W.I.P. Wednesday : Pin Cushions, Notebooks & Gifts

How is your March Stitch-Along progressing? I can’t wait to see what you’ve all come up with. I’ll be featuring pictures and links to finished (or mostly finished!) projects in next week’s post, so if you’d like to be included, please send me an email with a picture by Monday, March 30th and I’ll get you in!

My Little Bear and Bunny have been pushed temporarily aside by a landslide of pin cushion madness :

Side A

Side B

Side A

Side A

Side A

The B Sides are on the W.I.P. Wednesday Flickr Pool if you’d like to get your fill of pin cushion love. I used a sweet stamp I ordered from Japan (more on that soon) to stamp some of the fabric. I just love that little mushroom, and think it really works with the brown corduroy.

I don’t know why, I was just thinking I might need a supply of little gift. Always good to have on hand.

I’ve also tried playing with something new in the bookmaking/embellishing department :

I should have taken more time with these pictures because they don’t do justice at all to the adorability of these notebooks. I applied some vegan felt to these faux-moleskines before adding embroidery and other appliqé. I’m in love with them, and forced myself to show them to you all because otherwise I’d have kept them for myself! Ha! Now I know I’ll send them off to good homes.

And this little bundle of goodness (finished off this weekend) is finally on its way to a Lovelie home in Ireland.

A little felty-love pouch, felt heart, and some gourmet vegan chocolate handmade here in town. My sewing skills keep improving, so the longer it takes me to get something out, the better it ends up looking! Also included in the little package is this (feeble) attempt at a handmade card:

The pattern (the second time I’ve stitched it, I really like it!) is from the great book that Natalia sent me for my birthday, as is the idea to use fusible interfacing to adhere it to the card. I really liked the way this looked plan to do more. I also sent her a Sweet Little Pin Cushion, because they are just too cute!

Next Wednesday we’ll have a new featured Wipster for the month of April and a little March Stitch-Along round-up so don’t forget to stop by. I bet you can’t wait, I know I can’t! And I just know that April will be the month of the “Super Easy Child’s Pants Tutorial”. I can feel it in my bones people! Have a crafty week, and don’t forget to see what the other Wipsters are up to, and to check out our W.I.P. Wednesday Flickr Pool, too.

W.I.P. Wednesday : Randoms

Happy Wednesday, kids! I want to sincerely thank all of you for your comments on my article over at The Daring Kitchen. You’re all too cool for school, and that’s the truth. So there. Now, onto W.I.P. Wednesdayness!

I was able to get a little work done on this month’s Stitch-Along. I think these are the perfect size for my 6 month-old niece’s hands to hold, so I’ll be sending them off to her for Easter (meaning, I’d better get rocking on them if they are going to be finished and sent in time).

In-progress Bunny. Note the terribly sloppy outline. I did get a “D” in neatness in the First Grade. Scarred for life, I tell ya.

Finished little Bear

If all goes well, I’m going to put some tinkley-bells in one, and hopefully some crinkly-sounding plastic in the other for some added fun. I’ll keep you posted.

I’m also trying to finish up some cupcakes for more notebooks like these. I’ve still got a few notebooks left, but I’ve got the materials together to make my own and I’m really excited about it! I’ll have camera in hand to get you a proper tute when the moment arrives. For now, here’s the in-progress cuppers :

Did you notice those gorgeous French knots/sprinkles? I’m going French Knot crazy, and not just because I’m a Francophile. Honestly, I couldn’t figure them out until very recently (ie: bane of my embroidery existence). I started to think it was a seriously lost cause, but then I checked out Jenny Hart’s tutorial and it changed my life. Well, it changed my embroidery. Thing is, I’m not sure if I like the French Knot sprinkles, or the longer seed stitch ones I did before. Thoughts?

Before the holidays I promised a tutorial to show you how to make a pair of child’s pants sans pattern. Ture to my word, I had the opportunity to take some photos while making these :

Sorry for the wonky color-scheme here – these are orange and white striped pants for Guppy, who seemingly overnight grew 3 centimeters (yet to be confirmed with our highly-scientific measuring in-the-doorway method later today) and is in major need of longer pants (or higher socks). I’d started working on her dress, but have put that aside for the more serious and practical business of pants. Please forgive my slapdash sticking pants on wall with a piece of painter’s tape mise en scène here (would have been more professional to actually get the legs and stripes to line up before I snapped the shot, hey?).

