michele made me

I'm a Hexagonner

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:19:00 +0000

Wee hexies! Oh how I love thee...

For a week now, I've been making wee 3/4" fabric hexagons. This here is what got me going in the first place. I've made 120 so far. My goal is to make 15 per day for 133 consecutive days for a grand total of 2000 hexagons. And then, I'll sew them all together into a fantastical quilt. It's a lofty goal, yes. Don't know if I'm being realistic... But now is not the time for realism I figure. No, right now I have a dream and I figure it can't hurt to dream big, right? Anyway, I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy about it at the moment. Hopefully that feeling lasts a while.

In the meantime, I play. Above is an appliqué block possibility. See? Good times are being had.

♥M

FYI: Found a great resource page for new quilters at Martingale. Check it out: How To Quilt.

The Boy's Tree Fort Project: Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:58:00 +0000

For posterity's sake, I'm going to be recording The Boy's Tree Fort Project here on the blog. The tree fort has been on my guys' list for some time. Here is the start they've made.

To begin, The Boy sat down with his pen and paper and wrote out a list of things he wanted as part of his dream tree fort. After some discussion between he and Lo, a few tweaks were made to the list... Here's what they agreed on.

The Boy subsequently sketched out some impressions of what the innards and out-ards of the fort might look like. Here are those sketches.

A few weekends ago they cleared the site of an old ornamental well which we'd previously (about 4 years ago) transformed into a covered bench for The Boy (see the final photo). I also dug out many plants from around the well. They are now in storage awaiting a new home.

This past weekend, Lo and The Boy began the tree fort work in earnest.

They dug 4 beautiful holes, 4 feet deep to reach below the frost line, and installed a concrete pillar in each hole. On top of each pillar is a metal bracket. Eventually, beams will span the width of the pillars and be held in place within these brackets. But that's a story for another day... For now, we have 4 lovely new pillars that will cure until next weekend when (hopefully) the next chapter will begin!

I have to say. It's pretty neat to stand back and watch them build this thing together. Lo is very patient with The Boy, explaining the purpose of every step, answering The Boy's questions, and encouraging him to take up the tools and be part of the process as much as possible.

I always feel so lucky to have such a fine daddy for my little one. They make my heart go pitter-pat just watching them together.

♥M

Flimsy On Fence

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Sat, 19 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Quilt flimsy, that is.

Are you familiar with the term "flimsy"? This is another bit of quilt knowledge that I've picked up only recently. A flimsy is the as-yet unsandwiched, unquilted, yet completed quilt top. It's a cool term; I like it. But I've come to refer to this stage of quilt-making as the "stained-glass" phase. On a sunny day, I like to run the flimsy outside and let the sun shine through. I always relish seeing my work in this new light. The colours so bright. The seams like leaded framework holding it all together. Though perhaps not worthy of a church window, it still inspires a little bit of awe, don't you think?

Happy weekend!

♥M

Quilt Block Piecing Trick For Matching Seams

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:43:00 +0000

I LEARNED SOMETHING!!!

I'm shouting, aren't I?

Sorry 'bout that.

Let me start again... a little more calmly this time perhaps...

Ahem.

I have learned something.

Yesterday, or was it the day before... hm... I can't really remember now. The day before seems most likely though... Anyway. I learned how to line up seams while piecing my quilt blocks!!! YAY YIPPEE!!! YAHOOOEY!!

Sorry. Sorry. Yes I know. I cannot contain my excitement! But here's why. I have been piecing quilts on and off for a FEW YEARS, but it is only NOW that I managed to make my seams match. It's incredible! Also a little disconcerting that it took me so long... See, I had learned about nesting the seams and pinning and such before, but the day before yesterday the stars aligned, the heavens opened up and, I UNDERSTOOD. As I was sewing together this quilt, I finally figured out the trick. Now, there are likely millions out there who know this trick already. If you're one of them, you may click away and come back when I'm sharing something worthy of your time.

If you're just learning (as I seem to be), you can stay. Are you ready?

THE TRICK IS:

Line up the seams and then pin directly through the seams or as closely as possible to them.

