Painting with threads

Christmas presents, part one

2011-12-04T19:50:00.001-04:30

Hello!!! I've been absent from cyber space for a while, taking care of the house, doing a few repairs and getting ready for Christmas has been time consuming. The walls are painted, the lamp is fixed, the craft room is tidy, the table is set and the tree is up. Now I'm having a good time crafting the Christmas presents, because it is nice to give a little something, but in this economy, well, let's say I've been thanking God for blessing me with crafty hands lol

My friends kept asking for caps for their kids, so I decided to make them some for Christmas, have two down and three more to go. They are ready in about an hour and a half, with the embellishment. Used DMC's Senso, like how it looks, the thread is soft and shiny, perfect for little girls.

To the grown ups I went for practical stuff. With pabilo cotton made a few of Lucy's birdie decorations and hanged them to the handle of a cotton bag. Then folded it, used the birdie cord to hold it and voilà! A tuck away grocery bag! Needless to say that I felt so clever lol

I made some necklaces but I'm not sure I'll give them away. A friend ordered a set of 24 wire wrapped napkin rings, then I thought it would be such a pretty present for some of my friends, as me they love to entertain, so I might make that instead. With a crocheted accent, they'll look pretty for sure ;)

Well, now I have to go, it's school night, only 16 days for Christmas break. But before I go, will show you the new additions to my family, my baby brother's twins! Yep, my first nephews or nieces (will know for sure in January 12th, but I dream with twin girls days before they told me they were expecting, so let's see if I'm right lol)

Happy crafting!!!

Birthday present to self

2011-10-10T19:51:00.001-04:30

Hey there!!! I'm happy, today at the PO found a small parcel waiting for me, actually it got there past week, on October 3rd, the day before my birthday. That is funny because I ordered it past month to be the birthday present from me to myself and it got here right on time lol.

Got it at J-list, a nice place in Japan to buy bento gear, among other stuff. You know how I love to play with my food, here are my new toys:

The cutest set of lunch picks:

A set of mini re-usable silicon bento cups:

A tulip wiener shaper:

A set of hard boiled egg shapers:

If someone knows how to use it, I'll be obliged if you let me know. It has the explanations in perfect Japanese, which I don't speak... There are a few pictures on the back and for what I understand, the steps are: boil, insert, close, put the mold in water (should it be cold or hot???)

A set of rice molds:

And a silicon heart cooking mold:

I couldn't wait to try them. And what would be best than heart shaped pancakes, pink that is...

My pink batter was made using a small boiled beet to color it.

The mold is outstanding, it doesn't bleed the batter, doesn't stick, is easy to clean and it didn't melt on the pan (lol seriously, I was anxious about it), the hearts are so cute!!!

I also made mini grape Jello with the molds, but we'll have to wait until tomorrow to see how they work, I'm planning to turn the mini things inside out to see if they keep the nice animal faces.

Bon appetit!!!

Patriotic snowman

2011-10-06T20:28:00.001-04:30

This is Dawn's PIF. She loves snowman and also has a patriotic tree, thought this was a perfect design for her. I had it among so many charts that's been given to me from stitcher friends around the globe.

Mulberry designs.

Flurries Forever!

An adaptation of original artwork by Jane Johnson.

The backing fabric is a Christmas one.

She also got a Peace card, a small needle threader and a chocolate (not pictured).

Hope you're all fine. I'm here in a blackout that started five hours ago and will take at least two more hours to be repaired, according to radio reports. God bless netbooks and their batteries lol

Happy crafting!!!

Pixie is having a giveaway

2011-09-05T14:27:00.003-04:30

Hello fellow crafters!!! My blog was visited by Pixie. She invited me to join (and spread the word) of her giveaway. I went to peek and have to tell you, the papers and kits are wonderful, I was drooling at those projects.

Go and check it out. If you, like me, are into scrapbooking, it's a nice place to visit :o)

Long Overdue PIF

2011-08-29T15:49:00.003-04:30

Hi fellow crafters! Hope those of you who where in the path of Hurricane Irene are safe and sound.

Thanks to all my followers, the count has climbed up to 70!!!

This is a small post to show the long overdue PIF to Nita, once it has finally reached destination. She loves yellow and butterflies. I used the butterflies on the fabric print to create a small chart. Then turned it into a pinkeep, I was inspired by many beautiful ones I saw here and there on your blogs.

Front:

Back:

Made a Peace card with the latest arrival from my *now closed* favorite stamps store. On top of it is a needle threader.

Here's a close up of the needle threader. Nita's is the one with the butterfly if my memory is correct, the other one went to Dawn. But you can't still peek on her PIF because it hasn't arrived yet.

It was a year and a half instead of a year, but guess she liked it anyway :) There was a bit of fabric and some chocolate in the package but I forgot to take a picture ;P

Happy crafting and stay safe!

Back to school set.

2011-08-20T13:56:00.004-04:30

Hi there! I was commissioned to make a personalized set for a second grader by her granny, my friend Sara. Her teacher wants the students to have personalized all their belongings, specially their place mats, big pencil cases (to hold the colored pencils) and a small pencil cases (for the pencil, eraser, pencil sharpener and small ruler).

She already had the big pencil case, her granny wanted me to embroider her name on it, but I told her that would ruin the plastic like material, so I made a small tag instead to attach it to the zipper.

Then the place mat, for when they have breakfast they have to use it to keep their places tidy.

And finally the small pencil case has a pretty beaded cord attached.

All of them are coordinated with the same backing fabric with butterflies and flowers in it, and the plain blue fabric is linen. All in blue, her favorite color.

The other commissioned pencil cases are not ready yet, been slow because of the summer cleaning.

On the reading front I finished eoght of the nine books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, still have to read farmer boy, left it to read at the end because it's not about her own life. And I'm listening to Memoir's of a Geisha while embroidering and cleaning. I't very interesting, though I already know the story.

Hope the weather is being nice to you all, we've had a few storms but nothing I can really complaint about, seeing how it is around the globe.

Happy crafting!!!

Coffee or tea anyone???

2011-08-10T07:10:00.002-04:30

Hi! I've been busy with the pencil cases and some other small stuff I've been doing for friends kids back to school, such as personalized place mats, name tags for their back packs and pencil cases. But now I realize I moved in April and yet you haven't seen my new place.

Here it is:

Path way to the house, I live on the lower floor, that's the living room window:

The stair goes down to a backyard (not mine to use):

The gorgeous entrance door (I'm in love with it):

Here's the living room, friendship crazy quilt lies on the sofa:

The dinning room:

My Virgen de Guadalupe:

The small kitchen:

Beside the fridge is the service area:

The gorgeous view, there's a big squirrel living among those trees (beside all the birds lol):

There are bars in all the windows and the door, here in Venezuela we must have them. This place is nice and safe but there have been break in on some of the neighboring houses ever once on a while, so better safe than sorry even if they spoil the pretty views.

The hall between the bedroom and bathroom doors has a small "Saints display":

My bedroom:

View from it:

The craft room, which I wish could be turned to "Studio", but I'm into saving now, so it will have to stay like this for a long while:

The nice view:

And the small bathroom:

Now that I gave you the tour, what shall you drink, coffee or tea?

Baby book

2011-08-03T08:57:00.004-04:30

Hello!!! Enjoying the summer? Here we have days of summer between tons of rain and storms. Today is cloudy again...

Past weekend was Camila's first birthday. She's an adorable cutie baby and gets along with me very well. Her grannie Mildred is a good friend of mine. Made two beanies for her when she was six months old. I was the only single person with no kids invited to her party, past Sunday. Well, that has to be an honor. For her present I wanted something simple but that she can enjoy. Came up with a baby book and a teddy.

This little bear is a freebie from Bunny hills designs. I added the padded heart and her name.

It all started with a bunch of pages in different colors.

For the outside used a cheery fabric that came from Fabric depot and some cute folded bias tape Sue sent me a while ago.

Camila likes pictures, real ones, no mere drawings, she often quarrels with Mildred for her purse pictures. So, using my computer, printed on transfer paper a few images to go with the vowels, and also the first pages with her own picture, her mom and dad and me holding her when she was "little" lol :)

That's very easy to use and I bet it'll last a while for her to touch, grab and taste, you know babies do that.

The letters are made from felt and each letter has a different stitch for attaching them to the book, and a different color to match the printed cotton in the page.

These two are my favorite. The whole idea behind it was an educational toy, she can get familiar with letters, colors and surfaces.

To end the post, good news, was invited to a textile expo next November :) During the summer break I'll be working on a few pieces to take there. One of them will be another baby book, just love how it turns out. Anyway my pieces are utilitarian art.

Tomorrow will be having a crafty afternoon with Jessica and Reina, we'll paint on wood. And Friday is my painting class. Remember the drawing workshop? It happens to be a complete painting course, we'll paint with acrylics, the drawing exercise was neat. I'll show you what we do.

Happy summer!!!

Zentangled

2011-07-28T20:07:00.003-04:30

Hi!!! Good news, my summer break began today. Still I have a few appointments with doctors and other stuff before I'm completely free to enjoy the summertime. Won't be traveling this year either :( and still have to make seven pencil cases; it's amazing, people see it and order at least one, but most folks have ordered more than one at a time :) Will have to put up an album on the side bar. Each new one has an improvement. Guess this will be a crafty summer.

An artist friend, Carmen, invited me to a drawing workshop tomorrow afternoon. I bought my drawing block and had to customize it. I always draw doodles, on small pieces of paper mostly, kids at school like them (and collect them lol) and one of my friends does too. Love to make them with repetitive patterns, well, I found out that is called a zentagle, and since lately I'm feeling like drawing and painting, made a research on the net to improve my skills on that front. Besides the zentangle blog linked, TanglePatterns.com is a good site for tutorials, how-to's and ideas. Back to the workshop, since all blocks look the same, I turned the front around and made a zentagle with my initials on it.

The tricky thing was shading it, on the picture you can see there was just the S and the M a bit shaded.

Despite I didn't read anywhere about lighting it up, had to do it, seems to me wouldn't have been complete without it. Used a white wooden crayon for it.

My favorite patterns here are the vines over the M and the C.

On this side I like the C and the "tripoli". Found it on Zentangle blog.

Tripoli are the sort of triangles. But the distorted black and white squares look nice too. But I do have to work a lot on the shading, as it's the hardest part and yet the one that makes it look "alive".

Well, this was fun. Zentangling, as coloring Mandalas, has the virtue of bringing calmness. They also develop creativity and enhances the ability of focus on something.

Well, now back to my reading, Laura Ingalls Wilder's "The long winter", I'm on "After the storm" part, 18% read according to my Kindle. Gotta love tech stuff lol

Happy crafting everyone, thanks for taking time to read my rambling thoughts ;)

First Crazy Quilt Block

2011-07-16T09:15:00.003-04:30

Hi! It's been busy around here, finishing school year and the semester at the University means a lot of paper work. University is already out for summer break, hope they give me more teaching hours next semester, but it'll be hard since a lot of students (900) are graduating, that means 60 professors won't get back, let's see what happens. Anyway, as I said on a previous post, my small business is taking off, have to do another five embroidered pencil cases, just crocheted the cutest beanies for a soon to be new mom (she requested one exactly like Camila's) and have more projects planned.

