My Ocean of Notions

Sewing: Halloween Totes

2014-10-21T00:17:00.001-07:00

Aloha!

It's October again...and it's been a year since I've blogged. I have had a whirlwind of a year filled with craziness, excitement, and joy. I love this time of the year. To me it is the beginnings of the holiday season. So much to do. Recently, we drove up to the Kohala Mountain Pumpkin Patch. It is such a beautiful drive up the mountain. You can see the curvature of the earth and the deep blue ocean below.

     Once you arrive you will see a myriad of colors. The colors are so vibrant and you can't help being swept up in the natural patchwork. The local growers do such a great work of planting a different corn maze every year, pick your own sunflower field, vegetables, and of course the pumpkin patch. Families flock to this place for some fall fun. It is the only real pumpkin patch on the island that I know of. Family outings are the best and help to bring everyone into the spirit of things.

    This year we decided to sew up some trick or treat totes. The girls picked our their fabrics and I used whatever embellishments I had stashed away. They are fully lined and double stitched for durability. I had to add some ruffles and ric rac to give it a personality. Because of my busy schedule I haven't had much opportunities to create. I miss it and have decided to make a goal to get back at it. It is truly a joy to create something, put a bit of you into it, and share it. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul." There is so much talent and inspiration to take in from the world. The human family is a most remarkable thing.

~Christie

Sewing: Owlet Totes

2013-10-01T14:09:00.002-07:00

Aloha!

These little Owlet Totes are a perfect fun project for fall. Especially when warmer colors are used to sew them up in a jiffy. I had a lot of fun sewing them up as teacher gifts. The outer material is semi-waterproof. The lining I chose was a polyester green gingham. Very durable and super cute.I did a freehand design and appliqued the pieces in place.I let the edges of the appliques fray a bit. I also did a little gathered pleat at one side of the handle.

~Christie

Jaboticaba Jelly

2013-05-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

Aloha!

Hawaii is known for its macadamia

nut trees, coffee trees, mango trees, giant avocado trees, papaya, pineapple, lilikoi, and breadfruit trees. But, the great thing about this Hawaiian tropical climate is that most anything will grow here. Even these Brazilian Jaboticaba trees.

Recently we had an abundance of Jaboticaba fruit on our backyard tree. If you are unfamiliar with this fruit then you should know that it grows on the trunk and branches of the little tree. The fruit itself is plump like a grape or plum and dark purple in color. It has the taste of cherry grape and the texture of a grape. It is very interesting.

My girls and I decided to pick the fruit off of the Jaboticaba tree. With the mountain breezes and shade of the tree it was a nice experience. Picking the fruit was like picking a plum or plucking a grape...it's almost as fun as pulling carrots. It took 2 hours to yield 2 full pans of fruit. The tree still had fruit left that needed to ripen before being picked. We were glad because we had picked enough! We rinsed the fruit and dried them on large towels.

I thought I'd try to make some Jaboticaba jelly. Sounds easy, right? Except, I had never really made jelly or jam before. This was going to be a learning experience. So, I juiced all of the fruit and made 20 jars of jelly out of half of the juice. After a water bath, the jars were sealed, cooled and ready to store. Being too tired to make another 20 jars, I froze the remaining juice for a later date. Which I think was a super clever idea. Great flavor and great in a pb&j sandwich.

~Christie

Getting Ready For Spring.

2013-03-06T11:36:00.001-08:00

Aloha!
Spring is on it's way and it's time again for that special holiday. It comes earlier this year...this month! St. Patrick's Day and Easter in the same month. I don't know whether to put up shamrocks or bunnies. I found this really cute bunny and chick template over at Willowday. It would be super cute to cut out in pastels and string up as a garland. I've been shredding a lot of carrots lately in my good 'ole Kitchen Aid mixer. With Easter on its way...a good homemade carrot cake with cream cheese icing seems like a good choice. I love how quick this machine makes shredding carrots. And the uses for shredded carrots...in salads, cakes, muffins and in this yummy roll up.

