Sew Crafty

It's Been Swell

2007-09-01T16:34:00.001-06:00

but it's time to move on. Both Melissa and I are finding it harder to find time to make enough crafty things to keep this site interesting. I'll be adding my craft posts to a new personal blog I started, which you can view at Blackbird Pie Blog.

This site will remain but will no longer be updated.

Thanks for the fun!

Amanda & Melissa

Craft Blast from the Past II

2007-08-25T10:03:00.000-06:00

Why just visit the fringe festival this year when you can have your kids making big dollars busking with this divine Box Horse costume!

-A

Here comes another one

2007-08-24T09:06:00.000-06:00

just like the other one.

I tried another new stitch here, the red around the rocketship but I can't remember the name of it and supreme laziness is preventing me in going downstairs to look it up.

-A

Fridge Organizers

2007-08-21T13:35:00.000-06:00

In an effort to keep clutter off of the surfaces of my home, I made a couple of little things to keep pens and notepaper for grocery lists, etc on the fridge. To the right is a simple clip I glued magnets on and to the left is a box I made for holding pens and yet more notepaper. I made the box from a cereal box (cut the bottom off, cut that in half and inserted one side into the other) and then glued magnets on it and then covered the whole thing in fabric. Magnets make me a bit nervous with a small child around (if eaten by a child they can be fatal) but I used a really strong glue and they are either covered in fabric or out of DS' reach.

Inspired by Not Martha's Fridge Tin Pen Holder.

-A

Navy Rocketship

2007-08-19T11:44:00.000-06:00

One of a couple custom orders I received for this shirt. I tried a new stitch around the rocket, a cross-blanket stitch.

-A

Craft Blast from the Past

2007-08-16T23:48:00.000-06:00

My DH's grandmother gave me a set of craft cards that all sit in a little box. Sort of like recipe cards but each card has a craft project on it rather than a recipe. The set covers pretty much every craft you can imagine and DS really wants me to do a train applique he spied amongst the projects. Some of the projects though were just so outdated or odd that I can't resist sharing.

Tonight's feature vintage craft project: Fantasy Film Flowers. Now I really do not know why Becky didn't wear this headress at her wedding this summer, it is just so beautiful. I do not know what is classiest in this photo.. the carnation flowers, the soft light or the freaky makeup job. Maybe I will go as this photo for Halloween but then again, that might scare my kid.

-A

Castle Desktop Organizer

2007-08-15T14:09:00.000-06:00

I am so making one of these with DS. Via Activity Village

I am busy painting kitchen cupboards, so no crafting for me at the moment.

-A

Do I dare post?!?!

2007-08-10T08:50:00.000-06:00

I'm so ashamed that I basically haven't posted all summer. We are having a major home reno season, first we were outside now inside...so there has been very little time for crafting!

But here are some iron on transfer shirts i did last night. they may not make sense to anyone but the person they are intended for. Making shirts for Brodie and Cooper was Brodie's idea with the scrabble font. When he saw the other shirt. I was really impressed with the quality of the iron on transfer. These were pro grade ones bought from Best Blanks.

Elephant, circa 1976

2007-08-06T20:51:00.001-06:00

My MIL gave me this old toy pattern and I immediately recognized it because we had the dog and kangaroo when I was a kid. I made the elephant tonight.

-A

Pink Inked Bag

2007-08-06T13:57:00.001-06:00

I had more of this great fabric left so I made another bag with it.. for sale at Blackbird Pie. I also have some of the same fabric in multicolour but haven't decided what to do with it yet.

-A

Shop Update

2007-08-02T20:03:00.000-06:00

http://www.blackbirdpie.etsy.com

-A

Rocketship Shirt

2007-08-01T08:58:00.000-06:00

My son has rocketship pjs that he loooooves. It's been too hot to wear them so I said I'd make him a rocketship shirt he could wear instead.

-A

I heart the Edmonton Reuse Centre

2007-07-31T14:13:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to rave a bit more about the reuse centre. I went today and scored 4 ani difranco cd's, a vintage stamped embroidery linen, some blank linen for embroidery or cross-stitch (they had a whole barrel of linen and canvas pieces), 5 unopened craft kits to make a suncatcher with DS, some ribbon embroidery and luggage tags, along with some other little frames for kitschy cross-stitch, vintage stencils and some old Halloween materials (in big brown envelope, original price 35c.

