It's been a fabulously productive week. As I began pulling things together for today's post I was surprised by all that I (we) accomplished, and with the variety of mediums that I've been using. Fabric and sewing have been prominent. I figured out a way to combine cloth and crochet and used it to make these handy hair ties/elastics. I'm always looking for something pretty and unique to keep my mop of hair out of my face. These hit the mark and are easy to whip up. I've been having a blast making flowers. Along with attaching them to barrettes, I wanted to make them into pins. I know you can buy the pin backs, but I decided to upcycle and pulled apart an old promotional pin and stitched the pin part to one of my flowers. Now it's ready for my denim jacket! Stitch markers and earrings were on the agenda yesterday. It's been a while since John and I have done this. Like anything creative I have to be in the right mood to want to do it - and for it to be successful. Let me tell you, I was in the zone! I know the pictures don't show them off, but they were coming together so easily! I've had days that no matter what combinations I tried, nothing looked right. Yesterday I could do no wrong! In about an hour and a half I had laid out at least 8 sets of markers and maybe 10 pairs of earrings. John is finishing up the last of them as I'm write this! The sewing seed was planted a few weeks ago, when a class to make a tote bag was held at the library. I couldn't attend because I had to work, but Jean set my up with a tasty stack of fabric squares and the pattern. I keep my sewing machine in the corner of the dining room for easy access. Truthfully, I haven't used it since I hemmed a pair of pants for John last winter, but it was ready to go. I chose 4 complimentary prints and had at it! You begin by making 4 strips of 4 squares (easy). Then you lay them out in a kind of windmill pattern and sew them together (still pretty easy). Now the fun begins because you have to somehow sew the sides together in the right order to create a very awkward looking bag (not easy anymore). I did alright for the first three, then managed to sew the top together instead of side three to four. That's why I have seam rippers! I made the lining (really easy) and pressed and pinned it all together. I had to reattach the handles a couple of times to get them to end up between the lining and the main part of the bag, and because once I pinned it so the handles would have ended up sewn into the lining! All things considered, it was a lot of fun and now I have this adorable little tote! In addition to my fiber offerings on Friday, I like to participate in Five Minute Friday over at Lisa-Jo Bakers place. It's writing in the raw and if you've never done why don't you give it a try? It's really easy - you just: 1. Write for 5 minutes flat on this week's prompt: “Story” with no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking - then post it just as it is! 2. Link back here and invite others to join in. 3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.. Here's what happened when I spent five minutes writing on the prompt "Story" Fact, fiction, fantasy, fable there are so many stories out there. And I want to read them all! When I think about stories I begin with the story of my life. As interesting as that may be, it’s not where I want to spend my time – after all I’m here every day! I’d much rather hear a good story about something I know nothing about. Mermaids, knights in shining armor, being a wealthy celebrity, the possibilities are endless! I suppose that’s why I love the library. Because it’s a building bursting with stories. Every kind imaginable. I can loose myself in the stacks. Pulling book after book, looking at the cover and wondering what it holds inside. Will I be transported to Italy or maybe to the desert of New Mexico. I travel and meet new people. I learn and explore and immerse myself in the world the author creates for me. I remember reading stories to my son – every night until he was too old to let me. And then, once in a while he would allow me to snuggle with his near pre-teen self and share an adventure before bed. Those were magic stories. Perhaps not my most inspired five minutes. I honestly contemplated not posting it. Only for a secondthough. Because it's about giving yourself an opportunity for free flowing thoughts, and letting them be just as they are. And how often to do you let yourself do that? On Friday's there's always lots to do. I'll be heading out to visit my linky friends to see and be inspired by the wonderful things you all are working on this weekend. I'd love it if you came along. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your weekend.
Until next time friends, Be blesses and stitch & read with love!
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I'll admit that I have never played this game, and that I really know nothing about it at all. Except that it lends itself to a very fun hat that easily brings a smile to your face! Sue at SusanD1408 Crochet Addict creates these wonderful character hats, and a few weeks ago I offered to test this one for her. If you're interested in making your own, you can find the pattern for sale here. It's a snap to make and I'm sure would make any of the little (and medium) people in your life very happy! In addition to my fiber offerings on Friday, I've started to participate in Five Minute Friday over at Lisa-Jo Bakers place. It's writing in the raw and if you've never done why don't you give it a try? It's really easy - you just: 1. Write for 5 minutes flat on the prompt: “Dance” with no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking. 2. Link back here and invite others to join in. 3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.. Here's what happened when I spent five minutes on Dance: Listen to the music. Can you feel the beat? Happy feet. Ballet. Swing. Jitterbug, Waltz, Tango, Ballroom. I see the people dancing. Laughing, smiles on their faces. How can you feel bad when the music is pulsing through your body, loud and full of energy? I dance in my kitchen. To a rhythm that is my own. Usually with the music that plays in the sound track of my life. I don’t dance very often and now that I am thinking about it I really should. Let myself go, and get lost in the spirit of the moment. But life doesn’t always lend itself to dance. Sometime it’s more like crawl. I don’t want those moments to be the ones that dominate. Listen to the music. Dance like no one is watching! Freely and just for the fun of it. I bet that I’ll feel better! I do already. And there you have it. This week I didn't give myself any time to think about it or to organize my thoughts at all. Surprisingly when I relaxed and set my fingers to the keys the words just started to flow!
Friday is a great day for visiting on the web. Why don't you join me? Until next time friends, Be blessed and stitch and read with love! Today I celebrate (finally) finishing the Chevron Lace Cardigan! And my amazing husband! I am blessed, and thankful for every grace I've been given. Thank you for sharing a smile with us. There's always plenty to see on Friday. Come on, we'll visit together! Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!
The instructions in the STF pattern are a little vague - it's more like sock guidelines rather than a traditional pattern. That's okay it just means I needed to keep my thinking cap on. I struggled a bit with the toe. It came out kind of pointy, but I'll adjust that next time and I made quick progress of the body. The heal was another story though. I increased just fine, but it took a few tries and a bit of ripping to get the decreases right. I finally got it though and once that was done the rest was a breeze! It's a bit tight across the instep (I'll spare you more pictures of my foot!), but I think I know how to fix that next time. And there you have it - my first sock!
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My name is Robin. I am a wife, mother and strong believer in the power of faith. I'm a maker, a crafter and an artist. I love exploring new mediums and sharing my adventures with you. Did you enjoy your visit? Let me know by leaving a comment. I love knowing you dropped by, and hope to see you again soon! Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love! |