Practical Creations

Currently Working On

2012-01-20T17:32:00.001-05:00

This is a pic of one of the warps I chose for the Christmas washclothes. Well, I haven't finished those washclothes. They were more work than I barganed for. I've only gotten 3 done out of the 8 washclothes from just one warp. There are suppose to be 16 in all. I can't do any other projects till this is finished, :( .

I have some in mind:

Coal Grey Cotton / Cobolt Blue Linen face towel for Hubby - Houndstooth design (maybe)
Pink and Cream Scarf like I did before - I really need to do this one before the end of March (Yikes!)
Something fun for making little purses, doll clothes and other little crafty items.

Currently I am working on my friends wedding dress. I am really excited about it. I tell her she's terrific, how many friends would allow their friend to make her wedding dress?

Heddles

2011-12-16T00:52:00.001-05:00

I'm pmaking some washcloths on the loom for Christmas. I got the reed sleighed, then I realize I'm short 88 heddles! So I asked my Wonderful Husband to put some nails in aboard for me :).

Fancy Kitty...

2011-12-14T22:15:00.002-05:00

...is giving away a Drum Carder! I came across this through the American Made group on Ravelry.

Rules listed here.

Old Fashion Sunday

2011-12-13T14:06:00.001-05:00

Here are the dresses!! My DD made my dress and I made my friends dress.

I was able to demonstrate the spinning wheel. I was borrowing it from my spinning/weaving teacher (ewedancewool.etsy.com).

The girls gathered sticks that I had my son smooth out and put notches in. I bought a few ounces of roving (also from my teacher) and the kids all got try spinning for themselves.

It was a great day of preaching and fellowship and it went into a great week of revival meetings.

Walking Skirt

2011-11-16T22:41:00.001-05:00

Simplicity 2655

This is one of the best patterns I've ever come across. I love the design!

The fabric I used in the above picture (excuse the worn-the-day-before look :)

is a light weight stretch poplin.

The pockets are great. They hold quite a bit without you feeling weighed down.

I've also made this skirt with Rip Stop fabric. I would have liked it in a lighter weight

but the medium I found worked out well.

Pop Goes the Weasel

2011-11-11T17:49:00.001-05:00

This is a picture if a skein winder. It has many names to it. I received this from the lady who I'm making the Day Dress for as part of the payment. I am very blessed to have gotten such a neat item.

The term Pop Goes the Weasel refers to the pop that the gears make after 40 turns. Supposedly there were 40 verse that goes to the song for the students to say as they wound the yarn. There are a few different versions from what I've gathered.

Now I just need a spinning wheel :) .

2011-11-10T21:57:00.001-05:00

Picks of one of two scarfs I made recently. Can't wait to do pink and cream, but have to wait till I finish the 1800's Dress (you can see the fabric underneath the scarf).

It's hard to get them in the shop when I want to give them all away, lol.

A Switch

2011-11-07T23:07:00.004-05:00

You may notice my shop to the right is a little different. I am trying out Artfire instead of Etsy to see if I get more business. I haven't been doing as well since Etsy made it's changes. My girls really wanted to start putting things on to sale.

We are currently working on projects for Old Fashion Sunday coming up at the end of the month. I'll post some pics after the meeting. I'm sewing an 1800's Day Dress for a friend and my oldest decided to me a dress from the same era. So I look forward to posting those pictures.

2nd Scarf Completed

2011-08-30T14:15:00.001-04:00

I finished my second loom project which turned into 3rd and 4th project as well. I miscalculated the amount of warp I'd need and was able to get two scarfs and a finger towel out of it. Actually the finger towel will have to be something else because I remembered Bamboo is a wicking material, not absorbing.

I was excited because my teacher said that my edges come out so nice and that I did so well i could sell them. So I am selling one of them in my etsy shop.

Bamboo Scarf

2011-08-09T15:48:00.000-04:00

I started a new scarf projects. I made up my own design and love it. Of course my weaving teacher helped me to put it all together :-). The colors are cream and green. I took picks at a few different angles. They are darker than I intended. I even tried lightening them up in Picknik.

