Earthtones Girl

How does this happen?  How does time move so fast!!  I’ve been busier than an a bee, getting ready for someone’s 4th birthday, make mug rugs and the day-to-day of course.  You’d think being a stay at home mom I’d have all the time in the world…I’m baffled…

Please stick with me!! I’ll have some fun stuff up here later today!!!

In the meantime…I’m very good about posting regularly on my Facebook page so don’t forget to visit me there for the latest goings-on!!!

There may also be a giveaway coming up soon!!!!

www.facebook.com/earthtonesgirl

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So now that my sewing room is so super organized I realized I had all the supplies to work on this project.  It feels so good when you can jump right in and not have to stop to make a trip to the store!!!

Before I get to the actual sewing project let me show you the reason behind it.  May I introduce you to my new toy!!!

It’s my new Mini and I love her so much!!!  I don’t know why but I tend to assign the female gender to all my electronic gadgets and tools and equipment…again no idea why.

Isn’t she beautiful!!!  When my best friend May came to visit in the beginning of March she brought her new one along.  I couldn’t stop playing with it!  So now I have my own and oh boy!!!!  Of course I ordered a cover for it, which I highly (this is THE case/cover to own) recommend.

It’s a Moshi iGlaze VersaCover Origami Case, in pink (seems to be my new color).  And look what this thing can do…a real conversation piece.

Now I take this little baby with me everywhere so needless to say I was a bit concerned that even with the awesome case it might still get bumped around in my bag.  So I made a sleeve for it!!!  Another fun sewing project!!!

If you know how to sew you can make one of these…very simple and quick!  My favorite feature is the pockets!!!

No need to say where I found the pattern.  This is a paid pdf but so worth the money.  You can order your copy here!  There are free version out there but they require some calculations!!  I just wanted to sew and have it fit!!

And I just have to talk about this button for a moment.  I found it at Joann’s and it was the only one.  Just sitting there…waiting for me!!  Taking your time to find all the right parts/pieces for a project make the end result so worth the wait! (Ok I did have to go out to get a button).

Thank heaven for these last two successes because there a big FAIL I have to fix.  It is so NOT going to be fun…you’ll see.

That said I’ll try to keep my ipad and sleeve near by for motivation…I’m going to need it for this next project!

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Who’d have thought that embroidery hoop could be used for more than just embroidery!  Not me but I’m so very happy with their new function!

STORAGE!  I don’t think there is anyone out there who is not always in need of more storage space.  And if you’re a crafty person of any kind it’s essential.  In my case I just can’t seem to settle down with a project if my surroundings are a mess.  So I hit my Organization Pin board to find some help.  I found these!!!

My darling husband built this shelving unit for me.  While its super functional I felt like there was a lot of good space going to waste.  Not any more.  The original pattern was for storage bins that were much bigger but with a little measuring and adjusting it was very customizable.

Cute, cute, cute, cute!!! Love them!!

And held securely in place by the hoop closure.

They are the perfect size for the space and for my sewing notions.  A little fusible interfacing and the lining make them firm enough to stand on their own.

The box shaping on the bottom helps too.  Have I mentioned how much I love sewing!!!

This is the tip of my sewing notions ice burg.  Up to this point everything was in shoe boxes in the closet.  And in case you were wondering what’s in the drawers of my sewing table…quilting tools and notions.  I think another row of these and I’ll have all the space I need (for now…).  One could say it’s too much stuff but truth is I use all of it at some point or other and on some project or other.

You’ll see in my next little project!

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When I want the latest, hottest, must have fabric/tool I go my virtual quilt store, The Fat Quarter Shop.  This time however they didn’t have what I was looking for either.  I’ve wanted to get my toes wet with hexagons so I ordered some English Paper Pieced hexagons from Connecting Threads.   While browsing their catalog I saw various color collections that be purchased as fat quarters, charm pack, layer cakes, etc.  They also had strips.  Hooray!!  Any thing that helps me avoid cutting I’m all over it.  So I ordered a set of assorted strips in “berry” colors.   Figured it would be great to have binding strips ready to finish off some mug rugs.

This is what arrived!

The label is stuck to the fabric!!!! WHAT ON EARTH!!!

This is what I’m used to getting from Fat Quarter…

So what’s wrong with this situation!!!  I only paid $8.30 for 24 strips but come on!!!!

And they don’t even look like the colors in the catalog!!  So disappointed.  They will still be put to good use but will I be ordering from them again…I’m thinking not….

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According to the calendar Spring has sprung but I’m still cold and even though the sun is trying to make a good show it’s just not quite cutting it. I have been working on a few things  though…

I was in Tarrytown the other day visiting my old haunt Flying Fingers yarn shop when I saw the new sock yarn by Manos del Uruguay, Alegria.  Oh my!!

Look at those colors! If they are not screaming spring then I don’t know what is.

Cure for the “not quite here yet spring blues”? I’d say so!!!

Another cure, my new iPad mini!!!! This post and that picture were done with it!! I’m so excited…you have no idea! Oh the possibilities!!!

Oh, and a belated Happy Easter to everyone!!!!  Hope you all had a very blessed and happy day!!!

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I made these for Kira’s nursery school class for the parade they had on Friday.  They came out very cute but were a bit tedious to make.  But the looks on the kids faces made it more than worth it.  If you’d like to give one a try, the pattern is here.

And here’s a well-timed lesson for all of us who have been saying and writing it wrong all these years.

It’s Paddy, not Patty…

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY EVERYONE!!!

Be safe

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In my last post (which was way to long ago) I talked about my new form of therapy, embroidery, and my growing love for it.  Well this past week I returned to my tried and true, never fails, always there for me therapy, knitting. What I learned was there is a big difference between using your craft/hobby as therapy vs. managing a stressful situation.

This past week, my hubby and I has some unpleasant stuff to deal  with so I did what I always do started knitting a sock.  I choose my color, something nice and soothing, cast on and started knitting away.

When I reached the heel I laid it out to have a look. Everything looked fine.

Nice relaxing color, little hint of spring…

Then I tried it on…

Uh…hello…what on earth happened to the ankle.  Super baggy with no chance of fixing.  Yes this will be ripped out.

The lesson learned?  Not really a lesson, more of a clearer understanding.  For me it’s the process that’s way more important than the end product or finished project.  Did my knitting serve my need, did it manage my stress…it did…10 fold.  And I humbly thank this simple craft for its comfort and “shoulder” in a time of need.

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Ok, the Oscars are done and now 3 days ago, so let’s make this quick.

Did I enjoy them?

Not really.

Was I able to predict the winners?

Almost all.

Was I happy with the outcome?

Yes.

In general did I enjoy the show?

No!  (If you watched I’m sure you can figure out why)

I wasn’t even inspired enough to make those yummy looking donuts….

I did get some stitching done!!!  That I’m super excited about.  I’ll have some pictures ready for you tomorrow….

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