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 17 2012

Sunflowers Anyone?

When I saw this fabric, I was incredibly IN LOVE with it! And I’m not an orange person at all. The colors and design were exactly what I was looking for at our local Calico House. And talk about service, they are incredible there.

So here’s what’s on the block next. All supplies are at the ready and the lightweight interfacings have been applied.

Gorgeous sunflowers, just waiting for a little sewing action. Aren't these colors magnificent?

I need two more zippers, but I’m not too worried about it. They’ll pop up somewhere. So next is the embroidering of the TygerLily name and the Goodies word on the ditty bag.

Grateful to have a little geometry under my belt, and a fantastic sewing machine to do all the work. Happy crafting!

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 11 2012

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 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.

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.

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.