You may be able to see a few tangles in the warp. I sure had a time with it. I messed up my figure 8. I was trying to adjust something with the strings and let go of the bottom of the 8. I was horrified for a moment, a girl could just cry at the thought of all that work ruined. Resolving to myself first that, there is a God (THE God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, The LORD, Jehovah, The Most High God - NOT Allah or any other little "g" god - I stress this because people want to confuse my God with other gods.), making my mishap seem silly. Weather small or great, anything that comes my seems easily remedied when this living fact comes to my remembrance. Second that it will be a pain, but all is not lost.

I received my lye soap Saturday, just in time, I was completely out of laundry soap. I ordered the wrong stuff however and only got half the basic lye. The other half was traditional. I'll have to pay more attention the next time I order. It did give me the opportunity to try hand and dish soap again.

I used the basic lye for the dish soap. I'm still not happy with the results, but it was better than the Fels Naptha. I will have to research some more to get the kinks worked out.

For the hand soap I used the traditional lye. It worked great. I love the way it turned out.

Last I am working on a rag rug. I have wanted to try this for some time but am just now giving it a try.

Here are a few links...

Rag Rug Cafe - This is the design I am using.

Moda Cake Shop - This one looks fun.

2011-07-13T10:57:00.001-04:00

Finished scarf.

Some Past Projects

2011-06-25T18:00:00.001-04:00

I finally uploaded pics from my phone. Phone pics are not the best but here they are:

This is a patchfolio I made for Grace. I went to Sew and Sew's Place (really!) and saw a little girls rain coat made from these fabrics. I'd really like to do rain coats for the girls one day. Until then I thought these would work great for a patchfolio. Pattern by CraftApple.

I made this folio for a friend.

This is Grace's "Old Fashioned Day" dress.

Here is the bag I mentioned in my last post.

Not Going My Way

2011-06-23T14:39:00.001-04:00

Well things are just not going the way I had hoped. My bar soap covers did not work out. Back to the drawing board on that one. I thought about just a mitten and you can drop the soap in it when done.

The liquid soap didn't turn out so well either. I will try again using MoSoap's lye soap. The others are just too oily. Maybe the little that's in lye will be just the right touch of oil.

The weaving over all is going well. I had a little mishap when I tried loosening the part already woven to count my 6" thread markers. When I rewound it, it pulled in the thread string from shuttle messing up several rows. After I fixed it and got it wound, I had trouble keeping it from pulling in at the sides. I redid about 6". Well it's my first project, and not for me colors, so I'm not to heart broken.

My biscornu turned out great! I'm just waiting for a bead from In Mom's Eyes .

I made a bag for my neice from Tone Finnanger of Tilda. I'll post pics after I get the flower on.

Coming Along

2011-06-09T16:20:00.000-04:00

Here is a pic of the work I've done on the loom. I'm pretty pleased with results so far. I have completed about 18" so far. I'm making a scarf so I have a lot more to do before I'm finished.

Here I am trying my hand at some dish soap. If it turns out and I like it, I will be adding some to Etsy along with more laundry soap with new fragrances. It has been a rough start from when I had to close when we moved, but things are mellowing out now and I'm anxious to get started again.

This and That

2011-05-28T14:17:00.005-04:00

It's been awhile since I've posted about projects I'm working on and thought I'd share a few.

This first one is actually one that Taylor did for a little one at church.

She crocheted the pocket lace and did a hand embroidered stem stitch for the collar. The picture she used was from a greeting card she received.

Here I am doing a small Biscornu. I did a larger one here with a tutorial.

In looking back I see where I wasn't clear in some of the steps. If you have questions, please email me. I will fix the issues as soon as I can.

This is a table loom my MIL gave me just before we moved to NC. It was her grandmothers. I absolutely love it. I contacted a lady about her chickens and wound up with lessons! I saw some really nice guitar and belt weaving patterns that I excited about trying.

I was complaining to my husband about doing a project that I'm not excited about and that I'm one that would rather do a project that is too difficult, but inspiring than one that is easy that I lack enthusiasm over. He loves my corny artist quotes, like, "An artist needs inspiration!" It always gives him a good laugh.