It "seams" logical doesn't it? Of course it does. Why do you think it took me so long to figure it out? Here's a little schematic I put together. Hopefully it makes some kind of sense...

As it turns out, you can teach an old dog new tricks. Correct your history books and cite this day as proof.

♥M

Work-In-Progress: Baby Boy Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:43:00 +0000

What have I've been up to the last few days?... Designing, choosing fabrics, cutting, marking, pinning, and sewing together a quilt for a boy babe.

It's coming along... slow and steady. I'm enjoying the quiet process.

♥M

All Caught Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Sat, 12 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

As I mentioned in my last post, I've been doing the homework for the free Craftsy Block of The Month course and I'm happy to report that I'm back on track, all caught up, and ready for show and tell! Above are the April Blocks, my new favourites. We first practiced our new English paper-piecing skills on the Hexi Stripe Block and were then challenged by our teacher to design our very own block using hexagons. Michele's Block is what I came up with. I enjoyed playing with the hexies immensely and highly recommend you give them a whirl if you haven't already. But fair warning: you may fall under their six-sided spell. After that, resistance is pretty much futile...

For May's assignment, we experimented with two varieties of log cabin blocks: a Modern and a Wonky. Both were a breeze to make and came together lickety-split.

Sigh... I'm still in hexagon mode however. I just want to keep making those colourful little hexies. I'm smitten, I tell you. I think only of my hex-quisite little hexies. Is anyone else afflicted with the hexie disease?

More BOM blocks here: January, February and March.

Have a great weekend (and happy Mother's Day to all you lovely moms)!

♥M

Catching Up On Craftsy BOMs

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

This here post should have been done back in March. Only, I didn't get around to making the blocks until a few days ago... I guess I've been busy or something? Who knows... Anyway, they late but they done. Yip yip.

Out of all the blocks in the free Craftsy BOM (Block of The Month) Course, these March foundation-pieced blocks are my favourite so far. I think it's because there's an element of magic and surprise to them. You never quite know how they'll turn out until the very end. And the result is just so fun. I can imagine whole scrappy quilts done in both these blocks.

My only two issues were: 1) lining up the Broken Spider Web Block in the end. I will have to unpick my final seam and give it a second go 'round, darn thing. And I'm not fond of unpicking. No sir. And 2) the Broken Spider Web makes A LOT of waste. I'm wondering if there's another (and equally simple) way of doing it? Take cover, I may have to put on my thinking cap for that one...

But, yay, I made a start on April's offerings which involve English paper-pieced hexagons. When I first saw that we were doing hexagons, I sighed heavily... I was under the impression that I'd find them tedious and difficult. But oh Boysie, was I wrong! In fact, I may well have found a new love... The little hexies are so cute and they're actually quite simple to make and put together. Not to mention that they are perfect for using scraps. I mean really, you silly Michele, what's NOT to like?

I'll post the April blocks soon I hope. Wish me well...

Oh and FIY, my completed January and February blocks are here and here, respectively. And FIY2, Catherine made a stunning string block quilt HERE and Mona completed a broken spider web quilt HERE. Aren't they beauties?

Have a lovely lovely day!

♥M

Round the Bend With a Redoubtable Rodent

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:48:00 +0000

Yesterday, my baby sister has the day off, so we plan to get together in the morning to catch up on things. Since I'm heading in that direction anyway, I decide it's a nice opportunity to take the yard waste to our city's local composting center. You should see the massive amount of organic waste that's turned into compost over there. It's a gardener's paradise. Mountains and mountains of gorgeous, dark, rich compost. You think I exaggerate. But I do not. One day I'll take pictures. You will see.

Anyway. So I stuff the car's trunk with a few bags of yard waste, and the remaining bag I cram in the back seat. I'm all set and ready to go.

Into the car I get. The radio is tuned in to CBC radio's hottest daytime radio show called "Q". It's a very entertaining, very informative, non-gossipy show that I listen to for my regular art and pop culture fix. On today's show, Jian (pronounced Gee-On) the host, is interviewing A.J. Jacobs author-journalist of the new health adventure book Drop-Dead Healthy: One Man's Quest for Bodily Perfection. According to A.J.'s research, sitting for long periods is absolutely terrible for you. He rectifies this by spending several hours a day slowly walking on a treadmill whilst simultaneously working at his laptop which is somehow jerryrigged to the top of the treadmill. Intriguing.

