Flannel Fish

I found this tutorial a while back. I really like the idea of making things with felt, though I wish I could afford to buy wool felt instead of the synthetic stuff. Anyway, I have many felt projects bookmarked. This one was pretty tricky because the pieces are so small and I couldn't figure out how to enlarge the pattern. It was very difficult to cut the pattern out and then trace it on the felt and then cut out the felt. I just used a regular pen to trace on the felt so there was lots of bleeding which didn't help with getting the pieces cut out right. You can't tell from the picture, but there are lots of pen makes, especially on the yellow fish. There is still a blue fish that I haven't finished, but I do like the way they look on the fridge. I just don't look to closely. And I found a better marking pen then doesn't bled so maybe someday I'll try again.

Case for the iPad

I'm in the process of making a case for Rob's new ipad. I offered to do this even though he has already ordered one from the Apple store because I like making things for him and I don't often get the chance to. Anyway, I'm using the tutorial at Make It and Love It. It's pretty basic and fairly easy. I decided to use flannel for the inside and for the outside material I cut off the leg of a pair of pants that Rob no longer wears. I used interfacing on the outside material to give it a bit more bulk. I'm still learning how to use interfacing without getting wrinkles in the material. Here's where I got to yesterday morning:



That's when I tried to fit the ipad into the case. Didn't work. Here's a picture with the case laying on top of the ipad. The left edges of both are lined up:

So my measurements were off. The tutorial said to cut to the dimensions of the thing plus 1/4 inch seam allowance on all sides. I cut to that, but it obviously needed more. Luckily I have enough of the flannel and one more pant leg to give it one more try. And maybe I can use this first attempt as a diaper case for some little boy. I think the second try will go easier so even though I wish it had worked, I'm sure I'll benefit from my mistakes.

Pleated dress for Grace

I finished the dress for grace today that I have been working on. Not working on really. What I mean is that the material has been sitting on my desk for the past three weeks and I finally did something about it today. I don't have pictures yet but as soon as I do i'lladd them to this post as well as the link where I got the idea. Anyway, I think the dress turned out ok. Actually for a first time making clothes it's pretty good I think. Some things I learned are that I'm not very good at squaring up fabric. Also I really have no idea how to make pleats. And I'm not at all good at sewing with knits. Once it all came together though it turned out cute. At least while grace is wearing it because then she is always moving so you can't see any of the mistakes. I think she likes it but I don't think it will be a favorite. And that's ok. I really would like to get better at making clothes for my girls. Not all there clothes, just some select pieces. I'm not really interested in making clothes for Sam, poor boy. But there are some really cute patter out there for girls. I just wish I had someone close by to help me through the hard parts. I could really have used some help with those pleats today. They look nothing like the tutorial.

1st Christmas Sampler

I bought the cross stitch book Donna Kooler's 555 Christmas Cross-Stitch Designs in 2006. I think I first saw it in my local library. Anyway, I had the idea of stitching some of the small designs on dish towels to give as gifts that year, but I think I only finished 2 of them. My biggest hang-up was that I couldn't find towels that I liked, and I didn't know how to do a french knot. Anyway, there are 4 or 5 samplers in the book and I thought I'd do three of them for family presents. Yeah, way unrealistic. I started the one above and it took me a year to finish it. I had planned on giving it to my brother Spencer and his wife Anna but after it was done and framed I realized I had invested so much of my time and money ($200 for framing!) I just had to keep it. Very selfish I know. I did stitch them a snowman Merry Christmas banner thing that turned out cute. I wish I had a picture of it. Anyway, I really enjoy getting this out every year and hanging it at Christmas time. Though I left out all the french knots!

I'm currently working on another sampler from the same book. Not even 1/4 of the way into it so it probably wont be ready any time soon.

Cross Stitch

This is one of first projects that I ever actually finished. I'm pretty good at getting started on projects. Actually, what I'm good at is buying the materials for a project that then sits on my desk for weeks and months. When I do get started, I'm good for a few days, but if it takes longer then that, chances are it could be a looooong time before the project is finished. I bought this kit of three bird scenes I think the first year we moved to Pullman. I think I finished the cardinal first, and then the project sat for months. I'm pretty sure it took me at least a year, maybe even two to finish this. I framed it myself because we didn't have the funds to get it professionally done. Hopefully the matte they're stuck too wont discolor the material. I really like this piece. It hangs in my living room and I still enjoy looking at it every day.

New Blog

I am not gifted with crafty creativity. I can't sew very well; I have no desire to scrap-book; I enjoy crochet, but can only do basic stitches; cross-stitch comes easy but can get overwhelming with how long it takes. All that aside, I do enjoy making things even if they are far from perfect and are based on other people's ideas. So this blog is a place for me to keep a record of things I make and also a place to store ideas of things I'd like to make someday when I have the time, money, talent to bring them off.