Vintage Photo gift pillow

Several years ago, my daughter, the one that adores photography, gave me a very special gift. I treasure this because it is one of the earliest pictures I have with my mother.  My daughter made this into a keepsake pillow for me, and today, I felt like taking it out and treasuring it and taking my own picture of it to share. So easy I love the way this is done.  Take your own favorite picture, print it out in reverse on transfer paper, Iron it on, and create your own.

Baby Opossum surprised me!

As I was walking out the back door, imagine my surprise when this little critter looked up at me, glad I turned on the porch light! I stomped my feet to scare it away, it went in the bushes, shrubs.  Not sure who was more surprised it or me!  I was going out to take a picture of the pattern cases I have been organizing, so I had the camera with me.  What luck, I caught a couple pictures of it.  But here is the recent pattern cases I got from my sweet mother in law.

Sewing tips from the past

Found this while reading other blogs, just had to share it- smiling all the while.  I never wear lipstick when I sew.  Some days the biggest decision I make is whether or not to get out of my PJ's.  It's all about the creative process.

Fall Decor

This neat table runner was made from Vinyl scrap, and fall flowers taken apart and stitched down. Very easy.  I am also going to make one using silk leaves, fall colors, and then consider, possibilities for spring, summer, and winter.

Fall is in the air

Since July---that is the last time I posted to this blog.  Summer has finally made an exit and it is pleasant to be outdoors. I have made some improvements to the back yard lately, including the removal of the hot tub and have reclaimed the deck.  Now for dining and evenings by the Fire pit, it will be used more often.   It is nice to sit outdoors and write, and enjoy a morning cup of coffee.  During the heat of the summer, I have polished the Airstream, completed the reno, and we took our first trip to the coast.  It was a beastly summer of sweltering heat, but none the less, chores are there to be done.  Done, they are.  Now for some relaxing and enjoying the fall weather. I got back intoo the studio for the first time, yesterday.  Sewing makes my heart sing.  I love creating new things, and dreaming of the possibilities.  More later.

Renovating our Airstream

After putting it on the market for a month, It did not sell.  I am glad, because that gives me the opportunity to really re do it.  First off, Out with the old flooring, and in with new laminate.  Out with the original sofa, in with 2 comfy chairs. Still deciding which ones to use. So then on to the all new painted interior. Really makes a big difference. To date, I am approximately 3/4 finished..  Ordered the fabric for the custom drapes that I will make, and the G-slides that hold them in the original track.  I am excited about  making them, to truly give it the custom look I am going for. It is my desire to find a good graphic artist, to do some airbrush work on the exterior.  If I can't find one, well I will consider doing it myself.
this photo is a preview of where I am for now. Living room~more to follow after completion.

Serger Bag and the dress it goes with

While visiting with a friend in NY, I went to her work one day with her, and saw this really cute serger bag, this is my interpretation of it-

Sundresses

 for my Great granddaughter, Lily, I made these two. She is 3 now, and full of energy.  These shoud serve her well, and be cool enough for the hot Texas summers. See link below for instructions and pattern, from Sewing with Nancy
http://www.nancysnotions.com/category/id/101962/102983.do?extid=100626

Vintage Airstream 76-front view

going into the Sewing Zone

For the last 3 days, literally I have been sewing. My trip to N Y inspired me to get back at it. After seeing my friends Great Viking/Husqvarna sewing machine, and finding some really great patterns, on sale, I just could not wait to sit down and sew.  Here are 3 of the things I have made so far.  Still have lots of Ideas and lots of fabrics to decide on. My way of relaxing....

Trip to New York 2010

Well it was just about perfect. Great weather, good friend, and lots to see and do. After spending the day walking and seeing and doing, everything, we managed to get back home, I have to say, I understand why people wear the T shirt that says, I  heart NY.  I even bought a couple.  Many great  experiences, and very friendly people on the subway and on the train.  I must say I was most impressed with just how clean the city was.  One would think that after walking around in the flip flops all day, well, you know, usually the result is dirty feet.   Mine were just majorly swollen. but clean as they were when I started the day, Amazing, that a city so large has made such a great improvements in that area.

A trip to New York

With graduation quickly approaching, It will be exciting to see my old and dear friend in NY.  But, first, my wonderful Daughter in law will be pinned, full RN in 2010.  She has worked so hard to make this happen, and I am so proud of all her accomplishments!  We are going to see Emily graduate the PA program at RIT soon, and are also very proud of her!  I am looking forward to spending a couple days with a dear friend that has relocated to NY, and seeing some new things. The drive there, not so much, but I know it will be a great experience. Summer is just around the corner, and am excited about all the outdoor activities that go with it.

a visit with my granddaughter

My 3rd grandchild, Casey, has been here with us for some much needed R & R.  She is such a joy to be with.  We have done a whole lot of relaxing, garage sales, and just spending time together.  It is not often that a young person can just relax and enjoy the downtime.  She is unique. Memorable moments with her as she develops and notices the changes of pregnancy, are precious. I enjoy her so much.

a new direction but still crafting

 whole month since my last post, I have been busy.  Grands to visit and things to catch up on, and started a new venture with my own house cleaning service.  quite literally fell into it, and realized, I like the schedule, because I can make it my own. still need to find the time to till and plant the garden. more later, hopefully.

