Saying last week was busy is like saying Blue Moon is busy the day sock club sign ups start. Hubby was all over Europe doing his thing, Mom was visiting, all the usual kid activities had to be attended (soccer, gymnastics, dance, etc.), school and homework, a couple doctors office visits, a leaky tire, payback kid sitting, and a whole lot of shopping (mom lives in a small town). Somehow even with all that I managed to get quite a bit done on various projects. I have way more to report then I can write up today and I'm sure more then you'd like to read so I'll start with the FO's and maybe by the time I get to writing about the rest some of them will be done too.
Yesterday the kids and I both had a playdate. While they ran around pretending to be Pokemon we sewed. Yes, you heard me correctly I said sewed (see the last project). My really expensive shelf decoration got dusted off and put to good use all week. Mom is so proud!
Seven years ago I did a big favor for hubby and got a Viking Embroidery Machine for payback. I signed up for all the classes, made many plans about all the projects I would make, and after two classes was put on full bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy with my son (3 months, Ack). The machine of course was put away never to be seen or heard from again until about two weeks ago. I had some ideas and the only way to see them become a reality was to bring out the big guns (i.e. the users manual) and give sewing a try. After some cursing, rummaging for all my supplies (still can't find the seam ripper), and plenty of encouragement from Chandria I completed my first project.
What is it you ask?
Maybe this helps. It's a book protector and a pouch to hold it. You can use it to keep your book open and protected and because the cover is vinyl you can write on it to mark your place and then just wipe it off or you can use a colored piece of vinyl (it clings). The last handy feature is the magnets in the side so it can fold in half to hold a printed pattern.
I've been thinking of offering these on my Esty shop but wasn't sure if anyone besides me would think they are cool. What do you guys think?
My next endeavor was a knitting pouch. Behold my first attempt.
Not exactly the dimensions I was going for but I'm pleased with the concept. The knitting goes on the top and supplies fit in the bottom zippered pouch. I've been carrying it to soccer and such with the knitting in the top and my phone and credit cards in the bottom. Needs a little tinkering but worth another try.
The next attempt is my take on a knitting pouch to fit inside your regular handbag.
It has two compartments inside (one for knitting and one for supplies, the handle doubles as a row counter and the vinyl sleeve on the front holds your pattern. I'm super pleased with this one and just need to work out how to attach the handle smoothly (can't have anything snag). Any suggestions on making either of these better? If you were looking for a knitting project pouch which one would you prefer?
Next up my Monkey Sock Swap pals pouch.
It your basic drawstring pouch but man is that cute fabric. Check out the lining.
I should have bought more fabric so I could have one too.
Last up my Saturday afternoon project the recycled sweater tote bag from Alterknits.
I bought and felted the sweater almost a year ago but due to my sewing phobia never got around to making the bag. As with most things you think are hard and scary if you just suck it up and give it a try you usually find it's not at all what you thought. Sewing will never replace knitting as my craft of choice but it's nice to start and complete a project in a hour or two. Who knows maybe I'll even figure out how to use the embroidery feature.
Knitting FO's and progress next post.