My first CQ block is done, it'll be my own pencil case, hope to finish it soon, but business comes first lol Threading the needle was driving me crazy, so gathered some of my beading stuff and made a cute needle threader matching the colors of my favorite needlebook:

The CQ started with this blue linen:

Then cut several patches:

And sewn them in the fabric. I did something wrong because the patches were suppose to need no further sewing, mine did:

Then did the embellishing part, which was the best one:

Besides the decorative stitches, added beads, laces, torchon lace and a charm:

And my favorite is the spider's web with the itsy bitsy spider, often seen in Victorias quilts, apparently is a symbol that brings luck to the quilter:

This is how it looks now:

This was fun to do, but the back will be a plain cotton printed fabric, it has flowers, butterflies and dragon-flies. Not sure about the lining yet.

Have a whole suitcase filled with cotton printed fabrics, the plain colored ones are on a bucket and yet I feel like I will have to hunt for squares, stripes and dots when school vacation finally comes lol

Happy stitching!!! Thanks for visiting my blog.

More embroidery experiments

2011-07-05T16:41:00.006-04:30

Hello! Nathaly's pencil case was a success at school, so two people ask me to make one for them (yep, school is a gold mine for my business lol).

Dubrazka wants the same design. Yet I don't know if she wants her name on it, but the embroidery part is ready, this time I got it right and traced the design directly onto the fabric, and used fusible pelon on the back to make the fabric easier to stitch and secure them.

Mary's one is ready, she loves angels, so this is a special one.

She wanted the same color scheme with the flowery print and the ghingham. The pattern is a quilting freebie from Country cupboard. Thanks for sharing it Fiona!

I added the flowers on the sleeves and French knots, also the herringbone stitch to mock the stockings. Couldn’t resist to add a lace on the bottom of the skirt.

I'm very pleased with it! The stitches look so neat I can hardly believe that it was all stitched by me lol

Of course it deserved a special embellishment on the zipper and a cute bookmark.

Happy crafting!

Commissioned crochet

2011-07-05T14:10:00.004-04:30

Hi there! A few weeks ago I wore my ruana (or short Poncho) to school, one of my coworkers fell in love with it and told me to make one for her.

De Crochet

I told her to buy the yarn of her choice and that I would charge her just for my handwork. She got this colorful one.

I was ecstatic, to get paid for doing something I love! Well, I got on track immediately, took me four days to complete but it was worth.

Added a different edging because this is acrylic and not cotton so the shell didn’t look so good on it.

Of course, my happiness lies in thinking that my famous craft business is finally taking up. I thought a lot on how to present the product So it won’t raise the cost too much but still looks nice and be earth friendly packed. I came up with the idea of a simple white paper bag, made a pretty bookmarker and used it to close the bag.

The bookmark/tag was stamped with my favorite “Handmade because you’re worth it” wood mounted rubber stamp. On the front I used a simple clear stamp “Peace” plus a retro flower. Guess it matches well the ruana.

Clara wore it with an orange top tank and it raised praises all day long. Now I’ll be commissioned to make more of these because Clara’s sisters also want one for them (and believe me, she has a lot!).

Until next time. Happy stitching!

Nathaly's pencil case

2011-06-26T17:32:00.009-04:30

Hello! I'm happy to announce that Nathaly's pencil case is done. At first I thought it would take days to do the finishing, but as I went on sewing, I was more and more intrigue about the result and wanted to finish it right away. Process was a little painful, mainly because I have no real knowledge of the patchwork technique and this is my second piece on that style. There were so many decisions but it was more a common sense matter than expertise.

As I said before, the embroidery design is a freebie from Cinderberry stitches. Thanks for sharing it Natalie!

First, fabric choices. As you can imagine, pink is her favorite color, so it had to have some.

The strips and squares were cut, then sewn. That was tricky.

Next the zipper was attached, I followed Lou's tutorial. Thanks Lou, it was helpful! Wasn't very hard, but still I was biting my nails lol

Then it was sewn all around and twisted until... Tah-dah!!!

Picture has something on the middle, but it something with the camera, the embroidery does not look creased as you can see in the other pictures.

The backside was supposed to have squares in the different fabrics, but the joining the front was so tricky that I decided to leave it plain this time.

Cute, cute, cute. And I'm specially proud of the zipper, it came out neat :o)

Then it must had something to remind little Nathaly of her God-mothers love, I came up with this attachment made with fymo flowers, beads and a "made with love" charm.

Bet she'll be thrilled, but I seriously doubt she'll wait up until school starts again to use it lol

Happy crafting!!! Thanks for looking and for taking the time to post a comment, I love reading them all.

Embroidery experiments

2011-06-22T17:52:00.006-04:30

Hi there! These days I'm feeling like embroidery. I know the stitches, meaning I know the names and have awesome books, magazines and internet tutorials are wonderful on that front. But one thing is knowing them and a completely different thing is to actually put them *looking good* on the fabric lol

Yesterday was a special day, my youngest god-daughter, six years old Nathaly, announced proudly that she had a test (she's a preschooler) and that she solve it all and got a great mark and so now she made it into the first grade hee hee She's a cutie, and her announcement was serious, so it deserved a reward and dear godmother (me) decided to do a patchwork embroidered pencil case. That's how experiment number one came to be.

I met a Portuguese woman who happened to be an embroiderer. She transferred the design to paper and placed it on the fabric, then did the embroidery and finally ripped off the paper. I said, piece of cake, I can do it too.

Used a few stitches: backstitch, whipped backstitch, running stitch, rope stitch and french knots. I liked it so much, it looked wonderful, until...

...the paper was ripped, now all the stitches are loose, yep, conclusion to my experiment is that a stitcher needs to consider the paper thickness, plus the fabric too, it is so thin!

I don't think is lost. Good old godmothers know a few tricks, so I'll grab my handbook and perform one. Hope I don't have to stitch it again. Anyways it looks childlike, and that's a look I wanted to achieve lol

On my next experiment I'll use fusible pellon to give the fabric more consistency and will draw the design directly onto the fabric.

The design is a freebie from Cinderberry stitches. Instead of Summer berries I wrote my god-daughter's name.

Happy stitching!!!

WIPs

2011-06-19T15:25:00.006-04:30

Hi!!! I have a little time to stitch this week, someone got into the school past weekend and stole the 1st graders netbooks. They made a lot of damage because they went into the roof and broke walls to pass to the classrooms, they also stole the music console, microphones and a large loudspeaker. We are devastated. We were doing all the paperwork to report the burglary and have the replacements. Good news is that we have a new food provider and the owner gave us a fridge and he will supply food for us to cook at school. Great news considering the one we had was giving only bread like food (no fruits or proteins on the menu). Kids are happy, we are too!

Here's the small progress on my Angel's blessings:

A long while ago I stitched a kitchen towel with a delightful Jeremiah Junction design. Always wanted to stitch one for me, now that I have a new place, my sister Adriana gave me the towel as a house warming present. Just have finished a heart but my ADD is over the top these days, despite the size of the heart I had to frog it about three times.

Love the colors and the simplicity of it.

We're a month and two weeks away from summer vacation... Already have a lot of craft wise plans to spend my Holiday.

Happy stitching!!!

Nothing but us

2011-06-12T17:16:00.004-04:30

Hello fellow crafters around the world. This is the result from my crafty weekend...

A small design from L'R de rien, Rien que nous, which can be translated as Nothing but us. Just wanted to stitch something small and cute, sort of romantic, this piece was perfect for my mood. Also have a few Tralala qeued, they are so charming!

The fabric was a whimsy of mine, wanted to stitch on gingham linen and Susie sent it all over from Peru, it was on my stash waiting to be stitched. I think is a wonderful choice for the design.

The question was what to do with it as I wanted it to be always on display. Then some idea came to my head, what about a door hanger? The craft room was the perfect door to display it.

The backing fabric is one of my favorites, just love the color and the simple design. Of course it must had have an elegant trimming, chose this gray-beige one and a gray sheer ribbon for the finishing touches. Wish I had cute pins though, bet a heart would have looked wonderful.

I'm more than happy with the results, and all was stitched without reading glasses!!!

A new big project has started, the cute Angel inspired by Annie. She stitched it as a birth record, but mine will be a cushion, just like it appears on the magazine. Small progress, the border has so many color changes! I'm happy to have all the threads, wouldn't know how to make substitutions lol

But the happiest announcement of all is that I finally managed to finish two long overdue PIF's. They will be going on the mail this week, I hope the girls like it as much as I do. Don't know why it took me so long, but as my friend Sara always say "it's never late when the joy arrives".

I'm so glad to be back to painting with threads! Have a happy week!!!

Back on the road again

2011-06-03T18:26:00.005-04:30

I found this piece missing in the trunk of memories... Funny and meaningful now that I'm back to having my own place, with a craft room and some time to stitch. I'm back on the road in two ways...

Never showed it completed, think I kept it away because it was something that brought some painful memories, I was working on it and had it with me when ipod #1 was stolen from me, when I was robbed.

All it needed was to pull out the gridding threads and to be signed.

Time to let the past go and stick to the good memories. I remember being so happy because it was my first SAL, I was able to gather all the threads, even the multicolored ones, those were bought on line and had to wait for them to stitch the roof and the grass from part one. It was so exciting!

Look at it in all it's splendor...

It was meant to be a bag but I'm not so sure now. Maybe it'll be a cushion.I just love how it looks and it's fueling me to work on cross stitch again.

Happy stitching!!!

My friendship crazy quilt

2011-03-27T19:47:00.002-04:30

Here's my afghan. After much pondering, decided to go with pink, white or black were too much contrast or would disappear with darker and lighter squares. Pink is a color either present in some of the squares or a color that harmonizes (is that a word?) with the others, it also gives a sense of continuity through the whole blanket. The yarn has a feel similar to chenille, that is good because there's more texture and helps conceal the fact that not all the squares are the same size, plus is super soft.

Big part of the fun was reading what the ladies had to said about their choices. Let me share with you what they told me about their squares:

Sara made the square in her favorite color, the heart pattern is for Valentine's day, since I was February's MoM.

Katie sent two squares, what she told me about the pink and purple is that it represent her fun, high-spirited nature, while the granny pattern represents her traditional morals.

The blue and green square represents a girly pattern and a tomboy edge. That's because she loves to wear skirts and be feminine but she's also pretty handy with tools.

Lisa made this square with her own homespun yarn. The cream center is her first spinning and plying attempt, the lighter purple is also one of her first attempts while the darker purple is something she made this year. It's meaningful for her because is a reminder that she has come a long way and never gave up.

Edie's square reflect two passions of her: color purple and knitting. I thought it was cool she chose basket weave stitch, one of my favorite knitting stitches.

Kegan's square has a sun in the middle (she loves the sun), it represents her because of her colorful personality and she's complexly-simplistic.

Winter told me: "I chose acrylic to represent the lasting durability of friendship. It doesn’t wear out. Green is the color of the natural world I love, pink is for the girly side of me, and white displays the purity of my heart. The stitch pattern I picked because is has depth, complexity and is open like me."

This square is the first knitted item Ame made, she learned to knit at Ravelry, so that's special. Cool is also basket weave, my personal favorite.

This squares holds leftover yarn for the most special original projects Robin has worked on so far, like her blue scarf and her freeform skirt.

Victoria's square reflects her multi-craft focus and her love for cotton blends. It is part woven, part crochet. The brown part is a cotton-silk blend.

Linda's square resumes two passion of her, bargain shopping with her youngest daughter and her imagination. Usually she reads the pattern and make her own interpretation, that's how "Night in the forest" came to life.

Alyson says her square represents her current obsession with entrelac and knitting.

Well, now you know the whole story and I can cuddle in the afternoons watching TV, knitting, crocheting, cross stitching... All coming soon when I finally move (yep, twice in less than a year...)

