tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18932942028176788092024-03-13T04:43:07.456-07:00Crafting with CookieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-81611456285712509192012-02-18T16:52:00.000-08:002012-02-18T16:53:22.177-08:00Sewing Sites Like RavelryI'm pretty sure that I have been a member of Ravelry.com for a couple
of years now. It's a great site for crocheters and knitters. It allows
you to keep track of your projects and your stash. You also can find
patterns for sale or for free. And there is a very active forum where
you can connect with other avid yarn lovers. You can find local crochet
groups or just connect with others online.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Sewing Sites Like Ravelry.com</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nPIQUzv38fs/T0BAqQF_8iI/AAAAAAAAAe0/RRsgjx0fccs/s1600/msclogo.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nPIQUzv38fs/T0BAqQF_8iI/AAAAAAAAAe0/RRsgjx0fccs/s1600/msclogo.png" /></a> </h3>
Well, I sew and do a few other
crafts as well. And being on Ravelry today got me to wondering if there
was a sewing site similar to Ravelry.com. I was thrilled when I came
across <a href="http://mysewingcircle.com/">MySewingCircle.com</a>.
Carrie, the owner of the site, said that she was looking for a site like
Ravelry and couldn't find one. So, she and her husband created one!
Gotta love that.<br />
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<br />
<br />
I
think they did a great job of capturing the things that make Ravelry so
great. As far as I can tell, the site has all of the same features. But
there are not nearly as many members, though. My Sewing Circle has only
been around since February of 2010. I'm hoping that's part of the
reason why it's not full of people yet.<br />
<br />
So, I wanted to
get the word out to other sewers who wanted a site like Ravelry. I just
signed up there and looked at a few of the projects. The site
definitely has a lot of potential. You can find me under username <a href="http://www.mysewingcircle.com/member/show/10444">craftingwithcookie</a>.<br />
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<br />
Another sewing site that is similar to Ravelry is <a href="http://seamedup.com/">SeamedUp.com</a>. Currently the site is in the beta phase. But it looks great already. Again, the set up is very similar to you-know-who.<br />
<br />
Seamed Up looks like it has a lot more current activity on it from users and the owner. So, that's a good sign. Maybe this site will take off and become a great place for the sewing community to meet. I'm <a href="http://www.seamedup.com/user/craftingwithcookie">craftingwithcookie</a> there as well.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-49375819227221771512012-02-17T16:13:00.000-08:002012-02-17T16:24:09.079-08:00Homemade Craft Supplies for the ChildrenI have spent a lot of time on Pinterest over the past few days. One of the boards that I have focusing on is the one titled <a href="http://pinterest.com/cookiesdomain/homemade-fun-for-the-children/">Homemade Fun for the Children</a>. I could go on forever adding pins to it. But at some point, I actually need to start making some of the items that I have found.<br />
<br />
So, that is what the children and I will be focusing on next week. By the end of the week I want to have the majority of our homemade crating supplies/materials made. So, this is my plan of action to help us (hopefully) be as productive as possible.<br />
<br />
<b>We'll Start with Dye</b> <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/286682332499680885/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/286682332499680885_wMRKoYXu_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.momtastic.com/home-and-living/home/168293-diy-kaleidoscope-rice" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">momtastic.com</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a><br />
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<br />
We will spend Monday making everything that involves food coloring, except paint. That means we'll dye pasta and rice. And we'll make the fun dough. We'll also make the modeling clay since we'll already have the flour out. <br />
<br />
<b>Liquid Tuesday</b><br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/286682332499663480/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/286682332499663480_CGBoqEcA_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/homemade-finger-paint-176355" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">food.com</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></td></tr>
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<br />
We'll make the paints on the second day. We're only making 3 types, so that may not take that long.<br />
<br />
<b>Weave It Wednesday</b><br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/286682332499681004/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/286682332499681004_jHsDPG1A_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Source: <a href="http://makeitawonderfullife.blogspot.com/2011/11/cd-weaving-tutorial.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">makeitawonderfullife.blogspot.com</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></td></tr>
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<br />
We'll make the looms on this day. I'm thinking that each of the younger children should get his/her own looms.<br />
<br />
<b>Beads Galore</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/286682332499663523/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/286682332499663523_NV9zKAMl_c.jpg" width="165" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.education.com/activity/article/beads_preschool/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">education.com</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<br />
Beads seem like they will be a bit time consuming. But hey, there's always time for art, right? So, we'll make as many beads as we care to on Thursday.<br />
<br />
And that's the plan. By the end of the week we should be set for awhile with our homemade craft materials.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-50122434927940411862012-02-04T13:49:00.000-08:002012-02-04T14:07:06.320-08:00Making Cleaning Rags from Old ShirtsI consider myself to be a very frugal person. I avoid disposable products whenever possible. However, for sanitary reasons I will never give up toilet paper; and, I will probably never give up paper towels either. Sorry, I'm just not comfortable with cloth napkins. But I also use paper towel to do a lot of my cleaning and I'm trying to cut down on that.<br />
<br />
So, I made some rags from my sons' old shirts. I have 3 sons so by the time my youngest has grown out of the clothes they are too thread bare to donate. I was throwing them away. But then it dawned on me that the t-shirts would make excellent cleaning rags. Here's how you do it.<br />
<br />
Lay out the shirt on a flat surface.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6q5uEORnYU/Ty2fomeN23I/AAAAAAAAAd0/MUrUCIW20c8/s1600/2012-01-30_13-11-03_540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6q5uEORnYU/Ty2fomeN23I/AAAAAAAAAd0/MUrUCIW20c8/s320/2012-01-30_13-11-03_540.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I remember buying this little shirt from Goodwill when my oldest was 4 years old. He is now 13 and my youngest is 4 and just outgrew the shirt. How time flies!<br />
<br />
