Cuts 'n Stitches

I'm Moving

2012-01-04T21:35:00.000-05:00

I've decide to move to Wordpress. I hope you will follow me there.

www.cutsnstitches.com

Are you on Pinterest?

2012-01-03T08:30:00.000-05:00

I am. Follow me. If you are not, request an invite; I'll let you in.

12:12:1: January, Day 2

2012-01-02T21:15:00.001-05:00

Believe it or not, I was able to sew again today! Partly because I decided to take vacation instead of work today, but what does it matter as long as I got to sew?

I got bored with the log cabin I was working on, and I ~~was too lazy~~ did not want to iron and trim the blocks I sewed yesterday, so I pulled out another quilt UFO. Yes, I have more than one. I even have more than two. I probably have.....well, you may figure it out one day. Don't judge if you don't have that many UFOs and quit smiling if you know you are in the same boat. That's part of the beauty of my challenge...I'm going to reduce my UFOs, my stash, and my guilt.

Anyway, today's victim is a quilt as you go quilt. I think I started it in 2005 also. (Again, don't judge.) I took a quilting class and half way through, I realized I had gotten my strips out of order. After ripping out all of my quilt top, I was ~~pissed~~ frustrated and shoved it in the back of my craft closet, hoping it would magically finish itself. Unfortunately, it didn't, so today I started it again. I already had all of the vertical strip sets done, so it was just a matter of sandwiching the strip sets with batting, flipping, pressing and repeating. I sewed for about 2 hours and got 6 of the 10 vertical rows sewn together (no frog stitches this time!). It took a while to sort the strip sets and iron them from where I had wadded them up and shoved them into a bag. Once that was done, it went pretty quickly. I may actually finish it this time! :)

Are you ready to take the challenge with me, Caryn, and our mom? For the next 12 months, can you sew 12 days out of the month for at least 1 hour a day? We've thrown down the gauntlet and issued the challenge. Join us and post your progress. Maybe I'll do a link party at the end of each month to show our progress. Maybe there will be a prize....

12:12:1: January, Day 1

2012-01-01T22:59:00.001-05:00

Well, I decided to start the challenge today. I had the opportunity and took it. It was easy. I sewed for an hour and I enjoyed it. Today, I decided to work on a quilt I started in 2005 (yes, 2005). It is a large log cabin quilt. Today, I sewed a few strips on 24 blocks. Below is a before picture. Now, I just need to iron and square them. You will probably see this one project a lot. It is going to take a LONG time to finish. To finish it, I need 144 blocks. So far, I have 24 finished and 24 in progress. :(

Like Me....I'm There!

2012-01-01T22:42:00.001-05:00

I finally did it. I'm now on Facebook. It's a work in progress, but like me and you can watch the changes to come.

Sew 12:12:1 in 2012

2011-12-31T22:13:00.000-05:00

For 12 months, 12 days a month, I will sew for at least 1 hour. That is my #1 Resolution for the new year. I am going to take the time to do what I love to do. Sewing always ends up on the back burner, and I don't seem to get to do it as much as I want. I'm too tired, too busy, too lazy, etc. You know how it is; life gets in the way.

As I was straightening my craft room for company during the holidays, I realized just how my many unfinished projects I have. It was scary. I also never realized how much fabric I have or how many notions I have...that brings me to my #2 resolution. I will spend at least 6 of my scheduled 12 hours per month working on UFOs. Hopefully, this will reduce my ~~pile~~ mountain of UFOs.

My #3 resolution definitely goes along with the first two. I will use my stash first before I buy anything to start a project. This may sound simple, but in reality, it is hard for me. I think of something I want to do, and I will buy everything I need to do it, even though I already have everything at home. This is how I have ended up with so ~~much~~ ~~crap~~ many duplicate notions and excess fabric. I plan on tracking exactly what I buy from this point forward, hopefully, spending as little as possible while churning out fabulous finished projects.

I wish I could take credit for the wonderful idea of 12:12:1, but I actually ready about it here. I am, however, going to take this wonderful concept and make it my own personal challenge for this year. How about you? Are you up to my challenge? Are you ready to promise yourself to sew at least one hour a day, 12 days a month for the next 12 months?