Happy crafting!

Four more squares!

2011-03-22T17:49:00.003-04:30

And that makes twelve. I can work on the layout and joining of my friendship crazy quilt.

Here they are:

From Victoria.

She used a mixed technique. The brown fiber is mixed with silk :D The card has a cute fairy in it.

From Robin:

Love how she combined the colors. The yarn is very soft to touch. She sent me a picture of her beautiful orchids.

From Linda:

She made a variation of a pattern she saw. The result is, as she calls it, "night in the forest", the spikes looks like trees, and since the yarn is navy blue, well, is midnight there.

She also sent a bright headband and some dried tarragon, picked from her own herb garden.

From Alyson:

The pattern is entrelac knitted stitch. It's an interesting stitch, but I find it hard. I'll try it someday in the future, for now I'm happy to have entrelac on my afghan.

She sent a skein of merino wool in lace weight (can't get that here), the color is blue-purple, just lovely.

Thanks ladies! You made a wonderful job!

Mom was helping me decide how to place the squares, I did something then she told me to change this and that. Had to listen, she's an interior designer and knows about color combinations better than I do. My next step is to decide how to join them, since there are so many colors thought that it could work better if I use different ones according to the adjoining squares instead of the same one for the whole afghan... Mom says pink will be a nice choice.

Happy stitching!!!

No need for words

2011-03-13T19:05:00.000-04:30

A whole bunch of chicks

2011-03-11T18:27:00.004-04:30

Hi fellow crafters around the world! I bet you are getting ready for Easter, so am I. Just love the springtime and the little delights it brings, flowers, butterflies, home made cookies, dyeing eggs, egg hunt... Though in Venezuela only a few people do egg hunt and such, I love to dye my eggs for Easter. My godson and goddaughters come to my house and there will be little treats to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.

This year I'm making egg cozies. CAL hosted by delights. She kindly shared the crocheted version of her chicken and duck cozies (knitted pattern at her blog) and all the hens in the hen house at Good things together group are working on this delightful little chicks.

The ladies have done a wonderful work so far, there are a lot of pretty chicks but also pigs, ducklings, a ladybug, two bunnies and plans for a sheep.

Of course I'm experimenting with the pattern, my yarn is pabilo and some multicolor cotton leftover I had. Have done a multicolor one (not too big, not too small, suitable for rather small eggs), a blue one knitted with one thread (too small), an orange one knitted with stockinette instead of garther (too big, but more likely because I knitted a few more rows at the head while listening to O' Pioneers by Willa Cather), two crocheted in lilac and green with two strands held together (just the right size). Will have to knit one with the directions as they are and in garther stitch so the body will have more density.

No more chatting, seems I got trapped at "Goldilocks" with chicks instead of bears lol Here they are:

Cocorocó hen.

The Rainbow chick family with Cocorocó.
The tiny baby, Understanding, he'll have his ornie attach tomorrow.

One of the twins, Love.

The older sister, Harmony, she's going under surgery tomorrow, needs a wire neck.

The latest addition, the other twin, Peace.

If you wonder how many more there will be, I can tell you so far have planned a bright pink one, no name yet, a yellow duckling, the adopted brother (only boy in the family, still with no name).

Until next time, happy crafting!

Eight out of twelve

2011-03-10T17:41:00.002-04:30

I'm in heaven! I have eight squares out of the twelve for the afghan. And it definitely should be plan C. No backgrounds, will tie them together , not sure what yarn yet but I think it better be a lighter color, or since it's a crazy quilt, different colors matching the squares... Decisions, decisions, decisions!

Here's what I got today:

From Ame:

Love how the basket weave looks on white, so elegant!

And here are the goodies, candy corn, one of my favs! Everything else, tasty and classy, the pear is a notebook, and the emery boards have Mary Englebreit's prints on them.

From Winter:

The picture doesn't make justice, the pattern is very intricate, has a gorgeous texture, the colors are lovely, very sweet!

From Kegan:

Love the colors! Ah, bet you knew I was going to say that, wonder why lol. The yarn is soft and silky.

And more goodies, jelly beans (yum!!!), two outstanding cards picturing Martin Luther King, Jr and Coretta Scott King, with inspirational quotes from them printed on the back. And the yo yo like figure it's an automatic measuring tape, very handy.

At this rate hopefully all my squares will be here within the next two weeks, then the decision will be arranging and the joining color...

Happy crafting!!!

My friendship crazy quilt...

2011-03-06T17:16:00.005-04:30

... just more an afghan. It's my month, from February 10 the ladies at Bakers dozen (Ravelry), sent the squares they made for me. So far five of them had arrived, in four packages since one of them sent two.

This is a small preview. Have plans A, B (discarded) and C. Plan A is to stitch them on a withe background and embroider the names, places and something they said why the squares represent them, plan B was the same on a dark background, but tested the squares and that's not an option anymore. Plan C, and more likely to succeed, is to join them together as an afghan and do a digital scrapbook of the whole project. Guess that way I'll be able to keep more memories...

Whether A or C, here they are, along with the goodies they sent.

From Katie:

Blue and green, my favorite colors, pink and purple is so vibrant and cheery. It doesn't show well in the picture but the purplish tube is a chapstick holder (with a chapstick in it), strawberry bubble gum and my ever favorites, jelly beans :D

From Sara:

Picture shows the color less vibrant than it actually is. She chose a Valentine theme because February is my month :)

From Edie:

Lovely purple square in my favorite knitting stitch: basket weave. A lovely black and white squirrel card, two pattern leaflets (one with bags and hats, the other with a knitted hat I'm already casting on) and mint gum ;)

From Lisa:

I'm compelled to tell you about the yarn, but I won't yet. The tags are so cute and the stitch markers are very fancy :-)

Aren't they wonderful, each one unique in their own way, but can't tell much or I'll have nothing to say on the scrapbook album. Can't wait to get the others, bet some are already here but we are in the middle of Carnaval, will have to wait until Wednesday...

To end the post, this is my version (a very close twin) of Lucy's Birdie decoration, published in Attic24. Used my fancy Senso thread for the whole of it, and a 3,5 mm aluminum hook. Tried to shoot a good picture but my camera is not helping me, guess it needs broad day light lol

Anyway, the real deal is a cute little bird, makes me want to celebrate Christmas English style this year, hanging tons of colorful decorations and wearing paper crowns at Christmas breakfast... As seen on TV ;o)

Dishcloths

2011-03-05T10:30:00.003-04:30

Hi there! I'm again working on the Dishcloths R Us CAL at Ravelry. Been working on a few extras as well like a set of long due coasters. All done with the stash Kim aka Blackhorse sent as a RAK past year. Peaches and creme and Sugar and creme are wonderful, too bad we don't get those here.

Here's February, more pictures at Dishcloths album.

This one is not exact to the pattern, apparently I'm closing my yo's, I knit in a mixed style, thought it was continental. Will appreciate if someone tells me what it is lol Video is here.

Heart lace washcloth, found here.

This one is a simple stockinette with garther stitch border dishcloth made for my brother and sister in law's fancy kitchen.

This is the lovely coaster, actually made four of those. Pattern is from Amber Hill and can be found here.

And to end the post some knit related wire stuff, a set of stitch markers which I actually kept. More at my Stitch markers album.

My next post will be about my new Friendship quilt. It's my month at Ravelry's bakers dozen. I asked the girls for something that they think represents them for some reason. So far I've received 5 squares, can't wait to show you all...

Happy crafting!!!

Bags

2011-02-28T19:32:00.003-04:30

Hi there! Long time no post, even missed my blogoversary :( One too many things are going on in my life, some good, some bad. For now I'm trying to stick to the good things.

My eyes are not helping me much, stitching has become a luxury for me, I think it's the right eye, but doctors don't seem to find what's wrong so far. To help me get a sense of accomplishing something stitched a Lizzie Kate on 11 ct Aida and turned it into a bag that's now Magaly's lunch sack. She a dear friend who happens to be an English teacher, this was her Christmas present. Came out a bit small so I'll have to think of something...

And the next two are part of a project, will be selling these. Bought them already made and my work is just customize them.

I have two lines so far:

Simply Natural

Moody Monsters

Don't worry, promise I'll iron them before deliver lol

Happy crafting!!!

Girly Barbie dress for little M

2011-01-02T23:22:00.000-04:30

Howdy!!! I'm loving the small dresses, can see a dress season coming. They are nice, cute, work fast and the models don't complaint about the construction lol Think I'll have to get my own model btw, this one is mom's.

This cute little dress is for Posse Pard Sandy, well for little M, her granddaughter. Hope she likes it, and also that is strong enough to resist playtime lol

This dress was free formed. It has a matching bag, as no girly outfit is complete without one.

Is crocheted from the bottom up and in the round, after the base chain there's a row of hdc, then seed stitch to the hip, then the decreases were made with dc (one row of 2 dc, 2 dc tog, and another one of dc, 2 dc tog). At that point just made 2 rows of sc.

For the top made 4 rows of sc in light pink, then at the next row made: sc on next 3 st, 2 sc on same st, sc, 3 sc tog, sc, 2 sc on same st, sc on next 3 st. The following row was the same, but in each of the 2 sc that were on the same st of the previous round, made 2 sc on same st. Then 1 row of sc (making 2 sc tog on the center). To finish the dress made a row of sc all around the light pink, made the two long stripes to secure the dress with a button hole at the end of each (they cross in the back and the buttons are in the front). There's also a small button on the back at the top of the skirt.

The bag was crocheted in the round, starting with a ch 3, 6 sc on 3rd ch from loop on hook, next rounds are always worked on on BLO: 2sc of each sc of the previous round. Next row is 2 sc on same st, 1 sc n next, all around, the following row 2 sc on same st sc on next 2 st all around. The next two rows are worked on the 2 loops, dc on next 2 st, 2 dc tog on next 2 st. Then 2 rows of hdc in light pink a double ch for the strap (with both pinks) and a flap made with sc, at the last row sc on next 2 st, ch3 sc on next 2 st. Sew a button to the bag.

Hope this makes sense!

Happy week everyone, I'll get back to work next Thursday...

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T13:59:00.003-04:30

Hello fellow crafters around the world, hope you had a nice celebration yesterday. Wish you to have a joyful, blessed, healthy and prosper 2011.

Temperature has drop here quite something, I wonder what it'll be like to get back to my cold school after so much time absent, classes were suspended past December due to the emergency (heavy rained for 20+ days, we had floods, mudslides, landslides, many people have lost their homes. Anyway, I'll be back to getting out of the house to a 10ºC at 5:30 am, most of the time I wear gloves, but then at school they're hard to work with, that gave me the impulse I needed to make my first pair of fingerless mittens.

I'm so very happy because they gave me two new skills: cast on properly (double cast on) and also work with a set of five DPNs :o) Used some left over TLC cotton yarn, and based on Pamela Grossman's pattern, made my version adapting it to the yarn, my lack of knitting skills and ADD, didn't went so well counting the 3p 1k pattern so decided to use stockinette, can't get any easier, just have to knit all rounds. Then when the mitt was done my thumb was cold, and it deserves to be arm too! That was the second adaptation (or third, considering I also changed yarn weight lol) I just picked up 12 stitches on the thumb opening and knitted with the smaller needles.

Now that's a big How should it be done really? I just used my logic, but you can see where the stitches were picked. Maybe it's because I should have pick them on the back instead of front loop, maybe on both loops? Perhaps the problem was that I used the smaller needles right away instead of making one or two rows with the larger ones... Hmmm, seems I'll be making a few to correct all this...