Use pinking shears - if you have any - to cut the fabric. That way there is no hemming required. Well let's be honest. I wouldn't take the time to hem a rag anyway.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7a31m4Rj-ic/Ty2gYeS7gnI/AAAAAAAAAd8/iFvQ8N5vwH0/s1600/2012-01-30_13-12-05_696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7a31m4Rj-ic/Ty2gYeS7gnI/AAAAAAAAAd8/iFvQ8N5vwH0/s320/2012-01-30_13-12-05_696.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Put the pinking shears underneath one of the arms and cut straight across.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ec5f5sbu5_I/Ty2gcSaERqI/AAAAAAAAAeE/gIpvEgUKMdA/s1600/2012-01-30_13-12-45_412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ec5f5sbu5_I/Ty2gcSaERqI/AAAAAAAAAeE/gIpvEgUKMdA/s320/2012-01-30_13-12-45_412.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I discard the top part of the shirt. Maybe one day I'll figure out a use for it.<br />
<br />
Then cut up one side.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tAME-jmfax4/Ty2gfmEDVQI/AAAAAAAAAeM/__A8zfG5DLc/s1600/2012-01-30_13-13-15_512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tAME-jmfax4/Ty2gfmEDVQI/AAAAAAAAAeM/__A8zfG5DLc/s320/2012-01-30_13-13-15_512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And then up the other.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6DDLYJ4a5HU/Ty2gjNBKhxI/AAAAAAAAAeU/sE3ZvaZWdtg/s1600/2012-01-30_13-14-27_123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6DDLYJ4a5HU/Ty2gjNBKhxI/AAAAAAAAAeU/sE3ZvaZWdtg/s320/2012-01-30_13-14-27_123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
And voila! I got 2 reusable cleaning cloths from one toddler size 4 shirt.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xb53EDRtz6A/Ty2gmQQbUSI/AAAAAAAAAec/gM8sbTXJKOE/s1600/2012-01-30_13-15-55_818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xb53EDRtz6A/Ty2gmQQbUSI/AAAAAAAAAec/gM8sbTXJKOE/s320/2012-01-30_13-15-55_818.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have made several of these to keep underneath the bathroom sinks. The children or I use them to clean the sink, the tub, and finally the toilet. Then we toss them in the laundry. Hopefully, I'll see a drop in the amount of paper towels I use in month.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-75745284036111919662012-02-03T13:45:00.000-08:002014-11-01T09:08:05.618-07:00A Ten Minute Dolman Top: My Version<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I recently lost some weight and now I am on a mission to make myself some new clothes. I want to make clothes that are cute, fast to make, and that don't require a pattern. From what I've gleamed so far from the internet, that appears to be mostly tops and skirts. I am posting all of my finds on <a href="http://pinterest.com/cookiesdomain/new-wardrobe/">Pinterest</a> so that they are all in one convenient location for future reference. I really like that site! But that's for another post.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n4AMBqOOzFQ/VFUEprTy7vI/AAAAAAAABCg/UurU3FSWSyk/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n4AMBqOOzFQ/VFUEprTy7vI/AAAAAAAABCg/UurU3FSWSyk/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The first item that I made was a dolman top. I had seen a really cute one on Ross's website on sale for $12. The design looked like it couldn't be that complicated so I did a bit of searching and found <a href="http://1hungryhippie.blogspot.com/2010/08/sewing-clothing-top-in-ten-tutorial.html">Hungry Hippie's Poppy Top</a>. Hello! The top fit all of my criteria. A 10 minute top with only 2 seams that required no hemming? How could I not make it?<br />
<br />
I pulled out a yard of fabric that I'd gotten on clearance from Fabric.com. When I purchased it I didn't have a clue what I would do with it. But who can turn down a yard of jersey knit for only $1.95? OK, maybe you can. But buying fabric on sale is one of my favorite things. Anyway, I immediately got to work following Hungy Hippie's tutorial to the "t".<br />
<br />
This was the result.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZZ77FI3ZXo/TyxPW_zA-fI/AAAAAAAAAc8/mp044V3ebHg/s1600/dolman+top+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZZ77FI3ZXo/TyxPW_zA-fI/AAAAAAAAAc8/mp044V3ebHg/s320/dolman+top+before.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
I kind of liked it but I wasn't wild about the neckline. It was just too big for my taste. I had traced the neckline of a stretchy shirt that I already owned, thinking that the size would come out just right. But for whatever reason that didn't work out like I thought it would. I almost gave up on the top, figuring it was only about $2.00 and a little bit of time that I had just spent.<br />
<br />
But then I remembered my friend <a href="http://craftingwithcookie.blogspot.com/2010/08/simply-shirring.html">shirring</a>. I have used the technique a few times and it is beyond easy. So I added one row of shirring about 1/2 an inch from the neckline.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6jdj7a_GaI/TyxRmdaFNRI/AAAAAAAAAdE/yEIbo8Twpng/s1600/dolman+top+shirring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6jdj7a_GaI/TyxRmdaFNRI/AAAAAAAAAdE/yEIbo8Twpng/s320/dolman+top+shirring.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It took less than a minute to do but the shirring made a huge difference! I went from wanting to abandon the top to wanting to wear it as soon as possible.Which I did, since we had company over for dinner that night.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIEzhdOe6xU/TyxSYYVyzUI/AAAAAAAAAdM/_iu45d5ESbo/s1600/dolman+top+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIEzhdOe6xU/TyxSYYVyzUI/AAAAAAAAAdM/_iu45d5ESbo/s320/dolman+top+after.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-20759283864290985802012-01-24T10:11:00.000-08:002012-01-24T10:15:35.349-08:00Cleanliness is Next to Craftiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xNXgUQ69ugo/Tx3oiUbgatI/AAAAAAAAAbE/mzXplNFX_2s/s1600/2012-01-11_12-22-07_87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span id="internal-source-marker_0.09669329131251281" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Seemingly, my dirty bathroom has nothing to do with my crafting.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xNXgUQ69ugo/Tx3oiUbgatI/AAAAAAAAAbE/mzXplNFX_2s/s1600/2012-01-11_12-22-07_87.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xNXgUQ69ugo/Tx3oiUbgatI/AAAAAAAAAbE/mzXplNFX_2s/s320/2012-01-11_12-22-07_87.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">But
here’s the thing. Once my house reaches a certain point of messiness, I
lose all desire to be creative. I feel like it’s wrong to crochet or
sew when my bathroom is dirty or my laundry is piled up or or my sinks need to be
scrubbed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I can thank my mom for this. And I do sincerely thank her. She taught me to never do anything fun if my work isn't done first. That has probably helped me to keep a fairly clean house for most of my adult life. But sometimes life happens and the the messiness creeps in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_XLYEzcIW8o/Tx3ozOH-7DI/AAAAAAAAAbs/zW5bRMBtnsM/s1600/1326306268360.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_XLYEzcIW8o/Tx3ozOH-7DI/AAAAAAAAAbs/zW5bRMBtnsM/s320/1326306268360.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">And the guilt is multiplied if the craft storage </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">area in my