Guess What I Got For Christmas....

2011-12-25T21:53:00.001-05:00

Just in Case You Wondered...

2011-11-28T08:30:00.000-05:00

One (1) yard of fabric makes about 20 yards of 1/2" double fold bias.

Slave Labor

2011-11-27T20:24:00.001-05:00

Wouldn't you know it.....our dishwasher broke on Thanksgiving, and of course, no one was working on black Friday or Saturday. So, I had to resort to one of the chores I hate the most...washing dishes.

In the midst of drudgery, my midget asks if she can help. I am tempted to say no, but then I think, why not? As long as she isn't handling knives, anything extremely fragile, or otherwise dangerous what would be the harm?

As it turned out, she enjoyed herself so much she has been asking if we can wash dishes every ten minutes since we finished. She is excited every time a dish goes into the sink. I can honestly say I have never enjoyed washing dishes so much.

My Sous Chef

2011-11-05T21:17:00.000-04:00

Among other new things, Maggie has shown an interest in helping us cook. As we were baking one day, she informed me that I needed to make her a hat and apron to wear while cooking. How could I resist? I think this is the first time she has actually ever asked me to make her something.

I went to my standby, www.youcanmakthis.com, and found a free chef hat pattern and an apron with no ties. I picked this apron because Miss Independent would be able to put it on herself. I pulled out several fabrics and let her choose which she liked. I was quite surprised at her selection, but I think she made a good choice.

I made both one night after she went to bed. She was so excited the next morning. She put it on and wore it all day. Now, before we can cook, she has to put them on. Seeing her so excited about wearing something I made makes sewing all night so worth it.

Halloween Costume for the Midget

2011-10-30T00:09:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago, Maggie informed me she wanted to be a witch for Halloween. I haven't idea where that idea came from, but there was no changing her mind. I didn't want her to be an ugly witch, so I decided to make her costume. That way I would have more control over how she looked.

I ended up making a long tutu using purple, black, and lime green tule
and then an overlay of sparkly black chiffon. I pared that with black leggings, a black shirt and black shoes. I took a cheap black witch hat and added braided chiffon ribbons to it, letting the ends hang down. I also used the lime ribbon for a belt. I think she looked adorable.

This is her scary face.

Here, she is practicing her cackling.

This photo was taken at our local Halloween festival. I entered Maggie I the costume contest, and out of about 40 4-6 year olds in her group, she won 2nd place!! She was sooooooo excited! For the contest, she used a broom as a prop. I also tied the 3 colors of chiffon ribbon to the end. It helped tie it all together.

I'm proud of the way it turned out, and she loves it, which is what matters the most.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Where did the time go?

2011-09-08T15:49:00.000-04:00

I just can't help myself...

2011-09-04T15:15:00.001-04:00

Well, my bulldogs lost last night, even after I'd made the coolest throw pillow showing my team spirit.

I had so much fun making it and I was bored today, so I made another one. I think I may like this one better. It has a black polka dot flange instead of piping like the one yesterday. I also put a zipper in it because, quite frankly, I like putting in zippers....

I think I may be obsessed...excuse me while I do laundry and look for more t-shirts to turn into one of a kind pillows to decorate my sofas....

Goooooooo Dawgs!

2011-09-03T22:35:00.001-04:00

I love college football. Actually, I love watching The University of Georgia play football. I am a diehard Bulldawg fan. Seriously, I bleed red and black. Win or lose, I don't care, as long as it is a good game.

In honor of the first game of the season, I decided to show my spirit by turning a t-shirt into a throw pillow. I think it turned out great!

It even has a zipper, so I can change it when football season is over or quickly throw it in the wash if someone spills or drools on it......

Projects with My Midget

2011-07-11T22:03:00.003-04:00

When I was young, I was allowed to try different crafts. I spent a lot of time under my grandmother's dining room table as she sewed. (That table is now in my dining room and brings back fond memories whenever I look at it.) I used to take the scraps of fabric as they fell to the floor and make clothes for my Barbie. I was encouraged to use my creativity in any crafty outlet that seemed appropriate. Because of that encouragement, I learned to sew, crochet, tat, cross stitch, and many other fiber arts.

