Thoughtful Thursday ~ Bess Streeter Aldrich

Davis Lake, Oregon

“I think that love is more like a light that you carry. At first childish happiness keeps it lighted and after that romance. Then motherhood lights it and then duty . . . and maybe after that sorrow. You wouldn't think that sorrow could be a light, would you, dearie? But it can. And then after that, service lights it. Yes. . . . I think that is what love is to a woman . . . a lantern in her hand.” 

~Bess Streeter Aldrich, A Lantern in Her Hand

Here's a sneak peek at my current knitting project. I'm not the most accomplished pattern designer in the world, so mainly my method consists of entreating the pattern and charts to "please work out!" I'm sure there's a more mathematical way to do this, but I'm afraid it would muddle my brain.

Felt Coin Purse Tutorial

I have barely entered the world of crafting with felt (lack of materials makes a project rather difficult!), but  upon being given a few sheets of brown felt this afternoon, I excitedly began sifting through ideas of what to make.

This was the result:




Materials

3" x 4" piece of felt
Embroidery Floss
Needle
Zipper





1. Embroider your design on one or both sides of your felt. Folding it in half helps with placement of your design. I just free-handed mine, since the felt was so dark. I don't really know if there's another way to do it.




2. With your sewing machine sew back and forth across the zipper to shorten your zipper so that it is just a little longer than the short end of your piece of felt. Cut off the excess.




3. Place one short end of the felt over one side of the zipper. Using the embroidery floss, sew the felt to the zipper with a running stitch.




4. Fold the other end up to meet the zipper as well. Again, using a running stitch, sew the felt to the zipper. Now you should have a nice tube-shaped piece.




5. Flatten the tube, and once more use a running stitch to sew up both sides of the purse. On the second side it is helpful to unzip the zipper to finish.




Hooray! Now you have a cute little coin purse, easily customizable to suit your tastes, or that of a friend's.

Quilts and Honeybees

Yesterday we went and picked up our bees. We've had a hive for a while, but now it is occupied!

I started a new project this afternoon. I've wanted to make a quilt for a long time, but have either failed, or never had the patience. Today I sat down and picked out the pieces from squares that my great-grandma had cut out. I trimmed them all down to the right size, and began sewing together my blocks. So far I have five out of twenty completed. It won't be a huge quilt, but I'm very excited about it!




As I begin each new block, I start to worry thinking "Oh, I shouldn't have put these colors or patterns together! They'll look awful!" Once I finish the block, however, I am always quite pleased with the result. I can't wait to see the finished project!

The Inspiration Challenge ~ Day 4

You know those pictures of homes where all of the books are color coordinated, or all turned around so that mostly the white pages are showing? Well, I must admit that I've been tempted to do that; at least the color coordinating bit. Really though, it puts all of the books in a jumble! I couldn't put my Jules Verne collection next to the crochet pattern books, now could I?

Here's where an old idea comes in handy.



DIY Paperback Book Covers shows how simple, stylish, and coordinated you can make your books, without ruining them, or loss of true organization. As far as my project went, I'm pretty happy with the results, although I should have ironed the paper bags before I put them on looking like dirty clothes.

My cat enjoyed the project too. Or...it might have been the treats I left for her to find amidst the stack of books. Naw, Minnie's always been a book lover.

The Inspiration Challenge ~ Day 3

For today's project I found this free "Whatever Is" printable by Arian Armstrong, and printed it out. I wrote some lovely things to think about today on it, then pasted it into my journal. After that, I went to do something, came back, made my bed, and several things, and now I can't find my journal. Which means I can't take a picture of it to show you all. Even though it sounds like a "dog ate my homework" excuse, it's not. You'll just have to take my word for it!

What did you accomplish on this fine last day of February? Don't forget you can jump in at any time!

The Inspiration Challenge ~ Day 2

For newcomers, feel free to jump in at any time during this week! Two items made in a week is better than none at all.

Also, don't forget to link back to The Inspiration Challenge in the posts on your blogs. Feel free to take the banner to use in your posts! This helps others to be able join in the fun as well.





<center><a href="http://mydefectivecompositions.blogspot.com/search/label/Inspiration%20Challenge"><img alt="The Inspiration Challenge" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/Eyebright17/InspirationChallenge.png" /></a></center><br />

I kind of consider my project for today to be somewhat of a fail. I like the idea, the source of inspiration, and the endless possibilities of what you can do with these little owls (inspired by The Owlies Shop), but mine just did not turn out quite right. He's cute enough, but when you click back to where the idea came from you can see that his ancestors are much more adorable.









