tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54229535345973015712024-03-14T01:44:16.701-07:00Sew So CraftyThe (mis)adventures of a crafting junky that loves to sew & scrapbook ...Erica at Sew So Craftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853170097482759345noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422953534597301571.post-89707997497757306572013-04-29T12:22:00.001-07:002013-04-29T12:25:25.638-07:00BUSY WITH A BIT OF BUNTING & BALLROOM .. <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gosh ... where did the last 3 weeks go to! Well for starters it's been all the boring stuff like work, work and more work ... then there's been only a wee bit of time for sewing and ... wait for it ... a bit of ballroom. Yes ... you read it ... I, along with my fabulous "Hey Girl Guy" decided to join a beginners ballroom course! Well considering I have two left feet, I arrived at the first class with a wee bit of trepidation! Firstly just having an hour of grown up time doing something fun together was already enough. Anything after that I considered would be a bonus. Two classes down and I am pleased to announce that besides been so much fun, I have surprised myself and am actually doing okay. We have been salsa-ing, chachacha-ing, jiving and foxtrotting around! Considering we have an upcoming wedding to attend ... this may just come in handy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Back onto the bunting though. Erin at the almost age of eight has decided that her girly pink room is not quite the thing. Now that she is a big girl, she wanted a more grown up room and as her eighth birthday is around the corner I decided that maybe it wasn't such a bad idea after all. I chose a vintagey print for her linen, in predominately reds & blues but the touches of pinks & pretty florals kept it feminine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Next, what better than some bunting to add a cheerful touch to her room. I went through my stash and chose fabrics to match. Using a cardboard template, I quickly cut out the triangles and soon had a pile ready to be sewn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I always find it so satisfying sitting behind my trusty Bernina and disappearing into my sewing world where although things don't always go as planned I always enjoy it! So, triangles in hand I started happily sewing. Very soon the fun was over and after a bit of ironing I attached the triangles to the bias binding with my super quick method. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yep ... I use clips! No pinning, no fussing, just clip it on! Of course I wouldn't use or recommend it for everything but it certainly saves time on projects like these. Sewing is a breeze as I just slide the clips down as I sew and it keeps the fabric together perfectly all the way ... almost like an extra helping hand. When one clip eventually touches the next, I simply unclip it. Maybe a bit unorthodox ... but certainly quick and does the job perfectly! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The bunting looked so pretty and cheerful once up in her room and by the look on her face, I had one happy little girl. Shhh ... just don't let her hear me say "little" girl! </span></div>
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Erica at Sew So Craftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853170097482759345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422953534597301571.post-67205573222038741942013-04-07T07:02:00.001-07:002013-04-07T07:02:29.272-07:00JUST QUILTING AROUND ... <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We spent a week with my sister over Easter and of course when the car was packed my sewing machine took pride of place. In all my enthusiasm I even made lists for what was planned for each day envisioning myself sitting sewing whisking out project after project. HAHAHAHA ... one can but dream. Of course family days, beach days and Easter just happened to shatter that little daydream. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The crazy cousins together and Erin having the bestest of times!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BUT ... I did manage some sewing ... a ballet bag ... two little girls totes and a little quilting around ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Packed in was a layer cake that I just could not resist purchasing a few weeks ago. <i>Basic Grey's "little BLACK DRESS"</i> ... what a divine combination of shades of black and cream. Where else to get some inspiration than <i>MODA BAKESHOP</i>. I knew I wanted to do HSTs and had pinwheels in the back of my mind but after a quick search I came upon <i>Kari Ramsay's (Fresh Cut Quilts Pattern Co.)</i> tutorial for a lap quilt using HSTs and changed my mind. It was the first time I had used a layer cake and oh what joy not having to cut out before being able to sew!