Well... It's been a while since I updated. And not much in the land of crafty-ness has occured, like at all. I've been spending a large majority of my time cleaning (oh joy, but it makes me very happy) and rearranging every living space in our tiny "apartment" space. It's still got a long way to go (see: very messy craft space that just. won't. clean. up. also, I really have to finish my craft table, like this weekend).
Although, I do have some intriguing news in regards to self-sustainability in my house. Carl has given me permission to make our own laundry detergent, shampoo, face cleanser, moisterizer, and deodorant (for me, that one he won't budge on). So today I spent some time locating some great items to actually make these things, and I found some great resources out there for recipes.
The simpliest laundry detergent recipe I found called for 2 cups finely grated castile soap (Fels Naptha works, or Dr. Bonner's bar soap in a wide variety of scents, or unscented), 1 cup of Arm and Hammer's Washing Soda, and 1 cup borax. So easy, and the ingredients aren't too pricey. Roughly $6 for a large container of borax (that makes A LOT of batches), $3 for the washing soda, and about $5 for a bar of Dr. Bonner's (Fels Naptha runs for $.99 at most grocery stores, so the cost is more effective, but it does have some chemicals in it if that's what you're trying to avoid). You simply add all the ingredients together and use roughly an 1/8 of a cup with each load depending on your water hardness. (Make sure when you grate the soap, you get a designated grater, as J told me. I don't think I want my cakes or cheeses to taste like soap, yum.)
As far as shampoo, the recipe I got calls for 1 cup liquid castile soap (Dr. Bonner's is also great for this, Carl requested peppermint, so that's what we got), 1 cup distilled water, and 2 teaspoons of light vegetable oil (jojoba or grapeseed, which is what we chose because of our hair type, which tends to be drier than normal hair, are GREAT for this). You simply mix it all together and store and use it like any regular shampoo. It has a super runny consistency so if you aren't happy about that, you can start by adding 1/4 teaspoon of xanthum gum to thicken it up, and add more as needed. Your hair can have an adjusting period and using this method does not call for conditioner at all. Although I would recommend that you deep condition your hair every few weeks depending on your particular hair make up.
I'm so excited about increased sustainability in our home for a multitude of reasons. I have a huge issue of being so sensitive to smells from chemicals and perfumes that I get debilitating migraines for days on end, so in response to that we're slowly switching all of our cleaning products over to natural homemade options. It also can be soo cost effective as well as more healthy for our family.
Tomorrow I will try desperately to upload images of my wonderful thrift store finds, as well as some lovely toys that came in the mail this past week.
Also, hooray for December and snow. I hope you holiday season is wonderful.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
How to get embroider-able text
I love to embroider. I do it too small and all non-traditional like but I love it. I have been looking for a way to get text so I can embroider some nice quotes to hang up. Of course there is always cross stitch letters, I have a book of those, but I'm not incredibly keen on how they look. I have ridiculous handwriting so that is out of the question. Well anyway -- I was screwing around in Word today and I figured out how to get the kind of text that I was wanting and I thought I'd share how I got there! Here's my result, before embroidering it of course. (I haven't even picked colors or anything yet!)
It's super easy really, I almost feel silly for sharing. I wanted hollow text because I like how it looks but it would also be what you needed if you were going to satin stitch. The really nice part about using word is you can use almost any font on there and get it to work. (print, cursive really the options are endless!) Also it already auto-spaces the letters and lets you write anything you want!
You go into the format drop-down menu and click font -- that will bring up this window:
In the window you pick outline, just like is shown in the screen capture and then hit ok. And voila! You can mess around with font types after that has been set.
Because I am thinking about making this rather large I changed the page format to long ways. (printer paper is roughly 8 inches x 11 inches and I was wanting to go larger than 8, although now I'm re-thinking that.) To change page format go into the file drop-down and select page setup this window will pop up:
All you have to do is select the other orientation. (it is already selected in the image)
Oh I suppose I should also mention size just in case you don't know there are bars on the side that tell you how big it is going to print. (you can slide the arrows at the top to adjust how wide the words go, or what words end up on which line.)