I'm temporarily distracted by sounds coming from the back seat. But it's just branches settling against the sides of the paper yard waste bag.

Author guy on the radio goes on by affirming that refined sugar and flour are pretty much the devil incarnate... Probably true. Moreover, he suggests there's nothing quite like trying new things to boost one's feelings of well-being. I concur there. I think new experiences are key to keeping one interested and vital.

That's when I see it. Out of the corner of my eye. A furry scurrying scampering beast scooting about the passenger side. Aaaaaaaack! Eeeeeeep! Heeeeeeelp! Expletive. Expletive. There's a HUGE MOUSE in the cccccaaaaar! I have to GET OUT of heeeere! I MUST stop this car NOOWW! Oh! Oh. Oh. BLAAAASSST.

Without signalling, I immediately veer off to the side of the road, jam on the brakes, and bust out of that car forthwith. I open all the doors and begin shooing and shouting at the inside of the car in an attempt to compel the beast out... After a few moments, I stop. I don't see the mouse in there anywhere... Where d'it go?... Is it still in the car?... Is it gone?... How am I supposed to know?.. Eep... Maybe it hightailed it out of there... Maybe not though... I simply DO NOT KNOW.

I could walk home. It's only minutes away... I decide to be brave. I decide to risk it all and go back in. I can't just abandon the car here. Mouse or no mouse, I must get in the car and drive to the composting center. Steel yourself Michele. You can do this... You don't WANT to do this but you CAN do this!

Luckily it's a very short drive. But I'm stamping my free foot and shouting loudly the whole way. One cannot be too careful. I reach the composting center physically unscathed. Once parked, I fall out of the car again. Now I'm politely begging a city worker to help me remove the rodent that's in my car. He smiles. I want to hit him but refrain. He agrees to help me and sets to work, stooping to check under the seats. He finds nothing... He says: "I think it's gone Ma'am"... Unconvinced, I ask for a long stick. I take the stick and start madly poking at the dark voids in the car. Nothing. I resign myself to the fact that I will have to get back in the car. And most probably there is a giant mouse hiding under my very seat ready to skitter up my pant leg at any moment. I shudder at the thought. "Can I keep the stick?" I plead before climbing in. "Sure," says the worker.

I get in. I drive to my sister's house, visit for a while, and drive all the way back home with my stick in hand.

I make it home in one piece.

The whole ordeal has me exhausted and it's barely lunchtime. I begin to question A.J.'s assertion that new experiences are a boon to well-being. I think it depends on the new experience in question. It really really really depends.

♥M

A Little House Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

This colourful little quilt was made several years ago now. Back in ancient times. Pre-blog. I re-discovered it the other day whilst attempting to clean my basement work room. It was under a mountain of junk on my work table and when I glimpsed its dark borders I thought, hmm, I've never shared that little guy... Is now the time?... Yes, I told myself, now IS the time.

As you can plainly see, it's a scrappy little thing. I can spy some of my boys' old cotton shirts in there and fabric from other projects too. I love that about scrappy quilts...

I made several simple pieced house designs and repeated them a few times each throughout the quilt using different scraps. The sky area around each house is quite tightly hand-quilted. Originally, I had every intention of adding embroidery details here and there but ran out of steam before getting around to it. Come to think of it, that may account for why I haven't shared it until now. It was never really finished in my mind... But I think this is the way it's going to stay.

Sometimes you just have to let things go. You know?

♥M

Yarn Painted Card Redux

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Many moons ago, I wove bits of yarn into a mesh vegetable bag and created a scenic yarn painted greeting card for a sweet loved one 'o mine. Since I needed a pretty card recently and have no shortage of yarn scraps (or, for that matter, mesh veggie bags ), I thought: "Why not try that again?" This version is simpler in design, and personalized with a blanket-stitched felt monogram. A nifty possibility in a sea of endless ones.

Find the original yarn painted greeting card tutorial HERE.

Have a lovely day!

