So, then I was thinking...

Okay, if I can make the Santa placemats, what other holiday-themed idea could I create?  Rompin' Reindeer!  I sketched out the design using basic shapes (thanks to every art teacher I've ever worked with) and got the proportions right by using an existing placemat on our table.  Off to Joann Fabrics for the background materials (a nice red plaid intended for men's shirts, I think) and a good rummage through my scrap bag, then voila!  Here's the prototype.  I wanted to complete one placemat and work out the bugs before I committed myself to the "assembly line."

I don't want to be one of those half-finished-project kind of people and so far, so good.  I have a couple fun things "in process" but nothing has been abandoned!  Besides, I have until December to finish the Santa and the Reindeer placemats.  No problem!!??

Santa...I Know Him!!

Christmas is "only" six months away!  Now is the time to start my holiday crafting!  Just kidding:  I usually save that for the last days possible and then - panic!  This year is my exception for holiday procrastination.  I've wanted to do this project for years (maybe 20 or so since the girls were little)  A long time ago, I made Christmas placemats for my parents and my sister in law, Barbara.  I always said that I would make some for our own family one day.  It never happened...until now!

This is Simplicity pattern 7024.  My original pattern was lost or ruined or just no where to be found, and although the pattern has been discontinued, I found it on EBay - totally uncut and unused (not that it would've made a difference to me!)  I have been waiting for school to be out so I can start this project.  It is the big crafting highlight of the summer for me.

I'm making six placemats.  Although I'm doing them in assembly-line fashion, I couldn't help but complete just one.  It is quite a complicated process for me.  There's lots of precise cutting, handwork and preparation before you even start the appliqué on the sewing machine.  It's  constructed in layers:  eyebrows, face, lips, mustache, nose, beard, mittens, quilt batting for stuffing, and finally the bias tape binding and the jingle bell decoration.  Ta-da!  It's nerve-wracking to do such intricate sewing (not my best skill), but it's fun and I feel super accomplished - even with just one of them completely finished.  Five more to go!

February to June Lady Sweater

I started this sweater in February (coincidentally, the pattern is called the "February Lady Sweater") and just finished it this weekend.  I took it on trips with me, ripped it out at least twice - not counting the more than occasional individual rows that were re-done - and finally, it looks great.  Can't wait to give it away!

Blueberries

Johnson's Farm has blueberries ready to pick so we got a big box of them - around 5 lbs!  After gorging ourselves on their deliciousness, I froze them in baggies so we can enjoy them all year long (or until they're gone)  John made blueberry pancakes this morning.  Nothing better!

Single layer freezing before packaging. 

Too Pretty to Eat?

This lovely lettuce is from our garden.  I thought it was beautiful, so now we have it displayed in a short vase with a couple of geranium blooms and pansies.

Hello From NW Indiana

We had a summer choir rehearsal at school today.  I snapped this picture right after we took a little recess break. It was a beautiful day to sing together, and BTW, our school has a great playground.

Sgt. Pepper?

Is that a small banana pepper I see hiding under the leaves? 

The baby lettuce is destined to be part of a BLT at dinner tonight!

My Constant Companion

That's the actual name of this pattern for my favorite of all time knitting tote.  The pattern is from "The Knitter's Stash" by Barbara Albright.  This bag is made from Lamb's Pride Bulky Wool in a color called "prairie fire" and trimmed in orange.  I also love the handmade clay button I picked up somewhere along the way.

This bag might be ten years old - or close to it.  It is strong, sturdy, and roomy enough for all kinds of crafts.  It's my "go-to" bag for big knitting projects.

Right now, it's empty and awaiting my newest project - a throw for the couch in the living room.  I'm limiting myself to three (or maybe four!) knitting projects this summer.

Yes, I'm still working on the February Lady Sweater in grey.  I've taken it apart at least two times!  Arrgh.  Counting is essential when you're knitting a patterned lace. I'm back on track and things are going well with the sweater.