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I divided the pack into lights and darks ... oohing and aahing at the stunning prints! Taking a light and a dark, I pinned them right sides together and sewed all the way round the edge. So simple! Then cut them on both diagonals to form half square triangles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pretty soon I had a pack of HSTs. Having by this stage just about taken over my sisters craft studio I played around with the layout on her table and started sewing guiltily at each spare moment I could spare. Trying to be there for everyone it's kinda hard dividing your attention between everyone and still trying to spare a little time for yourself doing what you love. I feel so guilty and perhaps that's why I end up doing most of my sewing when everyone is asleep. Do you also feel guilty sewing when there is always so much else vying for your time ... things to be done and people to be with? I wonder why we feel guilty taking some time out for ourselves or is it just me? Mmmm ... back to sewing ... far cheaper than a therapist!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By the end of the visit I had managed to sew all the HSTs together into 12½" blocks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Easter break over and back home, hopefully there will be some time soon to complete my quilt top. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had a stunning visit with lots of fun with family and great Easter memories ... and the cherry on top ... me time for some quilting around!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hope you all had a wonderful Easter as well!</span></div>
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Erica at Sew So Craftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853170097482759345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422953534597301571.post-77109791213765878902013-03-28T00:11:00.000-07:002013-03-28T07:23:39.055-07:00A Bag for a Ballerina ...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sugar and spice and all things nice ... Isn't that what all girls goodies are made of? I love making all the girly things although growing up I must admit I was quite a tomboy and would rather run around wielding a sword than brandishing a ballet bag. But the joys of having a girly girl for a daughter is that I can now at the age of 42 (dare I say it) experience all the girlyness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So ... seeing a gorgeous ballet print fabric (when once again in the quilting shop just browsing she whispers) I just had to have it. It was in the baskets with the offcuts and just had to be rescued. I have made quite a few ballet bags but usually in satin so couldn't wait to use this pretty fabric. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some pretty ballerina print fabric ... add to that some tulle, satin and sequins trim ... wave your magic wand and say abracadabra!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Okay, it wasn't quite as easy as abracadabra but I did enjoy sewing this cute bag and they really are pretty easy to make. For all the purists out there ... please read no further ... I use my trusty glue gun to attach the tutu and sequins trim which makes life far easier. Gasp, shock and horror ... I know, I know. And while I'm admitting to short cuts ... I make the tulle tutu by sewing it onto elastic ... yes it's out there ... I did not gather it on my machine. The first time I ever tried gathering tulle ... my halo slipped badly as the curses came fast and furious out of the sewing room. Tulle is not my friend! So tutu and sequins attached, the last little detail is iron on gems for a little girly bling attached with my gem wand.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One Tutu Ballet Bag later ... and a satisfied smile on my face.</span></td></tr>
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Erica at Sew So Craftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853170097482759345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422953534597301571.post-49169530911322847792013-03-19T02:36:00.000-07:002013-03-19T02:36:37.235-07:00NEWS FLASH "GET LINKED UP"<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Go to the following link to join the link up. HURRY ... time is running out!<br /><a href="http://thebusybeequiltshop.blogspot.com/2013/03/monday-link-up-lets-get-acquainted_17.html" target="_blank">http://thebusybeequiltshop.blogspot.com/2013/03/monday-link-up-lets-get-acquainted_17.html</a></span></td></tr>
