The Pink Needle

For baby

2012-01-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

Building a basket for baby. It will be donated to benefit FIGG. Read more here.

Storage boxes for baby

2011-12-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

I used a pattern in Anna Maria's book Handmade Beginings to make one of the stackable boxes. It is so pretty and useful.

My felted basket

2011-11-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

My class at Tempe Yarn paid off. I made my crochet basket and felted it.

Tempe Yarn

2011-11-05T07:42:00.001-07:00

I was in the neighborhood and dropped in. I had been preparing myself for a little more learning in the realm of crochet and visiting this cool place did the trick. The very friendly staff answered all my questions and made me feel comfortable. I decided to sign up for a workshop where I finally learned scalloping and started a project which will be felted later.

I even met Yumiko, a famous designer of things crocket.

My green yarn will be used for a baby blanket and the red will be a felted small basket. My heart is good. There is nothing better than wanting to learn and having this kind of community resource available.

Crochet

2011-09-13T07:19:00.003-07:00

One more blanket in progress.

The IRS and the world wide interweb

2011-08-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

The IRS is finally looking into Etsy and similar selling places. Read Heather Ross' story here.

pic by Heather Ross

Wall quilt

2011-08-25T08:37:00.002-07:00

More crochet

2011-08-05T07:27:00.001-07:00

Just make very big granny squares and assemble for a nice size blanket.

Crochet

2011-08-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

Have been my hands busy making this.

Pouches

2011-07-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

All the gardening I am doing has inspired me to make something green.

Where I sew

2011-07-06T14:53:00.001-07:00

For fun pictures of people's sewing places go here.

Whimsical Baskets

2011-06-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

O Caderno Branco. The baskets are whimsical.

Vivid dreams

2011-06-17T07:49:00.001-07:00

Had a very vivid dream that I had met Anna Maria in person and her cute son. I imagine it is all because she embodies a really colorful family life that includes a husband, 6 kids, a house with a studio, and a business that involves creating at all times... And she knows the Mediterranean area.

Crazy Quilts

2011-06-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

2011-05-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

I am using flannel from old pajamas, or left over from other projects. One Snowden is in need of something soft to cover her as she sleeps.

Flannel is what is soft.

The PeriodicTable

2011-04-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

School children painted/drew the elements on white squares whivh were later incorporated into a wall hanging.

Twins

2011-04-25T01:56:00.001-07:00

Made with corduroy, these bags were also a project that lay unfinished.

They are styled after the mail sack.

What is the purpose?

2011-04-23T05:54:00.001-07:00

Most bags I make are designed as I am working on them.

This is different from most bags I sew and I had a child in mind... It too does not have a home yet.

No longer pending

2011-04-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

I spent some time recently finishing up a few unfinished projects.

The fabric on the outside came from fabric sample books McKell gave me. It doesn't have a home yet.

I have a dream

2011-04-20T16:14:00.001-07:00

For a baby boy quilt.

This is the beginning.

When I need to sew

2011-04-16T17:17:00.001-07:00

I will work on this...

It is another quilt made of scraps, free form, and amazing.

Blankety Blanket

2011-04-12T03:36:00.001-07:00

My give away stash is in good shape now. This blankety blanket went to live with the brother in law.

It's kind of manly right?

Dear Teacher

2011-04-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

You were so super this year, my Mom made you something...

Love, Grasshopper and family.

P.S. She (the one I call mome), really loves sewing and is one with the fabric when she makes bags. We hope you remember us fondly on your trips to the library (or wherever you go with the bag).

School bags

2011-04-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

I'd rather be premature and get going on teacher gifts. But while I was busy assembling some of those, Grasshopper sweetly asked for one for herself to be ready that evening for use the following day.

She chose two colors.

And so the wish came true.

The school bag was ready for school the next day.

Blanketie Blanket

2011-03-29T05:59:00.002-07:00

One more small quilt assembled on the fly (my favorite way to do it) and color coordinated the same way.

I decided to keep it for myself.

Renate Hiller - "On Handwork"

2011-03-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

Back on track

2011-03-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

I finally found the right color yarn to finish this one...

Pouches galore

2011-03-15T04:52:00.001-07:00

These pretties were ready to be sewn.

I like cutting my projects and then finish them when I have time.

Me and my sewing machine

2011-03-12T16:51:00.000-07:00

Birthdays are coming , as is teacher appreciation week. And lets not forget Easter.

I was happy to sit at my machine and finish a few projects.

These are a few of the bags that will go in the gift shelf waiting to make some young girl happy.

Pretty in Pink

2011-03-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

More complex than my usual, this little girl quilt is pretty in pink.

A few accessories make it a sweet basket for a silent auction.

Pretty in Yellow

2011-02-24T06:07:00.001-07:00

I love this yellow and while I waited to find the plum for the other blanket I started this one.

