creature comforts

Now that the harsh Chicago winter is over I'm ready to break out of my winter hibernation mode and share some of my crafts from the last few months. This is a creature that I made for my adorable nephew Anson's baby shower. I used flannel and felt to make him extra soft and decided to skip the button eyes just in case they fell victim to baby's strong grip or the family dog's teeth.

My friend Nicole has an another baby girl on the way this summer so I'm starting to plan my next baby friendly creature for her debut in July.

simply fab

I'm on the hunt for fabric to make curtains for my living room. The color scheme in the room is neutral (tan and chocolate brown) and red with small touches of turquoise; the room is also open to the dining room and kitchen (kitchen will be white and silver). After striking out at the local fabric stores I've stumbled onto some great online stores.

The above fabric are my favorite finds so far for curtains. They are from Pink Chalk Fabrics .

Midwest Modern Collection, Garden maze in mustard--by Amy Butler

Ginseng Collection in Rust by Joel Dewberry

Other online stores to check out:

Modern Fabrics

Trendy Fabrics -- check out the good prices on Amy Butler

Purl Soho

I should say that I have not purchased anything from any of these stores, so I can't vouch for service or shipping times.

Happy crafting!

a bag for katie

One of my more recent sewing projects was this bag, a gift for my good bud, Katie. I used Lotta Jansdotter's basic tote bag pattern as a starting point and then changed the size and added a flap and interior pocket. The fabric with the black ribbed ball shapes is from Ikea and the other fabrics are from Hobby Lobby.

Quinn and Pierre

I altered my sumo cat pattern a bit and created a new little creature, with more of an owl like appearance and a few jingle bells inside for added fun sound effects. Two people have commented he looks very French; could it be the mustache like curl of the lips? Hmmm... He has been dubbed Pierre and his little owner, Quinn, seemed to enjoy him, so I'm happy.

Four more days of school, yes!

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...