So yeah, not really contributing to any downsizing efforts of mine but it is pretty dandy to take in stuff I won't use and get stuff I want to use in return.. all for 2$ a load, no matter how much you take. I bought a membership today (20$ for the year).

-A

Crankypants Magnets

2007-07-31T08:54:00.001-06:00

My new thing is making cranky little cross-stitches for magnets.

-A

Blackbird Pie

2007-07-29T14:51:00.000-06:00

Now I've done it. Introducing:

Blackbird Pie

-A

A few goodies

2007-07-26T22:52:00.000-06:00

A bib and 2 hair elastics (the beaded fabric flowers) and an Anpanman sunhat and onesie. The sunhat material and patch for the onesie are from my brother and sister-in-law's trip to Japan.

-A

Works in Progress

2007-07-25T13:48:00.001-06:00

Works in progress:
Mosaic and tile side table
Sunhat
Embroidery project

What's been holding up the posts:
It's summer and we are outside more
Doing home reno stuff instead
Decided to make a craft-supply filled closet into an emergency closet, which required a weeklong craft room clean.

Other stuff for readers to check out instead:
Edmonton's Reuse Centre. This place is cool. There are buckets of yarn, fabric, egg cartons and all kinds of things and you can take a bagful or a carful for only 2$. Guess who's getting a membership? I also unloaded things like sewing thread bobbins, old CDs and baby food jars.
Weeds. My new favourite show. Smart and funny. Third season starts next month.
The Dragonmobile on Craftster.
The Harry Potter Challenge on Instructables.

-A

Book Cover

2007-07-10T21:02:00.000-06:00

I purchased a copy of The Chrysalids at the thrift store. I love this book and have read it a number of times but didn't have my own copy. I didn't like the cover but some fabric and a hot glue gun fixed that.

Before: looks like someone designed this cover to make it look more adventurous or appeal to people who read The Hardy Boys. What are those things in the forest behind him? The villagers? They look like evil goblins.

After: A nice striped flannel cover from fabric Melissa gave me.

Okay and I just have to show off my other find- a Harry Potter pop-up book! I love pop-up books and this one is lots of fun. If you pull the tabs the streetlights go on and off and McGonagall transfigures. I had to restrain myself from putting an exclamation mark after that last sentence.

-A

Kitchen Chairs

2007-07-08T22:38:00.000-06:00

Another reason the posts have been slower on the site is I have been doing some home reno stuff and not all of it is crafty. This one counts though! I reupholstered my dining room chairs. This was my first time reupholstering and I did new foam and fabric and used a staple gun, oooh. I'd never used one before.

Before

After

I used a ReadyMade magazine tutorial from a copy the lovely Hilary sent me. Hilary blogs on Mom's Tinfoil Hat and Foodie Loves Picky. I listed to a mix cd from Jupitermama while doing this project and Jupiter may have the distinction of being one of the only people I know without their own website or blog. I have the distinction of writing really long sentences like the one above.

-A

Wedding Gift

2007-07-08T11:04:00.000-06:00

I wanted to do something traditional for my friends' wedding gift and decided on embroidered pillowcases. They turned out nicely but I completely underestimated the time this project would take (hence the lack of posts the past few weeks). This project represents Seasons One and Two of Weeds, and almost the entire audiobook of Stiff: The Curious Life of Human Cadavers.

Stitches used: split, satin and backstitch.

Hmm.. no wrapping paper, tied with a ribbon and something embroidered inside? I wonder who this is from?!?

-A

Talking Pea Puppets

2007-06-23T22:31:00.002-06:00

I love this! Tutorial here.

I might have to make Mama, Papa and Little Pea.

-A

Moon Apples

2007-06-20T12:07:00.000-06:00

I'm in the middle of a big project right now, so just a quick snack that my son likes. Cut your apples width-wise to make large circles and then use a small cookie cutter to cut a shape in the middle to remove the seeds. You can leave the slices as they are or cut out matching shapes out of cheese or another food item to fill in the hole. I got the small cookie cutters at Michael's, they were a halloween set.

Another fun apple snack we make is to cut the round circles, cut a small circle to remove the seeds and then use peanut butter and raisins to make happy faces on the apples.

-A

Superkid

2007-06-11T20:54:00.001-06:00

I made this for a little girl who is into superheroes. I tried to make the t-shirt look deconstructed and stylish but it came off pretty homemade-y ;) I used acrylic paint mixed with textile medium to put a line of messy number 4s stamped down one-side of the shirt, then set it with the iron. I carved the stamp out of a potato. Good thing she is just turning 4 and not 14. There is a matching wristcuff and headband around the top of the hanger. The shiny material is cool but tricky to sew.