And that's it, you can print it out and use a light box to transfer it on to your fabric with a water soluble pen. Now I just have to decide what I am embroidering on and with what color! (I think a just a solid colored fabric that will stay in the hoop for hanging on the wall . . .maybe in orange. . .I'm really into orange right now.)
Well that's all for today, I have to pull my bread from the bread machine, it's beeping at me. (I'm rather excited it's a new gluten-free recipe from scratch, I hope it is yummy!)
It's super easy really, I almost feel silly for sharing. I wanted hollow text because I like how it looks but it would also be what you needed if you were going to satin stitch. The really nice part about using word is you can use almost any font on there and get it to work. (print, cursive really the options are endless!) Also it already auto-spaces the letters and lets you write anything you want!
You go into the format drop-down menu and click font -- that will bring up this window:
In the window you pick outline, just like is shown in the screen capture and then hit ok. And voila! You can mess around with font types after that has been set.
Because I am thinking about making this rather large I changed the page format to long ways. (printer paper is roughly 8 inches x 11 inches and I was wanting to go larger than 8, although now I'm re-thinking that.) To change page format go into the file drop-down and select page setup this window will pop up:
All you have to do is select the other orientation. (it is already selected in the image)
Oh I suppose I should also mention size just in case you don't know there are bars on the side that tell you how big it is going to print. (you can slide the arrows at the top to adjust how wide the words go, or what words end up on which line.)
And that's it, you can print it out and use a light box to transfer it on to your fabric with a water soluble pen. Now I just have to decide what I am embroidering on and with what color! (I think a just a solid colored fabric that will stay in the hoop for hanging on the wall . . .maybe in orange. . .I'm really into orange right now.)
Well that's all for today, I have to pull my bread from the bread machine, it's beeping at me. (I'm rather excited it's a new gluten-free recipe from scratch, I hope it is yummy!)
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Post Thanksgiving Recap
So this past weekend was a huge success. Not only did we have loads of fun doing goofy things, but we also managed to be quite productive. We were able to complete J's wonderful dress with time to spare, and it fit like a glove (hooray!). Our dinner was also delicious, thanks to the wonderful Christopher, who made everything from scratch.
We spent the better part of Friday searching the local thrift shops and fabric stores in J's hometown, and I managed to come across some beauties.
Our first stop, the fabric store, I was able to purchase items for 3 separate projects (again, hooray!). The first being a new pattern for a dress from the 40s.
The second being a flannel lap blanket to carry in my knit/crochet basket with me. The fabric I got is quite a throwback to the 1900s. It's gorgeous, and I love it.
The third being some more fabric to add to my mobile collection, which I plan on starting after Christmas.
Next, we spent a few hours at the thrift store and I managed to acquire some lovely baby clothes to add to my hope chest, as well as a basket that I desperately needed and a book to add to my children's collection.
My two favorite finds are a vintage seersucker suit for a 6-9 month old and an adorable sweater that actually happens to match one that was gifted to me by Carl's mother.
Next I found another sweater, this one I believe was hand knit and a pair of pants that are size 4t that are from the 70s that I just couldn't pass up!
The rest of Friday was spent trying desperately finish J's dress, which we did. It fit like a glove and was absolutely gorgeous and I'm so glad I could help her finish that!
Saturday day was spent getting ready for our Thanksgiving meal, which included all of the girls setting their hair the night before, and making the dining room gorgeous. We set the table and made a flower arrangement and everything. That night, we had our inaugural family Thanksgiving on J and Chris's wedding china and it was an amazing candlelit dinner.
I'm so happy this weekend was successful and look forward to many more!
We spent the better part of Friday searching the local thrift shops and fabric stores in J's hometown, and I managed to come across some beauties.