I seem to be preparing and eating a lot of vegetables lately. One of my new favorites are blanched and sauteed brussel sprouts with garlic and onions. Ooh, and lots of green salads with feta cheese and walnuts. Don't forget the spinach, mushroom, tomato omelets either. I must be turning into a vegetarian or something. All I know is that the older you get, the healthier you seem to eat. Which is great when you realize that healthy food really tastes best. Although, I will never be able to eat raisins without making a face of disgust.Ick. I just don't like them. Anyway, there are so many fun ideas for the upcoming holidays this month. Here are some of the ideas I have posted in the past. Enjoy.

Click on the pics to go to the links.

~Christie

Sewing: Refashioned Skirt

2013-03-05T11:59:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it is really amazing to make something new out of something discarded. It's curious and wonderful all in the same action of figuring out how to transform a piece. When you start to look at items of clothing as pieces of fabric then you can really see the potential. This is a simple refashion project...almost a no brainer.
I found this really easy to sew pattern. It only has three pattern pieces. The skirt front, back and waistband. I had a beautiful ribbon accented skirt with a broken zipper. I did not want to fix the zipper and little girl needed another skirt...so, I decided to refashion the skirt.

I began by cutting off the waistband and across the top of the skirt to eliminate the pleats that were sewn into place. Then I cut along the side seams of the skirt until I had two perfectly useful pieces of fabric. Then I proceeded to lay out my pattern and cut it out accordingly.

Since I had decided to use the already sewn hem on the skirt, I placed my pattern edge along the bottom of the skirt. This way I would only have to sew the side seams and waistband.

The side-seams are sewn and trimmed. The pattern calls for a gathering stitch along the top of the skirt. This gather allows for a fuller skirt and a smaller waistband. The waistband is pinned and sewn onto the top of the skirt with very easy instructions. There is a small slit left on the inside of the waistband for the elastic. Then once the elastic is fitted and sewn, the slit is then sewn by hand. And whala...the skirt is finished and ready for embellishments.

I had some flower sequins that I sewed in place by hand. I think it turned out quite nice. I also made up a couple more skirts in which I did different embellishments on. On a blue plaid skirt I embroidered flowers. And on a batik ombre skirt I highlighted certain designs with a gold fabric glitter paint.

Refashioning is an easy and practical solution to the old adage, "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do with out." It is also very satisfying to give new life to something that wasn't being used. So, don't throw out those old clothes that might not fit anymore or have a broken zipper. Repair them or refashion them. Not only will it save the environment but it'll make your wallet fuller too!

Happy Sewing!

~Christie

Crafts: Valentine's Day

2013-02-14T11:29:00.001-08:00

Oh yes.

Valentine’s Day.

Hearts, hearts, and more hearts.

Ooh and chocolate too!

Yesterday the girlies and I crafted some quick and cute Valentine boxes for their class valentine share. We took a shoe box and cut a slot in the top for the cards to fit through. Then the girls cut out various hearts and used glitter to decorate their boxes.

It was totally their idea and handiwork.
They were quite pleased with their project.
{Glitter Glitter everywhere!!!}

If you search my blog there are other posts containing valentine ideas.

Our craft group of girls sewed up some heart felt garlands that turned out really cute.

We found that idea over at MADE.

Aloha!

~Christie

Bits and Pieces

2013-02-10T11:27:00.001-08:00

Aloha!

It has been quite a busy last few months. I have been sewing quite a bit, but haven't been blogging much. Here are a few things I've been up to.

I loved sewing this beautiful white dress for my daughter. I especially like the hand crocheted shell trim and the Italian carved buttons.

At Christmastime we did the storybook advent calendar. I was surprised to find that we actually had 25 Christmas and winter themed storybooks around the house.

Our little lemon tree exploded with a bountiful harvest of super yellow lemons. It yielded 3 wheelbarrows full. Amazing. We had lemons coming out of our ears. We shared with any takers and then I concluded with squeezing by hand 30 cups of fresh lemon juice. That golden juice was frozen for a later time.

This was a quick project for a birthday gift. A felt background with felt stitched hearts and self made bias tape trim. I think it turned out cute. We filled it with coloring books and such.