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Erica at Sew So Craftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853170097482759345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422953534597301571.post-28476842672768066672013-03-18T11:50:00.000-07:002013-03-18T11:50:07.870-07:00Sewing for Sanity<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sewing is my therapist. I can be in the worst mood or have had the most awful day but when I start immersing myself in a project and the creative juices start flowing and there is just so much gorgeous fabric to choose from ... then all that reality just fades away. And yes, sometimes there are curses coming from my sewing room and my "hey girl guy" has come in telling me to take a break as I can't possibly be enjoying it and then looks at me completely puzzled as I respond emphatically that I am loving it. You see ... I know that you completely understand that even when you have to unstitch or have sewn the lining on wrong side facing ... well it still beats a day at the office so to speak. Yep ... so guys ... like your worst day on the golf course is still better than a day at the office ... the same applies to us. Oh and in case you were wondering about my "hey girl guy" reference. Well unlike Ryan Gosling my guy actually does all those amasing things ... like burn himself on the glue gun while helping me make fabric flowers or going to the quilting shop with me knowing full well what he is in for. So for being so fantastic I have named him my "hey girl guy"!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But I digress ... So as I was saying,<i> </i>my therapist, although not cheap is infinitely more satisfying. The sessions in therapy will be lifelong if you see the list of projects and tutorials earmarked to do. One of the benefits is rarely having to buy a gift as what better excuse than to embark on one of those projects. One such project that I was wanting to tackle was out of <i>"Sweetwater's Simple Home" </i>book. The market tote bag made from burlap. Of course I made changes but it was the source of my inspiration ... (by the way ... don't you just LOVE <i>Sweetwater's </i>creations)!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Ta-da ... the finished product ... which is always a little hard to part with!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Erica at Sew So Craftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853170097482759345noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422953534597301571.post-9701866011427681382013-03-13T13:42:00.000-07:002013-03-13T14:24:51.700-07:00Pimping my Eggs for Easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">I just love all celebrations and tend to use them as an excuse to completely </span><strike style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">go overboard</strike><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;"> submerge myself in some craftiness and creativity. So with Easter around the corner what better excuse. My daughter is in Grade 2 and with each celebration day we do a crafty gift together to give to her classmates. For valentines day we got some inspiration from pinterest of course and did the "Valentine Butterfly" I'm sure you've all seen around ... </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6g7CbVZiABs/UUDaFkQRANI/AAAAAAAAAFw/Ge_zTwXUvOE/s1600/Valentine+Butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6g7CbVZiABs/UUDaFkQRANI/AAAAAAAAAFw/Ge_zTwXUvOE/s400/Valentine+Butterfly.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While getting all easter inspired on Pinterest (yes ... am raising my hand to confess to being an addict) I came across a pin of a cupcake with a bunny ears topper. Yay ... the bunny ears was a free printable. Don'tya just love those! You can find the printable here <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2011/03/hoppy-easter-printable/" target="_blank">http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2011/03/hoppy-easter-printable/</a>. I had bought some easter eggs to play around with and came up with a pimped up egg which is perfect for a little easter gift for her classmates. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Easter egg + goggle eyes + heart gem + fluff ball + ears = one pimped up egg</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHnJM2ZcV9c/UUDh1mcCZUI/AAAAAAAAAGE/m3_FsxVDf4w/s1600/Bunny+Mugg+Shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHnJM2ZcV9c/UUDh1mcCZUI/AAAAAAAAAGE/m3_FsxVDf4w/s640/Bunny+Mugg+Shot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5u7q7ZsGFnU/UUDh7Tolt7I/AAAAAAAAAGU/8oBzgJb-SIk/s1600/Easter+Egg+Makeover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5u7q7ZsGFnU/UUDh7Tolt7I/AAAAAAAAAGU/8oBzgJb-SIk/s400/Easter+Egg+Makeover.