New Goodies - July & August

Since July was a slow month on my blog, I decided to update everything right now. I was a bit busy shopping for more craft supplies and patterns. :)

New patterns for work and some Steampunk cosplay.

Phidan modeling my new Nexus 7 tablet's box.

I came across the Craftsy site and they had a shuttle tatting class with Marilee Rockley. I wanted to sign up, but I decided to look around the internet for inspiration before I jumped into a new craft. I came across Diane's Lace-Lovin' Librarian blog. She has a lot of pretty pictures and had reviews about different tatting shuttles. Because of her reviews I decided to buy my tatting supplies from Handy Hands (www.hhtatting.com). Then I came across Heather's Tatted Treasures blog and her tutorials. With her wonderful videos I was able to learn how to tat in a few hours. I can't wait to try out new patterns!

Package from Handy Hands. My tatting supplies have arrived.

My goodies. Some threads, tatting shuttles, picot gauge, thread holder,
catalog, and newsletter. 

Pretty purple threads.

Different tatting shuttles. Clover, Lacis Sew Mate, and Starlit.

Picot gauge.

Thread holder with free Lizbeth thread.

Puppy pile up... they were tired after watching me learn how to tat lace.

My first project - butterfly! It's so tiny.

Now we're all up-to-date! I hope to work on all my different project - knit, crochet, sew, embroider, and tat. I just have to spend a day on each and finish a project before hopping to the next one. We'll see!

Patti

Pineapple Pub Crawl 2012

I found some pictures on my phone from the Annual Pineapple Pub Crawl on July 14, 2012 in Cambridge, MA. I designed the pineapples' costumes and we pieced it together. Enjoy!

Planning out the Cowardly Lion.

Dorothy knows that safety is very important. Buckle up!

The Scarecrow enjoys the ride into Cambridge.

Jay, Chris, and Bailey posing near our pineapples.

Tin Woodman, Scarecrow, Dorothy, and Cowardly Lion in Porter Square.

Tin Woodman, Scarecrow, Dorothy, and Cowardly Lion in Porter Square.

Hanging out at Tavern in the Square.

Shedding all the leis and hats.

Chris being silly.

The only survivors of the night. We lost the other pineapples...

Hope you enjoyed our lovely pineapples. :)

Patti

How to Make a Pattern Organizer

I like to collect patterns. I hope that I actually use most of them, but they're also good for inspiration and reference on what I would like to make. Every now and then Joann Fabrics would have a $1 pattern sale. Last week it was McCall's and next week it'll be Butterick. This week they have a $2 pattern sale for Simplicity patterns going on today through Saturday. 

Last week I bought a lot of patterns and had no where to keep them. So while I was walking around the store I decided to pick up a file holder (it was 50% off!) and convert it into a pattern organizer.

Keeping the patterns this way was not going to work for much longer.

New patterns!!!

Tools and Supplies:

• File holder - I like the see-through plastic ones made by Sterilite.
• File folders - I had bought a 100 pack of these from Costco a long time ago
• Pattern envelope - to be used as a cutting guide for the width of the dividers
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors

1. Sort your patterns to count how many dividers you will need. 



Sorting out my patterns.

2. Position the pattern envelope on top of the file folder. If you are cutting the file folder with a center tab, center the envelope. If your folder has a left tab, position the envelope to align with the left side of the folder.

   

   This envelope is center aligned with the tab.

3. For center tabs, measure 2.25" from each edge and marked that with a quick, light line using a pencil.

   

   2.25" from each edge for the center tab.

4. For left or right tabs, measured 7.5" from the edge with the tab.

   

   7.5" from the tabbed end.

5. Next, cut the folder on the penciled line. I left the folder as is and didn't cut off the side that folded since you can always keep notes in this mini-file folder.
6. Label your pattern dividers.
7. Insert your patterns in between dividers.

   

   Patterns organized neatly.

8. Done!

Side view of the pattern organizer.

In my effort to be resourceful, I saved the excess pieces of the folder and converted them into embroidery floss organizer for individual projects. All you need are scissors and a hole punch. 

Tools for the job.

Cross-stitch/embroidery floss organizer.

Enjoy!