-A

Banner Tutorial

2007-06-09T08:56:00.000-06:00

Stitch. Rip. Repeat has a banner tutoral on her site: Sew a festive banner. I have been meaning to make a Happy Birthday banner for parties.

-A

VeganYumYum- Knit Night Cupcakes

2007-06-09T08:52:00.000-06:00

Whoa! See post here.

If you go to VeganYumYum's main page you will find a tutorial to make these amazing cupcakes.

-A

Sunhats

2007-06-05T09:50:00.001-06:00

I have wanted to try sewing sunhats for a long time and finally gave it a go with Kwik Sew 3309. I am charmed with the results and by how easy they were to sew. I have some ideas I would now like to try with the concept. The one on the right is size 12-18 months and the left one is 3-6 months, both made with cotton and interfacing.

-A

This Week's Work

2007-06-02T21:23:00.000-06:00

A couple bibs and placemats:

A pencil crayon roll. I love the ribbon used for the tie, it is marked like a measuring tape.

and another cross stitch for my friend, this one is based on a Subversive Stitching pattern.

Any suggestions what to do with this old piece of embroidery I found? I really like it, but am not sure what to make with it. The stitching is about about 6"x 6" and it was made from a vintage pattern.

-A

Kid's Cardboard Camera

2007-06-02T13:04:00.000-06:00

You can make a simple cardboard camera with a small box and a toilet paper/paper towel tube (or roll your own tube from another peice of sturdy paper or cardboard). Trace the end of the tube onto the front of the box. Do not cut the circle out but instead cut from the centre to the edge of the circle, making a star or pie shape in the centre. When you insert the tube triangle shapes will invert and help hold the tube more snugly. Cut a viewfinder hole in the back and the front so you can see through the box. Use pieces of the cardboard you cut out for the viewfinder to cut out buttons to glue or tape onto the box. Cut out a picture and glue or tape it onto the back for the preview screen. Let your child decorate further, or you could make a strap to carry it around their neck if they'd like.

Look at the goodies I got in the mail this week! A chocolate lollipop fat quarter bundle. Yay!

I have already had some fun with the fabrics, more photos later!

-A

Tidbits from the Weekend

2007-05-27T19:29:00.001-06:00

I finished the embroidery piece I was working on and sewed it into a bib, along with 2 other bibs:

I also did a tiny cross stitch for a friend, this is just 1" x 1.25".

I was sorting through some old craft materials given to me by my MIL and her mother, and found these sweet embroidery patterns. I can't wait to use them, maybe on a clothespin apron. I love using my clothesline now that the weather is warmer. I do think though that you must get more sentimental when you get older because 10-15 years ago I'd probably rather wade in pirahna-infested water than wear embroidered kittens on anything.

-A

Baby Blue Onesie

2007-05-25T22:24:00.000-06:00

A onesie for a gift for an online friend who just had a baby. I have been wanting to try monochrome colour embroidery for a while and really liked the blue on this onesie so used a matching colour of thread. The pattern is a vintage pattern from http://needlecrafter.com/.

Stitches used: split stitch, french knot and lazy daisy.

-A

Toilet Paper Tube Snake

2007-05-25T22:20:00.001-06:00

An easy craft to make with kids. Have them paint the toilet paper or paper towel tubes and then punch holes in the ends to tie together with small peices of string. I tied a longer string on the end so my DS could pull it around behind him. For small children if you are making a pull toy either use a very short string (7 inches or less) or very fragile yarn that will break easily so it is not a choking hazard.

-A

Baby Gift

2007-05-23T13:10:00.000-06:00

My Wednesday tennis instructor is obsessed with tweety bird..so I made a tweety bird snap T for her baby due in the Fall. As well as a wrap. Melissa

Picnic Placemat Roll

2007-05-22T13:12:00.000-06:00

We go on lots of picnics in the summer but I am always a bit skeeved by the picnic tables which have had who knows what on them (squirrels, people's bums, old food) so I sewed this placemat roll today during naptime. I can throw it in the wash when I get home if it gets dirty and it's more environmentally friendly than paper napkins (I am going to sew a cloth napkin to tuck in there too). K, you can stop teasing me about wanting to bring my tablecloth because now I have these!