Our first stop, the fabric store, I was able to purchase items for 3 separate projects (again, hooray!). The first being a new pattern for a dress from the 40s.
The second being a flannel lap blanket to carry in my knit/crochet basket with me. The fabric I got is quite a throwback to the 1900s. It's gorgeous, and I love it.
The third being some more fabric to add to my mobile collection, which I plan on starting after Christmas.
Next, we spent a few hours at the thrift store and I managed to acquire some lovely baby clothes to add to my hope chest, as well as a basket that I desperately needed and a book to add to my children's collection.
My two favorite finds are a vintage seersucker suit for a 6-9 month old and an adorable sweater that actually happens to match one that was gifted to me by Carl's mother.
Next I found another sweater, this one I believe was hand knit and a pair of pants that are size 4t that are from the 70s that I just couldn't pass up!
The rest of Friday was spent trying desperately finish J's dress, which we did. It fit like a glove and was absolutely gorgeous and I'm so glad I could help her finish that!
Saturday day was spent getting ready for our Thanksgiving meal, which included all of the girls setting their hair the night before, and making the dining room gorgeous. We set the table and made a flower arrangement and everything. That night, we had our inaugural family Thanksgiving on J and Chris's wedding china and it was an amazing candlelit dinner.
I'm so happy this weekend was successful and look forward to many more!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
It's finally here! (but some secondhand gems first)
Well Katie is going to be here in oh. . .eight hours or so. Chris has been slowing making components for the big Saturday meal. My dress isn't done but I think if I press on it might be finish-able in time. But today is Thursday, so before the big hullabaloo begins I'm going to show you the awesome things I bought at the thrift stores last week!
This little red trunk was a Chris find, it was on a wall I don't normally look at. I think it's a doll trunk. It is all metal and has the remnants of some stickers on it. On the inside there was lots of children's writing in pencil. I think this was a well loved trunk and I always buy cute storage things when I see them.
Two baby sweaters for the hope chest. The yellow one is clearly hand-embroidered on the back and the blue striped one has a matching bonnet! (I'm not sure you can see the hand embroidery in this photo because it's not very much but it's sail boats and makes the back more charming.) We are going to have to have a baby that is small in the fall/winter because of how many baby sweaters I have squirreled away. I think I just find the sweaters so adorable -- and I'm usually paying less than a dollar for them so I don't feel too guilty. (should I?)
Here is the sweater I got for me. It is sooooooo warm. (It's 100% wool so it oughta be!) It's super thick, a great wind block, and soft too, not itchy at all. I have no idea how old it is but it looked more like the sweaters in my vintage books than like modern cuts. (raglan sleeves, boxy shape)
The buttons are super interesting. They are made of plastic but super thick and they have metal shanks.
The tag looks old too. I looked up the brand online and found one other for sale listed as vintage but no hard and fast decade. Still I'm pleased with my 95 cent purchase! I wonder why they priced it so low!!! Other sweaters are priced around $3.75 at that store. It did have the classic 'wet sheep' aroma of wool that needs a good washing but I did that and now it smells great. And it had no snags or stains of any kind. (I guess I was just lucky!)
We got this dish specifically so we would have something to make apple crisp in at the TWE! I was looking for something a little neat but still super practical and this definitely fits the bill. It's Fire King, so it's oven safe, and I don't know if you can tell but it has these little gold specks all over the sides. I can't tell if these are the results of improper washing/care of a different finish or if this was actually a pattern that was sold. Well either way, it's going to hold delicious apple crisp and that's what a majority of the dinner guests will be concerned with!
And the piece I'm most excited about? It would have to be this tacky souvenir plate. There is something about the colors and the simplistic graphics that I was totally drawn to. I think it is going to start a collection of tacky souvenir plates to hang on the wall. (In fact this very brown wall that this plate is already hung upon, which needs some touch ups looks like.) I like the idea of the 1950's American road trip and the culture that embodies . . . this kind of brings that feeling for me. Plus what can I say, I kitsch to the extreme. (Chris has to reign me in sometimes, I'm somewhat surprised this made it past him.)
