welt cord is that fabric-covered cord that is used on … [Read more...]

Yesterday I had a very frustrating painting experience, and that's unusual for me (although it's my second in a matter of days...very unusual, indeed). Here's what happened... Yesterday morning, I went out to the dumpster to toss out a bag of garbage, and there, leaning against the dumpster, was this coffee table... It was a perfectly fine, sturdy coffee table, and although the top wasn't real wood, I still decided that there was no … [Read more...]

Good morning, all! Well, today I'm getting down to basics. I mean, really basic here.  I want to show you how to tie a perfect bow. This might seem like it's coming out of left field, but I promise, it isn't.  Yesterday as I was browsing different blogs, I came across a wonderful project on a blog.  Everything about the project was fantastic...that is, everything except the bow, which was all caddywhompus, and very … [Read more...]