I Knit, I Sew, I iPad….

The idea today was to get another unique knitting tote sewn before I ship out the original to my sister. So a pic got taken of the fabrics and colors, but I noticed my stack of knitted swatches off on the side of my sewing cabinet. They were just waiting to be paid attention to, so I picked one up and decided to fly with it. Here’s the story of the “I Knit, I Sew, I iPad” unique cover.

Great cotton fabric getting ready to apply those awesome mini magnets we got from China. The black thing is the silicone skin the iPad will fit into.

Those darned magnets are KILLER on my hands to attach, but they're on there for GOOD.

The felted knit swatch that's been cut down and rounded for the front flap of the cover. Since it's felted, it can be cut and sewn just like regular fabric.

Time to put the magnets on to the silicone skin. As no glue on this earth sticks to these skins, hence the idea for mini mags. They are finally attached in this photo.

...but magnets can scratch the electronics case, so sticky felt squares were put on them. Ahhh, that's much better.

The folder is all spread out in this picture. Skin is held now by the magnets directly IN the folder.

And you all know me well enough that a little bling or shine must be put on - somewhere. I had picked up this gold flower somewhere in a jewelry making section of a craft store. And German glue is KEY!

Just a different angle.

Really wish that the stitching wasn’t necessary around that flap. Not sure how to get around that one – it may just have to be this way.

Thanks for stopping by and now it’s time to get working on the green and pink knitting tote.

Mar 4 2012

Nature Dreams Journal – Completed Design

One more swatch needed to get itself out of the sewing area before I start another project from scratch. So the turquoise wool swatch was nabbed and sewn up. This is knitted in Brown Sheep wool in absolutely the best tone of blue/green around. Here is the process this morning (after gathering all the materials together).

Materials laid out, cut and assembly started (it morphed as it went along - believe me)

Swatch laid upside down to sew to the length of cotton fabric - to be flipped over and have a neat spine at the center.

Swatch flipped over and stitched to base fabric - don't want any movement going on here.

Pockets were put in, one on the right to hold a journal, notebook or sketch pad. And one on the left bottom to hold pens, pencils, art items - or a candy bar.

Not a good project to put my embroidered TygerLily name on, so the suede logo was the best match. See the clips at the top? Those are holding the turning area together while the super magnificent German glue sets. I placed two heavy duty cardboard pieces into the front and back flaps of the cover - helps with the shaping and writing stability.

Look what was hanging on my supply pegboard!!!! Have to use it somehow.

Finale #1

Finale #2

Finale #3 - Final Bow

This project used some high quality yarns and some awesome 100% cotton fabrics and thread. There is no way to tell you the hours it took, or it’s real value. THAT I will have to think about. I think it would make a terrific Mother’s Day Gift – hey, moms still need to write their hopes and dreams down! What woman doesn’t? It would make a great gratitude journal, too – and keep those colors pencils and pens in the front cover to make it a joyful thing. Think on that one – would love to hear feedback.

I have to admit, it felt incredibly good to get my fingers going on something I truly adore this morning. As mentioned before, this was one rough week on many levels and I was emotionally and mentally fatigued. So glad to have gotten a chance to take the time and enjoy the gifts that God has given me. And thank you for letting me share.

Mar 4 2012

Roots Design Nook/iPad/Clutch Prototype Complete

After taking over a month off from blogging, and basically two months off from crafting anything to completion, here we go.

If you follow me on Facebook, you may have seen some knitted ‘swatches’ that were to hopefully turn into iPad covers or something along that order. So yesterday I forced myself to go to the sewing machine and try and complete at least one of them. I should never have picked my favorite swatch to start out with on a prototype, but there are days I don’t think all that straight. So I picked up my ‘roots’ piece and found a great cotton fabric for the lining in my stash. Measured a gazillion times on how the Timtex lining should be cut and took off with it. I learned MANY lessons on trying to make this TOO sturdy and cushy for holding electronics. OK, I’ll back off on the next one.

Folded with Timtex lining inserted and magnet placed. Actual knitted piece was made using a bulky acrylic yarn in a splendid mossy color.

A poor photo of the other side of previous picture. Shows the back and flap that will be shaped by Timtex.

One of my favorite fabrics EVER - happy to have enough left in my stash for this prototype. Iron-on fleece has been applied for cushion.

Peak of flap, on the inside and attached to knitted swatch.

