Tag Archives: Craft

May 27 2012

Deco Classic Tote Bag

I haven’t written a whole lot lately only because I’ve been an embroidering fool!  It’s been so much fun, but had to stop myself this afternoon so I could get some items completed.  Tomorrow is an alteration day, and those always scare me just a little.  :)

Remember that classy 20′s lady that got embroidered last week?  The black work on cream?  Well, she’s all done up into a big tote bag for a special lady in our lives.  We will hopefully get to see her next week, so we really needed to get this project done and off the machine.

Black Tote Bag with Black Work Embroidered 20′s Classy Lady on front.

Just another shot – we both love this bag….

Inside of bag with lots of pockets and deco type swirl Alexander Henry fabric. Kinda wild, huh?

Hoping I did the handles up strong enough, but then again she probably won’t be carrying anything too heavy.  Or at least she shouldn’t be!  :)

Here’s some of the fun I had before I put the embroidery part of the machine away…

“Drink Up My Pretty” bar rag

“Mommy’s Sippy Cup” bar rag

“Wine” bar rag

Tiger Cub placed in corner of some fleece – needs crocheted edging to complete the baby blanket.

Sleepy giraffe on a star worked up on a corner of some yellow fleece. Just add crochet edging and you get a completed baby blanket!

Now you all know what I’ve been up to.  With four projects done, and two baby blankets to crochet around, it was a pretty good couple of days around here.

Hopefully you are all having a wonderful holiday weekend and getting a little crafty yourselves!  ENJOY!

 

May 19 2012

Celtic Cross Embroidery

Last weekend, while my sis and I were trying out some embroidery designs, my sewing machine decided to lock up.  Projects had to stop which was a bummer, and that also meant a repair job on this new machine!  *sigh* But it all worked out well and had the machine back at home within a matter of hours.  Pretty cool!

So this is the celtic cross she picked out over on a website we browsed.  It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?  The first photo is the first of three we were planning on doing.  I am still learning the embroidery side of this baby, and picked a file that probably wasn’t the most appropriate to use with my Singer.  But here it is……

Celtic Cross #1 (not using .xxx or .pes formats)

It’s okay, but the two I did today using a better format (.xxx) look a lot better!

Two Celtic Crosses (in .xxx format)

Same thread, same design download, just a different format.  Aren’t they spectacular though?  These will get shipped out to her this week so she can finish her trio of book covers she has planned.

I have downloaded my three free designs already this weekend, and one of them is a beautiful lady from the 1920′s in black work.  I have the perfect idea for that one for someone’s birthday coming up.

Thanks for checking in and now YOU go get creative yourself and have some fun!

 

May 6 2012

Fun Embroidered Tree Frog

My first try and mutli-color thread machine embroidery – yes, today!  I totally understand the machine and its prompts.  So watch out!  Once I get the correct type of stablizer figured out, it’s smooth sailing and will be SO much fun.  But here’s what went into the shop today……..

The inside of the portfolio – nope, there’s no frog there! Just fun fabrics and I adore this color combo.  (click on the pic for the Etsy shop)

Ah, ain’t he cute?

My sister turned me on to this website for machine embroidery.  Their designs are TO DIE FOR!  I only get three free ones per week, but I have 4 designs just sitting in my cart waiting for a paycheck so I can purchase them:  a magnolia, two types of roses, some flip flops and some tulips.  They’re fine just sitting there – that way I know where they are at.

Take a look over at their site:  Embroidery Designs – there is a TON over there and you could lost in space just looking at it all.  :)

Thank you, Donna, for putting this site in my email box.  You’ve helped me put my machine to the work it was designed to do.  YIPPEEEE!

Apr 22 2012

Joann’s Sewing 102 – Sign UP in Lincoln, NE!

Here’s the project for Joann Fabric & Crafts class “Sewing 102″ that I’ll be teaching next Sunday afternoon.  We’ll learn how to use a pattern, pin and cut fabric, and get a little more familiar with our sewing machines.  And we know that Mother’s Day is coming, and this would make a wonderful heartfelt gift for her – made with your own hands.

I would adore to see you in class!  Look at the pillow and think of your own fabric combos and fun colors you could use to construct your own project.  Sign up!  Class is next Sunday at 2:30 at Joann’s right here in Lincoln, Nebraska, at 64th & Q Streets.  You will have this project completed by the time you leave class.  YEAH!!  Pretty rewarding stuff.  So call 402/467-3500.

I’ll be waiting for you!

Have a blessed week, everyone.

 

Apr 1 2012

Olives, Purples, and Aqua, OH MY!

It’s been a great Sunday! Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus for lunch and sewing all afternoon. Does it really get any better? All the laundry even got completed – THAT’s a miracle!

Just wanted to share two things that were whipped up this afternoon from that marvelous fabric I found yesterday at the Cosmic Cow. True to form, I cut two out and sewed them in Henry Ford fashion. At least that’s what Bill calls it when two or more like items are getting done at one time. LOVE love LOVE the colors of these two iPad clutches…. Take a look!

Purple and Green fabrics with a little jewelry bling secured to the flap.

Had to throw in one more shot of it with Leslie Nielson in the background. Pretty handsome guy, wasn't he!

