The Recycled Bag Bag!

My project is finally finished!

Pics and more deets, including directions, coming soon... :-)

Cash In: Etsy

So very exciting.

Fabric Covered Photo Album of Love

This summer has been super crafty for me, since I've been home in sunny, warm South Carolina and out of school, work, and my significant others (boyfriend, two needy cats, etc). One of the recent projects I completed was this fabric covered photo album.

I had been scouring Target, Wal-Mart, Michael's, and still couldn't find a scrapbook/photobook with magnetic pages that I actually liked. I didn't want one with something hokey written on it, like "Family" or "Memories". So I bought a cheap photo album at Target, searched through my remnants, and came up with this beaut.

The most important thing for me was getting the part of the pattern I liked the best centered on the front of the album. I placed the closed album underneath the material, centered it, and then while holding it tightly, flipped the book over and open. I cut the material (leaving a lot of extra) and pulled the fabric taunt, gluing it down with Aleene's Tacky Glue. I glued it horizontally first, then carefully pulling it tight and folding the ends in nice and triangular, I glued down the vertical side. After making sure the pattern was how I wanted it, I glued the rest of the fabric onto the book, making sure that the fabric was nice and tight when the book closed.

Because I'm a terrible cutter and all my lines were uneven, I used a thick hand-crocheted lace my grandma had made many years ago. I loved the lace, with its tiny and perfect stitches, but never knew what to use it for until I started making this book. Because I didn't have enough of two different, very beautiful, kinds of lace, I used the thicker lace for the most uneven edges that ran vertically.

Once complete, I let it dry for the night.

And that's that!

Now, I've never tempted lace before, though I do love to crochet. But if you're looking to try it out, here are some lovely and helpful sites on Crochet Pattern Central's Hairpin Lace page.

ways to help.

I'm all about finding simple, somewhat inexpensive (I am, after all, a poor college student) ways to help people. So, after doing some research, I've found a few organizations I felt worth mentioning, in case you have some extra time on your hands and wanted to donate to a good cause.

Project Linus: "First, it is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”"

I like this one because there aren't any specific size or yarn requirements to follow. Perfect for the craftster with a huge bag of yarn and absolutely no idea what to do with it all (i.e. me!). I've started two blankets for Project Linus, one using leftover yarn, and another with yarn I went out and bought specifically for this project.

Binky Patrol: "We make blankets and give them away to children in need of comfort. It's as simple as that."

I haven't researched this one as much. I think it's pretty much a less organized version of Project Linus.

afghans for Afghans: "afghans for Afghans is a humanitarian and educational people-to-people project that sends hand-knit and crocheted blankets and sweaters, vests, hats, mittens, and socks to the beleaguered people of Afghanistan."

My mom donated a blanket to this one. It's a little more rigid in it's requirements, as the blankets/clothes have to withstand extreme temperatures and conditions. I believe the blanket/clothes must be made with wool yarn, so it's a little more pricey, but a great way to help those who definitely need it.


Those are just a few organizations I've found. I know that Binky Patrol encourages making blankets and donating them to your local hospital or shelter, which is also a great idea, although you may want to contact ahead of time for any restrictions or specific needs. As I said, I'm all about crafting for a cause, so if you hear of any other organizations or opportunities, I would love to hear about them!

a tunic. a dress. in a sunday afternoon.

Today I followed the tunic pattern from Diana Rupp's Sew Everything Workshop

It was simple and only took an hour or two (not quite sure how long it took me because after I started sewing I had to run and get more interfacing..). The tunic is easy and good for the upcoming warm months! If you haven't checked this book out, you should! I'm making the dress pattern next.

a pattern I came across that is just *beautiful*

In the latest Country Living, there is a pattern for the New Mexico Kaleidoscope. Check it out!

A call for:

Hello all,
While shopping the boutiques of Portland's southeast today, I was disappointed by all the "vintage" clothes that I loved but found outrageously priced. So I made a pact with myself: just do it. I'm going to start making some dresses and what not...does anyone recommend any patterns?

On another note, my friend just found out she's pregnant! So it anyone has spare time, any baby-themed craft stuff would greatly be appreciated. I'm about to go to the store myself and pick up some Gators-themed colors for an afghan :)

I'll update more as I go along. I'm about to cuddle up with Diana Rupp's Sew Everything Workshop. If you haven't picked it up...do it!

Happy Crafting,
Amber