-A

Update- These are so easy to make and will be so useful! I made another for me tonight and I used a stitch I hadn't tried before on my machine to finish the edges. I will be taking these camping, they can be wiped with a damp cloth and hung to dry. If you fold the top half over the silverware they fold up quite tidily.

A Bag Only a Parent would Need

2007-05-18T13:35:00.000-06:00

I wanted something washable I could bring with me when we are out and about, so I whipped this together during naptime today. I was going to use some embroidered courduroy, then I was going to use rainbow ribbing to match the red courduroy but both times I remembered that DH said if he is carrying a bag remotely feminine people look at him like he might have stolen it.

-A

17 Bags Plus One

2007-05-17T16:59:00.000-06:00

I just finished this big order for 17 tote bags. They are unlined and have a pocket with a badge on the front.

A summer bag. I couldn't resist the prints at the fabric store. I did something new and used wide ribbon for the handles, doubling it and sewing seams on each edge with a pretty stitch.

My newest addition in my quest for an organized sewing room.

-A

Do you have a craft blog?

2007-05-13T20:35:00.000-06:00

If you do, comment below and I will add you to our links on the right.

I am almost done a big bag order and then I can't wait to make some summery things!

-A

Updated my tags

2007-05-12T15:42:00.000-06:00

phew, I finally went through all my old posts and tagged them. You can click on a word on the right and see all the posts tagged with that description. For tutorial I also included posts with links to off-site instructions.

-A

What to do with a book your kid rips up

2007-05-07T12:30:00.000-06:00

Thankfully this time it was not a library book but an old book about airplanes we bought at a garage sale. Won't the mailperson be impressed!

-A

Ribbon hair clips

2007-04-27T16:32:00.000-06:00

I just got my hair cut again yesterday and made these to have a cute way to keep my hair out of my face while playing tennis and volleyball! melissa

Work in Progress

2007-04-26T12:16:00.000-06:00

-A

Pencil Crayon Roll

2007-04-23T22:19:00.000-06:00

Well, this seems pretty dorky compared to the hobbit house below, but I think my kiddo will dig it. And it's something you can make with fat quarters of fabric if you don't quilt.

-A

Tiny Bag End

2007-04-22T22:19:00.000-06:00

The backstory: link

The finished project: link

I'm in awe.

-A

Skirt and Backpack

2007-04-20T15:11:00.000-06:00

Well, I certainly have been getting my money's worth with that backpack pattern! These two items were made for a charity fundraiser, I will post more about that later.

Now, the pattern for the skirt (it's size 4) reads for the waistline "add one inch to waist measurements" so I had to guess what size a 4 year old's waist would be. The last time I guessed measurements I made a skirt for B's 3 year old that was big on her 6 year old. I hope it fits okay.

-A

Sun Jars

2007-04-09T22:32:00.000-06:00

These are so pretty! It would also be cool to use etching cream to make designs on the glass. These would be so nice for outside on a patio.

Not Martha's instructions
Instructables's instructions

-A

Hiatus is over...

2007-04-09T14:02:00.000-06:00

Hopefully! Things are settling down a bit around here so I can finally start contributing more! thanks for holding down the crafting fort Amanda :) Not to mention the ass kicking job of sprucing up the place :)

Okay so its not particularly exciting but I have 3 wraps to make. Here is number one. Its a pity I can't get a good picture. The fabric is wonderfully soft and its the prettiest sage green colour :) Melissa

Knitted Egg Cozies

2007-04-06T22:10:00.000-06:00

Egg cozies I knitted last year on creme and caramel eggs. I like the stripey one best.

-A

Hurrah!

2007-04-03T14:55:00.000-06:00

Months ago I participated in a swap where I filled a pringles can with crafts. My partner flaked, then my swap angel flaked too and I was a little bummed about it as I tried really hard for my swap items. Then today I received a suprise in the mail- someone felt sorry I was flaked on twice and sent me a can of goodies!

Fabric, calorimetry, necklace, earrings, singer sewing machine miniature and chocolate!

I was really cheered up by their thoughtfulness and generosity as they didn't receive anything in return for sending this.

-A

Happy Birthday Shirt

2007-04-03T14:48:00.000-06:00

A happy birthday shirt for my DS who turned 3. It's embroidery but I am hoping next year I can make him a screen-printed one.

-A

Embroidered Bibs

2007-04-03T14:44:00.000-06:00

Two bibs with vintage embroidery patterns.