This is the most lovely fabric, which is a sailcloth-ish cotton twill (I’m not fluent in fabric yet, sorry) that I bought nearly a year ago at Ikea never dreaming I’d have the skillz to make pants! Had I known I would have bought more because I would love to have a pair of loungy pants like these – they look like acrobat pants and orange popcicles all at once. To me, anyway. I ended up having to slim the legs a little bit on these because Guppy wasn’t into the baggy look, but that wasn’t too difficult to pull off. If I can get over this sludge which had me bed-ridden all weekend (and up until today) and get all productive-organized-crawl out from under my pile of backlogged behindness, I’ll get the tutorial for next Wednesday. Maybe. I hope.

Have a crafty week, and don’t forget to see what the other Wipsters are up to, and to check out our W.I.P. Wednesday Flickr Pool, too.

W.I.P. Wednesday : Featured Wipster Krys of Two Vegan Boys & Our March Stitch-Along

Today is the first W.I.P. Wednesday of the month, that means it’s time to announce our March Stitch-Along and to get to know one of our fellow Wipsters a little better! Busy little post, here, people! Let’s start with our Wipster…

This month’s featured Wipster is the indefatigable Krys of Two Vegan Boys (I swear, this woman never sleeps! She’s got two very young sons, but is always up for cooking up a storm and crafting away! Wow!). I asked Krys if she would be our Wipster this month because she was the inspiration for my even hosting a Monthly Stitch-Along. We’re a global crafting community of “virtual” friends, and since actually getting together for a fun crafting night isn’t possible, this is our chance to craft and create ensemble. Krys suggested we try one, and our Love Bear Stitch-Along was a success. I’d love to keep this monthly crafty hang-out with you my Wipster friends…Thanks Krys!

Here’s a little about Krys, in her own words..

I have lived in Texas most of my life. I do not have a Southern accent. When we were in Scotland, people mistook us for being Canadian. I thought that was interesting. I had a very rough childhood, but came out of it a healthy, happy and loving person and learned from my so-called caretakers how not to raise children. I adore my husband and two boys. They are my world. My goal for my sons Arthur and Adam is to know that each morning they wake up that I love them more today than the day before. I value my friends they are my family and I am thankful to have them. I am inspired by my boys, mother nature and my fellow artisans. I love the outdoors, especially the beach. I love to craft. I am best at embroidery. I do a bit of sewing and I still suck at knitting. I am hoping to eventually conquer it, but I am not going to hold my breath. I love the blogging world and the friends I have made through it are loyal and true and I think they are all terrific.

5 Fascinating Facts About Krys:

1. I cannot stand raw tomatoes. Cooked tomatoes are fine, ketchup, salsa, marinara are great. Raw tomatoes make me gag.

2. I love being a mum. It is the greatest. I wake up everyday so happy to see my two cute little men.

3. My socks have to match. Seriously. If I have a pair of black socks, they have to be a matching pair, they cannot have different ribbing or seams. My husband thinks I am silly and he says if they are black they match. I disagree. I know it is neurotic but that’s just me.

4. The first dog I ever had as an adult was a Pitbull Terrier. I know people have a fear of them. They are very loyal and loving dogs and people abuse their loyalty, that is why they attack. I go by the saying “Blame the deed, not the breed”. I have talked to many veterinarians and they agree with me, they say they are excellent dogs and with any dog, it is how you treat them. You can make a Chihuahua mean. I think I will always own a Pitbull mix.

5. If I could move anywhere, I would move to Scotland. I would move there in a second. We were married in Scotland and I love it. It is such a beautiful country and the people are so nice.

Now for our March Stitch-Along! Most of you are probably familiar with Hilary Lang’s fabulous blog Wee Wonderfuls. Her projects are fresh and lovely, and she has a fun Wee Wonderfuls Shop where you can purchase patterns and more (like this cute little butterfly).

This month’s Stitch-Along is from her Freebies Page (she’s so generous!): We’ll be making Hillary’s Bear & Bunny Dolls.

(This photo is from Hillary’s Blog – Aren’t they cute?)

