ticking tote.

This was just another grocery tote until i put a cute little pocket on it one afternoon. I typically use this bag as another shopping bag. I crumple it up and stuff it inside my purse and nix the plastic ones that stores offer. I know, i know, the photo quality is lacking. I am trying here! I tried to take a nap before I had to get ready for work, but that didn't happen. Now I fear that I will be a zombie at work tonight. I haven't been sleeping well lately, I am thinking way too much. I've tried reading, a shot of whiskey, watching infomercials, meditation, oh how it pains me! Maybe I will get some good sleep tonight. Happy Friday everyone!

raincloud mobile.

This raincloud matches the forecast for my little corner of Michigan for the next four days. Aww bummer, no beach, no pool, no fun! I made this for my niece a while back and gifted it to her well before I got a photo of it. I have wanted to make another one (I can never make just one of anything) since there were some things that I don't care for about this one. I sewed polka dot ribbon to affix each raindrop together and to the raincloud and aesthetically, it doesn't thrill me. I need to think of a way to do this a little more discreetly. I tried sewing the fishing line straight through the tips of the raindrops but that looked messy and took a toll on the fabric. Hmmmm, Any suggestions? Anyway, this picture is taken in the nursery at my sister's house. In the background you can see a mural that was painted when my oldest niece was just one year old. The masterpiece that I could look at all day long was painted by my brother in law's brother(is there another name for that association?), Brian. He is very talented and you should check out his work if you get the chance. On his site he has a better photo of the mural. I love the flying ships in the painting, so magical! Have a great Thursday! ~e

forgive me blogger, for I have sinned.

It has been two weeks since my last crafty confession. I have been busy with emotions of all kinds and an ailment that I would rather not speak of. I have not completely abandon the strippy quilt that i had previously posted but it is not even close to being done. I lost motivation on that one.

This past Sunday I went to the beach and antiquing up the coast of Lake Michigan. I didn't find anything that I had to have but came home wearing a little sun and a new pair of linen pants that fit perfectly.

The fabric above is both new and vintage, both came in the mail this week. Fabric-filled packages are the best kind to open....even if i have to pay for it myself, it feels a lot like Christmas. Things will be settling down soon and i expect to get back to general craftiness as soon as the weekend hits.

Hope all is well. Thanks Laura for the accolades, you are so sweet!

moving right along.

This is what a night of piecing has gotten me. I am in love with the colors and polka dots. I used 100% linen to break it up and tone it down, it is a stoney taupe color instead of white and grey as I envisioned. I am happy with my progress. I am hoping to quilt this tonight but I am certainly in no hurry.

on the cutting table.

It has been so stinkin' hot outside and while I should probably be out more, i just can't help but hide away in my sewing studio. The fabric is a glimpse into what I hope will become a strippy lap quilt in my favorite colors. Yes, I might actually make something pretty useful! I envision the bright colors mixed with lots of grey and possibly white background to tone down the volume on the loud colors. I haven't figured it out just yet. Maybe by tonight something will have surfaced.

art fair finds.

This is what I got at the art fair this morning. I love it! Freshwater pearls and coral. It looks great on and is just the perfect length. You can find the artist's one-of-a-kind designs at http://www.izisjewels.com/ ! Enjoy your Saturday!

making up for lost time.

I find the whole pincushion making process to be quite enjoyable. The cutting, the piecing, the stuffing and adding the button all are all good to me. You might be thinkng that I've lost my mind, (which is true) but if you know me you know that I like to keep my hands busy at all times! Today I turned the air conditioner on. It is a humid 88 degrees out and I am looking a bit like a wet noodle. Last night I enjoyed some live music at the local brewery. The beer gardens are officially open! Lot's going on this summer. If I can get myself together and brave the heat, I will be walking a little further downtown to the art fair that starts today in the park. I love my town.

finally, a pincushion.

There are many of these little darlings floating around out there in blogland. I finally made one just this morning. As with everything else, I will be making more. It is yet another grey and rainy day 'round these parts, I just want to go back to bed! I think I might just do that. I have hours before I have to go to work. P.S. I babysat my niece this morning and gifted the belt. It fit her wonderfully and she kept lifting her shirt to have a look. The cutest part is that she just started walking a couple of weeks ago so she's a little like a drunken sailor and nearly toppled over a few times bending over to see under her baby belly! so darn cute!!!

pouches and tags.

My massage was awesome, the laundry is done and so are these pouches. The blanket stitching is all done by hand. I added my tags and I like 'em a lot. The rain was a welcome guest this afternoon. I didn't laze about the house I was actually somewhat productive. My friend Josh is here and he wants help making grocery bags. Oooh fun! talk to you later.

baby belt.

It seems i have been waking up rather early these days and making is the first thing on my mind. Today I satisfied this urge by making a belt probably for my niece, who knows? It is grey and looks like rain is in the cards for my little corner of Michigan today. Of course, it is after all my day off! I am getting a massage today, Hooray! Oh what to do....reading, sewing, laundry, movies, naps? maybe nothing. Have a great day bloggies!

three little birds.

Yep, a sewing project started and finished before 10 a.m.! I needed a little more bird love in my living room. These guys are super easy to make and satisfying when done. I got the tutorial here. I think the hardest part of the project is getting them to sit the way you want them to. I am building my flock so that I can make a mobile like the one that Spool has posted. I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday. I might be back later!