Long time...

2010-12-28T19:36:00.005-04:30

Hi fellow crafters around the globe! Been busy, very busy with life's ups and downs, but that's a long story...

For now I'll show you in images some crafts made over the past fifteen days.

Wood painting:

The Angel tray was made for mom and dad's 45th Anniversary. It has coins adding up 45. Mom loved it and is very proud of it, dad thought the cake was missing, if that's a tray, at least it should have something on top lol

Crochet:

Wire wrapping, beading and such:

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Wish you all a Happy 2011!

Tralala!!!

2010-10-03T16:25:00.006-04:30

Just a small post to show my sheepish notebook cover:

I have to give credit to someone on the web who has another Tralala sheep and used a bell, thought it was cute! I saw the picture and thought it was cool, now I can't find the link to properly give credit for the idea, but I will if I find it.

I'm thinking about something for the corners... Not sure what. Could be a triangle made of the same fabric and ric-rac or maybe something crocheted. Mom says I should use one of those triangle metal things, not sure but gues they are meant to protect the corners.

Made another butterfly correcting the body, my aunt said it looked weird. Think when she explained the body I misinterpreted it as "back and forth" but it was only meant to be a row of sc all the way around (on the front and the back). On this version, I modified a bit the pattern and made the body in a different color also added a head with antennas. I still think it looks different, she has batwings LOL

Compare it to my aunt Margot's:

Well, can't wait until Wednesday when I'll be stitching another or the notebooks :D

Happy week!!!

A mix of things to show

2010-10-02T09:03:00.003-04:30

Hi there!!! I've finish two long due baby hats. Inspired on some Ravelry patterns modified them a bit to fit my ideas and yarn...

Used Senso Microfiber Cotton. Added an embellishment :o)

The butterfly is a pattern my aunt Margot, who lives in Spain, sent ( the sample is made with Camila thread).

Picot: ch 6 sl st on the first ch

Body:Row 1: ch 8 close with sl st
Row 2: ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc ch1, 2 dc, ch1 (7 times), close with sl st
Row 3: sl st to ch1 space, ch 3, dc, ch 3, 2 dc. On next ch 1 space 2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc (7 times), close with sl st. Finish off color. Fold in half being careful that the ch 3 spaces and the dc matches. Wings: Row 4: sc on the first dc (actually you will be attaching the dc at front and back of the butterfly), sl st to ch 3 space an make: 6 dc, picot, 6 dc. Skip to next ch 3 space 4 times. sc on last of the 2 dc (just like in first).
Wrap the thread 4 to 6 times around the middle of the body, sc back and forth, sl st to the first sc made on previous round.
You can make antennas of sc and harden them with glue or corn starch. I sewn them on the beanie to fix it.

And this is what I call my Groovy baby hat:

I hope they fit Camila (not the thread or my god-daughhter, but my friend's Mildred granddaughter). She's one month old.

For school, wanted to make the fanciest notebook covers this year. I decided to use one of those patterns I always wanted to make but never had the time. Inspired on the finishes I've seen on your blogs, picked Tralala to make them. This sheep is a cutie and is for the smallest notebook, the other two are larger, I'm choosing between three patterns: la Demoiselle de Halloween, les temps de cerises and Petite Bergère. Most likely will be the last two because they fit my color scheme. There are some "creative adaptations" because the lack of appropriate thread and also my ADD.

It's a lot of work, but the results are so nice! We, teachers in my school, always have this thrill to make the cutest covers each year, and yes, it is some sort of competition, but it's nice to see all the creativity displayed :o) Not only to show off, it's also about organization, check my pen drawer:

And I love to treat myself at school, check out my first day of school breakfast, it came with a tangerine. yummy, couldn't resist to bite it before the picture lol

Here's a little pincushion made with a LK design, stitched on a nightmare linen (it looks dreamy but it was so hard to stitch on it!), filled with some past year ort's, as Annie once advice me to be use them, they're better than fiber fill (they won't be sticking out of the cushion because of the sharpness of pins and needles).

The tag was made with a new stamp from Addicted to rubber stamps, they have great customer service! Here's the package received from them. They always include some scrapbook paper and a small gift, in this case a wooden mounted rubber stamp, with a few candies, now that's a nice detail :D

Also got my heat gun, great for embossing projects... As this one, well, it was made with rainbow ink pad and clear embossing powder, don't think it really shows, but it's glossy and puffed.

Now, off to work on cover number 1, need to see it all finished up!

Happy crafting everyone!!!

Little progress on my BAM CAL 2010

2010-09-17T19:59:00.005-04:30

Just a quick note to show how's my new to be afghan progressing. I'm behind, yesterday manage to finish May trio and it's looking good so far, specially since I won't need more squares than the CAL's. Seems I underestimated the finished size, but to be only five months done, well, this will be a large afghan.

Good news is the yarn will be enough to finish and join the blocks.

Here's May, decided to do at least one square on each color solid, May has a whole pink square, June has a blue one, and still have to find a suitable pattern for the green one.

Happy yarning! I'm heading off to finish June's blocks.

Key organizer

2010-09-15T09:53:00.004-04:30

Just when I was picking a design and fabric for the replacement, Melissa received my LK exchange for round 5. I stitched for her Bless our home, but instead of the silver bird house charm I used a golden birdie so it would match the holders.

I replaced the colors because the evenweave was mocha, and work backwards, first chose the backing fabric and then the colors to go with it :o)

The pictures are not good, but something has gotten into my camera, it's not working for at its best, hope Melissa posts a better picture.

Done a small progress on the BAM CAL 2010, will post pictures later, when all the squares for May are done. Until then, happy stitching!!!

Craft wall and my first project: Recicled Tshirt

2010-09-03T09:38:00.008-04:30

Hello creative people!!! Before showing you how my new creative space looks like, I'd like to show you a new addition to my lovely stitched pieces.

This is the scissor pocket Melissa made for me on the LK exchange round 5. It's a wonderful thing that she chose a design I wanted, thought of stitching one for me but it always strike me as kind of silly that I stitched a friendship saying for myself lol. So here it is for me. Love the lilac linen, it's such an unique color.

And the backing is so cute! Green gingham and a flowery satin ribbon.

As promised, here's my new crafting space. From a whole room to a 3 m wall... It's almost everything in here:

Some stuff didn't fit in so had to put in on the closet, it looked too messy outside, it's the wire wrapping tools and materials, also the paint, crochet projects yarn and some fabric:

And its HOT in here!!! 80ºF contrasting the mere 62ªF at the other place, feels like a desert! I already cut my hair up to my neck.

OK, now on to the challenge. Laughingpurplegoldfish challenged us on her Ravelry group to recycle a T shirt. I had this one that I've outgrown on the front (miracles of the fibrocystic breast condition) but liked it so much didn't want to just throw it away.

These were the materials needed for the recycling: a pair of scissors, carbon paper and wheel tracer to make the stitches even (it was hand sewn), needle and thread, crochet thread and hook (for a flower accent), velcro and a glue (crazy glue didn't work out, I had to use silicone glue at the end).

First, turned the Tshirt inside out, placed the sleeves flat lined up with the bottom seams. On the inside so they will work as a shoulder straps.

Then slided the wheel tracer across the lower seam, where the stitches go.

Used the pins to secure the seams and hold the sleeves in place.

When it was sewn cut three pieces of velcro and pasted them with the silicone glue. To make sure they wouldn't come out held them in place with wooden clothes pins for about half an hour.

And there it is, my new market backpack:

With some groceries in it. It works fine!

Until next time!!! Happy crafting!!!

Dazzling half dozen of artsy potholders.

2010-08-30T20:32:00.008-04:30

Hello fellow crafters around the world. As I said, I'm in the process of moving. I'm already at the new place but still have to organize so many boxes and some furniture. Downsizing is stressing. Remember my craft room? Well, it's become a craft wall. I'll have to take a picture so you can see what I'm talking about.

For now I'll show you some things from the exchange front and a bit more.

I was July MoM at Dazzling Dozen Potholder Swap (Ravelry), we were a six month group. These are my Dazzling *half* Dozen Potholders:

From barbbowman, in Australia:

Love the happy face, it doesn't show well in the picture, but the blue is variegated.

From Margolin, in New Zealand:

Talk about cuteness, look at this tiny kiwi soap:

From WelshCrochetDiva, in Wales:

From ladytbird, in the USA:

The yarn is extremely soft, a blend of Alpaca and Silk, in periwinkle (couldn't get to show the real color with my camera). It came also with a pair of ladybug stitch markers.

From cazknit, in Australia:

She included a cookie that match the potholder, love that kind of details, how thoughtful is that!

Ok, that makes five, not six. I noticed, so join a CAL to complete the half dozen. I'm a member of the group, therefore I should send me a potholder. That's how Me-potholder was born.

The pattern is by Claudia Loman, she a lovely lady and talented crocheter. You can read all about the CAL here. And if you want to make one, pattern is here.

This tiny daisy was freeformed. I used pabilo, our traditional craft yarn.

Since I was making this one while recovering from the allergy (did I ever mention it? Ate fish and had a severe allergic reaction), my friend Ludys saw the first side and fell in love with the pattern, I asked for permission and she joined us. Here is her cute potholder, her cherries are also free formed.

And to end the post, this are some of the potholders I sent and are already at their new homes:

To cazknit:

I forgot to take a picture of the it finished. This was double sided and has a ring.

To WelshCrochetDiva:

To Margolin:

This picture shows the real colors, and the cute tag made with my new stamping set:

To barbbowman:

This one is one made with the African flower pattern. I gave it to Ludys.

Pheewee!!! I'm exhausted! That really was a bunch!!!

Check in in a couple of days, I have to show off my Lizzie Kate round 5 scissor pocket, from Melissa.

Happy crafting!!!

Lizzie Kate on a bag

2010-08-07T09:24:00.003-04:30

Hi there!!! Been absent, and still will take some time to get things settled. Had been peeking blogs from time to time, but have very little time and I've retrained to comment, so I can see more every time.

I'm in the process of moving. Had spent the last two months between boxes, packing and making arrangements, it's a long story, but I won't talk about it today...

On LK's round 4th, my present to Pirjo took too long, so I stitched a replacement and sent it the same day she received her first lol

Decided to do something she could actually use, and since were both teachers thought it would be nice to do a lunch sack. It turned out to be a lovely girly thing.

The lining is a bright pink washable nylon, almost waterproof.

To close it used a bright pink nylon cord. Had to finish the sewing by hand because my machine is not working (guess the carbon brushes need adjusting again).

And also made two tags with my new stamp set.

Got them at Addicted to rubber stamps. great quality and service. Take a peek, this was all I got:

And it came nicely packed in two cartons inside a rather big box, that prevented damage to the goodies. They were so thoughtful to add a gift rubber stamp in the shape of a heart, two paper samples and a few candies :0)

Just want to be all set and get back to work...

Arrived!!!

2010-07-08T19:07:00.004-04:30

OMG! The mail seems to be a world apart, what are the rules or logic behind is unknown to me...

My package to Pirjo took TWO MONTHS!!! Sorry for the shouting, but isn't it unbelievable??? I was thinking it was lost for good. I was wondering who was enjoying a thing I made with such care for a friend, thinking what cruel heart could take a thing that was meant to cheer up someone else (yep, I'm a little dramatic, but don't forget I'm Venezuelan, we're kings and queens producing soap operas lol)

My apologies to all the postal workers around the world, I was just hurt because of my ignorance on the process. I was explained how it works from here and now can understand why it takes ages sometimes... We don't have a postal fleet, so the mail travels in commercial flights. Sometimes they stop over some country, the mail gets down at the airport to be checked and re-distributed to it's final destination... If only I knew that before.