Completed showing other side of magnetic snap on flap. One fatal flaw that cannot be fixed - placement of that darned snap - it's 1/2" off and totally is disgusting to me. The stitching around the flap is off, too, and ripping would have been a nightmare, so it stays.

Sometimes, me being a perfectionist when it comes to my products, it’s hard to get past all the flaws I see and continue on. I must have been thinking this thing was going to go through WWIII on the battlefield the way it’s constructed. There isn’t an iPad or Nook out there that needs this kind of protection. It’s overkill. So now that the lessons have been learned, the red, purple and gray swatches can be constructed with more ease…. let’s hope.

I have a project coming up next that is ready to cut out of black and white print fabric with red accents. It will be a special gift to someone who more than deserves it – she knows who she is……. and I’ve decided to blog the process of the unique design bag she’s going to receive. Plus, Bill keeps asking me if I’ve started this project yet – so I know he is as anxious as I am to see it completed. So keep tuned in – I’ll try and do better at keeping the blog rolling, and not just throw stuff up on Facebook.

Happy crafting and may you all have a blessed rest of the weekend and relaxing Sunday!

Jan 30 2012

Father of the Bride

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!

Jan 29 2012

Lots of Half Finished Work But Getting Organized

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.

Nov 22 2011

Organizing and Upcoming Projects

I’ve enjoyed having the extra hour this morning before clocking in. It is still my long day at my real job, but getting a little bit organized this morning was FANTASTIC! Take a look at the peg board room divider that was special built by a friend’s husband. No more scrounging around drawers or dark closets for us!! YEAH!

Supplies TOTALLY Organized

Yes, it looks like a store display, but having everything at my fingertips will save money in the long run by knowing exactly what we already have. FANTASTIC! Thanks, Marci and Vern – you two are terrific!

After organizing, up popped the two unlined original handbags. Hmmm, better put these in the immediate to-do list. Here is “Cherry Blossoms” and “Pretzel Logic”…..

Cherry Blossoms and Pretzel Logic - ready to line with fun fabrics

Want to accomplish one ‘old school’ iPad portfolio this week, so went through the fabrics that had coordinates and decided on the olive green and hot pink/rose cottons. The black silicone skin is still packaged up on the left.

Olive and hot pink cottons ready for some 'old school' styling

And finally, the baby that I haven’t let you peek at yet, is ready to start showing off. This design is very intense with texture – and I LOVE IT! This will hopefully end up very VERY large and have a satchel or old time doctor bag type hinged closure. We just received the incredibly strong 12″ tubular snap hinge purse closures from China yesterday and it should work perfectly. After waiting a month for them to come in, they will be perfect!!! Can we say Mary Poppins with a yarnie leafy kind of flair?

Just a sneek peek for y'all - and it's turning into my fave

Thanks for checking in! With internet working now, hopefully we can keep you updated on some of the things happening in the creative room.

And organization is a good thing – along with the right tools. We’re covered! Happy crafting and we’ll see you soon.

Nov 6 2011

Coming Clean & A Peek at FB GiveAway Prize

Not a lot of creativity happening this past week due to some sort of vertigo issue which totally threw me (us) for a loop. It certainly impedes the creativity process with production, but it didn’t stop my brain from working and designing. With getting one extra hour last night due to Daylight Savings Time coming to an end, true to form I was up at five, which was now really four. No sleep for me, my brain was already in the Creation Room working on things. But coffee must come first along with catching up on all the creativity going on over in a group on Facebook that I’d been invited to join a week ago.

The Artisan Group is well worth wandering over to Facebook to check out. “Like” their fan page and you’ll get to see all the wonderful and GLORIOUS items this group of talented artists have done. Many posts direct you to where you can purchase unique gifts. I plan to do the majority of our Christmas shopping with this group. SO unique.

So anyway, now that I’m able to walk a straight line and my ears aren’t buzzing like a beehive, it’s time to come clean. Try to start anew. Be accountable.

My creative space is a disaster. Even though I know where everything is in this mess, it could still use some help with see-through bins, totes and open baskets. At this point, someone could actually get lost in there and not know how to get out! Thank goodness there is a double bed in there to take the load. I have a glorious walk-in closet in this room, but the lighting needs to be fixed, so things just get hauled out and not put back – because I can’t SEE! :) Where’s the maintenance dude? Yeah, that guy that rummaged through this area a week ago looking for glue and came out asking if I had enough purse handles stashed away. (To which I said, “I sure hope so!”)

