quick note

ugh... it is so hard to concentrate at work right now. I started and am close to finishing a crochet cthulhu at home waiting for me...

All I really want to be able to do is craft all day!! I wish I could make money from my crafts and work from home. It never seems like there is enough time in a day to do all I want to do, especially with work getting in the way ;)

Hopefully pictures of mr. cthulhu tonight!

Crochet Ninja

I received Creepy Cute Crochet for my birthday and had yet to try it. Honestly, trying to crochet intimidated me, even though I've knitted before. Well, I decided to just sit down and practice and eventually got the hang of it. Trying to keep your tension the same is a little tricky, but it's less painful on your hands compared to knitting.

I decided to try one of the easier patterns and made a white ninja for my husband. It turned out pretty dern well for a first! He stands about 5 inches tall and is not a happy ninja! I think the neck is a little skinny, but check out the crochet throwing star! Seriously tiny!
I think that this book has some really great patterns for first time crocheters. It does not have how to do the different stitches, so I recommend either checking that out online or buying one of those first time crochet books. I always think having some cool project to work towards instead of just a scarf sometimes keeps you motivated.

OH! I also recommend checking out this video by Wiremysoul on Instructables. It really helps with getting started when you can see someone else do the steps first.

Good luck and keep crafting!!

List of things...

My new job doesn't allow for much blogging time during the day, and I don't like sitting in front of the computer after I return home... But I don't want to give up on this blog. So... This entry is just a list of things I want to make. I think I will occasionally update the list to add new things and when I complete a craft task, I will re-post the list with the craft crossed off... to make me feel accomplished and hopefully keep the fire under your crafting butts to stay motivated!

So here it is. List 1.
1. My friendship quilt
2. A wood burned quote sign
3. etched glass container for my utensils
4. Stuffed Owl
5. Kite pin - details on this when I complete it =P
6. Pink/Black dress (I have the fabric and need to make this before July)
7. Yellow/Black dress (I have the fabric... we'll see when I finish)
8. Green dress (different from my sister's bridesmaid dresses)
9. Pear fabric purse
10. Finish Fireflies Quilt
11. Finish Allison's cross stitch (as you can see, these are not in the order they NEED to get done)
12. A bag with Barley on it (cartoon version)
13. A cross stitch of Dan's artwork
14. Finish the black jacket I started 2 yrs ago (not sure this will ever get done =/)
15. Finish Crochet ninja
16. Sewing art triptych (I need Dan's assistance on this)
17. Allison and Jeff's wedding quilt

**This list does not include my possible Halloween costume and some other ideas I have floating around but just the things I need to get done before I start buying MORE fabric and stuff**

I will probably end up making a bunch of other stuff on this list in the meantime, but I will try to stay focused so I can cross some stuff off!

Stay tuned.

Quilt obsessed

I have so many quilts I want to make, to try new techniques and styles. I want to see my designs turn into reality, but quilting is expensive! From the fabric, to the batting to renting the long arm quilter... each quilt can run you up to $100. This is not a cheap hobby!

The best possible solution is to sell these quilts and make my money back and some extra to start a new quilt! But how to get my name out? How am I different than the thousands of other sellers on Etsy? I don't know the trick.I do plan to start my collection of craft work to put on Etsy, and maybe I could get a booth at a craft show... who knows? All I know is that I have to continue to craft, even on the nights I don't want to. It doesn't help that this cross stitch is still waiting to be finished and I don't really want to get into anything else until it is finished. This cross stitch is the most time consuming project I've ever done... and I was so silly to think I could finish it in a month!! Now, three months later... and it's only 1/2 finished!! UGH!

The Panara coffee I am drinking is quite tasty though.

I made a cover for my sewing machine, not too fancy but it keeps the dust out! I also made a matching ironing board cover. I also practiced folding fabric to incorporate into quilts. When I get better, I will blog about how to fold fabric. It's origami with fabric basically, so it is a lot of fun, but not as easy as folding paper. I ADORE this fabric!!!

