The Sweet Smells of Spring

You know how some scents remind you of something, someone, somewhere, or even some time in your life?  Smelling cheap Stetson cologne reminds me of the teenage boys from my youth.  The odorous combination of fried food and diesel fuel makes me think of when I lived in England.  And the sweet, old-fashioned smell of lilacs reminds me of playing outside with my friends when I was kid growing up in Iowa.  I could smell these lilacs from my kitchen this morning.  My husband planted three bushes a few years ago in the far corner of our back garden.  I clipped this little bunch and smiled thinking of those playful times so many years ago.  

It wasn't easy going back to work after getting back from my Gulf Coast vacation.  Besides working at my day (I actually work nights) job, I have managed to finish my Blueberry Hill Bali Pops quilt top!  It actually came together rather quickly.  I chose the strips for each block randomly, however I was sure not to place like pieces next to each other.  

Blueberry Hill Pattern      Bali Pops in Watermelon Fabric

I hung it horizontally so I could take a better photo.  It measures 56" X 68."  I'm going to use the same fabric for the backing as used for the borders, which, I think, ties all the colors together a bit better.  I've got the batting and am ready to start quilting!  I know I said I wouldn't quilt my next quilt myself, but I think I can handle this size.  I am thinking about "stippling."  What do you think? 

I've got another project in the works as well.  I'm still in the planning stages of a wall hanging.  I want to do a  nautical themed art quilt to hang above a small antique dresser at the top of the stairs in my house.  I bought two "jellyfish" art glass pieces down on the coast and I've placed these, as well as a few other reminders of the trip on this dresser.

Boring wall above dresser

Aren't they cool?

Keeping the tentacles of the jelly fish in mind, I plan to transfer an octopus image onto fabric for the center.   I found this awesome octopus at The Graphics Fairy.

I'm still working on design, but I will most likely go with half square triangles.  I've chosen blue and cream for the main colors and have purchased my fabric, including this ticking remnant I found at JoAnn's for $5.00.

I'm also planning on getting some bags done for my nearly bare Etsy shop and also make myself a case for my new iPad!  Busy busy!

Tootles!
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Ups and Downs

Geisha Girl Cosmetic Bag (Flat Bottomed)

Surfer Girls Cosmetic Bag (Flat Bottomed)

Wow!  It's been awhile!  I've been MIA for over a week.  I cannot say the reason for my absence is that I've been busy creating, sewing, baking, or doing anything fun.  In fact, the only thing I've been busy doing is physical therapy.  Having this new knee is a lot of work!  "They" said I'd have ups and downs in my recovery.  The last couple of weeks have been full of "downs."  I've been going to torture therapy sessions three times a week, which actually does help, but geesh, I'm ready to be back to normal!

When not at therapy (or napping), I have been working on a few projects, mostly presents for upcoming birthdays and Christmas.  I made the two image transfer cosmetic bags above and added them to my Etsy Shop last week.  I've completed half of a poncho I've been knitting for my daughter.  Her birthday is in a couple of weeks.  I've also done a little more freezer paper stenciling.

This time, I used sparkle acrylic paint mixed with textile medium to create fabric paint.  I've never tried this technique before.  I think it worked pretty well, although the fabric is a little stiffer than had I used regular fabric paint.  This t-shirt is for my step-daughter, Samantha.  She is involved with a dance troupe at her college.  I hope she likes it!

    

A few nights ago I read a jewelry tutorial at Marla Plain and Small.  Marla's tutorial describes how to make jewelry charms using Dimensional Magic Mod Podge.  I tried the technique using a silver necklace bail and paper I cut from a thesaurus.

The Dimensional Magic is actually some pretty cool stuff.  It really does add dimension and the charm would have been really cool had I not used such a thin piece of paper.  I think the poor quality of paper is the reason why the words on the reverse side can be seen.  I will definitely try this again, but I will use higher quality paper, maybe even laminated?  If any of you have used this product, let me know.  I'd love some pointers!
  

Tootles!

  

A Christmas Commitment

I've been thinking a lot about Christmas lately.  Pinterest is probably a major reason for my Yuletide thoughts as is my obsessive browsing on Etsy.  I've decided this will be a handmade year.  I've pledged to either make gifts myself or buy handmade.  I've also pledged to be involved in charitable giving this year.  Every year I "plan" to get involved in a charity, but time always seems to get away from me (insert another excuse here) and my plan fails. This year, however, is going to be different.  No excuses.  There are 70 days until Christmas.  Let the Christmas countdown commence!

I've done a bit of research and have come up with a list of organizations in need of handmade items for the person(s) they serve.  Have a look through this list.  I'm sure you'll find one or two that might help you decide to get involved, too!