I make them with love and choose the recipient as I make them.

When your chairs need a pick me up

2011-02-22T06:49:00.003-07:00

You gather your tools and reupholster them.

Before and after. The darker colors are ideal and coordinates with the rest of the decor.

That plum color

2011-02-21T06:34:00.001-07:00

That plum color is hard to find. I have had to rethink the design of this blanket to accommodate for the lack of plum.

It turns out it will be probably more interesting this way anyway. She is half done.

2011-02-20T06:34:00.000-07:00

Inspired by a novel read in her fifth grade class, this little critter was designed on paper and then came to life with fabric and a sewing machine.

Grasshopper is ready to present to the class.

Something different

2011-02-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip to a favorite fabric store I looked through a magazine and found a picture of a different kind of scarf.

The trick is to do chains and connect them to the previous one as you go. It allows for a lot of freedom and the need for a pattern.

Fabric Shopping

2011-02-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

Armed with coupons and project plans, I marched to JoAnnes.

Quilt making is in the air. Off to sew I go.

Ending and beginning

2011-02-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

This blankie was successfully sent off to the little cousin in Portugal.

The pink and green one is now on hold awaiting more yarn. So, the search for a new beginning in a new color began.

A companion color chosen as well.

And now it is growing to become a gift.

Keeping it going

2011-02-03T06:56:00.001-07:00

I'm on a roll again...

One more blanket started.

For Joana

2011-01-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

She's the littlest cousin I have.

It will travel all the way across the Atlantic ocean and be delivered to her.

Joaninha voa voa.

Passing it on

2011-01-24T06:39:00.001-07:00

The buzz was she wanted to learn basic quilting and make a few things for her family.

And there is nothing better than to share and pass on a skill others enjoy so we meet and she sews.

We do enjoy a glass of raspberry chocolate wine (who knew such thing existed) while we banter about family, and other things we are passionate about. I am reminded of Sara, who many moons ago insisted I learn basic quilting. I made a pillow then, and have moved on to other projects. The children were small and we hand quilted. Thank you Sara.

It is winter after all

2011-01-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

Although I crochet year round, I gravitate towards making blankets in the winter.

Simplicity is important in my crochet projects because I tend to want to mass produce these things and hand them out as gifts. Made one for a newborn, and this one will be shipped to a young relative in Portugal.

Fa la la la Felt

2010-12-21T04:58:00.001-07:00

This book is quite inspirational for those of us who are fond of working with felt.

The Gingerbread House is more intricate than some of the other projects but I had to make a few.

My love for hand made ornaments grows. They sit pretty on the tree and make me smile every time I see them.

Christmas Ornaments

2010-12-20T04:49:00.001-07:00

These delicate and fun to make ornaments are found in Fa la la la Felt - 45 handmade holiday decorations.

My crafty Grasshopper got into making these as well.

Warmth

2010-12-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

Warmth. It has been a while since I have worked on this blanket. I started it a year ago but stopped working on it when my mission to make scarves for Christmas started.

Now I only have a few more rows to go and then I will have to decide on colors for the border.

Blankets are not used daily in Arizona but they bring comfort and softness to our lives.

Sleepwear

2010-12-03T04:57:00.000-07:00

Easy to make.

Fun to wear.

Beauty

2010-12-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

This is one of the few things I have from my mother.

She was an avid crocheter and made pieces for her daugters' "enxoval".

Afternoons were her craft time.

I used it on Thanksgiving.

Possibilities

2010-11-28T12:35:00.002-07:00

I like these projects...

Mulling it over, hoping to make some in the next few weeks.

Bookmarks

2010-11-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

My sewing table looks like this today.

A magazine for ideas and some book marks in progress.

It requires a bit of quilting...

The book marks are supposed to look like this.

Been busy

2010-11-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

Watching this...

Crochet

2010-11-08T13:36:00.000-07:00

I now have close to 30 scarves ready to share at Christmas.

Some of the latest.

A little bit every night goes a long way as you can see.

Simple Strips

2010-11-04T04:39:00.001-07:00

Here's another simple project ...

Something for Christmas? Get more info here.

Fat Quarter Twin Bed Quilt

2010-11-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

Exploring possibilities. This looks easy enough.

The pattern can be found here.

Spookables

2010-10-07T18:29:00.000-07:00

My heart was ready for some decorating again...

Some hand made, some not.

The welcoming patrol...

No-Carve Ribbon Pumpkin - Better Homes and Gardens

2010-10-05T15:38:00.000-07:00

No-Carve Ribbon Pumpkin - Better Homes and Gardens

A Blankie for Twin Babies

2010-09-26T17:26:00.000-07:00

I used to make blankies for my precious babies.

Now I make them for other precious babies.

The back.

Ready to hand over.