I have a small craft group that comes to visit twice a month and this was our first project. It was a lot of fun! You can find this project source over at Craft Passion.

This was a hand sewn gift that my daughter helped me with for her friends birthday. It has a green and white gingham lining. Too cute. She picked out the colors and the items to fill the wristlet pouch. She also sewed a little softie to put inside the pocket.

I am currently working on more projects and hope to be blogging regularly again soon.

Nice to be back.

Aloha!

~Christie

Happy Halloween!

2012-10-31T09:56:00.002-07:00

I just can't believe it's the end of the month. The time is just flying by too quickly! I hope you all have a hauntingly good Halloween today!!!!

Here are some Halloween favorites.

ALOHA!

~Christie

Crochet: Bows

2012-10-18T15:49:00.003-07:00

Picture day, picture day! It means trying to get your kid to stay nice and neat for that timeless snapshot. Outlasting the effects of recess, like jumping rope, running the field and the hula hoop.I knew I had to have something great and substantial to put in the girls hair for picture day. Something that would be sweet and stand out. So, the night before I went through my craft supplies and managed to find to different yarns of the exact color they were to wear. Fantastic!

I love when spontaneous crafty things happen like that.Then I proceeded to crochet up these little beauties.

They were surprised the next day and eager to try them on. Of course the younger said, "Why did she get a headband?"

Sometimes you just never win.

Aloha!

~Christie

Crochet: Barrettes

2012-10-16T10:14:00.001-07:00

This is such a delightful little project.

Crocheted flowers and hand embroidered felt hearts give personality to these common snap barrettes.Slowly I am teaching my little girls the art of embroidery. They have some patience for it.They giggle and tie up the embroidery thread with their novice stitches. I spend a lot of the time untangling the tight mess of thread. They love it. It's fun. And I think of all the fun we have yet to experience. I can't wait to teach them how to crochet. Their dexterity isn't quite there yet for those crochet stitches. Soon, though...soon.

Those silly girls sit at my feet and watch what I do. They are always watching, interested in creating things by hand. I think they'll be great at whatever they do. I know that there will always be giggling.

Aloha!

~Christie

Printable: Magic Halloween

2012-10-06T01:59:00.005-07:00

Ooh...I love this time of year...and I love this quote. I feel like we all have it in ourselves to make some pretty wonderful things happen. I myself have been doing some amazing juggling and its hard work...but I hope it will be worth it in the end.
{I'm wishing for a magic wand as a birthday present.}
You can download this printable I drew up by clicking on the image above.
Have some fun with it.
Wishing you a Happy Halloween season!

Aloha!

~ Christie

Crochet: Autumn Scarf

2012-09-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

Fall is in the air...well we may not have

gorgeous fall leaves peppering our neighborhoods,but we do have signs of seasonal change here in Hawaii.Like African tulips bursting into vibrant orange and gold blossoms on very large trees.
Or the wild yellow daises start to appear.
The climate on the mountain gets a bit chillier when the sun has set.

Soon, the rainy season will be lifting and sunny dry days with cloudless starry cool nights will set in.

I really love this time of the year.

I had the chance to do a bit of crochet for a gift recently.
Having never made a granny square before,

I mapped out this little project.

With corresponding autumnal colors, I crocheted granny squares.

I then single crocheted them together to form a scarf.

I opted for a shell stitch border in a

soft creamy off white yarn.

I like how it appears as a ruffled scalloped edge.

To add even more warmth and softness I hand stitched a natural colored flannel on the inside of the scarf.

This gift was sent to a colder place

where fall leaves drift on the wind.

Hopefully it will bring warmth to my dear friend.

Aloha!

~Christie

Snapshots: Summer

2012-08-17T13:43:00.001-07:00

I know, I know...finally a post. I have been sewing up a storm of beautifully fun items for my small business. It has been a learning experience. I have loved working with vibrant colors that inspire me. Otherwise, we have had swimming fun, school prep and lots of birthdays. Here are a few snapshots of what I've been up to.

The Summer began with an over abundance of Gardenias blooming in my yard.

