day 12 :: 2009 craft books

2009 craft books :: Sew Liberated: 20 Stylish Projects for the Modern Sewist by Meg McElwee

be sure to check out Meg McElwee's Sew Liberated blog & Sew Liberated flickr group.


happy to see some curtains, as i need to sew some curtains (always looking for curtain ideas!)


i enjoyed the children's clothing patterns, so i was pleased to learn that Meg's 2nd book is just on children's clothing --- look forward to seeing that book when it comes out :)


from this book i sewed the blossom blouse...


it was made with some pink vintage linen, in size 2/3 years, it fits perfect ! love the little elastic detail on the sleeves...

see you tomorrow for day 13 !

day 11 :: 2009 craft books

2009 craft books :: honorable mentions

here are 5 books that i didn't make anything from... these are more reference or technique type books, but i for sure wanted to mention them...

The Sewing Book by Alison Smith shows photographed step-by-steps of many many sewing techniques (i've always enjoyed how well photographed DK books are).


Bend the Rules with Fabric: Fun Sewing Projects with Stencils, Stamps, Dye, Photo Transfers, Silk Screening, and More by Amy Karol, be sure to check out the author's Angry Chicken blog & Bend the Rules with Fabric flickr group.


Fabricate: 17 Innovative Sewing Projects that Make Fabric the Star by Susan Wasinger.


Design-It-Yourself Clothes: Patternmaking Simplified by Cal Patch.


Perfectly Fitted: Creating Personalized Patterns for a Limitless Wardrobe by Lynne Garner.

See you tomorrow for day 12 !

day 10 :: 2009 craft books

2009 craft books :: Scraps: An Inspirational Field Guide to Collage by Elsebeth Gynther & Christine Clemmensen


this book is full of eye candy, inspiration...


& tips to use in your own collages.


sewing on paper with the sewing machine...


so far i've made a couple of collage cards. i really do enjoy making these collage cards ! i want to do more of this in the future.

have a great weekend, see you on Monday for day 11 !

day 9 :: 2009 craft books

2009 craft books :: I Love Patchwork: 21 Irresistible Zakka Projects to Sew by Rashida Coleman-Hale

be sure to check out Rashida Coleman-Hale's i heart linen blog (she & i share a love for Bonne Maman jars), also check out the I Love Patchwork! - The Book flickr group


how adorable is this little lamb !?! i love the added touch of those fluffy pompoms tied to her ears & the little dress is irresistible, i want to sew one of those little dresses for a teddy bear that we have around here...


look at this cute little detail, tiny hexagons & the perfect button to match !

i applaud Rashida for bumping it up a notch & offering more challenging projects. i really feel that what she is doing is one direction the global crafting community is going in & i would really love to see her write another sewing book ! can you tell that this was one of my favorite craft books of 2009 ? :)


so far from the book i have made the blossom pincushion. it is made with a 7-well porcelain flower palette which is used for water-color painting & can be bought at an art supply store.


i already have the supplies gathered to sew the fold-up eco bag. also next on my list is the utensil basket...

see you tomorrow for day 10 !

valentines

my second son & i made lollipop holders together for his class valentine's exchange.

supplies:
red cardstock
white cardstock
paper cutter
various small rubber stamps that are valentine or kid themed
red rubber stamping ink
scallop oval paper punch
double-sided adhesive
stapler
Jolly Rancher heart-shaped lollipops


how to make:
cut red cardstock 6" X 2.5", then score it at 3.25" & 2.75" - this will make it easier to fold it matchbook style
rubber stamp on white cardstock & punch out with scallop oval paper punch
attach them to the red cardstock with double sided adhesive
insert lollipop & staple on both bottom corners
(note: on the opposite side my son wrote who it was to & from)



i made another version with my older son 3 years ago.


Happy Saint Valentines Day !!!

day 8 :: 2009 craft books

2009 craft books :: Amigurumi Knits: patterns for 20 cute mini knits by Hansi Singh


so far from this book i have knitted 3 items... a stuffed tomato...


a stuffed garlic...


& a stuffed octopus ! (warning: this is not a beginner pattern, it is a intermediate/advanced pattern)


my second son's favorite animal is the octopus, so i was thrilled to find this octopus knitting pattern ! his favorite colors are yellow & red, so it was very easy to pick out the yarn colors. there are pipe cleaners in all 8 legs, so there is fun to be had bending them ! i already have plans for knitting another octopus...

see you tomorrow for day 9 !

day 7 :: 2009 craft books

2009 craft books :: Simple Sewing for Baby: 24 Easy Projects for Newborns to Toddlers by Lotta Jansdotter

check out: Lotta Jansdotter blog & the Simple Sewing for Baby flickr pool



i found this Simple Dress adorable ! with the little animal & pocket...


or without it...


this was my attempt at the Simple Dress & unfortunately it turned out to be a failed sewing attempt & ended up in the abandoned project pile... (just keeping it real, i'm not perfect) i had gotten so far, but the bias tape arm holes & neckline were not working for me... maybe because it was my first handmade bias tape? anyway, i love the vintage fabric, so i plan to rip the seams & use the fabric for another project...

see you tomorrow for day 8 !