♥M

Parsnips Resurrected

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Do you enjoy an inadvertent, accidental, slap-happy discovery as much as I do? I bet you do.

A couple years ago I ate my first parsnip. I'd never eaten this white carrot-like root before and my first exposure was a very sweet experience. If memory serves, I was at a potluck dinner. As with most potlucks, the foods were many, varied, and tasty to be sure. But my memory retains only one. A freshly picked, roasted root vegetable medley of carrot, sweet potato, turnip, parsnip with a touch of cloves, grown and baked by a friend's hands. It sounds yummy, and indeed it was. To my mind, it was the best part of the entire meal (including dessert) and when I asked whilst brandishing a forkful: "What are these white hunks of deliciousness?", I was informed that they were parsnips. Aaaaah yes! The fabled parsnip. The root whose name conjures up something decidedly inedible. Well... if you haven't yet tried them, let me assure you. Don't let the name fool you. They are much much tastier than they sound.

Last year, I just had to plant some. So we did. We planted several. In fact, we planted more than several. And, of course, we didn't eat them all nor did we harvest them all. We "forgot" a bunch in the ground... But they were having none of it. This spring I noticed little green shoots popping up from where they'd been last year. A few days ago my curiosity got the best of me. I needed to see what was underneath those shoots. Well, to my surprise there were gigantic (one specimen easily serves the three of us), fresh, sweet, scrummy parsnips buried 'neath the soil. Which just goes to show: it's impossible to ignore your roots...

I had no clue parsnips were biennial. But as I've discovered, they are! They survived our mild winter and came back for a second season. I'm so glad they did. More delicious treats for me!

Does anyone else have experience resurrecting parsnips?

♥M

FYI: Go HERE to learn how to grow your own parsnips. Notice the site labels them as a "bienniel grown as an annual". I think we should be encouraged to grow them as both if we can, and take full advantage of this fresh, home-grown produce.

Series 9: Old Towel New - Bath Puppet

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Ah yes... Here we are. 'Tis the final chapter in the Old Towel New saga. With only scraps and dregs left over from the other towel projects I barely managed to scrape together this sweet double-duty bath puppet. See? It can serve as both a toy and a soft washcloth. The little ones can simultaneously have fun AND get sparkly clean. Handy, no?

Here's the how-to:

I made a simple newspaper template as below and cut out 2 of the large pieces and 4 of the circles.

I sewed two pairs of circles together, leaving a gap for turning. I then zigzagged around all edges of the two large pieces. I snipped the edges of the two circles (ears) and turned them inside out.

I cut a piece of freezer paper big enough to accommodate a face for my puppet and ironed it to one of the large pieces. I drew the face. [Note: I used freezer paper because it's difficult to transfer a design onto towel with all those nubblees hanging about.] Now, using a running stitch and embroidery needle and thread, I outlined my design directly through the freezer paper. I then carefully, very very carefully, removed the freezer paper. Finally, I went over the entire outline with a back stitch. Oh yes, and I used satin stitch for the tiny myopic eyes.

To put the puppet together, I placed the circles (ears) onto the face as shown below, and then put the other large piece on top and pinned the layers together. I machine-stitched around the perimeter just inside the zigzagged edge, leaving the bottom open. I stitched one last zigzag around that bottom edge to finish it off neatly. Finally, I flipped the whole thing inside out and...

Behold! One fine play 'n wash bath puppet:

That Terry... He's hilarious.

♥M

The rest of the Old Towel New series: mop pad, washcloths, soft watchband, car sponge, oven mitt.

To The Drawing Board

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

In my last sketching post, I was lamenting my lack of drawing flair. See, I can draw. What I'm missing is my very own michele-type style. A few of your comments on that post were quite insightful I felt, and got me to thinking.

For instance, Catie suggested:

"Have you ever tried just adding a little colour? Like pink to the cheeks and nose. It is so playful and breathes life into an otherwise monotone drawing."

As you can see, I took your advice to heart Catie. I may have added somewhat more than "a little" colour though. Once I got started I couldn't stop myself. When it comes to colouring I turn into a giant kid: the more colour, the merrier...

