Hippos, Elephants and Zebras Oh My! Part II March 31, 2010

Not long ago I showed you the tote I made with the Hippos, Elephants and Zebras fabric. Last time the hippos were green. This time the hippos are red, which means nothing because this tote went to the daughter who likes elephants, and the elephants are gray. Thankfully she likes red, too, so it worked. Did you get all that? There’s a quiz shortly, so study up!

Making these tote bags has been fun, and easy. I’m so excited about creating a tote pattern! Did I tell you that I’m working on designing a tote pattern for sewing? The pattern still needs some tweaking, but as soon as it’s finished you’ll be the first to know. In fact there is some new fabric stacked on my sewing table calling out to me. I can hardly wait to get my hands on it, the colors are so rich. And the print was designed by Thomas Kinkade. Next week I’ll have to give you a sneak peek. Time to get back to my sewin’! I see more totes in my future. What creative endeavours are in your future?

Button Button Who’s Got The Button? March 22, 2010

Isn’t this button pincushion cute?! I hand-stitched it together today, finally! I feel kinda sheepish because my quilting buddy, Kelley, asked me to make it for her a couple of months ago. Sorry it took so long Kelley! Hope you like it.

I wanted to take pictures of the cut out pattern pieces, along with pictures of each step as I made the pincushion. However, after some thought, I decided not to take step-by-step photos. It didn’t seem fair to the gal who designed the pattern for the Button Pincushion. If you just have to have this adorable pincushion pattern go visit Debbie Busby at her on-line shop.

I added a little flower charm to the pincushion, just for Kelley. It was the least I could do after taking so long.

How Does Your Garden Grow? March 19, 2010

A blogger named Amy from She Wears Many Hats mentioned in a tweet that her week has been one big blur…I could relate! Amy’s take on it was that the “blur” is due to allergies and the time change. I couldn’t agree more! The transition out of winter and into spring is a tad uncomfy for me this year. Usually I adore spring with all those pretty colors popping out from behind the gray winter curtain. But this year the allergy fog has set in big time, and it’s not pretty, people. Consequently I’ve fallen behind in every area of my daily life including anything crafty or cuisine related (okay, I made some yummy oatmeal-raisin-chocolate chip cookies, but didn’t take pictures – don’t be mad – I feel guilty enough). Allergies make me feel like I’m moving in sllllooooowwww mooooottttiooonnn. Therefore, I have no updates on my quilt or my knitting, or my cooking capers. BUT I can leave you with a few pix I took of Hubby’s step-mom’s garden this past Monday. She’s an amazing gardener, the kind with bright green thumbs! I used her garden for some photo practice. Here’s what I got. Hope you like them.

Click on any of the photos below to see a full-sized image.

It Isn’t Easy Being Green….or is it? March 13, 2010

Over time I hope to share the creative endeavors of many artists with you here in the Artistic Corner. Today I’d like to introduce you to the work of Jenifer Francis, owner of “Cherry Tree Threads“. Jen also just happens to be one of my daughters! She made the jewelry in the photos below. This past January, at “The Road to California” Quilt Show and Conference, I purchased a group of vintage glass beads. Let’s just say I fell in loooooooove.

All I knew, when I saw the beads, was that I had to have them! After bringing them home I gave them to Jen and asked her to create something for me. And she did!

Wow! All I had in mind was one long necklace, but I got two necklaces, a bracelet, and earrings! Having all those options is wonderful. I can wear both necklaces together or just one of them – I’ve done both. Sometimes I just wear the earrings, sometimes just the bracelet. It’s been so much fun to have options. Thanks for being so creative Jen!

Update on “Fields of Flowers” quilt March 13, 2010

Slowly but surely I’m making progress with my quilt. As you know the front of the quilt is ready to go. My next step was to cut and sew together the fabric I’m using for my binding.

The fabric I’ll be using for the borders, and the fabric I’ll be using for the back have been washed. Now I need to iron them, then set up the “sandwich”. I’ve been reading a lot of instructions. Watching a lot of tutorials from YouTube, too. I’ll keep you posted. Wish me luck!

I Feel Pretty….Oh So Pretty March 10, 2010

Here’s where I started

Here’s where I am now

Can you see where I had to change yarns? I ran out! The original skein of yarn was purchased about 3 years ago. Needless to say I couldn’t find it in the stores now – different dye lots. Oh well, I went out and got something close. This scarf is practice, and for me. I’m committed to finishing a project. It’s important to me. I’m thrilled with how full this scarf is turning out to be. I’ll be a pro at this knit stitch! Moving on to the purl stitch soon. Have you done any knitting today?