Craftaholic Anonymous

My Blog is Moving!!!

2009-06-16T10:01:00.001-07:00

I finally decided to combine this blog and my main blog into one new blog. So this blog will be going away shortly.

Check out my new blog: http://www.another-ordinary-life.blogspot.com/

Thanks for reading!

Crafting Draught

2009-06-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

I haven't been doing much crafting lately, I have started knitting 3 blankets but I haven't finished any of them. Today I whipped up this belt (I got the idea from Capricious) because I am in desperate need of something to hold up my pants. I made a similar one for Chase with paw prints on it.

Drawstring Backpack

2009-05-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

They recently started sprinkler days at Chase's daycare so I wanted to make him a little backpack to carry his swim gear in. I made a little drawstring bag. It has two pockets outside, one pocket inside, and is lined with orange and black. I was very happy with how it turned out. I wanted to take a picture of it on Chase but I just haven't gotten around to it.

I haven't managed to finish any of the other billion crafting projects that I have recently started - I am apparently in a starting projects mood lately.

Pear Bag

2009-05-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

On Thursday I found this wonderful pear fabric - I love it. I made another little hand tote out of it with a matching wallet (which is unfortunately a wee bit too small - I probably need to redo it).

Bag and Baby Shoes

2009-05-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

Yay! Finally some time to update my page with a few projects I recently finished.

Dew Drop Bag

I saw a picture of a bag like this online and I am very excited because it was my first attempt at making my own bag pattern from a picture. I think it turned out quite well. I would do the handles differently next time because they aren't as neat looking as I would like but overall I was happy with the project.

Here are some baby shoes I recently made from a pattern I found online. I love them because they are quick and easy and they don't use a lot of fabric. I made these for friend who is having a baby shower next week.

Free Stuff

2009-04-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

Check out my main blog if you are interested in a give-away I'm doing.

www.somesexandthesuburbs.blogspot.com

Amy Butler - Birdie Sling

2009-04-17T15:50:00.000-07:00

I was surfing the web the other day and I fell in love with the Amy Butler Birdie Sling - so I ordered the pattern and TADA here is my new bag. I am very happy with how it turned out - I think if I were to do it again I would make the strap a little shorter. Also I wasn't very happy with how my top stitched turned out at the top of the bag it was a bit sloppy.

My First Bag!

2009-04-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I just finished my first bag and I think it turned out pretty well. I had a really hard time with the hidden inner pockets (I did two instead of one) and they aren't perfect but they are alright (I think it is because I downloaded a free pattern and the instructions weren't great). I also learned that I have a horrible whip stitch - the bottom of the inside of the bag looks like a 5 year old sewed it. But I love the fabric and I love how big the bag is so overall I think it was a success.

More PMC Fun

2009-04-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

I had a weekend full of crafting. Yesterday I ended up going to Denver Fabrics and buying a bunch of fabric to make bags out of. I intend to make a bag that I found a pattern for online and I also ordered a pattern for the Amy Butler Birdie Sling which I also plan on making.

Last night and this evening I spent some time working with PMC again. Below are a few of the things I made.

Custom Charm Bracelet

2009-04-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

For my mom's birthday she requested that I make her a custom charm bracelet. I was really happy with how it turned out. She wanted designs stamped on the back of the charms and custom phrases / names stamped on the front.

Craft Fair

2009-04-05T11:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I participated in my first craft fair! here are a few of the new things I had prepared.

Etsy Bling

2009-03-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of my upcoming craft fair I finally got around to "branding" my Etsy shop! I made a new logo that actually has matching business cards and such. Now I just need to get around to actually making more product...I'm in the process of crocheting a yoga bag which I have had to start over about 5 times for various reasons - maybe I should just give up...

(I know the image looks tiny but if you click on it you can actually see it.)

Finished Jewelry Pieces

2009-03-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to taking a few pictures of my recent jewelry pieces. I don't LOVE any of them because most of them are practice pieces but I am overall happy with how the PMC turned out.

Here is my favorite bracelet - the picture quality sucks but I really like this piece. It says "LIVE".