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Erica at Sew So Craftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853170097482759345noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422953534597301571.post-36965115336808453312013-03-12T14:24:00.000-07:002013-03-12T14:27:34.133-07:00From a wonderful world to a world turned upside down ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Okay ... so over a year AWOL! Where to start. Well the last post where I was crooning along with "What a Wonderful World" came to a rather abrupt end. The moral of the story ... don't tempt fate! To make a long story short ...lesson to self ... watch out for business partners that seem too good to be true ... coz I tell you what ... they are too good too be true! So one year later I am ... minus previous business partner, add to that major loss due to aforementioned partner, new business flying solo and many bumps, bruises and scrapes along the way! BUT a constant among the numerous changes ... YEP ... my crafts! (and of course my wonderful man and daughter well most of the time.. and em ... not necessarily in that order). So I'm feeling rather happy with life right now and thought it was time to dust myself off and climb back in the saddle and say HOWDEE everyone!</div>
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Towards the end of last year a craft project that sort of landed in my lap was a "simple, little gift" from my daughter's class to their mothers as a end of year gift. Her teacher, knowing my rather fond attachment to my sewing machine enlisted my help. The children had spent the year being Earth Angels and she thought it would be cute to make shopper totes embellished by some fabric artwork by each child. Well if you know me you will know that nothing stays simple when I'm involved and I will accept full responsibility here but this simple little project grew to enormous proportions!</div>
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Laying in bed this simple little tote grew into a burlap shopper tote to tie in with the earth angel theme. Then this burlap shopper tote, albeit rustic, grew a calico pocket detail with an iron on transfer of the children's artwork ... nope not enough yet ... magically appear a ruffle detail and wait for it ... a detachable flower brooch WITH beaded tassel ... and not just one but 24 for each child. No not enough yet I decide that the teacher and principal should also get one! Going to sleep with a smile on my face this all sounded wonderful. Until amongst the year end rush these 26 bags had to become a reality. Burnt fingers (thanks to my glue gun) and bleary eyed they were finally finished with a little help from my man.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eIXFrLuC7HA/UT-SdE2jSnI/AAAAAAAAAE4/17bGIWjVLj0/s1600/Earth+Angel+Shopper+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eIXFrLuC7HA/UT-SdE2jSnI/AAAAAAAAAE4/17bGIWjVLj0/s400/Earth+Angel+Shopper+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>V<span style="font-size: x-small;">ery rustic burlap shopper tote with box pleat ... the inspiration & the progress</span></b></td></tr>
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<b>Oh did I forget to mention that I also thought stamping with StazOn ink would look good ... picture black stained fingers and mutterings trying to centre and space the letters. The kids did a handprint on the back of the bag to personalise it ... another of my midnight ideas!</b></div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tL7wUonsF18/UT-VvJH1B5I/AAAAAAAAAFk/S5R1ChRgGw4/s1600/Earth+Angel+Bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tL7wUonsF18/UT-VvJH1B5I/AAAAAAAAAFk/S5R1ChRgGw4/s400/Earth+Angel+Bag.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><b>Burlap Shopper Bags in varying stages of completion ... doesn't the kid's artwork look great!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upyimudhIcY/UT-UGUGnVRI/AAAAAAAAAFc/wmahEvCmHO8/s1600/Earth+Angel+Shopper+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upyimudhIcY/UT-UGUGnVRI/AAAAAAAAAFc/wmahEvCmHO8/s400/Earth+Angel+Shopper+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Move over Ryan Gosling ... I have my own "Hey Girl Guy"</b></td></tr>
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<br />Erica at Sew So Craftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853170097482759345noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422953534597301571.post-75654849487786336372012-01-30T02:24:00.000-08:002012-01-30T02:34:24.118-08:00'... and I think to myself ... what a wonderful world'<div style="text-align: justify;">The late great Louis Armstrong crooned 'what a wonderful world' ... and I pretty much have the same sentiments. My world is pretty wonderful at the moment and so is my garden. The summer rains have been most welcome & the garden is bursting with colour & song as the birds compete with each other. I love birds & their chirping & chattering ... except when they get going from 4am though!!! We have such an abundant bird life & even have a peacock & guinea fowl that have made themselves at home. My favourite time of the day to enjoy the garden is either early morning on a weekend ... when everyone is still asleep as I sip my coffee on the patio watching all the birds or at sunset ... having a sundowner with my sidekick watching the birds & if we are lucky enough a buck or two that wander down to the dam. Yep ... I am one lucky gal & I am thankful for my many blessings. Here are a few pics of the garden I thought you may enjoy ...