My daughter is a lot like me and seems to have a thirst for all things crafty. We have spent many hours drawing, coloring, painting, and playing with playdough. She is extremely interested in whatever I am doing at my sewing machine, which scares me. For some reason, I am terrified that she will stick her finger under the needle as I am sewing or embroidering.

Lately, I have been looking for crafts appropriate for Maggie and I to do together. One of the first ideas I came up with is stringing beads. I love bracelets and always wear several, so I thought that might work out well. I bought some inexpensive wooden beads and some clear elastic thread. Maggie and I laid out a sequence of beads, and then Maggie strings them.

When she is done, I tie the ends together and we marvel at how pretty the bracelet is she made. Of course, I reap the benefit of extra jewelry and the broad grin of excitement when she realizes I am wearing a bracelet she made. I think we will be giving bracelets for Christmas this year.

January, again...

2011-01-19T10:41:00.004-05:00

It is January. again.

Again, I kick myself for not making all kinds of incredible Christmas gifts for my friends and family. I love looking at other blogs for ideas and inspiration, but when the time comes, I never remember all of the good ideas I see throughout the year, or if I remember them, I can never remember where I originally saw them. So, since I am basically just talking to myself when I am writing on this blog, I've decided to use it to jar my memory of great idea for Christmas gifts.

I love this Recipe Card Holder from Life's Sweeter with Chocolate.

How about Monogrammed Hand Sanitizer/Soap Bottles or Personalized Hand Sanitizer Bottles from the Idea Room?

I REALLY want to make a Ballard Inspired Paper Holder by Infarrantly Creative for the midget. She would love it. I am also adding Infaffantly Creative's Grocery List Tear-off Pad to my list. This would be a quick, easy, and very useful gift.

My Recent Activities

2010-11-22T11:35:00.006-05:00

My friend who owns a quilt shop is teaching a class on an adorable double ruffle dress. I wanted to make one for the midget to have her picture made in. I chose a raspberry pink corduroy for the main fabric, a hot pink, white and lime check for the lining, and a sweet floral for the ruffles. All of the fabrics are from Fabric Finders.

I had previously purchased an embroidery design from SWAK that used a similar floral design as the flowers in the ruffle fabric. I thought it matched rather well. I forgot to take an image of the completed dress, but I will and add to the post later. I did remember to take a picture of the dress before i added the ruffles. The dress got rave reviews at daycare, at church , and of course M loves it!

2009-07-08T08:28:00.006-04:00

I know, I know....I haven't posted in about a month, but I've been busy. I'm trying to complete 2 ebooks at one time and it is almost killing me. I've also been working on some custom orders. Here is a photo of one of the custom orders I did for a friend at work for her first grandchild. I forgot to take a picture before I gave her the items, so she was gracious enough to take a picture for me!

What Have I Been Doing?

2009-06-08T15:15:00.012-04:00

Apparently, not posting, as C has been reminding me lately. I have been busy chasing my midget, sewing class samples, and of course, working. On the bright side, I have been taking pictures of what I've been creating. Since I've been busy, this will probably be a long post. :) So, in no particular order, here we go.....

First, isn't my midget cute? Ok, now that you are smiling back at her, notice the awesome car seat that she is sitting in. That car seat happens to be the spare car seat given to us by a friend. There was nothing wrong with the car seat, other than it was not particularly pretty (sorry, ML). So, being the wonderful, crafty mommy that I am, I did what any die-hard bulldawg fan would do. I used left over fabric from her room and reupholstered the car seat. Now, it shows her teams spirit and draws comments from everyone.

I've had this idea for a beach towel roll-up in my head for quite some time. I think I saw one in a boutique shop a couple of years ago. Anyway, M and I were in the big K one day and she saw and snatched up a black beach towel with pink polka dots (child after my own heart). Since we will be playing in the pool this summer and going to the beach, I thought this would be my chance to see if my idea worked. After, a couple of hours of head scratching, I came up with my pattern. the towel rolls up so that it can be carried on your shoulder leaving your hands free for holding other things.

