AC Moore :D and other rants

Holy Majoly.

I scored big time at AC Moore. I went in to grab two sponge applicators for under 1.00 but walked out with 3 bags of stuff for 46.50.

This always happens to me.

Allow me to set the scene for you.  It is Saturday afternoon.  I have somewhere to be so I rush like crazy walking to and fro the ends of the store until I finally find the applicators.  The store gets busy with slow shop browsers.   I almost make it to the register ...

*BAM*  I see it. The tall, overflowing shelves of d.i.s.c.o.u.n.t. fabric. Not just any fabric.  Not your cheap, pastel, ugly fabric that no one will use (sorry if I offend all you pastel lovers:/ I'm a color hater...unintentionally). These are off white, navy blue crinkle pattern suedes and lined black and gray wool hemmingbone cut fabrics.

I'm almost late for work and there's a rather irritating line at the register. I wait.  and wait...and tell the cashier to put my stuff on hold because this one stop quick pick-up lady is gonna browse tomorrow for some sexy cuts of fabric (And I did) :) ... Okay, that's not ver batem..but close enough...PS when I retell stories, in my head I'm a loud, vivacious black women, so when you read this make sure you're doing the tone of voice right ;P

I want to live in a fabric mill.  Seriously. I love fabrics. I love textures.  Maybe one day I will resell fabric for a living.  That is a dream come true for me! :)

I also got lots of fabric quarters for a buck a piece.  I did this around Christmas, too.  I swear, one day I will make napkins with these quarters.  I have to.  I don't have another use for them.  As soon as I can control my sewing machine I'm gonna be napkin makin' happy! Woot Woot!

Help!

I recognize my blog needs more posts. . . which means I need more projects . . . That is my issue.

The most challenging thing about having a blog displaying personal projects is the ability to remember that you will post the projects on the blog.  I'm supposed to take pictures before, during, and after the projects, but usually my crafting comes from a genuine hastiness to just complete the darn thing after months of brainstorming.  So, the day I actually get around to crafting means the last thing on my mind is taking pictures...and then when I am all done I realize the reason I created this blog is to showcase my skill and to hopefully inspire craftiness in others.

I do many projects through out the year re-vamping old to new and constructing things which never were, but documenting all these projects is a whole project in itself!

Well, I guess I am apologizing for not keeping up as I should with my blog.  I have yet to complete the chenille pillowcases which will (eventually) be listed on my Etsy shop. 

I am also asking for your help.

I don't have the greatest pictures to help you in your decision, but you must help me decide on my next project.

Below are pictures of Indian sari fabric I purchased.

Fabric 1

    

Border Close up - Fabric 1

Fabric 2

Border Close up - Fabric2

The original plan for them was to create pillow covers for my living room.  Now  I'm thinking three things:

1. Hang fabric as tapestry on the walls
2. Create pillowcases (predictable, aren't I?)
3. Create scarves 

What do you think I should do with the fabric?

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Ta Da! The pictures I promised you...

Okay. My last post was about using unused throws as upcycled scarves and pillow covers / seat cushions.  

Without further ado I present to you the results of thrashing my throws!

         

 The scarf came out awesome!  It doubles as the perfect shawl to wrap around my shoulders.  

You know you created something well when it receives compliments. It feels pretty good to respond with a "thank you. I made it ".  Even better, though, is the shocked faces upon my response.  

I love the edges on this scarf. I tried to capture it best I could (picture to the right). The edges are frayed white.  I love that there are no stitches showing.  Another plus when using blankets for upcycled items.

Man, I LOVE these chenille pillow cases.  They are SOOOO soft! I have an eclectic taste in patterns, but I dig the country plaid/classic neutral color combo.  The texture is perfect for winter decorating, not to mention for cuddling when watching a movie. (I'm a big time pillow hugger -   hopefully I'm not the only one...)

Chenille is delicate because you can't pull it too much while sewing and if you make too many holes it can shred.  I had to be very careful but it came out great.  The edges came out better than expected, virtually seamless.

There ya have it! A new scarf and pillow cases without leaving my home or spending additional money.  I handsew everything I make because I am still very much afraid of my sewing machine (it eats all the fabric I put in ). Yes, I know the tension must be adjusted and so on and so forth.  But, one thing I don't have much of is patience, and it is easier for me to hand sew even though it takes far longer.


The pillow cases will soon be available in my Etsy shop A Dash of Effort. I'll post a link on my blog soon.  I have some final touches on listings and products, and then I'll be open for business!

I am contemplating a give away for one of my scarves ( I made two).
 

Thanks for reading, feed back appreciated, and I'll write ya later!

Throws or . . .

As you may have noticed from my previous post my living space is minimal.

For that reason, I do not like decorating my apartment with knick knacks and other housewares that only take up space.  Instead I opt for useful and tasteful items for decor.  

My solution for utility with charm:  throws!

Purchased at Walmart wayyy back, I fell in love with these two throws: (they are "throw backs"!...pun intended...)

Chenille!

Hemmingbone!

Since moving into my apartment in November 2012, their only uses have been to satiate my dog's anxious chewing habits :( (sorry, chenille and hemmingbone )

True to the theme of this blog is my knack of turning idle items in to newly found treasures, and I knew just what to do with these two throws...

Make scarves, seat cushions, and pillow covers, of course:)

Step 1:  Find pretty blanket/throw/sweatshirt/towel/etc. to destroy.

Check.

Step 2: Measure and cut to your liking. 

 

Check.

I cut the chenille by wrapping it around my pillow form to estimate an approximate seat cushion size.  Then, I cut along the folds and sewed the seams together.

The hemmingbone was easiest.  I folded the blanket lengthwise multiple times and cut along the folds for a few scarves!




Step 3: Use again and again and again....until you have another idea....

Check.

I'm obsessed with my new hemmingbone scarf! Blankets make perfect neck warmers:) Bonus: It receives tons of compliments!

Pictures of finished products will be posted soon!

Hope this inspires you to save a mall trip (or two)  and re-purpose what you already have around the house. 

What have you reinvented lately?