Well, what I stitched for her was this small needleroll. Love this design, and when was deciding what to do with it, remembered I stitched for her a scissor case and fob on another exchange. To complete the set used same fabric and thread as before (love this thread, Japanese silk, and I know it's good because it's stitched it over a T-shirt that's washed weekly on the machine, it hasn't fade at all).

Until next time, stitches and hugs!!!

Beautiful presents

2010-05-26T19:37:00.003-04:30

Hi friendly crafters! Today I went to the PO and got back with two packages containing some lovely presents.

One is a cross stitched pillow, from Pirjo in Finland. LHN is one of my favorite designers, this sweet pillow is because we're both teachers, just perfect!

She also happened to be my partner on the LK exchange round 4. This stunning can is what she made for me. Let there be peace on earth, I think represents me very well.

It has a stitched insert.

Isn't it just adorable?

Thanks Pirjo! Just love it!

Been RAK'ed at Ravelry. Kim, in Texas, sent a bunch of 100% cotton yarn. Always been drooling at the pictures of the things made with Lily's Peaches and cream and Sugar and cream. So asked for some of it to try it, because we don't get it here in Venezuela.

I was expecting one or two, but she sent this whole bunch. See the white, blue and red? It reminds me of Texas' flag.

I've been thinking about the projects I'll use them for. On my list there are bags, headbands, place mats. Suggestions are welcome :o) I'll sure knit some and crochet others. I'm so happy! This is yarn paradise!

Thanks Kim! Glod bless you for your kindness!

Until next time, happy crafting!

Necklaces and a bit more

2010-05-23T18:02:00.003-04:30

Hi! I'm making jewelry, people around here has shown interest on them, so did a few for sale just to try how it would sell...

Here are the necklaces, they were all sold the first day I showed them! I didn't even had time to picture the rings and the earrings lol

Now have to do more, will be exhibit at a craft shop and have some people interested in selling them too. Well, seems crafting will become more than just a hobbie for me.

Happy week!!!

Yarn and wire

2010-05-16T07:54:00.010-04:30

Hello everyone! Happy Sunday.

I'm participating at the Bakers Dozen group at Ravelry, I'm scheduled for March 2011. For now and while I think about my preferences, making the squares for my partners is a lot of fun. Kati in the USA just got her square, the first I made. She gave us the freedom of choosing colors and pattern, she has a colorful poncho on her gallery, made for her daughter, that was my inspiration, the result is this piñata-like square:

Also made a few stitch markers, I'm experimenting with different colors and types of wire, hers are aluminum colored wire. To prevent them from getting damaged they were sent in this wooden box, hand painted by me also. Picture is not good enough but the butterfly wings are clear coated and sparkly:

Made some for knitting.

Also for crochet.

BTW I made a couple of those for Sue, in Malaysia. Wanted to do a fancy style, she's a gifted crocheter and knitter; sorry for the fuzzy picture, this is what she got:

And this is what starter the whole stitch markers fever:

These were made with copper wire, but Kathe took them to be chromed. Aren't they lovely? She calls them "your star product" lol Well, actually we have plans to set up a craft and art e-store. And yes, we'll have a wide variety of stitch markers...

Hope my partners at Dazzling Dozen Potholder swap, at Ravelry, get what I sent soon, I want to show you all those cute potholders!

Happy crafting!!!

TAST again

2010-05-05T15:13:00.004-04:30

Hello fellow stitchers!!! Trying to catch up with the TAST, I did a small addition around the previous stitch, this one was for week 9, raised herringbone stitch. The original idea was to make a frame for the cloud filling, but then I liked how it looked with a partial band, and decided to go that way.

If you want to see the work of real experts, take a look at the flickr mural...

Until next time, happy stitching!!!

TAST

2010-05-04T22:01:00.005-04:30

Hi there!!! Hope you're all doing fine, I'm on my corner of the world missing the crafts, had a silly home accident and got a tendinitis on my right hand. It's been over a week since I started physical therapy, still hurts but I couldn't resist to stitch a bit.

Joined Sharon's "Take a Stitch on Tuesday" group at Stitching fingers. This week was cloud filling. An easy but versatile stitch.

The thread is Anchor 8, 0121 (colonial blue) and 0280 (avocado green). Worked the stitch on Ivory 11ct Aida. I'm new at this so need a very structured material right now, despite 11ct should be easy to guide me, there are two miscounts...

As embellishments used small blue bugle beads and opalescent green seed beads, not sure about the size but they're large.

I'll try to catch up with the previous weeks, This is an exciting way to learn new embroidery stitches.

Until next time, stitching hugs, a nice cup of tea and a delicious cookie!

A lot of thanks!

2010-04-18T19:03:00.004-04:30

Hi!!! You remember how I participated at a Cross stitch giveaway at Julie's blog, and won. Well, past Friday I went to the PO to pick up my package. Here's what I got: the cross stitch crazy magazine, a lovely biscornu stitched by Julie, a postcard from her hometown and a cute tin with a chocolate chip cookie in it.

The mag is very nice, I already picked a few projects, including one for my Goddaughter Catherin, who'll be 15 next December 28th. I have plenty of time to stitch it. Here we celebrate a girl's 15th birthday big time, something like the sweet 16 in the USA.

The tin looks wonderful on my "delicatessen shelf" lol But I'm not sure how long I'll be able to resist...

The biscornu has an adorable hardanger heart in blue, my favorite color!

Thanks Julie!!! Loved everything!

That was nice, but it was also a big surprise these two postcards from Sandy O. She's so a good friend, never misses a month without sending me a postcard. She takes the pictures herself and then mail them as postcards, funny thing is she thinks she's not very artistic, but I bet this count as art, I have many wonderful samples of it. Thanks pard!!!

And also something unexpected, a Christmas card all the way from Greece, from Michelle. Thank you very much! It's a lovely detail :o)

It matches the one I got from Bea about two months ago, did I thank you? Ever since the crash I keep forgetting things...

On the house front I have news, my sis Kathe, the one who got married past December, is moving permanently to Trinidad. I'll miss her very much, she's also on denial, but we are preparing everything to make things smooth, specially for her. We have done the wire wrapping course together, try to get together every other weekend and also I knitted a pair of socks for her. They're yoga socks, I told her they had no toes or heel because since it's so hot there, she could wear them without burning her feet lol She loves walking barefoot so they will come handy... It's been instructed to wear them when she's missing us...

Well, now off to craft, or else I won't be able to post next week :op Until next time, happy crafting!!!

Tulips tutorial

2010-04-01T22:29:00.007-04:30

Just finished my April crafter square for the 2010 BAM CAL at Ravelry, Tiptoe through the tulips. It's just lovely, Lisa Harris did a great job design it. I had to stop at round 10 because was almost the 12", to get there I simply finished it with a hdc border.

Someone has a doubt with the cluster, so decided to upload a video tutorial, it's easier for me than trying to explain LOL

BTW, I made the cluster on the Ravelry 12" square, because the one where it should go was long finished, but the point was to demonstrate that you should have 9 and not 5 loops on your hook :o). Hope it's helpful!

Summery slippers

2010-03-28T09:59:00.005-04:30

I spent all day long crocheting these, well, actually all my spare time between cooking and cleaning, but it was worth, now I'm up to date on my 2010 Pair a month kal/cal group at Ravelry.

The pattern is nice and easy, 12 granny squares is all it takes for the pair, but I ended up with a size slightly larger than mine, and when I was testing them they fell out of my feet.

Another small detail: they have too many spaces, that's why they're more a summer piece than fo colder days. Still, I'm happy with them.

These next days I'll be crafting, no plans of going on trips. That's beside the religious duties, of course, but I'm happy to pick the cross stitch needles again. Goyo is happy because I'm around all day, he's enjoying himself on his very own private spa... lol

Have a blessed Holy Week!

Earth Hour

2010-03-27T14:13:00.002-04:30

Hi! Just a post to invite you all to join Earth hour today. Remember, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm turn all lights off, let's spread awareness to take action on climate change.

Crochet necklace

2010-03-14T10:26:00.003-04:30

Past 7th was Raisa's birthday, she's very devoted of the Virgin Mary, specially on her advocation of "La Rosa Mística" (The Mystical Rose). My sister Adriana made two medals of her with clay (something similar to fymo), I thought the would make such a good present for Raisa, but wanted to do part of it, so decided to crochet a necklace.

Using Marta's The white flower necklace as a base pattern, I did 2 more flowers (pink and yellow to match the Virgin's flowers) and put the medal on the white flower's center.

This is the result (sorry, my friend doesn't like to have her pictures on the internet, despite she does at facebook; instead of her wearing it, I'm the model this time...)

Isn't it cute?

Happy crafting week friends!

Wired

2010-03-04T17:32:00.005-04:30

Still one class to finish, yet we are all tangled up in wire. I thought I was going to do one or two things but now I'm thinking of studying it at an art academy, even though I'm not the star student lol

Here is a sneak peak, I'm waiting to show all the things we made after the course is finished. Clara has a Mandala bracelet I fell in love with, tried to make one myself but got all confused with measurements and the assembly process, until I found Camille Sharon's video tutorial, then was able to do it. Thanks a bunch, Camille, knowledge is meant to be spread, God bless your generosity!

Instead of pictures I'll show you some videos, the things are collapsible and it's better to show it with movement...

The first one was made with colored wire, there wasn't enough so did just a part of it and turned it into a necklace, of course it caused sensation all around, people at work played all morning with it lol Please keep my secret, I wore it before the exhibition lol

The second one was the real deal, a Tibetan meditation mandala in all its glory. With some defects, such as some petals are not equal in size and the joints are too tight, it shouldn't be like it because it needs to be more flexible. But I'm super delighted with it!

Did you like it? Well, now have to get back to work, want to do some memorabilia to give to the teacher and classmates this Saturday... Until then, happy bending!!!

I'm a winner too!!!

2010-03-02T16:13:00.007-04:30

Hey there! I've been almost melting here. From cold to hoooot in no time. If I knew how to do the rain dance, I bet you'll see me jumping and hoping around lol Well, I try to see the lighter side of it, but truth is that we're facing this dramatic weather change and the lack of rain means also problems with the electric power, since our major source comes from a hydroelectric plant. I'm trying to save as much power as I can and also been educating people about it.

Now to my winnings. You know how fond I am of bento, even though I'm not an expert, I like to play around with my food.

I've been following Pikko's blog for quite a while, and back in December she hosted a contest giveaway, and I won day 4!!! Visit it and know how real Bento looks like, I never cease to admire her bentos :o)

Today I got my lovely prize, this cute set of sauce bottles.

People at work wonder on my cute breakfasts, now they'll be cutest! Thanks Pikko!!!

Also entered a cross stitch giveaway at Julie's blog and won a copy of "Cross Stitch Crazy". I know I'll get it soon! Thanks Julie!!!

And on the Blogoversary front, VinGirl's cross stitch prize went on the mail on february 19th. Still need Barbara's mailing address. I mixed up the second prizes and sent Terry a crochet second prize instead of the cross stitch one. She's such a darling person! Told me not to worry about it. Just told me she got it on Saturday, and her 3yo granddaugther wants to share the flower, isn't she cute?