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spz8s7yVEhE/TyZpoJhKmyI/AAAAAAAAAD0/ddq16tKMi-s/s1600/garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spz8s7yVEhE/TyZpoJhKmyI/AAAAAAAAAD0/ddq16tKMi-s/s400/garden.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A glimpse of the patio. I planted up this basket about a month ago & am so chuffed at how nicely it has turned out! (one can blow one's own horn occasionally)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kuEObMLq648/TyZpp8Eq5MI/AAAAAAAAAD8/-MJ_jTl5Nuo/s1600/Garden+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kuEObMLq648/TyZpp8Eq5MI/AAAAAAAAAD8/-MJ_jTl5Nuo/s400/Garden+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have 3 lay hens ... this is Miss Erin holding Maddy</td></tr>
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<tr><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ri9kl4YMQA/TyZptaCTf7I/AAAAAAAAAEM/1Vwfa_hdCWw/s1600/Garden+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ri9kl4YMQA/TyZptaCTf7I/AAAAAAAAAEM/1Vwfa_hdCWw/s400/Garden+4.jpg" width="400" /></a> </></></></></>
</></><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(oops ... 'scuse the ladder)</td></div><><div></div><div></div></></></></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfHKJfwkv6s/TyZr26OW-tI/AAAAAAAAAEc/vB1jCVvChUM/s1600/Garden+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfHKJfwkv6s/TyZr26OW-tI/AAAAAAAAAEc/vB1jCVvChUM/s400/Garden+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are my salad & herb planters that my very clever sidekick made for me. They are outside the kitchen door for easy access so I don't have to traips to the veggie garden every time when <strike>lazy</strike> it's dark!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now ... some news! We have an addition to the family. Let me introduce Lily</div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bok0757H3zk/TyZpu66-L0I/AAAAAAAAAEU/FACcNxB3tfg/s1600/Aint+She+Sweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bok0757H3zk/TyZpu66-L0I/AAAAAAAAAEU/FACcNxB3tfg/s400/Aint+She+Sweet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She is only 6 weeks & is the cutest little thing. She still has that puppy smell & of course Miss E is totally in love with her. The only downside is the waking up at night to let a crying Lily out to do her business in the garden. We have to keep a close eye on her as the owls would see her as a tasty snack! So from a sleep deprived state I bid you farewell & wish you all a good start to the week!</div>Erica at Sew So Craftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853170097482759345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422953534597301571.post-30148520287097043192012-01-22T10:33:00.000-08:002012-01-23T00:13:03.057-08:00Gifts from the Heart ... and a great day out!<div style="text-align: justify;">"It is better to give than to receive" ... I don't know where that quote comes from BUT I'm not quite sure I agree. I love giving but receiving feels pretty darn good too don't ya think! So onto the giving & the pretty good feeling you give the person who receives it too. I love making quick little gifts that I place in my "creations box" for those moments when you want to add to a gift, have forgotton someone's birthday & need something quick to give or simply for an impromptu gift to make someone feel extra special. Of course as mentioned before this box also holds those items that I don't really need myself or can't even use but simply don't want to part with ... pretty sure there is some psychologist out there that would have a field day with that BUT once again I digress ... I love making this fridge calender which is a really quick, easy gift that friends really love. They simply stick a jumbo photo (10x15cm / 4x6") onto the calender which can be replaced during the year & place it onto the fridge. It has monthly calender tear off pages & of course magnets on the back. I always have one on my fridge & it makes a really cute gift to give at christmas time or to start the year with. Also great to give to teachers at the end of the year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OI6V2dXSqv0/TxxPr9WHIpI/AAAAAAAAADc/kYqg27G-_h4/s1600/Gifts+from+the+Heart+-+calender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nfa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OI6V2dXSqv0/TxxPr9WHIpI/AAAAAAAAADc/kYqg27G-_h4/s640/Gifts+from+the+Heart+-+calender.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Another great gift idea are the Tilda hearts which I have fun with using all sorts of scraps & even scent them with essential oils ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cwQrqzZlTIc/TxxV8HWDzXI/AAAAAAAAADs/HlWI-3vfDhw/s1600/Hearts.