I bought goats milk soap from a vendor at the county fair. I do not like having a mess from the bar in the shower, so I thought I'd make some terry cloth sack like thingys. I'll think of a better name later. I will put some up on my etsy (along with more laundry soap) and see what happens. The fabric I'll be using is Michael Miller's Organic Terry Cloth. MoSoap is an excellent source for lye soaps. They are very generous.

Monograms

2011-04-21T17:53:00.005-04:00

I have really come to like doing monograms on my husbands hankerchiefs. However, It is so hard to find nice monograms. I have seen some for $45.00. Surely I could find them cheaper.? I have tried downloading fonts that might do, but they never seem quite right.

The monogram above is an example of what I mean. It looks nice but it's too blurred to know which lines to trace or leave out.

I guess there is no point to this post other than to vent. Ideas are always welcome :-).

Introducing...

2010-03-09T18:52:00.003-05:00

Natural Creations

Laundry Powders and Dryer Sachets

Limited Introductory Supply

Etsy

Arts in Texas

2010-01-16T12:34:00.008-05:00

Two weeks ago we went to Homestead Heritage in Elm Mott, Texas. We do not agree with their religious beliefs. We were able to see a few demonstrations. Pottery, Ironwork and a little Weaving. They are excellent craftsmen.

These pictures are all backward so please start from the bottom and work your way up.

The Deli

Seed guide in the General Store

Hand Carved Owl

Waldorf/Kinder Dolls with Wool Lambs

Grace took the following eight pictures.

She seems to have an eye for it.

Fiber Arts Shop (Eva out front)

Grist Mill we learned a lot of interesting things here

about the mill and the millstone workings.

Handmade Violin

Potter's House

Handmade Stummers

Handmade Brooms (nice and expensive :-)

The Barn where we started.

Ostrich Costume

2009-08-29T18:13:00.003-04:00

Taylor as Omelet Ostrich

I sewed feathers onto an old t-shirt of little Greg's.

I got the feathers from Hobby Lobby and used my Walking Foot

to keep the feathers from shifting to much or the t-shirt from stretching.

For the neck and sleeves I used white feather boas (also from Hobby Lobby).

I sewed the top neck boa, but the others I used liquid stitch.

It really worked well. I was running out of time and it came in handy.

I also used the liquid stitch for the fill in feathers on the arm. The boa itself was

not quite enough and gluing the feathers in between worked out well.

Now, what do I do with an Ostrich costume?!

Projects I've been working on.

2009-08-12T14:57:00.002-04:00

I am a terrible picture taker, lol! Below is a patchfolio using
CraftApple's pattern.
I used some of my machines heirloom and quilting stitches for the design.
Not sure I like the design but didn't want to waste fabric.
The border is a eyelet stitch using the wing needle.

The inside is also done with eyelet stitches.
My pen pocket is a little small but it works.
Below is a skirt that I was going to start and the shirt I wanted to wear with it.
You can't tell in the picture but the fabric is close to a charcoal grey and a little shine to it.
I have finished the skirt and will post pics when I wear it.
The only thing I didn't like was that it has a front seam.

This is a jacket I started ages ago. Needless to say it is a UFO.

The "scarf" is actually the belt to the skirt above.

Last but not least is the start of an attempt to make a Waldorf Doll.
These are so cute!
We'll see if it actually is accomplished.

Cool Tools

2009-05-07T01:08:00.009-04:00

When the latest edition of Nancy's Notions arrived I was thrilled to find a multi purpose seam gauge. Not only multi purpose but almost three times the width of my own little gauge. I had been dreaming of one and thought it would be great if someone created a longer edge gauge to save me time. Lo and behold it was in the magazine! It was on my list of ASAP buys only to be disappointed. They were out of stock! So I made sure I checked back on the proposed restock date and was able to order the tool of my dreams...the 5 in 1 Sliding Gauge

Next is my 4" curved Fiskars. These are great for cutting my embroidery thread close to where I knot it. Yes!, I do knot when I embroider. I use these in cutting my quilting thread as well.