What did you make today?

A Change of Plans for the Challenge

Due to a recent blog post by a photographer/lawyer, I felt some changes needed to be made to the upcoming challenge. Don't worry, it's nothing drastic!

Please go and read "Why I Tearfully Deleted My Pinterest Inspiration Boards"  by DDKPortraits. It discusses the legal issues behind using Pinterest, and why you may choose to opt out.

I myself have decided to opt out. I love Pinterest as much as the next gal, however the thought has plagued me for some time that it's just a sneaky way to be illegal, so this isn't a surprise to me. As much as we value independence, we don't often stop to independently think that maybe what everybody else is doing is wrong. Instead we go along with the flow and pin pictures that aren't ours at all. Instead I will be bookmarking my favorite tutorials with that handy feature that most browsers have.

Anyhoo, in lieu of the Pinterest challenge that happened last month and was about to happen again, I am switching it to "The Inspiration Challenge". Sounds...inspiring...doesn't it?

The new plans are, that the challenge is not limited to Pinterest findings, since we find inspiration all over the web, right? Besides, it's not truly Pinterest where these things come from. I follow several craft blogs, and so often I am inspired by the pictures and projects they post. However, how often do we act upon that inspiration? I usually continue to sit there looking at blogs, and think, "Oh, I'll make that another time." This challenge helps to change that.

The rest of the challenge will remain the same, every day, complete a project and post about it. Feel free to jump in at any time! The simple change just removes the requirement of any specific website, which shouldn't have happened in the first place.

Sound good? I think so! I'm all ready to gear up for this very exciting week, and I hope you are too!

Welcome to the Inspiration Challenge!

Upcoming Events You Won't Want to Miss!

It's next week my friends! Starting on Monday and going through Friday, the Pinterest challenge will be attempted once more!

After last month's challenge was completed there were several people who left comments lamenting on the fact that they had missed it by several days, or the entire week through no fault of their own! In fact, I am perfectly willing to lay the blame on myself, because I simply jumped into it and didn't give anyone any time to think.