This is an easy and quick project, perfect for beginners who would like to make a softie, but don’t know where to start. Just click on the above image & download and print the free pattern and you’ll be on your way to creating a cute little bunny and bear to give as gifts or to keep for yourself!

If you’re new to embroidery, you can check out this post for some beginners tips, or do a little google search and you’ll have lots of great pointers to get you started. If you don’t have a transfer pencil (like me) you can just use the handy window technique shown here, it’ll be just fine!

At the end of the month we’ll have an informal little round-up to see what you’ve made! Have a creative week, and be sure to check in with the other Wipsters and our W.I.P. Wednesday Flickr Group for more inspiration!

W.I.P. Round-Up

I do hope you had a lovely Valentine’s Day! We had a special day with a pancake breakfast (Peanut butter pancakes, a test recipe for Joni & Celine for 500 Vegan Recipes, yummers!), hanging around in our p.j.’s and eating left-over queso-free queso dip and nachos – while still in aforementioned pajamas – for lunch (also à la 500 Vegan Recipes), and some vegan sushi take-out. We also watched a fun movie to round out heart day – I’m not a big romantic comedy fan in general, but if you get a chance to see Prête moi ta main (the English title is I do) you should, because it was cute, funny and the kind of movie you could easily pause the four or five times it was necessary to re-tuck Guppy in after two false-alarm potty visits, a night-light check, a tissue emergency and a “one last kiss” visit. That’s what you get for feeding your 3 year-old too many starches and letting her hang out in her jammies all day. But who knows?

Enough about my domestic bliss (ahem), let’s take a peek at what the Wipsters have been up to!

I consider myself so lucky to be (virtually) surrounded by such talent and craftiness! Just take a look at these great projects :

Carmen made a cute little red softie doll for her daughter. I’m thinking she likes it :

Krys made two adorable stuffies for her “two vegan boys”

Aren’t they cute? (I mean the boys!)

Amanda’s pillow is just gorgeous (that back fabric is so cheerful!).

This patchwork-style pillow Natalia made for her daughter is precious! I love the buttons on the back , too :

Beth made a mini-softie (you can see it here)

and here are my final creations :

This is Guppy’s Valentine’s Day pillow, which was indeed an eleventh hour project. I embroidered her name (the yellow splotches…because no, her name isn’t really Guppy!) and there is also purple ribbon on the back. She really liked it, and we all had to “test it”, which was fun.

This smaller version was part of a Valentine’s Day-themed package for my sister’s birthday. I definitely think the ribbon was a good idea when I see how plain-Jane this first one is.

This Stitch-Along has been fun, and I’ve already had a few suggestions for March. If you have an idea for a Stitch-Along project, you can email me at fishbowlmusings (at) gmail (dot) com – there is so much out there, any and all ideas are appreciated!

Don’t forget about our W.I.P. Wednesday Flickr Pool if you didn’t get your pictures to me in time, or if you’d just like to share what you’ve been up to on Wednesdays!

W.I.P. Wednesday : Felty Heart Pins, Pin Cushions & Stitch-Along Progress

Hello Crafties! It’s already Wednesday, can you believe it? I am losing the battle to stay on top of things, so I’ve decided to stop fighting and just be like water and flow! Woosh!

Have you seen this Valentine Pins tutorial? I’ve been making tons of these cuties. Most everyone I would usually make sweet heart-shaped sugar cookies for is watching their weight, so rather than taunt them with pink royal icing and cookie love I think I’ll give them some sweet (and calorie-free) crafty love instead. These are really easy and fun, and gratifying for those moments when you feel like you want to complete a project. Of course I don’t know what that’s all about…

One thing that’s been occupying my time has been these :

These pin cushions are really fun to make, and a wonderful way to use those favourite fabric scraps that are too cute to end up into the “scrap bag”. I’m also really loving the unique vibe they each have, which is why I love giving them as little gifts. No two look alike, though they may share similar DNA. Or weave. Whatever.