3rd is the magnetic wand. Mine is actually plain red and rectangular. However JoAnn's didn't have that one and this on is much cutter.

Last is the Mini Iron. I do not have this item but it's definitely on my wish list. I can't even begin to tell you the times when I've need a tool like this. Also at JoAnn's

Embroidered Dresses

2009-03-27T12:30:00.004-04:00

Grace & Eva

Here are the dresses I made for the girls. I did a stem stitch on Grace's and a split stitch on Eva's. You can see in the picture that I put the bow's in different positions. The hem reaches their ankles.

I used a jumper pattern from Com mon Sense Patterns, however I changed the bottom. I didn't like how short it was so I take two 45" wide by 36" or 37" length pieces of fabric and sew them together. Then I gather them and fit it to the top of the jumper.

Currently working on...

2009-03-14T19:31:00.001-04:00

A dress for Grace and Eva. I will try to post pictures Wednesday of them in the dresses. I hope to be posting more craft ideas and such soon. I was having such a time with blogger. So what are you ladies currently working on? Any spring projects?

Catching Up

2009-01-05T11:41:00.002-05:00

I have done a lot of sewing for Christmas and nothing to show for it. I didn't take any pictures.

I did complete that skirt I've been working on. You can see my daughter in it here. Not the best view, but you can see the lay of the skirt and how the pocket turned out. I also finished the small lily embroidered purse and the cell phone case from my last post. They were both Christmas presents.

I'm still working on my mini heart quilt and putting boarder on the mini teapot wall hanging from my UFO's.

Oh! My friend Chana bought me a ruffler for Christmas. I am so excited to use it. Sewing will go much faster with this beauty.

Inspirations...

2008-12-05T00:33:00.005-05:00

that is name of a new magazine I bought back in October. The needles that I ordered with it were on back order. I contacted the company (Country Bumpkin) and asked about the back order and that I was really looking forward to getting their magazine. So they went ahead and shipped it and will send my needles when they get them in. This is an Australian magazine, and I am truly inspired by the creations they show. Lot's of patterns in the book. This particular issue has a number of intermediate projects.

I created this little purse from a Simplicity's pattern for felt. The purse is made with real wool that I found @ the little quilt shop in town. I started another purse with a lily on it. My pastor mentioned Matthew 6:38 & 39 " And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." This made me think of Jesus... Song of Solomon 2:1 " I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys." The last part of Matt. makes me think of how nothing compares to the glory of the Lord.

I started a cell phone cover from the same pattern as the purse. I will post a pic when I'm done.Here are a few "thank you" cards I created using the quilting feature on my BabyLock. In the center picture it gives it a look of snow. The fabric was from about five years ago. The artist is D. Morgan . Unfortunately I can not find this fabric anywhere. I tried ebay as well.

Out with the Old in with the New

2008-11-07T18:03:00.005-05:00

Out with the Old... I am almost finished with a skirt mentioned here. I'll be glad to be done with it. It is a nice look but I don't like the directions. Below is the finished look and pattern number (Simplicity) if your interested.

In with the New...
I came across a free log cabin paper piecing pattern (can't remember where) and loved it. They are so easy to make and great for using up those scrape pieces. My two favorite are the upper right and the bottom left. Not sure what they will end up as, but I have a few ideas.

I'm still working on the bible case pattern. I'm currently focusing on the embroidery that I want to include for the pockets.

Soul Winning Bibles

2008-10-24T12:55:00.003-04:00

This is a picture of my first draft. I need to tweak it a little before I can market it @ my Etsy shop. This pattern will have a place for your tracts, pen and little note pad.

2008-10-06T16:39:00.001-04:00

Will be away for about a week due to family emergency.

In Christ,

Etsy Item

2008-10-04T23:49:00.001-04:00

"Peace Be Still" Embroidery Template

2008-10-03T13:37:00.001-04:00

Jesus calms the storms of life... in his time.

KJV Crafters Blog Roll

2008-09-12T10:10:00.008-04:00

I have been really burden about the lack of King James scripture on Crafts and Home Decor items. Due to this I decided to create a blog roll so people can easily find resources using the King James for scripture.