I also included an interior zip pocket that is hidden when the beach towel is rolled up. It is perfect for stashing keys, money, and even small bottles of sunscreen. You know, all that stuff you try to hid in your shoes or under your towel. I think it turned out pretty well. I got several requests to make them for co-workers when I showed it off at work. I got my directions finsihed and I will be teaching this at Deb-Bee's soon.

ML saw one of these somewhere and then we got into a head scratching about how to sew a sphere. It's really not hard if you go with your first plan instead of second guessing yourself. I guess I've had too much calculas and need to make things complicated. Anyway, I think the taggy ball turned out pretty cute. M certainly likes it. It is on display at Deb-Bee's for an upcoming class, and everytime we stop by there, M points at it and says, "MINE!"

M was invited to a pool party, and yes we were sporting the pink and black beach towel roll-up. The party was for a set of twin girls who were turning four. Their mom is a good friend, fairly crafty and an avid sewer, and knows I'm a craft genius, so buying gifts was, unfortunately, out of the question. Then, at the last minute (this is whenI do my best work), I had a brilliant idea. I made each of them a bow holder. Ok, so the girls weren't really excited about it, but the mom was (and that is what is important). I got plenty of ohhhhs and ahhhhs for some of the other moms, and I got a personal phone call later that night telling me how awsome the bow holders are.

This isn't everything, but it is all I can remember at the moment.

It's January!

2009-01-02T21:23:00.002-05:00

Well, most of my Christmas gifts got finished. Did I remember to take pictures before I gave them away? Of course not; that would have been too smart....

Anyway, I took a break from sewing. I was tired. I have today off from work, DH was at work, and M was at daycare. It was a perfect day to sew (and do laundry). I worked on something for myself today. Last year for Christmas, I made ML a thread carrier. I really liked it, so did she and everyone else. I have been trying to perfect my pattern in my head since I made hers. I think I have it like I want it now. It went together fairly fast. I decided at the last minute to embroider on the front pocket, so that slowed me down. All that is left is to attach the embroidered pocket and sew and whip the binding. I need to finish it soon, because I need to use it as a class sample. I am teaching this pattern in late January at Deb-Bee's. I'll take a picture of it and post is later.

OMG! I am tired!

2008-12-15T13:30:00.017-05:00

I ended up taking Friday off from work so I could make my Christmas gift to enter in the Thrifty under 50 Challenge on YouCanMakeThis.com. I even got a babysitter for Saturday so I had TWO complete days to sew. I worked really hard, but either my list was too long or my expectations were too high. Not sure, but anyway, here is what I accomplished and how much I spent.

The first gifts I made were were corner bookmarks for my book club. I actually took this picture while the last 4 were stitching, so there are 12 in all. I used leftover fabric from Maggie's birthday outfit. The thread and stabilizer came from my stash. I used Monogram Wizard for the initials in each bookmark. I saw some corner bookmark in the hoop designs somewhere (don't remember where) and liked the idea. I played around with my digitizing software until I was happy with the design. I think they turned out pretty good.

$0 - fabric
$0 - stabilizer and thread

Total Spent: $0, Running Total: $0, Gifts Completed: 12 ($0/gift)

Next, I made key fobs for the Ladies at Maggie's daycare. I found the spool of pink ribbon in my stash. I did not have the right size webbing, so I did have to buy that. A friend of mine bought the key fob hardware and had not used them yet, so I traded her some embroidery blanks from my stash for them.

$0 - spool of pink ribbon
$0 - stabilizer and thread
$5.85 - 5 yards of black webbing
$0 - key fob hardware

Total Spent: $5.85, Running Total: $5.85, Gifts Completed: 23 ($0.25/gift)

For Nate's niece, I made a personalized name pillow. I bought the pattern several months ago at YouCanMakeThis.com. I used fabric, thread, and stabilizer from my stash. For stuffing, I reused some from sofa pillow blanks that I never used, because I hadn't gotten around to sewing covers for them. No more guilt now......

