2012 Recap

2012 came and went without a post here on Handmade Blessings.  To recap, I did buy my new sewing machine.  And I love it.  But all I've done is a bit of mending on it and a muslin of a shirt I'm tweaking.  I didn't get to all my crafting/sewing goals, no not even close.  I made a few cards, started sketching a bit, I also got a Cameo Silhouette cutter and made a few vinyl items on it.  But my year was mainly taken up with family obligations and I had several health issues that occupied my time and energy.  I'm hoping to be healthier this year and do more, but I'm not foolin myself.  I will never accomplish all that I could write on my project list. 

My Poor Sewing Machine

My sewing machine died a couple weeks ago. Technically its on life support as I could take it in a get it repaired, but its over 20 years old and doesn't have all the bells and whistles the new ones do. Even the cheap ones! It has been a good reliable machine for me, a Singer, but I really am wanting a new machine that can do more.

Yet I hesitate. In this economy. At this time of year. When money doesn't grow on trees. And yet, I could really use it right now. I'm frustrated that there are all these things I could be sewing, crafting and I don't have my machine. Arrrrggghhhh!

I have done a bit of research and found a Brother machine that looks like it would be a great fit for me. Its for the intermediate sewer, not beginner nor expert. Right where I would say I fit in the sewing world.

I would like to improve my sewing skills this coming year. Learn a few new techniques and work with some fabrics that I haven't yet, like silk, chiffon and suede. I mainly sew for my son: pants, shorts and pajamas, for myself: skirts, knit tops, purses, and for crafts: I have a kindle cover that only needs one more stitch and its finished. Oh, and I mend. Lots of mending here at this house. Thankfully I actually enjoy mending.

If I get the Brother I'll let you know. And maybe it'll inspire me to share more of what I'm creating.

Til next time ....

New Patterns

Joanne's had Butterick patterns on sale for 99 cents each, so I had to pick up a few. I have some stash fabric I want to use up, and I esp need some new tops, so this is what I chose.

Butterick 5046

I can see making view D for fall.



Butterick 4989

I esp love view D and will be making that view first



Butterick 5644

View C looks cute.





Butterick 5641

Love this dress!



Butterick 5657

And last is leggings. View D with the buttons on the side are cute



Got any new patterns? Working on anything new?

Fingerless Mitts

Ever since I took up knitting again a few years ago, I have been ooogling and eyeing those cute, warm fingerless mittens. My knitting skills are still in the beginner arena, but I hope to challenge myself. Knitting some fingerless mitts would certainly do that. And I just found a blog that would give me all the patterns and inspiration I would need. If, like me, you'd like to knit up some fingerless mittens go check out Fingerless Mitts for Fall. I can already see many cute projects being knitted up this fall, winter and into spring.

Checkbook Covers

I found a checkbook cover pattern online a couple years ago, and made a couple for myself. One came out great, from some scrap fabric that I adored and only had a smigden leftover. The only problem was that when I got done with it, it was a tad small for my checkbook. But I have it in my purse and I use it for receipts, coupons and the stray dollar bill or five.

Last week I found a blog who has some cute checkbook covers to make and so I have to direct you to Robin's Nest. She doesn't have a tutorial, but since I have made these before, I think I can dig out my old pattern and just adjust the measurements to suit.

So how bout you? What are you working on in the crafting arena?

Make Your Own 10 Minute Pouch

I love finding great projects that others do. The blogosphere is full of talented crafters and sewers. They are inspiring. Once in awhile, I find one that I need to make sure I don't lose, so I write a post here about it. Link to it. And thus create a permanent record. I hope that you enjoy seeing these posts too and visit the creative crafters blog.

Today's feature is a new blog I found After The Dress Such a cute name, huh?

She makes these great pouches and gives a tutorial on how to make them. Sweet! I love tutorials, as I can't always visualize how something should go together. I can see using up alot of scrap fabric with this project in lots of cute fabrics. I can also see giving these a little gifts to teachers,friends and family.