For the Blog Roll you need to first see if you meet the criteria listed below in the Rules. Second use one of the graphics below and link to this post. Then email your blog link to me. I will review your blog and then add it to the Blog Roll list. You have your choice between two graphics that Christina from HsKubes' has kindly created for me.

Rules for KJV blog roll:

Your blog must consist of at least 80% craft post.
All items do not have to contain scripture. However, all scripture used must be King James.
You do not have to sale anything to be apart of the blog roll. Ideas and Inspiration and Free Stuff are always a blessing :o).
All types of crafts are included: Stamping, Needlework, Wall Decor, Stencils, etc.
I reserve the right to refuse or remove a link due to what I deem objectionable. I don't for see this being a problem however, I need to take the precaution.

If I feel changes to the rules are necessary, I will contact everyone about any changes.

Etsy users: You may link to the blog roll as well. Just send me your etsy shop name along with your personnel blog. If all's good then you will be added to the roll and you can link the blog roll from your personnel blog.

If you only have an Etsy shop and no blog then send me the shop name. I'll add you to the roll and you can either mention it in your shop news or add me as a favorite and I will do the same in return.

If there is any confussion as to the in's and out's of the blog roll please feel free to email me.

UFOs

2008-09-04T17:22:00.005-04:00

Now we all no there is no such thing as UFO's however,
there are if you have UnFinished Objects lying around your house!

These are some of the UFOs I'd like to get finished within the next week (or so ;-).

*Warm the Heart mini quilt. (Lower Left)
Mini embroidery case to go with my larger pattern. (Lower Middle)
A Bible case pattern. (Lower Right)
Teapot wall hanging I made about 5 or 6 years ago.
It was my first attempt at quilting and I never finished the binding. (Upper Right)
Patchwork Thank-you cards. (Upper Middle)
Potpurri tea warmers that I started about 8 years ago! (Upper Left)

I still have several others that are not listed, but these are ones I hope to get finished. Maybe making a public declaration of my UFOs will help me to complete them.

*Oops the mini quilt is called "Follow Your Heart". Not a term I really like. After all... "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9

New Side Link

2008-08-23T10:26:00.003-04:00

For several months now I thought I had labeled my embroidery templates so people could find them only to find out yesterday that I had not. Sooo... now there is a link in the side bar now labeled "Free KJV Embroidery Templates".

My husband bought me a Bamboo tablet for improving my computer art. I look forward to creating something new soon and making it available in my Etsy shop at a reasonable price.

I am reposting my little doodles to get a link for the side bar.

The Biscornu Tutorial

2008-08-11T15:59:00.013-04:00

Inspired by International Hand Stitchers and La Fee Rie.

The design is mine and can be purchased at my etsy shop Practical Creations.

Biscornu is French and means irregular.
In this case an irregular pin cushion.

First start by transferring pattern to fabric. Pattern should be 4" X 4" plus 1/2" seam on each side. I used various stitches for each part of the biscornu. The leaves are a chain stitch while the corners are a feather stitch. The stitches are marked on my pattern if you choose to use it.

When embroidery is finished you can begin to attach sides. For the first stitch, I come up from underneath on the bottom side and loop through the front and bottom at corners. From there I loop through every two stitches, pulling to close gaps (as with slip stitching). For the corners I do all three surrounding it instead of skipping.
Sorry this picture is a little blurry but it is an important step. As you stitch, pin the next corner as shown below. It helps to make sure you don't miss align even the smallest amount.
To stuff leave the last two corners free. I would suggest putting plastic pellets in the bottom for weight. Finish up last two corners securing thread at the end ( I knot mine).

(You can see in this picture where I messed up connecting the front to back. I had to take all of it out and reconnect it, making sure to pin corners as I went and to only go my ever second thread and not by thirds mixed with seconds. I failed to retake a picture of this stage, but you see by the first picture it turned out much better.)

Last, but not least, is sewing the bead in the middle of the top and the bottom. Pull needle through center from bottom. Leave an 1/2" from knot on thread. Put bead on thread and pull needle back through to bottom. Place another bead on thread. Pull thread through the 1/2" of access thread. Pull tight. Secure.