-A

Gifts from a Friend

2007-04-03T14:34:00.000-06:00

These were all made by a friend of mine, which she sent in a lovely package to DS and I.

Bear toy

Headband

Knit hat for DS

Felted Firefighter hat

She is hoping to have an etsy store, I can't wait!

-A

Playdough Recipe

2007-03-20T12:16:00.000-06:00

Playdough Recipe

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 tsp cooking oil
food colouring
optional- packet of kool aid without sugar (little envelope), makes it smell yummy and adds colour

1. Mix all ingredients and stir over low heat until thick and clings to a spoon. Mixture should form a ball. (Use low heat. For years I used too high of a heat, it's better if you are patient and use the low heat. I also add the food colouring/kool aid to the water first instead of directly into the pot, helps distribute it more evenly- Amanda)

2. Remove from sauce pan and place on a smooth, dry surface to cool.

3. Knead until smooth and pliable.

4. Store in airtight container. This clay will stay soft for months if always returned to an airtight container after play.

-----

This is my favourite playdough recipe. It is soft, lasts a long time, is much cheaper than store bought playdough and there is no packaging to create excess waste. Also, playdough can keep my son entertained for over an hour, which makes it worth approximately it's weight in gold.

Make Your Own Egg-Shaped Sidewalk Chalk

2007-03-16T16:52:00.000-06:00

instructions here at Skip To My Lou.

Let's not forget the accessories

2007-03-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

a matching diaper case to hold a little wipes container and a couple of diapers. Pattern can be found on Jan Andrea's baby-related craft site.

-A

I know this will be a big suprise

2007-03-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

I have made more bags.

A commissioned messenger-style diaper bag. The messenger flap is a cool taffeta with flocked printed flowers, the bag body is corduroy with embossed flowers and it has a checkered lining that made my eyes slightly cross when trying to cut and measure it. It has a couple of bottle pockets on the sides.

and a Thomas toddler backpack, made for a swap.

-A

More iron ons

2007-02-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

Realy because thats all I have the energy for these days.

Brodies says ride it like you stole it and Coopers says Keep on rockin in the free world :) M

Little Bird in Nest

2007-02-23T00:14:00.000-07:00

A little toy I made for my son. I really wanted to go out and buy new fabrics and make a black and white nest with a red bird but I refrained and used scraps.

-A

Inked Bag

2007-02-21T16:02:00.000-07:00

A bag I made for my friend K's birthday.

I used a webbing strap I scavenged from a bag my husband was going to throw out but made the newbie mistake of trying to iron out a wrinkle in it and melted a small part of it. I really like the webbing though, it adjusts easier than the fabric straps and it much easier than sewing a strap myself.

-A

Headband & babooshka (sp?) lol

2007-02-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

I fixed the tension on my sewing maching today and gave it a good greasin'. I spun off a headband for me ( oh lordy check out my bed head) and a babooshka (sp?) for Karlynn...I love the word babooshka...just wish I knew how to spell it! m

Iron ons

2007-02-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

To my chagrin it turns out the instructions were there all along...(so embarassing) So I spun off a few shirts the toher night. Here is the first, psted from the other blog:

I ordered some fancy pro grade iron on transfer sheets from the states and made Brodie a shirt that says "Future Astronaut" with a space shuttle on it. When I gave it to him he asked me what it said, and explained that I thought he was so great at learning about the solar system that someday I bet he would get to go to space. Well, he burst into tears and said he didnt' want to leave his home..it was so cute and sad at the same time. So I explained to him that it would be when he was big like daddy he could choose to go, he was fine with that and asked to wear it...that was 4 or 5 days ago now. And he hasn't taken it off much, I can usually get it off long enough to wash it..but I'm guessing I will be picking up another white shirt and making a second one! I aslo made Cooper and Tyler shirts that say "Sleep is for the Weak" M

Clutter Catcher

2007-02-11T23:26:00.000-07:00

I sewed this over the weekend for the car. I still hate bias tape, but pockets for diapers, pockets for granola bars- be still my organizer-loving heart!

-A

Trivet

2007-02-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

A trivet I designed to amuse myself.

-A

Felt Name Banner

2007-02-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

A friend (hi!) conveniently admired my son's name banner (received in a swap) about a week before her DS's birthday so I was able to whip one up. I tried some new stitches on the letters from my embroidery encyclopedia.

