Many moons ago (more than I'd care to admit) I began sewing a quilt. A flannel quilt made with fabulous Anna Maria Horner fabric. I pieced it and made the back in a timely manner. Then it was sandwiched and pinned. Then I stalled. I found other things to do.
A few weeks ago I quilted a few more rows. Then I stalled again. Perhaps our lack of winter is lessening my enthusiasm. And yet I can't wait to see it draped over the couch.
So today I brought it back out. I drew a few more quilting lines and am hoping to take it to the machine tomorrow.
This quilt is far from perfect (after all I hardly know what I'm doing) but it will be perfect for our needs. I can't wait to have it finished.
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I found a new obsession today -- Edwardian Farm. I watched it while run/walking on the treadmill. I felt sort of silly. I mean, really, if I lived there life would be a workout -- no need to make time to exercise. But my life is a bit different. Ah well!
Inspired by my friend over at the Frabjous Versipel I set out to make a monster. Specifically a monster for my nieces to whom I owe a Christmas present. Yes. I'm a bit behind. Though with a little luck we might celebrate Christmas at Valentine's.
Anyway my monster has morphed into an owl. These creatures have a mind of their own. I'm rather enamored and may not be able to give this one away. If that's the case I'm likely to spend the weekend sewing softies. I can think of worse ways to spend my time.
The colors are a bit hard to see but it is a lovely chartreuse with an orange head, yellow feet and red heart. I'll take a better picture once it's complete.
The materials are fleece and felt. All fabric I bought for other projects and never completed. This project is therefore a stash buster. Another good thing.
I have a feeling softies are going to be part of my permanent gifting rotation. Homemade gifts are best (even if they are two months late).
This week my mother had a birthday (happy birthday Mom!). I wanted to make her something personal and functional. She just got an ipad (lucky gal!). I debated an ipad cover but was afraid she might already have one (note to self -- excellent holiday idea).
Stymied I perused the internet until I found this pillow via One Pretty Thing. How perfect! My parent's house is decorated in Northwest nature decor and these pillows will fit right in.
Rather than applique I made freezer paper stencils and used fabric paint and glitter already in my stash. The moose pictures were found via a quick Google search for moose silhouette. The fabric was a fabulous thrifty find - six yards full. I may use the left overs to sew a skirt (or two) for myself.
The pillow cases, themselves, have a basic envelope closure. The inserts were found at Jo'Anns (don't forget to go online and print a coupon before heading off to the store).
This was a fun and easy project. Now I'm thinking I might keep up the trend and make a few pillows for the holidays -- I've always loved these little diddies.
So happy to be back on the crafting wagon! Indeed it keeps me sane.
Today Little had a birthday party to attend; a Japanese tea party complete with kimonos. Only we didn't have a kimono. Fortunately a quick search of the internet revealed this fantastic (and free) pattern. Coupled with a pair of matching lounge pants our Japanese inspired outfit was born. This outfit will also serve as a lovely set of summer pajamas.
The material is a vintage sheet and the bia tape a thrifted shirt. Making your own bias tape is fairly simple and definitely opens up your options where color and pattern are concerned.
Now the birthday girl is half Japanese and half American. We wanted to give her something special. Something to let her know we care. This pattern was just the thing.
I do hope she likes it.
And that, folks, is what I've been up to this past week. That and hosting bunco which was a challenge in and of itself. It took a good two days to make my house presentable. My we Peculiars are messy people.
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Things I'm loving today:
Eggs on toast with basil and homemade cream cheese
Berry smoothies with homemade yogurt
Sunshine
Anticipation of tomorrow's beekeeping class (complete with Middle in tow)
Drives in the country fantasizing about a small farm of my own
Up until now I've been putting my head in the sand. Easter isn't coming, Easter isn't coming. Nah, nah, nah, nah. I can't hear you!
You see I was (am) scheduled to work on Sunday. And I was feeling sorry for myself. Poor me. I have to work while others are having brunch and hunting eggs and enjoying their friends and families.Boo hoo! Poor poor me!
Then, in a flash of inspiration, it occurred to me I *might* be able switch up my schedule. And indeed I could. Now instead of working the morning I am working the afternoon. This is much more amenable as I can participate in festivities before running off to make that pesky living.