And now you have your first Biscornu!

Yesterday...

2008-07-17T15:16:00.004-04:00

was Eva's 10th Birthday. Four years ago I made her a McCall's Sofie Doll that was ruined by water damage. So, 1 1/2 yrs. later I made her a new one.

Jumper

2008-07-16T16:58:00.002-04:00

This isn't the best picture, but...

...it's the best picture.

I made this one about a month ago. Grace popped the buttons twice. I will be securing the button holes to avoid this again.

New @ Etsy

2008-07-08T08:47:00.001-04:00

Practical Creations @ Etsy

Early Birthday Present

2008-06-18T14:29:00.004-04:00

A few days ago I was presented with an early (3 months early) birthday present from Greg and a friend (who will remain annonymous). Excuse the photo. I am still working with my Bamboo Writer and Photoshop.
It's called the "Chuckwagon". I just love it and have been admiring it for sometime now dubbing it the perfect sewing station. We squeezed it into our room for now (thus the junk in the photo).
God has been so good to me. I truly don't deserve my husband and friends who are all to good to me in so many ways. Not just in material possessions but in being honest and faithful.

Anniversary Present

2008-05-27T11:24:00.003-04:00

My husband was as excited to get this for me as I was to receive it. He got a good deal on it because Babylock is coming out with a new line soon. He tried hard to get me to pick the Ellure but I was very satisfied with the Quilter's Choice and what it had to offer. We drove 2 to 2 1/2 hrs. to Lafayette to get the machine because they didn't have anymore in Lake Charles. How sweet is that.

It runs like a dream. I love the cutting feature and the foot lifter thingy the most. My husband was so impressed with the threader that he did it three times! Well I am looking forward to many hours of sewing on this "Baby".

Shirt & Skirt

2008-05-27T10:34:00.005-04:00

Below are pics of my latest projects. I used my new Photoshop software for the photos. The photos are cute but spread to far apart. I'll have to work on this.

Old and New

2008-03-19T16:04:00.005-04:00

First the New: Item added to my Practical Creations shop @ Etsy.

I used Deb Strain's Daydream fabrics from Moda. I love the colors!

Last the Old: Well not too old. This is a picture of the lap quilt I am doing for Greg.
Actually it is bigger than a lap quilt. Who wants to curl up for a good nap or read with your feet sticking out. (Please excuse the wrinkles :0)

Lo, children are...

2008-03-11T12:41:00.002-04:00

We will serve the LORD...

2008-03-11T12:33:00.002-04:00

The house is blurry due to scanning issues. I off centered the verse on purpose. To change this print it out, cut and reposition on another sheet of paper.

Embroidery Template

2008-02-29T15:17:00.004-05:00

This is free to copy! I have wanted to do embroidery verses for some time. I will put out more as I create them. My lazy daisies are not so nice. I did them on the computer but would rather have drawn them.

If you have trouble copying it contact me and I'll see what I can do :-).

I'm Back!

2008-02-21T23:31:00.004-05:00

To long without the internet. I haven't been to busy crafting until recently. Here is a picture of one of my projects (sorry it's a little blurry)...

I am currently working on a quilt for my husband. I will post a pic. soon.

Yo-Yo Bags

2007-12-13T13:09:00.000-05:00

I was over @ Cinderberry Stitches and saw the cutest little bag. The pattern will be out soon for the Yo-You bag. You can find Cinderberry's other creations here.

What's In a Hoop?

2007-10-30T10:41:00.000-04:00

Currently a Day-of-the-Week towel :0). I so need to get this finished, lol.

However this post is not actually what is in the hoop, but about the hoop itself.

I found this hoop at a Mennonite yard sale. I absolutely love it! I have used if for a year or more. The spring is great. I know some do not like this because it will pinch your fabric if you take it off in a hastily manner. I have not had a problem with it doing any damage. The tension is perfect on it and I love the wood! The wood is smooth unlike the cheepies from Walmart.

So the reason for the post is... Who knows where I can get more of these? It is made by HoldTite in the USA or was. I have not seen anything like it since and for those of you out there that have one and would like to get rid of it, I am will to buy if from you.

