Custom Knitting Tote Accessories Completed

What a day! What I thought would only be a couple hour job in finishing up the accessories to go with that custom knitting tote in my previous post – turned into a 5 hour gig! Holy moly.

Plus, I’m not the sharpest pencil in the computer or IT box, so it took me over an hour to stop trying to FIX the embroidery computer program, and just give up and uninstall it. After installing the program again, the machine and computer were talking again and all was good in the hood. Why must they argue so? giggle

Ugh - on many levels - ugh

So it was time to program the words I wanted to put on the knitting bag accessories I’d planned…. here goes….

Yep, that says "Straights"

And yep, "Circs" for sure. My love sister is not getting a DPN accessory bag. She'll have to deal with it.

It's a basic make-up bag, but I made it bigger so hopefully all those bags of circular needles will fit in it. If not, she'll figure out what to use it for.

My disaster just beginning to happen. Thank goodness for sisters who don't mind being guinea pigs. It looks great here but....

When I centered the wording, I forgot completely about how a 'fold down' needed to happen at the top so the needles won't fall out. OK, Lesson Learned. But it ain't over yet.....

... the wording was put on the wrong side, or the ribbon ties were put on the wrong side. Whichever, when it rolls up like it should, no word is seen. ARGH!!!!!

So now that I’ve learned a tremendous amount about these little accessories, next time it won’t be so traumatic for me. I really wanted these items to be spot on, but hopefully next time they will be.

But at least the computer and sewing machine are talking again. *sigh* And now my sister’s package is ready to mail out to her. Let’s hope it passes the test.

Mar 4 2012

Life and Times of a Custom Designed Knitting Bag

I’ve had you all wondering what was next on the plate, and today I was able to complete something we wanted to give my sister for all she and her hubby have done for us. (You know what all you’ve done, seeesta.) It might have been a couple years now, but she wanted a black/white/red handbag, small enough for running errands, etc. I couldn’t pull it off. What I had created was a disaster and I wouldn’t let her have it. So her birthday rolls around last month and she was awesome enough to show me some knitting carry-all bags she’d been looking at on-line. I asked her to stop looking. This is what Team TygerLily has designed specifically for her……

The beginning - putting a zippered vinyl pocket on the front so she can SEE what she's got - like maybe lists, patterns, candy bars.....

The rest of the bag's outside pieces, all pocketed up and ready to make into the coolest bag yet.

Outside of bag all put together with its bottom which came out, can we say PERFECTLY! Boy did I need that today. See the little bling bling that got put on as a zipper pull? That's cuz I love my sis.

Innards - lots and lots of innards. Pockets, zipper, pleats, gathers..... and yes, elastic.

Just a shot of the inside outer layer - first time incorporating buckram - it's AWESOME!!

Lining all put together, ready for the grand marriage of tough outside and demure interior.

All done - ready for it's final stay stitching around the top. Look how pretty it stands all on its own - now THAT's what I'm talking about.

Just another angle.

I can't find any candy bar in that see through pocket! Hmmm

Showing off with my BC's in that empty front pocket. Yep, Bill's back there cooking or something. If I had Kool-Aid packets, I'd stick a few in there for her.

It's back side - full of gathered pockets for smaller things like wallets or maybe even a candy bar.

I hope it’s not too big, but I know it will hold two knitting projects of hers at one time. No more shoe box caddies or ziploc bags for my sister. And if she doesn’t like it, hmmm, well, she’s going to get it anyway. What she does with it afterwards is up to her.

I truly enjoyed this project from the bottom of my heart – all the way from it’s heavy outdoor fabric outside to the light and cheerful cotton fabric on the inside. But especially because it’s going to one of my biggest fans and someone who never ceases to amaze me at her encouragement and huge heart.

We love you DONNA and JULIAN! Maybe Julian can keep something of his in the bag, too. Like a lure? paperback? candy bar?

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.

Jan 3 2012

Revising Thrift Store Tapestry Jacket

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!

Nov 27 2011

CRS Palm Holder

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.

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

Great Sunday Update

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.