Father of the Bride

Posted on January 30, 2012

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

Posted on January 29, 2012

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.

Revising Thrift Store Tapestry Jacket

Posted on January 3, 2012

After having a weekend of thrift store shopping, cleaning those items up and basically having no actual crafting mojo, this is all that was accomplished. It’s not much and when I was working on the design it was feeling forced. That means it’s time to stop. I usually like to take a project and complete as much as possible when it gets started, but at least this little combo restyle is underway.

This started out as a ladies tapestry jacket with a zippered front. I had cut one of the sleeves off the night before to show Bill just how much fabric there is in clothing that can be used for items. Here it is with both sleeves cut off and splayed out to be re-cut into an iPad cover.

Ladies Tapestry Jacket (with zippered front)

And a close up of the beautiful fabric – it’s very lush and we both have really fallen in love with it.

Lush tapestry fabric

The sleeves are slowly turning into an iPad cover and here is how the closure looks. It’s taken from the caps of the sleeves and shows that same shaping. Velcro has been sewn underneath the flap.

Sleeve Cap Closure Flap

The lining to the iPad cover is really a soft gray corduroy which the picture doesn’t show real well, but trust me on that one. After this pic was taken it was time to get the hammer out and apply the 4 mega snaps to the inside lining and the silicone iPad skin so it can be removed when needed.

After showing Bill what little I accomplished, he kind of took a step back and said, “You’re going to have to keep this one – it’s VERY cool!” Told him the handbag needs to get completed from the body of the jacket, then I’ll decide if it’s my style or needs to be listed in either Etsy or MySupaDupa Shop. It will be a one of a kind combo package either way.

Keep checking in though! There is never any creating on Tuesdays as that is my 12 hour day at work, but the rest of the week may hold some surprises.

Happy creating and thanks for stopping by!

CRS Palm Holder

Posted on November 27, 2011

I was enjoying a little conversation with my sister the other day over on Facebook, and she requested a special little mini portfolio that would accommodate her Palm Tungsten and a pad of paper. Yes, we are sisters obviously. Neither of us can give up the feel of paper and pen. So this is what I came up for her with some of the left over fabric from the large size iPad portfolio I had completed earlier. Excuse the photos, I was in a hurry as there is a lot to do today.

Pink Poppy CRS Portfolio

CRS Mini Port Magnet Closure

CRS Mini Port Open - Showing Velcro ready for her to attach to her Palm

You may ask what the CRS in the name means. As my sister couldn’t remember either while I was teasing her, it only made the name more appropriate. “Can’t Remember Sh**” Palm holder, because we need to write down with pen what we need to put in our electronic organizers! It’s perfect and I totally understand what she means. I’m the same way. So hopefully this will be something a little fun and bright for her to use.

Accomplished some projects yesterday, two of which I forgot to photograph before bagging up. Those two were winter ear warmers for my son-in-law’s aunt to give as gifts. So that was two down. Then there was a request for a baby pixie hat in my FB inbox from a co-worker who had moved on and had a baby. This is what got made from the photo she sent me of what she wanted….

Yellow Baby Pixie Hat

I couldn’t find anything round to display this on without having to scrub an old hamster exercise ball. tee hee So the chair just has to do it. This was a really fun project and trying to figure out how to get a pixie point on top was fun! Even got out the old knitting encyclopedia to make sure I was doing the right thing. Success!! So that’s ready to ship out to her tomorrow.

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving with our oldest daughter and her family. Hopefully her kids will give us many ideas for Christmas gifts. Since it’s a ‘handmade’ Christmas this year, it could be tough, but we’re going to sure try.

Organizing and Upcoming Projects

Posted on November 22, 2011

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.

Great Sunday Update

Posted on November 6, 2011

So here we go with a great update for a very productive Sunday afternoon. The ROOM was buzzing instead of my ears! And I just got an update that my husband’s hunting trip with his brothers is going great!

Two fabrics for special orders – now cut out and ready to get sewing on. One order is Bill’s and the other is mine. Tee hee

Two more special and monogrammed orders cut out and set with the other two orders, ready for the machine. Lots of embroidery going to be happening around here!

And what might this funky little ruffle be for? We will soon find out!

And lastly, my first attempt at a different type of purse closure using a piece had knitted two years ago with no purpose. It’s been sitting for a long time, and debating on it. It isn’t the quality I want for my shop, so may either use it myself or give it away. Any takers? It would be a freebie.

Now I get the whole evening to work on two other projects on my list, waiting for the UNO Orb to get home and tell me stories and more stories. Gotta love that.

Have a great week, and hopefully I will be back in the blogging swing.

Coming Clean & A Peek at FB GiveAway Prize

Posted on November 6, 2011

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!

Sneak Peek at Blue Skies

Posted on November 1, 2011

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. :)

Double Diamond Prairie Cable Bag – SIXTH in Series

Posted on October 29, 2011

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. :)

Wine Box Koozie

Posted on October 28, 2011

Ok, interesting title, huh? We have been laughing over this for a good long time and wanted to share. After felting the barbed wire cable bag, my husband went on a search of the house for the perfect form for it to dry to. Hence, his comment “wine box Koozie”. The bag also got renamed after fifteen minutes of discussion. That will be revealed later. Enjoy our little joke!