My Little Art

2007-10-20T20:16:00.000-04:00

One day I'd like to get out some nice art work with verses for embroidery. Until then I have done a little doodling and thought I'd share. I scanned this and put it together in publisher. I'm not totally happy with the out come but decided to post it anyways.

You will need to enlarge these a little.

New @ Practical Creations...

2007-10-14T00:30:00.000-04:00

Embroidery Barn Pattern

Practical for all needlework projects.

Keep your needles, scissors and floss in one convient place!

Regency Pelisse...

2007-09-22T18:29:00.000-04:00

just added to Practical Creations...

New Items @ Practical Creations

2007-09-22T14:32:00.000-04:00

Embroidered Onesies...

Taylor's creation...

Apron Give Away

2007-09-20T00:48:00.000-04:00

Cheri @ A Joyful Handmaiden is giving away a beautiful apron. So don't enter because I want it and I get put in twice for posting about it! :-)

Recent Crafts

2007-09-13T23:37:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine loaned me her 4th Grade Science book. It has been through A LOT of children. The cover was coming off and in pretty bad shaped. I recovered it. It's not my best work but it's cute.

I hot glued the binding, which I might have to do redo with Elmer's craft bond glue. The cover itself is heavy textured scrapbook paper from Hobby Lobby. I hot glued the sea shell pictures. This was before I decided to lamenate it or I would have used doublesided tape. I used the feet to take away from the seem but I would have rather used a trim made from hemp. Since I wasn't feeling well I decided to handwrite the title instead of making a mess with stencils. All this took me about 15 minutes.

This little runner was for a friend of mine. I saw the pattern and knew it was perfect for her. I took me nine months. Sad I know.

The Art of...

2007-09-10T19:17:00.000-04:00

REDWORK

About three years ago I began my quest to find an alternate outlet for machine sewing, which I have been doing for eleven years. My husband had surrendered to preach about a year and a half previous to my search. I wanted to be open to whatever the Lord might have my husband do. If he was called to be and Evangelist or Missionary, I wanted something that I could enjoy doing on the road.

I was at Hobby Lobby in Alexandria when I came across Anna Griffin's Silk Ribbon Embroidery. I was so excited to find it and loved her style! I used her templets from her book to make a couple of hankerchiefs for my husband and a friend. I enjoyed the mixture of the floss with the silk ribbon.

I was hungry to complete more projects with this method. Finding the combination of ribbon/floss, that were not too complicated, in a style I like proved to be a little difficult. Not to mention the price for some of the kits, although I'm sure worth every penny.

Coming across several redwork sites in the process of looking for that perfect something,I decided this was the way to go. I could certainly be more creative with it rather than with a kit and I could tackle simple projects in no time.

I have been doing redwork style embroidery every since. I should add that I have realized that embroidering in a car makes for bad results, lol. I am also happy to note that my husband feels led to Pastor a Church in the UP of Michigan.

Here is a pic of one of my first red~works...

This was made for my son Greg. The picture came from one of his school books. There was no trigger guard on the pistol. When my husband noticed it, he made me put one on, lol.

The little star on the handle came about because of research. I looked high and low for an early American pistol with a decorative wood handle. To my surprise the only decoration on the pistols I came across was beautiful engraving on the metal. The only handle decoration I could find was a diamond shape whole for the screw, lol. So that is what I did.

The leather looking fabric is actually faux suede which I had left over from making my friend Angela a purse.

The frame came from a yard sale find. It had a drawing of a lighthouse in it. I almost hated to remove it but felt a homemade gift from mom was worth the sacrifice. I did keep the lighthouse picture and am waiting for the perfect frame.

Here are a list of some great embroidery sites...

NeedleNThread ~ Great how-to resource. Check out the video library under "The Editor's Floss"

Needlecrafter ~ My first stop for designs and the best part is it's free!

Ladies In Red ~ also free (music is only on first page)

Bareroots ~ Affordable patterns (country style)

Crabapple Hill ~ Affordable patterns (elegant style)

Sewing Class

2007-09-06T17:39:00.000-04:00

Here are a few pics from my first sewing class. It went really well. We will be doing a continuation class on the 15th. I would like to get a group picture.