We found and cared for two Chameleons this summer. Then released them back into their natural habitat.

I sewed many, many, many of this wonderful beach totes.

I hurt my back and a dear friend made our family dinner. I sewed her this fun summer blanket as a simple thank you. 

Sewed up a simple zippered pencil pouch for my daughter. I added a clear pocket for a removable name tag. 

I also refashioned a plain denim apron with some friendly felt hearts and shimmery Ric Rac.

 We celebrated 3 of our kids birthdays.

And of course, we did get to the beach a few times. Can anyone say sunscreen? Seriously, some super fun in the sun. And you won't believe what I saw in the store the other day. Candy corns.
The summer just goes by too quickly.

~Christie

Summer Surprise Bags!

2012-06-19T12:40:00.004-07:00

Aloha and long time no see. {As we say here in Hawaii:)} I miss my blog! I have been busily sewing every day for the last month and a half. I just haven't done any blog projects. With the fourth of July coming up I am planning a few fun items to create.

Every day that I have been sewing, I have had to come up with simple ideas to keep my kids busy. I recently started a Summer Surprise bag. Each brown bag is labeled with a day of the week. In each bag there are different activities for that individual day. For instance, Monday: Uno cards, beads and string for jewelry making, and sign language alphabet flashcards. Tuesday: Sheets of craft foam, pipe cleaners, and cutouts for name signs. Go fish cards and card stock labels with words like Chair, Door, and Family Room. You get the idea. I kept the bags simple so that they wouldn't want one bag over the other. This way they have no idea what is in the surprise bag. It's been well received. With the daily Summer Surprise they also break up the day by outside play, boardgames, reading, imaginative play and either time on the Wii or an afternoon movie and popcorn.

To break up our sewing week we often head out to the library, park or of course the beach. My older boys have been really helpful. Taking on chores and even spending time with their little sisters. Teaching them to draw, review math or new skills on the Wii. Somehow we have had a nice summer, thus far, of people learning how to get along and help each other out around here. Yesterday, everyone helped to prepare dinner. It was nice. The talking, laughing and just enjoying each others company.
Well, I'm off to sew once again. Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to check out some of my past ideas for Summer fun.

Aloha!

~Christie

Crochet: Baby Layette

2012-05-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

   Our YW recently threw a surprise baby shower for one of our leaders. She was surprised! It was a lot of fun. All of the girls were asked to make a handmade gift for the mommy to be. Our theme was pink, pink and more pink. We played games like, guess the baby food, make a play dough baby contest, and how well do you know the mom to be. It was a lot of fun...and I luv how endearing the girls were about their gifts. 

This is the gift I made. A sweet hooded cardigan, hat and booties. I love the strawberry colored yarn and the shell stitches. Once in awhile I get to make something as delightful as this and I can't help but smile. Aloha!

~Christie

Refashion: Spring Shrug

2012-04-13T15:23:00.001-07:00

The best thing about refashioning an article of clothing is the fact that you do like a quarter of the sewing to get a whole new look. This sweater dress served its purpose until it was ruined by chocolate stains all down the front of the dress. It went into hiding for awhile...until I found it in my mending basket.

   So, I took my Ginghers and snipped a line across the top and one up the middle to create a little shrug. 

    I then cut 2 inch strips of printed cotton fabric in order to make up some bias tape. With the bias tape I pinned it from the top around the front, side, back and around to the other top corner and stitched it into place. I added a button loop and a sparkly button. 

{The natural lighting made the shrug look lavender-ish.}

I made a fabric flower out of a piece of the bias tape and added some green polka dotted ribbon for the greenery in the little accent.It was delightfully simple to sew up and turned out quite cute. Season appropriate and perfect for any little sundress.

  Aloha!

~Christie

Just a little piano music that I've been listening to.

Have a great weekend!

Sewing: Palaka Laundry Bag

2012-04-10T20:39:00.001-07:00

  Last year I posted a tutorial on how to sew up some Laundry Bags. Remember these?

 I recently used my own tutorial to sew up a masculine version of the Laundry Bag.  