This is the other one of my favorites...it reminds me of the moon for some reason...

This is just a stamped metal necklace but I really liked how the beads looked on this one.

Small PMC charms

Shrug

2009-03-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

So here it is - the first article of adult clothing that I finished. I think it turned out pretty well. I had to make a TON of alterations to the pattern because the original pattern ended up making a teeny tiny shrug that maybe a 10 year old would fit into - it also had a weird seam that I decided to get rid of (I guess that is what you get with free patterns). Overall I think if I did another one I would make a few changes but I am pretty happy with it. There were also suppose to be ruffles (like around the sleeves) at the neck and back but I decided to skip that because Boris and I both thought it looked fine without the extra ruffles.

Inspired by Capricious Again

2009-03-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by Capricious again - she recently bought some of the cutest tags on Etsy and today (while I should have been resting) I decided to be a bad bad sick person and craft for a little bit. There is only so much laying in bed one can do. Besides I have been seriously neglecting preparing for a craft fair I intend to do in April and I thought these would be perfect small items to sell!

The "With All My Heart" tags are definitely my favorite, Boris liked the tree ones the best. Sorry about the owls and shoes being sideways but I can't figure out how to make the blog rotate them.

Also I promise to post some of the pictures of my fired and finished jewelry soon - when I get around to taking pictures of them...oh yeah and I finished the shrug too - pictures of that coming soon also!

A Shrug, A Sweater, Jewelry - I just can't stick to one project

2009-03-10T15:18:00.001-07:00

So I have been busy starting crafting projects and not finishing them.

The list of my half finished projects includes:

- A crocheted sweater (about 50% done)

- A crocheted shrug - which I hope to wear this Saturday (about 75% done)

- Two crocheted bags that just need linings

- A bunch of silver pieces that need to be sanded and finished (I did finish three pendants and bracelet already but I have a few other pieces left - plus I want to make more)

- I found a dress I want to sew

- I need to finish Chase's scrapbook

- Oh yah and I am suppose to be getting ready for a craft fair that I have done nothing for because I've been busy making stuff for myself - whoops...

I would include pictures of all these projects but I broke my camera =(

The Sweet Return to Crafting

2009-02-22T06:59:00.000-08:00

It has recently been hard for me to find time to craft as life has been a little hectic but I finally had time to get back to a few projects.

Here is a little cream sweater that I finished crocheting yesterday. I LOVE this sweater, it is made of a bamboo blend and is super soft and a nice weight and I think the bubble details at the bottom and the little jeweled red buttons are adorable. I wish I had a little girl to put this on! The best thing about crocheting baby stuff is that it goes SUPER fast because the pieces are so small.

Yesterday with the help of some grandma baby sitting - which is always the best - I finally got around to playing with my new clay supplies!!! I am not totally in love with any of the pieces that I made but I wanted to make some super simple and small items so that I can play with firing them. I figured that if I made something really nice and it was ruined in the kiln I would be pretty upset so better to start small. We'll see how these fire up and then get into pieces that I like better. I also realized that I think the difficulty with this craft is going to be that the options are limitless so it is hard to get started and even harder to settle on something that isn't perfect. I'm sure over time I will get better.

The other project that I was able to start yesterday was my first crochet project for myself! I am biting the bullet and I am going to try to crochet a full adult sized sweater - I have been fearful to start something this large and complicated in the past!!! Phew it feels like quite the task and I think I need to go buy more yarn because I doubt I have enough of the yarn I chose to use (which is a super soft really nice merino wool blend).

Here is a picture of the pattern and what I have started so far - I really like the stitch so far. I am doing the sweater in grey because it happens to be the yarn I had around - I really like the orange in the picture but I'm sure it will be fun in grey too. The only thing I am a little concerned about is that the grey won't show off the detail in the sweater as well as the orange does but I may just have to live with that (or I guess if it goes well I could always make it in another color). The best part about this sweater will be picking out the buttons!!!

