the jilted ballerina

An Anniversary

2011-10-29T01:59:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was my in-laws 60th wedding anniversary. I had remembered a shopping trip with them about a year ago where my mother-in-law remarked on how much she loved these knitted pillow shams at Pottery Barn. I used a pattern for the cabled pillow and modified it slightly. The "A" pillow was actually a pattern I had begun for a Felted Loopy Purse from Lion Brand Yarns and I never quite finished the 20 yard rope.... I think it looks better as a pillow. I sure hope you will give these patterns a try.

also whipped up about 24 cakes in a jar in 3 varieties...more info on the recipes soon

Pepperlu Ottoman Copycat

2011-06-08T22:39:00.000-07:00

I've finally finished my copycat version of the Pepperlu Ottoman!

These guys sell the most amazing faux floor mats and photography props but I just couldn't pay the $400 + shipping for this ottoman. Now, I can justify spending money on their floor mats... there's no way I can make a ginormous mouse pad that looks like real wood flooring. But the pouf...now that I can figure out a way.

The Pepperlu Ottoman

the Pepperlu Ottoman in action...

Now for how I obtained my copycat version: I started off with Amy Butler's Gum Drop Pillow pattern and tweaked it a little to make it closer to the dimensions of the Pepperlu Ottoman. The pillow form is sewn using Kona Solids white cotton fabric.

Next cut out a bazillion felt circles with this handy little tool by Olfa.

Finally, the tedious task of sewing all the little circles by hand forming flowers layer by layer. These are then attached to the pouf.

Voila... my copycat version

...the simple things

2011-06-07T18:07:00.000-07:00

The simple things in life... that's what it's really all about. Like finding the most gorgeous blueberries at the grocery today. I paired them with the sweetest grapes for the humblest of summer fruit salads. The photographer in me had to share. Summer is in full swing.

Not your Gramma's doily

2011-06-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law shared this amazing rope rug by Ladies and Gentlemen with me. It's like a giant doily made out of cotton rope. I am brainstorming ways that this can be made.... stay tuned

Vintage-y

2011-05-29T23:24:00.000-07:00

New post on my 'nother blog. Having an amazing girl's weekend!

Eskimo Kisses

2011-05-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

What a super fun very quick knitting project this was! I envisioned, quite at the last minute, that I needed a cocoon to complete an upcoming newborn session. I had seen this pattern called Eskimo Kiss on Ravelry in a publication called "Welcoming Home Baby - The Handcrafted Way" Wouldn't this be a perfect baby shower gift.

a decent stash

2011-05-22T00:22:00.000-07:00

Yes I've been lame with the blog... but that does not mean that I have not been super busy knitting, sewing, decorating, baking. I am sure by now that you may suspect I suffer from A.D.D. I move from one project to another and another and so on. Right now it's photography. As a mentioned in a previous post, I attended a photography workshop in Utah that was amazing. This in turn has fueled my obsession with newborn photography. I am finding that this art form seems to encompass my love for all the things I love to create. I incorporate my passion for knitting and crocheting through all the endless hats and blankets. I love the design process - and creating unique set designs really fills that void. I get to create vintage floral fascinators and floral headpieces. And finally entertaining... I love to entertain, but I never get the opportunity to do so. I am having such a blast creating decadent candies and irresistible cupcakes. It's crazy I know, but all of these beautiful things bring me such great pleasure. It is so rewarding to be able to capture these special pieces of wonderful through photography. I hope you'll take a gander at my other blog that showcases all of these art forms combined. http://flyingfigphotography.blogspot.com/

What was that for?

2011-05-03T06:29:00.000-07:00

Want to see what all those lovely knit and crochet projects were for?

www.flyingfigphotography.blogspot.com

Who Gives a Hoot?

2011-04-06T16:01:00.000-07:00

So things have been hectic to say the least. Amidst the chaos I find peace and solace in my knitting and crochet. Here are a couple of sleepy little Hooters I finished recently. Pattern was purchased on Ravelry here.

Absent

2011-03-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

I know I have been a little absent.... I went to Salt Lake City, Utah to attend a photography workshop. The day I got home, my husband "J" had a heart attack (about a week ago.) Many nights in the ICU along with trying to finish up a huge project at our place of business - things are beginning to smooth out a bit and return to normal.

I want to thank Sharon O'Leary, one of our gym members, a friend, who was able to convince J to let her take him to the hospital. Because of her, he was able to receive medical attention very quickly and I am certain that this made all the difference in the outcome. I also want to thank David, James brother, for handling the business for us this past week. We can always count on David to step up and help out whenever we need him. Thank you to all of our friends and family for your love and support.

