Handkerchiefs

I've been trying to use less paper products. But try as I might, I still need tissue. So I decided I give handkerchiefs a go. After spending way too much time trying to locate non-wedding handler kerchiefs, I decided I try and make my own.

I took a 18x21 fabric quarter  ($1.99 each at my local Joann's). I cut it in half (2 pieces now 10-1/2 x 18). I could have made some nice finished edges by folding the edges down 1/4" ironing then folding them under another 1/4" and ironing them down before doingmamsimple stitch. However, I was feeling lazy and did not want to drag out the iron. So instead, I set my machine to the shortest stitch length it has and settings on zig zag. This is almost as good as serging the edge. I did learn this takes a lot of bobbin. S don't be surprised if you have to refill your bobbin before starting a 2nd one.

The zig zag stitch caused the edges to roll a bit. I liked the finished product though. Gues I'll have to make a few more.

Already September?

I can't believe how quickly the summer has gone by. I'm certain summer vacation just started yesterday, but alas the holidays are quickly approaching. I've started my preparations. I'm thinking snow.

A few snowflakes I made from some Pinterest links.

I've started my own jungle

A few more crochetted lovies. The little one is super excited as she has been the recipient of both. With as many creatures as I've made in the past month, I'm wondering if I should start an etsy shop to make some available. Let me know if anyone is interested.

Hooters

Check out all my cutie little owls I crochetted. Now I just need to figure out what to do with them all.

Crochet adventures

As of late I've been spending my free time crocheting. I'm impressed by what someone can make with just 1 yarn and a hook.

Creating your own patterns

I learned a very important detail recently. Make sure you write down every single step on a new pattern when you are developing one. Do not say you'll just be able to remember it later. You never know when later will be.

Remember my crocheted stockings? So yah, 4 months later and I couldn't remember how I turned the heel. I spent 2 days trying to figure it out again because I had neglected to write it down.

Long time no see

Hi friends! I'm sure you thought I had disappeared but I assure you I am still kicking. :)

Lately though I have not been sewing. As a matter of fact, my sewing area is a complete disaster right now. I keep waiting for the elves to bust in and clean up for me but they have yet to do so. Since it is spring I have started my spring projects. We have seedlings popping up and vinegar making on going.

This year we are trying to grow:

Sunflowers
Marigolds
Cappuccino
Cucumbers
Peppers
Tomatoes
Basil
Spearmint
Spinach
Lettuce

I'm also trying to make my own apple cider vinegar. I have two batches going right now. One has been through the initial week with a cup of apple cores and peel and is sitting in solitude for 6 weeks. The other batch is just starting to ferment. I guess I'll know in six weeks if my experiment worked.

Crocheted Stocking

So the other night I started looking online for crochet patterns, specifically ornaments. Then I found the perfect one at this site:

http://zoomyummy.com/2012/11/29/new-pattern-crochet-christmas-stocking-ornaments/

Beautiful. But the catch? $4 for the pattern. No way was I going to pay for a pattern, so I 
searched a little longer and found a free pattern.

http://www.lemondedesucrette.com/2011/11/16/little-christmas-socks-the-pattern/

Perfect. I tried it out but the stocking was a little larger than I wanted. 

So I modified the pattern to use double and triple crotchets plus a little less stitches/rows and came 
up  with the cute red stocking. It's about the size of my hand. I may try again to get a smaller one too. 
The red one is about the size of my hand.

It took me a little over an hour to make each one (maybe 1-1/2 hours?). I think I must be slow at crochet.
Oh well, I think they are cute. :)