closet is dirty. And it had been since my Christmas sewing began.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> As you can see from the pic, mess happens - especially in my closet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Believe it or not, my closet doubles as the place where I store all of my craft supplies. Really, seriously!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is a view of where I keep my yarn. It's down there on the floor among the heaps of clothes and other items.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmgp6Pbmbko/Tx3ovUaVDHI/AAAAAAAAAbU/kp-0ZmRN_BA/s1600/2012-01-11_12-24-07_947.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmgp6Pbmbko/Tx3ovUaVDHI/AAAAAAAAAbU/kp-0ZmRN_BA/s320/2012-01-11_12-24-07_947.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I had been living in this condition since the beginning of December. But then that desire to make something struck me. I wanted to make myself an </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://pd-designs.blogspot.com/search/label/Freebie"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">earwarmer headband</span></a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> and sew some </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/cookiesdomain/barbie-clothes-and-accessories/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Barbie clothes</span></a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
for my daughter. But I couldn’t bare to pull out the sewing machine or a
crochet hook until I fixed all of the wrongs in those rooms. It was wrong to
make my ears suffer the cold or to deprive Barb of a new outfit just
because I wouldn't get my act together.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So, I had no choice but to put some sparkle back in my bathroom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sHY88oelCnQ/Tx3pgr28IDI/AAAAAAAAAb0/YjIb4Trdsvk/s1600/2012-01-13_16-17-44_446.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sHY88oelCnQ/Tx3pgr28IDI/AAAAAAAAAb0/YjIb4Trdsvk/s320/2012-01-13_16-17-44_446.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Things were starting to look better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, I straightened out the shelf where I store my sewing supplies and I hung up all of my yards of fabric. Thanks to my Christmas sewing my stash is not much of a stash anymore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-TYyDm5-Lc/Tx3ps4fXlQI/AAAAAAAAAb8/lHoE71eQ_lY/s1600/2012-01-23_13-44-30_190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-TYyDm5-Lc/Tx3ps4fXlQI/AAAAAAAAAb8/lHoE71eQ_lY/s320/2012-01-23_13-44-30_190.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RK9aWrut_vM/Tx3py-tsWEI/AAAAAAAAAcM/bYMv2YCIqqY/s1600/2012-01-23_13-46-34_729.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RK9aWrut_vM/Tx3py-tsWEI/AAAAAAAAAcM/bYMv2YCIqqY/s320/2012-01-23_13-46-34_729.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also put all of the fabric scraps in shoe boxes and arranged those on some shelves. I put all like things together - ribbons with ribbon, buttons with buttons, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09uZS7rlFZ8/Tx3pv-jqRvI/AAAAAAAAAcE/aR6r4oblTCw/s1600/2012-01-23_13-45-08_432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09uZS7rlFZ8/Tx3pv-jqRvI/AAAAAAAAAcE/aR6r4oblTCw/s320/2012-01-23_13-45-08_432.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I cleared the floor so that I can actually see my yarn now, and my cookie cutters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29aNpkON4u4/Tx3p2VTPLOI/AAAAAAAAAcU/TU120-B1Rws/s1600/2012-01-23_13-48-16_941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29aNpkON4u4/Tx3p2VTPLOI/AAAAAAAAAcU/TU120-B1Rws/s320/2012-01-23_13-48-16_941.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And there is my floor. I can actually walk in that space again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wj7pQPe0Qjo/Tx3p5kmoyfI/AAAAAAAAAcc/tt0FgwiTT7U/s1600/2012-01-23_13-51-04_972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wj7pQPe0Qjo/Tx3p5kmoyfI/AAAAAAAAAcc/tt0FgwiTT7U/s320/2012-01-23_13-51-04_972.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sewing machine and crochet hooks, here I come!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-10011892251168478872011-12-18T09:21:00.000-08:002012-02-03T14:06:38.563-08:00Handmade Christmas UpdateWell, I am happy to report that we will wind up having a handmade/store bought Christmas. I did make a few things. And my husband decided to divert a little of our budget towards some gifts from Amazon. Also, a wonderful relative sent several gifts for the children as well.<br />
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Anyway, here are the gifts I made by hand for my children this year. <br />
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<b>Handmade Pillow Pet Pal Friends</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0lp4OKdLxs/Tu4QehzvjcI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/TbZQ_Fohwug/s1600/338173_10150476299246011_503596010_10795927_1324049151_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0lp4OKdLxs/Tu4QehzvjcI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/TbZQ_Fohwug/s320/338173_10150476299246011_503596010_10795927_1324049151_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made these adorable little animals using this <a href="http://twelvecraftstillchristmas.blogspot.com/2010/07/pillow-buddy-tutorial-part-1.html">pillow pet tutorial</a> from Twelve Crafts Till Christmas. <br />
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<b>A Dress for My Daughter</b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGmHnLEG5CA/Tu4RoS67DKI/AAAAAAAAAWY/zme5W4kQ_pM/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGmHnLEG5CA/Tu4RoS67DKI/AAAAAAAAAWY/zme5W4kQ_pM/s320/017.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002P1WY7O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=writiforresid-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002P1WY7O">Simplicity pattern 5226</a>.<br />
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<b>Denim Fox (First Name "Denim", last name "Fox")</b><br />
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I made this handsome fella using a couple of cut off portions of my son's jeans. When the children's pants get too short, I turn them into shorts. I now have a ridiculous number of "denim cut offs" in my stash. So, when I saw the <a href="http://www.rufflesandstuff.com/2011/06/pippa-and-rascal-free-softie-pattern.html">fox and raccoon tutorial from Ruffles and Stuff</a>, I knew immediately that I had the perfect material on hand.<br />
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<b>Juggling Balls </b><br />
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[pic coming soon] <br />
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It was very challenging to find items to make for my 13 year old. So, I was glad that when I came across this <a href="http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-hacky-sack/">crocheted hacky sack ball tutorial</a>. I filled each one with garbanzo beans (they're what I had on hand) inside of taped up sandwich baggies. That way the beans won't start to sprout if the balls ever wind up in water.<br />
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<b>House Shoes for Everyone</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMqdFZDR_FA/TvSuAbfBfLI/AAAAAAAAAWs/a9ahaoTmhLw/s1600/332819_10150526330441011_503596010_10954401_1876398593_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMqdFZDR_FA/TvSuAbfBfLI/AAAAAAAAAWs/a9ahaoTmhLw/s320/332819_10150526330441011_503596010_10954401_1876398593_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Believe it or not, these were NOT HARD at all to make! The pattern I used is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003AESNXE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=writiforresid-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003AESNXE">Foot Prints #702</a>. The pattern includes slippers for sizes 18 months - adults for boys, girls, women, and men. I rarely buy patterns; but, this one was an <i>excellent</i> investment.<br />