In the midst of all this turmoil, I am determined not to lose sight of my original goals to start portfolio building for my photography business - Flying Fig Photography. I am working on the branding along with the website. For now, all I have up is the FB page. I hope you'll take a gander at some of the photo's taken at the workshop and "like" my page. Hope you are all safe and well...

PHOTOGRAPHY: Sleepless

2011-03-10T23:41:00.000-08:00

I should be sleeping... instead I'm up editing...

PHOTOGRAPHY: Dreaminess

2011-02-27T15:22:00.000-08:00

As the days grow longer, I can feel spring on the precipice. Lazily knitting, as the sun began to set the house was flooded with the most delicious, glowing light. I grabbed a few silk flowers, a glass jar, and Birdie. My objective was to evoke the feeling of spring.

KNITTING: Raspberry Beret

2011-02-21T23:11:00.000-08:00

My daughter has been jones'n for a knitted beret for a while now. I purchased this simple pattern designed by Elisa McLaughlin called Yummy beret. I whipped it up in a raspberry color one evening. The yarn that I had in my stash was a bit too fine so I worked two strands together. Once I was finished, I used a puppy slicker (wire brush) to make it fuzzy and much much more yummy.

CIRCLE JOURNAL 2010-2011: Passion

2011-02-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

I really struggled for inspiration with this month's Circle Journal entry. The theme for Rosanna's journal was Passion. Wow this could be translated a bazillion different ways - my mind was overwhelmed.

I usually start by thumbing through the other participant's pages hoping that something will spark an idea. Next, I research the person's blog looking for anything that I can personally connect with. Often times it will be a color, photograph, or maybe something they like to collect.

The problem is... I connect with Rosanna on so many levels. We seem to be passionate about the same things: fabrics, embroidery, gardening, design - I could go on and on. She has had some of the most fascinating occupations, in fact, when I grow up I want to BE Rosanna.

Normally this wealth of information would make the process easy... but instead I froze up with an artist's version of writer's block (did I just call myself an artist?)

Finally, a slight glimmer of an idea was found. Several participant's had printed out pictures and decoupaged them onto the pages with sweet phrases and famous quotes. Since I have done paintings/drawings in the other journals I hated to just print out a picture. Then I started thinking about an exercise that I learned in the class I took to prepare for this Circle Journal. You take a clipping of a photograph or magazine and you paint on top of the picture. This is a great lesson in understanding highlights and shadows. And that's what I did.

The picture is one of my all time favorites from a magazine. I scanned and then printed onto paper for acrylic paints. I also scanned one of my favorite vintage fabrics. I then painted over top of these pictures taking some creative license.

CROCHET: Vintage Mia Soaker

2011-02-16T15:08:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to finish writing the PATTERN for a vintage inspired diaper soaker to match back to the ever popular Vintage Mia Earflap Hat PATTERN. **CHECK**

btw my latest obsession happens to be scouring the red tag upholstery sale bin at Joann's Fabrics. The background fabric in the picture below was a mere $6 a yard :-)

KNITTING: Chunky Cable Cowl

2011-02-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

An impromptu photo shoot with my muse, my best friend, my daughter and of course my latest free pattern find. You must try this super simple free pattern by Opera in Jeans. I'm so in love ♥

KNITTING: A Pixie

2011-02-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share another gorgeous free pattern with you. This style of hat is referred to by a host of names, Stocking Cap, Pixie hat, Elf hat - to name a few. I opted to omit the striping in favor of being able to use this scrumptious yarn thats been in my stash for a while.

KNITTING: Blizzard Beanie "Ethan Earflap"

2011-02-04T13:43:00.000-08:00

You know the saying, "Necessity is the mother of invention?" Well that seems to be my MO these days when it comes to these adorable baby beanies. I keep finding images of these gorgeous hats and after exhaustive research, I can't find a pattern for them. Out of sheer frustration I figure out a way to make it myself... and I've ended up with several pretty cute (imho) patterns. Who knew?

Hope everyone is keeping nice and toasty... Here in Florida we are still running the air conditioner. Crazy right?

Blizzard Beanie "Ethan" Pattern

KNITTING: Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail

2011-01-27T13:24:00.000-08:00

I am so in love with art yarns like those slub thick-thin yarns but they can be challenging to work with. My first attempts were epic fails. I was afraid I would break the yarn if I pulled too tight on the thin areas of the skein. But determined as I am, I kept on. In my humble opinion, this free bu nny beanie is the perfect pattern to showcase the yarn. Of course I had to make it difficult on myself as the pattern calls for regular worsted weight yarn. This thick yarn fudges up all the measurement so I had to completely rewrite the pattern - hmmmm maybe I'll put it up on Ravelry... LOL Anyway, because I'm a glutton for punishment I'm going to make a diaper cover with a fluffy tail to match.

CROCHET: EXTRA! EXTRA! Read All About It!