So how bout you? Found any great tutorials lately? What crafty projects are you working on right now?

Any One Else ....

Anyone else getting tired of this burlap craze? When I saw the first couple projects people were coming out with burlap, I thought: that's cute. But after awhile, when half the crafts I see on the blogs I frequent use that ubiquitous burlap it gets old real quick! Let's move on peeps. There are other mediums/fabrics out there. Just my humble opinion ....

How bout you? Anything you're sick of seeing out there in the crafting blogosphere?

Welcome 2010

Happy New Year!

I've been inspired by the wonderful sewing and crafting bloggers out there who have been reviewing 2009 and looking forward to what they want to accomplish in 2010. I didn't really have a crafting or sewing plan when I started this blog. I've always loved to craft and sew, but have just done it when the mood strikes. But I'm liking this idea of having a few projects planned for the year.

So here's a few goals I have for 2010:

** Knit socks. I have several balls of yarn for socks, so I need to just sit down and do this.

** Sew up a jersey top. I have the fabric. I haven't sewn on knits in a long time, so this is kind of scary for me.

** Sew more skirts.

** Sew pjs, pants, and shorts for son.

** Organize craft/sewing room. Declutter, organize, and get ready for move in June.

I'm sure I'll think of more once this is posted, but this is good for now. How 'bout you? Any crafting/sewing new years resolutions?

T-Rex T-Shirt Applique

I LOVE this dino applique that Samster Mommy has on her blog. She even shares tips for those of us who have not done applique before. Yes, that would be me.

Having a son who loves dinos, I can totally see making coordinating (but not matching) t-shirts for #1 son and myself. Now I just have to find some fabric in the stash that will work and buy some wonder under.

I've wanted to do applique for a long time, and now there's no excuse not to. Wish me luck!

Cards, Cards & More Cards

A few weeks ago, a friend emailed to ask if I'd like to join her at a bazaar and sell some of my cards. After some serious thought, I said YES!

Knowing that I'm a slow crafter and like to take my time, I knew I'd have to turn up the motor and get going right away. I decided that 25-30 cards would be a good amount to have on hand. As of today, I have 21----whew! I have been eating, drinking and breathing cards and I'm creatively and mentally exhausted. And I'm not done yet. Tomorrow I have a school mtg, and errands to run. And I need to have all my cards done and ready to deliver by Friday night.

No pics yet.

As soon as this card making frenzy is over, I have cute pajama fabric for my son and purple jersey for a top for me.

Til next time ...

New Patterns

Last week I stopped in at my local Joann's to check out their selection of boys' pj fabric. I didn't find anything that appealed to me, but I did notice they were selling McCall's patterns for 99 cents. I couldn't pass up a sale on patterns! So I brought home these sumptious items.



Love this cardigan! esp version C which has the short sleeves.



Decided to get this pattern mainly for the camisole. I need a few of these for sleepwear and to wear under shirts and sweaters.



And lastly, I got this A-line skirt pattern. I realized that I have several skirt patterns but not one is an A-line. Since its a well known fact that EVERYONE looks good in an A-line skirt I thought I'd whip one up.

Birthday Card for My Sweetie

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband


This is the card I made for my husband. It's one of my all time favorite cards I've made and I think I'll make a few more like it. Maybe with some different colors.

Some Cards, Little Sewing

I have been able to do some card making and here are 2 of my latest works. Sorry about the color, the manilla folder they are on is a hideous color.





The sewing is non-existant now. I cut out a black slim skirt out of some bottomweight cotton I have had in the stash for years. Its an easy pattern and a style I've sewn before, so that's not causing the slowdown. The weather is! We are still having 80's and 90's here and that doesn't motivate me to make a skirt for Fall or Winter. But we're suppose to drop to 70 next week, followed by a day at 60! From there, its anyones guess as to where we'll be. But in case Fall does decide to make an appearance, I bought some black corduroy for pants for the #1 son, some purple jersey knit for a top for me, and a beautiful dark purple suede for a vest for myself. The vest will be a real stretch for me as I've never done a lining and haven't done buttonholes in eons. But I got the fabric at Joanne's for a steal, so if it doesn't turn out its not a huge loss.

