My love for sewing and crafts was established in my pre-teens and fully encouraged by my grandmother and parents. Although I thoroughly enjoy sewing for my home, I find that the real excitement and full satisfaction comes from creating for others.
I was becoming increasingly frustrated with the stands I had for my iPad. The case I bought for the tablet is great for protection, but not so great for standing it on edge. Since I spend a great deal of time with it propped up watching videos or listening to podcasts, I needed something that was more stable. I tried using a plate stand, but it was forever catching on the case for the iPad. Each time I went to use the tablet, the stand toppled over. It was a balancing act just to put it back in the stand as well.
I had seen in my internet travels where you could make your own pillow stand with just a couple of seams, fiberfill and a bit of a weight. After reviewing several patterns, I decided on the Nancy Zieman version with an alteration or two.
I practiced on the smaller version first. My phone served as the Guinea pig. It is a simple design and took no time at all.
For the weighted bottom, I used rice. Dry beans, small marbles, aquarium stones, pea gravel, etc would work just as well to give it stability. I made a small inner bag to hold the rice and stuffed the remaining pillow with fiberfill.
Nancy added cording to the base to keep the tech item from sliding. Since there was not a piece to be found in my inventory, I made a half inch channel for the item to sit in. I then filled to the end of the unit with more fiberfill and sealed the edge.
For the larger version, within the half inch channel is a kabob skewer, cut to width and no pointy end. Just an experiment, but it seems to add more staying power, since I didn't have the cording.
Don't be afraid to change things around. Patterns are blueprints, as well as guidelines. You're the designer, after all. Have fun with it!
I would like to say a BIG Thank You to all of you that commented on the Crossword Puzzle blanket shown on my YouTube channel. They were all so kind and encouraging.
After a coupon code was shared by Amy, Green_Feather7 on Instagram, I decided to place my order for some gadgets I found on Knit Picks. I had been wanting a ball winder for some time, but all I could find was an electric one for way more money than I wanted to spend. After seeing the crank ones on YouTube, I went searching for the cheaper option. Of course, I found other items I had been craving like Wonder Clips and a yarn stranding guide. The coupon was for a free ball of Lindy Chain, which I got in Whisper, a shade of lavender. I actually got the free yarn, free shipping and tax.
The Wonder Clips are great for holding two fabrics together before sewing. I use them for sewing and for crochet and knit projects. I searched high and low for the stranding guide in stores with no success. I wanted it for protecting my fingers when working with holiday yarn that has the strand of metallic thread. While making my Christmas tree, I had to place bandaids on the fingers that the yarn was wrapped around. That strand was making my fingers raw. I'm hoping this will solve the issue.
I also bought a Try It Needle Set. It contains one set of size 6 Caspian Wood tips and one set of size 7 Nickel Plated tips, with a 24" cable and 40" cable. Since I am so new to knitting, I thought this may help me decide what type of needles I like best.
Block 3
Block 4
The Brownie Knits Blanket Along blocks are coming along nicely. I've learned so much and I'm getting plenty of practice. I finished block 3 and block 4. I'm about halfway through with block 5. I am some what behind. I am slow compared to a lot of knitters, not just because it's a new skill, but that's how I roll with all crafts.
I finished the Bakery Bears Handbrake Cowl last week. It was a fun and easy knit. Thank you YarnieLadyBug for gifting me the pattern. In return, I will also gift the pattern to three Ravelry members who would like the pattern. All the proceeds for the sale of this pattern will go to cancer research. The first three that ask in a comment posted on my YouTube video and who give me their Ravelry name, will receive a pattern download email. I would love to see your finished projects.
Since I don't like guessing and wasting yarn, I have been a bit frustrated with the long tail cast on. I haven't done much research on the subject, but what I have seen and heard is that it's a best guess as to how much yarn you leave to accommodate the cast on. When you're casting on a great many stitches, it's a pain to redo it until you've got it right. I tried to take the mathematical approach.
I casted on 5 stitches and removed the needle. Grasping the tail at the first and last stitch, I unraveled them to see how much tail yarn was used. I measure this bit and came up with about 3 inches. Dividing the total number of cast on stitches, (120) by the 5 that I used to gage my tail length gave me 24. That is 24 three inch sections. 24 times 3 is 72 inches of yarn for a tail. I added another six for sewing in, just it case it worked exactly. To my surprise the cast on was a success and I had only a couple of more inches left to my original addition of six. I tried the same method when I casted on the Brownie Knits Block 5. Again, a success. Was this a fluke? Has anyone else tried it this way?
I won a set of three stitch markers made by Hooked in Yarn. She does fabulous work in polymer clay. Crochet and knit stitch markers, buttons and crochet hook handles, all beautifully decorated. Check her out on Facebook.
Several months ago I made a notions pouch that wrapped around the shoulder belt of the truck. Twice I lost my crochet hook in the door frame because I laid it down and it slid off my lap. It was the perfect size to roll right into the door frame with no way to retrieve it until you opened the door. I designed this pouch based on the shoulder protectors normally found in automotive aisles. So the pouch has two pockets that hold my crochet hook or knitting needles or scissors or anything else I don't want to fall off my lap when we round a corner. The back side has a full pocket with a flap. This serves a notions pouch when not on the seat belt.