Wish me luck on this one - I'm sure I'll need it. So far there has been limited cursing involved but one never knows how a project will progress.

My First Baby Sweater!

2009-02-14T13:28:00.000-08:00

I finally finished crocheting my first baby sweater (and I do mean finally it took me a few weeks to find enough time to finish this thing!) The only thing I'm not thrilled about is that I wanted the opening to be a little off centered by it is REALLY off centered...I guess the weight of the sweater is a bit heavier than I would have preferred as well. Otherwise I think it turned out alright.

It's Here!!!!

2009-02-12T16:17:00.003-08:00

I am so excited because my kiln and PMC supplies are here! I unfortunately haven't had any time to use them yet but I am still happy that it is all ready to go.

I have kind of been in a crafting lull lately as I haven't been able to find any time to finish anything but I'm almost done with the baby sweater I am crocheting and PMC jewelry will be coming after that!

Crocheted Hats

2009-02-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

I've been hooked on crocheting lately. I made a darling red and cream baby blanket for a friend (which I unfortunately didn't take any pictures of) and I made the below kiddo hats. I really like the beanies with the brims - I think they are as cute as can be. I'm also currently in the process of crocheting a baby sweater.

I also have a ton of upcoming projects that I just haven't been able to get to! I bought some acrylic because I want to try to use it with my jewelry making and I ordered a PMC kiln which I am very excited about!

I hope I can find some more crafting time soon!

Addicted to Crafting

2009-01-06T15:50:00.000-08:00

I am a total crafting addict. Here are some of my latest creations (most of which I plan to sell at the upcoming spring craft fair).

Tile Magnets

Tile Necklaces - The problem I keep having with these is that for some reason the top coat keeps cracking. Very annoying. I think they are charming though...

This is my second attempt at a crocheted purse and right now it is my pride and joy. I made the pattern for it and I am very happy with the results. In fact I may end up keeping this one because I love it so much! I still need to line it but I wanted to put a picture up anyways.

Here is my first attempt at making a crocheted purse / my own pattern. It turned out alright but it is smaller than I wanted it to be and I'm not sure I love the shape. Also the holes are a bit large for my taste. It is lined and has a cloth strap which I think turned out pretty well.

Here are some cut metal bird necklaces. I really like the one on the chain...

This is just a simple glass bead necklace.

More to come soon! I do love trying out new crafts...

Spring Craft Fair

2008-12-30T12:51:00.000-08:00

My neighbor and I recently decided that we are going to do a Spring themed craft show together. I am so excited - here are a few sneak peeks at the types of things I plan to make. Everything has a spring / earthy feel to it. Very fun.

Crocheted Newborn Baby Crocs (I love love love these).

Knitted Slipper (I am currently finishing up the second one).

Crocheted Animals

Jewelry (I liked the leather cord this necklace is on).

Book Thongs

My First Etsy Sale!!!

2008-12-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

I am so excited - I just sold two necklaces on Etsy the other day - it was my first Etsy sale!!!

Here is also a necklace that I recently made - I love these Jasper pieces.

Jasper Necklace

2008-12-10T19:20:00.000-08:00

I was at the bead store today and I found these really cool pieces of Jasper... I added a 1/4 inch disc and pearl to this piece. I love this necklace! I made a bunch of other necklaces too but since they are Christmas gifts I don't want to post them yet...

Silhouette Ornaments

2008-12-07T14:59:00.000-08:00

I finally finished the Silhouette ornaments that I was working on. I love them and I'm very happy with how they turned out.

PS. I am also in the progress of knitting a pair of arm warmers that have turned out to be a huge pain! But I think I have learned everything I need to know now and hopefully I will finish them soon.

More Necklaces

2008-12-05T20:53:00.000-08:00

I took a break from knitting tonight and worked on some more jewelry.

I love the way the circles looked on this necklace!

These necklaces are for two little girls for Christmas - I did the stamping in pink instead of black and hung them on ribbon instead of chain. I think they are adorable...