2011-01-19T08:58:00.000-08:00

Next up in my baby beanie/diaper set obsession: The Newsboy.Who could resist this dapper FREE NEWSBOY BEANIE PATTERN, along with the matching FREE CROCHET DIAPER COVER PATTERN. I whipped these both up in an evening even though I was having technical difficulties with the diaper cover. I was using bulkier yarn so it was coming out way too big. So I had to make some adjustments. I also used a half double crochet instead of single crochet to match back to the Newsboy Beanie.

CROCHET: Pattern Designs

2011-01-17T16:30:00.000-08:00

What little girl hasn't wanted to be a designer at some point in her lifetime? Although, I don't think that crochet designs were exactly what I had envisioned, but alas.....

I just finished designing two vintage-inspired earflap beanies. The first is called the Mia which utilizes the shell stitch and second the Scarlet that incorporates the yummy chunky texture of the moss stitch. I'm drooling over these colors by Red Heart Eco Yarns. I've had a really good response to the patterns woohooo! Maybe the sales will help further my textile addiction :-)

The Mia Pattern

The Scarlet Pattern

CROCHET:Monster Booties for Maddox

2011-01-14T08:14:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon this FREE MONSTER BOOTIES PATTERN about a month ago. They are really tiny but so adorable. One of my nieces is having a little boy any day now - Lil' Maddox and I thought these would be perfect with the cold weather. Unfortunately, I missed meeting up with her when I was in town last. I'll try to get them in the mail soon.

Circle Journal 2010-2011 Living in the Now

2011-01-13T11:18:00.000-08:00

Living in the now... right now, this was the theme for the journal (Sherri's) that I had this month. Even as a child I would stop and try and remember every little detail that was happening at that exact moment. I called it making a memory. Even still, I really struggled with this theme and how to translate "living in the now" into art.

Sherri mentioned that at the completion of this project, when she received her journal back she wanted to sprinkle the artwork on the journal pages throughout her home in little frames. I thought this was such an amazing idea. Everyday you would be able to glance at the different pieces of art and be reminded of living in the now and your circle journal of friends. So, from the beginning I knew I wanted to do some sort of painting that represented her and the things she held dear.

I tried a new style of art... I'm not sure what it is called, but I like the graphic nature of it and it reminds me of Sherri.

I used sharpies, and watercolors. Doesn't it look like Sherri?

I learned that Sherri likes Zentangle also known as Zendoodle. I have been hearing this word alot lately but wasn't sure what it was. I decided to step outside of my box and give it a try. BEWARE it's very addictive.

"S" is for Sherri

I'm sending this 8 X 10 directly to her cause I didn't want to fold it.

The bottom half

2011-01-12T13:12:00.000-08:00

Remember those adorable knitted fuzzy hats I just blogged about? Well I've just completed the bottom halves - matching diaper covers. I'm making things I never imagined I possessed the skill level to make. My confidence is growing and I feel like I could even tackle something more challenging.

Shhhh.... I'm counting

2011-01-07T22:37:00.000-08:00

When there is a chill in the air there's something so cozy about a fluffy skein of chunky yarn and a pair of knitting needles.

As many of you may know, I am not as comfortable with knitting as I am with crochet. I found it interesting in talking with others of the needle-y persuasion, that most are more comfortable with the craft they learned first. Hmmmm... this is definitely true in my case.

They say practice makes perfect, so I've been practicing on some small baby projects - and I have to say, I'm really enjoying this thing called knitting.

I purchased the Pixie Style Beanie Pattern on Etsy

I purchased this adorable Jester Pom Pom Pattern on Etsy

Have your cake and eat it too....

2011-01-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

I forgot to share with you the cake table for my dad and step-mom's anniversary party. We held my mom and Eddie's party on Friday and my dad's and step-mom's on Saturday.

I find it so amusing how different the two occasions were and how clearly the differences can be seen just by glancing at the cake tables.

Due to the holidays all the local bakeries were closed so I was unable to order custom cakes for both parties as I had planned. But, I think we did good in a pinch....

Another Special Occasion

2011-01-05T18:32:00.000-08:00

We had several anniversary celebrations this year. My mom and Eddie marked their 20th wedding anniversary. To celebrate the occasion we hosted a formal dinner party followed by an intimate family gathering.

Can you believe this cake was purchased just 2 days before the event from Walmart for $48.00? We cascaded fresh creamy white roses down the side. I couldn't be happier if I had purchased it from a high-end bakery. This cake serves 60 people. The tip is to purchase an anniversary cake instead of a wedding cake - perfect for a wedding on a shoestring budget.

My mom and I both share a love of fine linens so I knew right away what I wanted to make for her anniversary. Monogrammed handmade pillow shams...