Clutch opened out showing the silicone skin that uses magnets to stay put. Pretty ingenious if I say so myself. :)

A little olive with splashes of aqua on this iPad clutch. This is a Michael Miller cotton, and his stuff is FANTASTIC!

And a shot of this one opened up, just like the last one.

Can you tell I love Netflix? And Murder She Wrote? Had to watch an episode of ‘Bones‘ first, but decided Sunday needed to be a little more simple. Yes, when it all comes right down to it, I’m pretty spoiled when I sew. :)

Who knows when I’ll get these listed on Etsy, so if anyone of you reading this would like one, drop me a line or a comment.

Mar 21 2012

Going To Havana With the Ricardo’s?

As you may well know, I was on a mission to use some beautiful leather scraps we’d purchased last year. After only a short time trying to sew what was pictured in my head, I realized that leather is not my gig. Not even close. I need to stay with fabric and yarn to design things. Don’t get me wrong though! Leather is awesome and will hang on to those scraps for decorations of some sort on future project.

So I get out fabric.. ahhh. My old friends. Picked a piece for another crafting/knitting/crocheting tote and dug right in. I’m SO in love with this print, and the lining that was found at Joann‘s is absolutely over the top fun. Take a look!

The large leaf and fronds print will be the outside of this tote while the cotton 'travel stamp' fabric will be the funnest (is that a word?) lining ever. This shows the side panel on the outside of tote, and one of the pockets that will get sewn to the lining.

These pieces are the front with zippered vinyl pocket, the back with the elastic two pocket approach, and the one slab of pocket that gets pleated for the inside. Are you loving it yet?

I’m a leaf fanatic. If I could use fabrics that have nothing but leaf designs, I’d be in leaf heaven. :) But really, is this NOT one of the best couple of prints ever? It cost me, but the colors and design just said ME! I really can’t wait to get more of this done, but off to my real job I go.

Keep checking in and watch how this will all play together – it’s just one of those projects that makes me smile and think of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo on TV. HA!

Would love to hear feedback from anyone who’s here to take a peek. :) Happy Wednesday everyone and go dream a little. It’s good for you.

Mar 18 2012

Happy Orange Sunflower Tote – Completed

I adore this bag…… I still have a few things I want to incorporate into the next bags (which, by the way, are lined up ready to get cutting on).  But for now, we are happy campers and this fun and functional bag is ready to go.

Orange Sunflower Tote and Ditty Bag

Lots of 'guts'. tee hee

Now we must continue on with some Sunday fun for the two of us.  That pretty much means going to Sam’s and enjoying each other for a little bit.  Cleaning will just have to wait for another day.  Did I say cleaning?  ACCCKKKKKKKK  :)

I this bag trips your trigger, you can find if over HERE on Etsy.  Thanks for looking and have a super  Sunday!!!

Mar 17 2012

Craft Tote Finale

Finally, the craft tote and ditty bag are completed and ready to list in the store.  That’s my least favorite part because I never know what to say about it really.  But thought I’d throw this photo up of the complete set!

Going into the Etsy store today.

This will make my 3rd listing today, but it’s time to get sewing again.  There’s some wonderful fabrics that I found that will get worked up into this same design – yep, with ALL THOSE POCKETS!

Mar 11 2012

Craft Tote Sewing Fun!

With two projects under my belt today, it’s time for a final blog post and then, yes, ironing. Blechhhh. But the last project I completed was the craft/knitting/crocheting tote bag. And I must say, it came out FANTASTIC! I would love to hear feedback on ways it could be improved or whatever – need to hear what people need in a tote back like this. So here is it’s little pictorial history…..

All the materials just ready to cut in to today. I've had my eye on this piece of decorator fabric for eons, and this was the perfect reason to finally buy it!

Working on the outside of bag. Vinyl zippered pocket on one side, elastic topped pocket on the other.

Outside of bag is completely put together. Loving the buckram for stabilizing - keeps that bag very 'perky'.

Back side pocket. I lined the outside pockets on this one to make the pockets more finished and professional. Have to remember that if I make another one.

Innards - two sides sewn onto front panel with so many pockets, I can't count 'em!

Of course, TygerLily had to be embroidered. I thought pink was good.

Trying different technique with attaching outer and inner layers. It was difficult pulling the last back through because of the vinyl. Here it's just pinned up and ready to top stitching.

Just another shot of all THOSE POCKETS!

Top stitched and sitting pretty. Handles attached and a little fun item for the zipper pull on that vinyl pocket. I questioned myself when I bought that tassel, but obviously it was for a reason. We both thought this added some extra fun to the bag.

Backside - showing handles (a little)

Can you tell I can't get enough of those pockets? Any crafter using this would have a specific place for EVERYTHING!

It's final bow - and I'm totally sold on this design. I still wish I'd have done one for myself like this. *sigh* Oh, well.

After this was completed, I was able to box up my sister’s bag that was posted about before. You know, the black/white/red one. :) I felt secure enough that I had done the best to replicate it, and even make it a little better by lining some of the pockets nicer. So Donna, it’s in the mail. tee hee

It’s now time to get ready for the work week – I’ve played enough today. Get me some Mio flavored water and turn the iron back on. AND it’s Celebrity Apprentice tonight, too! Personally, I’m glad George got fired. Tonight should be interesting.

Happy crafting, knitting, crocheting, etc….. from our house to yours …….. blessings.

Mar 10 2012

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.  :)