Silhouette

2008-11-30T16:06:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up my grandma had silhouettes of all of her kids cut out from black paper and framed. I used to love them. Earlier today on Etsy so I saw some of the same silhouettes and I thought to myself - if someone else can do it I can do it too! So I made one of Chase. The below one is a bit messy since it is just a template that I then cut out of paper but it gives you an idea. I am going to cut some out of paper and make Christmas ornaments on square pieces of chip board. I am pretty excited.

Baby Hat Disaster

2008-11-29T08:39:00.000-08:00

This baby hat has been the biggest disaster ever! I am trying to make one for a Christmas present but the first one I made was too small (see pictures below). So I started to make another one just like it that is the right size and it got so messed up I had to start over. Very frustrating! I am determined to get it right though because it would be a great little gift.

Knit Hat Ornaments

2008-11-29T08:13:00.000-08:00

In order to practice my knitting a bit I have been making little hat Christmas ornaments. I think they are adorable!

Knit Baby Hat

2008-11-25T06:23:00.000-08:00

I finished my knit baby hat last night! I love it - I can't decide if I should sell it on Etsy or keep it for Chase. I am very happy with how it turned out. I may add a bead embellishment still...

Back to Knitting

2008-11-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

Over the years I have had a love hate relationship with knitting and crocheting. I start project after project but I never finish anything. I finally finished a scarf that I started while I was pregnant with Chase!!! I should have taken a picture of Chase wearing it as it is much more adorable but he is with his Grammy this afternoon. I am once again determined to learn how to knit - so I started to knit a baby hat and I ordered a pattern for arm warmers - we'll see if I am more successful this time around.

Necklaces

2008-11-23T13:42:00.001-08:00

Here are two more stamped necklaces that I made.

Scarves

2008-11-08T15:49:00.000-08:00

One of my neighbors is a total rock star seamstress (www.handmadebyhooli.blogspot.com) and yesterday I went to a craft fair that she was having. I bought an adorable kiddo apron and I won a really cool scarf in a raffle (the first picture below). I love the brown and blue together! Well the scarf inspired me to learn how to make button holes and make a few scarves of my own. The first one is for Chase and I used a nickel instead of a button - I think it is adorable. The second one is for me - I used flannel on the front and fleece on the back so it is reversible. I also like that it is a bit more light weight (and can be used during the fall) since the other one is really warm and is more of a winter scarf. So thanks to my neighbor for the great idea!!!

Cherish Every Moment Necklace

2008-11-08T15:42:00.000-08:00

I made a new necklace using a domed 2.4 cm sterling silver disc. The necklace has the phrase "Cherish Every Moment" and it has a chocolate colored coin pearl for a detail and is hung on an 18 inch chain. I really like this one...it mimics something that I saw online that I really loved.

Dragonfly ATC

2008-11-06T21:26:00.000-08:00

These are the Dragonfly ATCs that I made for the latest swap that I am doing. I am really happy with the "Inspire" one and I liked the way the texture from the fabric looks.

Beaded Circle Necklace

2008-11-05T19:19:00.001-08:00

Nothing fancy about this - it is just a simple beaded necklace.

Artist at Heart

2008-11-05T07:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday while I was talking with a friend I came to a startling realization about myself. I have always thought of myself as the scientist / techno geek type but the truth is, I have no passion for science. The only reason I work in technology is because I like the money that comes along with it. I really think I am an artist at heart - who would have guessed. I suppose just because I am good at math and science doesn't mean I am interested in it.

The other thing I realized is that maybe that is why I am so drawn to my husband (because we really have nothing in common - we don't like the same types of movies, we have different hobbies, we like different types of music, basically we are interested in different things) but Boris is definately a kindred spirit in the fact that he may excel in the math and science area but his true love is for music. It's funny what makes you love a person...

Things that made me come to this conclusion:
- I hate reading or watching the news or anything that is based in reality. I would much rather snuggle up to the farthest fetched fantasy or romance novel.
- I have no interest in retaining any scientific knowledge. In fact the chemistry and biology talk that my fellow lab geek friends enjoy bores me to death. I draw no energy or excitement from thinking about anything technical.
- I like to stay rather detached from current events and would much rather be elbow deep in a craft project.
- While battling my illness one of the major thing that keeps me from becoming depressed is spending time doing arts and crafts...or plotting my next project...

