So I figured that after 6 years, we aren't going to move anytime soon. That means I really had to do something about this:

And this:

I dislike our dining room. It's too small and it never feels like a warm place to be in. And it's always cold, literally. We've talked about changing the wall color, but right now I can't seem to find anyone to paint and I certainly don't have the time or energy to tackle it myself.

So I got a little of this:

And a whole bunch of that:

Did I mention that Calico Corners is having a sale?

I dragged down a few things like the sewing machine and ironing board and spent two days sewing it all together:

And I managed to get them all up in time for last week's brunch:

Wha'd'ya think: Better loose or pulled back?

I have one more panel to make for the other window. Somehow I ended up with less fabric than I needed, and when I went back to get more, they were out of it. After waiting for swatches to make sure the dye lots matched, I'm hoping they get the fabric in before this weekend so I can make the last panel before Thanksgiving.

I found a beautiful length of fabric i my stash and it was perfect for a runner for the brunch.

I used to have pumpkin colored pillar candles for those two blue candlesticks, but I couldn't find them.  Two squashes were the quick replacement.

These beauties were the last of the hydrangeas from the bush by the front door. I like the way the fabric worked as a runner. It was too long so I bunched it up "artfully" and used some double sided tape to keep it from hanging on to the floor. I turned under the edge with the selvage. I like it so much, I'm going to use it for Thanksgiving and I may  never buy another tablecloth again, especially since my table opens to 120 inches and cloths that size are a lot more expensive than ....uh, you do the math - several yards of fabric!

And a good time was had by all, especially all the cousins. Note Fran on the far right holding the new puppy, Tootsie, ((I swear I think that's her name, but now I'm not sure.) The Albany cousins schlepped her all the way down from Albany because she's so tiny (5 weeks) and can't be left alone that long. Fluffernutter was very well behaved - at least in terms of the puppy. She doesn't like so many people around and if you place her outside, she just barks to come in. All. Freaking. Afternoon.

My next sewing project may be a dog muzzle.