errands and daydreams

Today I spent over an hour wandering around Jo-Ann Fabrics (a big suburban version) and was overwhelmed by the rows and rows and rows of fabric. I thought I'd hit the mother load, only to realize after looking through them that there were only a few bolts of fabric I even remotely liked. The selection was better than Hobby Lobby, my normal stand by, but overall the prints seemed a little dated and stuffy (lots of florals and little kitty cats, etc.). In the end I bought 2 yards of fabric, a few remnants, and some yarn to add to my crafting stash. Next I'm planning to check out Prints Charming II, a small independent fabric store.


Here are a few inspiring images (mostly from Design Sponge). I'm feeling the greens, grays, yellows, and whites lately...seems soothing and springlike.

pillow talk

On my first day of spring break (Good Friday) I finished my first machine sewn throw pillow cover. I searched the internet for a basic pillow case pattern that didn't require a zipper or buttons and came across a great one. Then I used an upholstery grade fabric remnant from Hobby Lobby and a few pieces of felt to create the embellishments I designed for the front. All in all a pretty quick and satisfying project (not to mention inexpensive). I think I may make a few more--for myself or possibly put up for sale in an etsy store that I'd like to start someday. I'm hoping to buy some more fabric soon to play with; I'm loving online vender Sew, Mama, Sew.

Hopefully I'll be productive and finish lots of fun projects over spring break...

a scarf story

Well, my first scarf is complete! It's a little wonky around the edges and has a few holes (5 or so-I counted) from dropped stitches, but I'm still pretty happy with it.

Next in Stich 'n Bitch I'll be learning how to purl and then how to combine my 2 stitches (knit and purl) together to make a ribbed scarf. Next time I may invest in better quality yarn and try to stay zen and peaceful while knitting to avoid my uneven tension issues. :) I'll keep you posted. I wonder which will happen first--warmer weather or a completed second scarf...?

stops and starts

Knitting continues to be a bit of battle for me. After finishing about 8 inches or so of my first scarf I decided the loose open weave just didn't do it for me, so I decided to switch to smaller gauge needles (10). The pattern called for "bulky" yarn and size 17 needles; I bought and used both, but I don't think my yarn was really all that bulky (despite what the label said). Now I'm about a foot into scarf round two and it's better looking, but I'm still not completely satisfied. The edges of my scarf are wavy and uneven. I'm guessing this is due to uneven tension on the rows---tighter stitches from time to time mixed with looser ones? Any thoughts?

Lately I've been day dreaming about buying and decorating a house (or townhouse). Here are a few lovely images that have caught my eye recently:
























What I love:
row one (left to right):
1) informal bulletin board in kitchen nook-fun and easy to change picts
2) unique old apothecary looking cabinet (fingers crossd that I'll find something like this on craig's list)
3) color, art hung collage style, and eames rocking chair--ahhh
row 2:
1) windows, built in window seat/entertainment center, mid century mod furniture
2) great wall paper cutout--sweet idea for the future
3) tree wall decal (?) and touches of red