Infinity Scarf - Cowl Length

There was a time when I never missed an episode of Sewing with Nancy, but as the show evolved, there were more and more episodes on quilting, and since I'm not a quilter, I wasn't interested.  Recently, however, I learned through Nancy's blog that you can watch episodes online, so I have been doing exactly that.  The two entitled Sensational Scarves made me want to start wearing scarves again, so I ordered the booklet and DVD.  Last week, I found a knit fabric at JoAnn Fabrics from which to make the Infinity Scarf.  I chose this version because I don't like things tight around my neck (like turtleneck shirts). 

This fabric was the only one I found that was suitable for a scarf and which I liked. 

I will probably try making several more of these from silky fabrics.  Each scarf requires just a 24" x 30" rectangle, so I'm sure I can find something in my stash.

If you'd like to view the two episodes of Sensational Scarves, you can find them here and here.  They are a year old, so I'm not sure how much longer they will be available online.  You can also purchase the booklet and DVD from Nancy's Notions by clicking here.

Scissor Fob

I started working on the wedding gift I've previously mentioned, so I'll be scrambling to find things to blog about for a while.  Unfortunately, I cannot show pics of the gift because I have my posts automatically posted to Facebook, on which the bride and I are friends. 

In my pre blog reading days, I probably owned two pair of embroidery scissors.  Then I started stitching more projects at the same time, as well as kitting some for later stitching.  It only made sense to purchase more scissors, right?  (In all fairness, I have received a few pair as gifts.)  And, of course, every pair needs a fob to make it easier to find them in the project bag, the couch, or on the laptop table.  And sometimes on the floor.  <frown>

So last week, I pulled out my jewelry making tote and set to work making a fob for my latest pair of scissors. 

Pretty, yes?

A Valentine's Day Card

Every once in a while, my son-in-law takes over the card-making area in our craft room, as he did just prior to Valentine's Day.  When he showed us the card he made for his wife, I asked him to send me copies of the pictures he had taken so I could share them on my blog. 

Anthony said he found the idea on Pinterest; you can see several versions by searching for "love you this much".

Oh Joy Update

Little by little, I am putting stitches into Oh Joy.  The end is in sight.  All I have left is the snowman's heat on the bottom and a simple border. 

I was asked about my shoulder.  It is still bothering me, but I truly believe it's "just" fibromyalgia since the pain is not consistently in one area.  Some days it feels pretty good, but other days it really hurts.  When I stitch, I take lots of breaks and move my arm around.

This ornament needs to be finished, because I must start on a wedding gift.

Cassie says hello to all of you in blogland.

Shopping Trip

One of my Christmas gifts was a gift certificate to a locally owned fabric store.  When I received their newsletter announcing their Sweetheart Sale, I just had to make a trip.  Nearly everything in the store was 30% off, and while that didn't do much for their high prices (in comparison to JoAnn Fabrics), it was certainly better than paying full price.  Here's what I found:

I plan to use these cuts for finishing cross stitch projects.

I would like to make a miniature or small blue and white quilt.  This will be perfect, don't you think?

This purse pattern is the Boutique Shoulder Bag by Bella Nonna.  There are two sizes:  12" x 17" or 10" x 13".  I'll make the smaller version.  They had a sample of this purse in the store, which is what sold me on the pattern.  I need another purse like I need another opening in my head, but I just can't resist!  

I need to finish cutting the fabric for Candice from Lazy Girl Designs - I'm making one for me, and one for Sarah.  Then I would like to make a tote bag to use for when I sing with the praise band at church.  I have to carry my binder of music, my Bible and notebook, my folding footstool that helps with my bad knee, a pillow that I have been putting behind my back since I hurt it, and my shoes for those rare weekends when we have snow and I must wear my boots.  I purchased a Dresden plate ruler that I'm itching to use to make a motif for the front of the tote bag.

Guess I'd better get busy!

Create and Decorate

I spotted this magazine on a recent trip to JoAnn Fabric & Crafts.  I'd never seen it before, but after thumbing through it, I decided to purchase it.  This is the January/February 2012 issue.  Inside are a variety of projects from painting to punchneedle to stitching (cross stitch, sewing, quilting) and some mixed media.  I took a few pictures, but I'll apologize for them in advance.  I took them at night while trying to hold the magazine steady, so the pictures aren't very good.  Hopefully you can get the idea!

Heart Pillow

Make-do-Patchwork Pincushions

(I found a glass piece on a recent trip to the Salvation Army thrift store to use for one of these.)

Winged Hearts

(I'll make these without the wings, 'cause they're just not my thing.)

Cross Stitch Heart

You can learn more about the magazine at their website.  While there, you can see a few more pictures from the current issue, browse their online projects, and sign up for their newsletter.  

I'd like to make the Winged Hearts before Valentine's Day.  We will have to see if that comes to be.