I’ve been so busy playing making the cushions o’ pins, that my Love Bear progress, well, isn’t. Progressing I mean. I’m down to the wire with my last one (ie: it’s hardly started) so if you’re not quite done, you’re in good company. But hey, Valentine’s Day is Saturday, and it’s only Wednesday, so there’s still tons of time left to get stitching, right? If you’ve been stitching along with us and would like to have your little Love Bear included in the W.I.P. Stitch-Along round-up on the 14th, just drop me a line with a link to your blog, your blog name and a photo! Voila!

I’m super excited about next week’s W.I.P. post because it’s a fun tutorial that I can’t wait to share with you! I just need to be patient and hold tight until these three P.I.F. winners receive their goody bags. Don’t want to spill the beans or anything. (Katie and Trina, once you’ve chosen your P.I.F. winners I’ll send you some goodies, too!). And I’ll be having yet another P.I.F. drawing soon because I am a lucky ducky and won yet another P.I.F. drawing! Betcha can’t wait?!?

The Wipster List is growing! If you’d like to play along, just leave me a comment here and snag yourself a beautiful logo à la VeganLovlie. Also, don’t forget about our W.I.P. Wednesday Flickr Group – show us your gorgeous masterpieces! You know you want to! Don’t be shy, this is fun for everyone!

W.I.P. Wednesday – Get Your Logo! Featured Wipster Vegan Lovlie

I am so excited to share this gorgeous W.I.P. Wednesday logo with you! The wonderful and talented Lovliebutterfly – or just Lovlie as she’s known by her Internet friends – of the beautiful Veganlovlie blog, did a fantastic job capturing the spirit of our W.I.P. philosophy and I am sincerely touched by her generosity. Stop by the W.I.P. Wednesday main page to get your shiny new banner for your W.I.P. posts or snag a logo to sport proudly in your sidebar – it is a must this season, just so you know. Just scroll down to the bottom of the W.I.P. List and you’ll see the link.

Because part of what I love about W.I.P. Wednesday is “meeting” and getting to know you better, I’ll be featuring a W.I.P. participant, or Wipster, once a month on W.I.P. Wednesday. We are such a diverse group of bloggers, I’m hoping that these mini Wipster interviews will be an opportunity to learn just a bit about who you are, what motivates and inspires you, and some quirky fun facts about you as well (that’s my favourite part.) Would you like to be a featured Wipster? Don’t be shy – send me an email & let me know!

To honor my Patron Saint of Graphic Design, I’d like to kick-off our Wipster interviews with Lovlie. Here’s the scoop in her own words…

I’ve basically been a Graphic/Web Designer after doing a Multimedia course in Melbourne Australia. I’ve worked in a number of companies and also as a freelancer. I love to work in the fashion field very much! This is my area of preference. I was an Image Retoucher/Designer at ASOS.com in London. This was my biggest experience. I am currently extending my skills to Business and Web Programming, hence doing an eBusiness course in Dublin at the moment. So, I presently do temporary/freelance/part-time jobs mostly. And of course, I enjoy cooking and posting recipes and reading other people’s blogs like everyone on the blogsphere. Photographing the meals is an interesting part of blogging too!

Lovlie’s 5 Fascinating Facts :

1. I’ve been vegan for nearly 2 years (It’s been the best years of my life so far! I mean it’s great to actually create and eat real food!)
2. I always have to wear my left pant leg, sock, shoe etc first. It has to be the left foot first! Otherwise I feel something isn’t quite right after I am dressed!
3. I have a sweet tooth!
4. My favourite fruit: pineapple
5. I am a late sleeper, like very late. I don’t recall the last time I went to sleep before midnight. And I only need six hours sleep to be refreshed, up and going.

Visit VeganLovlie for some delicious vegan recipes and to soak up some of her sensational style and do check out her online portfolio for more inspiration and delicious eye candy!

Stitch-Along Update:

Don’t forget, if you’d like your Love Bear Stitch-Along project to be part of the little round-up on February 14th, please be sure to send me an email with your link and an optional photo before February 12th at midnight.

Here’s my little Love Bear pillow :

This little guy needs a little more pizazz I think, but it’s too late as he’s ready to fly over the ocean. I’m  making one for Guppy for Valentine’s Day, so I’ll play with that one a bit more.

Don’t forget about the W.I.P. Wednesday Flickr group if you’d like to share your progress with everyone, too!

I’m working on some fun tutorials for upcoming W.I.P.s so stay tuned!