CRAFT BLOG — JANUARY 2008
01.31.08 | NANNY'S TABLE RUNNER
I was given this table runner when my grandmother passed away in 1996. My dad doesn't remember it from his childhood, so we're not sure where it came from or who did the beautiful embroidery. When I use it on my table though, I think of Nanny, and her sense of humor, and her endearing warmth.
01.29.08 | A WORK IN PROGRESS
I'm in the process of making three little bibs for my soon-to-be-born great-nephew. I was inspired by the bibs that Daria made over at Glitter Goods and downloaded the pattern at Chickpea Sewing Studio. I like the simple design of the bib and the small size, just right for itty bitty babies.
I plan to make two more bibs — one from the striped fabric and one from the plain orange, both backed with the baby blue terry cloth. I really like making things for baby boys since I never had any of my own!
I don't know if my niece reads my blog or not, but if so, the surprise is ruined. They'll be coming soon, Bekah!
01.27.08 | CUDDLE BLANKETS FOR MY GIRLS
I made these blankets for the girls for Christmas. Just soft cotton and cozy fleece, sewn with a pillowcase turn and top-stitched (like I do everything because I'm a newbie). The girls love them and so do I.
01.26.08 | MY LITTLE CORNER OF HEAVEN
It's not technically a “sewing room,” but it's my special little space in the corner of the basement where I can dream and create and play. I stole the space from the children when we moved their toys up to their rooms. I used to be stuck at the other end of the basement with no window and no heat. Now I have both, and it's really wonderful.
01.24.08 | MAKING MY HOME: A MITTEN STRING
I hung this little mitten string close to the front door. It's simple, but useful for drying out those wet mittens, hats and scarves when they come in from outside.
I'm starting this series of blogs titled MAKING MY HOME to focus on this very important role that I play in my family: Home. Maker. I make the home in which my family lives, rests, plays and loves. And I'm proud of that fact.
Homemaking isn't given much attention in American society. We're much more about home buying, home selling, home decorating and home improvement.
Of course, all of those activities include home making to some extent. But in the rush to make our houses bigger, fancier and even picture-perfect, I think we've forgotten about the everyday, inexpensive, important art of simply making a home.
01.23.08 | ALMOST READY TO JOIN THEM
I'm going to wash them, lights and darks separately, and then venture out to JoAnn's or Wal-Mart to find a color with which to join them. Suggestions or ideas? Send me an email message at mollysevertson(at)hotmail(dot)com.
01.21.08 | A FEW MORE
I crocheted a few more granny squares this weekend. (Okay, like 15.) I'm getting there...
01.14.08 | AN APPLE COZY
I made this apple cozy from this tutorial awhile ago at the beginning of my current craft craze. I had planned to actually use it to protect apples that I would send in Sonja's lunch, but since the girl has only one front tooth, she requires her apples to be cut up! Oh well, maybe some day...
01.10.08 | A BLANKET FOR BABY NELLY
I made this little blanket (yeah right, like you're looking at the BLANKET in this picture) for baby Nelly, the brand-new daughter of a good friend of mine. Isn't she gorgeous and sweet and wonderful?
The blanket turned out pretty well too. It's just cotton and fleece sewn with a pillow case turn and top-stitched. I hope it keeps baby Nelly warm and cozy this winter.
01.09.08 | KEEPING TRACK OF 2008 IN STYLE
I bought a new 2008 calendar at the Dollar Store for just, well yeah, a dollar. It was useful, but not very pretty. So I used the fabrics left over from my new pillow covers to cover the calendar. I think it's pretty snazzy. Don't think I just whipped it up, though. It took me about six hours to make. Seriously. I learned a lot, though, and I'm happy with the result, so I guess that's what counts.
01.06.08 | ANOTHER PILLOW MAKEOVER
I made these pillow covers the other day with what I think is a neat combo of fabrics. I've found that I love mixing contemporary with country, in this case modern fabrics with patchwork. I think pretty throw pillows really brighten up a home, and I plan to make lots more of these pillow covers.
I made these with an envelope back so that I can take these off to wash them or change them. It was easier than I thought it would be. The second one is much better than the first, of course. I found that you can overlap the fabric quite a bit and it's still easy to get the pillow in and out. Plus, the cover stays in place better when there is a large overlap.
01.02.08 | A SIMPLE COASTER
I made two of these simple coasters recently and really didn't like them at first. But, I must say, they are growing on me.
Here's how to make them:
Determine the size you would like your coasters to be, then add 1/2 inch to the width and the length to allow for a 1/4 inch seam allowance all the way around. (I made mine a little too small by winging it. I'll plan better next time.) Next, layer your fabric pieces with their right sides together and add a layer of batting on the top.
Sew a 1/4 inch seam around the edge...
...leaving an opening through which you can turn the coaster right side out.
Clip the corners, being careful not to cut the stitching. Turn the coaster right side out through the opening. Top stitch around the edge, sewing up the opening as you go.
Voila! A simple coaster to protect your furniture and brighten your home.
01.01.08 | IT'S A START
On our recent trip halfway across the country, I passed the time in the car crocheting Granny Squares. Inspired by this blanket, I've begun my own.
My view in Minnesota...
...in Iowa...
...and in South Dakota.
The terrain wasn't varied, but my Granny Squares were!