Stitches used:

split stitch

running stitch

chain stitch

cable chain stitch

blanket stitch

-A

Seasons Feltboard

2007-02-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

Wow....I am so crafting challenged these days! Here is the seasons feltboard I made for a birthday present for a boy turning 3 :). Unfortunately, my brand new iron on transfer paper does not come with instructions (have to call Monday)so almost all my rion on parts were wrecked last night :( So I will do them again this week, once i have more info..they are hot peel...way trickier than reg ones ..or its just me (thats entirely possible ;)

So the permanent part of the feltboard is the tree, clouds and sun. Everything else can move. M

Knitty Calorimetry

2007-02-02T21:49:00.000-07:00

I was lamenting my lack of knitting skills to stitch up one of Knitty's Calorimetry headscarves/ponytail-liberating-toques when my lovely friend Andrea made a couple and sent them up to me. Merci, you are now in my will and I bequeath you all my unfinished craft projects!

Pattern here

PS- note the earrings. It was a fabulous mail day, a trifecta of headscarves, earrings and the lastest copy of BUST.

-A

Santa Stocking, Feb 01/07

2007-02-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

can be viewed here

Of course, lots of other projects in the works.. more bags, a trivet, a banner and maybe a paper mache sculpture.

-A

Decluttered

2007-01-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

Two more bags. The photos of these don't do them justice. The black is a courdoroy with embroidery on it and the brown is an embroidered taffeta. And I now eat invisible zippers for breakfast, rar!

And I did some craftroom cleaning this weekend.. stuff was piling up and all cluttered. I even did the closet. I was about to give this shelf away when my cousin called me and I told her what I was doing and she remarked that she wanted a shelf to put her fabric stash in, instead of bins, so she could see what she had in stock. Good idea, N.

-A

Slacker crafter

2007-01-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

Wow, Amanda has really been keeping the ship afloat while I took my hiatus..I didn't really intend to but I think I got all crafted out after Xmas.

So here we are, 2 wraps..the very summery one is for a friend who left for Palm Springs today..the wintery one, which feels like fake suede, is for a new sasky baby!

Then I made this rad belt during Cooper's nap today. LOVE it, going to wear it to a party on Sat night :) idon't even care that I used dark brown thread lol. (didn't have orange or green, or cream...)

and now for something completely different

2007-01-21T18:02:00.000-07:00

Polymer clay! It's been years that I can remember making anything from it. My previous creations were quite fragile, which I later learned was due to the type of clay I was using (Sculpey III). I switched to Fimo and though it takes more work to condition it is much sturdier.

Dumbledore

I used a mold to start his face, then altered it to make the nose longer, and his face more wrinkled and more craggy. He is entirely made of clay, except for his glasses, which are made from wire and there are seed bead accents in his sash. I used pearl ex powders for metallic accents. It's been a while since I sculpted and it looks a little unprofessional but I still like him (it's Dumbledore, so I like it by default). For a craft swap.

And some wee chocolates, to be made into magnets

-A

Organizer, Headband and Bookmarks

2007-01-21T17:53:00.000-07:00

Latest attempt at the organizer and I am pretty happy with this one! And you can never say I didn't get enough out of that fabric.. mei tais, headbands, pouches, wallets, organizers..

Plus a headband and some bookmarks (lined with felt on the back) for a swap.

-A

My New Earrings

2007-01-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

Aren't they sweet? Made with resin, seed beads, matrioshka paper doll and the jewelry fittings and red beads. Purchased on etsy, of course.

-A

Attack of the Bag Lady

2007-01-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

-A

The last of an old sweater

2007-01-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

Last night I used up the last of the old wool sweater I bought at salvation army. I made a whole bunch of Xmas decorations and now I made these two stuffies for my stuffed up boys. I thought something loveable and squishable might help them feel a bit better with their colds.

I know everyone and their dog is making these kind of monster/ugly stuffies...but when they are so easy and end up so cute ...how could I resist?! I plan on making more when I find a funky coloured wool sweater at the thrift shop.

So sewn up old sweater, stuffed, Brodies has the buttons, Coopers has an embroidered face to be safer. M

Etsy Stuff I Like, Pt 2

2007-01-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

Click to see listing.

-A

Red Brocade Shoulder Bag

2007-01-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

I just made this for myself, since I am digging the hands-free design so much right now. This one is also less bulky than the larger bags I have made for myself. I happily mastered the invisible zipper, assisted by this tutorial online. It's lined on the back with a black courdoroy.

