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.

Professional Duo Complete from Repurposed Ladies Jacket

Posted on January 16, 2012

The recycling and redesigning the women’s tapestry jacket was rather difficult, if I were to tell the truth. Even though things look one way in your head, accomplishing that goal can be a whole different chore. But the jacket has now been completely disassembled and reassembled into two useful items. Here is the tapestry jacket’s photo history…….

Sleeves cut away from jacket and splayed for cutting (in previous post)

The completed iPad cover made completely from the sleeves of jacket (in previous post)

Jacket body formed into a tote - items to complete are only laying on body. Handles, magnetic closure, black belting....

Professional tote/iPad cover set - not sure how to set this up to photograph decent.

Complete tote from tapestry jacket showing off its true color outdoors.

I lined it with a gray embroidered satin lining and couldn’t resist to put a final little touch to its closure – a silver leaf. As soon as that went on, it truly had my name on it. Not sure what will happen with this yet as Bill thinks I should be the one to enjoy this one. He’s one of my biggest supporters, but if this could sell and make a couple of bucks, then that’s what we have to do.

Thank you for stopping by and giving this a final look over! One day it may make it into the Etsy store, but until then I’ll enjoy looking at it and thinking of ways to improve on the upcycling and repurposing of the great thrift store finds we have in our possession. Yep, there is a whole tote full of beautiful sweaters, jackets and suit coats to re-fashion.

Happy Monday and happy crafting everyone!

Improvised iPad Cover

Posted on January 9, 2012

Recycle and reuse – I’ve done this in the past, but this may be a good year to dig in a little deeper with the idea. Saturday I completed the iPad cover that came from the sleeves of a beautiful ladies jacket. The tote bag to go along with this, will be done at some time from the body of the jacket – it’s just waiting to be completed.

So I just wanted to share what the end result looks like with the silicone skin attached to the interior……

iPad cover closed

iPad cover open showing pocket and closure

The corduroy used for the inside lining really picked up all the little red pieces of ‘lint’ from when cutting the tapestry fabric, but hopefully the picture shows it cleaned up a bit.

Happy crafting! It’s Monday, so off to work I go…….

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.

iPads and Pink Poppies

Posted on November 24, 2011

Success! Old School iPad Portfolio is complete and ready for a new owner. This fabric was perfect for the project and hope the design is accepted over on Etsy. Take a peek:

Portfolio - Closed

Open with black skin upside down - showing HUGE velcro

Another shot of that HUGE velcro!!

Think the olive color with that bright pink pop of color is fantastic. Can’t remember the designer of this fabric off the top of my head, but can we say WOW!!!

Yes, today is Thanksgiving and I am truly grateful for so many MANY blessings.

Place mats and Pegboards

Posted on November 20, 2011

Decided that the 3G will have to suffice today until there is time to call the Internet provider to solve these silly issues. Which is also a bummer because I love watching shows and movies on the iPad. But I wanted to share some of the fun stuff on tap for today.

First off these black place mats will get monogrammed and handles tied on to the grommets for some terrific little girl tote bags. I had bought too many, but a coworker decided she would help take the surplus off our hands for Christmas gifts. Here they are with the grommets placed and ready to embroider.

Won’t they be fun???

And after work yesterday I stopped at another coworkers house to pick up a pegboard room divider that her husband made for me. All we gave him was a picture from a supply catalog and he made a piece of furniture!! This baby will last my entire life and that of our grandchildren. Now to get the perfect hangers and baskets to put on it for all my supplies in the sewing room. It is going to be the perfect hub for grabbing stuff.

The pic is sideways, and the divider is closed but it has four panels of wonderful pegboard. One day I will learn how to manipulate photos on this iPad.

Keep watching, we are excited to get some things accomplished today!!!

Personalized Photo Tote Bag Project

Posted on November 15, 2011

So I have six of these to produce, and all the pieces and parts have been ready to sew together for a while now. This morning I just HAD to get one to completion just so I had a good idea how much time they would all actually take to sew. I was quite happy with the way this turned out and really am excited to get the other five of them complete.

The front of this dark blue denim bag has been ‘clouded’ out so you cannot see the actual photograph that was positioned on the front. After scanning the original photos, I printed the photos requested onto computer fabric and then adhered a vinyl top to each piece, to keep the photo from getting ruined by weather or dirt. I then put a black grossgrain ribbon trim as a frame and sewed the entire picture to the front of the bag, then proceeded to complete the bag to what you see here……

Photo Embelished Tote Bag

The finished product is something I can honestly say was exactly how I pictured the turnout to be. The muted denim blue cotton fabric for lining came out perfect. Imagine a full color photo of your loved ones or pets on the front of this bag – pretty fun idea, huh? No sliding in or out of real photos that can get messed up and bent, as I’ve seen those kinds of totes (I even owned one myself at one time). This photo is on fabric and sealed. Figured that would be the best way for this particular order. And I want it right, ya know?

So only five more to go to finish order, but my real job needs to come next in line.

Thanks for stopping by to see what’s happening and have a WONDERFUL day!

Sewing on Down the Road

Posted on November 12, 2011

Just a quick update this morning on some sewing I’ve been doing. All this bad boy needs is some top stitching around the top and getting the final velcro put on the flap…..

If I told you how LONG it took to just get this teeny weeny itty bitty thing posted, you’d be crying right along with me as to my frustration with my computer and our internet. ARGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! So I’m stepping away for now, but wanted to give you a little glimpse of what’s happening in ‘the room’. LOL

Happy Saturday, everyone!

Personalization is Key!

Posted on November 10, 2011

With two hours of creative time this morning, I thought I would get some of the personalization done for projects that need sewn this week. This can be time consuming, especially for someone like me who is still learning the embroidery program. Four personalizations were completed and now ready to make up in to some fun things. Have I mentioned lately how much I love my new Singer? Oh, my, it’s true love.

The iPad doesn’t take great photos – so bear with me here.

Next, it will be serious construction on these four orders. Fun, fun!!!!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!

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.