I had to put up again the crochet second prize, belonging to Anastasia, sent it past week. This time tried a different dishcloth, instead of the flower did a star, a free pattern Cindy kindly offered on her blog. Matched the colors of the yarn, so Anastasia I hope you like pink!

Until next time! Happy crafting!

Recycling

2010-02-20T10:02:00.005-04:30

Hello everyone! Semester is finished, I was waiting for this moment to get back on track with my crafts, specially the cross stitch, it's important for me to do it with a serene state of mind. I'll also need to work on the craft room because I had to get rid of the drawer before I got seriously harmed. The draws got stuck, more than once I injured my fingers, so it was time to say good bye to it.

Laughing purple goldfish at Ravelry set a challenge for us, this month was recycling a humble tin can. I was delighted with it since there was a while since I wanted to do a crochet hook holder, it gave me the push to start a long overdue project. Here is what I did:

Materials: Palm hearts can, cool because it's white coated on the inside, leftover pabilo, 3.5 mm crochet hook, an eye and white glue (to attach the eye).

Procedure:

Washed the can, it had sitcky glue, removed it with alcohol.

Gathered my materials and sketched the design:

Started doing the background: grass, hills, tree and sky.

Did some flowers, a puffy cloud, sun and a red bird. The only pattern used was for the redbird, with a magnets booklet my good friend in, SD Sandy O, sent a while ago. The rest was free formed. Attached them to the cover with slip stitches an some were sewn with the same pabilo.

And, voilà!!! Here's my caddy, isn't it wonderful?

Until next time, and remember you all wonderful crafters out there, please recycle, it exercises creativity and keep the world green.

Hugs!!!

PS: Cross stitich blogoversary prizes went on the mail, but I'm still needing crochet/knit winners snail mail addys, please get in touch with me.

Happy Valentine's

2010-02-14T10:26:00.005-04:30

Friends from around the globe, have a happy Valentine´s day. Hope you get lots of flowers, chocolate and pampering from your loved ones.

I'm having a wire workshop. We made a spider yesterday.

My selection was pretty logical, not an ant or a bug... I knit, I crochet, therefore I'm a spider; that's my nickname at school "la arañita" (the little spider) lol

The homework is to make another spider and a bracelet, being Valentine's the heart was a logical choice, the teacher taught us how to make the links, the heart was an idea I came up with by watching a spiral tutorial. Hope I get a good grade lol Still have to do the closing link. Tried by myself but is not as easy as it seems, the wire broke.

Next time I'll show you all we did at the workshop. Learning new techniques is so much fun!!! Have a happy day!!!!

Winners

2010-01-29T22:31:00.006-04:30

I wanted all to win, thanks for participating on my Blogoversary. Decided to add a second prize, similar to the first, but yet I have to go get the yarn and floss, so that will be a surprise.

We had no school today, that meant I had to do the drawing myself. Here's how I did it.

First, I wrote the contestants names on a piece of paper, pink for cross stitch, blue for crochet/knit. Of course, those who signed for both drawings have names in blue and pink.

Folded them in four parts and placed them inside each bowl.

Then I recorded the drawing so you can see how it was done and be part of the fun. Have to say that, as a stitcher I should have more dexterity using one hand only lol BTW Sorry for the lousy audio.

Cross stitch first prize

VinGirl, woo hoo!!! Please email me (see my profile page), you left no email to contact you.

Crochet/Knit first prize

Barbara, congrats!!!

Second prizes

Anastasia (crochet/knit) Please email me (see my profile page), you left no email to contact you. And Terry N (cross stitch)

Congrats to the winners. I'll get in touch with you over the weekend for addresses.

It's my Blogoversary!!!

2010-01-21T16:04:00.005-04:30

Hey friends and crafters around the world. Today is my Second Blogoversary, so I'm hosting a give away to celebrate it.

First I want to tell you this has been delightful as well as instructive, reading your blogs and your comments here has led me to evolve as a person and crafter. Thanks for the time we've shared.

There are two prizes, one for cross stitch, one for crochet and knit. You can enter one or both, just let me know in which (or both) do you want to be included.

Cross stitch:
Six 59,5 cm x 29 cm pieces of cotton printed backing fabric. A 25 cm x 20 cm piece of my own hand dyed aida in Rainbowy colors with a matching 1335 Anchor floss + a o552 number 8 DMC floss (I think is a lovely combination).

Crochet:
A set of ten 15gr ombre acrylic yarn in blue (that's 150gr in total). A crocheted flower dishcloth and a one size fits all rainbow headband.

I've been training Goyo to help me with the drawing, but he seems more interested in eating the paper than giving it to me, so Yuseiry, one of my mentoring class students, will be the innocent hand to help me to pick up the winners. I'll make the draw and announce the winner next Friday, 29th so the sign ups are up until Thursday 28th.

Thanks for your friendship and good luck to all!

I love a-longs!!!

2010-01-15T16:54:00.006-04:30

I love working on the same project with other people... Crochet-a-longs are one of my favorite type of projects, because you can see the results fast and it's wonderful to watch the creativity of the different participants.

I'm almost done with the sampler afghan. Decided to do only the four squares left to make it a rectangle. It will be only 25 squares instead of the 30 I originally intended. Anyway I'm not that tall lol What's yet to be decided is if it'll be backed with fleece or not.

It'll be good to finish that one and work only on the Lion Brand Motif Afghan CAL and the 2010 Block A Month CAL at Ravelry (2010 BAM CAL for future references) . The first one is still far from finish, don't know how large it'll be, probably as big as the yarn last.

Got a small amount of variegated yarn to test how it will look . Who said it needs more color? lol

For the BAM CAL 2010, gave myself a 10 year anniversary present and bought 22 balls of yarn to work on it. This will be the first afghan (or bedspread, not sure how big it'll be) with a color scheme lol All the other pieces I've done started out as practice and used leftover yarn...

First wanted to use colonial blue, dusty rose and ivory, then added the pistacchio green because it seemed that with the first three colors would be a bit off, needed some light. The pink I got is not the shade that was on my mind, but still I think they will look good together. Guess who's going to stay up late crocheting the first squares ...

At school, with Alexandra, been crocheting a table cover. She's doing a pretty white doily, but I have a plastic table that's all worn out, I'm sure with this it can still be used as a coffee table for the terrace. Just got some left over pabilo and started working in rounds, it has half, single double and triple crochet, also a round of roll stitch.

Hope to finish it tomorrow, will be hosting a mentoring class, more like a gathering, some students are beginners and other are intermediate, but also a few "pros" will come just to join the fun. It will be a mix and match because will be working with crochet, knit and cross stitch! I will propose a bag CAL for the crocheters. Small project to start a "club", maybe then will be doing monthly meetings :o)

Not part of any CAL but I haven't show you this step stool cover. Made it for Christmas time. At some point will have to do one for the rest of the year.

That's a whole lot of crochet. Will have to show some cross stitch next time, after telling you how the mentoring went. Until then, happy crafting!!!

Back on track

2010-01-12T19:23:00.009-04:30

Good news, I've been discharged from physical therapy. Just have to behave, not to sit at the computer for long periods of time, avoid heavy bags, keep doing the head-neck exercises and be back in a month for follow up... Good thing is now I can get back to crafting, with new good habits the therapists taught me.

As a thank you present I gave them chocolates, and couldn't resist to sew a lunch bag for one of the therapist's little girl, turning 8 this month. She lives in Cuba, the therapist was very grateful and happy with my small gesture. My mom helped me out with the sewing because I wasn't allowed to do it at that time.

This one is a new model, has a tie cord and insulated thermal fabric inside...

Still misbehaved because I crocheted a placemat for her using Krystal's pattern.

Also made a small water bottle keeper, with the thermal lining too.

Hope to blog on a regular basis now. Despite the lot of work this New Year seems more organize time wise.

Have a Happy New Year, lots of stash and blessings for all of you.

BTW Stay tuned for the 2nd blogoversary giveaway. Stitches and hugs!!!

Whiplashed

2009-12-18T06:22:00.008-04:30

Hi there! I don't know if that's even a word, but I am whiplashed. We had a rear end collision past Friday... Results? I'm wearing a cervical collar and I'm on rest and physical therapy. The worst part of it is that I had to cancel New Year's Eve dinner, can't stay up cooking for so many people grrr... The lady who hit our car is a TV actress, she's happy up, around and about while I'm here sleepy, dizzie and without the possibility of at least doing my crafts.

Anyway, I'm not suppose to be sitting at the computer, but I do it once a day, otherwise I'll go crazy lol I just wanted to show you something I knitted with a new technique. Clara, from work, taught us how to knit with a loom. I started my scarf (what's easier for a starting piece?), and at some point reversed the stitch...

Now, ask me how I did it, really have no clue. Frustrated as I was, decided to start it over again, better yet with my old sensible pair of regular needles, but then I saw what was ready and kind of felt bad about destroying it.

Was thinking what to do with it, too short for a belt or a scarf. too thick for a headband. Then I recalled a collar pattern on a Lionbrand newsletter, and Annie's Cable-stitch neck warmer, thought it could work out. I think it did. Everyone was admired of how my piece was different, when I wore it to show it at school. They didn't realize it was an adaptation to correct a mistake until I couldn't hold the laugh anymore. Here it is:

The buttons are from my collection, bought at Shelly's buttons and more. You know how often you find a heavenly match between a yarn and some buttons, even though they were bought at different time and places... Love those tiny mittens! And the part that has the stitch reversed is as tick as the rest of the collar, so it seems it was made like that on purpose :oD

And this is how it looks on, this is from before the accident. Yesterday I tried it on and guess what, it's perfect to cover the cervical collar, so it will become handy because now the temperature has dropped to 15ºC (about 59ºF), and lower early in the morning... The yarn is a Bulky, variegated 15% wool, 85% acrylic, Royal (TAMM) made in Mexico.

Happy stitching! I'm counting the days to get back to mine.

Christmas around the corner

2009-12-09T18:40:00.006-04:30

Seems Christmas is just around the corner, and Heather in England just got the ornie I sent for her on wXSw ornie exchange 2009. I'm really glad, she'll will be able to display it before Christmas.

Chose an LK pattern I got on an exchange a while ago. Then finished as a mini pillow:

Did a small card.

Added a small piece of fabric and red and green DMC floss as a present.

I was decorating the house past Sunday, I was suppose to do it next weekend, but it'll be Kathe's Church wedding, so don't think I'll do anything on the house front. Here's a slideshow of how it looks:

BTW my 4yo God-daughter Nathaly was having her first Christmas recital at school, her mom asked for help on dacorating a T-shirt, this is what I did.

She liked it, but it was too big for her, she couldn't wear it that day, but she put it on the very next day... I thought so, but her mom gave me the T-shirt, I would have bought it smaller :(

Happy stitching!!!

Favorite Childhood Holiday Memory

2009-12-06T00:01:00.001-04:30

I read about Pink saturday on dottiedottie's Blog, she's participating in it on How Sweet The Sound.

I'm not participating in it, but I went to her blog looking for her Lionbrand CAL, read the post and thought it was a remarkable coincidence that her childhood memory was of getting a doll similar to one I got on my 3rd Christmas. And I love Christmas stories...

I wanted a "bebé querido" (somthing like dear baby). It was just a cloth doll with plastic hands and face. It didn't even had clothes you could put on or change, the body was a printed fabric and that was it! My mom thought I was too young for knowing what I wanted, so instead I got a gorgeous doll way too big and heavy for my little arms...