Simple Quilt Tip: It is important to iron open your seams on quilt blocks. This may seem tedious, but it helps the quilt lay flat and makes sewing everything together much easier.

Ironing board and sewing machine covers

I've been really busy lately. When I get home at night, I just don't feel like being on the computer after being on it all day at work.

Good news, I am starting a new job in a week and a half. This will allow for less time driving and more time for me!

I did however buy fabric to make a new cover for my ironing board and sewing machine. It is bright and pink and green and kind of retro paisley. I will edit this post with a pic later. I bought too much of the fabric, so I'm sure you'll see it in future projects!

I still have yet to make another appointment with the long arm sewing machine, and that needs to get done! My weekends have been filled with family, which has been nice, but busy.

I'll keep you posted on my future crafting endeavors of this upcoming weekend!

Helpful Tip in Making Your Own Patterns

I have mentioned in a previous post that my husband has made patterns for me. I forgot to mention what we use to make our own patterns.

Yes, you could buy expensive pattern paper online, and yes, newspaper also works, but if you need something a little more transparent and a lot cheaper, I suggest using tracing paper in rolls. When I was majoring in interior design, we used this tracing paper to work on blueprint projects. When I changed majors, I had a whole roll of this paper left and realized it would be really useful in making my own patterns.

It does come in different lengths and roll sizes, so you can choose what would be best for you. Here are two links for Hobby Lobby and Dick Blick online that might help:
http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/sketch-tracing-roll-440420/
http://www.dickblick.com/products/tracing-paper-in-rolls/

Otherwise, you can just search "tracing paper rolls" in google to compare prices or find it at a local store. It is usually located with the other drafting paper and accessories in the stores.

I hope this helps you and allows you to get creative and make your own crafts from scratch!

New Sewing Table

This isn't a very exciting post for anyone but myself =) Unless, of course, you're looking for a new sewing table!

I've been sewing on a collapsable table for a while now and it's hard to sew fast when your sewing machine is bobbing up and down. So Dan and I went to Target and looked at their MDF "wood" desks. The one I had my eye on was $130. However, Dan found a $50 one that was not on display and look almost exactly like the $130 one! So we bought it. It's supposed to be a computer desk and so it has a drawer that folds down, but I am using it to put my current projects in. The table is about 48" long, so there's plent of room for me work with. Overall, I am very happy... but I have nothing to sew right now! If you're interested, the brand was "room essentials." They apparently do not have it on their website, but it looked like this only less $$.

I'm going to try and make an appointment this Saturday to use the long arm sewing machine again. I am also still working on the cross stitch I started in January for my sister, Allison. Though, I have to admit, I got frustrated with it and didn't pick it up for about two weeks. Now I'm back into the swing and we'll see if I'm able to finish it this month.

I also want to try making something out of the Creepy Crochet book, but my crochet skills leave much to be desired. It's troubling when your "to do" craft list gets longer and longer, and you don't have enough time to keep up with it!

The Quilter's Ultimate Visual Guide

Book review time!

When I began my quilting path, my wonderful friend Claire, bought me a book. It's called The Quilter's Ultimate Visual Guide. She had just bought it for herself and said it was a must have for quilters. She actually sent it to me as a surprise!

This book is like an encyclopedia for all things quilting! It's Alphabetized, so finding what you're looking for is so simple. For example, I was looking up how to add the binding to my first quilt, as I had a vague idea of how to put it on, but wasn't sure what to do with those corners. Not only did it have a few options for me, the images showed me exactly how to flip the fabric and stitch it on! I think the images are the best part because it really allows you to see what it should look like while you're working on a project and what the finished product will look like.

This book also makes me want to try new techniques and new projects that I've never tried before, because I have the steps and pictures I need right in front of me, all in one place. I know you can go to google and type what you're looking for into the search box, but there really is something nice about having a book with everything you need right there in front of you. It saves you time.

I highly recommend adding this book to your collection, as you will not be disappointed!