With my schedule switched came the realization that Easter was nearly upon us. And I have done NOTHING to prepare. But, despite my procrastination, I couldn't bear the thought of plastic baskets full of disposable plastic junk. Additionally our finances require frugality and creativity rather than expenditure. As such I've been on a crafting binge.
First came girly baskets from an upcycled pillow case and left over fabric. I'm hoping they'll use them as lunch bags once our egg hunt is over. I'm also in the process of making these fantastic finger puppet bunnies. A tutorial can be found at Purl Bee.
Now I decided not to mortify the boy with a basket of his very own. Rather I tried to go masculine and yet stick with my crafty homemade theme. As such he will be getting a freezer paper stenciled tee shirt. I'm rather tickled with the way it turned out and am feeling quite crafty indeed. In addition the boy will get a new pair of flannel pajama pants. These pants were born from a left over sheet and are a quick and simple sewing project.
Also in the queue are these fantabulous carrot pouches which will be filled with jelly beans. Yes, some candy is warranted.
Tomorrow I hope to plant wheat grass in recycled tins (if we're lucky it'll sprout by Sunday). And tomorrow will be the night to finally dye some eggs. I've not quite figured out our strategy there but I'm sure inspiration will strike.
I've spent a lot of time lately thinking about sustainability. Several weeks back our microwave broke. We elected not to replace it. Consumer goods are made to break. To be replaced. And I've had enough. I am tired of everything being dispensable and/or obsolete. Companies do that you know -- planned obsolescence. Ours is a throw away society and it breaks my heart.
The thing is. These things, these items we are throwing away, have so much life left in them. My sewing machine for instance. This "worthless" machine has whipped out numerous projects. Most of which were made from thrifted material. All stuff thrown by the wayside.
Sure. My machine is basic. It doesn't embroider fancy logos or harbor computer chips full of intricate stitch patterns. But guess what? I have needles. I have floss. If I want something embroidered I can do it by hand. And it feels more personal that way. A bit of love stitched in.
On the thread of sewing and sustainability and I whipped out a new project yesterday. Reusable grocery bags born from feed bags.
Oh how I *love* that I have feed bags.
I adore my chickens and only wish I also had room for sheep and goats and cow and maybe a pig.
I did not follow a tutorial. It seems I've amassed enough sewing knowledge to knock out a bag on my own (I know how to sew! I know how to sew!). However in writing this post I scavenged a tutorial for you should you like to try this for yourself.
I don't have a serger so I simply sewed across the bottom. I did triple stitch for extra security. The material doesn't fray when cut so rather than sew or glue down the triangles I simply trimmed them off. I've been walking through the house with a gallon of milk in the bag and it seems plenty sturdy without the extra (and somewhat tedious) sewing step.
I also made my handles shorter -- more like a traditional paper bag. Now I can't wait to go to the grocery store. Hmmm. Looks like I ought to make a shopping list.
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One of the perils of searching the web is finding projects I didn't know I needed to make. And yet, after seeing them, I clearly have to take part. While searching for the feed bag tutorial I came across these projects that are now in my queue.
{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
I don't often talk about work here. It's a touchy subject. Veterinary medicine has gotten expensive. And yet veterinarians are not walking around with wads of cash in their pockets. You see the cost of running a business is also quite expense. We have to pay for leaseholds and utilities, medical equipment and supplies, employee wages, continuing education, licensing fees, etc, etc. And, in order to stay in business, in order to be there in the middle of the night, we must charge for our services.
This doesn't sit well with some people. And I understand. Believe you me I know times are tough. I know money is tight. I know. Oh how we wish we didn't have to charge. If only we could provide free service to all. But we can't.
Now some folks will apologize for their financial state. Some will shut down and simply not talk. And then there are those who are flat out rude.
One frequent comment is "... well if I'd known it'd cost that much I just've taken 'ol Fido here into the backyard and shot him in the head." Now here I just smile politely and say that I don't recommend that particular route of treatment. A different commentary is simultaneously running through my head.
Another frequent comment is "... hell. This costs more than the emergency room." Meaning, of course, human medicine. Sometimes it's hard to keep my mouth shut. I've been to the human emergency room with my husband, my daughters, my son and myself. I've seen the bills. I've paid the bills. I will tell you emphatically our services are a fraction of the cost of human medicine.