Elise Shawl for Granny Jo

2011-01-03T20:27:00.000-08:00

Sprinkled among The Big Quilt Project, I managed to make a little something for Granny Jo (my step-mom's mom.) I have heard about her over the years but just recently got to meet her in person. She is the sweetest little lady and already we have made lots of memories of gathering around MaMa's dining room table heads bent over a puzzle .

I found a free pattern called the Elise Shawl that was exactly what I was looking for. I worked two strands of crochet thread together at the same time. Maybe you have a special Granny Jo you can make one for.

The BIG Reveal

2011-01-02T21:10:00.000-08:00

I can finally share the BIG project I talked about back in October now that the gifts have been safely delivered.

When I was a little girl, my MaMa, who was an amazingly talented quilter, made each of the grandchildren a quilt. She and Nanny (her mother) were members of a church quilting bee and each quilt was hand stitched with love. Having that quilt reminds me of her and the many happy summers spent at her house. It's a reminder of the past and it gives me a sense of connection to her and simpler times when our family had not yet been fragmented by divorce.

I wanted the next generation -my kids and my brother's and sister's kids to have a connection to their childhood that will surely pass in a blink of an eye.... and the idea was born.

PART I

The project began with a baby gift of an heirloom hand-cut chenille blanket for my brother's baby Miss S. that was born in October.

PART II

Next, I made minky blankets with mitered border for each one of the grandchildren using this tutorial. I made them quite a bit larger than the tutorial called for and then appliquéd their names on the minky side. It was so much fun searching for fabrics that represented each of the kid's personalities. Not all of the blankets are shown, there were 10 in total.

PART III

This year is my Dad and Step-Mom's 20th wedding anniversary. I really wanted to make something special to mark the occasion. Then it hit me... I would take pieces of each one of the grandchildren's blankets and make a quilt for them. This was a very daunting task. I had never made a quilt before. I pressed onwards, finding this pattern and my confidence grew a little. I took my time enjoying the process. I even got a little cocky and pushed the envelope by making matching pillow shams. I couldn't be happier with the results.... Although I do recommended starting with a smaller project than the King Sized quilt I made - if it's your first quilting project.

For me, the smiles on the recipients faces is what life is all about. I dedicate this post in loving memory of my MaMa.....

Portrait Props and Such

2010-12-21T21:31:00.000-08:00

Heading home during the holidays...

I am SO looking forward to spending time with family. Most of my family live in the panhandle of Florida with the exception of one of my brothers and myself. It is a rarity that we are both home at the same time. We are all especially excited to see the aforementioned brother's new baby ~ Miss S. She was born about a month premature and was in the NICU the last time we saw her.

When I found out that we would be home at the same time my wheels started turning. I have always wanted to try one of those artsy newborn photo shoots. After getting the green light from Mommy J., I was off to the races brainstorming all the possibilities. I researched some of my favorite photography sites for inspiration and poses. Although, most newborn portraits are done at 1 - 2 weeks old and Miss S. is 3 months... we'll just have to improvise.

At this point, I've made a tutu, 2 pairs of ruffled bloomers, handmade floral headbands, singed silk flower with birdcage netting and feathers, crocheted earflap hat and a cocoon. Whew...... AND I'm not quite finished yet. I would still like to work on the backdrops a bit...and then there's this little pom pom hat...and

Here's a sneak peak at some of the props for Sophia's portrait day. Fingers crossed we get some good pix :-)

A "slipper" in time...

2010-12-01T14:38:00.000-08:00

The cold weather has finally arrived. Nothing like a cold snap to get you in the mood for crochet and knitting projects. These Sweet Slippers over at Sarah's Sweethearts blog are a cinch to make. Best of all it's a free pattern. Whip up a couple of pairs.... they make great gifts.

Cathedral Window Quilt Tutorial

2010-11-25T10:29:00.000-08:00

Searching for inspiration, I came across a Cathedral Window or Stained Glass Quilt. Originally, these quilts were made using muslin or cheesecloth creating the sheer "window panes." The quilt is made without a traditional "quilt sandwich" meaning you don't have to add batting, backing fabric, quilt the top, or bind the edges. Wow! Really?

I was immediately smitten...I MUST MAKE ONE OF THESE... but the pattern looked way too intricate for a total newbie like myself. Of course, I couldn't let a think like the lack of skill or experience stand in my way AND that's when I found this amazing tutorial by Hyena in Petticoats.

I thought I'd share with you my progress via a step-by-step picture tutorial. It is a really simple technique. All you need is time and patience.... oh and a few materials.

A Note About the Materials:
This will all make sense once you've read through the tutorial :-)
(8) eight background squares = 36"
For every (16) sixteen background squares you will have 22 windows.

Use the guide below to determine your fabric needs. I used Kona cotton in white for the background. Scraps and fat quarters from 22 different fabrics for the windows.