I also appreciated the advice Saraccino shared:

"You are able to see beauty in stuff which is so normal, even trash. This view will give you special insight for sketching. Stop thinking and just enjoy it!"

I think you're right Saraccino. I do tend to overthink drawing. Part of the problem may be that I like to control every little pencil stroke. Letting go and relinquishing a teensy bit of control might be just what the doctor ordered eh?... I'll have to give it a shot.

Aneesah recalled a moment from her own experience. She wrote:

"I've struggled with style since forever. I've been told by a lecturer that I'm too literal... I think that means I don't use my right brain enough. There isn't enough of me in the artwork, more needs to go in the process."

She also added wisely:

"Style takes time and experimentation."

Wow, it's like that lecturer was speaking directly to me from across the chasm of time... The idea of "being too literal" and putting "more of me" into the drawing really struck a chord. You're so right Aneesah. If I'm just reproducing what's already there (as I've done with the elephant photo above) then maybe I'm investing too little of myself in the work. Perhaps what I could try instead is to practice interpreting the photo rather than just reproducing it verbatim. Then I might see more of myself in it. I might even begin to develop my own style... Hmm, what an intriguing concept!

Thanks for your thoughtful and considerate comments. I do appreciate every one, and try to learn from them whenever possible.

Have yourself a beautiful day.

♥M

Interviewed on The Craftypod Podcast... Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:57:00 +0000

What a surreal and exciting day... Today is the release of Diane Gilleland's April 2012 Earth Day episode of The Craftypod Podcast. And guess who Diane interviewed this time 'round?... Yes. Yes, that's right, it was me!

It's a little crazy, isn't it?

What did we talk about? Good question... It's a blur honestly... Because I was so very nervous and in awe of meeting this amazing woman on the phone. But, um, we talked about crafts. And basically why I do what I do here on Michele Made Me.

It was my first interview ever of this kind. You know? Like with actual words and sound and stuff?... Diane is one of those genuinely kind, generous, and all-around brilliant souls, so it was really fun discussing the crafty thing with her. Okay, well... I shan't dilly dally any longer. Here's the link. I hope you enjoy it. Eep.

Craftypod Podcast: Creative Reuse and Crafting with Michele Pacey

Diane, thank you so much for inviting me to be on your show. I think it's so nifty that you did. It was an honour and a joy to meet you on the telephone. One of my goals is to one day meet you in actual person. Wouldn't that be nice?

Well you have a great weekend. Oh yes, and happy Earth Day!

♥M

Series 9: Old Towel New - Oven Mitt

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:59:00 +0000

Dare I say it again? That old grey towel has come in handy once more. This is the fifth towel project I've made and she may yet have another in her. Not bad for an ancient (and standard-size) bath towel, eh?

For this installment of Old Towel New I referred to Chris's lovely Oven Mitt Template and Tutorial. I highly recommend it. I followed her directions as written with only these few tiny changes: use of an old towel (obvious), straight-line quilting, and a slightly different hanger placement. Also, I didn't have any basting spray so I used straight pins instead. It all worked really really really really well. Don't know why, but I was actually scared of making an oven mitt. True fact. But you know what? It was a piece of cake thanks to Chris.

My old battered oven mitt (which this new one is replacing) could only be described as grody. A fitting description I assure you. So I'm overjoyed with the upgrade. I'd been meaning to make a new mitt since time immemorial and wondered if the towel fabric would do the trick. I'm happy to report that it was ideal. In fact, I think I'm in love with this mitt and its towelly texture. I'm tempted to use it as a pillow. Good idea eh?

Thanks for your most excellent directions Chris!

Other posts in the Old Towel New series: mop pad, washcloths, soft watchband, car sponge.

Have yourself a lovely evening!

♥M

More Practice Required

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Sketching is something I do now and then. I had the chance to practice a little on the drive to Toronto this weekend. I like the idea of improving my skills. I learned the basics back in high school but have pretty much been at the same level ever since... A style is what I'd like to develop, you know? A certain flare. Some personality, goshdarnit! Right now, I just draw what's there. And when I look at the finished sketch, it lacks that special je-ne-sais-quoi. Maybe what I need is more practice?...

