a sewn collage

My second recently-finished-project...all the materials were thrifted and it was so much fun to make!!!

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a new embroidery

Finally another finished piece! I made it for the show at Redux, but I really want to keep it for myself! It is the last line of Molly Bloom's soliloquy in Ulysses, embroidered white on white. I love this line so much...

I have two more embroidery projects in the works. One is nearly complete and the other is in the beginning stages... photos to come...

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tiny project

I quickly sewed a set of fabric bins to organize some of my scraps...

There is a great tutorial here on The Sometimes Crafter if you're interested in whipping up some of your own!

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Jackpot

My fairy-thrifting-godmother must have been looking out for me today because I hit the jackpot at a neighborhood charity shop!

Vintage linens...

Cute Tupperware lunchbox (with more pieces inside!)...

and ELVIS ON A VARNISHED WOOD PLAQUE!!!!

Elvis is looking quite happy and ironic hanging in my living room. Sigh. What a great day!

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choosing buttons & getting ideas

I'm finishing up a little crocheted clutch to add some organization to my messy backpack situation. I've been sifting through my button jar, but I'm not sure I've found the right match yet...

Also, I've been invited to participate in an embroidery show at Redux in Portland! I'm already coming up with ideas... it opens in April!

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happily doing nothing...

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Draft Snake

Although the temperature is nice and mild in Tucson during the day, it gets pretty cold at night and my bedroom window is very drafty.  I had the idea to sew a draft-blocking snake and I'm really happy with the way it turned out!  

There is a tutorial here on marthastewart.com that explains how to make one - I took her advice on using kitty litter to fill the fabric tube and it worked surprisingly well! 

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book love

I bought two books over the winter break and they have become my DIY obsessions!  Because of them I have been doing things like constructing a composter, making my own herbal cleaning products, and even making MY OWN DEODERANT!  Yes, DEODERANT!  Next I am going to mix up some salve on my own stovetop. I can't wait!

The Urban Homestead is available here and Make Your Place is only $5 at Microcosm Publishing.

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Sock Knitting

I'm using an old pattern on a new pair of socks!  The yarn is a Panda bamboo blend and is super soft.  I love socks with a pretty lace design...

Here is how it's done:

First, cast on 64 stitches and divide them among your DPN's. 

Next, work in Knit 1, Purl 1 ribbing for about 2 inches.

Then, switch to the lace pattern for the leg.

           Round 1: knit 5, purl 3 and repeat all the way around

           Round 2: knit 5, purl 3 and repeat all the way around

           Round 3: knit 2 together, yo, knit 1, yo, ssk, p3 and repeat all the way around

           Round 4: knit 5, purl 3 and repeat all the way around

Repeat rounds 1-4 until the leg is about 8 inches long.  For the heel, foot, and toe I like to use this type of pattern.

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Owlies

Adorable owl beads ordered from this Etsy shop...

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CUTE Ruffled Smock!

I made this ruffled smock from a pattern in the One Yard Wonders book.  It was my first time sewing a ruffle on anything and it went surprisingly well!  

I love projects that require small quantities of fabric, so this book is perfect for me!  There is a Flickr group for the book here if you want to see more examples (this is one of my favorites).

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Well, that was a long break...

I'm back after an incredibly crazy/busy/insane/soul-crushing month and a half at work.  Thankfully, things are back under control and I can get back to a normal life!  New posts and projects (and maybe a new banner?  Yes, I think so!) are coming in the next day or two.  Thanks for checking in after this unplanned and extended absence : )

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