And, finally, "... I can git me a new dog from in front that there Walmart. Why'd I want to pay to fix this here mongrel?" Why indeed? A question worth asking is "do you want a dog or do you want this dog." (Which, by the way, is how I've ended up with my menagerie of pets -- turns out if you don't want your dog (or cat or bird) I may just take him home).
And this is a very long segue into want I really want to talk about. My new to me sewing machine. The relevance will be seen shortly (I hope).
Recently I found a steal of a deal at a garage sale. A 1971 Janome New Home Sewing Machine (similar to one pictured above). She was missing a bobbin and needed a new needle but otherwise seemed to be functional. I brought her home and with one of my bobbins and needles got her running -- sort of. She placed a few stitches and then stopped.
Well as much as I'd like to know everything about everything I do not. And so, today, I took her to a sewing machine repair shop for expert advice. My husband came along for muscular (that machine is HEAVY) and, as it turns out, moral support.
It seems the check in gal at the shop does not have an appreciation for vintage machines. "Do you know," she said with disdain, " this machine blue books at $14.50?"
I stared at her blankly.
And your point is?
"I just want you to know you'll be putting more money into this machine that you'll ever get out of it."
"That's okay," I said sweetly, "I'm not planning on selling this machine. I plan to use it."
"Well," she asked, "What kind of machine are you using now?"
"A very basic, inexpensive machine." I replied
"You might find," she retorted, "that with a newer machine you wouldn't be frustrated and might actually enjoy the process of sewing."
Who said I was frustrated? Who said I didn't enjoy sewing?
And then she got to her real point. "We can always trade this one in towards the purchase of a new machine."
Now if I wasn't at the one and only repair shop in this small town I would have grabbed my machine and stormed out. Rather I would have made the hubbie grab the machine and storm out (heavy people, seriously heavy). But I didn't know where else to go.
Fortunately Mr. Peculiar chimed in. "We really like this machine. It's got beautiful clean lines similar to a vintage car. The colors are gorgeous. Plus we don't believe in simply throwing things into the landfill just because they are old. My wife and I feel sewing is an art, an old art, and how better to sew than on an older machine?"
It was the check-in lady's turn to stare blankly.
Finally she said with a little tsk tsk, "all right, whatever the customer wants."
And it is indeed what I want. For the price I'm paying to potentially fix up this machine (fingers crossed) I can not buy a new one.
And truth be told I don't want a new machine. I want that machine.
Just because something is inexpensive (or free) doesn't mean it doesn't have value. It might be easier to start over. To get a new dog. To get a new machine. But that's not what I want.
I've got a busy couple of days (well nights) working which doesn't leave a lot of time for creative musings. Truth be told it doesn't leave a lot of time for much of anything. But I thought I'd drop in and show you a few things I've been working on this week.
The first is the mixed media piece seen above. I've been so inspired by all the folks in my Flying Lessons course that I decided to give mixed media a go. I have *absolutely* no idea what I'm doing. Zip. Zilch. Zero. But I'm having a grand time playing around with glue and fabric and paper and wax.
And the second piece is custom order vintage camper applique:
I really enjoy sorting through fabric scraps and buttons and watching these campers unfold. And the creating helps to soothe that ever present desire for the real thing. More camper creations can be seen in my Etsy shop.
Making these items has added a much needed playfulness that has been lacking in my life. I do declare it's about time to have some fun!
And now, speaking of fun, I'm off to remove tennis ball parts from a dog's stomach. Dogs are, in one word, crazy.
Here's a little something I've been working on this week. She's an apron fashioned from a pillow case. The waistband and floral appliques were born from a vintage sheet (oh how I've loved this sheet -- there are mere scraps left and am so sad to see her go). This apron has a sister; made as a gift last year. Soon this new gal will be up on Etsy. I must admit I'll be a touch sad to see her go.
While out for this photo shoot I noticed our lilacs are in bloom (our lilacs are in bloom! our lilacs are in bloom!). They are ever so lovely and smell delectable. And aren't they just perfect in this thrifted pitcher?
