Filling in the gap

My bunting bunting found its home in my craft room, right above my sewing machine and the only spot free of the clutter that spread all over the rest of the room like creeping ivy.

Found and finished

These fingerless gloves were knit a couple years ago. But my attempt to sew them together was, to put it nicely, an utter disaster. Frustrated, I ripped out the sloppy seam and tossed them in a drawer. And there they've sat unfinished and abandoned. Until yesterday. Suddenly I remembered the cheery gloves so close to being wearable and decided it was time. Even more important, I remembered the guidebook on knitting tricks my mom gave me (maybe to get a bit of a break on my crafting questions).

The photo on the front promises a nifty technique for an invisible seam. I was doubtful, but rolled up my sleeves, threaded my needle and followed the instructions. Then came the swearing. But unlike my usual craft-induced profanity, this was an unadulterated expression of joy. Magic! Yank the thread and the seam disappears. Rarely is finishing a project fun, but I was actually sorry to be done zipping up the seams. What a thing of beauty. And today I could finally wear my pretty new fingerless gloves, perfect for the unwelcome chill and - gasp - hail.

Done?

My CFF Tara kindly picked me up this awesome faux cross stitch fabric by Anna Maria Horner. Like all nice fabric, I shudder at the idea of going at it with my rotary cutter. Can't I just admire it? The solution - a simple tablecloth. That way I can admire the fabric every day while saving it from a terrible fate on the cutting mat. The corners are mitered like the napkins I made, so basically it's a big ass napkin.

But every breakfast I look at those crosses just begging for colourful floss. I'm sure the embellishment would look lovely, but part of me just wants to jump onto the next project. Oh the dilemma. Since I can go at it with a needle and thread anytime, I think for now I'll just enjoy the breakfast view.

At last

Finally I have my own set of pillowcases. The fabric's called floating mums. So cheery!

(Sorry for the creases. I say meh to dragging out the iron.)

Meta crafting

Bunting bunting!!!

Really, how could I resist?

Adorable dreams

How freaking cute is this fabric? I love the owl looking at the squirrel: "WHO are you?" That nosy little creature looked out for me, making sure I sewed the fabric together in the right direction so he wasn't left hanging upside-down.

And, yup, it's another set o' pillowcases.

Fabric fancy

Ikat seems to be everywhere these days. I saw this ikat-inspired fabric and instantly knew it needed to become pillowcases for a good friend's birthday present. Although, I must admit, it was very tempting to keep it for myself. Which reminds me, when am I going to make a set for my bed?!

I picked up these three fabrics below during a recent jaunt to NYC with my CFF. The colours are so vibrant, the patterns so unique. By Westminster Fabrics, it's inspired by the Victoria & Albert Museum of decorative arts and design in London. At home, I decided napkins would be a great way to show off the fabric. Back at City Quilter, I didn't have a plan. I just picked three fabrics I liked and got a yard of each. I wish I found four, since a set of three napkins is kinda weird. Or maybe innovative?

Sewing mitered-corner napkins is a nifty trick. But a damn lot of ironing. Combine lots of time at the ironing board, a sweltering day and a stuffy craftroom and things start to heat up. The result: no-pants sewing. The added advantage is that errant threads don't stick to bare legs. The sweaty sewing session was totally worth these lovely napkins with smart little corners.