One Yard Wonders, Jewelry Roll

Several months ago, I bought the much touted "One Yard Wonders" book. A really good concept-all of the projects use one yard of fabric, or less. It's actually a very nice book, clearly written instructions, beautiful photos. A few nights ago, while watching Dancing with the Stars (Kate Gosselin, what were you thinking? I definitely need to give up reality TV), I decided to try my hand at the Jewelry Roll. I have no idea why I made this project, my sister actually gave a really nice travel jewelry case for Christmas. Perhaps I can use it for my bigger necklaces? That and what they say about idle hands... It was actually very easy and didn't take me much longer than an hour to complete, including cutting. Not to mention, did not even come close to using a yard of fabric. I think it also might look nice with different fabrics, sort of a patchworky look. Could be a good use of scraps. I didn't add the ring strip, since I never wear rings. And I think that I'll shorten the tying ribbons. This fabric is from Anna Maria Horner's Garden Party collection. Isn't it pretty? Would make a nice present, no?

I'm off for a little over a week, to visit some of my favorite friends and family, in two different locations (and by the time it's all said and done, by way of 4 different flights). Luckily, this will include visiting the three most gorgeous, charming, intelligent and adorable children that have ever set foot on this earth. And no, I am not the least bit biased. Unless I come up with something to make on the road (well, you never know), I won't be posting for a while. And just maybe, I'll make you sit through my vacation slides when I get back. There is, after all, a winery tour and an Easter golf cart parade in the plans. Happy Easter! Happy Spring!

Spring Accessories, Part V-Revisited

Just about the last thing I should be doing right now is working on crafts. I have about a million things to do before I leave for my big trip but, the multichain necklace (the original tutorial is found here) has been weighing on my mind. Especially since I made a special trip to get just the right beads and everything. Much better, don't you think? (It really just took a few minutes, I promise!!)

A Second Multi-Tasker Tote

My friend, S, (who I will leave a little anonymous since I didn't ask if I could write about her) was super enthusiastic about my first multi-tasker tote. She really loved it and told me that it would be perfect for travel. Now, she has recently become quite the road warrior, given that she's moved clear across the country to California, and can now share in my obsession of the search for the perfect bag. So I made a deal with her. If she bought the fabric, I'd make the bag. (Which was MUCH easier the second time.) It's surprisingly exciting to receive a big package of designer fabric that you didn't have to pay for. Even if you ultimately don't get to keep it. I've been frantically sewing over the past few days to finish said bag because I'm traveling to California on Thursday for a visit!! So the bag is finally finished, even with a few days to spare. I can't wait to deliver it in person. (If you happened to miss my post about my first multi-tasker tote, it's an Anna Maria Horner design.) I think I like it even more than the one that I made for myself, the fabrics go so well together. Hope she likes it!

Spring Accessories, Part V

We've made it to the final necklace. Part V of the Spring Accessories series. Very fitting that this is the first offical day of spring! (And a glorious day it is-high temperature 75! Unheard of for March in Maryland.) Which also means that I really need to come up with some new content. Don't worry, I just might have a few ideas tucked away. This time, I've made a multi-chain necklace, inspired by the Velvet Chain Brocade Necklace, found on Craftzine. I didn't have velvet or brocade, so it's not exactly the same thing, but pretty close. I was at a bit of a loss when trying to find fabric to use. I didn't have anything neutral enough in my fabric stash of home dec fabrics so I ended up using a scrap of some old jeans. I didn't add the bow because I'm just not a "bow" person. But now looking at it, I think it may look a bit more finished if I used some sort of a flat wide bead instead of the fabric circles. I think this one may deserve a revisit. The concept was good, but I feel like my final product might be able to get a bit better. Perhaps another trip to Beadazzled is in store!

(I am also a little too excited that I finally figured out how to customize my header!! Pretty, no?)

Spring Accessories, Part IV

In preparation for the upcoming Easter holiday, I thought I needed a little pearl action. Now, I'm not normally a pearl person, but I have been seeing these ribbon and pearl necklaces everywhere. So I thought I would give one a shot. I looked very briefly for tutorial but couldn't really find what I was looking for. Turns out, I didn't really need one. Just picked up some ribbon and glass "pearls" and strung them together. This one really was super easy. On a separate note, as a novice blogger, I really, really need to work on my photography. I know that they would come out better in natural day light. But I have that pesky day job that ties me up most days. But I'm going to try a few new things. Hope to see some improvements for both of our sakes!

Spring Accessories, Part III

I apologize to all three of my readers, for posting another necklace. What can I say? I'm on a jewelry stint. To be honest, until I started this blog, I couldn't remember the last time I had made any jewelry. But I'm enjoying making it. It comes together pretty quickly, which is important to me, I tend to lose interest in things that don't get made within one sitting. I have at least two more necklaces in the works. I promise to have a little more diversity, eventually. I thank you in advance for your patience as I get all of these necklaces out of my system! This necklace was inspired by this lace and bead necklace tutorial found on Clever Nesting. I had the beads on hand and bought an 1/8 yard of the turquoise tulle netting for only $0.25! Now that's a deal. This could be one of the more imperfect things I've made lately (so much so that I considered not posting it), but it grew on me overnight. I love it's 80s vibe. I found some more random beads that I don't wear and am considering making another.

Spring Accessories, Part II

It was a dark and stormy night. Perfect for a little crafting. I've been seeing lots of scarf tutorials around and wanted to try one, but couldn't find any jersey that I liked at the fabric store. Just the other day, I came upon this ruffle scarf, found at Vermillion Rules. Not only does she use an old t-shirt (why didn't I think of that before??) but she also doesn't bother with an elastic bobbin thread. I actually had everything I needed to try this, at home. Believe me, that never happens! I forgot to take a before pic, but I made this out of a soy sauce stained red t-shirt that had a fun navy fish print, that I pulled out of the bag of clothes I've been collecting for donations. It had always been a favorite and I'm happy to give it new life! This was one of the quickest projects I've made in a long time. Seriously, I think it took about 20 minutes. Now, this scarf is not as long as some that you are seeing the stores right now, but honestly, I'm fine with that. Sometimes those really long scarves get in my way while I'm working and I end up having to take them on and off all day. (If you do want a longer scarf, I'd recommend using a men's large or even xl shirt.) I think this one will stay out of my way!