Endless Crafting

It's been nice having so much extra time to work on crafty projects without the distractions 

of usual hectic life.  I have completed my Dahlia blanket rows and now working on the

border.  I am so happy with it! It took me about 3 months working on it usually watching

TV most evenings and weekends.  

I completed my rainbow of hope and is now hanging in my front window.

I tried another mask pattern from Craft Passion, more form fitting. I didn't use the 

cord or show lace tie as she shows.  I modified mine a bit to use elastic around ears.

I bought Helen Philips patchwork bird pattern a while back and finally made

one for myself.  I'm sure I'll make more. 

I tried another paint party as I wanted to try this owl.  I'm not in love with the

background as the original artist's was more suttle.

I am almost done my latchwork mini rug.  I haven't done one of these since

I was a kid.  When I first got it I was a bit put off by how close some of the

yarn colors are but once I separated them and followed the chart it was easier

to follow.  

How are you doing with this new life?  Keeping busy?  Appreciating the small 

things more?  I am.  It's amazing how we used to just go out and waste time 

shopping for things we don't need.  Now it's online if you need to but you 

realize how much you can live without.  

Happy Sunday, Keep Calm and Craft On!

Still Keeping Calm?

Another week gone by staying home and another birthday has come and gone.  

Needless to say it wasn't much celebration as it's just another year older. 

I've been working from home but now on staycation for a week. 

I've been inspired by all the posts of various crafters rainbows of hope.  

Mine is still a work in progress as I am still making the clouds and assembly

to hang in the window. 

We'll get through this!

I'm still working on the Dahlia blanket.  I have two more colors to add 

before starting the border. 

On my birthday I tried something new.   Painting.  I have been wanting to try

to paint something for a while now.  Locally there is an artist that turned

to online paint parties since people cannot gather together at the moment.

 It was a nice change to try something new and forget about all that is going on.

I see how you can get lost in imagination and thoughts while painting.

Not perfect techniques but I am still quite proud of my first attempt.

And another project I had been wanting to make, well again, it another ultimate

wallet.  I made one last year but the zipper started coming undone.  I thought trying

a nice cork fabric for the outer would be nice.  It's tricky to work with as I started making

the flap of cork but realized it's too stiff to be folding frequently. 

It took most of the day yesterday to prepare and complete. I'm happy with the results 

and tried to reinforce the zip a bit more for this one.

I've also made some masks.  My cousin is a nurse and gave her some.  

Stay safe everyone!  Crafter's always find something to do while stuck at home!

More CAL Progress

Working on this Dahlia Colorwash Blanket has been enjoyable and relaxing not 

to mention cozy and warm.  My buddy here likes to sit near me and cozy up while 

I'm crocheting it.

I'm on part 4 of the crochet-a-long but I have seen so many posts of others who are 
making their blankets as well on to the final stage of the border.  I look forward to 
finishing it and enjoying the completed blanket.  I also really like this double knit 
weight yarn for this as it doesn't make the blanket too heavy like using worsted
 weight yarns in the past.

I started some paper piecing with the Granny Chic fabric jelly roll I've been sitting on deciding what to do with it.  I'll most like just sew the hexie onto a backing and quilt

 it to make a small bag pouch.

I made this bedside pouch to keep my phone, fan remote, and eye mask in. I completely winged

it on the size etc.

Made a few new lip balm holders. 

Woke up this sunny Saturday morning and all my babies were enjoying the sun.

Happy Weekend All!

Crochet Goodness

When I first got really into crocheting and knitting about 10 years ago looking back at blog post, Attic 24 blog was a big inspiration for my creative crafty side. I've followed Lucy's blog since as many of you I'm sure follow as well.  She always comes up with wonderful color combinations for her projects and famous blankets.  Every years she's published a Crochet A Long CAL that I've always wanted to try and never have.  This year, her colorful Dahlia Blanket CAL was an instant draw to the colors she chose for this blanket inspired by the flowers. Last weekend I just ordered the Dahlia yarn kit from the Wool Warehouse.  I was surprised how fast it arrived in Canada from the UK.  Opening and drooling over the colorful goodness made my day. 

I made the sample on a card to keep track of the colors. I chose her colorwash version of the blanket as I love the blend of the colors together rather than the random strip version.  It's a nice easy pattern that I can do in the evening watching TV.

Last weekend I made a few more of these blocks. 

And here and there I pick these up in the evenings as well.  English Paper Piecing these together for 

who knows what the finished product will be.  I thought they we be nice from charm pack I got.

I got my babies a new toy, motorized butterfly they love to swat at.

We've now had this sweet guy for 4 years now.  When we caught him he was just over a year old.

Shy, cautious but such a sweet kind soul.  He's still cautious but loves his brothers and sister and 

loves to give them licks.  I'm happy they all get along so well.

And this guy, our second stray is the most loving, snuggly, always happy cat. 

His tail is always up and loves to play all the time. 

Happy weekend all!

Christmas Vibes

I received a request to make a Yip Yip from Seasame Street.  The pattern was easy to follow and completed it within a week.  My co-worker is giving it to her friend for Christmas, inside joke.

I got a few more Christmas fabrics to get into the sewing spirit. 

I finished a place mat set made for a Christmas gift. I paper pieced the hexagons then put on the red quilting background with green binding.

I also almost have my table running started last year completed with binding.  

And of course my fur babies dressed up.

Happy Weekend!

Countdown for Crafting

Most of us crafters love to make things for Christmas gifts.

When do you usually start gift/christmas crafting?  I think the end of October is a good 

time depending on how many people you have to make things for.

I've been working on various projects. I started on some English Paper

Piecing, first pic from a charm pack I got on sale. These are one inch hexies.

And these two inch hexies for some Christmas projects. 

I had some scrap triangles from cutting the hexies so I whipped up this little mug rug.

This patchwork I started a while back and today just decided to do something with it 

and make it into a zip pouch.  There's nothing like stash busting.

I completed this snowflake crochet cushion for a fundraiser at work.

I was quite proud how it turned out and someone from my office did end up 

winning it. 

And of course a few pics of the fur kids.

Happy Weekend All!!!