Makeover Monday: 5/16

I had a special request last week for a large chair pad in shades of ivory and peachy pinks.

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These were the final fabric selections; two vintage sheets and a plain ivory cotton.

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Here is the finished product; 18 inches across and bursting with ivory pinky peachness!  It will be used for a heavy antique oak desk chair in a recently redecorated office space.  If you look closely you can see my special new touch- the ivory stitching around the edge.  I like the way it balances the colors and lends a very *finished* appearance. 

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Happy, happy Monday!  I'm way behind on listing new things in both of my shops, so that is my main goal for this week outside of mommyhood and housewifery.  What do you have in store for the next few days?

Coming Soon

It's been a long time since I've added a wallflower to my shop!

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Don't forget, besides looking pretty on the wall, they serve as lovely trivets on your spring table!

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I loved this fabric so much that I made an oval egg basket out of it, too. This one can replace the one that sold yesterday :)

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And, we can't forget sosovintage! These three lovely vintage sheet fabrics are freshly laundered and soon to be listed. Hope you are having a sunny day!

Trick or Treat

You thought I wouldn't really get around to making bigger pumpkins, didn't you? Honestly, I wasn't 100% sure myself!

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But, I'm thrilled to say that I did get to it, and I made a new shape to boot! I love the way this one can actually lay flat if you like...until it is filled up with candy.

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It holds about 3 or 4 regular sized bags of treats ... way more than I should have around my house, that's for sure. With the lid on, you can pretend it isn't full of chocolate, though. If that works for you. (Me, not so much.)

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Look for this one in my shop by the end of the week...price tag: $30! Love it? Want it? Send me a message by clicking HERE- first come, first served :)

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What's that inside, you ask? My daughter's gummy pirate teeth- not included. No danger of me pigging out on those- they smell great, but they taste as disgusting as they look. IMHO.

Magnet Mania

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I have been buried under a pile of fabric and magnets for the past few days! But, here is the fruit of my labor. This set of 50 magnets, crocheted from upcycled bedsheets, is finished. They will be heading off to Texas tomorrow.

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These pretties will grace the tops of holiday packages, be used as stocking stuffers and party favors, and be given as little "pick-me-up" gifts. Each will be individually wrapped with an adorable little card. Stay tuned for the *wrapped* photos tomorrow!

More Progress

I have missed you! It's been a busy couple of days around here; I am excited to finally be able to catch my breath and get back to my daily blogging routine. Here is the new rug at 24". She will be finished soon, and I hope to have pictures of her new home to share, too.

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What has been going on around here? Please drop me a comment to let me know what's new in your part of the world!

Custom Large Rag Coaster: Check!

One of my very best customers recently sent me a large bundle of awesome sheets, pillowcases, and scarves that she thought I would like. As a side benefit for both of us, she sent an entire matching set that SHE really loved...so she asked me to make her a 24" table coaster/rag rug from them! I finished this baby last night, and am so pleased with the way it came out. I used the entire set of sheets and a pillowcase for this. Care to guess how much she weighs?

Makeover Monday: 7/6

The Craft Hope book project is moving right along! I have heard back from Jade Sims and the Lark editors with feedback about my upcycled child's slipper project, and I've also signed my contract! The editors would like the slippers for the book to be made in bright, super kid-friendly colors. I made it my mission last week to find the perfect fabric; what could be better than a child's bedsheet?!

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This sheet is full of such happy colors, isn't it? I spent the day working with it yesterday. The hardest part about crocheting for publication for me is having to constantly interrupt the creative process to write down every last direction as I am making the item. I want to just MAKE, y'know? But, great instructions and photos of every step are, of course, a must.

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Here is slipper number one that will be sent in for the book! I just have to photograph the binding process for slipper number two, and I will be all set. Well, then I'll need to translate my shorthand to write out the thorough directions. But, whew!, I have until August for that!

What The...?

Who is up for a little fun? This is a teeny snippet of my Craft Hope project prototype...can you guess what it might be? Remember that some of the organizations/charities are for adults, some are for children, and some are for pets. Post your idea in the comments here; I will be back later to let you know who is right!! Or to give you more clues if no one has guessed correctly...