Discover

2010-09-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

Grasshopper's elementary school allocated a room as the Discovery Room. Children get to visit it during lunch recess and have mini science lessons. Everything there revolves round science. I made this banner to go on one of its walls.

Earth Sciences

Astronomy.

Marine Science.

I had so much fun making it.

Hooky Playing

2010-09-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

My purple crochet hook has been busy lately.

It is an evening activity... I have over 15 scarves.

It is quilted

2010-09-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

I look a little longer to machine quilt this one.

This is a gift to myself in celebration of all that I am.

Needless Project (pun intended)

2010-09-06T12:03:00.002-07:00

I put down my needles and got out the glue, tiles, ink, and more.

A finished piece.

Work area.

In progress.

Materials.

Almost done.

Done!

Less Sewing, More Reading

2010-08-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

My friend Kelli had a reading at Changing Hands Bookstore recently.

She wrote a novel and self published it. The setting is Mozambique and a western city, two places I know. It was fun being there for her first official book reading ans signing.

Quilt and Pillow Set

2010-08-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

The pretty thing is done. It is now in the hands of a mama who will gift it to her daughter later today.

The front (above). And the back (below).

The back has a single stripe of squares for texture.

Miss O's quilt - update

2010-08-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

I am almost done.

This is the pillow...

And the quilt just needs binding.

Back to school

2010-08-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

The monsoon season is upon us and the sky transforms itself like this:

And at night, a little crochet helps relax the mind for sleep:

But summer vacation is over and homework filled evenings are here.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that

2010-07-29T23:07:00.001-07:00

I'm a fan of letting pictures speak for themselves.

This one speaks to me. I can look at each fabric piece and remember the story it tells.

I'm looking forward to trying new techniques on this quilt. I tend to be afraid of the machine quilting part but I am going to be brave with this one.

What are you getting for Christmas?

2010-07-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

Well, if you are my friend, it might be a scarf,

I learned a new pattern, and I am in the mass production stage. My fingers are going and going.

Other things

2010-07-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

I have done some sewing but the yard needed attention.

Early Saturday mornings are best..., it gets very hot later.

The tree was fixed up a bit.

A summer project

2010-07-19T04:50:00.001-07:00

Is completed.

Grasshopper had been bugging me to finish her quilt.

And so I did.

Miss O's quilt

2010-07-18T10:49:00.002-07:00

Progress has been made.

:-D

Quilts and pouches

2010-07-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

I am pretty much close to being done with the pouches.

The orange and yellow thing is Grasshopper's quilt.

ASU Art Museum

2010-07-11T07:22:00.002-07:00

This year's family day featured "What moves you".

The exhibits, and activities focused on transportation. It made for a fun trip with the family.

The room with a view ...

2010-07-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

Clouds.

I have projects to work on... but I am enjoying the clouds instead... they are so rare in these parts.

Needle and Hook Organizer

2010-07-09T00:16:00.001-07:00

Made for Mrs. Turner who has generously donated her time to teach young girls and boy how to knit.

It started as an after school class, and now we meet at a local indie bookstore.

Thank you Mrs. Turner.

Quilt for Miss O

2010-07-08T00:11:00.001-07:00

Let's begin with the fabric,

I'm working on the design. What do you think Miss O?

Little Hands

2010-07-07T07:57:00.002-07:00

Grasshopper is very observant and has learned basic quilting skills.

This is her handy work, something she can touch and carries around most days. I am always amazed at what a 10 year old can learn when allowed to explore. Unlike my childhood that was marked with lots of NOs, I encourage the love of learning and exploration, problem solving, and critical thinking, which are, by the way, the required markers of future success.

Here's more...

2010-07-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

New designs for the pouches.

I'm loving this.

First batch

2010-06-30T07:31:00.001-07:00

Of my new pouches is ready.

I am really having fun sitting down with a few pictures as inspiration...

and creating fronts for the pouches.

The boats came from my imagination. It is a standard drawing of mine going back to primary school. The fun part is using small pieces of fabric to give the piece a kick.

Applique

2010-06-29T08:07:00.001-07:00

I am trying new things here chez moi.

This applique style is rough looking, my favorite because I can sit at the sewing machine and let my imagination get busy.

Backpacks

2010-06-28T09:21:00.001-07:00

Grasshopper's is ready...

I made a smaller version of Snowden's Air Force backpack.

A little Velcro finishes it off.

Another doll

2010-06-27T08:41:00.011-07:00

Snowden's doll is ready. She wanted hers with eyes closed.

For teh pattern get Anna Maria's new book "Handmade Beginnings".

The forgiveness quilt

2010-06-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

Forgiveness... a colossal word. It plays an important part in every one's lives. I have experienced its force in context of different cultures. Here I explore it visually in my quilt.

I always see trees and steady forces, huge in their protective ability and ever present.

The bird is fragile and seeking love and protection.