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nfa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cwQrqzZlTIc/TxxV8HWDzXI/AAAAAAAAADs/HlWI-3vfDhw/s640/Hearts.gif" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another great feeling other than giving & receiving is I hate to admit it ... buying stash!!! (furtively looks around for that lurking psychologist). Yesterday I spent a glorious Saturday with my like-minded sister doing not bar hopping but quilt shop hopping. Sighs in ecstacy! All those fabrics ... spending hours stroking, admiring & contemplating what to buy. Day dreaming about what projects & creations to turn those gorgeuos fabrics into. Wondering about what course to do next that is on offer ... and as much as I love my sidekick, best of all is being able to spend ages deciding on what fabrics to buy without him waiting in the car or even worse keeping an eye on me in the shop anxiously checking his watch & wallet!!! I wonder if anyone out there has the same experience :-). I am fortunate however as Mr E or as I fondly like to call him ... my sidekick ... supports all my addictions to my crafts with utmost patience & though he may not quite ooh & aah as much as I would like & may not quite understand how I can spend quite so much time choosing fabrics & notions is also my greatest fan & is very enthusiastic about all my creations!!! After buying all our lovely goodies my sister & I ended the day with pizza & wine at a cute little place. Could this day have got any better ... oh yes ... don't you just love arriving home with your purchases & admiring them all over again!!! </div>Erica at Sew So Craftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853170097482759345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422953534597301571.post-87298835174230368922012-01-18T12:58:00.000-08:002012-01-18T13:02:15.084-08:00It's Not How Much You Do ... But How Much LOVE You Put in the Doing!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPNJeVmMejs/Txcq1b0qfsI/AAAAAAAAACs/qDkSogw6f3A/s1600/Little+Munchkin" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPNJeVmMejs/Txcq1b0qfsI/AAAAAAAAACs/qDkSogw6f3A/s320/Little+Munchkin" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How CUTE is this Little Munchkin on her FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL in GRADE 1?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Perhaps the reason for the 'NOT HOW MUCH YOU DO' ... coz I sure aint gettin much craftin & sewin done around here. But it is a small price to pay. The first week back at school is a wee bit crazy & it does take a week or two to get back into routine! So while I am champing at the bit & rearing to go on new crafting & sewing projects here is a little snippet of some scrapbooking I did a while back ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7vqA8rnUnk/TxcwRE6IlSI/AAAAAAAAAC8/e9pm9X1NdyA/s1600/Bestest+Friends+Scrapbooking+Layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nfa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7vqA8rnUnk/TxcwRE6IlSI/AAAAAAAAAC8/e9pm9X1NdyA/s640/Bestest+Friends+Scrapbooking+Layout.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZzQ7e8qE2Q/TxcwdR9bNBI/AAAAAAAAADE/HvTZt7pPN-w/s1600/Bestest+Friends+Scrapbooking+Layout+Detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nfa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZzQ7e8qE2Q/TxcwdR9bNBI/AAAAAAAAADE/HvTZt7pPN-w/s640/Bestest+Friends+Scrapbooking+Layout+Detail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As you can see in the detail I love combining my love for sewing in my scrapbooking & usually always add some stitching, buttons or even fabric! <br />
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To end off a little something to add a smile to your day 'scraplifted' from my sister ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THH2f1ORPc8/TxcxJx9-DJI/AAAAAAAAADM/nZw1guZbTSs/s1600/New+Years+Resolutions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nfa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THH2f1ORPc8/TxcxJx9-DJI/AAAAAAAAADM/nZw1guZbTSs/s1600/New+Years+Resolutions.jpg" /></a></div>ok ... just couldn't resist adding this one ...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wONM9Rr9vhc/TxcxnFfBUoI/AAAAAAAAADU/5ysH_vxiV6s/s1600/I+made+This.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wONM9Rr9vhc/TxcxnFfBUoI/AAAAAAAAADU/5ysH_vxiV6s/s320/I+made+This.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>Well at least someone has been busy making things ...;-)Erica at Sew So Craftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853170097482759345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422953534597301571.post-11491223473018901852012-01-14T10:03:00.000-08:002012-01-14T10:03:10.204-08:00BAG IT ...