♥M

Today's post was inspired by Charissa's.

Series 9: Old Towel New - Car Sponge

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Another quiet addition to the "Old Towel New" series... The old grey towel is slowly morphing into a number of different items. Today's offering: wash your car in luxury (and give your sponge a longer life) with this covered car sponge!

Find other old towel projects here, here and here.

Have a lovely weekend!

♥M

Series 9: Old Towel New - Soft Watchband

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:40:00 +0000

Hey, it's the third installment of Old Towel New! Welcome welcome!

This time a repair was in order. The Boy's watchband was busted and needed fixing. He loves his watch and I'd been meaning to do this for some time. Ages, actually. He has sensitive skin (gets that from me) so I wanted something soft and un-scratchy to replace the old hook and loop watchband. But what to use? What oh what?

Enter the old towel. Note that I'm still using the same old towel as for the other two projects here and here. That thing is coming in darn handy! Good thing I like grey, eh? Or is it blue? Grey, methinks... I used one of the bands that's near each end of the towel. Most towels have these, I think. You know which bands I mean, right?

So I cut one of those bands off and collected a few other supplies: elastic, watch face, scrap of fabric to match. Then I took those two spring-loaded doo-hickeys off the back of the watch face. I then installed a piece of elastic underneath, put the doo-hickeys back in place, and trimmed the elastic ends. I overlapped and joined the elastic ends with a needle and thread in the middle of the watch back. The piece of elastic serves as something to stitch onto, holding the watch face to the watch band. Know what I mean?

Next I made a soft watchband by sewing the cotton scrap and towel piece good sides together with a short piece of elastic sandwiched in between. I left one end open and flipped the whole thing inside out. The band itself was completed by stuffing the end of the elastic into the open end of the watchband, turning in the raw edges and sewing it all shut nice and tight. All that was left to do was to attach the watch face. I sewed it on by hand with a few stitches on either end of the face.

Can't wait till he tries it on! I love checking stuff like this off the perpetual, ever-expanding, never-ending list of to-dos. Plus, it's cute and incorporates The Boy's two favourite colours: red and blue. I'm pretty sure this makes me mom-of-the-year, don't you? Probably.

Okay, I'm off to weed something. Have a lovely evening!

♥M

A Cool Easter Gift From Lo

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:04:00 +0000

For years and years, I have wanted a cold frame with which to extend our growing season. On Easter Sunday, my wish came true (insert choir of angels)! This weekend Lo whipped together this perfect little guy from some old cedar boards and a wooden window. The cedar had served for many years as the Boy's sandbox; the window we recently purchased at a flea market.

I decided to give my newest acquisition a test drive and plant out the mesclun and spinach ... I figured these cool weather lovers wouldn't mind so much... And besides, I was too excited to wait. I'm hoping they'll be fine out there. So far so good; they've survived one night... eep!

The beauty of this little cold frame is that it is lightweight enough for me to pick up and move around. Once the plants are established, I'll just lift it off and let the plants enjoy some fresh air. So cool (or should I say "cold"), hee.

There's nothing like a useful, handmade, gardening-related gift to get me smiling. Thank you so much Lo. I love you (and it) tons and tons!

Edited to Add: As these old windows may be painted with leaded paint, it is imperative to apply a clear coat to prevent the paint from flaking off into the soil (especially around edibles). Thanks for that reminder Catie.

♥M

Series 9: Old Towel New - Washcloths

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

I hope you're enjoying some well-deserved rest this lovely Easter weekend.

A quick and quiet "Old Towel New" installment today. I'm transforming old towels into other stuff in this series. This one's a no-brainer. It goes a little something like this...

If you're not familiar with how to make seam binding, an extremely thorough binding tutorial resides right here! Once you've made the binding, then...

Don't forget to sew it down! I did it by hand, but you could do it by machine as well.

All of which leaves you with...

Match them to your bathroom or kitchen and enjoy!

Have a safe and Happy Easter!

♥M

View installment 1 of this series HERE.