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<b>Fashion Doll Clothing</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhVWtPvCMmg/TvSuzdyv_hI/AAAAAAAAAW4/YR7n1XvtuTI/s1600/415489_10150533922456011_503596010_10984076_1472004347_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhVWtPvCMmg/TvSuzdyv_hI/AAAAAAAAAW4/YR7n1XvtuTI/s320/415489_10150533922456011_503596010_10984076_1472004347_o.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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My daughter's Barbie-ish doll recently lost her head during a very intense hair styling. She is the model in the above pic, which explains why this is a headless shot. Hey, I try to reuse as much as I can. So this doll is now my Barbie dress form.<br />
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Anyway, so I got my daughter a new doll for Christmas. But the doll was dressed like "We Be Clubbin" Barbie. So, I quickly whipped up a more modest outfit for her.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bNGWRvwcFQ/TvSu1VFH4hI/AAAAAAAAAXA/zXDJj6hwe54/s1600/414508_10150533972631011_503596010_10984195_1978254983_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bNGWRvwcFQ/TvSu1VFH4hI/AAAAAAAAAXA/zXDJj6hwe54/s320/414508_10150533972631011_503596010_10984195_1978254983_o.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
I could definitely get used to making items to supplement Barbie's wardrobe. I used the <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2010/09/easy-barbie-skirt-tutorial.html">Barbie skirt tutorial </a>and the <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2010/09/barbie-cap-sleeve-shirt-tutorial.html">Barbie shirt tutorial</a> found at Craftiness is Not Optional. (What a fabulous name for a blog.) <br />
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<b>How Much I Spent</b><br />
The only material that I purchased was about $15 worth of poly-fil. I used the 40% off coupons at Hobby Lobby to save a little. And everything else was materials that I already had on hand. Of course, I also used several free patterns I found on the internet. But, you know what? I still <i>barely</i> made a dent in my various craft stashes.<br />
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So really, the biggest investment was time. Which wasn't much of an issue because I did the majority of my sewing after the children went to bed.<br />
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I am very grateful to God for helping me accomplish what I did.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-69553760601159554842011-10-03T14:08:00.000-07:002011-10-03T14:08:37.799-07:00Handmade Christmas - 2011The year before last we had a "homemade" Christmas. I made almost all of the children's presents. Because of this, it wasn't a very lavish Christmas. I made the childen pajamas, fun dough, a doll or stuffed toy, and coloring books printed from the internet. And my husband and I supplemented the gifts with necessities that we purchased (socks, undies).<br />
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Mind you, I didn't start until after December. But I was able to make about a dozen gifts in that short time frame. So that got me thinking, what could I accomplish in 3 months time? Maybe gifts that my children will find very special? Well, that is a question that I just cannot leave unanswered. That's just me. So, I started my handmade Christmas on Sept 24th and I will be working, almost daily, to finish by December 20th.<br />
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<b>Use it Up </b><br />
But there is a catch to all of this. I have been accumulating sewing and craft supplies since we moved into our house 3 years ago. Let's just say that I tend to shop more than I create. So, I am challenging myself to use only (well, almost) the materials that I already have in my <strike>closet</strike> sewing/crafting nook.<br />
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<b>$$$ </b><br />
I don't anticipate that challenge being much of an issue. It will actually be a help. If you could see my various stashes then you would understand. And to keep myself <strike>accountable</strike> on track, I will share each project (with pics) once it's completed; and, I'll list any items and the prices that I purchased in the making of it. My goal is to keep the total under $15.<br />
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<b>So Far...</b><br />
I have already written down all of the gifts that I want to make and matched up materials in my stash. Whenever possible, I will work on multiple projects at once. For example, I can make all of the pajamas at once by working in stages - cutting out all of the pieces, and then sewing, and pressing in mass. That's how I was able to complete 4 pairs last year in a little under a week. <br />
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I also started on a project on the 24th of September that I plan on finishing up today.<br />
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<b>Jesus is the Reason for the Season</b> <br />
I know that is true.
I want my children to be thankful for God and for everything that they
have. I don't want them to obsess over presents, ever. They are very
sweet children and usually ask for very little. So, I think that it will
be great for them to receive a some nice things that they weren't
expecting.<br />
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Plus, I see this as an opportunity to use the talents that God
has given me to benefit my family to the fullest. I told my husband
awhile back, that has become more and more of a desire of mine. And with God's help, I will make it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-87631947912442373552011-06-15T11:41:00.000-07:002011-06-15T11:41:09.770-07:00Bible Tote Bag<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gxZtyUGAbjM/Tfj7JHRRvUI/AAAAAAAAAR8/9tSSF4SeAqg/s1600/DSC06536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gxZtyUGAbjM/Tfj7JHRRvUI/AAAAAAAAAR8/9tSSF4SeAqg/s320/DSC06536.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bible Tote Bag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Last night I finished up a tote bag that I am very pleased with. I used this <a href="http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/misc15.html">clustered tote bag pattern</a> that I found on <a href="http://crochetpatterncentral.com/">Crochet Pattern Central</a>. That is my number one go-to site for free crochet patterns.<br />
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Anyway, I am trying to shrink the size of my yarn stash. And a tote bag to hold my WIPs (works in progress) seemed like a good way to start that process. But once I finished the bag I realized that it is the perfect size to fit a Bible in ( a little over 11 in. in length). So, I lined it and am sending it to a dear family member who cherishes the Word of God. I hope she likes it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-31347665881606328982011-04-27T13:45:00.000-07:002011-04-28T09:13:59.513-07:00Kaftan Patterns and Tutorials<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDJy88vgUTY/Tbh0XAniWVI/AAAAAAAAARI/t2guY7zD9Ms/s1600/kors+kaftan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDJy88vgUTY/Tbh0XAniWVI/AAAAAAAAARI/t2guY7zD9Ms/s320/kors+kaftan.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Kors kaftan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I recently got to go to a Michael Kors store. The designs were so beautiful it was almost more than I could handle! Kors clothing is not currently within my budget. But I was inspired by the simple designs that he uses to create such feminine items. I noticed that several of his tops and dresses were variations of the kaftan, peasant blouse, and shirt dress - made using gorgeous fabrics. <br />
