Naughty or Nice?

I must have been extra nice this year since Santa was SO good to me. Please excuse the following craft-related-Christmas-gift-bragging :)

I received some excellent books this year from my sister-in-law, E and my mother-in-law, C.
Along with some killer fabric that I will showcase when I make some thing out of it, E got me a book I've been wanting for a super long time, Simple Sewing by Lotta Jansdotter. I cannot wait to get into some of these cool projects with my new fabric!!!!!

The Sewing Stitch & Textile Bible I received from C and I read through most of it today on the way to Waco. This book is a must have for anyone who sews or wants to sew. I cannot stress that enough. Great pictures, wonderful detail, plethora of information for any sewer or wannabe.

The whole while I was reading I kept making these 'oooooh', 'aaaaah' and 'mmmhmmm' mumblings as I was learning so many new things so quickly about things I have done already and things I want to do. B must have thought I was nuts...but what's new?? This will be a very informative and much used reference.

And now.....Ladies and Gentleman, sewers, knitters, crafters and organizational freaks, drum roll please.....This is my brand spanking new craft area! TADAAAAAA!
Today, B & I braved the labyrinth that is Ikea and found this sweet little set-up. I originally had told B I wanted to "Pimp my craft area" so I could move out of the living room and he could watch football with out the da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da of my sewing machine. I did some online research to see what was out there for organizers, shelves, tables, etc...what I found was that there isn't much that's crafter friendly. I finally found a kitchen cart (like a rolling island) on Ikea's website and at least wanted to check it out. By the way for those of you who know how much I despise Ikea, the other big box stores didn't have much and what they did have was ugly and waaaaay over priced. So, at least for now Ikea has redeemed itself...We walked into the labyrinth as soon as it opened with a whole herd of eager beavers and started looking. We found the kitchen cart and started looking at chairs (which the one I picked, I think is just great because it's teal) B actually noticed the desk and shelve unit and pointed it out to me happy to have found something in budget and all encompassing to deliver us from the labyrinth.

B spent the afternoon after Waco being a SUPER-HUSBAND putting it all together for me. I took about 2 hours putting all my craft wares up. I still have some organizing to do and I think I'm going to make some fabric boxes, but here it is. I had room for all of my jewelry making stuff, sewing items, paper crafts, knitting supplies and all the other craft stuff that I could gather up from all their hiding places around our house.

You may also notice the little table iron that was also rescued from the labyrinth along with a can opener (not pictured) that will hopefully last us longer than the 3 we've gone through this year.

Happy Christmas to me!!

Krumkake

One of my favorite things about going to my Grandma's house for Christmas when I was young was getting to eat all the good sweets, especially the Krumkakes! These are somewhere between a sugar cone and waffle cone, but so much better.

A year or so ago, I asked for a Krumkake iron for Christmas and mom picked one up for me. This year I made a double batch of the Norwegian recipe on the link above. They turned out really nice and I took some to B's family Christmas to share.

By no means are these little beauties low fat, but they sure are good and they are so pretty!

Christmas has arrived at our house

Wanted to share some of our Christmas decorations.
Santa is coming soon!

Gingerbread Man Army

I have made my army and we will now conquer the earth! Muh ha ha haaaaaaaaa!


Ginger Men Army Recipe:
1/2 C. sugar
1/2 C. brown sugar
1/2 C. butter
1/2 C. Margarine
1 egg
1/3 C. molasses
2 1/2 C. flour
2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Heat oven to 325. Lightly grease cookie sheets. Cream sugar, brown sugar, butter & Margarine until light and fluffy. Add egg, blend well. Add molasses, blend well. Sift together dry ingredients and add to butter mixture. Freeze 1/2 hour. Roll out as you would for cut out sugar cookies and create your army. Bake men for 12-15 minutes.

Frosting, combine powdered sugar and a tiny bit of milk. Hand mix adding milk until desired consistency is obtained. Pour into piping bag or plastic bag with corner cut off. Decorate your men. Make angry faces to make army appear more menacing than mine...we will getcha with smiles.

You too may conquer the earth!

I'm still here, promise!

It's been a while since I've posted any craft items, but I assure you I have been busy. Busy making Christmas presents to be exact!! I stopped posting them here b/c I didn't want to spoil any surprises :) I will post all after Christmas, I may even try to turn some into tutorials. We'll see....