Project Linus volunteers, also called, Blanketeers, make blankets for kids who are seriously ill.  These handmade blankets can be quilts, crocheted, knitted, or even made tied fleece.  There are Project Linus chapters in every state.

ConKerr Cancer accepts handmade pillowcases.  These cases are then given to kids  who are battling cancer.  There are ConKerr Cancer chapter nationwide.

The Ships Project is an organization supporting America's military troops.  They accept handmade knitted socks, knitted or crocheted slippers and hats.

Soldiers' Angels Sewing Team also helps out America's military persons.  There are multiple ways to help this organization, but the Sewing Team works to make blankets, sand and "cool" scarves as well as pillowcases.

Binky Patrol is a national organization of volunteers who make and distribute handmade blankets to kids currently in foster care, children born HIV +, infected with AIDS, abused, or chronically or terminally ill.  The blankets can be sewn, crocheted or knitted.

Threads of Compassion is a group of sexual violence survivors based in Chicago.  They support "new" victims by giving them handmade (knit or crochet) scarves when they enter a hospital for emergency treatment.  

Compassionate Creations is a Massachusetts chapter of Threads of Compassion.  This group also helps victims of domestic violence and accepts lap squares (18" to 30" square) and wristbands as well as knit or crocheted scarves.

Carewear volunteers sew, knit, or crochet handmade baby items for hospitals.  There is a huge list of links and patterns on the Carewear website.

Wrap Them in Love is an organization that collects and distributes donated quilts to kids around the world.  This group is based in Washington. 

The Shawl Ministry website has a lot of information (and patterns) about joining and or starting your own Shawl Ministry.  

Obviously this list is only a small percentage of charitable organizations in need of handmade items.  If you are involved in one not listed, please let me know.  I will create a page just for these links.  No excuses.  We can all get involved this year!

Tootles!

A New Look, Part II

By now you've probably noticed the changes I have been making to my blog.  I've lost count on how many times I've changed the header in the past week!  I've been playing around in Photoshop and I came up with the character in the header as well as along the sidebars.  Please grab my new blog button!  I'm thinking of naming my new little characters.  Any suggestions? 

So why all the changes to my blog?  It's time, I guess.  I really love the vintage images I have used since I started blogging, but I want to try something new, fresh, and a little funky!  I hope you stick with me through these changes.  I am really excited about the new look and new ideas I have regarding posts about sewing, knitting, art, food, books, and more!  Speaking of knitting, I've almost finished the scarf I started a few days ago.  Look for it in my Etsy Shop in a few days!  Unfortunately I haven't been able to get into my sewing studio yet, but I think I'll be able to get to it by the weekend.  Thanks so much for your comments and emails wishing me a speedy recovery!  

Oh, if anyone knows an easy way to add post dividers in Blogger, please let me know!

Tootles!

One More Day

Love Coin Purse

Tomorrow is D-Day!  I've been waiting (and wishing for) this day for a long time, but, if I'm honest, I'm actually a bit nervous.  Why?  I'm not really sure.  I've been keeping myself busy the last few days for a few reasons...I want things organized when I get home from the hospital and I'm keeping my mind from wondering off to the "what ifs" of my knee surgery.  I've completed several sewing projects, including a couple of coin purses. 

I made this little bag for a friend's daughter, Nina. She is a huge Big Time Rush fan.  In case you were wondering, BTR is a boy band from Nickelodeon Channel.  I made the BTR coin purse using an iron on patch I purchased.  I then hand stamped "Nina" using my alphabet stamps and fabric ink.  I listed my "Love" coin purse Monday afternoon in my Etsy Shop and it sold within about thirty minutes! Very exciting!

I've also completed a "secret project" for the Bloggerette Sorority Sisters Halloween Swap.  I can't show you what I made, however because it is SECRET until after all the projects are mailed and received.  Then participants will write and post photos of their projects.  They will also reveal their partners at that time.  So stay tuned!  All the projects are due on October 11.  You can click on the link to the Bloggerette page and you'll find a list of the participants as well as more information about the swap, etc.

Okay, don't laugh.  I made a couple of walker totes!  My doctor said I'll be sporting a walker for three or four weeks, so I figured why not make a caddy in order to carry some magazines, hand sewing, knitting, etc.!  I used Simplicity 2822.  The pattern was surprisingly easy.  It was much like just making a regular tote bag.  In the photos, I've attached the bags to the back of one of my chairs as I don't have my walker...yet!  

Lots to do!  Tootles for now!  