Series 9: Old Towel New - Mop Pad

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

The mop below is one of my favourite household cleaning items. Its telescopic handle and pivoting head are genius for reaching into the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of our little house. It is grrreat for mopping the floors. With a spray bottle, I simply mist the floors with a vinegar-water solution and then pass the mop over them. So easy. But best of all, it has a long-lasting, removable, and washable cleaning pad. When I'm done mopping, I throw that dirty pad in the wash and that's IT, I'm done. I know I sound like an advertisement, but this is how I feel about this mop deep down in my heart. Also, I can assure you that I do not, nor have I ever, worked for the makers of this mop,Vileda.

As far as I can see, there is only one down-side to this mop. It came with only one cleaning pad, and sometimes, when I've let things slide around here (who, moi?), a second replacement pad would really come in handy, you know?

So just in time for spring cleaning, I decided to fashion a grubby old towel into a second replacement pad! Yip yip. Here's what I did.

I cut a rectangle of old towel slightly wider than my Vileda pad, and twice plus 3 inches longer. Then I folded it in half and machine-stitched down the long edge with a 1/2 seam allowance.

I trimmed the excess beyond the stitching. Then flipped the whole thing inside out.

With the sewing machine and my good old walking-foot, I quilted the towel layers together with semi-random parallel lines of stitching. Then, I grabbed a few cotton scraps, cut out a couple of squares, folded them into rectangles and lay them along the short sides of the quilted towels like so.

The raw edges (along the short sides), I zigzagged shut multiple times. And finally, I folded the long edges over about an inch and stitched them down.

Such a useful little project. It makes me happy.

Here's Vileda modelling her new outfit now...

Oh, she look gooooooood. The height of moppy fashion.

Oh and by the way, this is the first post in a series of old towel refashions. I wonder what'll be next? Hmm...

Well, you have a lovely day now.

♥M

Baby Plants, Baby!

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Back here, The Boy and I planted a bunch of seeds in our newspaper pots and as promised, here's an update! Well... some are growing. So far basil, 2 types of tomato, mesclun, cilantro, spinach, zinnia, snapdragon, cosmos, marigold, nasturtium, and a flower garden mix have all germinated and are growing nicely.

Still nothing from the cucumber, rosemary, petunia, ageratum. All of these are older seeds, so naturally they will take longer to break out of their seed coats... We quickly planted them without special treatment, so I may have to crack open my propagation book to see if any need to be coaxed into germinating. The petunia seeds are an experiment. I harvested them myself eons ago so I have no idea if they're even viable. We'll just have to wait and see...

The little plants are so cute. So fragile and green. At this stage, once you've got actual green babies on your hands, you have to be careful not to over-water them. You don't want them "damping-off", dear no. Damping Off is a collection of sly, shifty, and pretty much invisible fungi that flourish under warm, moist conditions and will kill new little plant babies if given the chance. How rude! Germinating seeds have to be kept moist it's true, but once germinated, ease off on the watering and the seedlings should be fine.

Here's the link to my handy newspaper pot plant video again in case you missed it the first time.

Edited to Add: Please note that I've used black and white newspaper to make the pots as black ink is made of soy and safe to use around edibles. Coloured newspapers should be avoided as the ink may contain some toxins.

Have a brilliant day!

♥M

What Inspires Me?

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

There's a question. Probably the single most popular question readers ask me.

Where do I find inspiration?

The question actually frightens me. It makes me want to tear at my hair and run out of the room screaming. I'm only half-kidding. See the problem is this: I do not know what inspires me. I haven't looked into it. I'm lazy that way. And also. I'm kinda scared to go there because I'm afraid to mess with it! I mainly just DO. I don't consider the what, the where, the why of it all.

Is that strange? Should I be analyzing my actions and examining my motivations?

Hrm.

Okay well here goes... Here's where I believe my ideas come from... I guess I believe in the power of doing. I think that, for me, ideas emerge when I keep my hands busy with making and my mind focussed on the material in front of me. I think that the textures and the fabric of the things I'm using, the colours and the shapes that surround me, all conspire to inspire me.

Is that the silliest answer ever?... Probably...

Just let me add. I believe in something greater than myself. You know? That energy that envelops us all... You know the one I mean, right? I believe in it. I'm almost certain it is involved in my creating somehow. It is the culprit. It's gotta be... Somehow.