I'm sure Katie and I will venture forth to the amazing-ness that is our thrift stores this weekend, so we will have more treasures to show next week!
This little red trunk was a Chris find, it was on a wall I don't normally look at. I think it's a doll trunk. It is all metal and has the remnants of some stickers on it. On the inside there was lots of children's writing in pencil. I think this was a well loved trunk and I always buy cute storage things when I see them.
Two baby sweaters for the hope chest. The yellow one is clearly hand-embroidered on the back and the blue striped one has a matching bonnet! (I'm not sure you can see the hand embroidery in this photo because it's not very much but it's sail boats and makes the back more charming.) We are going to have to have a baby that is small in the fall/winter because of how many baby sweaters I have squirreled away. I think I just find the sweaters so adorable -- and I'm usually paying less than a dollar for them so I don't feel too guilty. (should I?)
Here is the sweater I got for me. It is sooooooo warm. (It's 100% wool so it oughta be!) It's super thick, a great wind block, and soft too, not itchy at all. I have no idea how old it is but it looked more like the sweaters in my vintage books than like modern cuts. (raglan sleeves, boxy shape)
The buttons are super interesting. They are made of plastic but super thick and they have metal shanks.
The tag looks old too. I looked up the brand online and found one other for sale listed as vintage but no hard and fast decade. Still I'm pleased with my 95 cent purchase! I wonder why they priced it so low!!! Other sweaters are priced around $3.75 at that store. It did have the classic 'wet sheep' aroma of wool that needs a good washing but I did that and now it smells great. And it had no snags or stains of any kind. (I guess I was just lucky!)
We got this dish specifically so we would have something to make apple crisp in at the TWE! I was looking for something a little neat but still super practical and this definitely fits the bill. It's Fire King, so it's oven safe, and I don't know if you can tell but it has these little gold specks all over the sides. I can't tell if these are the results of improper washing/care of a different finish or if this was actually a pattern that was sold. Well either way, it's going to hold delicious apple crisp and that's what a majority of the dinner guests will be concerned with!
And the piece I'm most excited about? It would have to be this tacky souvenir plate. There is something about the colors and the simplistic graphics that I was totally drawn to. I think it is going to start a collection of tacky souvenir plates to hang on the wall. (In fact this very brown wall that this plate is already hung upon, which needs some touch ups looks like.) I like the idea of the 1950's American road trip and the culture that embodies . . . this kind of brings that feeling for me. Plus what can I say, I kitsch to the extreme. (Chris has to reign me in sometimes, I'm somewhat surprised this made it past him.)
I'm sure Katie and I will venture forth to the amazing-ness that is our thrift stores this weekend, so we will have more treasures to show next week!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Make-it through Monday
While Katie has been out fording Niagara Falls, swimming the English Channel and climbing Mount Everest, I feel like I've been napping. Egads, it's been a whole week and I haven't done so well here (or anywhere really). There are piles of stuff everywhere and even things that are "put-away" are in weird spots. (You mean you don't store the extra paper towels in your bedroom?!) I have completed no projects and started no projects. I suppose I should list the things I have done rather than complain about the things I haven't, yes? Sunny side and all that crap. Well the kitchen is functioning at about 70% organized completion. (Don't go in the pantry.) The dishwasher is still not functioning, but we did buy a new one. (That wont arrive until the middle of December, cough.) The living room isn't empty. (Although it still looks pretty much like it is.) Chris has closet space for the first time since he left his parent's house. The breakfast room has a table again. (Alas, no chairs, oh well we'll stand and nosh!) And I feel like I'm blogging here just to procrastinate on all the other things I have to do. Well Katie said she'd help me with some things -- I hope she doesn't come to regret those words!