 I used a canvas for the body and a black and white palaka print for the accent material. A turquoise blue thread was utilized in a zig zag stitch around the seam of the two contrasting materials. 

 I also embroidered some initials and added blue buttons. I think it will hold up well. It is a great gift for someone going off to college or on a mission. Aloha.

~Christie

Featured: Doubly Fun

2012-04-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

 I found a surprise today.

 My bunny skirts are being featured over at 

Wildflowers & Whimsy! 

She hosts a linky party every week called Sew Crafty Saturday. She also has a lot of neat projects over on her blog.

Also, not to switch seasons on you, but my Christmas Subway Art was featured over at RudolphDay.Com.

It's a site completely dedicated to Christmas fun. It's never too early to prep for Christmas!

Check it out!

Aloha!

~Christie

Crochet: Spring Cardigan

2012-04-09T12:28:00.003-07:00

When I saw this yummy strawberry colored soft yarn... I had to make something out of it. I love to crochet sweaters and this was a fun one to make.
Actually, I started on this project a year ago. It was when I was sewing hundreds of mittens for the Mittens for Miyagi project. I had carefully put it away for safekeeping. It was so cleverly put away that I seemed to have had forgotten about it all together. This week I unexpectedly discovered it and was delighted to finish it up. Luckily it fit my youngest daughter perfectly.

The cardigan is worked in the raspberry crochet stitch and the double crochet stitch. There is a collar and loops for five buttons. The buttons I used are white wooden beads in the shape of plumeria flowers.

I worked a double crochet stitch from the length of the cardigan up through the sleeve in continuous rows. It gave a nice ribbing effect.

The bottom corners are rounded and finished in a single crochet stitch.

I absolutely love a good yarn project.

It is amazing what one can create out of string.

Aloha!

~Christie

Featured: Triple the Fun

2012-04-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we spring cleaned readying our home for Easter Sunday. {Boo.} But, today is cooking and baking day! On the menu...orange glazed ham, yams, fresh green beans, citrus salad, rolls and a homemade carrot cake. {Yum!} Oh yeah...and dyeing Easter eggs. Fun, fun, fun.

{A clever place to store garlic cloves.}

I was delighted to see three comments this morning telling me that my bunny skirts will be featured on their blogs.

Check out Blissful and Domestic for 30 projects with fabric.

{Such great ideas!}

  Also, be sure to visit  

Threading My Way and view all the fabulous features there.

Don't forget to hop on over to Candace Creations 

to check out her Scrappy Saturday.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend and find many special moments along the way!

Aloha!

~Christie

Featured: Design Dazzle

2012-04-06T16:19:00.003-07:00

Aloha everyone!

If you haven't visited Design Dazzle before then do it now.

This blog is full of inspiring ideas for home and family.

Luv it.

My Bunny Skirt was featured as part of their linky party favorites.

Such a surprise and so fun!

{Check out all the fun creative ideas over at Design Dazzle.}

Have a fantastic holiday weekend!!!~

~Christie

Crochet: Bunny

2012-04-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

Lately a merry little tune has been floating around... "Here comes Peter Cottontail... hopping down the bunny trail...hippity-hoppity Easter's on its way!" The Easter holiday is fast approaching and I think I've spotted some promise of Easter fun around town. The big banner announcing the local egg hunt. Flyers for a fun-filled egg drop at our school. And of course in blogland...the superabundance of crafty creative ideas for spring.
This past weekend as I listened to General Conference I crocheted this sweet bunny. I used the Bella the Bunny crochet pattern from Lionbrand. It's a free pattern if you log into their site. The head and body work in one round. Then you work up the arms, legs and ears. Sew them into place and you've got your bunny. I added eyes, nose, whiskers and a bunny tail.{Too funny.}

I used a printed cotton to make a teeny tiny pillowcase dress for Bella the Bunny. Pink ribbon ties off the dress and a beaded necklace graces the neckline. I stitched into place a headband of rolled frayed flowers in lavender. Then I made a layered satin flower with a beaded center for the accent on the headband. No girl can go with out a little blush...on the cheeks and the ears.

