This and that

We have been busy with the backyard, but there is always a little time for sewing.

These are 2 of 4 aprons. The other 2 are adult size. Lets get bbquing.

Finished the red fleece poncho. I have to find more pink pom pom border to finish the pink one.

Something I am dreaming up

I'm attempting to create a doll that represents my childhood friends from Mozambique. I last saw them in December of 1975.

My soon to come "Kids from Mozambique" with a Portuguese translation I am still working on.

The hat revisited

The first hat did not really fit my larger than average head. I modified the pattern to widen it.

The instructions are difficult to read and I am always happy to be able to let my instinct guide me.

The hat! Still too goofy for me. That pattern will have to have further modifications.

Softies revisited

Originally designed to be a paperweight, it is now a decorative thingy.

You can add whatever shapes to it. I chose a heart.

Stuffed and ready to finish.

From the land of warm whispers

Kelli's gift to me from Beira, my birthplace.

You can refer to them as capolanas. Women use them as a wrap around cover, or as a sling to carry their babies on their backs. Some people make clothing out of them.

I still have the other she brought for me last year. I feel the need to preserve them as they are. I am not sure I can bring myself to use them for anything that involves cutting them up.

A very useful tool

When I decided to make my first purchase from Martha Stewart (other than the magazine), I chose a tote bag to carry my yarn. During that stretch I made around 20 kid ponchos. The tote has pockets inside where one's crochet needles and other tools can be organized. But this little thing is priceless.

This needle organizer is so very useful.

This felt book has several pages. In my earlier craft days I made one like this.

Crafts and Frida

Changing Hands Bookstore celebrated Frida Kahlo's 101st birthday this past Saturday.

The Crafty Chica was on hand fully supplies with goodies to make head bands a la Frida.

We covered the headband with chenille yarn.

This one is mine. She glued the flowers according to your wishes.

Frida Stuff.

The Phoenix Fridas spoke about their individual passions for things Frida.

Inspirations

I have an array of ancestors who were fine seamstresses and crafters, and I regretfully say that I didn't appreciate their craft when I was around it. My consolation is that what I remember inspires me now.

Here's to sewing and the magic it creates!

The Girly Chair

This is an old IKEA chair that originally had green cushions. The cushions were worn out and needed sparkle. I found this material on sale at JoAnn and made the chair a girly chair. I'm liking pink.

Christmas in July

I found a cool blog and saw some ideas for these pretty things to make for Christmas. I certainly need to practice that blanket stitch.

You will find patterns for these here.

The Elf shoe.

The Star.
They can be filled with candy and given as gifts.

My Favorite Shopping Place

I used these on the ponchos.

For the elf shoe I am working on.

Fabrics ahead.

My CEOs

Grasshopper and Snowden's need for summer adventure brought about some business ventures. The daily newspaper thing was very difficult to keep up with. They had to spend entire days preparing the following day's edition, so they reconsidered and the jewelry business was born. They had to devote less time to it and it allowed time for recreation, after all it is summer.

These are some of the creations. Their Grandma is a huge supporter and often places orders. As a resource they used this book and this website. Store hours are Saturday mornings in front of the house. They advertised by placing many posters on poles around the neighborhood.