Now you still have time to think about it, plan ahead, and get excited! If you don't know what the Pinterest Challenge is be sure to check out the introductory post.

~~~

One other thing before you go. I started following this adorable blog, Wild Olive, a few weeks ago. I have to say that I'm hooked on this girl's designs. They are cute, fun, whimsical, and can be on anything from Valentines Day cards to embroidery patterns. What's not to love about cute little smiley faces that adorify anything? (Yes, it's possible I made up that word, adorify.)

Speaking of embroidery patterns, she's starting up an stitch swap! Sign up, and you will have a month to complete and send a little project that should fit into a 4" hoop. I'm really excited about this idea, and am seriously considering participation! One thing to remember though is that this swap is including all of our International neighbors as well (Yay!), so be prepared to possibly pay a little extra shipping.

So, Pinterest Challenge and Stitch Swap. Are you as excited as I am?

I Was Featured!

I was perusing the recent activity in my Etsy account, when I was completely delighted and excited to discover that my fingerless gloves had been featured in a treasury! This is the first time that has ever happened, that I'm aware of, so it's really fun for me!

I thought I would share my joy, and link to the treasury also. Just click on the picture below to check it out.

Guest Posting over at Walk

Hello everyone! I just wanted to let you know that today you can find me over at Laura's blog, Walk! I'll be showing how I made a cute pillowcase, so make sure to go and peruse at least the pictures!

Kitties and Knitting

They just seem to go together.

How I Created My First Mixed Media Image

I've always kind of enjoyed painting, although I've never had a speck of talent at it. I saw a picture on Tumblr however, that inspired me to pick it up again after a really long time of having not done it. It appeared to me that in the original there were two separate pieces, that were then photographed. At least that was how it appeared when I first saw it. Now that I look at it I realize that it might not be so, but I was still inspired. Also I realize that the original is not a mixed media, but I kind of took the idea and ran with it.

What I did was copy a picture out of a color book and use watercolors to paint it. Then I painted it the scene on a completely different piece of paper. Cutting out the girl and bunny was easy, but I did have some issues with figuring out how to make them stand in front of the background. What I finally decided to do (since we didn't have any clay or play-doh), was to make a thick flour and water dough. It worked fairly well and I was able to snap my shots, and upload them.

Finally, I used a few Pioneer Woman Actions to brighten the picture just so, and then of course added the text.

It was a fun, exciting, and inspirational project, although I do wish that I knew more about painting with watercolors, but overall I'm fairly pleased with the results. By the way, do any of you know anything about painting with watercolors? Got any tips?

Of course, painting it all on one page would work fine too, as shown in the original that I was inspired by, or perhaps you could get elaborate and have three separate layers, instead of just two like I did. The possibilities are hardly limited, so try it and see!

Have a blessed and peaceful Sunday, tomorrow!

Happy Banner!

I really love bright and cheerful things, and things that make me feel bright and cheerful. I also really like banners, although I don't think I've ever made one until now.

I have a slightly ugly, slightly cool looking mirror in my room that I haven't hung on the wall yet. I'm not sure that will, but temporarily it's standing in a corner. I decided that the mirror and the corner both needed to be brightened up with...something. So here's the something!

Materials

• Several sheets of cardstock, your choice of color
• Several sheets of vellum paper (Translucent paper often found in graduation and wedding invitations)
• A nice black gel pen
• A length of lace 

Directions

1. Take one of your sheets of cardstock, and fold it in half lenth-wise so that you have a long narrow strip. 
2. Draw and cut out several banner-shaped triangles, with the wide end on the paper's fold.
3. Take one of your sheets of vellum and cut out larger triangle shapes, using decorative scissors if you so desire.
4. Draw your letters onto each vellum triangle. Get fancy!
5. Open your cardstock triangles and apply glue on the inside. Leaving enough for the end of your banner, place a section of your lace on the triangle, and close it.
6. Very lightly glue the vellum to the front of your triangle.
7. Hang up your banner and enjoy!

Bear-Paw Quilt Block

Last month I was very excited about doing following a tutorial for a quilt block, and I have done it again this month!  Over at Penelope Waits, the blog author and her friend have been challenging themselves every month to pick a picture, pick a quilt block, and then use the colors from the picture to create their very own quilt block.  I have been doing it too.







I picked my picture (a baby room in blue and green pastels), and set to work, carefully cutting out my pieces. I set to work, following the instructions, and finished with a block!






I would really encourage all of you crafty and not-so-crafty girls out there to try these tutorials over at Penelope Waits.  They are really easy to follow.  I have hardly ever sewn a quilt block in my life, and now I have two completed!  Not to mention they are very satisfying to finish.





Granted, my two sweet, little blocks aren't perfectly straight, or beautifully photographed (I used my cellphone!), but they were fun to make.

What crafts have you been working on lately?  If you decide to try out the tutorials from Penelope Waits, let me know, because...well, I'd just love to know! ;)

Needlecraft from the 20's

My aunt gave me a box a few months ago and when I opened it I was delighted to find an entire stack of Needlecraft Magazines from the 20's!  I was completely and utterly happy as I started to delve through the stack.  I made the mistake of setting them aside though, and now my Aunt wants them back, and I have to hurry to look through them all!




There are pretty patterns for all kinds of needlecrafting, and ads for the most hilarious products, cures, and ideas!  I have really enjoyed looking through them as I copy down the patterns, and even some recipes, that I would like to keep.


