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things i would like to do next week

My parents are visiting this week. Usually when they are here I try to tackle a big project. The last one was a major destash and cleanup. Since then I went on a little spring cleaning binge. There isn’t a lot house-related stuff I need to do while my daughter has two super-fun playmates. I’m looking at some small, crafty projects instead.

Refashion some clothes. I’m planning to take up the hem on my linen skirts a little — they’re just a wee bit too long. I also want to work on this shirt. I love the print and fabric, but I’m not so sure about that collar and those scrunched up sleeves.

crafty to do list

List some items on etsy. I’ve got a few cute upcycled projects that aren’t going to get sold if they aren’t in my store!

Start a sock. It’s been too long since I have knit a pair of socks. Maybe since the 2008 Summer of Socks? Yikes! (Notice the “start” part. Some day in the future you might see a “finish” goal, but for now I’ll be happy just to cast on.)

Not a big list. I should be able to get these accomplished, right?

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my creative space

my creative space

After a few weeks of circles, I really needed to get back to squares. I didn’t have anything particular in mind. I just grabbed this little basket of wool that I use for wrapping packages and started making grannies. I’m thinking it will be a bookmark. I need a new one for my summer reading. Speaking of which, look what I happened to spy at the library today: three of my favorite Rs! After just flipping through the pages, I’m already in love.

Check out other creative spaces that you’re sure to love over at Kirsty’s blog.

question: I check out a ton of books from the library on sewing, knitting, crocheting, and vintage/cottage style. I never thought to write reviews of them on my blog, but it just occurred to me that maybe someone out there might be interested. If you are, let me know. I’d love to share some of my favorite books with you!

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noteworthy graduation gift for a music student

handmade graduation gift

Our neighbor’s daughter is graduating from high school this week. She’s a very talented violinist and I love when the windows are open in the summer and I can hear her play. She’s planning to study music at the university in the Fall and I wanted to make her something special. Honestly, I had a hard time coming up with something music specific, so I went with a school-book theme.

This tote is made out of upholstery fabric and hopefully will last for many years after she graduates from college. The pockets have tiny music notes on them. Inside I added this cool manuscript notebook that I found at music store downtown. I think it will be perfect for music theory or composition class.

stash: Everything except the notebook was from my thrifted stash. The upholstery fabric didn’t behave all that nice and kept unraveling on me while I sewed. Note to self: overlock all of the edges next time even on seams that won’t be exposed. It will make life much easier.

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handmade birthday gift for a special friend

handmade birthday gift

Yesterday when I told you this pattern was addicting, I really meant it. I just finished one for myself today, which makes six total! (I’ll spare you the sixth picture.) I think I am finished for awhile — need to get back into a granny square groove.

I chose the colors because my friend is a UCLA alum. Of course, after having her second baby boy, she’s probably up to her eyeballs in blue. In hindsight, maybe I should have done something in pink! The blue and yellow coordinated nicely with the little drawstring bag I made. I included more soaps from yummy suds.

handmade birthday gift

stash: I am really putting a dent in my stash. It feels good. Just in time for garage sailing on Saturday!

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teacher thank you gifts

teacher gifts

Do these look familiar? I posted a sneak peak a few weeks ago. I made these washcloths for my daughter’s teachers, added a bar of soap and put them in a little fabric drawstring bag. Actually, I made a lot more than these. This pattern is addicting!

details: Yarn was from my stash. (Boy, do I have a lot of brightly colored cotton!) Fire Blossom pattern is a free ravelry download. Soaps are from yummy suds on etsy. They smell delicious!

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my creative space

little amigurumi bear

In my creative space today I’m finishing up the details on a few gifts.

First up is this little teddy bear for my friend Lisa, who is expecting a baby any day now. Lisa is all about cute crochet stuffies, so I figured an amigurumi bear would be perfect.

Want to know the coolest thing about this teddy? She’s made completely out of recycled sweater yarn! Don’t you just love her even more now?

The pattern is from the amigurumi volume of Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts! If you are interested in Japanese craft books, but are nervous about following the diagrams, this is a good place to start. It’s translated into English!

I’m off to finish up some more gifts. You should head on over to Kirsty’s blog for more creative spaces!

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fabric from india

Another internationally-inspired blog post! I’ve had this fabric for awhile and can’t believe I neglected to share it with you.

A few months ago, my father-in-law went to India and asked if I wanted anything. I told him a little bit of fabric — something colorful — if it wasn’t any trouble. (Trips back to India are usually filled with lots of family obligations and little time for shopping.)

fabric from india

I was blown away when I received my package! Aren’t these gorgeous? I know I’ll make one or two summer skirts, but I’m not sure I’ll do with the rest. It’s all so beautiful I don’t want to cut into it.

AFPs: Believe it or not, I’ve got some Actual Finished Projects to post for the rest of the week. (I can hear a collective, “It’s about time!”)

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i finally bought a craft book from japan

I love looking at photos of Japanese craft books online, but I’ve never really felt compelled to buy one. Then I got sick, slowed on the crafting front and spent way too much time on ebay. (I’m feeling MUCH better, by the way. Thank you for all of the well wishes!)

japanese crochet book

I saw this book and immediately fell in love with the cover. Isn’t that blanket motif beautiful? I got even more excited as I scrolled through the sample pages. Here are some of my favorites. (All photos from the ebay listing.)

japanese crochet book

japanese crochet book

japanese crochet book

Now comes the waiting for shipping from Japan. I’m already impatient!

resource: There are lots of places to buy Japanese craft books online: etsy.com, ebay.com, yesasia.com and amazon.co.jp. The best site I’ve found to track down ISBN numbers is Crafting Japanese. If you’re just interested in browsing, search for “japanese craft book” on flickr for tons of eye candy.

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knitting and planting

planting seeds

Today was another slow day. I feel bad for my daughter. She’s getting bored with this mama-isn’t-feeling-well business. I tried to make today all about her. Most of the morning we hung out on the living room floor. She did her thing and I worked on another charity blanket square.

After lunch, the sun came out, and we spent some time on the deck planting seeds. She painted this little flower pot in school for Mother’s/Father’s day and her teacher put a packet of marigold seeds in it.

planting seeds

We planted a few in the pot and some other small containers I found in the garage. She was having so much fun that I decided to make some paper pots so she could keep on planting. Toilet paper rolls cut in half also work well. You can just drop the whole thing in the ground when it’s ready!

planting seeds

It was a good, but tiring day. I am ready to be feeling better and back at my sewing machine. Those upholstery sample totes are calling my name!

stash: Acrylic yarn from my stash. I don’t remember where I got my PotMaker. I’ve had it a long time. It’s just like this one.

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plying sweater yarn

plying sweater yarn

I’m still feeling a bit under the weather, but I managed to play around with my drop spindle for awhile today. This ball of yarn comes straight off the sweater. I’m trying to take it from lightweight to worsted. So far, not so bad. I’m kind of making this up as I go along. We’ll see how it turns out.

recycle: Sweater from here. Drop spindle details here.