Look back after the holidays for some fun stuff!

In-Stitches

I went to Hobby Lobby at lunch Wednesday just to get out of here for a bit and used my monthly 40% off coupon to make this super smart purchase.

This book is great! It's visually stimulating, it has cute projects and patterns are included in a little envelope in the cover. LOVE IT.

I have already completed one of the projects (with a few of my own minor adjustments) and it turned out great. Easy to follow!

I almost got the Lotta Jansdotter book, but I love Amy Butler stuff TOO much.

Chirpy Little Bird

I used a pattern from Spool Sewing to make this super cute little bird. I am going to make ornaments out of them for gifts I think.


Another possible Christmas gift!!!

Hot Pad & Napkin

I was busy this weekend.


I used some old fat quarters to make this set of two hot pads and two napkins. This may be a Christmas present.

Boxy Pouch

Well, I tried the Boxy pouch. I adjusted the measurements from the tute, so this is more like a boxy shaving kit or large makeup bag. The photo did not turn out too well, but the pouch did.


I think I'm going to re-make it with stiffer fabric and some interfacing so it holds it's shape a little better, but I like it. I used an Amy Butler fat quarter and 18 inch cream zip.

Tutorials

My Friend K sent me two new tutorials that I thought were GREAT! I just had to share...

One is for a Key Fob.

The other is for a little pouch.

I thought they were both worth sharing and trying out! I also think I'm going to add these two to my blogroll! Love the ideas.

Golden Pace

I finally made a craft that is NOT sewing related!

I've been trying to pay attention to my plants lately and I have been trying to propagate with cuttings. Normally I just root in a plain old glass jar (re-use/re-purpose!) but I decided that I needed something that looked nicer than an old Pace Picante Sauce bottle sitting on my kitchen table. SO...I papier-mached my Pace Picante Sauce bottle and we now have Golden Pace and pickle jars on our kitchen table.

I took the tissue paper from a gift C gave us for our wedding and used it to papier-mache my old bottles with just a little glue and water. It was quick and easy and now I have a somewhat more aesthetic place to root my cuttings.

Bed Caddy

From the Sewing from the home tutorial series on Sew Mama Sew, I made a bedside caddy a couple of weekends ago. They were super easy and turned out really nice. I made one for B and one for me! I think I'm going to turn these into Christmas gifts.

New Bathroom! Well...kind of...

Wooohooo! I finally got to craft this weekend! I made a new Muu this one turned out way better than the one linked to but for those of you who aren't familiar with a muu, here's a pic of the first one. My new one is a grey waffle knit.

I also sort of, redid the master bath on Sunday. I made these curtains from the Waverly fabric I got at Joann's. They look OK but I'm having some MAJOR problems with my tensions/stitch length on my machine. So, don't look close at the stitches! If you click on the photo, you can see the pattern up close. I didn't think that the neon pink, green & yellow shower curtain would match either so I swapped that out for a simple white one.
I got a double curtain rod so I can still put a sheer behind the curtain. I didn't have it in me (well, my back rather) to hem up the liner of the curtains I used at our wedding. Maybe after M's birthday (Which is today! Celebrating next weekend). So now our bathroom looks all grown up instead of like a college dorm room. :) Yippie!

Sew Mama Sew!

I was unable to do any crafting this weekend with Birthdays and Sick-O's on my couch to tend to :( Here's to hoping for next weekend!

I did have my tutorial linked to on Sew Mama Sew!'s edition of Sewing for the Home. There are some excellent tutorials on there that I plan to make use of myself.

My tutorial is the Cozy Corn Pillow tutorial

I also splurged on some nice fabric to turn into mast bath curtains last week. AB FAB!

Pretty flowers all in a row

While M and I watched "The Little Princess" & "The Secret Garden" this weekend, I got some sewing in. I made this purse out of fabric I got at Poppy Quilt 'n Sew. I made a liner with cell phone pocket & key fob, & I used some bamboo handles from Hobby Lobby. I have to decide if I'm going to keep this one or give it as a gift...although the cell pocket is perfect for a black berry pearl...hmmmm....