  There are a great many easy to advanced patterns on the Lionbrand website. Check it out...you may be inspired to work up some cuteness of your very own.

Aloha! 

~Christie

Sewing: Bunny Skirt

2012-03-30T16:00:00.001-07:00

Spring has sprung and the fun of the season has finally presented itself. This beautiful yellow shower tree is one of many that have bloomed. Along with the spring rains,flowers seem to be popping out everywhere. There is also an ample supply of springy Easter goods stocked on the shelves of the stores. Chickies,bunnies and chocolate galore. {Oh, how the chocolate does tempt one every holiday season. I'm partial to Lindt chocolate, although Cadbury does a pretty good dark chocolate.} The celebration of new life is key to Easter and every year we celebrate with family. We have an early Easter dinner and let the little ones hunt for eggs.
For this purpose I have sewn up a couple of happy spring bunny skirts. Casual enough for comfort and cute enough for holiday flair.

I opted for bright colors. The orange and turquoise are fun alternatives to the usual pink and yellow. Starting out as a long rectangular piece of fabric,this simple skirt takes shape with an elastic waist and hemmed edge.

For the appliqued bunnies,I ironed on some pellon to a piece of white felt.

In order to keep my felt piece clean,I traced my bunny shape onto the back of the pellon paper.

I then peeled the paper off of the back of the felt and transfered my bunnies onto my fabric using a hot iron.

Sewing around the shape of the bunny ensured durability to the piece. I enjoyed hand embroidering the eyes and neckties.
{It was faster work than I had anticipated. All bunnies done in one sitting.}

I also added a ribbon down the front side of the skirt to conceal the seam.

And a bow in the front to mark the middle of the skirt. {This skirt is longer on her because it is meant for her big sister. The above skirt is the correct length.}
I particularly like the hot pink ballet slippers. They add an individual pop of style to the outfit. Don't you think?
{I couldn't get her to wear her white dress shoes...she insisted on the pink:)}

Happy Sewing.

Aloha!

~Christie

Crochet: Circular Rug

2012-03-29T14:29:00.001-07:00

Reminiscent of homemade vintage goods, I used old fabric to create a small bath rug using the technique of crochet. It was a fun process of making fabric yarn and then devising a pattern for a simple rug. The pattern is made up of increasing double crochet stitches. It worked up fairly quickly and created a soft cushioned product.

I added this little nest with eggs to accent the rug. I like the pop of orange. The height of the double crochet stitches builds the rug rather quickly. It was a joy to make. The color is quite organic. It would be fun to make one in a bright raspberry or vibrant orange.

This is the finished product. A sweet little circular rug for any small space. I think I may try a rectangular one next. My grandmother told me that when she was a young girl they would wind fabric scraps into balls of yarn. Her mother would then take that fabric yarn and crochet rugs for their home. It is a great way to repurpose fabric or worn sheets into something useful and homemade. Aloha.

~Christie

Still Here!

2012-03-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

I promise I haven't been purposely neglecting my blog. We've been sick with the flu. We are in our second week. So not fun. I feel a little like this photograph. Trodden on and rumpled in spirit with wellness trying to triumph. The light of the day finally starting to shine upon me. 

I miss feeling like this. Bright, optimistic, healthy and ready for anything. 

 My fridge is filled with passion orange juice, Sunny D and regular 
orange juice. 

I think we might just turn orange from all this liquid 
citrus.

{Image Source}

And we have had enough homemade chicken noodle soup to last us a lifetime...seriously, what else tastes better when you're sick?

The girls and I have been watching old favorite movies like this. 

{Image Source}

And I have been thinking about fun project ideas like these bunnies from the purl bee.

 I love the purl bee. I definitely want to sew up these cuties.

Or this well done crocheted pillow from the purl bee.

Too bad my hands have been busy scrubbing counters, floors, tubs and doing mounds of laundry. 

I mean I feel like I should just move into a place like this. 

It would definitely be more time efficient.

{Image Source}

But, for now recovery is the main objective 

and creativity remains swirling in my dreams...until tomorrow. 

~Christie