Theresa smiling as always.

Bro. Harold helping Katalyna because she wanted to spend time with daddy.

Chanise placing her pattern pieces.

Chanise with one of the few smiles during the class.

I have to say I expected a lot of clowning with the crowd I had but they were all concentrating to much for that. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and I got through my first class without too many mistakes.

Great Needlework Site

2007-08-23T10:36:00.000-04:00

I came across this site today~ Sage Stitchworks . I really like this picture...

Here is their blog as well... Sage Stitchworks Blog .

Pay It Forward

2007-08-16T09:31:00.000-04:00

Steph @ In Mom's Eyes is doing a PIF, so I thought I'd join her.

Pay It Forward ~

I will send a handmade gift* (or something to benefit your craft) to the first three people who leave a comment requesting to join this PIF exchange.

I don't know what that gift will be yet, but you will receive it within 365 days. The only thing you have to do in return is "pay it forward" by making a similar agreement on your blog.

So please leave your name, email address and your main craft hobby. If your on blogger you do not need to leave your email address.

*The "gift" you send doesn't have to be handmade--choose your specs when you post it on your blog.

Day of the Week Towels

2007-08-13T19:59:00.000-04:00

This is my first Day of the Week towel. I am making them for a friend. It was suppose to be a wedding gift, but only got this one finished in time. I got the designs from Ladies In RedI really like this set because it has a church to represent Sunday. There are only a couple of other sets I found that have anything that represents the Lord's day on it.

I will post the others as I go.

Fabrics from Nancy's Notions

2007-08-10T12:57:00.000-04:00

These are some of the fabrics I hope to be purchasing soon for projects...

I'm not sure what I will use this for but I've have lots of ideas!

With this I plan to make a Tote-able Towel for a college friend.

I am not planning on buying this fabric, but it made me think of my friend Stephanie.

Patriotic Redwork

2007-08-03T12:52:00.000-04:00

New item in the shop.

Bag Month Is Over

2007-07-31T17:02:00.000-04:00

I didn't get my purse done in time for Bag Month. My small town Walmart didn't have the item I needed to finish my project. I will post a pic when I'm able to go to Alex. for what I need.

I have some new items I am anxious to get up. On is a Redwork Roaster that I will be putting in my Etsy shop. I do need to get my Onsies up, but it's been hard working with the fabric. I now have a light box for transfering patterns which has already made Embroidering easier.

Purse

2007-07-27T13:37:00.000-04:00

I am working on a purse for Bag Month over contest @ Sew Mama Sew. I wasn't too sure about the fabrics I picked out for my purse but it is starting to look really cute! I love the Doris Morgan "A Little Bit of Heaven" print. I have been hard pressed to find any more of this fabric. I picked it out a few years ago to make Casserole Carriers.

Sew Mama is also doing Free Fabric Friday. Her theme being "organizing" I thought I'd participate. I'm always "organizing" my supplies to make room for new stuff. So... here is my tip...

Ziplock Bags!

Not a new idea, but a great one.

I also use Crates. I love them!

Out of seven pics. this was the best one. The funny thing is that it's the only one with an insect in it!

Dress Form Pin Cushion

2007-07-23T12:55:00.000-04:00

Redwork in Germany created a beautiful redwork pincushion.

Here is the link to make it... http://www.getcreativeshow.com/seminars/dressform_pincushion.htm

Great How-To Embroidery Site

2007-07-20T11:38:00.000-04:00

NeedleNThread has wonderful how-to videos as well as picture how-to's, step-by-step. They also have a gallery of finished works, book reviews and FREE patterns. I love free patterns!

Purses

2007-07-19T13:41:00.000-04:00

Linda over @ Craft Apple created a "Groovey" new purse. She also has the "Patchfolio" pattern for sale in her Etsy shop Craft Apple Creations. Here is a mini version...

Her Patchfolio is much better, lol.

Also, over @ Sew, Mama, Sew! they are have Bag Month.