-A

No Idle Hands Here (and Happy New Year)

2007-01-01T15:52:00.000-07:00

This will keep me busy for a while, I'll post progress on the first of every month. I expect to be done in June 2007 (eep).

Feb 01 Update

What it'll be when it's done:

-A

A crafty evening

2006-12-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

last night I finished the 3D Chicka Chicka Boom Boom felt tree for an Xmas present (I'm of course also making one for Brodie) :) I used a styrofoam cona that I glued to a wooden base, then wrapped felt around the cone. I sewed a pipecleaner into the leaves so if bent they will stay where you put'em. Then I cut out the entire alphabet out of different colours of felt. The other little boy apparantly loves Chicka Chicka Boom Boom as muhc as Brodie so I hope he likes it!

Then I got this awesome asian inspired cherry blossom print and made 2 belts, then 3 headbands. This is one of them. M

they said I'd never create that mouse army!

2006-12-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

Directions to make your own army of mice here.

-A

One for Me, One for a Sister

2006-12-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

When I showed my sister the vogue bag pattern she raved about the cheetah print version so I made her this one for $mas and delivered it last night. I also made a matching dog leash but still have way too much cheetah print fabric left over. Maybe I will make Melissa a cheetah print poncho with matching headband for her birthday this year.

I also indulged on this for myself. I saw it on a local second-hand site weeks ago and hemmed and hawed about it for a long time. But I started a new* project this week and those wooden scroll bars are hard on the wrists. Plus now I can be an uber-~~nerd~~ crafter and stitch with one hand over and one hand under.

*okay, not new, but a project I wanted done for this year and didn't happen, so I am making it for next year.

And how cute is my kid when he sits beside me to do his own sewing with this little wooden apple? Very.

-A

Percival Feltboard

2006-12-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

Last night at about 11pm I remembered that I was about 80% finished this feltboad that I needed to send with dh to work this morning. EEP! So I got out the felt and went to work! It goes with the book Percival the Plain Little Caterpillar, for the life of me I can't rmeember how to run the tile of the book into the link so here is the link (i'm so useless...)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1740471091/ref=sib_dp_pt/104-2348049-7324745#reader-link

I took the picture with my new snazzy camera :) M

We Eat a Lot of Oranges

2006-12-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

My little guy was lining up boxes today to make a train when I felt something funny in my head (my brain working?) and I tied them together with yarn with a yarn loop for a handle, using the holes the boxes already had. He's happy enough as is, but bigger kids could cover their boxes with paper or paint them or decorate them however they wanted.

My favourite new bag

2006-12-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

is the one I made with this pattern:
http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/voguepatterns/shop.cgi?s.item.V7862

It's such a nice bag because it's so very hands-free plus it has a little pocket in the strap for your cell phone or a small wallet to be easily accessed.

I have to say though, following patterns is hard when you're used to making things up as you go. Lots of confusion and the invisible zipper was really frustrating, but cool enough that I want to keep trying to master it.

-A

What I've Been Up To

2006-12-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

I am sewing bags this year instead of wrapping paper, with fabric I bought 3 years ago for this purpose. The seams are kinda wonky as I let my two and a half year old step on the pedal for me (idea M gave me). I am also busy filling those bags but not much more left to do.

Some Xmas gifts

2006-12-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

Since people are going to have some of these presents right away I figured what the heck might as well post them! Everyone is too busy to look here right now anyway! M

A wrap baby carrier (terrible picture but I didn't look at it til it was already wrapped so too bad! lol)

Vintage button magnets. These magnets are so freaking strong I bet I could attach myself to the fridge...

An ocean themed feltboard and a dinosuar themed feltboard.

Super cool Xmas countdown idea

2006-12-14T16:24:00.000-07:00

How cute are these numbered envelopes?!

http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/sewing_room/index.html

Dragon and Christmas Embroidery

2006-12-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

Two teatowels I made last year. The reindeer is clipart and the bunny is from a set of vintage patterns I bought on ebay.

Baby onesie:

Next on the embroidery schedule are these elves from Wee Wonderfuls.

-A

I have issues

2006-12-09T22:46:00.000-07:00

Do you think I could make one ribbon headband?! Lordy no! The ones that are gifts have extra elastic sticking out so the recipient can adjsut to fit their head if needed. I am keeping 4 of them :) They look ever so country club on me...might need to start calling me Missy again ;) M

Bippity Boppity Bibs

2006-12-09T22:29:00.000-07:00

I love sewing bibs, they are quick(ish) to sew, you don't need a lot of fabric and they are a nice showcase for the fabric, embroidery or applique. Unfortunately they also mean working with my arch nemesis, Bias Tape. I will defeat you yet, Bias Tape!