Thing is the doll cried, with real tears, but I thought it was too fancy, not as cuddly as I wanted my doll to be. Anyway, it's a dear childhood memory, because that doll has been with me all my life since. When I was five, on Christmas Eve, she was baptized, her new name was Mónica, I didn't like her original name, Manuela. It was a fine event, Gisela baked a small cake and decorated it with white fondant and tiny white flowers. Her Godmother was Jacqueline, my next door neighbor and best friend at the time, I'm the Godmother for her *yep* bebé querido, a boy whose name scaped my mind... Also at that age I started disassembling things and reassembling them, she was no exception. My cousin, Soraya, gave me a tiny record from her singing doll to replace the annoying crying record lol That way she sang with such sentiment, she turned to tears lol

She's still with me, and her original outfit is so worn that I will crochet a new one. Hope to find a fit baby dress among my patterns. This year she will turn 40. Maybe next year she'll go to Dolls Clinic for a repair.

Meet Mónica Manuela:

Happy Second Sunday of Advent!

Water bottle cover

2009-12-05T10:40:00.006-04:30

Hello there! I've been doing some small things, some for presents, some for me. This time my friend Mary asked me to do a water bottle cover "knitted, crocheted, sewn, anyway you want it!"

Hum! I said. Crocheting it would be so easy, but I had this bunch of fabric, and sewn would be faster... So the thing had to be sewn; of course, I wanted a thermic, waterproof, leak resistant fabric for the lining. What was on the store is called "reflective fabric" apparently it has all those properties I was looking for.

Since the bottle was a bit big and I sort of wanted it to fit perfectly, made up my mind for a round based cover. So, I googled what I wanted and follwed two great tutorials: Rose's and Pink chalk studio's.

I followed the process as close as possible.

Cutted the parts (lining, padding and outside):

Then measured the bottle height and sewn the fabrics:

It's not shown in the photo, but Sides were sewn too to make a tube.

Pinned the bottom and did a basting stitch, so it would be easier to machine sew it.

That was done separately, once on the lining, once on the outside fabric. inserted the padding between them. At the end had to hand finish it because my machine is not sewing, guess it must be the carbon brushes again. Why is that? Couldn't it have chosen a better timing?

But then it was all worth!

Found one of this things (name, please?) to make the closing adjustable.

Added a small detail, "made with love"charm on the opposite side of the closing cord.

And, voilà. Mary has her new cover... At first she said it should have a strap to carry it. But without the machine I didn't want to attach it by hand, thought it wouldn't be too resistant. Anyway, when my Necchi is fixed I'm planning to make a matching food carrier with space for the water bottle... Hope it can be done before Christmas! BTW somehow stitching it by hand or maybe the padding shrunk it, now it carries a smaller bottle lol

Have a happy weekend!

Counting down...

2009-11-30T22:54:00.004-04:30

It's almost Christmas. So far I've just managed to paint the kitchen and the hallway beside it. Will have to set the decors, specially the tree, as soon as possible, otherwise won't be able to enjoy it long enough.

I have a few cross stitch ornies still as a wip. But I can show you now a small one that went all the way to France. EMS' Arlette is the new owner.

The hanger is floral wire twisted, so simple and yet so nice. The picture doesn't show well, but the things hanging are small bells, those were a gift from Emma in England. They are glued between the backing (felt) and the aida.

Hope to be able to show the tree soon, there are a bunch of new crocheted snowflakes Bea, in Canada, sent early this year. For now,

Happy crafting!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T06:49:00.004-04:30

To all my friends and family in the USA, wish you a bless Thanksgiving. Enjoy the family, food, count your blessings and, if you must travel, drive safe.

Swaps

2009-11-23T12:36:00.003-04:30

Just a small note to say thanks and show you what I got on two exchanges.

Past week my Annual Ornament from EMS got here. Was perfectly stitched by Ann, who also sent a lovely card, I believe that itself is an ornie, will find a nice frame to display it.

I told her how much I love Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, it's awesome how she chose the pattern before knowing this fact. Now I can hardly wait to set up the tree.

Kay, from Ravelry, sent me a gorgeous knitted dishcloth. Love the colors and the pattern she chose. Also got a lovely postcard from her home town and a bunch of yummy Baby Ruth, her favorite candy bar.

BTW, I've been peeking on your blogs, haven't always commented but this new job is keeping me busier than I though, specially because the students are not responsible with their assignments, so I have to stay up late grading their work. Next semester I'll schedule a bunch of written tests lol

A few exchanges

2009-10-30T21:43:00.002-04:30

I've been working on a few pieces for exchanges, cross stitched and crocheted. For now the cross stitched ones are a secret until my partners get them. But I can show you what I sent and received from Ravelry and EMS.

My partner Kay got the flower dishcloths I crocheted for her. She mentioned she likes how colorful my work is, so these flowers seemed perfect. She's happy with them.

From Alex got this gorgeous headband, too bad you can't touch it, you would love the silky thread. She also sent a handmade bookmark with an origami figure.

This is the first Ravelry swap I've gotten so far. I know there are two other things about to get here, but mail is a little slow this time of the year. Here's how it looks , love the pattern too:

Bianca, in Germany, sent me this for the two buttons, two charms exchange at EMS. Love all the details, such as the buttons tin.

And this is the only item for my secret project that is all finished. Hand made Christmas presents, that's what the project is all about. I can show them off because I know the recepient doesn't read my blog lol

Happy crafting!

Sophia's bag

2009-10-20T20:22:00.005-04:30

Another bag finish. This was sewn for Sophia's 21st birthday. A recycled paired of her jeans. Was made "with love" for a future Doctor, daughter of a best friend, Magaly.

The lining was chosen by her mom. Couldn't resist to sew a band to highlight it on the outside.

Was very pleased with the inside pocket, has a larger and shorter one, so she can have a place for her sunglasses and cell phone. Luckily I found large snap buttons, do you remember I was using small ones for almost everything?

Her boyfriend Gian, the real mastermind behind the present, wanted me to add zippers to the pockets, I thought that wouldn't be nice, would spoil the look, and frankly was way too difficult lol

To make up for it did a small case for her make up or pencils. Despite the disastrous attach of the zipper and lining, she was happy with it. Apparently didn't notice the mistake.

Well, another cool bag. Have more waiting to be done...

Happy stitching!

Exchanges

2009-10-15T19:16:00.003-04:30

My partners at EMS and Ravelry have received what I sent, so here are the pictures.

For Sandrine in France stitched a scissor fob in Fall colors. The backing fabric is from Fabric depot, just perfect colors for the design (Elizabeth's designs Nature's Alphabet).

Alex in USA got the headbands crocheted for her.

You can't tell by the picture but the broad one have beads on the center...

Happy stitching!!!

Lionbrand CAL

2009-10-11T20:29:00.005-04:30

As I said on a previous post Lionbrand is hosting a Motif Afghan CAL, my first sample turned out a bit small, so tried a larger hook and the motif looks better.

Decided to join the motifs as I go, this is nice because it gives sense of achievement. Also like the way it looks...

My first plan was to make it with my left overs, but instead bought a few D'Primera, from Coats. I'll get some more soon.

Happy crocheting!!!

A busy time

2009-09-30T20:44:00.006-04:30

Hi all!!! Hope you're fine, I'd been visiting your blogs but have little time, wish I could spent more time and leave comments on all posts. Been back to work, and now have a new teaching position besides two two others... Will have to figure out how to do with my stitching, crocheting, knitting and sewing.

For now have three FO made for exchanges, but can only show them after my partners get it. One is a delightful scissor fob in Autumn colors. Don't worry, I'm not giving out any details, that's the name of the exchange lol The other two are crocheted headbands.

We're having training courses at school. Well, not at school, everything is too messy there, so we took this road up the mountain:

And went to a nearby coffee farm. We had a lot of fun, we laughed to tears when one of the workers asked Nora: -Are you really learning something there? We seemed too happy to be learning lol

This is the group's picture, if you wonder why I'm not in is not because I was taking the picture, I was drawn inside and they forgot about me, only noticed I wasn't there when it was downloaded on the computer lol

To make up for me, Yousis shot a picture with the nice view on the background...

The teacher/coach saw Sara's lunch bag and fell for it, so I made one for her, and we gave it to her as a thank you present along with beautiful roses. She was delighted! Of course there was a place mat to go with it.

To close, it has a wooden bead attached on one side:

And a bow with a loop (all in a multicolor ribbon) on the other. Two details I like: the lining isn't on the same beige, thought it would be too plain, instead chose a matching green. The "made with love charm" is a cute accent.

Even though it's not meant to hold heavy stuff, secured the handle.

Happy stitching!!!

New CAL

2009-09-20T20:11:00.003-04:30

Lionbrand is hosting a new CAL, this time Edie Eckman shared a motif pattern and she's leading it.

I went to shops trying to decide my color scheme, but didn't seem to be able to choose just three colors for the hexagons, plus I have a bag full of yarn (this is a cozy acrylic) in different colors. Here's the picture, but that is from awhile ago, now there's more colors. Seems it'll be another colorful work.

Worked on my sample and I like how it looks, but will do a new one with a larger hook, then decide what to do.

Happy week!!!

Inge's dishcloth

2009-09-16T15:26:00.004-04:30

Now that my Ravelry partner Inge, in Holland, has received her package I can show the picture. It was crocheted in rice stitch, it's so simple but I love the effect, makes a tight fabric perfect to dry the dishes and also beautiful to look at. That's one of my favorite crochet stitches.

I wanted to add a little something, but we are required to send only a postcard with our dishcloth. I asked the moderator permission to sew a little bag to hold the cloth and she said yes.

Wanted to customize the bag with her initial, found an alphabet on a Cross Country Stitching magazine with a tulip behind the "I", just what I wanted! A stitched tulip for a Holland lady.

Happy stitching!!!

Mary's giveaway

2009-09-13T07:34:00.003-04:30

Mary, from M designs: stitching with a view, is hosting an awesome giveaway. She designed a set of beautiful angels and one of them is featured on Christmas Ornaments magazine, to celebrate it she's giving the magazine and the other angels for the complete set.

Go visit her blog, you have until September 17th to enter.

Unexpected Shrug

2009-09-06T12:20:00.004-04:30

Hi everyone!!! As you know I'm still on my summer break, I'll get back to school on the 16th this month. Along the UFO's that were lying around was a baby blanket that went wrong, reasons?

The needles were too large for the yarn.
Did it without a pattern, it resulted in a long stripe instead of a square.
There was no way to disguise it and make it look like a blankie... I tried several methods with no luck.

Then I thought that it might as well be turned into a shawl of some sort. Then remembered my comadre Elisa told me how to do easy shrugs and I chanced it... How did I do it? Simple:

Folded it length wise and sewn it the length of my arms with slip stitches.
Added an edging both to the sleeves and the body. Took it from a leaflet with baby blanket crochet edgings (I had to go along with the theme lol) my dear friend Sandy O. sent me a while back.

Take a look, I like the results and is very cozy, that will become handy for October-November when the temperature drops without being extremely cold.

Well, think I'll have to do something else for Paola Sofía, now that I'm wearing her blanket lol

Happy week! Thanks for taking a look at my projects and leaving your nice comments ;o) I appreciate them all.

Girly patchwork

2009-08-31T11:52:00.008-04:30

If it can qualify as such. I'm not sure, but I did it with scraps of fabric and added embellishments, so maybe it does. Remember SMO 12 days of Christmas SAL from 2008? Well, it was lying on my UFO box, now it's done! Here is on my favorite chair...