Fiesta Time!

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, and I am so excited to introduce my guacamole bowl for the occasion! I have had this idea burning a hole in my brain for weeks, and over Easter vacation I finally had the time to make it happen. Can't you see this brimming with tortilla chips next to a big bowl of guacamole on the party food table?

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The best part? It has my favorite guacamole recipe right in the fabric colors; avocados, tomatoes, red onion, salt & pepper, and lime juice- perfecto!! This one of a kind basket will be listed in my shop soon, soon, soon. Are you ready to get your fiesta on?

A Bucket List

Nope, I'm not referring to that list of things that I want to do before I kick the bucket. We can do that another time, OK? For now I need some help with a list of uses for this upcycled bucket!

I crocheted this rainbow vessel on our trip back to Virginia from Massachusetts. It is made out of an entire used and freshly laundered, tie dyed, cotton jersey knit sheet. It measures 8" wide and 8" tall, and is sturdy yet super soft. It holds it shape, but is flexible and can stretch if necessary.

Say someone gave this to you as a gift...what would you use it for in your home? I'm hoping to gather LOTS of different ideas to include in the description when I list this item in my shop one day soon. Thank you in advance for your help!!!

I Heart Custom Orders

Every new custom request gives me a chance to explore with colors, textures, and designs that I may not otherwise try. I finished this custom lidded project keeper last night, and I am SO happy with the way it turned out. You can view more photos of this one HERE if you'd like.

Have you had any new or different custom project requests lately?

Please leave a comment and share!

I've Put a Lid On It!

Here she is, Miss Neutral 2009! She's all topped off and ready to head to Arizona, where she will reign supreme over the end table and contain all manner of dog sweater crocheting supplies.

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Take a peek at more pictures HERE!

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Farewell, lidded project keeper...may you bring happiness and love to your new home :)

Coming Soon to a Bookstore Near You

Get ready world; my upcycled pillowcase bowls are about to explode onto the craft scene!

Almost a year has passed since I was invited to propose a project for the Lark Books publication Craft Challenge: Pillowcases. I can't believe the time has almost come for it to be released!
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These are the projects that were just returned to me this week. My official letter said that the book will be out in March, and that I will receive my complimentary copy around the same time.

I haven't seen any kind of preview, so I'm on pins and needles. My bowls could be on the cover! My bowls could be on the back page! My bowls could be...*gasp*...not included! I won't know until I get my copy, but you can bet when I do, I'll be showing it off right here :)

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Note for Etsy sellers: the editor of the book found me through Etsy- you NEVER know when you will be discovered!

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Have you had any projects published? Do you hope to do so one day? Leave a comment!

Seeing Stars

Nope, not a Brangelina sighting. The stars I'm seeing are the more magical, 5 pointed variety!

I was recently asked to make organic star appliques for a boy snuggle set. Upon investigating and trying out different patterns, I hit on one that I really liked. After I finished the ones for the photographer, I got out some of my favorite shabby chic roses fabric and proceeded to whip up an upcycled star!

Now, I know I have a special attraction for the star shape. I have collected them for a few years (I know, me with a collection? Shocker!!), and have my favorites hung as the border around my upstairs powder room. It is so whimsical and fun, it nevers fails to delight!

My question, though, is this...Might other people like stars as much as I do? Should I add these to my shop? As singles, or sets of 3? They are large, about 8" in diameter, but very lightweight. The cost would be $8 for one. Your thoughts are VERY welcome...please consider leaving a comment with your opinion :)

A Rug is Born!

Date: January 21, 2009

Time: 2:09 pm

Height: 54"

Width: 30"

Weight: 5 lbs., 6.5 oz.

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After an arduous yet pleasant multi-week labor, all 1, 620 square inches of "Sunshine" has arrived!

She embodies 16 different fabrics in all...4 modern cotton sheets, 3 vintage sheets, 3 men's shirts, 1 baby blanket, and 5 pairs of PJ bottoms.

She can't wait to go to her new home, though I am still contemplating the safest and most economical way to get her there. She will be met with a lot of love, that's for sure!!

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Farewell, sweet Sunshine! May you bring and enjoy comfort and peace for many years to come.

For more photos, look HERE!