So, thank you elusive Force with a capital F that allows me to create and make stuff. Whatever you are and wherever you come from. Thanks for being there. Because if I weren't creating, I would know little of happiness. And I would surely be a bitter thing.

This post is dedicated to Pam, and to the forces of creative inspiration. The above photos feature Brigid's Cross (named for Brigid the goddess of inspiration, fire and fertility), a little challenge Pam issued to me a while back when she wrote: "I have been wracking my brain for two years trying to think of a material other than wheat to make a Brigid's Cross. If anyone can come up with a solution, it's you!" Since then, I too have been wracking my brain. I came up with two possibilities for the crosses Pam: 1) stiffened yarn, and 2) cereal boxes. What do you think?

♥M

Where's Michele?

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

In the scan below, you may notice something familiar... Can you spy it?... Where ever could it be?... Hmm...

Did you find it?... Okay. Well just in case you didn't, here's a tiny hint...

For the first time ev-ER, I'm IN PRINT!!! That's little ol' me in De Telegraaf which, according to Wikipedia (and it should know because it knows everything), is the largest newspaper in the Netherlands. The Dutch are a very discerning people.

Let me tell you. I'm a little pleased. You figured that out, eh? Was it obvious?...

I don't read Dutch but from what I'm told, one of the articles featured on the above page is about "selling your house with superstition". It seems that wind chimes can help sell a house when placed in the correct location; it's a Feng Shui thing I guess. Interesting. The article's writer, Berber Govaars, asked me if he could kindly use my Summer Time Chime in his article. I said yes and now I'm famous. It was very sudden I admit.

Anyway, this famous person has to do the dishes and mop the floor now. But I'll be back. You have a fine day!

♥M

There's a Change In The Header...

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

I made a couple tweeks to the blog last week, did you see? The most obvious change being the header. It's nice to freshen things up around here every now and again, and you know, move the furniture around? So while I was doing that, I thought it might be fun to take a look back at the many and various headers that have topped this blog over the last two years. A header-rospective if you will... Chortle.

I create my simple headers in Photoshop using photos of my various projects and fonts I like. Here they all are!

Header #1. This one featured the hand-painted first page of my "idea" notebook in which I jot down all my crafty brain waves and the font Zapfino which I had a fondness for at the time. It's fun to look back through that notebook... I'm still using that very one today.

Header #2. One of the goals of this blog is to create a little corner of crafty sunshine. Hence the sun symbol of header #2. Interestingly, this particular sun is made from a most un-sunny styrofoam meat tray... And there's Zapfino again!

Header #3. Probably my favourite to date, header #3 featured my egg carton flowers. I'm still a little bit in love with this one I admit. One day I may just throw it back up there... Oh and look. It's Zapfino. What a surprise.

Header #4. This one featured rings made from frozen concentrated fruit juice containers. I have projects involving these rings that are still waiting for their moment in the sun. Maybe one day soon maybe possibly?... And is that a font change I see before me? Yes, it is!!! That font is known as League Script Thin. It's a good one.

Headers #5 is nowhere to be found. I guess I didn't think it was good enough to bother keeping. It was quite simple and featured my TP roll pincushion. Sorry number 5, I looked for you everywhere but I couldn't find you... I liked you, I promise I did. Snif.

Header #6. The Drop-Dead Denim header was made on the back pocket of some old jeans and featured a couple denim flowers. That header was up there for the whole of the month of September 2011 when all we did was denim denim denim. Ah, what a great month that was... The cursive words are my embroidered handwriting and the other words are in Century Gothic, another extremely useful and legible font.

Header #7. And finally, the penultimate header was made from another denim flower but the effect was supposed to be that of a sunrise. Did you get that? That one also featured Estilo Script font which I've discovered in the last few months and use, like, constantly.

And that brings us to the brand new header which showcases the origami sun posted back here and Estilo Script again. Can you tell I'm fond of making new headers and fiddling with the blog? I'm certainly no expert, but I find it quite rewarding to come up with new designs all on my own.

How about you? Do you enjoy tinkering with your blog's design?