On the inside flap of each magazine is a full page ad or illustration for Cream of Wheat.  Honestly, if these were mine, I would consider copying them and hanging them on the wall.

Children of the world love Cream of Wheat!

Another ad that keeps popping up is one so similar to the ones that we often see today, that I couldn't help but laugh. There's nothing new under the sun, right?





Once again, have you found any treasures lately? If so, what were they and what make you so excited about them?

Feelin' Crafty

I've been feeling fantastically crafty lately, and so I thought I would show you one of crafts that I completed.

"I am excessively diverted." ~ Pride & Prejudice

I got the idea for these Fashion Paper dolls, via The Crafty Crow.  By the way, The Crafty Crow is a great place to go to find all kinds of kid-friendly crafts, games and ideas.  Be sure to check it out! (No, nobody asked me to advertise, it was just a fun website I want to share.)

It was such a fun craft idea, and I can totally imagine a gallery of these little ladies decorating the walls of my bedroom. Anyway, I love it and I wanted to share the sweet idea with you. ;)

Shops, Birds, Tea, and Valentines

I have been busy.  I know that's a pretty lame way to start a post, but it's true.  The past month has been full of exciting and happy things and projects, and I'll share a few of them with you.





The small one and I were well prepared for Valentines Day.  The only problem was that we forgot to hand out the Valentines that we had so painstakingly worked on.  Oh well.  Belated Valentines all around!  I followed a tutorial for Valentine Scratch Cards and I loved it!  It turned out they were a little hard to scratch, but I think they were a general hit.





My dear cousin hosted a "Because I love you" party for us.  We all got dressed up in our finest dresses, and she was a lovely hostess with lovely dainties for us to nibble on, and delightful games for us to enjoy.  Definitely a fun time.





One of our recent Sunday School lessons was on the "Do not worry" passage.  We made little flowers of the field and came up with a finger puppet pattern for the little birds of the air.  They were very popular, and I hope to post a tutorial for the little birdies soon.





One more exciting thing...I have finally got the banner/header/theme for Classic Kniterature!  I'd really love it if you went over there to check it out, and let me know what you think. Hopefully I'll be getting to work on the actual inventory of the shop soon, so don't give up on me yet!

Anyway, thanks for hanging around!  Have a great day!

Lace on a Wet Foam Block and Other Tales of Crafting

Life seems kind of...well, like life, right now.  I wouldn't say that life is like a chair of bowlies, but things keep moving despite me, who is currently a stick-in-the-mud.  I'm sick.

I have been working like crazy on a conglomeration of projects.  The picture above is actually a sneak peek of one of those, which I am VERY excited about, and is currently being blocked on some foam puzzle pieces. (Hey, a knitter has to do what a knitter has to do!)

For another project, I have been hired to crochet two baby blankets for twins, and I am a *smidgen* away from being done with the pink one.  Yay!  Now I just have to finish the blue one before I get home next week!

The reason I am going home next week, is because one of my good friends is hosting a homeschool, historical ball!  I really wanted to go last year, but being clear across the U.S. was a little bit of an obstacle.  This year, although I live in a different state, I'm ready for it! I am going to wear a pretty lace dress that I have. It's not historical, by any means, but it will be pretty and special enough to wear to the ball, I guess.

I've been sewing on a rather large project recently, and then occasionally trying to work on stuff for Classic Kniterature, but it's a little hard when there are so many other pressing projects to be worked on!  Ah well, all things will work out eventually.

Anyhoo, that's what I'm about lately, so if you drop by, don't be surprised if you see me furiously crocheting/knitting/sewing away, or at least bumming around with a tissue box.

What projects have YOU been working on lately?

My First Quilt Block

I absolutely love browsing crafty blogs.  They fill me with inspiration, give great tips, and share fabulous tutorials!  A really cute craft blog is Penelope Waits, and she is always sharing pictures of her projects, and occasionally a sweet tutorial!  That's where I found the tutorial for this lovely quilt block, "Square in a Star".

In a previous post, the author of Penelope Waits shared that her and a friend had decided to challenge each other to pick a photo for inspiration and a quilt block pattern, and each come up with a quilt block based off of the photo.  I thought this was not only a fabulous idea, but something inside me was just itching to make a quilt block.  I've never really made one before, so I am super excited about this!




I based my color scheme off of a picture from a paint chip booklet that you can see in the upper corner.  Yellow and Blue has long been a favorite color combination of mine.

I have no idea what I am going to do with my quilt block yet, but at least I have it to use if I want it!

Introducing Classic Kniterature!

Everyone, I would like to introduce you to what has been filling my days these last week.  I have thought about, pondered upon, and dreamed for this for longer than that, and now I am finally (hopefully!) putting some of those ideas into action.

I would like to present to you, Classic Kniterature.  My shop and blog where I plan on selling some of my handknits, as well as my own handknit designs.  The link goes to the blog, which you can find at http://www.classickniterature.com.  There is not a link to the shop just yet, since there is nothing for sale in the shop, but whenever there are updates, and such, you can find them over at the blog.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures, quotes, or anything awesome to put in this post to help advertise.  I'm slowly working on that, but these things take time. 

So basically, I just wanted to make you guys aware of what I was up to, so you can follow the updates over at Classic Kniterature, and start getting excited for things to come!