$0 - fabric
$0 - stabilizer and thread
$0 - stuffing

Total Spent: $0, Running Total: $5.85, Gifts Completed: 24 ($0.243/gift)

For my Mom, I made a scrap bag and pin cushion to go by her sewing machine so all those little thread snips won't get on the floor. I bought a ceramic tile at Lowes for the base to keep it from sliding off the table. The fabric is leftover from a bag project that I made last year. I used clear aquarium tubing to keep the bag open. This was left over (and never used) from when we had an aquarium. The stuffing came from the pillows mentioned above, and I used batting scraps from one of my last quilts.

$0 - fabric
$0 - thread
$0 - stuffing
$0 - aquarium tile
$0.27 - ceramic tile from Lowe's

Total Spent: $0.27, Running Total: $6.12, Gifts Completed: 25 ($0.244/gift)

For my niece, I made days of the week hang tags to go on coat hangers. This way she can pick out her clothes and know which day to wear them. It may also help her father if he is helping her get dressed. :) I don't remember where off the top of my head this embroidery design was purchased from, but I've had it a while. All of the thread, stabilizer, batting and ribbon came from my stash. The fabric came from my scrap bag. Aren't these adorable?

$0 - fabric
$0 - thread and stabilizer
$0 - batting
$0 - ribbon

Total Spent: $0, Running Total: $6.12, Gifts Completed: 26 ($0.235/gift)

While doing some general internet surfing one day, I came across a fabric conversion chart. I thought this was a wonderful idea, because I am always using at a pattern that calls for 45" wide fabric and then end up buying that same amount of 60" wide fabric. (Now we know why my fabric stash is so big......) Anyway, I thought this would be a perfect idea to shrink to business card size and laminate. Who couldn't use this information when shopping. I made one for my sister, my mom, my mother-in-law, and my friend. I used paper in my printer and laminate them at work when no one was looking (shhhhhhh!)

Total Spent: $0, Running Total: $6.12, Gifts Completed: 30 ($0.204/gift)

For some of my friends, I monogrammed their name on microfiber blankets. The blankets came from my stash of embroidery blanks. I think I bought them at Wal-Mart last year after Christmas. I used Monogram Wizard to create the names. The "K" in Katie's I used the Applique Curlz font from SWAK. Embroidery I bought it back during the summer and use it all of the time. The picture is a little hard to see because the blankets are navy blue.

$0 - blankets
$0 - stabilizer and thread

Total Spent: $0, Running Total: $6.12, Gifts Completed: 33 ($0.185/gift)

For Nate's nephew, I made a camouflage bean bag chair. I made my own pattern (big pain in the behind). I used camo fabric left over from when I slipcovered our den furniture in camo (never ask your husband to go fabric shopping with you). The thread came from my stash. I did have to buy a 22" zipper (from Hobby Lobby with a 40% off cupon, of course). The lining is made from an old sheet. For the "bean" part, I used packing peanuts from our shipping department (I don't mind calling in favors when I need to).

Picture Pending

$0 - camo and lining fabric
$1.12 - zipper
$0 - packing peanuts

Total Spent: $1.12, Running Total: $7.24, Gifts Completed: 34 ($0.212/gift)

For my brother in law, I put together a collection of recipes. There are six recipes for every week, complete with a grocery list of all of the items needed. He likes to cook, so I thought this might come in handy. I used paper in my printer (duplexed to save paper). I pulled a new binder off the bookshelf to use to hold it all together.

$0 - paper
$0 - binder

Total Spent: $0, Running Total: $7.24, Gifts Completed: 35 ($0.206/gift)

My my niece, I made a dance bag. I think it is so adorable. I used black Kona fabric and batting left over from my last quilt. The lining, thread, stabilizer, zipper, and ribbon came from my stash. The applique fabric came from my scrap bag. I used Monogram Wizard to create her name for the back. I bought the tulle from Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon. I am so excited about this bag that I may have to enroll Maggie in ballet when she is old enough just so I can make her this bag!

$0 - fabric
$0 - thread, stabilizer, zipper, and ribbon
$1.20 - tulle

Total Spent: $1.20, Running Total: $8.44, Gifts Completed: 36 ($0.234/gift)

I have been working on a reusable grocery bag pattern. I am in the final stages and it will soon be available on YouCanMakeThis.com. Since I'm checking and rechecking my pattern and directions, several people are getting reusable grocery bags for Christmas. All of the fabric is from my stash. Shown below are three of the different styles that I have been making because I have bolts of those particular fabrics. I have made a total of 15 of these bags.