My third project for the summer will be a new pair of slippers.  The pair I made last year have seen better days - mostly because Gus took an interest in them.  As a puppy, he found them delicious, I guess, and extremely chewable.  Anyway, new pair for myself on the way and Gus gets a new chew toy!

This is my other almost-always-constant companion for knitting.  It's a 4 square mitered tote bag.  I found the pattern online at a site called "Knit a Bit." (www.knitabit.net.)   The actual name of the pattern is "Matching Miters Felted Bag" and it was designed by Barbara Breiter.   I keep this one stocked with smaller projects, or ones that need to be on the go.

I made this messenger bag (cross body) two summers ago. The pattern is from a book called "The Beginner's Guide to Felting."  I bought it at Stitches and Scones, a great little yarn shop in Westfield, but now it's out of business.  Aww!  The book is basically worthless - no neat patterns - but I made the bag just to keep myself busy and my mind occupied while I was caring for my Mom. I've never actually carried or used the bag in any way. Honestly, I had forgotten all about it until I was digging through the closet this weekend.  That's what prompted the posing of these three knitted and felted bags.  I like the shape of the bag and I loved making the felted flowers.  I've used the flower pattern to embellish other projects (like hats and ear warmers)

Doubling My Efforts

I was sorting through my (considerable) stash of fabrics and crafting materials today and realized that I really need to do something with the bits and pieces of fabric scraps I have. I thought of a new way to make the clutch purses I've been sewing. This bag is made from four pieces of fabric about the size of a standard piece of paper (8 1/2 by 10).  Grey on the outside, but just plain white for the lining

 I doubled the size of my original pattern, added more pockets on the inside, and closed it with a metal clasp to have a folded clutch bag.  

 Unfolded - 8 x 10 inches

This black fabric flower has been worn on sweaters and dresses, but It had broken off the safety pin and was sitting in my jewelry box, waiting for a new use.   I like the little pop of red in the fabric on the folded side.

It's a deep bag with three pockets.  One is rather large and the other two are side by side to hold keys and/or my cell phone and Chapstick.  I never leave home without those essentials.  (Actually, I don't mind leaving the phone at home, but Chapstick?  NEVER!!)

Funny thing?  I've had this material for (maybe) a year, but I've never sewn anything out of it. I don't even remember why I bought it in the first place.  I must've had a plan for it at one time or another, but  I just couldn't "see" it as anything.  Now that I have the bag finished, I really, really like the look of the material.  Was it just "meant to be"?

Pick a Pocket

I think it's safe to share some of the pre-wedding crafts that have been going on at this house for months.   These are gifts for the bridesmaids, moms, grandmas, and sister of the groom.  They may be used at the wedding, they may not.  The wedding is less than a month away and we're having a bride/groom family picnic on Saturday. We're at that awkward point where we have several things to do, but none of it can be done yet, or it can't done from here in Indiana. 

Garden Progress

What beautiful days we've had!

 

        Thanks for the sunflower, Joanne!

Odds and Ends at the End of School

School is finished for the year with students, but I still have a zillion little things to take care of before I can really let it all be behind me.  TRUE CONFESSIONS:  I did not clean out any cabinets or my desk.  I just kept shoving stuff in there - out of sight.  I'll be going back for a clean out day, plus I've scheduled a choir rehearsal for later in the month.  I'll do it then (she says with hopeful sincerity and just a little bit of self-doubt!)

I was semi-productive and put up a new hallway decoration, all ready for next year.  My school building will be hosting summer classes, so those children should have something fun to look at!  I actually started this project back in March, but just didn't have time to complete it.

The school of solfege fish (get it?  scales??) replace my much loved do re mi minions from "Despicable Me"  The kiddies LOVED the minions and touched them every time they entered and exited the music room.  The minions had seen better days and will now take a place inside the room (where they can't be reached by small hands)  I asked our parents volunteer to laminate these guys, hoping they'll last a bit longer.  You can't see in the photo, but I put googley eyes on each fish.  You know the kids will touch those!! (I bought extra replacements)