So what about you? What are you working on as we transition into Fall?

New Goals This Fall

I think becuz my hubby goes back to school in a few weeks, and our son starts a week later, I'm thinking about new routines, new clothes, and new challenges. I have been knitting now for a few years, but have only been doing scarves and dishcloths. Last year I bought a booklet on how to knit socks. I really, really want to learn to knit socks. So this is my goal for the fall. I think I may need to take a class. I've looked at the directions in the booklet and I just don't get it yet, so some instruction is in order.

I also want to challenge my sewing skills this year. I'm not sure what project to tackle, but I'm thinking maybe a dress or dressy shirt that uses techniques I haven't mastered yet. Or maybe use a fabric that is a bit more challenging, like velvet, chiffon, or satin. I'm intrigued with the idea of sewing a bra and panties like some of the ladies do. I'm probably intrigued becuz I'm in desperate need of a couple new bras.

So what goals do you have for the fall?

Til next time ....

Slow Going Sewing

I cut out my muslin for this shirt (the sleeveless version) a month ago or so, but I only finally got around to sewing it up yesterday! ugh!!! but that's how it goes with me. i think i put it off for so long cuz i really do not like the muslin material i am using. this being my first muslin i couldn't get past the material. but now that i have done it i see the wisdom in doing one up. and since i'm quite a bit larger than i was when last i sewed for myself it was well worth it. i noted on the pattern pieces where i need to make adjustments and am so excited to cut out this pattern in my "real" material.

A Few Cards

Here's a few cards I finally uploaded some cards I made and sold. Most were Mother's Day cards.

Where's My Mojo???

its gone! vamoosh! outahere! bye-bye!

i hope it returns. in my mind, i'd really like to get going on a few projects, but i just don't have it in me right now. a friend asked me the other day what i was working on and i had to answer: nothing, nada, nope! i had started knitting a dishcloth last month but the #1 son got ahold of it and tore it off. i cut out the pattern for my muslin, but i'm really not liking the muslin fabric. first time doing a muslin so i'm having a hard time getting motivated to pursue it. and yet, i really love the fabric that i got for the real thing and just need to do this. sigh .... and i really, really need some new tops. wouldn't that motivate you? since my fullblown mother's day card crafting i haven't made any more cards. oh, i've dabbled a little, stamping a few images that need coloring, but no creative putting together of anything. the mojo is just not with me. neither is the "force"!

maybe i'll blame it on the great summer weather, the outdoors calling my name, the bike rides i've been taking, the walks after dinner with the family and the picnics.

til next time, happy crafting!

Pattern Review

I have been itching to start sewing again. I have 2 patterns picked out to start with. Easy shirts for myself. I haven't sewn a shirt for myself in years! I'm hoping its like riding a bike and I pick it up easily. I still need to decide on fabric and am looking for something in my stash.

So on the suggestion of a blogger/sewer I admire, I joined pattern review. What a wealth of information. I looked up both patterns I'm planning on using and found reviews that were positive. I'm so relieved. So any mistakes I make will be my own!

Til next time ....

Anyone Out There???

If anyone out in bloggy land is reading my blog, you might have noticed that I have been adding alot of sewing blogs to my blogroll. I have found a whole host of wonderful seamstresses that have amazing talent, skills and creativity. And I am jealous! I read their blogs and drool over their finished seams, flawless zippers and ingeneous ideas and shortcuts.

Check out any of the ones on my blogroll that catch your eye. You won't be disappointed. And because I have nothing of my own, I'm leaving you with this tutorial for a messenger bag. I need another bag and this one looks fun. Want to try it with me?




Happy Crafting!

ooops!

ooops! the summer post was suppose to be published on my other blog. oh well ... since i mention my card making i'll leave it. and you get a peak into my life. enjoy!