<div style="text-align: justify;">Have you ever made a gift for someone & then loved it so much you couldn't give it away! My daughter was going to her friends birthday party the next day & I decided in the evening to make a little extra something to add to the gift. My sidekick was away on business & Little Miss E had just gone to bed ... YAY ... me time to sew! First of course I had to spend ages roaming blogland for cute tutorials & needless to say got sidetracked a couple of times by gorgeous creations by inspirational bloggers. BUT eventually came across Ayumi's ( from Pink Penguin) cute lunch bag tutorial found <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2010/08/tutorial-lunch-bag.html">here</a>. Music on, time to myself, cute bag to make ... heaven! Well close ... add the chocolate & it would be seventh heaven (wonders to self what heavens one to six are about)! Hmmm ... while I am discussing chocolate I have a confession to make ... I am an absolute chocoholic & have huge cravings for the damn stuff. I have even been caught with my hand in my daughters sweet jar ... not a pretty picture I know! BUT I digress ... back to sewing. I had such fun sewing up this little bag. I used a pink check for the lining, the cutest girly princess fabric for the main bag & a pink star fabric for the handles etc. You see ... that's why you can never have enough stash because you just may need it for an impulsive project. Feel much better now that I have justified my other craving!!! Well, after completing the bag around 2am I was most impressed with myself & spent ages admiring my handiwork. Funny that ... was wondering where Miss E gets her lack of modesty. But isn't it lovely when you sew something & everything goes right ... no unstitching ... no cursing ... (of course I don't do that she says as she adjusts her slipping halo)! Well I thought it turned out sooooo well & looked soooo cute that I couldn't bear to part with it & justified my very bad behaviour by telling myself that the six year old friend couldn't possibly appreciate this little hand made bag. Yup ... I bagged it instead. Better to buy her a little extra something. I know ... quite terrible ... but looking at it as I write this blog I am oh so pleased that I still have this little creation to inspire me! Thanks Ayumi & all the crafty ladies who generously share their tutorials!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVyHWKFsIB4/TxHCf75qVaI/AAAAAAAAACk/yAHI9sgjKPI/s1600/A+Bag+Fit+for+a+Princess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVyHWKFsIB4/TxHCf75qVaI/AAAAAAAAACk/yAHI9sgjKPI/s640/A+Bag+Fit+for+a+Princess.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Erica at Sew So Craftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853170097482759345noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422953534597301571.post-23904793271491851272012-01-11T05:58:00.000-08:002012-01-11T05:58:06.473-08:00IT NEVER RAINS ... BUT POURS<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">No seriously ... being a horticulturist I am always wishing for rain for my nursery plants ... but really ... the big guy up there got the message wrong or the gremlins are laughing their heads off. Yesterday we had a HUGE storm ... I mean humungous (arms stretched out wide). The whole shebang ... thunder, lightening, hail stones & rain & rain & rain. Staying in a thatched farm house is all great & wonderful until a massive thunderstorm has you running for buckets & towels. Of course as Murphy would have it I had a leak on the shelf above my sewing table ... my precious Tilda books got wet (flash to <strike>Lord of the Rings</strike> Baynesfield... <strike>Smee</strike> Erica rocking back & forth hugging the <strike>ring</strike> wet Tilda books & muttering "my precious" ... ok ... not so bad but still ranking up there). Alas also the VERY temperamental wireless internet connection went running into hiding at the first drops of rain. Living in a rural area is such fun ... most of the time. So my blog entry did not happen last night due to "an act of nature". A day late but better late than never ...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My ambitions from little old me for my "Sew So Crafty" blog is to be able to share my passions with like minded people who appreciate what goes into hand crafted creations. Of course the ultimate would be for my creations & crafts to be wildly in demand & become a small sideline business (the violins stop playing ... the mist suddenly clears & my backside hurts like hell as I come down to earth with a bang!) BUT ... one can dream & when one dreams, possibilities are endless!