Friends

Ah, there is a definite fall smell in the air this morning!  The current temperature outside my home is 62 and the high is only supposed to be in the low 70's.  Awesome!  Of course this is the mid-west and the weather can change drastically within hours.  Anyway, for now, it's superb!  Speaking of the mid-west, I want to let you know that I have joined the Kansas Etsy Team!  I'm really excited about being a part of the team, meeting fellow Kansas Etsians, learning from them, and generally spreading the word about Kansas' artisans!  Cool huh?  One fellow team member is my friend, Liza, from MacKomics Studio.  Liza is a genuine artist and all round cool gal.  She lives in Lawrence and hosts artist events every week.  Check out her blog for more information.  You'll also want to check out her blog because she has graciously accepted my request to to finish out the year as host of  Dress Up 2011.  I've posted the Simply Link link for September's Dress Up, so if you have your dress ready, you can post it there.  Or, wait and Liza will have a link up for September dresses and then she'll pick the themes for October, November and December!  Thanks Liza!

What have you been working on this Labor Day weekend?  I started this little embroidery sample a few days ago and finished up last night.  I think she's pretty cute, but I sort of wish I would have used red, or a darker color, for her hat and dress.  I'll try this again.  A perfect project for when I'm laid up after my knee surgery!

I've also been working on a "Curse."  This is the word my friend used to describe the kind of bag she is looking for.  She wants a case for her iPad as well as a purse for her other stuff she carries with the iPad.  So, I'm experimenting with a messenger style bag that will carry her iPad securely, her purse items, while not bulking, as well as the power source for the iPad.  I've made a sort of inside pocket for the iPad and, hopefully, will get a chance to work on the rest of the Curse later today.  

Have a great Sunday, friends!  Have a great Labor Day, too!

Tootles!

Angi's (Treasury) List

Since I'm going to a wedding late Saturday afternoon, I've got "something borrowed, something blue," on the brain!  I created a Treasury List on Etsy with that theme in mind...BLUE, that is.  Have a look and find your favorite!

Distressed Bookcase

Blue Aster Seeds

Hand Embroidered Little Girl

Carved Bluebirds atop Antique Sewing Spools

Something Blue Wedding Cake Cookies

"Nurturing" Art Print

Lovebirds Print

At The Seaside Dress

Wooden Pedestal Bowl

Cindy Adkins Handmade Bracelet

Tiny Teapot Tin

Organic Cotton Triangular Shawl

Geometric Kimono House Shoes

Soy Candle

Mosaic Peacock

The fabulous blue bracelet was made by the fabulously creative Cindy Adkins!  She is a terrific artist and friend.  She "featured" me on her magazine blog, Whimsical Musings Magazine.  She has an awesome Etsy Shop and another blog called, Whimsical Musings.  Thanks again Cindy!

I'm off to a wedding!

Tootles!

And The Bag Goes To....

Congratulations to Liza from MacKomics Studio!  Liza won my bag giveaway!  Liza can now choose any bag in my Etsy Shop and it's her's!  In case you missed it, this giveaway was my way to celebrate the opening (finally) of my Etsy Shop!  I'm so thrilled with the feedback I gotten back about my shop!  Guess what?  I made my first online sale over the weekend!  I'm still learning the ins and outs of Etsy, specifically, tags, labels, categories, "circles," etc.  I'm still not sure how to add more tags and what they should be in order to get my views, but I'm sure I'll sort it out soon!  I'll have plenty of time for an Etsy education pretty soon.  More about that in the next paragraph, so keep reading!  Again, I just want to say, "thanks" to my fellow Etsy sellers for adding me to their circles and helping me spread the word about my shop! 

I also want to thank everyone who commented or sent me emails in response to my last post about my weight loss.  Your words of encouragement really help to keep me motivated.  I'll let you in on the real reason I've been trying to lose weight and get into shape.  I'm scheduled for total knee replacement surgery next month!  If you are a regular reader, you'll remember that I had knee surgery this past March.  I had the hardware removed that had been replaced a few years ago.  You could say I had a screw loose!  Well, that surgery really kicked my butt. My recovery was slow and hard.  It made me realize, however, that I needed to get into shape before the "biggie" surgery.  So, that's my reason for my latest diet and exercise plan.  After all, I do not want to hobble into rehab post surgery and have the 70 and 80 year old patients outdo me!  Embarrassing!  Seriously, I am happy I am finally going to have a new knee.  I'll keep you posted on my progress.  

Finally, here is a sneak peak at one of my new bags.  

Going For a Ride Zipper Bag

Going For a Ride Zipper Bag

I'll be placing into my shop soon.  For the record, the pleating, along with the "recessed" zipper...not so easy. Oh, I'm looking for a pattern or online tutorial for a laundry bag / backpack.  My biggest daughter, my soon to be college graduate (fingers crossed), would like one so she can carry her laundry to the laundry mat.  If you know of a good pattern or online tutorial, let me know!  Thanks.

Thanks again everyone.  I'll chat with you soon!

Tootles!