Even though I'm not a big fan of pink, I'm delighted with this little thingy! I even used my ultra expensive flower torchon (don't know the word for it in English). Bad thing is now I need to slip cover the big sofa in a better color (it's a hand me down from my aunt, the colors really don't match, I want a light color so I can place all the new cushions I'll be doing) and also the foot stool, which I can easily do.

While stitching it, I realized the floor is too cold for Goyo, so did a small cushion for him (no embellishments lol), he always is running after the sun, just look how tiny the sun ray is and still he's there. Also, as all pets are alike their owners, he likes to play with the sewing machine cords, now I have to out them up. And at the end he seemed to like the cushion, lokk at him on it lol

And last, I have three colors down on "A home for all seasons", it's been nice to stitch at nights with a cup of tea while listening to an audiobook, Heidy for the fifth time lol Then it'll be A little Princess, just want to fill my head with nice stories with happy endings...

Happy stitching week!!!

From UFO to FO

2009-08-28T20:01:00.005-04:30

Hi! I've been spending a lot of time on my craft room, as we get back to school on September 16th *sight* my vacations again flew, and I haven't even gone to the beach. Anyway, crafting is the best choice to enjoy this holiday time. BTW good news, the thingy on my breast just disappeared, so no need for biopsy or surgery, nor anything else, just have to be back for follow up in six months. Thanks for the good thoughts and prayers :o)

Back to the stitching room. Found so many UFO's that decided to finish at least one every two days, I mean the stitching part is done, so... What's keeping me from finish those???

This one was from San-Man 12 days of Christmas 2008, exclusive for San-Man board members... A lovely pattern, but the thread I chose is awful to work with, metallics, just that all the sparkles makes me think all the effort was worth.

Did a small pillow, but I feel like there's something missing, maybe I should add some tassel on the corners, a bow at the top or some fringe around... Not sure yet, I'll think about it over the next few days. The fabric is stretch corduroy, but the picture doesn't make justice to the color, is like a deep acqua.

Also been getting ready for school. At last found a perfect lunch box (at least it seems so). I will start teaching on another University on the afternoons (not sure how many yet) , but that means I need to carry breakfast and lunch. The school is under repair, so no cafeteria (we call it "cantina"), anyway I don't like their food. This one is large enough, it's insulated with a very resistant lining, perfectly washable, has an outside pocket for treats and it's my favorite color lol Could it be better? Just need a cuttlery set, been looking for a nice one with no luck, perhaps next week have better luck.

Had to sew some matching place mats, for now three is enough. Didn't make them with lining or backing fabric because it would have add too much weight. My favorite is the Japanese-like fabric.

On the lapghan front, there was a tie for the joining yarn. So I went to Ravelry to ask the same, black yarn won. When was tying them, didn't like some of them, so got them out of the picture. I'm doing more to replace them, but I like better this new color scheme.

One thing, maybe I should back it with fleece, because it's too light, and from October to March the temperature drops a lot. Actually I was testing it and even for this "summer" it's not enough.

Tomorrow I'll do the chores didn't do today (I was finishing a UFO, it's a perfectly valid reason! lol). If there's some spare time will try my first patchwork cushion... Wish me luck!

Happy weekend!!!

Bags galore

2009-08-24T16:56:00.005-04:30

Hey there! I've been crocheting and sewing. My two goddaughters had their birthdays this months. So I made bags for them. Also "defrosted" my eco bag project, the one I was doing for my comadre Katiuska, Paola's mom.

Here's what I did for Camila's 5th birthday. Also gave her a little surprise by decorating a cupcake and lighting a sparly candle. She was thrilled, my impression is she liked the cupcake better than the bag lol

And this one's is Pao's, she turned 11, a little lady now, sniff... Did a small purse because she carries money and some personal items. The flowers were crocheted with nº 10 crochet thread. Love the fabric, printed stretch corduroy, very fancy!

And this is Katy's eco bag, thanks to Ravelry (God bless!) I found the lost pattern and was able to finish it, also had to use a matching yarn because I got short of the one that started the bag. But, important lesson I forgot, is always make pairs along side each other, otherwise they might end up with different sizes, like the bottom and pocket medalions. Good thing is that I could solve it by placing the button (one gorgeous leaf hand made by Michelle) in the middle instead of the edge. You can only notice the difference when is open, but not when it's full, and believe me, it does carry a lot of weight, look what I used to test it! Other personalization was that I added a cord to close the top, because it turned out as a boat LOL

My project for the next few days is to start the Angel Annie sent me a while ago... Now I have everything, even behaved myself and finished the bobbins I needed to conveniently storage the floss... Will be a cushion when finished.

To end the post I have to share this. I like eco living, while it's not possible in this country to do it as efficently as it should, I try to do my best. So was doing compost for my plants, don't know what I did wrong, or in this case turned out to be right, but discovered a weird plant on my medicinal oregano pot, well, it's a potato plant! LOL God bless, life gets through everything.

Happy stitching!!!

With a little twist

2009-08-19T14:56:00.004-04:30

I finished Inga's bag with a little twist. It's a pattern found on Ravelry, by Inga Joana Mertens. For this project used Camila threads and a number 3 steel hook (1,25 mm).

My version is way too small, so the crocheted handles didn't fit well, besides I used 6 colors, too many for them, would have been too wide for the bag. Instead used a cord made with the same threads, twisted all together.

That way it can also be closed like an origami.

Another personalization was that instead of tying the squares facing the right sides I single crocheted them with wrong sides facing each other, so it created an extra texture.

It's strong enough to stand by itself...

It may look like a child's bag, but I love it!

Happy stitching!

Lisa's box

2009-08-11T15:31:00.003-04:30

Lisa, in California received the piece I stitched for her on Round 1st at Lizzie*Kate Exchange.

She seemed delighted with it, for the nice words I got from her to thank the box. She's a very busy, active and outdoorsy mom of two boys who play hockey. So I wanted something bright and vibrant for her. I was going for August flip it, time she would get it, but June seemed closer to her personality.

Then was what to do with it. I wanted a tote, to carry her stitching to the hockey practice. Then I was determined to add her favorite saying to the piece: "Live, love, stitch and laugh often", that's when the idea came, must be a wooden box, so I can paint the saying...

I like how it turned out, and to be honest, I like it better than the tote because I think it's an original way to finish a stitched piece *ahem* Sorry, couldn't help to brag a little lol

Lapghan going crazy

2009-08-09T14:23:00.004-04:30

Hi there! I've been a little busy with medical appointments. Something is not well, there's a 1 cm mass on my right breast. The thingy has irregular edges, I've had four tests so far and on the 20th I'll have another ultrasound to determine the diagnose and decide what to do. It seems I'll have surgery, and depending on the biopsy results, I might need other treatment.

To keep me busy I've been crocheting like crazy. Finished two exchange pieces, but can't show them until they get to my partners. The rainbow squares bag needs just one more round, then I'll be able to put it together. On the lapghan front I 'm almost half way through, and really want to join the squares, but I have a big question, so there's a poll on the sidebar to help me decide. I'm not sure if I should go with black, white or colors, only one or several. This seems to be turning from lapghan to crazy quilt, but I kinda like it, even if at the end it seems like a collection of mismatched pieces lol

Well, please cast your vote, and do your annual mammogram.

Happy stitching!

Girly birdie and something new

2009-08-01T19:49:00.006-04:30

July's mission at Amigurumi Army was a birdie along. Mine is a tiny girly birdie, no name because she will go to Carmen and she will have to name her.

She's only 4 cm tall

And fits on the palm of my hand
Girly as she is always wears a pink bow, courtesy of Sandy from Sanman Originals.

To end the school year, instead of a party, Clara taught us how to decorate plain rubber sandals.

But Raisa and me were late because we were working!!! So there was no place for us on the table, we shared a small one beside it.

This is how far I went that day

And now it looks like this

I'll sit to finish it tonight...

The knotting bug has bitten me, got some satin cords and experimented with it, did a little something for Mary, a friendship bracelet in the colors of peace...

And here she is wearing it, good thing I have a good eye for calculations lol

Now everyone wants one, so will be mentoring a class for all those willing to learn. Also got me 81 mts of satin cord to make a few for sale... Wish me luck!

Happy stitching!!!

My first flatfold

2009-07-27T20:43:00.005-04:30

Well, not that I did it, but is mine because Angela stitched it just for me on the first round of LK exchange blog.

It's awesome, I used to go through your blogs and drool over those beautiful flatfolds you do, thinking I have to try it one of these days... Then Angela, sent me one, perfectly stitched, gorgeously finished. No words to describe how beautiful and elegant it is. Have it on my dining room beside the tea jar, don't ask me why, but it's a perfect match, maybe because it's on the rattan shelf, also the tea bags go with the color scheme... It seems to belong there.

Now, have a look at the backing fabric, love that shade of green, the tiny roses are perfect for the design.

She added wooden beads to the cord, it's a detail I like very much, seems so original to me.

And here is the card, great choice considering it matches the garden and my personality lol Seriously, you know I adore Mary Englebreit's designs.

Thank you Angela, I'm very happy with it! Now just hope my partner gets hers soon...

A wedding

2009-07-24T09:31:00.008-04:30

Hi all. I've been pretty busy, my University students are finishing their semester and it's their last. So it's been all about their projects and paper work for graduation. Plus, at school, we've been on a series of courses, most of them all day. It means my stitching time it's been reduced to very little. At home, had worked on the LK, which will fly away next Monday. Hope my partner likes it, but can't give out any details, it's top secret stuff. Picture at the top is my beloved "extraterrestrial" bromelia, she decided to bloom after 3 years; it has nothing to do with the post, but I just had to show it to the world.

Also my sis Kathe is getting married, tomorrow is the civil wedding, the church one will be in December. So I've been trying to help her out with all that has to be done. We've been shopping for fabrics and the centerpieces, also went to search for the rings, so Rafa (the groom) would know which ones she liked... Of course past weekend was her last one as a single woman, so Mireya and I put up a surprise for her. It was Mireya's idea to take her to a fancy restaurant in El Hatillo, where she lived the best of her single days. But the crazy sister wanted to eat a baked potato at Wendy's near where we were shopping, gave me a hard time hiding the surprise rotfl. Here she is, unaware of the surprise:

The notebook she is holding is the wedding log, has everything written down, which is a great idea because she shouldn't trust my memory. Then I was able to convince her to go to El Hatillo, because I missed it so much lol And here we are eating desssert:

Too bad I didn't shot a picture of the fondue when it got all flamy, it would be the proof that her bachelorette party was a hot one lol

Then we walked through El Hatillo, it's a town with many colorful stores, mostly with handcrafts stores and typical stuff. Here are two pictures from the single days:

At Hansi, the largest handcrafts store, we played around, tried some hats for the wedding lol

The bride:

Bride and bride's maid:

That is in case she can convince us to be part of the bride's maids:

Me under the sea:

To end the day with a golden bow, we went to a new chocolate artisan's shop. There we got lavender, pistacchio, hot pepper, Bailey's, Earl Grey, passion fruit and some other chocolates. Delicious!

This is a crafts blog, have to show a little of what's being going on the crochet front. At school recess and on the bus, subway and cars been crocheting, a slow progress on my happy times poncho, and also been working on a bag from a free pattern on Ravelry, Inga kindly provided. My version is a rainbowy bag, think it'll be small, abot 24 cm tall, but that's good for me. Here's the first square:

The yarn for the squares:

And the yarn to tie the squares:

That's all for today. I'm keeping my count down to August 1st, really need the rest :o) Think then will be my next post.

Happy stitching! Thanks for reading my ramble thoughts lol