Smooth Sailing

Everyone falls off the fitness wagon every now and then, myself definitely included. I don't get crazy, but a few too many cookies at the holidays really add up. Given that, I always start the year a little down. You'd think that I would learn my lesson, year after year. 

I am only human, I guess.

This year, I have made a few more changes that I hope will stick. I have not eaten ice cream or fried foods (other than 3 onion rings) all month. That is a HUGE deal for me

. Ice cream could be a food group. 

I have made lots of smoothies, soups, salads, and other healthy make-ahead meals. I have started tracking my food and activity. It makes me feel more accountable.

WIP Wednesday: Flannel Coziness

I love to putter around with my sewing machine. I like the methodology of sewing quilt squares and the whimsy of making up projects as I go, like my mason jar cozy. But I am a big girl, it is time to make something from a pattern. 

I figured that I would start off by making something that no one outside my house would see.

I am especially partial to long cozy nightgowns, so that is where I shall begin.

Even though I purchased the right amount of yardage for the pattern and followed to layout directions, I COULD NOT get all the pattern pieces to fit. No biggie, I am going to make the pocket, hood, and yoke from a coordinating fabric.

I will keep you posted on the construction progress, though I do need a little help with the pattern instructions in places. Wish me luck!

How Tuesday: Tray Upcycle

Sometimes, everyday things need just need a little spruce up. Perfect example, this tray. It originally held programs at a formerly important event and then got a quick coat of brown paint and stored supplies under a now defunct aquarium. I admit to occasionally enjoying a meal in front of the TV. Let's be honest here, doesn't everyone? The pain is making multiple trips to/from the kitchen. Inspiration struck while watching Downton Abbey. Watching Carson and the footmen carrying in tea and such on nice trays and salvers, I  devised a way to redo the tray in a way that even the Dowager Countess would approve.

   

The tray is wooden, from the craft store. It was originally cream with gold trim and then hastily covered with brown craft paint. Not very appealing. For this upcycle, I painted the tray with every crafter's secret weapon:  GOLD SPRAY PAINT!

Next, I trimmed a piece of cardboard the fit inside the tray, allowing a little space for fabric.

Sadly, I forgot to take of photo of the fabric covering process. I simple cut a piece of fabric with pinking shears a little larger than the cardboard. I sprayed the cardboard with craft adhesive and wrapped the fabric around it, folding hospital corners so it would lie flat. I placed the fabric-covered cardboard in the tray and was ready to go. I did not tack the fabric down so that I could launder or swap out the fabric as desired.

My Downtown worthy dinner on a tray that Carson would be proud to carry :)

WIP Wednesday: Embroidered Project Bag

We, as a culture, tend to take things for granted. As I have often said, time is one of those things. Another is vision. I have not been able to be as crafty as I would prefer lately, but now that me new "eyes" are here I am stitching up a storm.

I am currently working on project bag for myself (gasp!). The bag is based on a pattern by Jenny at Sublime Stitching. Seriously, get over there and buy some patterns. You won't be sorry.

Although it a full-on embroidery pattern, I have decided to do some applique of certain elements.

The thimble kind of resembles a Dalek. I am okay with that.

I am about a third done. I will be adding an embroidery hoop using this  process, adding a rick rack border, and embellishing the handles. Once the bag is complete, I am going to make some internal tool pouches. I'll keep you posted.

Breaking New Ground

I know that it may seem cliche and a little overplayed to be focused on new things at the start of the year. So be it. I have decided that even though I may not be able t actually open my own embroidery shop/tea bar this year, there is no harm in going through some of the processes and perhaps even start an online store by the end of the year.

Besides taking some business planning and financial courses, I definitely need to brush up on my drawing skills in order to design patterns. A great friend who has an illustration background will be giving me lessons and this summer, I plan on taking a class. 

In  the meantime, the internet and various wikis are my friend.

This is first completed sketch that could be converted to a pattern. 

A little rough, but ya have to start somewhere.

Simple yet identifiable.

Also, still plugging way on my blue squares. I am looking forward to having this lovely piece on our bed but also can't wait to start making multi-colored fun squares.

Side note: a great brunch of focaccia, goat cheese, and grape chutney =awesome. Add a mystery novel, and you have bliss.

Lastly, but most importantly, I would not be able to do any of this today without my new glasses. I waited for the optician to call like most girls wait for their crush. Some adjusting will be necessary, but I am back in the making game!

Picking My Battles

Did you ever have what you think is going to be a great day, just to have your body let you down? Yeah, me either ;)

After having the tea bar/embroidery shop brainstorm yesterday, I have been having a hard time concentrating on anything else. I have sought out some drawing instruction and an entrepreneur workshop. Likely, nothing will come of it business-wise, but it will at least improve my skills. Meanwhile, I am still struggling with a stomach bug combined with a chronic headache. Oy. New glasses are on the way...

Luckily, I have good friends who bring me chicken soup. I even cancelled set construction tonight, no small thing for me.

I plan on resting and reading, gathering inspiration and lightening my mood.

I will also crochet as long as my eyes will allow me...

...and sleep when they do not.

A Few Of My Favorite Stitchy Things

This morning while I was booting up my computer, preparing to tackle yet another spread sheet, I decided that I would rather be stitching. Not a huge news flash, I know. But as my machine came to life, I caught a whiff of the tea steeping next to me. "That's it!, " I declared (in my head.) If I could I would open an embroidery shop with a tea bar. Of course, this is absolutely no time to be starting a business even if I did have the money to, which I don't. But I can share my favorite designers with you...you could even come over for a cup of tea.

On a whim, I decided to learn to embroider last fall. My local quilt shop had darling little patterns by Penguin and Fish. I snapped on up and went home to learn. Luckily, Wendi Gratz has an amazing Embroidery School on her blog. Wendi also had wonderful patterns...lotsa fun monsters.

Once, I stitched up Penguin and Fish's Fox, I was HOOKED. I then bought her newt, owl, hedgehog (my favorite pattern of hers), jellyfish and quail. It was love at first stitch.

Then I discovered Wild Olive. Mollie is like the most talented designer ever. I'll admit, I kinda have bit of a girl crush. I have stitched MANY of her designers, but I think that Crafty Characters may be my favorite.

Do you like cute things? Who am I kidding? EVERYONE likes cute things. Look no further than Aimee Ray and her awesome books. Luckily, my local library had The Motif Collection (with CD.) I made a great tea towel using her veggies patterns (Stay tuned for a photo soon!) Her books are well worth the investment.

I love smart and classy patterns and So September has us covered. This is my favorite.

How me is this pattern? Seriously. This is my next purchase for sure!

All the patterns at Follow the White Bunny are adorable and her animals are super-cute.

And everyone knows how I feel about Sublime Stitching! Jenny can do no wrong in my book.

I have tried my hand at a couple patterns and may even submit on to a publication this year. I will have to work on my drawing skills, but hey, embroidery shops/tea bars don't open without some hard work! ;)