Long Arm Quilting Class

About a month ago, I signed up for a long arm quilting class. If you don't know what a long arm sewing machine is, here is a picture:

It was me and about 6 other women. I was the youngest by 20 years! The sewing machine is pretty much the same as your sewing machine, but we still had to know how to clean it, and thread it and put the bobbin in. We then took turns sewing on it. It's pretty amazing because you get to move the sewing machine with your hands instead of moving the fabric!

Then, last weekend, I went back with my own quilt and got to sew on the machine all by myself. I took my husband's skull quilt, in which the teacher said "that's cute..." in a little confused voice. I took it as a compliment anyway.

Besides the fact that I tend to move faster than the speed of the sewing machine, I did a pretty decent job. I just did a meander pattern, and plan to do the same on my next quilt.

I had brought polyester batting for the quilt and Karen, the teacher and owner of the store said she was worried about how it was going to turn out so she traded me for batting they sell in the store. I was amazed, as my batting was way cheaper! "Are you sure?" I asked. "Yes, I want you to succeed with your first quilt." I have to say, The Little Red Quilt House has two of the nicest women working there and they care more about you being happy and making your quilt the best than they do about selling stuff. I highly recommend you check this store out and sign up for some of their classes if you're interested. Call regarding class times because they will work with your schedule and create classes just for you! They truly are wonderful!

Helpful Tip: Another great way to practice hand stitching is to try a cross stitch. It's inexpensive and there are a lot of great ones out there! It is also relaxing to do while sitting in front of the TV.

Catching Up

There are a few projects that I've finished since Christmas. Two of which are plushies that were created from scratch.
My sister's cat passed away last year and she asked that I make her a stuffed animal of Stinky (her cat). So, I made a "Stinky Pillow." As I knew I couldn't make a realistic cat plush and I thought this would be more functional. My husband made the pattern based off of an image I found online and then I cut it out of fleece and sewed it on my sewing machine. I have decided to avoid fleece and a sewing machine at all costs in the future! I'm not used to working with stretching fabric and this just drove me nuts! Thankfully, the finished pillow looks great and my sister was really happy!

My husband really wanted a squid plushie. He had found an image of a giant squid online and asked that I make him a small one. He drew out the pattern and we bought two different batik fabrics. This had a lot of hand sewing, as the stuffed tentacles and small belly caused my sewing machine to hate me. I really like the way that the fabrics work together! Also, they make felt buttons that you can buy at any craft store that are really great! I plan to use only felt buttons for plushies from now on!

I also made a lot of felt food for my niece as her Christmas gift, however, I forgot to take pictures of it all... So I will try to take pictures the next time I'm over at my sister's house.

Tip:
If you want to start sewing but aren't really sure where to begin, I highly recommend My Favorite Felt Sweets by Joie Staff. You can learn basic stitches (all of which are in the book as images for easy learning), with extremely inexpensive products (felt and stuffing) and make cute felt sweets you can be proud of!

First Post

As you might have discovered, I already have two other blogs. One is to document the food adventures that my husband and I have together, as we both love food and trying new things. The second was for a friendship quilting project that two of my friends and I were working on.
This, however, is for all things crafting. I am specifically fond of sewing, but I do dabble in other crafts. So don't be surprised to see jewelry or clay projects on here as well!
I want a place to write down the process of my projects as this is a big part of my life and hope that I have hints, inspiration and "how to's" that I can share with others. So, on with the blogging!
I finished my very first real quilt last night. I have made two other "quilts" for my sisters, which involved a pieced front stitched to an already quilted muslin. This quilt, however, was start to finish all me! It is a quilt my husband asked me to make over two years ago. I designed the quilt myself and then did the piecework (which was quite easy, as it only involves 6" blocks). I took a long arm sewing class about a month ago and was able to long arm stitch the quilt on my own using a meandering pattern. Last night I finished the binding and I am really pleased at how it turned out!
Quilting is a very recent obsession, as I only started my first quilt (the friendship quilt) at the beginning of 2009. But it has quickly become something I absolutely love doing and plan to continue to do. All thanks to a wonderful friend whom I love and miss dearly...