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I recently made a <a href="http://craftingwithcookie.blogspot.com/2011/03/im-so-happy-with-peasant-blouse-i-made.html">peasant top</a> because I saw a Kors one that I really liked. And now I am on a mission to create a beautiful kaftan. I think that I've already found the perfect tut (the 1 hour one) but I am compiling as many links as possible and studying them all before I proceed.<br />
<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://sewconvert.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/the-1-hour-kaftan-tutorial-butterfly-kaftan/">1 hour kaftan tutorial</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.modestclothes.com/patterns_files/caftan.htm">How to sew a simple caftan </a></li>
<li><a href="http://indietutes.blogspot.com/2009/01/dashiki.html">IndieTudes dashiki </a></li>
<li><a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2011/04/free-pattern-month-day-1-sew-convert.html">Sunny resort blouse </a></li>
<li><a href="http://wkdesigner.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/caftan/">Weekend Designer caftan</a></li>
</ul><br />
OK. So there aren't as many simple kaftan tutorials online as I thought there would be. But I think the 3 above are enough to help me get the job done.<br />
<br />
Plus, I held up a kaftan in the store and immediately noticed that it was basically just a giant hemmed rectangle of fabric that was folded in half with a neckhole in the center and seams stitched up below the armholes. It almost looked to easy to be right. But the 1 hour tuturial confirmed my suspicions. It really is that basic.<br />
<br />
<b>The Plan </b><br />
So, I'm going to use the neckline instructions from the "sew a simple caftan" instructions and stick with the 1 hour design for the rest. Then I'll put buttonholes in the blouse for belt loops like the sunny resort blouse.And I will be praying too; that always helps. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-34650484135830798772011-03-21T12:28:00.000-07:002011-03-21T12:28:19.809-07:00Making a Easter Pillowcase Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_r8AvpjbiAc/TYemvPRm2VI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/cGMwsOUEE0U/s1600/cross1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_r8AvpjbiAc/TYemvPRm2VI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/cGMwsOUEE0U/s1600/cross1.jpg" /></a></div>Resurrection Day isn't until April 24th this year. I feel like that gives me plenty of time to make an outfit for my daughter. But every time I think that way I wind up starting projects at the last possible moment. So, in an attempt to overcome procrastination I am going to start on the dress this week.<br />
<br />
I want to make a dress that is simple, cute, and doesn't require a pattern. So a pillowcase dress seems perfect, especially since I already have a yard of some very "springish" fabric. The fabric has pink and purple in it. Which means, it will be an instant hit with GG no matter what style of dress I create. I have never made a girl's dress without a pattern so this seems like the way to go.<br />
<br />
I found this <a href="http://www.aroomsomewhere.net/2007/07/pillowcase-dress-tutorial.html">very detailed tutorial for a pillowcase dress</a>. I like that every step is broken down with good instructions and pics. The reason why I'm probably going to go with this tut is because it shows how to make the dress out of fabric instead of a pillowcase. GG is too tall ( baby girl is growing up on me) for that now.<br />
<br />
However, I am not completely sold on the idea of the tutorial yet because it looks like most pillowcase dresses look a bit flimsy. I was going to figure out how to line it. But I found out that you can make reversible pillowcase dresses. So, I am strongly leaning toward doing that instead. For just a little more effort I can have two dresses instead of one. This looks like good directions to help me make a <a href="http://blog.polkadotbug.com/reversible-dress-tutorial.html">reversible dress</a>. And here is a tutorial specifically for a <a href="http://sewingmamas.com/b/downloads.php?do=file&id=499">reversible pillowcase dress</a>, but it doesn't look quite as easy to follow as the other one.<br />
<br />
And I'm also going to crochet a <a href="http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet/Crochet-Shoulder-Shrug-Pattern">simple shrug</a> so GG's shoulders will be covered in church.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-60651236135692758202011-03-15T13:22:00.000-07:002011-03-15T13:22:38.129-07:00I'm So Happy with the Peasant Blouse I MadeI gave the <a href="http://craftingwithcookie.blogspot.com/2011/02/found-adult-peasant-blouse-tutorial.html">peasant blouse tutorial </a>a try and I am so happy with how my blouse turned out. My husband photographed the finished top for me. I think that the main reason why the top looks so great is because of the wonderful fabric that I bought on clearance from <a href="http://fabric.com/">Fabric.com</a>. The shape of the peasant blouse is a bit boxy. But once I added a belt that I'd crocheted awhile back the top looked really flattering on me.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z4SN1zdjc74/TX_G7BzvrQI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/X9gF2FG-kG4/s1600/swirly+peasant+blouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z4SN1zdjc74/TX_G7BzvrQI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/X9gF2FG-kG4/s320/swirly+peasant+blouse.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">swirly peasant blouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<b>The Tutorial</b><br />
I could not have asked for an easier tutorial. It is full of pics and really does a great job of taking you through the whole process, step by step. I followed the directions and did not make any adjustments at all since this was my first time drafting a pattern for a blouse. But I've already begun a second top with some slight alterations to give that blouse a completely different look than this one.<br />
<br />
Also, the suggested variations found at the end of the tutorial were a great bonus. That's what gave me the idea to tie a belt just underneath the bust area.<br />
<br />
<b>Difficulty Level</b><br />
I consider myself to be an intermediate sewer. I learned how to sew over 20 years ago. But I just recently picked the hobby back up after not sewing for over a decade. I found this top extremely easy to complete. It only took a few hours from start to finish and I did not have to do any guesswork with the directions, like I have to with some free online tutorials.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-35727638112702151272011-02-27T13:28:00.000-08:002011-02-27T13:28:01.885-08:00Found an Adult Peasant Blouse TutorialI am on the hunt for some simple- but cute - blouse patterns that I can sew for myself. I have found several for my GG (she's 5) but coming by tutorials for adults has been a bit more challenging. So of course I was so excited when I found a pattern for an <a href="http://www.thingsofcloth.com/documents/Adult-size_Peasant_Blouse_Tutorial.pdf">adult sized peasant blouse</a>. This link goes directly to the PDF that came up when I did a search on Google. I usually link directly to the site's page but when I went to <a href="http://thingsofcloth.com/">Things of Cloth</a> I couldn't find the page that linked to this tutorial. <br />
<br />