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As promised another peek at one of my creations held up by little Miss E ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yvV6gFdMyr8/Tw2QcEEteSI/AAAAAAAAACU/DQyNtfnX2Ts/s1600/Croc+Quilt+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yvV6gFdMyr8/Tw2QcEEteSI/AAAAAAAAACU/DQyNtfnX2Ts/s640/Croc+Quilt+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">In payment for holding up my quilt, Little Miss E asked me to take a photo of her showing off her new <strike>tap</strike> shoes. Just to inform you that these days child labour has their own union with lots of terms & conditions. So in fulfilling said terms ... here is the aspiring dancer who has been <strike>driving us mad</strike> tapping away since she laid eyes on these tappy heel shoes. We also have been informed after viewing the umpteenth performance that ... "I am very good of tap dancing!" ... modesty is not her shortcoming!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FyTBZ5sv0es/Tw2T3yY206I/AAAAAAAAACc/GbQwQtOi6gw/s1600/Aspiring+Dancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FyTBZ5sv0es/Tw2T3yY206I/AAAAAAAAACc/GbQwQtOi6gw/s640/Aspiring+Dancer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Erica at Sew So Craftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853170097482759345noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422953534597301571.post-37040045426107122472012-01-09T09:43:00.000-08:002012-01-09T09:43:41.644-08:00Once upon a time ...<div style="text-align: justify;">Once upon a time in blogland ... on the 9th of January 2012 to be precise, there was a very happy & excited newbie blogger. For she had at long last found the magic door & entered into blogland! Ok ... you can rewind the disney intro BUT seriously I am SEW very excited to have finally got my A into G and taken the first steps into blogland ... and can already cross off an entry from my 2012 New Year's To Do List ...YAY (doing the happy dance again).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So to begin with intros ... I am a young <strike>lady</strike> at heart, energetic, scrapaholic, quiltaholic, craft junkie with a passion for plants and lucky to have found a great guy as a sidekick & have an energetic <strike>little 6 year old</strike> 6½ year old big girl that keeps me on my toes. Sew ... in a nutshell ... sew much to do & sew little time to do it in. Fortunately my passion for plants is fulfilled during the day as I am a horticulturist and co-own a nursery. I grow <strike>all the</strike> plants <strike>I want to</strike> & also love landscaping & pottering about in my garden. My passion for crafts is fortunately for my finances limited to scrapbooking & sewing in what little spare time I have available. Hopefully all you lovely crafters out there can vouch for me & I can have it in print that I am not the only crafter that has the affliction of never having enough stash (hee hee). Do you ever guiltily rush into the house after a shopping spree & quickly hide your new lovely stash amongst the old stuff to disguise it? "Oh this old stuff" you blush, crossing your fingers behind your back ... okay maybe not quite so bad but you get the picture I'm sure! Oh yes ... somewhere in there is me also desperately trying to juggle my time to stay fit & in shape (note to self ... the treadmill is your friend!!!)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now for a brief look at a few of my "sew so crafty" creations that I have whisked (yeah right) into life lately ...</div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySviKqoHjMo/TwsepuCObaI/AAAAAAAAAAU/ONfT1ZH4rxc/s1600/Tilda+Bunny" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySviKqoHjMo/TwsepuCObaI/AAAAAAAAAAU/ONfT1ZH4rxc/s320/Tilda+Bunny" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tilda Bunny</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQQl_ZYLQfc/TwsfLNK4wzI/AAAAAAAAAAc/WPms-oJgfjE/s1600/Tilda+Doll" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQQl_ZYLQfc/TwsfLNK4wzI/AAAAAAAAAAc/WPms-oJgfjE/s320/Tilda+Doll" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tilda Doll</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW9PZFtZiq8/Twsgc1HaoeI/AAAAAAAAAA0/6M1yvzdiQcs/s1600/Bunny+Cushion" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW9PZFtZiq8/Twsgc1HaoeI/AAAAAAAAAA0/6M1yvzdiQcs/s320/Bunny+Cushion" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunny Cushion</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Due to my bloggery inexperience, apologies for the quality & technical ability ... we can only hope it improves with time as the mere fact that I am actually blogging & up & running is quite an achievement! Tomorrow I shall let you have a peek at a few more of my creations & put in writing for all to see what my "sew so crafty" ambitions are for this year so that I am committed ... hmmm ... maybe that will work for the exercising as well ... nah ... bad idea!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I bid you adieu for now, as there is a tired <strike>little</strike> girl that needs to be tucked up into bed & a big girl that has her sewing machine calling her ... </div>Erica at Sew So Craftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08853170097482759345noreply@blogger.com2