before and after

Not so long ago (or so it seems), we made the jump from a futon to a grown up sofa (sofabed, that is). Somewhat unfortunately, the sofa we loved did not come in our first color choice (basic-yet-versatile black). After much pondering, we decided to go with the plum, and figured we could get a black cover when it became available, as we knew they were releasing a new black cover in a few months. Anyhow, said plum sofa, while lovely, did not really go with the color scheme we had been cooking up thus far. I had no intention of painting over the carefully chosen wall color, so we were a bit limited.

Fortunately, inspiration struck. I realised I had fabric on a bolt in my stash that would tie the wall color to the sofa color! I really loved the fabric, and had bought what was left in hopes of many projects that would use it, but wanted to wait for the right moment to use it. The moment had come. I started by covering a wooden frame in the fabric, a lovely pattern of hindu gods and godesses in shades of plum, gold, and rust, to adorn a wall. I realised the fabric would make some great throw pillows, as well, but wanted something to add dimension. So, after an afternoon at JoAnn fabric (I had a coupon!) for trims, and an evening at Crafty Planet (who had a birthday sale) for contrasting fabric, and one more afternoon cozied up to my sewing machine...I had four brand new, distinct throw pillows. Two are up above, next to what they are covering up. I have one more stray pillow, but want to think of something a little funkier for it.

The pillows were deceptively simple...all straight seams and hems. Two are completely sewn shut, but a seam ripper along a small portion of one side would release the inner pillow, and the cover would still be reusable. The other two are envelope style, allowing for even quicker change.

So, if you have some cool fabric and an afternoon, a living room makeover is within reach.

Finally!

Yeah, it's been a while. I planned on getting this up two weeks ago. I took the pictures, I was ready. Unfortunately, we somehow managed to take them with the card out of the camera, so it made for tricky downloading.

Anyhow, it was my friend Melissa's birthday, so I created some earrings for her. They are bicone Swarovski crystals in two shades of red, on sterling chain. I was attempting to create something simple, yet sparkley for her, to fit her Sparkling personality.

Happy birthday, Melissa!!

One more bag....

I completed this "manly" diaper for my brother-in-law some time ago. However, as it was a gift, and I couldn't risk anyone stumbling upon it and spoiling the surprise, I had to wait to post.

I made it using McCall's pattern M5339. I do not recommend this pattern. To say it was trying is a major understatement. There were an insane number of steps, many of which were unclear, even to a relatively seasoned sewer, such as myself. Some were outright wrong, and I learned to trust my instincts over the directions. Whilst I am proud of myself for sticking it out instead of giving up, I will never make this pattern again, and was even considering tossing my idea of making my sister-in-law a girly bag. I am glad I continued with hers, as it was a much more pleasant project. I am crossing my fingers that he gets much use out of it, and that it is practical.

Completed!!

The duel results are in!!

After much hemming and hawing, I finally finished this diaper bag for my sister-in-law. I was apprehensive due to difficulty with a previous diaper bag, but this pattern proved much more clear, despite the challenges provided by new (to me) interfacing.

I was dumb, and in a hurry, so I forgot to take photos of the inside. It is lined in aqua cotton twill, and provides pockets-a-plenty, and a swivel clasp to keep keys handy.

I chose the fabric based on colors I've seen her wear frequently, and thought it would be nice to have a stylish diaper bag, rather than one that is more for baby than mom. I like to think I succeeded, and judging the reaction at her baby shower, I think I succeeded.

Overall, there were some challenges, but I learned lots of things!

Now, we must wait and see for Proptart's response to the duel!!

A duel!!

It's a first in Procraftination history!

I am challenging Proptart to a duel.

Here's the sitch. I have a bag to finish by the weekend. She has a bag to finish, albeit not by the weekend, but she is procrastinating something fierce (not that any of us EVER do that). So, Here's the challenge: Come Monday, we must have our respective bags finished, with the surely amazing results posted here.

Will our trusty heroines finish in time????

Tune in Monday and find out!!

inside out and round and round

My mother has been wanting me to make her a bag for a bit, now. I thought it would be delightful to make her a tote bag for her library books, groceries, well, anything that needs toting. Since she'd recently purchased a number of red and black items for her wardrobe (which I wholeheartedly encourage for everyone!), I thought a couple of red-and-black fabrics would suit her needs. Mother's Day seemed like the best option for gifting of such a bag, but the sewing gods were not on my side, and my machine was in and out of the shop.
Thus, she only recently got her bag, and since I couldn't spoil the surprise, I had to wait until now to show off my handiwork. Having made this bag, I now have some modifications I will make for future bags, including the way I turn in the top and how I do the straps (straps are a pain to turn out!). However, I was pleased with the way this turned out and apparently Mom is too, as she has already requested more "in every color." I hope it proves sturdy enough. I double stitched all the seams, and made two rows of topstitching along the top edge to accommodate the various weights of toted things. I am hoping that is sufficient.
Overall, I am happy with this run at the bag, and will keep my peepers peeled for appropriate fabrics!

we wouldn't be complete without a little cheesecake!

So Proptart mentioned a short time ago, our fateful trip to JoAnn Etc. (aka the artist formerly known as JoAnn Fabric). In addition to impulse purchases, I actually purchased things for a planned project! Imagine that. Not only did I purchase these items, I made the item in time to wear it as I had planned! Crazy. This little blog seems to be serving its purpose. I have completed two projects in a timely fashion.

On the left I am wearing a choker I made out of a braided trim and fringe, with a flat hook and eye closure. I made it to coordinate with the trim on the romper (a V-day gift from my hubby, off my wishlist) I wore to the Rubber Ball 2008 at Ground Zero Nightclub in Minneapolis. I also purchase a plume and a maribou clip which are in my hair. I was very pleased with the outcome, which was very old-timey tightrope walker or saloon performer.