Holy HAT, Batman!

A cute little friend of mine who now lives in Orlando requested something from me on Facebook. Yep, a hat. But I said to her, “Are you sure? You live in Florida!” She assured me that she really wanted a hat like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle ones that I crocheted earlier, only BATMAN style! OK, so I went on a hunt to find a pattern and came across a little shop on Etsy that sells the most unique and fun hat patterns ever. Check out her store on Etsy, it’s called Cute Patterns World. Her prices are so reasonable, you can afford to buy 2 or 3, or even her great bundle packs.

So here’s the supplies for the Batman hat going out to hot Florida.

Batman Hat Supplies

Of course, I bought the Red Heart and Lion Brand yarns at Joann’s as I have a loyalty thing with them now. And yes, I printed the pattern out on blue paper as that’s the color my loving husband brought home for me. I think he just didn’t read the label. But it works, and now we can start in with some crocheting.

Feel like making a funky themed hat? PLEASE go check out this woman’s shop on Etsy and just see all the fun patterns she has available.

Thanks for stopping by and check out some of the other things that are getting worked on over here at The TygerLily. Get inspired and get creative!

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.

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 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 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. :)

Oct 28 2011

Wine Box Koozie

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!

It is now time to watch baseball, my least fave sport. But being born and bred American, it’s a must. Thanks for checking in!

Oct 27 2011

Houndstooth To Japanese

The duldrums (sp) hit this week quite unexpectedly. Not a lot of enthusiasm about coming home after work and doing much if anything creative. So this blog is for ME as much as it is for anyone reading. It’s time to recharge – just like my camera.

The houndstooth suiting fabric purchased last week is meandering its way into a handbag. I’ve started out using a basic pattern, but I wanted to switch up the top/handles a little, so now I’m rather stuck until I can figure how to actually DO what’s in my head. It’s at a stop until that’s figured out…..

Feminine Houndstooth - Waiting for Handle Treatment

Then as I went to take a couple extra photos this morning, I see the Cherry Blossom handbag still waiting to be sewn up into a bag – it’s knitted – just needs seams, lining and pink handles…….. (now I can’t find where I put the photo)

Then on to a great grab bag of vintage fabrics a friend at work brought in! This puppy weighs a ton and the fabrics inside are incredibly fun and will make great hobo bags, linings and whatnot….

Gift Bag of Vintage Fabrics

And here is an update on the two bags on the needles:

Barbed Wire Prairie Bag #6

Reynolds Lopi "Brick Streets" Prairie Bag #7

More on the Reynolds Lopi yarn later – becoming not such a big fan. But felting may change my mind, so I’ll try to keep that (my mind) open. :)

And my Japanese inspiration book came this week with MUCH taunting from my husband! He didn’t understand why I’d buy a book written in a foreign language. I told him that it’s the ‘study’ of the graphing done – not the words! And the pictures speak millions of words to me…..

A TREASURY of INSPIRATION!

I need to fly – meetings and work are calling………..

Drop me a line – let me know your thoughts. We can ALL use inspiration and some days a good kick in the keester. :) Happy crafting!

Oct 22 2011

Firebush Cable Handbag – Complete and Listed

As I am still waiting on an okay from a possible buyer on another item, I decided to tackle the finishing touches to the Firebush Cable Handbag. It’s listed over on Etsy now, after taking it over to the abandoned farmland to take its picture once or twice. So here she is, in all her red and cabled glory………

Firebush Handbag

Smiling Pretty

Now I’m off to see what kind of trouble I can get into down in the sewing room. I may have to start cutting into Bill’s sweater and see what kind of purse I can derive out of it. :)

Happy creating!