My craft space has moved, but that is both a problem and a delight. It's good because look at those windows! Lovely, right? And a tile floor is far easier to clean than carpet. It's not so good because I have squirreled so much weird stuff away into the corners of the room it used to share with the guest room that I don't know quite how to organize the whole thing. Since the two rooms are separate now, Carl and Katie won't have to sleep amongst Katie and my mess when the arrive. (on Thursday. . .in 4 days. . .tear) The blue room (which is another name for the guest room) still needs to be completely de-craft-ified and I have to wash those sheets.
Since Katie and Carl are staying in the blue room, I need to prep the black room so our other friends Liz and Andrew can stay there. Isn't it all high class that our rooms are identified by the color of their walls? This is the house I grew up in, but the bedrooms have gotten all mixed around over time so it's less confusing to identify them that way rather than to say J.'s old bedroom/J.'s new bedroom, etc. Well anyhow one of those full grown men I mentioned previously lives in the black room and he is not known for his cleanliness. (He only sleeps there part time, the rest of the time he sleeps on the floor of the den upstairs, yeah I don't understand it either and he's my 20 year old brother, so I don't ask.) That's all probably waaaaay too much information, and more like my to-do list rather than a blog entry, oh well. If you've suffered through it this long, kudos to you.
And I absolutely MUST start my dress today. You know the one I was so excited about here. Well it hasn't really progressed much past that stage. I did a tissue fitting and I need a full bust adjustment, which has mentally waylaid me about as much as this complete house chaos has. Curse my ample bosoms! I have to cut the pieces today and bead-ify them. (But in order to do both of those things I need the craft space to be in some semblance of use-able-ness.)
Oh and I found this lovely leaf. I think I will leave you to meditate on the fact that I took the time to photograph a dead leaf while I'm feeling panicked for time. It must say something about me as a person.
My craft space has moved, but that is both a problem and a delight. It's good because look at those windows! Lovely, right? And a tile floor is far easier to clean than carpet. It's not so good because I have squirreled so much weird stuff away into the corners of the room it used to share with the guest room that I don't know quite how to organize the whole thing. Since the two rooms are separate now, Carl and Katie won't have to sleep amongst Katie and my mess when the arrive. (on Thursday. . .in 4 days. . .tear) The blue room (which is another name for the guest room) still needs to be completely de-craft-ified and I have to wash those sheets.
Since Katie and Carl are staying in the blue room, I need to prep the black room so our other friends Liz and Andrew can stay there. Isn't it all high class that our rooms are identified by the color of their walls? This is the house I grew up in, but the bedrooms have gotten all mixed around over time so it's less confusing to identify them that way rather than to say J.'s old bedroom/J.'s new bedroom, etc. Well anyhow one of those full grown men I mentioned previously lives in the black room and he is not known for his cleanliness. (He only sleeps there part time, the rest of the time he sleeps on the floor of the den upstairs, yeah I don't understand it either and he's my 20 year old brother, so I don't ask.) That's all probably waaaaay too much information, and more like my to-do list rather than a blog entry, oh well. If you've suffered through it this long, kudos to you.
And I absolutely MUST start my dress today. You know the one I was so excited about here. Well it hasn't really progressed much past that stage. I did a tissue fitting and I need a full bust adjustment, which has mentally waylaid me about as much as this complete house chaos has. Curse my ample bosoms! I have to cut the pieces today and bead-ify them. (But in order to do both of those things I need the craft space to be in some semblance of use-able-ness.)
Oh and I found this lovely leaf. I think I will leave you to meditate on the fact that I took the time to photograph a dead leaf while I'm feeling panicked for time. It must say something about me as a person.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
By george, I think I got it!
Oh my, two posts, one day.
Well... I had a funny moment occur today. I suddenly had the (major) inspiration to learn to knit. Like rightnow.
