Father of the Bride

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It’s funny how sometimes I think of projects I’ve done, and know exactly what was on TV or what was happening in the house when it was getting worked on.  Well, last night will be no different when it comes to having a memory while knitting.

After spending the afternoon downstairs, ironing and knitting, Bill calls down to me and says “Father of the Bride” is on.  He wanted me to come upstairs and watch it with him.  OK, no problem, I adore that old movie.  He, on the other hand, had never seen it.  So game on, or once the old gal had one up on him as I’ve seen it a gazillion times.

The Aftermath.......

My dear one has walked both our daughters down the aisle, and he gets a chance to do it one more time this coming summer – and this movie truly moved him.  He could understand every line and emotion Spencer Tracy was going through – even the nightmare of him trying to walk his daughter down the aisle.  With all the conversation we enjoyed as we both sat at the dining room table discussing this movie, I will never forget what item I was working on:

Brown Sheep Limeade Tote

This project has sat for over 2 months without a stitch more done, but what a great way to get it back on the working table.

What memories are you making for yourself?  Sometimes those are the biggest blessings of all.  Happy crafting!

Lots of Half Finished Work But Getting Organized

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So January isn’t over yet, which means there was still time to get regrouped for 2012.  Did a bit of knitting, not much sewing.  The sewing area was a disaster area – who was it that threw that bomb in there?  :)   So yesterday was moving “the room” day and getting some things organized and either thrown away, ready for eBay, or set aside to finish.  You’d be amazed at how much I threw out.  Many of you saw on Facebook how my new end of the family room looks so I can watch the TV that has more than basic cable on it.

This photo has four (4) projects that are knitted and ready for finishing into product.  I’m really LOVING the really large “swatches” of cabling.  But the deep purple piece on the left is going to hopefully be a stable in the store.  It will end up being an iPad envelope sleeve when it’s complete.

purple, blue/yellow, turquoise, green fleck

The turquoise and green fleck has fabrics matched up to them already to get sewing on.  When you ask?  Not sure – but keep watching.  Still not sure where to put all the interfacing types – it just seems the bed has always made a great spot for them!  LOL

Interfacings........ ugh

One of the nightstands is still piled high with coordinating fabrics – each with a purpose.  But where to put them?  I sure don’t have a clue!

Plethera of Fabrics

One of our cedar chests has come to rest in the spare bedroom jammed full of the beautiful yarns I’ve collected.  Someday, someday….

Cedar Chest FULL of Special Yarns

During all the organization of the ‘new’ area, I came across a lot of patterns for baby, toddler and kids clothing that I had every good intention of using.  So those have been divided up and once done here, I’m off to eBay to get them all listed and outta here! The spare bedroom closet is jammed packed with crafting things, half of which need to fly out the door also.  But another day for all that.  :)

And then there’s always the ironing pile………  Ha!  Happy Sunday everyone – and happy crafting.  Keep those ideas rolling.

Professional Duo Complete from Repurposed Ladies Jacket

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The recycling and redesigning the women’s tapestry jacket was rather difficult, if I were to tell the truth.  Even though things look one way in your head, accomplishing that goal can be a whole different chore.  :)   But the jacket has now been completely disassembled and reassembled into two useful items.  Here is the tapestry jacket’s photo history…….

Sleeves cut away from jacket and splayed for cutting (in previous post)

The completed iPad cover made completely from the sleeves of jacket (in previous post)

Jacket body formed into a tote - items to complete are only laying on body. Handles, magnetic closure, black belting....

Professional tote/iPad cover set - not sure how to set this up to photograph decent. :)

Complete tote from tapestry jacket showing off its true color outdoors.

I lined it with a gray embroidered satin lining and couldn’t resist to put a final little touch to its closure – a silver leaf.  As soon as that went on, it truly had my name on it.  Not sure what will happen with this yet as Bill thinks I should be the one to enjoy this one.  He’s one of my biggest supporters, but if this could sell and make a couple of bucks, then that’s what we have to do.   :)

Thank you for stopping by and giving this a final look over!  One day it may make it into the Etsy store, but until then I’ll enjoy looking at it and thinking of ways to improve on the upcycling and repurposing of the great thrift store finds we have in our possession.  Yep, there is a whole tote full of beautiful sweaters, jackets and suit coats to re-fashion.

Happy Monday and happy crafting everyone!

Improvised iPad Cover

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Recycle and reuse – I’ve done this in the past, but this may be a good year to dig in a little deeper with the idea.  Saturday I completed the iPad cover that came from the sleeves of a beautiful ladies jacket.  The tote bag to go along with this, will be done at some time from the body of the jacket – it’s just waiting to be completed.

So I just wanted to share what the end result looks like with the silicone skin attached to the interior……

iPad cover closed

iPad cover open showing pocket and closure

The corduroy used for the inside lining really picked up all the little red pieces of ‘lint’ from when cutting the tapestry fabric, but hopefully the picture shows it cleaned up a bit.  :)

Happy crafting!  It’s Monday, so off to work I go…….

Kanzashi Flowers – Origami

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English: Amateur tsumami kanzashi representing...

I mentioned yesterday how I still love to hear the mailman outside – you just never know what goodies he might be bringing you!  We’ve been awaiting a shipment from Clotilde.com this week, and yesterday was the day it came and I am SUPER excited to try these two new tools:  Kanzashi Flower Makers by Clover.

 

Kanzashi Flower Makers

There is a large (pink 3″) and small (blue 2″) and they have NOT been opened because I know once I DO open them, I’ll want to play.  This looks to be somewhat like origami, which my brother got me educated and hooked on as a kid.  And yes, I still have all my original origami books that he gave me – they are treasures.

Have any of you ever worked with these before?  Is it really as easy as it all looks?  Will definitely keep you up to date when I get to open the package and try one out.  OOOOOO, can’t wait!

Oompa Loompas – Not Crafting

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CD Cover

So I happen to have the best job ever.  And this post has nothing to do with crafting or designing whatsoever.  So if that’s what you’re looking for, go ahead and check out the archive posts.  :)

While working my real day job, I am blessed to meet hundreds of people each week.  There’s opportunity to visit with some, get them to smile and make them at ease.  I totally adore the interactions, and seeing repeat patients come in is absolutely TOPS!  Which leads to always having some sort of story to tell and here is my FUN story of the week.  And yes, it has to do with Oompa Loompas.

As I was checking in a beautiful teenage set of twins, my focus was with their dad making sure I had all their information correct.  Off to the side, these two high school girls were mumbling and complaining about how embarrassed they were to be out in public – looking like a couple of Oompa Loompas!  Well, if you know me, I couldn’t leave that one alone so I engaged them in a conversation about “Why?”.  Come to find out they had been training for a local tanning salon and that morning they had a session on spray tanning.  Yep, they both had gotten themselves an over-the-top spray tan (if that’s the color you want to call it).  They were absolutely disgusted with how they looked, even though these were two very pretty young women.  Teenagers absolutely STILL rock my world – love ‘em.  Which leads me to my point….

It did my heart a tremendous amount of good to see that young people are still catching a classic movie here and there, such as the original Willy Wonka movie from the early 70′s.  Not everyone knows what an Oompa Loompa even is.  I agree that the Johnny Depp version was marvelous, even with its dark side, but the simplicity and in-your-face lessons of the original movie are still tops.  Grab a young person in your family and have them watch this with you – it’s just good stuff.  Re-familiarize yourself with those great Oompa Loompa songs….. (it will take you over to YouTube – can’t embed)

All you young folks, catch yourself a classic movie – there’s so much to enjoy out there!