Shout out......

Help! I need some opinions Mr. Incredible and I went to an auction yesterday and while I wasnt looking he bought a pile of "stuff" in a corner for $1.00 yes o-n-e dollar or 100 pennies. When I realized what he did, I initially was upset, I said "No more junk to take home....ugh" he is known to bring home all the junk that NO-one else wants. As I was degrading him I peeked in a plastic bag amongst the pile of junk and instantly ate my words. It was SEWING STUFF ! Over 30 cross-stitch kits most un-opened, and a nice needlework stand. (The wooden ironing board was my find for $3.00). Anyways, back to my Shout out. I need some opinions here folks. A huge part of me would like to rip the kits apart and keep the fabulous embroidery floss and maybe find a use for the crosstitch fabric. AND then a part of me...............remembers that the first thing I ever learned to do with a needle was Counted Cross Stitch, forth grade afterschool program, Mrs. Forkey.
Now, I have since moved on and I am not particularly fond of cross stitch anymore, but I am sure that there are some folks who are. Yikes, do you know anyone who would love these, some, any, all, more than me? I am definatly keeping the stand because I do like to emroider.
Soo-ooo..............do I tear them apart? or give them away? Please do let me know what you all think. Thanks

Redwork

I spend way to much time surfing the internet looking at stitchy-sew-y-crafty-things. The plus side of it is that I come across some great ideas, some new and some old. Redwork, believed to have originated in 19th century Europe, refers to needlework done with red cotton thread. I fell in love with the old designs and have been thinking of something to try. Trees are trendy right now so I gave this a try, I would love to do something more elaborate when I have the time. Speaking of time, I'm suppost to be spending this time (right now) painting my back room! Not posting on my blog. I wonder what kept 19th century women from thier chores ? Hmmm

Freezer Paper Stencil

I can check one more thing off my to do list. This is my first try at freezer paper stencils

1. draw a picture of what you want on the dull side of the freezer paper, and cut out with a razor knife.

2. Iron onto fabric, shiney side down.

3. Paint! I used spray paint and I really like the results. But I would think that fabric or acrylic paint would be just as nice.

4. Sew :) I only waited about 5 mins for my paint to dry (because I am impatient) before I started sewing.

The spray paint I used was actually a rusty brown primer color but looks pink on the fabric ( how lucky for me) so its always a good idea to do a test swatch. I believe this was enough fun that I will have to make some more.

Hug yer Chickens

Ok, this is so darn cute it makes me want to go out and hug my chickens. My good friend B gave me a copy of this pattern to play with. I may have to add Chicken quilt to my list. Thanks B, and I was wrong *grimace* this is a great pattern. Also my first time paper piecing!

P.S. Thanks Chris from Jamonkeyshwap for the quick paper piecing lesson via telephone.

Tea-dying

I've been playing with my tea, which is not unlike playing with your food only less messy. I simmered the teabags 6 of them (cheap ones) in a quart or so of water for 5-10 mins. Then took out the tea bags and stir/soak fabric for about 10 mins. Rinse, dry, and press. Woo hoo a whole new batch of fabric :)

Bunny Wallet

I'm having a grand time ignoring my serger (I want to rub it in). I had a good sit-down heart to heart with it and we're still not seeing eye to eye. I may have to do an intervention or send it for therapy. Anyways the library called with some more yummy books and child #3 really liked this wallet. She had to twist my arm really hard to get me to make it. IT WAS SO FUN! I made it up out of scraps while the rest of the house was watching a movie, simple and rewarding.

I'm thinking of makeing more only different. mind wandering at possibilities