Christmas

I got a new camera for Christmas so I've been having lots of fun taking pictures to get to know all the features.  It's a Canon Powershotsx230, just incase you were wondering.

Delores stomping across the paper.  Rawr!

Delores, my dinosaur,
looking fierce as ever!

My books looking not so tidy
using the miniature effect,
blurring the top and bottom.

A row of my bookshelf looking gorgeous thanks to the fish-eye effect. 

This is something I'm playing around with, piecing several fabrics into a block.
I used the Color Accent effect to keep the pink and make everything else black and white.

Thanks for the camera Mom!

Here's a peak at what I've been up to lately.  I'm very excited about a purse I made for myself.  It turned out beautifully.  I used some fabric I bought a while back, but had not decided what to do with it, plus a little scrap fabric I won in a recent giveway.  The purse is the 241 Tote pattern from Noodlehead. The one thing I changed was the clasp.  The pattern called for the clasp to be placed inside the tote which prevented me from reversing it and enjoying the inside pattern when I feel like a change.

Outside view of my purse.

Reverse view of my purse
with hand pieced pocket.

Embroidery closeup of teabag.

Cupcake clasp closeup.

Giveaway - Winner!

A big thanks to everyone that participated in the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway. I love the suggestions everyone provided! I wish I could make a scarf for everyone that left a comment, but I know that's not realistic.... So, now it's time to announce the winner!

Congratulations Amanda!

Giveaway Day!

- Gator Scarf Giveaway -

Leave a comment for your chance to win!

--  This is the scarf being given away  --

Sew, Mama, Sew! is hosting their annual giveaway day!  Visit their website Dec 12-16 to see all the bloggers that are giving away items this week for your chance to win.


I am giving away one of my crocheted gator scarves.  
For a chance to win, please leave a comment on this post.
Tell me what you'd like to see a crochet pattern for?  Perhaps a whimsical hat or cheery owl?  Be creative!


Please note, I will only ship within the US for this giveaway.  I will randomly pick a winner on December 16th at 5PM PST, so check back to see who won!

Thanks for visiting my blog!

click here for Free Gator Pattern
click here to see all my Tutorials

Bias Tape Tutorial

- Bias Tape Tutorial -

How to make and sew bias edging

When you want to add a nice finished edge to a fabric project, you can cut and sew strips of fabric called bias tape.  This is how I finished the fabric lining on my gator scarf tutorial. 

I like to  store my bias tape by wrapping it around  cardboard and pinning it in place.

This tutorial is designed to help you learn how make your own bias tape from the fabric of your choice and then apply it to the fabric edge.  You can also buy bias tape in a range of solid colors from your favorite fabric store if you want to skip the cutting and pressing step.  There is more than one method of applying bias edging, so feel free to experiment or ask how others bind their fabric's edges. 

     What you need to make bias strips:

          -   Fabric (see link at bottom to determine yardage needed)

          -   Cutting tool: Rotary Cutter is preferable - it is faster, easier, and more accurate than Scissors 

          -   Cutting surface/self healing cutting mat (if using rotary cutter)

          -   Straight-edge ruler: Clear Quilters Ruler is preferable - the grid helps you find the right angle and mark fabric for next cut 

          -   Iron and Ironing Board

          -   Bias Tape Maker (optional, but highly recommended - speeds up the project greatly) click here to find one

-Start with Step 1-

        

     What you need to attach bias tape to your project:

          -   Bias Tape (pre-made from store or make your own from materials above)

          -   Sewing Machine and Thread (Thread and needle will do if you want to hand sew your project.)

-Start with Step 5-

Gator Scarf Pictures

Send me a picture of your gator scarf.  I'd love to post them.

Here's a picture of my friend with her scarf.

I decided to add some embroidery... Here's a closeup.

Scarf on Left was crocheted in Front Loop Only- Right was BLO as per pattern

For the Pattern click here.

Shari sent me these pictures of some she made a bit longer and without lining.

Helen in Florida sent me this picture of the scarf she made Nov 2013. Oh, no! It's creeping down the couch!  Hope it's not hungry.

Love this gator made by Jena D.  It's a few rows longer than my pattern, she added legs, embroidered the nostrils and eyes, and added some fantastic teeth.

Stenciling Tutorial (Part 1)

- Stenciling (Part 1) -

How to create your own stencil

I found a pattern I liked online that I wanted to use in my bathroom.  It wasn't available as a stencil, so I decided to make my own.  Here's a tutorial to try this if you feel inspired.

     What you need to make stencil:

          -   Clear plastic sheeting

          -   Cutting tool/X-acto knife

          -   Cutting surface/self healing cutting mat

          -   Tape

          -   Printout with pattern or paper to draw your own design

Crochet Monkey Hat - Pattern

My niece wearing sweet monkey hat with flower.

- Monkey Hat -

I love this monkey hat!  It's so fun!  You can make it with or without earflaps - plain or with a flower - monkey colored or bright blue.  Be a little silly and make one for yourself and your favorite small person!

One of My Favorite Things: Frozen Chocolate Drink

When I get the chance to go to a Godiva store, I really enjoy their Dark Chocolate Decadence Frozen drink.  Mmmh... it's so good!   Since I can't get there that often, I decided to make my own version.  After watching the store clerk make one and a little guesswork on my part, I created an easy to make at home version that's delicious!  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Crochet Gator Scarf for Kids - Pattern

- Gator Scarf -
CORRECTED PATTERN

 Last year, I crocheted an alligator scarf for my little niece.  It turned out to be super cute! Sadly, I didn't take a fully done photo of it.

Left: Knit version - Right: Crochet version

Above is my crocheted  version all folded up, but complete. ^

I was inspired by a knitted gator scarf I saw by Knitter by Nature.
You can purchase the knit instructions from Morehouse Merino.  Right ---->


Here's a picture of me wearing my version before sewing in the yarn end or adding eyes.
<----- Left

For more pictures click here.

I've not spent much time knitting and so I feel much more comfortable crocheting.  If you'd like to try crocheting, but need help learning, check out the blogs at the bottom of this post.  Then use the pattern below to make your own gator scarf.

Kids Gator Scarf

(Final Dimensions: 4 1/2" W x 36" L)
*For personal use only, please do not sell pattern.*

-Updated on 09/07/2011-

Supplies needed:
-1 ball of vanna's choice yarn , or 145 yards of medium/weight category 4 yarn
-Crochet Hook, size K
- fabric for the lining (optional)
-bias strips (to finish lining edges)
-9 mm plastic eyes or larger (optional)

Welcome to my blog!

  I'm excited to be starting this new blog.  Why now?  About a year ago, I came across what I thought was a cute little shirt online, but lost track of it.  In an attempt to find it online again, I discovered the designer had a blog.  The shirt turned out to be a sweet little dress made by Teapony with a print from Belle&Boo. I instantly fell in love and started feverishly browsing blogs and links to learn more.  Belle&Boo was an artist I'd seen on postcards I'd bought, but knew nothing about.  Now her blog is one of my favorites and I treasure owning a few of her prints!  Through the process, I learned that blogs were special places full of interesting tidbits, treasures, and best of all- instructional tutorials.   As I attempt new projects I find myself frequenting blogs for advice and step by step instructions.
  In my blog, I hope to add some helpful tutorials, share some of my projects, and post pictures of day to day special moments from my life.

I hope you find a little something for yourself in my blog...                                                   

  ... and now ...

... The adventure begins!