New Laundry Room Curtains

I spruced up the rather white & plain laundry room/pantry this weekend. Now I actually don't mind walking in the room that means I'm doing one of two things, laundry or cooking. YAY!

Kitty Dress

I made M a dress this weekend with kitties. This was my first attempt at matching up a plaid...I think I did an alright job.

Do not fear the zipper!

I took my first stab at putting a zipper in a small bag last weekend. The zipper actually came with pretty simple instructions so I combined that with my sewing machine instructions for the zipperfoot and all was well.



I found this Michael Miller fabric at Poppy Quilt 'n Sew in the remnant bin so I made this small bag.

K's Koasters

Once again I was a sewing fiend last weekend (and I plan on doing the same this weekend). My friend K from work brought in a cute coaster for her desk and I thought they were so cute and such a great idea, I'd make my own for gifts.


I made three sets out of two fat quarters and I was also able to make a little clutch out of the scraps! (which by the way was my second attempt at putting in zippers! Do not fear the zipper!)

The coasters have the red fabric on one side and blue floral on the other. I tied them with gold string for presentation. I also have to say I found a WONDERFUL fabric shop in Georgetown where I purchased this super fab fabric. They also have a website: http://www.poppyquiltnsew.com/ I'm planning to take a class there and definitely shop there some more. Along with being super sweet and helpful, they had Michael Miller fabric in the remnant bin!!!!

Cozy Corn Pillow Tutorial

These corn pillows can be used to soothe sore muscles or warm a cold bed. I like to cuddle up on the couch with a blanket and warm corn pillow to watch movies.

Here are instructions so you can make your very own!

Materials.
Feed corn
Cotton Material for pillow
Flannel or cotton for case
Thread
Pins
Scissors
Measuring tape
Sewing machine

I buy my feed corn (also called Deer Corn) at a local feed store. I've also seen it at the grocery store, sporting goods stores and Wal-Mart. It normally comes in 50Lb bags, so you'll have lots of leftovers. Depending on your geographical location and the time of year it may be harder/easier to find.

Of the pillow fabric, cut a piece 16 x 6 inches. Of the pillow case fabric, cut a piece 19 x 6 1/2 inches.
Fold the pillow fabric in half lengthwise and sew the two long sides closed, leaving one open end.

Fill the corn pillow 2/3 of the way up with deer corn. Fold edges in and pin open end closed. Sew closed.

Microwave the bag for 3 minutes to reduce moisture. Bag will be hot, use hot pads to remove from microwave.

Now to make the pillow case. Fold the edges over on the short edges to the and sew down to hem.
Lay the pillow on the fancy side of the fabric and fold around the pillow and pin on one side to see where your sewn edges will overlap to make an opening. Slide the pillow out and pin the other side. Sew long edges together.

Turn pillow case out and slide pillow into case.


You now have a corn pillow.

To use, microwave 1 to 2 minutes (1 min 30 seconds is usually good). Take care when removing from microwave. Due to differences in microwaves you'll want to test the length of time to microwave your pillow for best results. Check with your doctor before using on aches and pains to ensure warm heat is what is needed. You may wash pillow case if needed.

You can increase the size, but I have not tested the amount of corn for a anything larger than a 12 x 6 inch finished pillow. I like to use comfy, soft fabrics. You can use fancier fabrics but if your fabric has any metallic thread, remove the case before microwaving.

I welcome any questions on creating your very own corn pillow.

Towels

I love holiday weekends! There's so much more time for crafting, yay!

I finished the first set of towels last night. I've got a bunch already hand embroidered, but these are the first with finished edges. This set is my gaggle of shag birds.

So far I've done an Owl, Evil Chick, Paisley flower bird and some leaves...I'll post more pics when I get those finished. For those of you who are friends and family...beware, some of this stuff is what you're getting for Christmas :) Starting early!

Buttons!

I went to my faaavorite antique store this weekend, Rough and Ready Antiques in Georgetown. I made a fabulous find! Buttons! All of them were priced under $2, which is a steal if you've tried to buy nice buttons lately. The lady at R&R said that some of the single ones I picked out "had some age to them". She said she knew for sure that the orange and yellow pear were from the 1930's. YAY! They had a whole bowl full so there will be some there for me the next time I stop in. Take a peek!