   1 yard of 44" wide fabric yields approx (12) twelve 10" squares
   3 1/4" squares for windows (scraps)
   2 1/2" squares of batting (scraps) (batting is optional)
   File folder, mailer, or manila envelope for template (anything that can be ironed)
   Thread to match background fabric
   Basting spray or straight pins

A Note About the Pattern:
Where this pattern skips traditional quilting steps, it makes up for in precision, folding, and ironing. The more precise you are in making sure everything is absolutely square, lined up, and straight the better your finished quilt will be.
Also, I precut all of my materials before beginning.

Begin by cutting out a 9" square and a 2 1/2" square template

Next cut out 10" squares from pre-washed, ironed, background fabric

Place the template in the center of your 10" square

Miter all 4 corners by folding as shown below

Now we fold and iron down all 4 sides

Remove Template

Fold your square in half and iron

Fold in half once more and iron

Using the fold lines as a guide, fold the corners toward the center

Iron

Fold once again towards the center

Iron

Your finished square will be approx 4 1/2"

GETTING READY TO SEW

Place 2 squares side by side

Pull up one fold (triangle) from each square

Line up your corners and pin (I use basting spray)

Take this to your sewing machine and stitch the two triangles together on the fold line

Next, open up the triangles by pulling them apart and flattening them out.

You have just created your first window.

(optional: pin or spray baste the triangles around the center window)

First Row of 8 Squares

ADDING THE WINDOWS

Taking your 3 1/4" squares of "window" fabric,

2 1/2" square of batting, and your 2 1/2" template

Place the fabric wrong side up. Layer batting and template in the center

Begin by finger pressing the edges around the template and iron down

Remove Template

Place ironed fabric in center of window

Some people pin down the edges over the window fabric...

I just finger press and hold them down as I sew. As you fold the edges

they will naturally curve into an arch. Sew.

It is important to begin stitching at the very tops of both your beginning and ending corners.

These corners will all meet and intersect - Keep them as lined up as possible

TIP: Use an old seam ripper to help hold down your corners as you sew

Starting with the second row you will have (2) two seams to sew per square as shown by the straight pins

Continue building your squares until the desired size is achieved....and you're done.

Hold up to the light to see the window pane effect... ENJOY!

Circle Journal 2010 - The Sweet Spot

2010-11-22T21:04:00.000-08:00

Denyse's request was simple - Using the questions provided "journal" about yourself. I chose to answer the question " Who are you?" in the way I best express myself - visually instead of verbally. I also wanted this entry to be tangible in some way.

This is my opening page adjoining Miss Corine Moore's last page

Opening page

You never know what you're gonna get

Next - The middle pages of my entry

Life is like a box of chocolates

Box of chocolate truffles....

Made a raised candy box with a lid

Yum... Truffles

Lift the truffles out of the box to see the answers to the question I chose "Who Are You?"

I am... wife, mother, friend, sister, artist, ballerina

100% Fat Free

Last page

Not according to plan :-/

2010-11-21T22:21:00.000-08:00

So the laundry closet makeover is not going as planned. First off, the closet is so small and the washer/dryer are so BIG that the wall decals I put up are barely noticeable. GRRRRRR

The closet doors have had to come off (due to the BIG issue I mentioned before.) I did have the insight to switch out the red washer/dryer for a white set when I realized that I wouldn't be able to close them off from the rest of the rooms (one crisis averted.)

The delivery guys said that if I replaced the rigid dryer vent with a flexible one, I would be able to slide the W/D back -meaning the doors would fit. NOPE - NOT TRUE. I installed said flexible hose and shimmied and shoved that stacked W/D and NADA doors still won't fit. Whatever... I will probably end up slapping some curtains up there.....moving on.

I went to IKEA (wohooo) and purchased some shelving and some basket inserts. Once I got home and assembled one of the shelves (2nd crisis averted by not assembling both shelves) I realized that only one shelf would fit...I measured I swear. Next day, exchanged shelf for a smaller one.... assembled it.... looking good.... uggggg it's slightly taller than the other one. Whatever.... I'll put feet under one of the shelves to raise it up.... moving on.

Now, remember those basket inserts I purchased at IKEA? I was so excited I clipped off the tags tossed 'em. I organized all the laundry stuff inside... lovin' them. Alas, these baskets won't fit on the smaller shelf. I'm a bit OCD I NEED matching baskets on the smaller shelf. At $16 a piece these baskets weren't cheap even for IKEA. But I threw the dern tags away.

I am so frustrated with the whole project... I kept thinking I've got to post the after pics on my blog. That day will not be today....LOL but I do have some pix of those suhhh-weet wall decals as I was installing them.

Dirty Laundry - A Make Over

2010-10-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

Do you remember a few posts back I mentioned a BIG project that I was working on? Well, I'm halfway finished! I am dying to show you guys pix but have to wait until the project has been delivered to the recipients.... Lordy I'm not a patient woman.