Anyhoo, I am very excited about getting started on this project. I want to make myself several tops because I ALWAYS wear t-shirts and I think it's about time that I make my wardrobe a bit more stylish. I kind of lost the inner fashionista once I started having children. But I feel that she's in me somewhere trying to get back out. So, hopefully making this top will be a first step toward helping her find her way back.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-63721903869296624122010-09-02T09:17:00.000-07:002011-02-14T19:31:13.521-08:00My Sewing Queue<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/TH5_6ykDN0I/AAAAAAAAAMg/P8N3CB3DrKk/s1600/sewing.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511983641930184514" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/TH5_6ykDN0I/AAAAAAAAAMg/P8N3CB3DrKk/s320/sewing.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
I am constantly finding cute sewing projects that I would like to get to someday. Who knows when that day will be. But I still want to have a way of keeping the links on hand for when I do pull out the sewing machine again. So. below are some projects that I hope to get to in the not so distant future.<br />
<br />
All of the links are for free tutorials from various blogs and websites. There are many generous crafters online who happily share how-to's of their creations. Thank you all!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Girl's Clothing</span><br />
<a href="http://indietutes.blogspot.com/2009/01/dashiki.html">dashiki</a><br />
<a href="http://indietutes.blogspot.com/2007/07/peasant-blouse.html">peasant blouse</a><br />
<a href="http://indietutes.blogspot.com/2010/08/solar-dress-free-pattern.html">solar dress</a><br />
<br />
<b>Household Items</b><br />
<a href="http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/ELProjects/Simpleproduct_ELP.aspx?productid=PR1113">insulated casserole carrier</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
School Items/Toys<br />
</span><a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2009/10/tutorial-how-to-make-plush-alphabet.html">alphabet magnets</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/2010/06/bean-bag-numbers-tutorial.html">bean bag numbers</a><br />
<a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=63644.0">zippered pencil pouch</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-55762474377982736732010-09-01T10:37:00.000-07:002010-09-01T15:33:25.727-07:00My Crochet Queue<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/TH7UFUZCqnI/AAAAAAAAAMw/DC-IkiJfQdY/s1600/crochet+hooks.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 184px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/TH7UFUZCqnI/AAAAAAAAAMw/DC-IkiJfQdY/s320/crochet+hooks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512076181786241650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo Courtesy of S. Brumley</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/TH7Txmc90DI/AAAAAAAAAMo/-YF2Jv3tuo0/s1600/crochet+hooks.jpg"><br /></a>I have an on again off again relationship with crochet. Sometimes I crochet almost daily for a month or more at a time. Then I'll put it down and not pick it up again for months. That's where I am right now. I haven't crocheted anything in a few months. But when the mood hits me again here are a few projects that I definitely want to make.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crocheted Toy Food</span><br /><a href="http://www.beansproutcreations.com/2008/07/09/crochet-breakfast/"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>breakfast </a>- bacon, egg, and toast<br /><a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80061AD.html?noImages=">sardines</a> - free membership required to view pattern<br /><a href="http://kaylmnop.blogspot.com/2008/08/watermelon-slice.html">watermelon slice</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-20813116656019041332010-08-05T09:03:00.000-07:002010-09-01T16:31:25.730-07:00Crochet Christmas Ornaments - Free PatternsI am starting late but I am going to crochet some christmas ornaments this year for the tree. I won't be able to buy the yarn until this weekend. So any pattern that needs the color red will have to wait. I don't know if I'll complete all of these but here is a list of links of the patterns I'm going to make.<br /><br /><strong>Free Patterns - Crochet Christmas Ornaments</strong><br /><a href="http://members.aol.com/SAG55/bells.html"></a><br /><a href="http://members.aol.com/cillcrochets/ginger.html">gingerbread man</a><br /><a href="http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/Holly%20and%20Berries%20Ornament.html">holly & berries</a><br /><a href="http://www.crochetnmore.com/icecicle.htm">icicle</a><br /><a href="http://members.aol.com/SAG55/jbell.html"></a><a href="http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/little%20drummer%20boys%20drum.html">little drummer boy drum</a><br /><a href="http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/Mittens%20Ornament.html">mitten</a><br /><a href="http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/paid/ornaments/p103036popcornwreath.shtml">popcorn wreath</a><br /><a href="http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/free/ornaments/f103008squareornament.shtml">square</a><br /><a href="http://www.crochetnmore.com/stockingornament.htm">stocking</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-13039498262231155392010-08-05T09:02:00.002-07:002010-09-01T16:31:25.730-07:00Icicle Ornament<center><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee100/cookiesdomain/icicle_ornament.jpg" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br /><a href="http://www.crochetnmore.com/icecicle.htm">This ornament </a>took merely minutes to make but it's so cute. I used 2 strands of 3-ply yarn and I added a loop for hanging by chaining 25 and joining with a slip stitch.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-30852247380614010132010-08-05T09:02:00.001-07:002010-09-01T16:31:25.731-07:00Crochet Picot Snowflake<center><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee100/cookiesdomain/picot_star.jpg" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br />This is another quick but cute <a href="http://members.aol.com/SAG55/psnow.html">ornament</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-36849503109702449482010-08-05T08:59:00.001-07:002010-08-05T08:59:51.280-07:00Making a Felt Board TutorialsI am thinking about making a felt board for the children for bible stories, shapes, and whatever else. Right now I'm just compiling a list of links to refer to later once I actually have time to get started.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bright.net/%7Edouble/feltbo.htm">the feltboard is your friend</a><br /><a href="http://www.dltk-kids.com/type/felt_board.htm">DLTK felt board printables</a><br /><a href="http://babyparenting.about.com/od/activitiesandplay/a/flannelboard.htm">about.com: how to make a flannel board</a><br /><a href="http://www.archjrc.com/childsplace/felt.html">felt board activities</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-50609083268360597522010-08-05T08:58:00.001-07:002010-08-05T08:58:32.488-07:00Duct Tape CraftsToday I completely duct taped over a 10 cent folder that was definitely ready for the trash. Why, you may ask? Well, I 'm going to the store tomorrow but I needed a folder today. So I taped together the only one that I could find.<br /><br />I know I'm cheap like that. But the interesting part is that now the folder is actually cute and very durable. Seeing the finished folder reminded me that I used to watch craft shows on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DIY</span> network about duct tape craft projects with different colored duct tape. So I did a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">google</span> search and what do you know? There are quite a few duct tape <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">crafters</span> out there.