Patti

Vacation Time = Craft Time

I got a lot of crafting and shopping in this week. It's great to have a whole week off from work. Enough writing, here's the pictures of my crafting from this week so far.

I started making a new hat on Monday. I know it's not cold outside, quite the opposite, but for some unknown reason I really wanted to make another Scallop Lace Hat. I made one for Joy's friend's mom in England in the same color. Now I want one for myself.

Taking over the coffee table in the living room.

WIP - Scallop Lace Hat

On Tuesday I went to Joann Fabric and found this cool, patriotic fabric. I decided to make a multi-craft top. I crocheted the top portion based on the pattern for the Light 'n' Lively Tank by Lion Brand Yarn. I just winged the bottom portion and I think it's not too bad. There's a zipper on the side. I finished it in time for the Fourth of July!

Americana poplin from Joann Fabrics - it was on clearance!

Front view

Side view with red zipper

Back view

Close-up of the front and button.

Kujo looks a bit sleepy.

On Wednesday, I wore my new top and went with Chris to Joann Fabrics for another round of fun. They are having a sale all week! McCall patterns are on sale - 10 for $10!

New patterns

More new patterns

New fat quarter bundles. Lower right is from AC Moore.

Making new shirts with these pretty fabrics.

Bought more of the apple and pears fabric.
I made a bag with it before, now I'll make more!

More notions and rotary cutters.
I needed new 45mm blades and Fiskars was on sale for 55% off!

Chris and I found this print... um, what would you make out of it? :)

I hope you enjoyed the pictures from my week-long craft time. I'll be posting a short tutorial next time - how to organize your patterns. Until next time!

Very truly yours,

Patti

Books, Trip, and Ice Cream Truck

Whew! It's been a while... Let's catch up on the past week. First, my books arrived last Friday! They contain pretty pictures. Makes my hands itch to make something right now. They were from Interweave's Hurt Book Sale. From the looks of them, there's nothing wrong at all. What a bargain!

Color on Color, New England Knits, I <3 Patchwork, and French Girl Knits

On Tuesday I had a last minute business trip to Bath, Maine. Good thing I kept my bag packed and ready for this trip. It was still in limbo on Monday. We were supposed to leave Monday night, but it was delayed. We got the go ahead on Tuesday and left work at 9:30 am and arrived in Bath at 1 pm. Bath is a little town that's known for their ship building, specifically U.S. Navy ships like the DDG-51 and the DDG-1000, Zumwalt class destroyers.

My co-worker, Stephanie, and I were there to replace some parts on the ship. It was cool to walk through it, but we picked one of the hottest days to be on the ship. We had to wear long sleeves and long pants along with a hard hat and safety glasses. Don't know how those guys do it everyday. After running back and forth between the shipyard and the warehouse, we finally finished around 3 pm on Wednesday. We got home later that evening and I was glad to take a nice cold shower at home. I miss being home with Chris and our boys.

This restaurant was attached to the Holiday Inn.
It had a maritime theme, quite appropriate for Bath.
The Bounty.

Thursday was Ice Cream Truck Day at my company. The Fun Team arranged for an ice cream truck to come for two hours. You can pick whatever you like. I had one of those chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches. Yummy!

Let's gather around the ice cream truck!

Today, I just did a lot of laundry. While I'm waiting for Chris to come home, I'll probably start a new craft project. It's been so busy and I've been slacking on the craft front. The hard part is picking out a project...

Downton Abbey and Crafts Night

I just wanted to post a quick update before I start my Downton Abbey, season 2 marathon. :)

On Sunday, Chris and I went to see Cirque Du Soleil's Totem in Boston. Chris bought tickets to celebrate my birthday and it was opening night. It was my first time seeing a Cirque show live... yay! While there I got to show off my new tote that I made a few hours before we left the house.

Our seats at Cirque Du Soleil Totem.

Photo shoot during intermission.

New tote bag I made that day.

 Today I got my zippers in the mail! I ordered 100 assorted 7" zippers. I plan on making a lot of bags and skirts with these babies. Can't wait. Look at the pretty colors!

Zippers from Zip It's Etsy shop.

As for tonight, I will be relaxing in front of the tv with my knitting and crocheting books I borrowed from the library yesterday. I might even knit or crochet. Wait and see!

My reading list and movie for the night.