Boston Handmade

I recently joined a wonderful group of crafters called Boston Handmade.

This group consists of a group of very talented crafters that do almost everything. The great thing for me is that I now have a resorse for crafting. Where questions can be asked and answered by a group.
The other really great thing is that there are crafters that just started, people in the middle and people that are really successful at what they do and have been doing it for years.

If you have never been to the site see the Boston handmade blog here to look at all the great work and here to read my newcomer interview!

Designer fabric hats

Today I am sharing with you some new spring / summer hats I have been making. I love the new Anna Maria Horner fabrics I bought earlier in the year. Her colour combinations are just fantastic! These roses are lovely and stand out even more with the black and white fine polka dot. The fabric is from her Garden party line.

This has got to be one of my favorite colour combinations. Pink and yellow. I think lining the brim with the yellow fabric works very well. This way you can flip the brim up and have a different look.
These fabrics are from her  Good Folks line.

The next fabric is from Patty Young's flora and fauna, Hummingbirds.
I made a wide brim hat out of this fabric this way you see even more of the little birds.

Happy sunny monday!

Much needed doorstop

Last night I made a much needed doorstop for the kids room.

The door tends to close by itself and I got real tired of dragging the laundry basket to keep the door open.We also open their door when we go to bed just so that we can hear the stirring (and couching at the moment)

I used linen and cotton fabric.  A while ago when I made the Nap time quilt, I bought a three pieces from Kokka Japan. I did not use the owls but so love them . So here they are keeping the door open for me so the light can come into the passage and I love seeing them.

I sort of made the pattern as I went along. I did make the bottom of a really nice linen and added rick rack. In retrospect that is not worth doing. It is best to cut a long strip for the sides and bottom. The rick rack would have been nicer along the sides.

I will next time make it smaller as I used 3 bags of beans and then some stuffing to keep the shape. I did use a bag inside just in case something happens to the beans. You can also use rice.

I love the handle most of all.

Can you tell that I have been reading Zakka Sewing?

Valentines day cards

This was really the first year that we made Valentine's card for school friends.

Valentines day is just not so big where we are from. So this was one more exercise  in adapting to American culture, (we have been here for ten years so I guess it is about time!)

We opted for fabric hearts that can be used as decoration around the house. Mr A really got into sewing on my lap and found the way the machine hooks the thread just "awsom"! He sewed (with my help) at least 10 of the 22 hearts.  He then had to write his name and all 22 names of his class mates. It took us 2 days to complete. He did great!

Ms A did some of hers but got distracted by playing office.

Happy Valentines day!

Fabric snack bag

Finally!
I have been looking at this project since Dec 2009. It was going to be part of the pile of Christmas presents for Mr A but just never got done.

I have been trying to wash and reuse plastic bags for a while but cant really get into it. Maybe just lazy, so I hope that using this fabric bag will help the environment and this way I can do my small part.

I bought a kit from Spool Sewing . It comes with interfacing, fabric and velcro and the very important instructions . I have to admit to making a few mistakes....but was able to correct all of them. The one change I did make was to sew on a long strip of Velcro in stead of just two tabs. I think it will be easier to close.

Now I would love to make more. I think I will need at least 2 more in case of some very bad spills and maybe a fun oilcloth one if the fabric gets too dirty. I wonder how this will hold up in the wash?

 I might also experiment with attaching a handle just so the five year old hands can pick it up easier and faster.

I feel like making fabric baskets for the entire house, soooooo many possibilities!

Berets to weather the storm

Today I listed a few more berets on etsy. I really like these. They are so easy to wear and a lot of fun to make. 

They are all unique in that I use vintage buttons for the inside of the "flower". I am so happy to have so many buttons , but find myself longing for Brimfield so I can buy some more really big ones! If you live in the area and have not been to this great event it is really great and worth going. 

The flowers or petals were all cut from recycled sweaters and this had been great at keeping cost low and colours fun.

Pink and black and just a little BLUE!

Valentines day is in the air....

I think this is just an excuse to get through this month of February. Oh boy, now this winter is starting to feel long. I find myself longing for the heat my family is speaking of in South Africa. Maybe they keep saying that to make me feel better. ....it is not working!

If you like valentines day and firmly believe in it look at this sweet fabric hat on Etsy and dream that one day you too will complain that it is too hot!