Tote Tutorial

I made up a tote bag this weekend and here's how I did it!


What you need:
thread, extra wide double fold bias tape and two yards of fabric (you use less, but that's what I had), Fusible Interfacing (IF).

Cut your fabric as follows:
Dark fabric

• 1 - 39" X 9" (bottom outer)
  
• 1 - 38 1/2" X 8 1/2" (bottom lining)
  
• 2 - 12 1/2" X 13 1/2" (side lining)
  

Light fabric

• 2 - 23" X 3 1/2" (straps)
• 2 - 13" X 14" (side outer)
• 1 or 2 - 6" X 14" (pocket)

Fusible Interfacing

• 1 - 38" X 9" (bottom outer)
• 2 - 22 1/2" X 3" (strap)
• 2 - 12 1/2" X 13 1/2"(outer sides)
• 1 - 2 - 5 1/2 (pocket)

There are a lot of pieces, I labeled them with masking tape. Iron fusible interface to outer pieces and straps.

Sew straps with sassy side in. Turn out & iron flat.

Fold your pockets, sassy side in. Sew all the way around leaving a small hole to turn inside out. Iron flat. Sew turn hole if needed otherwise sew pocket to sassy side of lining ensuring your turn hole gets closed.

Sew your liner sides to bottom with sassy side in. Do one side at a time and turn carefully at the corners. Set aside.

Sew outside sides to outside bottom with sassy side in. Do one side at a time and turn carefully at the corners. Turn so sassy side is out.

Tuck lining into outer bag and line up. Get out your extra wide double fold bias tape and pin it around the lining and outer bag. Make sure everything is tucked in so you don't have to go back and hand stitch. Sew bias tape around top of bag to bind the lining and outer bags together.

Turn over the edges of you straps and sew these to the inside of the bag. Voila! Tote Bag!

Recycle! Re-Purpose!

I found this great site www.savvy seams.com which is retired, but it still has it's free patter/sewing ideas up there.

I thought this would be a great project since I have a lot of old jeans/pants that I could change into a skirt!! Check it out: http://www.savvyseams.com/clothing/jeanskirt.php


Great way to recycle & re purpose items from your closet!

Muu

I made a Muu this weekend!! I used this tutorial http://stitchlounge.com/site/blog/168/refashioned-draped-neck-top from the stitch lounge. I love their site design!!

I used a navy blue knit fabric that I found at Hobby Lobby. I'm not sure if it's just me being a novice or what, but there were a few things that were kind of confusing about the directions. I just had to read a few sections over a few times to get it straight. As you can see, I figured it out. The hardest part was making your own double folded bias tape to bind the neck and arm holes. I also learned a little lesson, that I need to watch so everything gets sewed into the binding so I don't have to go back and hand stitch. I want to try one with a more slinky fabric..it will hang differently.

It turned out good great! Now I have a nice knit shirt that probably won't (cross fingers) fall apart after washing it twice like something you'd get from one of the major retailers out there pushing crap-ass made fashion from China. If I may rant, I'm very tired of buying stuff that craps out after you wash it a few times!

Try making a Muu!!

Pleated Purse

Well, I finally made a 1/2 way decent purse. YAY!!! I was going to use the fabric for a skirt, but I haven't been wearing many lately so I decided to make it into a purse so I could see it more often. It's lined red on the inside with two pockets made from the outer fabric and a key fob to snap your keys into place on the inside.

I learned a few things making this one, in fact, I taught myself how to make pleats and line a bag with binding using this tutorial http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=151

Yay Sewing!!

Super Easy Sun Dress

Thanks to the wonders of Wal-Mart I made this cute little sundress in about 30 minutes. They have "pre-smocked" material in a few different prints.

All you have to do is sew a seam up the back and add straps, I used ribbons but you could make some out of left over material. I also sewed on a little contrasting green bow for extra cuteness.

Welcome!

This blog was created for Crafters in Williamson County, Texas.

It is meant to be an online gathering place for us crafters to share our projects, ideas, accomplishments, events and anything else craft related.

Anyone is welcome to join even if you are not located in Williamson County.

If you would like to join as a contributor, please email earlenesjewelry@gmail.com

Happy Crafting!!