$0 - fabric
$0 - thread, stabilizer

Total Spent: $0, Running Total: $8.44, Gifts Completed: 39 ($0.216/gift)

I made this bag for my Mom. It is made using the Lazy Girl Design, Miranda. I taught a class to make this bag for my local quilt shop. The fabric was from my stash, as was the handles, thread, and magnetic snap. The batting was left over from a quilt.

$0 - fabric
$0 - thread, handles, magnetic snap
$0 - batting

Total Spent: $0, Running Total: $8.44, Gifts Completed: 40 ($0.211/gift)

Now do you see why I'm tired? I still have more to do; unfortunately, the contest ran out before I finished. Even with all of the other gifts I have to make I will not break the $25 mark (I don't think). I will post the other items as I finish them.

Progress?

2008-12-09T15:09:00.002-05:00

Well, time is getting shorter and my list is getting longer. I had hoped to get a lot done over the weekend, but I had a sick baby, so nothing got done. :(

I have, however, gotten most of my embroidery files that I want to use on a single stick. I have also gotten all of my patterns, fabric, and notions together. I will have to buy a few things, but not many (Ya, me!) I created my pattern for the bean bag chairs, and I cut out the chef hat patterns and aprons. I robbed my mom's stash of my sister's fabric for those items.

The deadline for the thrifty under 50 is Monday, so it looks like I will be a sewing fool late at night this week. I may even take a day off since I have some vacation to burn.

There is nothing like a looming deadline that makes me work faster......

Christmas List

2008-12-01T14:14:00.004-05:00

I've been making my list, but I have yet to check it, so it may change significantly between now and Christmas. Since I'm participating in the You Can Make This Thrifty 50, I need to have this ALL done by December 15th (yeah, right). I went through my stash over the weekend and came up with some fairly neat ideas. I also realized that I have way too much crafting paraphernalia, but hopefully this will help use up some of it. The rest will have to wait until after the Holidays.

My ambitious list is as follows:
MEY - Doll
LCC - I'm not listing, 'cause you read my blog!
JPD - chef hat and apron (for making brownies with AJD)
AJD - chef hat and apron, days of the week tags for picking out clothes, doll
FLC - sewing mat with thread catcher and pin cushion, pattern weights
JRC - embroidered shirts
NAY - TDB
LJY - placemats
GAY - embroidered fleece throw
KAY - monogrammed scrubs
BAY - personalized pillow, bean bag chair
JDC - personalized pillow, bean bag chair
MLL - table cloth for her giant table that's too big for standard tablecloths
MEY's Daycare Ladies - Personalized Key Fobs
Bookclub Members - Bookmarks

I've Been Chosen!

2008-11-26T15:20:00.003-05:00

I have been chosen to be part of the You Can Make This Thrifty Under $50 Challenge! I am so excited! My Christmas list is growing, and my time is growing even shorter. I'll start posting my list and then pictures of the completed projects. We'll see how far I can get.

Challenge for Quilt Guild

2008-11-18T14:59:00.005-05:00

After procrastinating for as long as possible, I decided to complete the challenge for my quilt guild. Several months ago, we were given a fat quarter of black, red, and metallic gold. The challenge was actually fairly simple; the final project had to be a quilt, no larger than 24" x 24", use the fat quarter provided, and be Christmas related.

My first thought was to use an Anita Goodesign wreath embroidery design and replace the stitched wreath with an applique using the fabric provided. Yeah, well, Sunday night, I decided that was not worth trying to do on my short time limit. (Has to be turned in tonight, which is Tuesday).

As you can see from the picture, I think it turned out pretty good. I have not clipped my threads yet, but you get the idea. I cannot wait to get the upgrade for my Janome MC11000....it cuts the jump threads!!!

Honestly, it does not have enough quilting. I only quilted around the black fabric. I did use metallic thread, so I should get bonus points for that. I even used a decorative stitch around the binding. The embroidery took longer than all of the sewing/quilting involved.

I may not win an award, but I'm still proud of what I turned out. What do you think?