TygerLily will be happy to accept any and all donations of see-through totes, baskets and lightbulbs you may want to hand over. LOL

Totally Disgusting - Doesn't it about make you want to scream, "What would your mother think of this??? GET IT CLEANED UP ALREADY!". Yeah, that's what I was thinking, too.

Overflow of things into the family room....... ugh

And Even A Work Area Upstairs (while the chef cooks)

All of it stares me in the face, constantly reminding me there are orders to fill, and wonderful handbags, gifts and sewn items that need to get done. I never seem to find time to clean or clear off – there’s always something going on. Which brings up a discussion my husband and his boss had a few weeks ago on a sales trip where they were discussing ‘wives’ and ‘maids’. His boss has a cleaning lady come twice a month. My dear heart said that sounded pretty good since his wife (get this) is a designer and there’s yarn and stuff ALL over the house! He called me a designer! It was a great boost to know that now Team TygerLily was a reality. Our August turn around in goals was getting worked on, and hard. I had more time to clean when we had 3 little ones in the house! :) But times change, and obviously so have we.

* On a side note – this weekend marks one year since my husband’s assault. His attacker has been charged and is now behind bars. He will be out of jail though years before the medical bills he caused will be paid off. BUT, he is somewhere where he cannot do this to another innocent person. In that we are grateful. One must ALWAYS find the good through the bad. As someone wise once said, “Will you be bitter, or BETTER?”

Bill will be taking the camera on his outing with his brothers today, so there may not be updates on projects completed. They are going hunting and he thought that if he proves unsafe for the hunting part because of his vision, he can sure capture some moments with the camera. Good thinking!

I’ve been a little ‘wordy’ today, but it’s been so long since I’ve written anything longer than just a word or two on a sticky note. With the Facebook Fan Page for TygerLily giveaway happening, I wanted to give you a little tease of what the prize could be. We are at 90 fans this morning and feel incredibly blessed by that number coming on already. So hopefully sometime this month someone could be the owner of this………..

SNEAK PEEK!!! What could it be???

That’s all you’re getting. :) The first prize I worked up just wasn’t hitting that home run for me, but this one makes me smile when I look at it. It’s all about having passion about what you do and create, and this one draws that part out of me – so it will get shared with someone. Could it be you? Get over to Facebook and check TygerLily out. :)

The “Blue Skies” bag is getting renamed to have the word, or a variation of, DAYDREAM in it. Sounds more appropriate for its cabling.

Enough rambling. It’s time to have another cup of joe and praise the Lord for another day!

Nov 1 2011

Sneak Peek at Blue Skies

Since the Double Diamond came off the needles this last weekend, another had to go on the needles to take its place. There were many colors to pick from in inventory, and decided on the blue. It reminds me of the beautiful Nebraska sky that we love. Just a little sneak peek on its progress.

Light Blue - will be a larger felted wool bag upon completion

I am learning some new techniques from the Japanese book I ordered. Some are a bit different, especially in how to make bobbles. But I went back to my own way of doing them to make the little flowering buds you see. The design is the same on the back of bag also. There is always room to learn more technique and give new things a try.

We were happy to see that the creative blog received 979 hits in October which is a new record for TygerLily. We are most thankful for each and every one of you that stop by.

Enjoy your day and get a little creative – it’s good for the soul. :)

Oct 30 2011

Thank You With A FREE Knit Party Hat Pattern

Mini-Post about a LOT of gratitude and celebration. You all have made our little creative blog very happy as we were reading over September and October’s stats today.

You have blessed us with over 1,700 hits within just two months! For small taters like us, this is huge – and we thank you all so very much.

Keep visiting and leave your blog address so we can visit you back. There is so much creativity in the world and we want to help celebrate it.

FREE CHILD'S PARTY HAT PATTERN

Click the pic and you’ve got another free pattern to add to your personal library. ENJOY!!

Oct 29 2011

Double Diamond Prairie Cable Bag – SIXTH in Series

The gray cable ‘wine koozie’ is now completed. It came out somewhat smaller than anticipated, but it’s a good size and I’m happy with how it came out. It is listed over on Etsy (which I did first for a change). Check it out, leave me some feedback. I love to hear from each and every one of you!

Front of Double Diamond showing black shadow felting

Inside of bag - showing off its argyle innards

Cherry Blossom bag is all that’s left to line – but I feel the need to knit something horrible. Do I pick up the ice blue, the orange, or WHAT??? It’ll be a surprise.

Thanks for checking in over here – we love having you. :)