Because the normal belt protector used velcro, I used it too on the prototype. It worked great on the first trip. Forgetting that yarn and velcro do not get along, I dropped it in my bag open. It didn't take me twice to remember to close off the velcro before it comes into contact with my yarn.
My aunt gave me a tote bag she had stashed away in a drawer. I found it to be the perfect size for carrying my yarn projects with me as we travel. But since it had a giant poinsettia blossom on it, I wanted something a little more everyday. So I decided to make my own. I added a pocket to the inside large enough to house my phone and keys.
I decided to use magnetic snaps, most often used on purses today. Adding them to the tote bag and to the shoulder harness pouch eliminated the velcro nightmare. That also made it much easier to attach and remove from the seat belt. I arranged the snaps in such a way that the notions pouch could be attached to the inside of the tote bag when I'm not using it in the truck. I think it came out great! As with any prototype, I'll use it and see if there are any improvements to be made.
If you have any suggestions or questions, feel free to comment. I welcome your input. Enjoy your weekend, but don't forget the real reason for the holiday: Remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces. Thank you to all who are and have served to defend our country and our freedom.
In the last couple of years I have discovered loom knitting. I have always preferred crochet and it's versatility. Yet there is something special about the fabric created with the looms. Many varieties of gauges and sizes are available. Being the tool collector that I am, of course I have had to purchase several sets. Provo Craft's Knifty Knitter round looms was my first set. I whipped up a hat the first evening. Blankets, afghans, shawls, bags, mittens, stuffed animals, nearly any thing you can knit, can be made on these looms. Best of all, you don't need the coordination required of using the knitting needles. Children to adults with arthritis have enjoyed making their very own projects.
With so many patterns and tutorials available, loom knitting could be your next relaxation hobby. Check out Kristen at Good Knit Kissses. You will see how easy this craft is to pick up. It won't take you long to start designing your own loom knit craft.
I would love to see your creations. You can comment below with your link, or join me on Facebook at JC's Sewing Room.
Have you ever said, "I like this, but I wish..."? When it comes to your Helping Hand Pocket Pouch, customization is key. Everyone is special. You can make your choices in fabric, prints or solids, number of pockets, size, etc. The perfectHelping Hand Pocket Pouch will be made to order. Check out thisorder formto make your decisions easier.
I pay special attention to ease of use. Velcro, buttons with wide buttonholes, snaps, ribbons and ties are all available for your Helping Hand Pocket Pouch. Contact me if you have a special need or request. I enjoy special orders. Browse through my Etsy shop to see examples of what we can do together.
I love trying new stitches and techniques. New for me, at least. This week I tried the broomstick lace stitch. The Broomstick Lace Technique uses an object to form the loops such as a broomstick, large knitting needle, pvc pipe, or whatever you find in the desired diameter.
It was a bit awkward at first. I needed to hold a size US 35/19 mm knitting needle along with the project, while using a crochet hook. While some people hold the needle, others brace it between their knees. Once I found that I could brace the knitting needle between the cushioned arm of the couch and my rib cage, (not as uncomfortable as it sounds), off I went making row after row. What do think of the result?
There are so many videos and free patterns out there to choose from to learn this technique. Try your hand and show me your results. I'd love to see your creations.
Spring is in the air, finally! Raised in Ohio, I still remember after a long winter, it feels great to shed that big and heavy winter coat. I was so ready for a floppy spring.
Flip flops and floppy brim sun hats are now my go to items for a spring wardrobe.
Unbundling from the winter cover ups expose us to the harsh spring and summer sun rays. The large brim hats with a mesh crown provide needed shade to your face while letting body heat out the top.
Dont forget the sunscreen for a more healthful and younger looking skin.
Working with this specialty yarn is fairly easy, once you know the tricks. Although Sashay comes in a ball, it is twisted and condensed. The ribbons come in a hank, which needs to be dealt with very gently so not to tangle into a bird's nest. Both should be rewound onto a tube such as the inside of a paper towel roll. Once wound flat, the project rolls smoothly into place.
I designed the Yarn Minder pictured to steady the flow to my needles. My dear sweet husband made it a reality with some wood and some small diameter PVC pipe. The Yarn Minder double decker is great for using two together as one. In the picture, I'm actually making two scarves at the same time on a knitting loom.
I really wanted something sturdy. I made some scarves for gifts last month, and winding the ruffle yarn on the pvc pipe helped a lot. But it was just rolling on the end table behind a couple of coffee cups. LOL This works much better.
Necessity is the mother of invention, so they say. Sometimes you have to make do with what is at hand. Sometimes you have a husband that is just itching to use his power tools.
Ruffle scarves are very popular this season. Redheart yarns makes it so easy to design your own with their Sashay and Ribbon Boutique specialty yarns. Take a look at some of the scarves I've made.
Chain Scarf
Ruffled Scarf
Ribbon Scarf
Some are made with crochet hooks, some are made with knitting looms, and some are made with knooks. Each technique has it's advantages, but generally give the same results. Try whichever method you feel most comfortable.
As winter approached a couple of years ago, I decided to get back to crochet. I participated in a crochet along with the fine people at Bernat. What a great way to refresh my skills and learn new techniques. Crocheting also gives my idle hands a constructive purpose for the couple of hours of TV a night as well as being able to participate in a conversation with dear sweet husband.