<br /><br />I really enjoy inexpensive, quick craft projects. So I'm looking into where to find inexpensive colored duct tape and then I think I'll try a few projects.<br /><br />Here are some sites that have some good instructions:<br /><a href="http://www.ducktapeclub.com/ducktivities/">Duct Tape Club <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ducktivities</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Program/CraftsGeneral1.htm">Scouting Web Crafts</a> - under misc.<br /><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Category:Duct-Tape-Crafts"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">WikiHow</span> duct tape projects</a><br /><a href="http://www.seanm.ca/duct-tape/projects.html">some duct tape creations by Sean MacLennan</a><br /><a href="http://www.ducttapenation.net/">Duct Tape Nation</a><br /><a href="http://www.tapearound.com/">TapeAround.com</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-89422015850299292682010-08-05T08:57:00.001-07:002010-08-05T08:57:47.969-07:00Duct Tape Christmas Tree Ornaments****Update 12/5/07**** <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/slideshow/1655/duct_tape_craft_christmas_tree_ornament.html">Here's a tutorial for making this ornament</a>.<br /><br />I wanted to make some inexpensive but durable Christmas crafts. So, I went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Walmart</span> and bought 1 roll of red and 1 roll of green duct tape. The rolls are in the paint section and at my store they cost $2.74 per roll. Before going to the store I had done several Google searches but didn't find anything for duct tape Christmas ornaments. But I figured I'd just experiment and hopefully come up with something presentable.<br /><br />Here is my first attempt at making a tree ornament.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R1KrhWVfa-I/AAAAAAAAAAc/zS49s2gy7G8/s1600-R/Duct_Tape_Tree_Ornament+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139358714202909666" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R1KrhWVfa-I/AAAAAAAAAAc/LtT4tIhvNXY/s320/Duct_Tape_Tree_Ornament+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And here is one that I decorated with glitter glue.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R1KrhmVfa_I/AAAAAAAAAAk/rkhAWK5QOPk/s1600-R/Duct_Tape_Tree_Ornament+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139358718497876978" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R1KrhmVfa_I/AAAAAAAAAAk/L5KyJ7XIQbg/s320/Duct_Tape_Tree_Ornament+003.jpg" border="0" /></a>The tree trunk is brown felt that hot glued onto a <a href="http://ducttapeclub.com/ducktivities/projects/fabric.asp">sheet</a> of grey duct tape. I also hot glued some elastic where I planned for the top of the ornament to be before covering the sheet with a couple of strips of green tape.<br /><br /><div></div>This is what the back looks like.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R1KqmmVfa9I/AAAAAAAAAAU/xYb8T6QTQTM/s1600-R/Duct_Tape_Tree_Ornament+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139357704885595090" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R1KqmmVfa9I/AAAAAAAAAAU/w8lybfjFizA/s320/Duct_Tape_Tree_Ornament+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>I also made some for the children. And during school time this week I'll help them decorate them with glitter glue as well.<br /></div><div><br />I didn't have my camera at the time that I was making these ornaments. But I'm also planning to make a green and red striped candy cane ornament. And hopefully I'll be able to take step by step pics of that.</div><div></div><div>Overall, I like how the ornaments turned out. Now I'm brainstorming for other Christmas decoration <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">possibilities</span> with duct tape.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-30477414091457931492010-08-05T08:56:00.001-07:002010-09-01T16:30:52.534-07:00A Simple Puppet<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R1tWSGVfbHI/AAAAAAAAABo/JkNpj5sEPX8/s1600-h/Cocoa.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141798268511939698" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R1tWSGVfbHI/AAAAAAAAABo/JkNpj5sEPX8/s320/Cocoa.jpg" border="0" /></a> I was looking for a pattern to sew a felt hand puppet and came across <a href="http://www.teacherhelp.org/puppets.htm">this page</a>. What a time saver. I found several puppets that looked good but I settled on the <a href="http://www.puppetsforministry.com/Freebies/sspeople.pdf">Super Easy People puppet. </a>It's a free pattern from <a href="http://puppetsforministry.com/">PuppetsForMinistry.com</a>.<br /><br />As you can see from the photo above, this puppet is too cute. And it was extremely simple to make. I didn't feel like sewing the body together, then sewing the hair pieces together, then sewing the hair to the head. So instead I just layered all of the pieces and sewed everything together at one time.<br /><br />I made a little dress out of felt and hot glued it onto the body of the puppet. And I added eyes and a smile with fabric paint.<br /><br />Here's the back.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R1tWDmVfbGI/AAAAAAAAABg/b_lddiZQ41I/s1600-h/Cocoa_back.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141798019403836514" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R1tWDmVfbGI/AAAAAAAAABg/b_lddiZQ41I/s320/Cocoa_back.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I've named her Cocoa. Cocoa will help me teach some of the bible lessons from a wonderful curriculum that I ordered from <a href="http://littleblessingsbiblelessons.com/">Little Blessings Bible Lessons</a>. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-13473967944697501432010-08-05T08:52:00.001-07:002010-09-01T16:30:52.534-07:00Puppet Making Tutorial<div>Here is a puppet making tutorial series that I've been getting tips from.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bjrhkzZlJJM&rel=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bjrhkzZlJJM&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-82880339517716595852010-08-05T08:51:00.001-07:002010-09-01T16:30:52.535-07:00Puppet Mania<p>Why haven't I been posting lately? Well, because I've gotten slightly addicted to making puppets. It started out innocently enough. <a href="http://cookiesdomain.blogspot.com/2007/12/sew-saturday.html">I needed a puppet for a bible lesson</a>. I made one and was instantly interested in making more. So, I immediately begin my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">google</span> searches and found a few great patterns. It's a lot of fun and to build puppets much more productive than watching television, which I'd been doing too much of lately.</p><p>Anyway, here are my creations with the links for the patterns.</p><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R414oFF_EnI/AAAAAAAAADw/48SPy9BOpfM/s1600-h/DSC03399.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155909778366468722" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R414oFF_EnI/AAAAAAAAADw/48SPy9BOpfM/s320/DSC03399.JPG" border="0" /></a>I got this cute puppy design from <a href="http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/puppets.html">Danielle's Place</a>. I took a look at the link that she listed for the canvas puppets at Oriental Trading. I studied the pic for awhile and then designed my own out of felt instead. Quick and easy.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R414olF_EoI/AAAAAAAAAD4/Qy53bdprjMQ/s1600-h/DSC03401.