The bird approaches the tree in search of a branch to rest on.

Works in Progress

2010-06-19T16:59:00.001-07:00

TJ likes quilts and blankets just as much as the rest of us.

Being Mr. PowerPoint he is very involved in the design of his quilt. The fabric was chosen by him as well. I aim to please. It is fun when your husband and daughter help make the project come true. It even looks like he is skilled at ironing. :-)

This is is for Grasshopper. I saw this pattern at a local 35th Avenue Sew and Vac. We chose really cute bright fabrics.

I am trying other new things that I will show later.

Cheers.

Doing a little crochet

2010-06-16T15:21:00.001-07:00

Look on the right, in the sidebar...

I found crochet instruction videos that I find very useful.

I learned how to make this there.

Now remember, every time I line of possibilities I feel very happy. I am happy now.

Keeping busy

2010-06-12T18:44:00.001-07:00

I have much going on...

like these not quite finished projects.

My messy sewing table is home to another WIP.

For the kitchen

2010-05-31T12:53:00.000-07:00

My sister's kitchen.

Potholders, glove, hot pad...

Happy birthday sister.

A birthday gift

2010-05-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

My niece is having a birthday.

This is her new bag.

Youthful Bags

2010-05-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

Unusual bags at Old Navy.

The local store,,,

had some interesting bags...

I was intrigued by the roughness of it all...

Nothing clean...

But interesting nonetheless.

Lunch bags

2010-05-22T14:43:00.001-07:00

Lunch bags are used often around these parts.

I had entertained making some myself.

But Snowden and I spotted these at Old Navy and at $5.00 they were attractive enough to acquire. The girls now have lunch bags for 2010-2011.

Mr. Fish

2010-05-20T09:17:00.001-07:00

For Grasshopper.

The Air Force lover in her

2010-05-19T09:05:00.001-07:00

Being the granddaughter of a faculty of the Air Force Academy, who flew for a living...

and being the daughter of an avid plane connoisseur...

makes her a fan of all things planes.

She scooped up these fat quarters and patiently waited for her backpack.

Dolls

2010-05-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

Anna Maria's new book has this easy to make doll.

I made a few.

This one will be a gift.

This one is grasshopper's.

A room with a view

2010-05-12T08:42:00.001-07:00

Sweet, Charming, Delicate

2010-05-10T08:10:00.034-07:00

It began with a sample book like this one.

I removed the fabric samples.

I used the amazing fabric pieces and made these bags.

I used a coordinating fabric as the liner.

And ribbon for a loop.

I imagine them holding family relics...

Like jewelry.

This is one of my favorites.

I feel connected to my Portuguese roots when I work with such pretty fabric. The Portuguese are fond of lacy things, and their valuables too. These blend the two.

Patchwork pillow

2010-05-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

The pieces of scraps I had been saving have a purpose now.

I kept adding pieces together to the two sides of the pillow.

Each piece tells a story.

And now it rests on the family room couch.

The Africa Wall

2010-05-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

Also known as the diversity wall, this spot had for years featured European and Asian countries.

I arranged to change that by supplying the teacher with many African items I have.

I even printed pictures of children and their schools in Africa taken by Kelli on some of her many visits there.

Pièce de résistance

2010-05-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Oui. C'est mon pièce de résistance.

This is all created on the spot as I touch my fabric and develop an idea.

Embroidery is still new to me but I never hold back when I am ready to try.

And what is a pocket without brushes in the art class...

I am hoping the Art teacher likes this as much as I do.

More teacher goodies

2010-04-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

For the Muisc teacher.

The Art teacher.

The Computer Media teacher.

It's teacher appreciation time

2010-04-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

Two girls, two schools, and something like 12 teachers to thank.

This is for someone who likes purple.

This is for a Science teacher.

The Language Arts teacher will enjoy this one.

The Music teacher who mothers little girls will get this one.

Social Studies books will be carried in this one.

These are just one of many causes of my current sneezing marathons. And the other marathon continues. More bags to come.

Designing

2010-04-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

Being a beginner in the quilting world, I feel I get to create my own patterns...

I looked at a stach of fabric and had this vision,

I made it for my table at the Arts Jam. It now resides in the living room.

Arts Jam

2010-04-14T17:21:00.002-07:00

Last Saturday we gathered at the Arts Jam...

Fiber Art Circle

A clear blue sky.

Hand made decorations.

Hand made jewelry. The artist, Christie Fahey, modeled the piece. She is amazing. She has more here.

Finger knitting station.

More knitting.

I play a small part in the planning of this event. It's an excellent opportunity to teach the youngens all about volunteerism.

Eye covers

2010-04-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

I started using mine in yoga class during relaxation time.

So I decided to share and make a bunch to give the studio.

So here they are...

And because no one here reads this, it can still be somewhat anonymous.