I have to start off by saying I'm a pretty lucky girl because I just so happen to have a set of needles passed down me from someone in my family (I'm pretty sure my grandmother on my father's side, but I'm unsure) that includes needles size 1 through 17, all metal (but ironically, no circular needles?) so I didn't have to purchase much in the way of actually getting started on this knitting adventure of mine.
I totally had originally planned on simply taking a class come December, because, well, I learn better from people actually showing me how to do something, but I was too inspired to wait all the way until December. I happened to already be going on a little errand for Carl (yes, I'm a nice wife, and he was at work, therefore it became my chore) that landed me right next to Barnes and Noble, and I felt drawn to go in. I browsed in the craft section for something that would help me achieve my goal of learning this wonderful (but terrifying) craft of knitting. I located this gem:
This book, unlike loads of other books in the past, gives me the straight answer, along with pictures, and lets me know if I screw up, I learn something else. Even though it's words on a page, it gave me that teeny bit of confidence boost I needed. So I picked up two size seven needles, and some Paton's Classic Wool in worsted weight, and started reading (and practicing). I've only spent roughly an hour on this, but I managed to (mostly) tackle knit AND purl stitch. (The purl stitch is the scary, confusing one I hear, but I actually think it's a little easier than the knit stitch. Does that make me crazy?)
And there ya have it. My first attempt. And guess what?
I'm quite proud.
Well... I had a funny moment occur today. I suddenly had the (major) inspiration to learn to knit. Like rightnow.
I have to start off by saying I'm a pretty lucky girl because I just so happen to have a set of needles passed down me from someone in my family (I'm pretty sure my grandmother on my father's side, but I'm unsure) that includes needles size 1 through 17, all metal (but ironically, no circular needles?) so I didn't have to purchase much in the way of actually getting started on this knitting adventure of mine.
I totally had originally planned on simply taking a class come December, because, well, I learn better from people actually showing me how to do something, but I was too inspired to wait all the way until December. I happened to already be going on a little errand for Carl (yes, I'm a nice wife, and he was at work, therefore it became my chore) that landed me right next to Barnes and Noble, and I felt drawn to go in. I browsed in the craft section for something that would help me achieve my goal of learning this wonderful (but terrifying) craft of knitting. I located this gem:
This book, unlike loads of other books in the past, gives me the straight answer, along with pictures, and lets me know if I screw up, I learn something else. Even though it's words on a page, it gave me that teeny bit of confidence boost I needed. So I picked up two size seven needles, and some Paton's Classic Wool in worsted weight, and started reading (and practicing). I've only spent roughly an hour on this, but I managed to (mostly) tackle knit AND purl stitch. (The purl stitch is the scary, confusing one I hear, but I actually think it's a little easier than the knit stitch. Does that make me crazy?)
And there ya have it. My first attempt. And guess what?
I'm quite proud.
Progress. Lots of progress.
Hello all...
It looks like J and I have been horrible bloggers this week. I have been away for 6 days! But I promise I have loads to share. By proxy, I have things for Crochet Wednesday, Thrift Store Thursday AND Share it Saturday, because I've been busy.
I spent all night Tuesday starting and making a pretty good dent in my first cowl:
It's done, and adorable, and ready to wear in this (getting) colder weather. I added a little yarn button in order to keep it as close to my neck as possible (Check out my ravelry page here to see the pattern I used). It also happens to go very well with my next up item:
My dress. Oh my dress. I had forgotten how frustrating only have one pair of hands nearby to complete this can be. Carl has been caught up with Skyrim (yes, Carl and Chris are both video game nerds) so even if I asked him for help, I would most likely be ignored or babbled to about dragons, which I'll skip, thanks!
Friday night, I finished the lining (after ripping out no less than 6 seams. SIX SEAMS!) and got it stitched into the bodice of the dress. I'm really really proud of how it came out and with the exception of one oops, which will be hidden, it looks amazing.