Learning to Embroidery

Well, actually, I am learning to operate the  Brother Embroidery machine I bought a few years ago. Not particularly expensive,  but capable of lots of things.  Just had to have it then, and then did not have time to use it.  Now, I have time.  So I spent some time downloading designs, transferring to the card reader, to the card- and Voila!  just pick the design you want and go for it. So, I did monogram my little apron that I wear when I clean, and experimented with a few other ideas. In all, I am satisfied that I at least sat down, and reacquainted myself with this little jewel.

aprons

I have been working on a vinyl project lately. A friend of mine is a competition cooker, with his smoker and grill and all loaded on a trailer, he takes some weekends to travel and show off his wonderful cooking skills. I made two custom aprons for him to take on the trail. they are especially nice because they totally protect clothing. I am posting a picture of the aprons sent to him.  Lots of work, but really cool. I have made a total of 22 of these little jewels.

Bean Bag

Love to recycle old things... latest..I even made my label to tag it. It will be a fine little bag for my jeep, after all there are things that should be protected,:  my GPS, and etc.  I added a draw sting, and  a wooden spool to finish it off, very cute.

Card File?

that is what I was thinking, how can a card file inspire me? Well, those of you that know me, know I have a propensity to recycle any and everything I can. Making my own cards, I decided I needed a "card File" so voila!

An envelope box I could not bear to throw away, some fabric, Mod Podge and a ribbon, hey, it works for me. Easy as pie!

My new Cricut personal cutting machine

Alright, I caved to the purchase.  I am so thrilled with the new possibilities of this little marvel. I have been playing with the one and only cartridge that came with it.  So far I have made a couple Birthday cards for the Granddaughters, Hannah and Layla,  they will be 4 years old on the last day of the month.  I am discovering ways to share with them. I have cut out lots of little shapes and enveloped them to take to them so we can have a card craft day.  The only downfall, of course is the cartridges that you have to purchase, no problem, to do different things. I have ordered 2 already!  There is a companion to it called the Jukebox, that will hold 6 cartridges and you can switch from one to another without unloading! Cool!  Ordered that too.
My sister tells me that you can even decorate cakes with the edible sheets, and that it even cuts fondant. Wow!

Just Playing around and still learning, this is so much fun.

Up cycled shirt to Apron

from the totally tutorials blog spot  I follow, this is my up cycled shirt to apron. fun and super easy. get the tutorial here

A Daily dose of Creativity

Today I saw a segment on Martha Stewart doing pillows in a reverse applique, It got me thinking, I have a shirt and a doily that I would like to up cycle so following is the result of my effort.  All designs are free handed and sewn in and cut away to show the doily, and I thought is was quite the valentine statement.



Then I finished a small toss pillow I had started last week, and made  some really nice pillow cases from some cool fabric I found in a resale stash...

Crochet Hooded baby blanket

I have almost completed the blanket for a sweet granddaughter, due in August. It has a wonderful texture, and feels very cushy, and soft. It is a combination of chain, single crochet, and double crochet stitches only. Could not be easier, but looks really beautiful!  This pattern is from  Lion Brand Yarn Co. http://www.lionbrand.com It calls for the Pound of Love, ball of yarn, can be knitted or crocheted. Instructions are on the inside of the yarn , or available from the website. I have crocheted this one, and plan to add a color of trim for  boy  or girl, later after we learn which it shall be.  I have used a cream color thread and when worked up, almost looks like a field of popcorn!  Lovely.

Caraway Seed Cake

 I found an interesting recipe from a blog that I follow, a really sweet girl from Geneva Switzerland.  The cake is delicious, after I got the ingredients conversion correct, I made it this morning and it is delicious!
http://rosas-yummy-yums.blogspot.com/

This is the picture of my cake! It is an unusual combination of flavors and just right to enjoy with a cup of hot tea, or a favorite coffee.  Check out her blog.  Very cool.

A rare thread find!

Today, on my way to visit Lu, I stopped at the Thrift store that supports the  Lutheran Home patients, so I go usually every week.  Well, today, it was most exciting as I came across 10 balls of LANIERE DE ROUBAIX, thread,  made in France! Oh Joy! I could not believe it. It is beautiful, multi colors of pastel, ribbon like.   I could hardly wait to get home and create something, so...... drum roll please.....Crochet~  An I Phone Cozy,  fleece lined, and just waiting to discover the perfect closure, after I search my button stash.  Yea!!! I think my DIL  will like it, I may make more for my etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/memasplace

time with family

Over the holidays, we were priviledged to spend time with nieces, and family.  We started off the new year with a visit from Doug's son, Nick, and it was most enjoyable. He is such a pleasant young man, and a joy to be around. I am back to my routine, and searching for inspiration to start on the next project. So, nothing new yet, but an update.  Hopefully something will occur to me soon.  Until then...

Learning something new..

So, last year, and for the last decade, I have wanted to learn to knit.  Setting  the mind to it, I was determined before the end of the year to accomplish this goal.  I finally learned to cast on, knit and purl!  So many times I have felt the frustration of just not being coordinated. Here is a picture of the first 2 attempts I have made.  I am sure at some point in the future I can look back and smile :) at this feeble try. I did however, attempt, and with some success, feel that I made some progress. So here is the first and 2nd try.  Very elementary.  Next, I shall learn to read the patterns, and learn more stitches.