I was playing around with layers and textures here -- ultimately hoping to imitate the spectacular photography of Andie Edwards. She does amazing things with white.
Indeed I feel summer in the air. Next week it'll be official; the kids will be out of school, the weather will be warm (I'm willing it into action) and we'll languish in the beauty that is summer vacation.
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On a completely different note ... I *love* having a theme song for the summer. Song's we've chosen in years past include Little Yellow Spider by Devendra Banhart and I Miss You by Blink 182.
Here are a few things I made this week. Production has now halted. I'd like to tell you we have a spectacular weekend getaway planned. But, alas, we do not. Tonight marks the start of our (hopefully) busy summer season at work. And, as such, I will be working and sleeping, sleeping and working.
Last Friday I was dreaming of a handmade picnic blanket. Today my dreams came true. Presenting the Beach Blanket To Go ala Soule Mama. The top is comprised of vintage sheets; including fabric from this project and this project. The bottom is a terrycloth shower curtain. The blanket has already been on an inaugural voyage to the Boy's lacrosse game. The weather has been quite chilly so our new-to-us coffee pump also went along for the ride. And, of course, smack in the middle of the blanket is my knitting. I can't think of a better way to spend a May evening.
A little something I was working on this week -- a stuffed rocket ship with matching tote bag. Rocket Man was destined for a little guy who just turned two. This is not a new project. I made similar rockets for my nephews this past Christmas. I like the face painting better here as I'm rather smitten with the soul patch. That's one hip astronaut!
If you want to make a Rocket Man of your own check out this tutorial over at The Long Thread.
I've got about a hundred billion (give or take) projects up my sleeve. Lately I've been a bit ADHD with my crafting/sewing/knitting. Hopefully I can settle down, clear my brain and focus.
And now I must go -- I've got movies to return before 9:00 pm.
Here I am at 6 pm; still in my scrubs from last night. Soon I'll need to change clothes and head back to work. In the meantime chili is simmering in the crockpot, Little has her feet tucked in my lap, we're watching the Super Bowl (sort of) and sewing hearts.
The act of drawing needle through fabric is cathartic; I feel the pull of women past. I may be a "modern working woman" but am a nurturer first; it's genetically encoded. And when I'm in the middle of difficult shifts I need to pull my family close and act, well, motherly. Thus the sewing, knitting, cooking and baking. Of course men can and do all these activities (my son is taking sewing in school). And, obviously, women are not defined by their homemaking skills. Yet homemaking and nurturing are very important tasks and are duties I'm proud to shoulder.
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How to make your own felt heart:
Take a piece of felt and cut out a heart (I fold mine in half and cut it out just like in grade school.)
Using embroidery floss sew a blanket stitch around the border.
Well yesterday my laptop went kerplunk. It simply wouldn't boot up. And so today it's in the repair shop for diagnostics. I am hoping and praying for a quick and easy fix because, really, there are other things I'd rather spend my money on.
We are not computerless. We have the family unit upstairs. And yet I find myself naked; stripped to the bone. How did I become so dependent upon a piece of technology that didn't even exist twenty-years ago?
Nevertheless I am completely and irrevocably addicted. This machinery is my second brain (or my only brain depending upon who you ask). Oddly enough I was also without my laptop around this time last year. Hmmm - maybe there's a theme here. It's a message from the universe to get back to the basics as it were.
I do have things to keep myself busy ... books from the library, knitting, sewing and chanters to pipe on. Additionally my house always has laundry and dishes to be done. Should you find yourself bored I can most definitely put you to work (by the way my infinitely bored children never accept this offer to I won't take it personally should you do the same).
All of this to say that, until further notice, I will be somewhat scarce in this virtual world. In the meantime I leave you with the above photo of Rocket Man. He is my latest sewing project; a Christmas gift for my nephews (one down one to go). Forgive the juvenile paint job; I could not find a brush and had to make do with a q-tip (oh if only my stuff belonged to me and only me!).
Should you be interested in making a Rocket Man of your very own you can find the pattern here.
Picture this. You've had a loooong day. You spent hours, literally hours, cleaning your children's rooms. You put your time in as a cabbie (to school, from school, to school, from school to swimming and piano and finally home). The evening is winding down and you find yourself with a free moment. Yet it's time to get dinner started. What do you do? Why sew a bathmat of course!