The fit is pretty darn good. I also managed to complete EVERYTHING else for this dress yesterday, with the exception of a quick bow that needs to be added to the belt (today's list, no joke!), and hemming the darn thing (but that, thank goodness, is waiting until I have J to help me!). It was an extremely frustrating completion to a project, but a satisfying one (I seriously kept having to rip out seams and redo things, hrmph).
Also, a few weeks ago, at my local thrift store, I managed to find an amazing vintage coat (I'm pretty sure it's from the 70s, it's a Wellington Kashmiracle coat, and it's wonderful) that I'm going to wear with my beautiful dress! I'm so excited and it only cost me $5 (see what you can find if you really look!)
I also whipped up these adorable earrings this weekend in preparation for the Thanksgiving Extravaganza as well! Thrifted earrings attached to old wooden plugs I happened to have lying around (it's amazing how much I just have lying around!).
Another check off my list this week was spending a good amount of time on my craft room. It's not even close to done, because my craft table has not been put together (again, NO HANDS!), but my dresser is completely painted in a super pale blue-green called Opal Essence by Benjamin Moore. It's so pale it's almost white, but it's gorgeous.
My side table is completely done and the knobs have been re-added. I also plan on priming and painting a terrible looking bookshelf that I use to store all my frivolous books (my good ones have a special new home, on top of the dress I just completed painting!) so my painting of furniture will be done, come Monday (or Tuesday) (Yay. Even if this paint is super low VOC, painting in a 8' x 5' space with no ventilation or windows or LIGHT gets on my nerves).
I spent a little time rearranging and organizing my space (but it still needs 2 bigger pieces of furniture moved, and as I have no helpers today, that will have to wait until tomorrow when my parents get back into town) so in two weeks when I have another weekend to actually do something at home, I can knock out my craft table and hopefully finish my other 2 carpentry projects so my craft space will be useable (again, YAY, because I'm currently sewing in my bedroom, much to the dismay of Carl).
Finally, I spent roughly 2 hours yesterday making Raspberry-Blackberry jam, and Pumpkin butter for our Thanksgiving Extravaganza today.
Canning for the first time was completely nerve-wracking. The jam made up quickly, it was the processing that scared me half to death. But I believe everything turned out wonderfully. I just used the recipe on the pectin box (because it was so darn simple) and the butter recipe I used can be located here. It cooked up so quickly and easily and I poured it into cute little quilted jars to give as gifts (if you follow the recipe, I was able to fill 6 4oz. Ball jars, plus a pint size jar for my house, so it makes up quite a bit). I believe Carl and my parents will be taste testing these items all week long. (Next up on my canning/preserving list is making homemade pizza sauce and dough!)
I also somehow managed to fit in completing an apron for a dear friend (finally!). Next up is starting (and completing) a crocheted clutch for next weekend (eep!), finishing that darn bow, a few random projects to catch up on, and the usual packing and preparing for an almost four day trip. Mind you, I got all of this done this week while working a full time job. I think I only slept about 4 hours a night which means I'm looking forward to the trip and a good long break.
Side note: I already have a project to start (and complete, if I have my way) on the drive to and from J's hometown. And I've got it in my mind that when I get back from our Thanksgiving Extravaganza, I'm taking the plunge and signing up for my first Knitting 101 class.
WISH ME LUCK! (World's longest post, I do apologize... But I felt a need to list all my accomplishments this week in one place, cause well darn it, it's been a long time since I got this push to create and it feels darn good.)
It looks like J and I have been horrible bloggers this week. I have been away for 6 days! But I promise I have loads to share. By proxy, I have things for Crochet Wednesday, Thrift Store Thursday AND Share it Saturday, because I've been busy.
I spent all night Tuesday starting and making a pretty good dent in my first cowl:
It's done, and adorable, and ready to wear in this (getting) colder weather. I added a little yarn button in order to keep it as close to my neck as possible (Check out my ravelry page here to see the pattern I used). It also happens to go very well with my next up item:
My dress. Oh my dress. I had forgotten how frustrating only have one pair of hands nearby to complete this can be. Carl has been caught up with Skyrim (yes, Carl and Chris are both video game nerds) so even if I asked him for help, I would most likely be ignored or babbled to about dragons, which I'll skip, thanks!
