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finished: beach blanket to go

amanda soule handmade home beach blanket to go

I wrote about this blanket last year and I’m so glad it is finally in the hands of the married couple! I had hoped to take it to their wedding, but it was heavy. With the weight limits put on luggage — and extra fees — I figured it would make more sense to send it flat rate priority mail.

Then it got cold. We got a blizzard. My beach blanket mojo was kind of low. I figured they wouldn’t use it until next summer anyway.

Then all of the sudden it was warm. I had to finish it up and send it off before beach season!

amanda soule handmade home beach blanket to go

I think everyone who gets married on a beach should have a personalized beach blanket, don’t you? You can find fabric and pattern details about this project in my original post.

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my creative space

my creative space

Today in my creative space is a little mindless crochet. I had started knitting my second charity blanket square (here’s the first one) and it just wasn’t turning out right. It may have had something to do with my daughter messing with my row counter, stealing my pattern and pulling stitches off my needles. I finally gave up and pulled out my crochet hook. She still tries to “help out” with it, but does a lot less undoing with this version.

This photo was taken at one of my favorite places: our screened-in porch. The evenings have been lovely for outside time this week. Speaking of lovely, you should check out the beautiful spaces over at Kirsty’s blog.

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progress report no.2

floral shirt refashion

I finished my floral shirt refashion and I’m really happy with the fit. Here are the refashion details:

  • took in the sides to create a more streamlined waist
  • finished the sleeves and neck with a rolled hem
  • added a ruffle trim around the neck

Here is a close up of the ruffle. This was really easy and I’m totally loving it!

floral shirt refashion

Sock update: Yarn is wound, pattern is picked and I got gauge on my first swatch. Can’t wait to cast on!

thrifted: Got this shirt at the thrift shop. I think it was worth the 99 cents!

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progress report no.1

crafty to do list

Yesterday I made some small progress on my to do list.

  • removed the sleeves and collar from my shirt
  • pinned and sketched a (rough) line for the new side seam
  • chose some sock yarn out of my stash

Blog posts might be light this week, but I’m going to do my best to keep on track. Hope to post more progress tomorrow!

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things i would like to do next week

My parents are visiting this week. Usually when they are here I try to tackle a big project. The last one was a major destash and cleanup. Since then I went on a little spring cleaning binge. There isn’t a lot house-related stuff I need to do while my daughter has two super-fun playmates. I’m looking at some small, crafty projects instead.

Refashion some clothes. I’m planning to take up the hem on my linen skirts a little — they’re just a wee bit too long. I also want to work on this shirt. I love the print and fabric, but I’m not so sure about that collar and those scrunched up sleeves.

crafty to do list

List some items on etsy. I’ve got a few cute upcycled projects that aren’t going to get sold if they aren’t in my store!

Start a sock. It’s been too long since I have knit a pair of socks. Maybe since the 2008 Summer of Socks? Yikes! (Notice the “start” part. Some day in the future you might see a “finish” goal, but for now I’ll be happy just to cast on.)

Not a big list. I should be able to get these accomplished, right?

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my creative space

my creative space

After a few weeks of circles, I really needed to get back to squares. I didn’t have anything particular in mind. I just grabbed this little basket of wool that I use for wrapping packages and started making grannies. I’m thinking it will be a bookmark. I need a new one for my summer reading. Speaking of which, look what I happened to spy at the library today: three of my favorite Rs! After just flipping through the pages, I’m already in love.

Check out other creative spaces that you’re sure to love over at Kirsty’s blog.

question: I check out a ton of books from the library on sewing, knitting, crocheting, and vintage/cottage style. I never thought to write reviews of them on my blog, but it just occurred to me that maybe someone out there might be interested. If you are, let me know. I’d love to share some of my favorite books with you!

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noteworthy graduation gift for a music student

handmade graduation gift

Our neighbor’s daughter is graduating from high school this week. She’s a very talented violinist and I love when the windows are open in the summer and I can hear her play. She’s planning to study music at the university in the Fall and I wanted to make her something special. Honestly, I had a hard time coming up with something music specific, so I went with a school-book theme.

This tote is made out of upholstery fabric and hopefully will last for many years after she graduates from college. The pockets have tiny music notes on them. Inside I added this cool manuscript notebook that I found at music store downtown. I think it will be perfect for music theory or composition class.

stash: Everything except the notebook was from my thrifted stash. The upholstery fabric didn’t behave all that nice and kept unraveling on me while I sewed. Note to self: overlock all of the edges next time even on seams that won’t be exposed. It will make life much easier.