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Sunday, March 21, 2010

This and That

I'm not too focused on any one crafting thing lately - I've been doing a little of this and a little of that.  And I'm really finding some cool blogs out there with a million patterns and instructions for things I really want to make.  Sewing, crocheting, tatting, even woodworking . . .  Problem is, there are more things that I want to do than there is time for me to do them.  I wish there were about 72 hours in each day! 

I have a start on a doily I've been wanting to tat . . .


. . . but just a start.  I am using my prize of Yarnplayer's Summer Trail HDT for the Starlight Doily from  the book The Tatters Treasure Chest.  I noticed that this book is one of the very first ones I bought - back in 1997!  I now (13 years later) feel confident enough to tackle one of the patterns.  This is my project for the evenings - only a couple more rounds, so hopefully I will get it done in the next week or two. 

Otherwise, I've been sewing like a madwoman again.  I seem to go in spurts.  Once I get a bug to make something, I go full-speed and cannot focus on anything else.  (Who wants to do laundry anyway?)  Last weekend and the previous week I made several sets of chenille potholders.  I gave a set to a coworker for her birthday, and had some requests for more.

The potholders/hotpads each end up to be 8 layers of fabric thick - 4 layers for each side.  After stitching diagonal lines through all four layers for each side, all you have to do is slash 3 of the 4 layers with either a slash cutter or a scissors, sew the two halves together with a loop in the corner, wash & dry and voila!  



I was experimenting with flannel (black on the left above) and homespun (on the right) and adding or not adding a binding.  The homespun plaids are so much brighter and have nice varieties of color, while the flannel I could find (without spending a fortune) was in limited prints.  The flannel makes a nicer, softer, thicker potholder, and I like the more finished look with the binding best.  I will make some more of these - they take some time, but they make a great gift.




Then LAST week, my coworker gave me her stash of fabric from a past purse-making business.  "Spring Cleaning" she said.  (I should probably be doing that too, but I really have a hard time getting rid of fabric!)  This fabric is a little different though, as it's more canvas and upholstery and not regular quilting cotton fabric.   I can now re-upholster my sewing room chair.  Well, when I figure out how to do that and have some spare time - LOL.  



Yesterday I decided to try & make a little wallet with some of that canvas.  The binding got a little too thick for my sewing machine, and I didn't cut it on the bias, so it isn't pretty.  Functional, but not my best work.



Upon inspection of the wallet, the English Major declared she could use a small travel/money/passport purse for her upcoming travels.  So, today I was hell-bent on that project.  Since I am a pattern hoarder collector, I just happened to have a perfect pattern for a little travel bag.  (BB Bags by Mickey Beebe)  


I got that completed today - it's just the right size to fit a passport in, and has a few pockets and two zipped pockets.  She thinks it will be just perfect!  That was kind of a fun one to make.


Now that I have spent the entire weekend playing, I should probably get the laundry done and get organized for the work week.  Ugh.  Back to reality!

6 comments:

  1. I would LOVE a 72 hour day if it meant I got to spend at least 24 hours of it crafting without guilt! Those pot holders are FANTASTIC! I love how the colors of the layers mingle and blend. I am not familiar with a slash cutter - I'll have to google that. Love both bags you made as well! Cute fabrics and you did an EXCELLENT job sewing them up. You may not have 72 hours, but you certainly make the most of the 24 alloted!
    :) Ann

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  2. Wow, you are talented! I cannot sew at all! Just buttons. That's it - and maybe a thing or two when there was no other option!

    Sometimes I get panicky, looking at all muy patterns and books and realizing I'll never in this lifetime be able to tat all the things that I want! The key, I suppose, is to be mor Zen-Tat about it all. OHMMMMM
    Fox : ) ♥

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  3. Your doily looks lovely, the thread colors are very pretty. The purse looks good, it is very neatly finished.

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  4. Oh be still my heart! Your post sounds like it could have been written by ME. We who "dabble" in many crafty and fiber-y things but are a master of none certainly do have fun!

    Your potholders are fantastic, as well as the travel bag!

    Ooh, and I cannot wait to see how the starlight doily works out. It looks magnificent from WIP the snapshot.

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  5. That one zipped pocket is adorable I love the fabric! You have been so busy with lot of crafts. I love the tatted doily you are making and I look forward to seeing the finished piece!

    Thanks for stopping by to join in my blogoversary celebration with me!
    ~TattingChic ♥

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  6. What, what?! That's my passport bag since I am said "English major." I assume that's what you've been calling me... Hmph...

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