You see all the coolkids are doing it. The pattern came from A Handmade Home and the project was simple enough that I literally sewed and made dinner at the same time. (Keep in mind last night was taco night so the kitchen didn't require much concentration.) The top fabric is a thrifted sheet and the bottom fabric an old towel.
I was hoping to photograph this guy in his native environment. But as it turns out the light in my bathroom is quite poor. Additionally we lack dazzling photographic features such as a claw foot tub (poor poor me!). Anyway the yellow matched the yellow of our aspen trees. And yes my neighbors think I'm kookie with my cereal box, camera and bathmat. It's a small price to pay.
The stitching is perfectly imperfect which makes this mat well-suited to hold wet feet and muddy paws. I definitely see more in our future!
My underwear have been disappearing at an alarming rate. I have absolutely no idea where they've gone. Perhaps Dobby-like creatures are using it to procure their freedom. Certainly indentured elves no longer maintain this household. That's why my kitchen is so dirty... my briefs have set the elves free!
It is also highly possible these undergarmets are disappearing down the labradork's gullet. If this is the case I foresee an embarrassing surgery in which my panties are put on display. Let's hope they pass and can be scooped with all the other yard nuggets. It wouldn't be the first time underwear was found in the front yard.
At any rate my lack of undies prompted me to start a new sewing project - underwear. I was additionally inspired by this and this. I did not have a pattern and thought I'd simply make one from a pair of old panties. Then I ran into a little (or not so little) problem: when one decides to sew oneself a pair of underwear one is presented with a very literal and visual representation of the actual size of one's buttocks. Let's just say not pretty.
My first two attempts were hopeful representations and ended with garments that, at best, were modified thongs. I do not do thongs. In the undergarment realm I'm with Beyonce and fully believe in granny panties. Really. Thongs are things you wear on your feet in the summer. They have no business on or near the derierre.
My third attempt ended with a baggy adult diaper. Not attractive or comfortable. I may keep that pair. After all I'm no spring chicken and it might come in handy in the future. But today I don't need a diaper.
Basically I need a good well fitting pattern. But, honestly, I don't want to look at the size of my arse on paper. So I broke down and went to Target. They had adorable panties on sale that actually fit my backside.
I haven't given up. I went to the cardiologist yesterday and got the go ahead to exercise. My heart is fine. Irritable but fine. I'm having multiple premature atrial contractions which are annoying but not dangerous. So my plan is to exercise, shrink my backside and try this sewing thing again. But for now I'll stand proud because baby got back.
This past week I went Easter shopping. I was trying to be practical and buy only things we needed and would use. That meant clothes. Between the Target clearance rack and the Goodwill I found several new outfits for each of my kids.
But while at Target I got suckered. I stopped and looked at the Easter dresses. Gaaaah! Why did I do that? It's akin to eating one potato chip ... it simply can't be done. Needless to say I came home with two dresses; one for each of my girls. At $15.00 a piece they weren't too expensive but truth-be-told I wasn't that comfortable with the purchase. Why? Because I had sheets at home. Sheets that could become dresses. With a little time I could save our family $30.00. And you know what they say a penny saved and all ...
I hid the dresses in an undisclosed location and kept the receipt. Then I made a deal with myself. If I could sew a couple of dresses before Sunday then I'd return the others. With this tutorial as a guide I've already completed one dress; one down and one to go. Easy peasy.
Now please keep in mind I am not a seamstress. I have an inexpensive sewing machine and one semester of home economics taken in the 7th grade. My point? If I can do it sew can you! (Pun fully intended.)
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Yesterday son was kind enough to remind me that some of the best entertainment is free. He spent the day wallowing in the rain and catching frogs in the neighbor's pond. Hours of diversion at no cost whatsoever. It beats video games hands down.
Of course, as I soon learned, frogs are best kept in crystal pitchers that were given to your parents for their wedding. My son must know something I don't ... perhaps this guy is really a prince in disguise.
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Seeing as I have another dress to sew, an Easter potluck to plan and a baby bonnet to knit (for yet another pregnant neighbor) I'd best get to work.