Friday night, I finished the lining (after ripping out no less than 6 seams. SIX SEAMS!) and got it stitched into the bodice of the dress. I'm really really proud of how it came out and with the exception of one oops, which will be hidden, it looks amazing.
The fit is pretty darn good. I also managed to complete EVERYTHING else for this dress yesterday, with the exception of a quick bow that needs to be added to the belt (today's list, no joke!), and hemming the darn thing (but that, thank goodness, is waiting until I have J to help me!). It was an extremely frustrating completion to a project, but a satisfying one (I seriously kept having to rip out seams and redo things, hrmph).
Also, a few weeks ago, at my local thrift store, I managed to find an amazing vintage coat (I'm pretty sure it's from the 70s, it's a Wellington Kashmiracle coat, and it's wonderful) that I'm going to wear with my beautiful dress! I'm so excited and it only cost me $5 (see what you can find if you really look!)
I also whipped up these adorable earrings this weekend in preparation for the Thanksgiving Extravaganza as well! Thrifted earrings attached to old wooden plugs I happened to have lying around (it's amazing how much I just have lying around!).
Another check off my list this week was spending a good amount of time on my craft room. It's not even close to done, because my craft table has not been put together (again, NO HANDS!), but my dresser is completely painted in a super pale blue-green called Opal Essence by Benjamin Moore. It's so pale it's almost white, but it's gorgeous.
My side table is completely done and the knobs have been re-added. I also plan on priming and painting a terrible looking bookshelf that I use to store all my frivolous books (my good ones have a special new home, on top of the dress I just completed painting!) so my painting of furniture will be done, come Monday (or Tuesday) (Yay. Even if this paint is super low VOC, painting in a 8' x 5' space with no ventilation or windows or LIGHT gets on my nerves).
I spent a little time rearranging and organizing my space (but it still needs 2 bigger pieces of furniture moved, and as I have no helpers today, that will have to wait until tomorrow when my parents get back into town) so in two weeks when I have another weekend to actually do something at home, I can knock out my craft table and hopefully finish my other 2 carpentry projects so my craft space will be useable (again, YAY, because I'm currently sewing in my bedroom, much to the dismay of Carl).
Finally, I spent roughly 2 hours yesterday making Raspberry-Blackberry jam, and Pumpkin butter for our Thanksgiving Extravaganza today.
Canning for the first time was completely nerve-wracking. The jam made up quickly, it was the processing that scared me half to death. But I believe everything turned out wonderfully. I just used the recipe on the pectin box (because it was so darn simple) and the butter recipe I used can be located here. It cooked up so quickly and easily and I poured it into cute little quilted jars to give as gifts (if you follow the recipe, I was able to fill 6 4oz. Ball jars, plus a pint size jar for my house, so it makes up quite a bit). I believe Carl and my parents will be taste testing these items all week long. (Next up on my canning/preserving list is making homemade pizza sauce and dough!)
I also somehow managed to fit in completing an apron for a dear friend (finally!). Next up is starting (and completing) a crocheted clutch for next weekend (eep!), finishing that darn bow, a few random projects to catch up on, and the usual packing and preparing for an almost four day trip. Mind you, I got all of this done this week while working a full time job. I think I only slept about 4 hours a night which means I'm looking forward to the trip and a good long break.
Side note: I already have a project to start (and complete, if I have my way) on the drive to and from J's hometown. And I've got it in my mind that when I get back from our Thanksgiving Extravaganza, I'm taking the plunge and signing up for my first Knitting 101 class.
WISH ME LUCK! (World's longest post, I do apologize... But I felt a need to list all my accomplishments this week in one place, cause well darn it, it's been a long time since I got this push to create and it feels darn good.)
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