In the meantime, I am redoing my laundry closet. That's right it's not even a room... but I thought that since the space is so small it would give me the opportunity to try something fun. It's a good thing it is a small closet because I've painted it twice, already. The first color was hideously garish.

I'm getting ahead of myself, let me give you a little background. My dryer is driving me bonkers... it squeaks so loud you can hear it across two time zones. I figured what a great time to get a set of those fancy front loading machines. Insert weekend of shopping and purchase of a beautiful set of RED front loading machines! They were back ordered, so I thought what a perfect opportunity to take out that ugly wire shelf and repaint.

My original thought was to paint the walls black with large white polka dots - red washer and dryer.... can you picture it? Then I realized we would have to take the bi-fold doors down and wouldn't be able to be close off the menagerie... not to mention, the concept was giving me early 90's flashbacks.

Since the doors have to come off, I needed the colors to coordinate to the rooms the closet is kinda open to. I usually try to stay pretty neutral with my decor's background (espresso and creamy white) and then add easily-changed pops of color like pillows or drapes. Right now I'm in a blue and persimmon-y red phase.

So I thought well since I'm already committed to the red washer and dryer, why not paint a shade of blue and add some sort of white polka dot? (yes I love my circles) Which led me to the idea of maybe vinyl wall decals to avoid having to hand paint the spots (been there done that.) Once I started looking at my spotted options I began to lean more towards an Ikea-ish look. The polka dot idea got tossed as it started to seem a little too juvenile for this application.

Here is the progress I've made so far while I'm literally watching paint dry....

I forgot to take a before pic but this is EXACTLY what my closet looked like

Began by removing ugly wire shelf, patching holes, taping off edges, and removing bi-fold doors

Hopefully you will not have to paint your laundry closet more than once

When the paint dries... I will add these lovely BLOOM decals from Byrdie Graphics in white

Stay tuned for pix of the walls "in bloom."

Designer Labels - YOU CAN MAKE AT HOME

2010-10-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

Sometime last year I purchased some spiffy labels that I designed for all of my hand knit pieces. Problem is, large companies require minimum orders and initial set up fees. The company I purchased from had a low minimum but I still have about 300+ labels lying around.... That's a lot of crochet and knitting projects.

Since then, I have kind of switched gears and started quilting. I love being able to personalize my pieces and for a split second I thought about ordering some labels for my quilts UNTIL..... I came across this amazing product at my local Jo-Ann Fabrics called PhotoFabric. This stuff is genius! It comes in several fabric choices such as poplin, canvas, silk and more. It is so simple just PRINT, PEEL, & SEW using your home inkjet printer.

PRINT AND LET DRY

PEEL

RINSE DO NOT WRING

LAY FLAT TO DRY

CUT INTO DESIRED SIZES FRAY CHECK THE EDGES

TADA

It's a good thing I didn't order a bazillion of these as I've already needed labels for another project that was not a quilt :-/

GO OUT AND MAKE YOUR OWN DESIGNER LABELS TODAY!

Seeing Spots and Ravelry Love

2010-10-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

Recently, I've been working on completing my profile on Ravelry. Uploading all of my crochet pix, pattern sources as well as hook size, and yarn used, is quite a daunting task. I love being able to see all of my projects side-by-side. You can even add works-in-progress WIP which gives me the little push I need to complete it ( I just can't stand having an unfinished project cluttering up my page.) I have being using Ravelry for the longest time to search for patterns and gain inspiration, but until now I wasn't using the site to it's full potential.

When each member uploads the patterns they have tried with pictures of the finished project the database grows. You can find a pattern for virtually anything you have ever wanted to knit or crochet. Let's just say you find a pattern for a hat, you can view this project completed by several different people. Maybe they made it with a different yarn in varying color-ways. Maybe the pattern looked hideous on the original website and you would have never have tried it.

Here is an original pattern of a baby sweater I came across...

Not so attractive, eh? Now check out the pattern done in a different yarn and color-way.

Wow what a difference! Would you have even attempted that pattern if all you had to go by was the picture of the first sweater? Not me.... I love Ravelry. Go make yourself an account today.

After working on an intense pattern the Temair Throw, I decided to make a quick and easy project. I am revising an afghan pattern I found on Lion Brand Yarns and making it into a rug for my kitchen out of cotton yarn. Here is a picture of the afghan. I am only making the larger circles for my rug.

And here are the beginnings of my interpretation of the above pattern.

