DIY Quilted Coaster

New day,
new sewing project!
Oh I just love the colours combinations!

After decided not to use
the striped fabric
I started making this wonky log cabin square.

I used all organic materials.
Cotton fabric, batting and thread.
Piecing was machine sewn.

The finished size will be 5" by 5".

Next I will secure the binding
making a nice edge for this
coaster.

All snug!

The pattern I'm following (loosely)
calls for machine sewn, random line
across the top of this.
However...

I plan to hand sew or rather
hand quilt this wee piece.
Not certain of the pattern yet.

So for now, I will let it just sit
and I'll return to it in a few days...

Once again, I used a pattern in
this book to inspire this project.
As usual I sorta change the pattern
to suit my creative desires.
;)

Under the Sea Themed Nursery Decorations

A good day to paint!

I've decided to create a few canvas paintings for my grandson's nursery (he's due in August).

My daughter has chosen an Under the Sea theme for the decor. In keeping with it, I've decided to use
the bedding for my inspiration.

Many layers were needed to cover the canvas.
I have allot of craft paints to use up,
decided to use craft instead of painters grade
paint.

Little squirt is completed, nearly.

Ta Da, the first two are nearly complete...

I was painting the crab when I started craving tea & cake.
When I came back to painting area, I realized
all was red and white! ;)

Finally was able to finish these BEFORE my grandson is born :)

Homemade Strawberry Cupcakes

My favourite summertime indulgence!
Homemade white cupcakes topped with white frosting and strawberries...To make these:

You'll need cutting/slicing tools. VERY important, scissors work best for the least waste.

Next needed: FRESH strawberries, washed and drained.

Grab top of strawberry top and pull off...

It will look like this.

Cut around the area where the strawberry top was attached, like this.

Once cut all around, pluck out gooey middle.

It will look like this...

Firmly hold the strawberry and sliced it in half.

Pull apart.

After all strawberries are sliced up, store in air tight container in frig, till needed.

Having pre-made a batch of white cupcakes ( I used basic recipe) A box mix will work
if that's all you have.
Add white frosting and top with cold strawberries. MAKE sure to store in refrigerator after made!
Especially during the HOT days of summer!
I like to store cupcake, un-frosted in air tight container and frost as needed.

A especially delightful treat at tea time!

Super Clever Idea!

I've been focused on crafts for children ever since my daughter told me she was pregnant.
I stumbled upon this really cute project.
Click on link under pictures for tutorials or blog link.

http://plushyou.blogspot.com/2011/04/danger-crafts.html

And this one too:

http://whimsy-girl.blogspot.com/2009/03/felt-button-elastic-headband-tutorial.html

And this one too:

http://whimsy-girl.blogspot.com/2009/07/hanging-bedside-organizer.html

DIY Under Bust From Homemade Pattern

I've struggled with getting a 'perfect fit' for several years. One solution; purchase patterns 'close' to my size and subtract or add inches. This works most of the time however when it comes to corsets in my costuming. It does not work at all! Happily I have found a solution. While searching a local charity shop recently, I stumbled upon a slew of brand new corsets/under busts. Mostly sizes far too small for me. Surprisingly I found one large size that was perfect in width but not in length, (I have a very shortened waist line). Solution; make pattern from store purchased corset (well in this case an underbust) and make adjustments on craft felt. It worked like a charm!!

First you need under bust to trace. I used legal sized copy paper, craft scissors, pen & measuring tape.

Then I trace it using about an inch gap from edge. This is where making adjustment to pattern to insure proper fit for my shape and size is fist done.

Once tracing is complete I...

 Pin the pattern to one piece of craft felt material.

Then I cut it out, using about an inch distance from edge of pattern.I also use fabric scissors to create smooth lines without fraying or tearing.

Once it's all cut out, I make adjustment to the cloth. Pinning and fitting upon my DIY dress form to insure proper fit. I reduce edging once I have a good fit.

Once adjustments are perfect I sew it. I bought this, nearly new, craft machine at my favourite charity shop for only $7. Yes it works perfect too! I use it on most of my 'craft' sewing projects. My costuming projects I use my regular sewing machine.

Once all sewn together I must add grommets. I found this set at Harbor Freight Tools for just under $5.

Using craft ribbon from local craft store I lace up my under bust.

And then make any adjustment that are required.

I'm very pleased with how it turned out. This is now a sturdy pattern for me to use.

I will use this to create more costumes using finer more expensive materials without risking them to mistakes. Craft felt usually runs about $4 a yard. Much more economical compared to $20 plus materials a yard!

Feels like spring...

Well at least it does in my crocheting nook.
All the colours of spring surround me, as tightly
wound balls of wool/yarn.
I continue to plow through the baskets of scrap
bits my Mum had kept for goodness knows how long.
I'm reminded how often I would see her, setting with hook, crocheting.
Cuppa coffee at hand, happily engaged in one of her favourite pastimes.

Now I am doing the same thing.
Cuppa tea near by, thoughts of my children, and their possible
futures racing about in my head.

My Mum is gone. I miss her often.
I'm grateful for all these wonderful scraps
she left behind for me.

I am the only daughter, out of four,
who crochets/knits.

Solitary in my passion, I smile as I type this.
Even though physically I sit here alone.
I am surrounded by very creative women
(and some men too),
here in the blogsphere, who frequently inspire me.

I'm most grateful to all who leave comments.
Keeps me from thinking that I'm simply "talking to myself'...

Flower crochet pattern by Lucy.
http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/