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155909786956403330" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R414olF_EoI/AAAAAAAAAD4/Qy53bdprjMQ/s320/DSC03401.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R414EVF_EiI/AAAAAAAAADI/fsBjdaxVe4k/s1600-h/DSC03388.JPG"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R414FVF_EjI/AAAAAAAAADQ/hVLyZvKj-J4/s1600-h/DSC03390.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155909181366014514" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R414FVF_EjI/AAAAAAAAADQ/hVLyZvKj-J4/s320/DSC03390.JPG" border="0" /></a> I got this pattern from the <a href="http://www.projectpuppet.com/blog/index.php?s=vintage">Project Puppet blog</a>. My son wanted me to use green felt and try to make Kermit. He set the bar way too high considering this was my first attempt at an open mouth puppet. So I tried to keep it simple and make it resemble the one in the article.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.puppetsforministry.com/Freebies/sspeople.pdf"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155909194250916418" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R414GFF_EkI/AAAAAAAAADY/TN4-F-E0RhA/s320/DSC03393.JPG" border="0" />Super Simple Puppet Pattern</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R414GVF_ElI/AAAAAAAAADg/_bX1IanKm5c/s1600-h/DSC03397.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155909198545883730" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R414GVF_ElI/AAAAAAAAADg/_bX1IanKm5c/s320/DSC03397.JPG" border="0" /></a> Another Danielle's Place inspiration. I was actually trying to make Larry the Lizard but I realized that the puppet could be a snake if I added a forked tongue. This was perfect since the upcoming letter of the week was "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ssssssssssssss</span>." Sorry couldn't resist.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R414HFF_EmI/AAAAAAAAADo/UXrJCYOn6RI/s1600-h/DSC03398.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155909211430785634" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R414HFF_EmI/AAAAAAAAADo/UXrJCYOn6RI/s320/DSC03398.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R412r1F_EhI/AAAAAAAAADA/9TMSCjhhr_M/s1600-h/DSC03386.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155907643767722514" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/R412r1F_EhI/AAAAAAAAADA/9TMSCjhhr_M/s320/DSC03386.JPG" border="0" /></a> I purchased the pattern for this puppet from <a href="http://biblepuppet.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">BiblePuppet</span>.com</a>. I am the Queen of free online patterns. But I really wanted to make a good sized moving mouth puppet but couldn't find a good free pattern. And I'm so glad that I spent the $9.95. This pattern challenged me the most. But I'm also inspired to modify the pattern and to keep improving my new craft.</div><div></div><div>I think that once I get better at the construction that I may move on to using foam instead of stuffing. However, I have yet to find foam at a low enough price for me. I know that hobbies can be money guzzlers. So I try my best to stick to making things that only need inexpensive supplies. So the foam idea is probably just wishful thinking for now.</div><div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-18228532085516725762010-08-05T08:50:00.001-07:002010-09-01T16:30:52.535-07:00Making Curtains<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/SOuv7_4lsWI/AAAAAAAAAFE/DiRqvQoFmhM/s1600-h/curtains.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xV6MkQuXE2E/SOuv7_4lsWI/AAAAAAAAAFE/DiRqvQoFmhM/s320/curtains.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254486835553743202" border="0" /></a><br />I've been so lazy about curtains. There are tons of free curtain designs online but I never made curtains when we lived in an apartment (for over 4 years).<br /><br />Now, We've been in our new home since April of this year. And have I looked for curtain patterns yet? Well, I have looked but that's not the same as actually making the curtains.<br /><br />My husband put shades up when we first moved in. But I know curtains will give the house a more "homey" feel. So I'm looking a simple design that I will actually make.<br /><br />I found very clear instructions in <a href="http://www.allfreecrafts.com/sewing/window-curtains.shtml">this free curtain design</a>. And <a href="http://sewing.about.com/od/homedecprojects/ss/basiccurtain.htm">this page</a> gives step by step instructions with photos for each step.<br /><br />Now, what color fabric will I use for the kitchen windows? Choices, choices . . .Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893294202817678809.post-7364446908128788272010-08-05T08:47:00.001-07:002010-09-01T16:30:52.535-07:00Simply Shirring<strong>Alternate title: Wish I had Some Elastic Thread</strong><br /><br />Previously, I mentioned the one hour 1920's dress pattern. Well, I don't have much desire to wear a dress of that style. But I believe the pattern along with the tutorial is a great first project for clothing.<br /><br />Now, I am ALL about making a "modern" one hour dress. So I was so glad when I found this <a href="http://stitchcraftonline.com/blog/?p=43">one hour dress tutorial</a>. Too cute! I just bought some fabric from Fabric.com the other day that I think would look great as a shirred dress. Personally, I don't wear sleeveless anything. But the dress got me to thinking that I could crochet a <a href="http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/shrugs_boleros.php">shrug</a> to cover my shoulders. Or I could sew up a simple <a href="http://files.changemywebsite.com/588188/doc/TH_5614_Shrug.pdf">two minute shrug</a> from Sew Stylish. Sewing one will definitely take less time than crocheting.<br /><br />Too bad I don't have any elastic thread on hand. Actually, I've never had a reason to have any until now. I have never tried shirring before. Once I do get my hands some of that thread (Hobby Lobby here I come.)<br /><br />Here's an extremely helpful video on the subject. I like that measurements are used in this tutorial. I'm sure that using my measurements to tailor the dress will give it a better fit.<br /><br /><object data="http://www.threadbanger.com/embed/player" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="448" height="290"><param name="id" value="player"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="flashvars" value="video_file=http://www.threadbanger.com/embed/play/THR_20080801"><param name="wmode" value="opaque"><param name="src" value="http://www.threadbanger.com/embed/player"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></object><br /><br />As January quickly slips away from me, I feel that I will probably have a better chance of completing the January sewing challenge if I go with this project instead. I still consider it a challenge because this will be my first time using the shirring technique.<br /><br /><strong>More Shirring Tutorials</strong><br /><ul><br /><li><a href="http://portabellopixie.typepad.com/portabellopixie/">Portabellopixie</a> - there's a PDF tutorial on the sidebar</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.vivelyonline.com/2009/07/shirred-summer-top-cheat-sheet.html">Vivelyonline</a> - a shirring cheat sheet for a shirred top</li><br /><li><a href="http://pretty-ditty.blogspot.com/2009/04/smockingshirring-tutorial.html">Pretty Ditty</a> - uses 1/4" elastic in a casing at the top of the shirt</li><br /><li><a href="http://pretty-ditty.blogspot.com/2009/08/upcycled-nightie-looking-shirt.html">nightie upccyled into a shirred top</a></li><br /></ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17202121852485698000noreply@blogger.com0