An idea from a failure to follow through.

No pictures today, just an idea. One of the forums I read had a challenge recently. It involved making a padfolio from this tutorial and changing the flap to use it as a design element. I gathered the supplies, but never chose the main fabric and finished the challenge. I was really wanted to do it because it was the first challenge for this forum and these could make cute little gifts. I still want to make a padfolio, but looking at the two yards of double sided fusible peltex (I had a coupon so I had to get extra), a new idea struck. I could adapt this technique to make book for my little angel. I've been thinking about making her a book with fabric and textures and flaps and velcro and cords and such. She enjoys these things and loves books. I wasn't sure how to put it together, but I think this method could work. It would also add structure to the pages like a board book. I'm getting excited about this project so watch for updates.

A new hobby...

as if I need another hobby. I go to a craft group once a week, mostly for the coffee and girl talk. It's also a playdate for my little angel. Another mom brings her daughter that is a couple months older and the girls get a little baby socializing. A couple weeks ago we started making beaded jewelry. It was fun, so last week I thought I would make a set to wear with my outfit for Pentecost. I made the top last year and the neckline is much lower than I had planned. It's a great summer top, but it needs jewelry. So I searched the craft shops for just the right beads. Many of the beads didn't make the final cut. I still have to finish off the earrings and string up the bracelet, but this is what I came up with for the necklace. Not too bad for a first try at designing jewelry. I ended up not making the meeting and just *had* to go out and buy the tools. Now I'll just *have* to get more beads and make more jewelry to put the tools to good use, right?

My angel got so excited when she saw the camera, I had to get a picture of her too.

Class Block Update

Today's seam turned out so well, I'd like to say it was planned this way. It wasn't, it was simply a matter of being determined not to give up on it. I wasn't happy with the silk ribbon attempt at grapes, but I hate to take anything out. It's just such a waste of time and materials. I had originally used 2mm silk ribbon. I meant to use 4mm, but was a good way into it before I realized that I picked up the wrong size. So instead of loose grape bunches, I ended up with these tight little knots of blah. The vine was done with two strands of linen floss in a palestrina stitch. You can see the original seam in a previous post. It was sparse and blah. So now that I've come to the beading phase, I thought I'd try adding some beads to try to save this poor pitiful seam. I didn't take anything out, just added the beads right over the ribbon knots and let them flow down into grape bunches. The ribbon knots give added dimension under the beads. I was so happy with the result, I added some hand dyed pearl cotton leaves and tendrils. The leaves are oyster stitch. The tendrils are loose, multi-wrap French knots. I used the same thread to whip the palestrina stitch vine. The added thread and variations in color give the vine a bit more body.