Hurricane Harvey sure did a number on Houston. I had a headache that that lasted from Saturday until Wednesday. Yesterday was the first day I’ve felt normal in days. I actually fell on my stairs during the hurricane too, and strained the muscles in my chest, so that every time I picked something up, it felt like I had chest tightness. And my stomach was in knots too, so basically I was a mess.
The steps are always super slick when it rains. I’ve tried different shoes, but the stairs are still treacherous. I’ll be adding some strips that will make the steps not so slick.
(affiliate link) I plan to add this step grip tape, CLICK HERE.
We’ve had storm damage to our home, but it is minor. And yet the storm traumatized me. I wasn’t even worried about our home, because it’s on high ground. I was worried about my friend Peggy’s home, and the homes of so many. It was agonizing to hear about flooded homes hour after hour. So many people posted the pictures of rising water throughout the storm on Facebook. I think this storm probably traumatized the entire nation. You may not have been here, but you saw all of the destruction played out on the news and on social media.
Yesterday things began to gradually ease back into a normal pace in my neighborhood. The restaurants are opening. The mail came and the trash man also. The hammers began again on construction a few houses down from me. The churches and restaurants that were collecting donations have gone back to their normal functions. It’s good to see things returning to their normal state, and yet I know for so many that day is months away. It’s heartbreaking. I know I included this link before, but it’s worth including again. I’ve given to the hurricane relief efforts of SAMARITAN’S PURSE. I am hoping what we give can help others get back on their feet and back in their homes quickly.
So I know you’ve come here probably for some decorating ideas rather than to hear about the hurricane. So I’m easing back into decorating today. This post is sponsored. I’ve been busy sewing lately, and I just made these two pillows. The fabric is Venezia Suzani in Orchid from CALICO CORNERS. I ignored the Panetone color of the year, if you remember, and suggested you decide for yourself what YOUR color of the year should be. My color of the year is Purple. You can read more about that HERE.
Using a pattern when sewing pillows takes a lot more fabric, since now you need to make sure the pattern is centered on each pillow. I wasn’t as careful lining up the pattern on the back, but I’m not showing that today. I used about a yard and a half of fabric for this project. For the piping, I used the pillow fabric, but turned it inside out for a contrast.
I made matching pillows for both chairs. These took about 3 hours.
If you want to see what the room looked like with the old pillows you can find it HERE. I used the same technique I outlined in that post, but added the piping.
Looking for fall decorating ideas? We’ve got you covered in the podcast today.
EPISODE 93 TIPS FOR FALL DECORATING
God Bless all of whom have been impacted by H Harvey. Hole you feel better after your fall soon.
I am so glad you are safe. It is so heartbreaking to see the destruction of Hurricane Harvey but Texans are strong and resilient. They are going to rebuild and make it better than before. I loved living in Houston, it is a wonderful city. The pillows look lovely. I agree that we need to create our interiors based on what makes us happy.
I just painted a large family room with SW Balanced Beige paint color and it is absolutely the most gorgeous color I’ve ever seen. It has become MY color of the year, it is not beige at all, it’s one of those greige colors and has purplish undertones in it. Your pillows would look great in my room, I’m going to have to visit Calico Corners and get that fabric, it’s perfect! Thanks for the inspiration and stay safe in Texas.
I can’t even imagine what this whole Hurricane Harvey experience must have been like.
I do know what it’s like to be confined to your home. When I first moved to NJ, we received 36″ of snow! I was stuck in the house for a week. Of course snow is not nearly as destructive as a hurricane.
I hope normalcy returns for everyone affected very soon!
Lisa
Anita, so sorry for all of Texas and you and your family! It is so wonderful to see how everyone came together to help each other. Maybe this will show the world how we as Americans can be a great America without hate, race and violence against one another. Prayers continuing for Texans! God bless and have a blessed weekend
Oh I forgot to mention I love the pillows and to each of you ladies keep the ideas and tips coming God bless
It is so heartbreaking to watch the devastation Harvey caused and the people and animals affected by it. Our prayers and anything we can do such as donating is of comfort to so many. Glad you are safe and almost back to normalcy. Purple is my favorite color and I’m always on the look out for purple patterns. I love this print and you did an amazing job of creating lovely pillows!
It’s heart wrenching to see the devastation from Harvey on the news! So we are happy to hear your family is safe. Absolutely love the material you chose for your pillows! The light, dusty purple is gorgeous, especially on the velvet throw.
Your pillows are beautiful. I know exactly how you feel with Harvey. Hurricanes can be so stressful even if your home is spared. I lived in Naples Florida for years and went through several hurricanes, including Andrew and Charlie. Sending you and all of Houston hugs.
The pillows are very pretty. So glad you did not lose everything. But it still very stressful on everyone and you included. I’m so glad you and your family are ok.
If I was there I would give you a big hug.
So happy that your family is safe and yes I agree that Samaritan’s Purse is a great, great charity. Love the Suzani purple pillows…I have decided to purchase a new machine rather than fix the two broken ones in the attic! I used to love to sew and I need to get back to that. I have been a bit “plum crazy” these days. I agree too…purple the color of the year! Take care Anita and Happy September and pray that there are only better days ahead.
These past few days, we are all “Texans” at heart. The sadness and stress have been palpable no matter where one lives. I am new to your posts, Anita and yet you already feel like friend. Continue to be strong…and continue to share you beautiful ideas and handwork. It reminds us that this too shall pass and glorious days are to come. Blessings.
Anita, I’m so glad you didn’t have a lot of damage. I was so worried for you and everyone in the path of Harvey. I’ve spread the word about Samaritan’s Purse, so hopefully those in need will be able to get back on their feet in order to start the long process of recovery. I’m so sad to hear that Peggy had flooding in her home.
Well, I just KNEW you were going to sew something I would covet, and I do!
XO, Ginger
Ginger, Peggy’s house was okay! It’s her daughter’s in-laws that were underwater, 18 inches of water.
My heart goes to you, and all the people affected by the hurricane. I have never personally been in a hurricane or flood, but I have friends who have. It’s always a stressful situation. Hopefully, things will start improving soon, and you can begin to heal.
Thank you for the hours you spend making your followers happy! I look forward to your blogs, and all the decorating tips. But…take care of yourself first…Godspeed.
I’ve been praying for everyone. It’s heart breaking.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the hurricane victims. Having made it through Katrina here in Louisiana, our hearts have been with all of you from the very beginning. It will be a long, slow recovery, very expensive, but Texans are up to it.
Thank God you are ok! I am sure that you were very stressed, it was stressful watching it on TV. Love your new pillows and the idea of contracting piping! They are beautiful!
Thanks Elizabeth. It was good therapy to do the sewing.
I can’t even begin to imagine how much stress all the flooding can bring on. We have been praying for all impacted by the hurricane and have made donations to relief funds, hoping that reconstruction of the area will be swift and productive. Prayers continue, and now adding Florida too. Glad your project helped you take your mind off of everything even if it was for a few minutes.
Thanks for the updates on Harvey from a personal perspective. I can’t even imagine what the city is going through. I love what you said about choosing your own color of the year – love that advice. The older I get, the more I crave authenticity! Visiting from Share Your Style party.
Your pillows turned out beautifully. I love the colors. Stopping by from the #HomeMattersParty