It's a WIP but I love the graphic nature of the large circles in the contrasting colors of espresso and white. Keep yarnin'

For Mother.... In-Law

2010-10-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

Just finished the Temair Throw by Lion Brand for my Mother-in-law's anniversary gift. It's a pattern designed by the lovely Nicky Epstein. I love the textural quality of this throw. It is very unusual in it's design which is a series of circles that are then stitched together. I found that the pattern wasn't as complicated as it appears and works up fairly quickly. Happy Crocheting - Keep Yarnin'

NO PEEKING KELLY ALBIN!!!

2010-10-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

This is my Circle Journal entry in Kelly's journal. I just couldn't keep it to myself for an entire year :-)

Froggy for baby

2010-10-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law loves frogs.... so when I saw this pattern for a knitted pacifier clip, I got out my needles. The pattern can be found in "Itty Bitty Nursery" by knitting extraordinaire Susan B. Anderson. I made a few revisions to the pattern to make it more girlie.

Heirloom Hand Cut Chenille for Sophia

2010-09-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

I've been super busy with an assortment of projects for the arrival of my baby brother's first baby. The only request was "nothing too girly." I found an amazing tutorial for an heirloom hand-cut chenille quilt for Miss Sophia Arabella and the project just snowballed with coordinating embroidered onesies, designer burp cloths, pacifier clip, and a lovey. I am such a visual person... so without further ado

Back Three Layers of Cotton Flannel ~ Front Printed Fabric

Begin straight line quilting with your lines 1/2" apart

Cut through the cotton flannel layers only

Wash and dry to "Bloom" the chenille

Blanket binding trim with decorative star stitch

Finis!

Coordinating Burp Cloths Made with Minky

Onesies For Sophie

Luxe Lovey

Stash Bustin'

2010-09-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

I've been busy with a huge project... more to come in a later post... can't risk spoilers till the entire project is complete.

Other than that I am desperate to bust my stash. Basically it's all those endless skeins of yarn left over from previous projects. This yarn is literally EATING my closet. A great stash buster is any pattern that uses a multitude of random colors.

With that said...this is a really simple pattern for the ever popular African Flower Hexagon. They can be used for a bazillion things as they fit together like a puzzle.

The beginnings of my stash busting...Haven't gotten very far...LOL the other project has been keeping me busy.

...now for some inspiration on how to use these lovely hex'es

Blankets

Chair Cushion Cover

Pillows

Purses

For More Ideas Visit the African Flower Flickr Group

Ballerina Series

2010-09-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

I am starting a new series of paintings with ballerinas in some of the basic positions. I like adding the French terms that I've had swirling around in my head all these years. A la seconde refers to movements to the side of the body such as a tendu or dégágé.

The Forgotten Queen

2010-08-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

This queen is not very well known, in fact she is known simply as "the forgotten Queen." I bet you can guess which country she was the first Queen of by the clue she is holding.

Crocheting

2010-08-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the crocheted summer top that I mentioned in a previous post. I LOVE IT!! It is so comfortable... hides all the flaws. I hope you try out some of Cindy Kamp's patterns. I'm working on another one right now.

Do Over

2010-08-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

There was just something wrong about the last painting,I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I decided to put it out of sight so that I could look on it with fresh eyes. I think that there were several things wrong with it. Can you tell what the "do overs" are? Some are quite obvious... some are not.

Another royal pain

2010-08-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

Can you guess this queen? I am not sure if she is 100% finished. ~~I may add a crown~~ I added a crown. I can never stop tweaking

I learned quite a bit about this queen during my research. The major clue - the 3 ships in a bottle. My daughter still has not figured it out.... LOL

My husband figured it out on the first guess O_O... go figure?

The next royal pain

2010-08-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

You guys guessed a little too easily for Miss Marie Antoinette. Of course, I think this one will be just as easy.... but can anyone guess the reference as to what she is holding?

...Guess the Royal

2010-08-16T16:18:00.000-07:00

Let's play a little game... guess who this painting is of. Hopefully I added enough cliches to make this pretty simple.

So, I think I have stumbled across a style or genre of painting that I love. I have always been fascinated by Royalty and the intricacies of court life. The last painting "The Ball" was a "fail" at my attempt to convey the right emotion. It's hard to explain... but this sly little vixen may have just won over my heart ~ combining my love for both history and art.

The Ball

2010-08-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest painting. I am still trying to find my niche. This could take a while.....

Summer Crochet

2010-08-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

Not to be upstaged by my latest obsession, painting, I have been crocheting a summer top. The summer top was designed by Cindy Kamps. I am in love with her patterns. She can be found both on Etsy and Ralvery.

I was working on a pair of socks but became so frustrated with the pattern that I had to set it aside, lest I lose my mind.

I haven't made any tutorials for YouTube lately... after 140 + videos, I thought I'd give myself a much needed break. It was becoming a chore and stealing the contentment I used to get from crocheting.

