Still Settling In...A Little Spring Cleaning

I've done a fabric de-stash! Not just fabrics though, it included trims, scissors, and lace (loads)! All of the fabrics (mostly cottons) were donated to a wonderful group of quilting ladies who donate quilts in our community! The trims, lace and other notions are donated to a veteran's organization thrift store in our community!

I found a few "keepers" like, some vintage buttons (mother of pearl-like?); a couple of pieces from a costume that may become (earrings?); a "freecycle" container full of embroidered eyes, letters, hearts and such; and a couple of pieces of lace appliqué of which a nice fabric necklace will be made! Here's a pic of the instructions on how-to from a past issue of SewStylish mag, Spring 2011.

My next cleaning/de-stash project will be more trims and beads and some jewelry items! Now, back to finishing some costumes!

Until next time,

HAPPY SEWING!

Hello, again!

Hiya!

It's been a long time since I last blogged. I hope everyone is well!

Here's what I've been working on: cotton boxers; flannel pj pants; flannel pj shorts; and chef hat for hubby!

What are you working on? Until next time...HAPPY SEWING!

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year and hope all is well thus far!

2011 ended with great accomplishments creatively (and, personally)!

I love making/giving (and, receiving) handmade gifts!  For my family in Chicago, I purchased fleece to make throws.  For my niece and youngest nephew, I added binding (cotton and microsuede fabrics) to the edge of their throws.

For my dad, I used a solid blue cut of fleece and a cut of  flannel shirting fabric for the backing.  No binding, I "quick-turned" the edge!

For my sister's throw, I simply fringed the edge using pinking shears.  It turned out lovely!  And, for my eldest nephew's throw (not shown), I fringed the edges of his solid blue fleece using regular shears.

They all are enjoying their throws!

In between Christmas sewing, I purchased flannel and cotton remnants from JoAnn's to make boxers for my son.  When my two youngest daughters knew I was sewing boxers; they wanted boxers, too!

I found a really nice cut of pink flannel with black silhouette print of ladies on them in the remnant bin and made a pair for the 2nd oldest daughter...she loved them!  NOTE: if you are going to shop from the remnant bins, make sure that you have at least 26" or more of fabric; or just purchase 7/8 yard of your fabric choice!

It's a really simple and free pattern on Burdastyle; Michael Boxers pattern!  I am still sewing boxers!  Valentine's Day is fast approaching!  A nice present for your hubby!

Since I was on a flannel "thing" AND my brother and his wife had their first baby, I have been sewing cloth diapers!  There is a great and free pattern, Rita's Rump Pocket!  I found her instructions to be very easy to follow and they were pretty quick to make.

I will be making inserts for these diapers using the microcloths (?) that you use to dry your car.  You can purchase a pack at Wal-Mart (Automotive section) cheap!  When sewing with this pattern, I suggest sewing the channel for the elastic.  It looks better and it snugs the legs better - no leakage!  I will be making more of these throughout the year to donate!

Until next time....HAPPY SEWING/CREATING!

Friday Finishes (A Skirt and Top)

Another outfit for ME!

I picked this pattern, view 'F'.  It's my standard spring/summer top because it fits me nicely!  And, I purchased this orange knit fabric for my top...

I really like this skirt pattern, view 'C, also.  The fabric is a thrift find...a cotton drape/curtain that I featured in "Junk Love"!

I love the combination!

Enjoy the weekend!  HAPPY SEWING!

knitting washcloths and dishcloths

As previously posted, I've been staying up late nites working on quick knitting projects. And, knitting washcloths and dishcloths have given me instant gratification! Here is a 3-piece washcloth set I finished.




One washcloth is half-solid and half-striped; one is half-solid, two-color; and one solid color. I love the vibrant red and yellow colors. That'll wake someone up!



I started on this dishcloth...late last nite, after I completed the last washcloth of the set shown above. I wanted to use more of a 'earth tone feel' for the colors. Let me explain to you where/how I got my inspiration. My husband and I were up pretty early this past Friday morn. We made a cuppa and drove to the nearby woods and lake to sit, look and talk. The yellow represents the sun; the soft green (sorry, doesn't show-up well here...looks more like dusty blue) represents some plant life; and, the caramel represents some dried bamboo in the woods.



Since they've scrubbed the shuttle launch this eve, I'll keep working on it until it's complete. And, who knows, I'll probably start another late into the night. I'm sure!


Until next time...
HAPPY KNITTING!

Late Nites...

I have two young children (6 and 8), my teenager (16), and my oldest (23)...and my love, my husband! I have a busy home during the day and evenings! I can work somewhat during the day, but I thrive when everyone's asleep and not pulling me in 10,000 directions.

So, I've been staying up late nights and knitting washcloths for my family.


I needed to take a break from sewing...but, I still need to create! And, it's so quiet and peaceful!


I pulled out every color of 100% cotton fibers and started knitting. I believe I was able to give everyone their own favorite color!


I like the periwinkle and yellow; my husband wants solid dusty blue; my son likes the two tone dusty blue/sea green; my oldest daughter picked solid sea green; and the two youngest girls like pink; so, pink and burgundy for the baby girl and solid pink for the teenager.



Everyone loves the feel of the washcloths!

I will be making more for Christmas and upcoming birthdays for friends and family.

I guess I'll go to sleep now, it's after 3 a.m. Have to go grocery shopping in the morning...or, later this morning!

Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July Weekend!

An Eventful Weekend!

Hello all!

I had a terrific weekend! How about you? It was eventful and relaxing (those two adjectives in a sentence, together?)!

I needed a much deserved break from sewing, but my creative side will not let me be idle. So, I knitted washcloths for my family. 100% cotton fiber. So soft and they suds-up really well!




My daughter was invited to a birthday bash and a sleepover with her friend Molly. Upon Alexis' return on Sunday morn, she presented a pretty little bottle of raw honey from Molly's aunt. Mmmmm....good! Ruby's Amber Honey. She's a beekeeper. I'm intrigued! And, would love to spend a day with her, while she does, what she does.




Last, but not the least, my husband has been raving about a shop/boutique that he's driven by. "This shop is so YOU, and I KNOW you will love it", he says. So on his day off, while we were driving about, he surprised me and drove me to this lovely shop, Orlando Vintage in Winter Park, Florida. Vintage fashions, shoes, swimsuits, luggage, costumes, jewelry, and more! From 1890's to 1980's. He was right, I LOVED it!


I normally carry my camera with me, 'just in case'. I was in such awe of this shop and 'absorbing' it all, I did not take a single photo. If you live near or visiting the Orlando area, you have to stop by! However, I managed to gather my wits and had to have a hatbox from a company in Chicago (my hometown). I was familiar with the name on the box because of childhood memories of either grandparents or, someone in the family having a similar box. So, my wonderful husband purchased the hat box!


This weekend was a treat and very eventful!

Can't wait to see what adventures are in store for this week!

Have a Fabulous Week!