24 hours of crafting

2006-12-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

This is what I've been working on the last 24 hours. 10 wreaths, 10 scarves, 2 belts, 2 bags. Phew. Tis the season! M

Belts

Bags, these are the first bags I've ever made...and I have learned I ahve the attentions span of a fruit fly....LOL Amanda I now know how much work must go into yours!

Ornaments, a better picture than the ones from a few days ago. Funny what difference a little light in the room will do ;)

Handcrafted Play Food

2006-12-08T23:07:00.000-07:00

Wow, I tried to make some felt foods but these are just wonderful. From Mahar Drygoods, click photos to link to site.

-A

Scarf ornament

2006-12-07T16:31:00.000-07:00

yes you guessed it I am focusing on the ornamanents at the moment...I cut this scarf out of the ribbing of a sweter I "felted" the same sweater I used for the little mittens below. Little vintage button to embellish. - M

wreath ornament

2006-12-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

Thank you Martha! I picked up her latest special issue all about handmade holiday gifts Holiday Handmade Gifts. This gift topper was in it, but instead I am making them into tree ornaments. I wrapped green pipe cleaner around a donut shaped piece of cardboard. Then I sewed on the bow and beads. its too bad but the picture doesn't show how sparkly these cute little beads are :( M

Can't Afford a Christmas Village?

2006-12-07T10:15:00.001-07:00

Make your own! The fun part about this is that the kids can help decorate the houses too. I've been saving boxes and for mine I want to cut windows and put tissue paper in them with lights inside and use evergreen branches as little trees. Click link for instructions with templates. If I get mine done I'll post a picture.

-A

Shadow and a Bee Block

2006-12-06T21:59:00.000-07:00

So it turned out Sonic was a big hit, and I got a request for Shadow the Hedgehog for Christmas.

I also put some of my fabric scaps to use before my scrap drawer exploded. (If you're looking at the photo mystified, it's a baby toy.)

-A

Christmas ornaments

2006-12-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

I've been busy trying all sorts of Christmas ornaments. I want some of them to be a surprise so until I have given them away I will only post these. I bought a 100% wool sweater from Salvation Army and washed it a few times to "felt" it. I finally read a tip that dishsoap helps the process and it does! So finally with my felted wool I cut out these little mittens and then sewed in the string. I think they are pretty sweet :) M

Black Train Backpack

2006-12-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

The black fabric is from an old pair of pants, I found the train fabric at a craft store. It took me 2 naptimes to finish.

-A

Yes, more bags

2006-12-03T22:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the redundancy of my posts, it's gift-making time.

But for fabulous holiday inspiration check out this flickr group:

-A

Stroller Blanket

2006-11-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

This blanket is for Brodie. His fave colour is green :) Its the windproof/waterproof fleece on one side and this pretty green flecked with other colours wool on the other. I thought it would be great for the stroller and car trips. M

My First Etsy Purchase

2006-11-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

was this print for my son's room

You can see more of the artist's work on her blog The Black Apple. Scroll down and you'll see why I suddenly really, really need some trees in my living room.

-A

Assorted Gifts and Crafts

2006-11-28T22:34:00.000-07:00

Quilted christmas wallhanging. Quilting requires patience and precision, so I don't do much of it. Look at my loops, they are crazy lopsided and I will have to include that specific stick with the gift to make sure it hangs straight.

I whipped up another bag out of the remnants. I always request or purchase extra fabric in case I make a mistake and then if it all works out I have remnants to play with.

Embroidered bear bib. It has the sweetest blue, white and red Red Riding Hood print on the back, but I couldn't get a nice picture of it.

-A

baby mittens

2006-11-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

I've concluded that baby mittens you buy in stores ar a joke. They are super short, super thin and can generally be removed by a baby in about 5 seconds. So (or sew) waterproof/windproof fleece was 50% off the other day and I got some to make some real baby mittens. the kind that basically go up to the baby's armpit lol. I'm trying them out in our -40 weather today. Next out of this fabric will be car/stroller blankets for the boys and a pair of mittens for Brodie, his will be slightly trickier because his will need thumbs ;) . M