Step 1 ~ Making the Motifs for the Summer Top

Parting is such sweet sorrow

2010-08-12T11:14:00.001-07:00

What an amazing journey so far. I've just completed my entry for Salma's Circle Journal, and I must say it is harder than I thought to part with it.

There is something about pouring yourself into a painting ~ a self portrait and then giving it away knowing you will never see it again. I have taken a bazillion pictures of it... but I can't seem to capture the way it looks in person....

To console myself I have begun to pour myself into another painting... Does everyone become this attached to their work?

Spoiler Alert - Circle Journal 2010-2011

2010-08-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

I have almost completed my entry for Salma's journal. Her theme was to create a face the way we think the world sees us. Of course, I was aiming for whimsy and I was probably more "kind" than what is true to life.... but what fun this journey has been.

Starfish was a gift from my husband from Tiffany's. I rarely take it off.

Birds of a feather

2010-08-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

Today I put my daughter on a plane to visit her childhood friend. She has never been away like this before and never alone. It feels so strange like something is missing, because something is missing. I am getting a glimpse at the way life will be in the not-so-distant future. Suddenly the phrase "empty nest" is not just something I think about in reference to my parents... it is now staring at me squarely in the face.

I wanted to send her with a little something hand-made by me... a little smile... a little love...a little of me.

Free Baby Chick Pattern Here

Did I mention she is currently obsessed with baby chicks?

Free Penguin Pattern Here

Of course I have been wanting to make this penguin for Miss Isadora -

(daughter's bff) for a while now. In pink nevertheless, her favorite color!

Birds of a feather flock together...

Traded

2010-07-31T15:22:00.000-07:00

I have momentarily traded in my hooks for paintbrushes.

Recently, I joined a Circle Journal that will take place over the next 12 months. Each person has their own journal with a chosen theme. Every month on the 15th we send the journal we have to the next person. Everyone does an entry and the journal makes a full circle. At the end of the 12 months we receive our original journals filled with creativity.

It just so happens that my first journal's theme was a "self portrait." Never really considering myself an artist, I decided to sign up for an art class (something I've wanted to do for such a long time.)

And so my new obsession begins...

Bonnet Tutorial Link

2010-07-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Baby Bonnet Tutorial is now Live..... Hope you give this pattern a try

Summer Reading

2010-07-22T17:05:00.000-07:00

Simple project for your summer reading. Another TGS (tiny granny square) project, this time in the form of a bookmark. The simple cabbage rose can be added to a multitude of crafty mixed media projects. Cabbage rose tutorial here.

Crochet 5 TGS and Cabbage Rose

Sew 1 TGS to the back of your cabbage rose

Sew each TGS together in a straight line

Insert in favorite book

A bee in my bonnet....

2010-07-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

I'm utterly amazed at how easy this bonnet pattern was to design. I worked it up in about 2 hours last night.

I have a young subscriber on YouTube that requested help with making some baby girl items (her mom is having a baby soon.) The search ensued for an easy bonnet pattern. Every time I found a pattern I liked, it was for those "knit pickers." Why do they always get the delicate lacy patterns? This has always been a bee in my bonnet, simply because I'm not as confident with my knitting skillz.

Well no more.... Tada.... here is a very lacy delicate bonnet for us hookin' girls.

BUY PATTERN @ MY ETSY SHOP NOW

Tiny Granny Squares ~ Bracelet

2010-07-16T02:04:00.000-07:00

These Tiny Granny Squares have endless uses. Ideas and inspiration are swirling around in my head.

I just got back from paradise aka Key West so I have "beach" on the brain. Therefore, my first TGS project is a beach-inspired hemp bracelet.

You can find the TGS Tutorial on Youtube then c'mon back here for instructions on how to put your bracelet together. Next, with margarita in hand, head out to the nearest beach-y location of your liking.

Take your finished TGS

FREE TUTORIAL HERE

Sew them together at the center point only

Sew on toggle clasp of your choice

Don't forget to sew on the other side of the toggle

Tada! Layer with your favorite bangles.

Starts and Stops

2010-07-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

So as promised here are a few snapshots of the projects I have begun. Sock Pattern Here. Granny Square Pattern Here (pattern for a scarf). Tiny Granny Squares Tutorial Here. Tutorials on these projects forthcoming.

socks in progress...

Granny Squares Became a Purse

Tiny Granny Squares waiting in the wings

MIA

2010-07-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

I've been a little MIA... was out of town for the past 2 weeks. As predicted, I didn't get to very many of the crochet projects I had planned. I'll post pics soon of a few things that I at least started

Key West

2010-07-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

Crocheting in tropical paradise with "Granny"

Southward Bound

2010-07-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

Last minute trip planned to the Florida Keys... lots of projects planned for the drive down south. I wonder what I will actually get to.

A few projects...

tiny granny squares ~ a version of this tote

granny square hobo

cabled socks