Initial Necklace

2008-11-03T19:17:00.000-08:00

I am still waiting for my 1 inch silver discs to arrived but in the mean time I made this necklace for myself with my initials (I must admit I stole the design from someone else but it was much cheaper to make it than buy it). I love it - Simple and tiny but cute. The discs on this one are 1/4 inch big so they are pretty small.

I've already decided what my next adventure in crafting is going to be. I want to buy a kiln so I can start doing Precious Metal Clay stuff! Talk about jewelry making!!! I'm excited about that too - now I just need to save up so I can buy materials.

Jewelry

2008-11-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

My metal stamping supplies finally arrived! I am still waiting for a few more things but here are a few of the pieces I made with what has already come. I can't wait for my 1 inch metal discs to arrive so that I can make the necklace I want to make for myself with Chase's name and birthday on it!

Metal Stamping

2008-10-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

I recently fell in loved with stamped metal jewelry and I was having a hard time deciding what to buy when it hit me that I could make the jewelry myself! That way I can have as many different necklaces as I want! I just ordered the supplies today - I can't wait for them to arrived - I am so excited!

Baby Blanket

2008-10-20T16:09:00.000-07:00

This baby blanket is fleece backed and stitched with pink and green stitching. I was happy with how the folds down the middle of the blanket turned out and I like the contrast between the black, white, and pink. I also am happy with how modern looked the blanket is. The white fabric is a white on white fabric which you can't really tell from the pictures...

My Very Own Etsy Shop!

2008-10-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

I am so excited - I just opened an Etsy shop - who knows if I will have any luck with it but I hope that people are interested in the things I made. Here is a sample of a wall quilt that I am selling.

Abstract ATCs

2008-10-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the three Abstract ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) I made for the swap I am participating in. I have never made ATCs before (2.5 x 3.5 pieces of art) but I am pretty happy with how they turned out. I used scrapbooking paper and alcohol inks to make them and embellished with a few brads and beads. I hope my swap partners like them too.

Baby Stuff

2008-10-11T11:46:00.001-07:00

Here are a few other baby things that I have recently made for the craft fair....

Wall Quilt

2008-10-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

I just finished a new wall quilt that I am going to try to sell at an upcoming craft fair I may do with my neighbor. It is kind of retro looking and fun. I went with bead embellishments again - it is becoming one of my favorite looks. Overall I was very happy with how it turned out - it had very minimal bunching and I liked the color mix.

My First Quilt Swap

2008-10-02T20:23:00.001-07:00

I am so excited - I just finished my first quilt swap doll quilt! I am VERY happy with the results which unfortunately means that I am going to have a really hard time parting with it. This is one of my favorite things that I have ever made - I love how much texture it has. It was inspired by my swap partner so I would never have gotten the idea if it hadn't been for the swap but it is depressing to see it go. I hope my swap partner loves it as much as I do or I will be disappointed. I can't wait to see what I get in return...

I ended up doing some raw edge applique for the first time on this quilt and some bead embellishment. It went pretty well overall - I like how it looks - especially how the fabric colors work together. I will have to use raw edge applique again in the future.

(I don't think the pictures do it justice but here they are anyways...)

New Sewing Room

2008-10-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

I have a new sewing room now! We converted our empty room to have two tables set up for me at all times. Now I will be able to sit down and sew while Chase naps or when I get a 20 minute break here and there. I am so excited - I hope this enables me to get to all of my crafting projects.

Choo Choo Sugar Bomb

2008-09-20T08:34:00.001-07:00

I made Chase's 1 year birthday cake last night! I borrowed the cake train pan from a friend and I was very pleased with the final results. I think it is adorable, although with all of that candy on the cake it is certainly sugar filled! The one thing I did learn was that I think I over filled the pan a bit and had to cut off the train bottoms - but it worked out alright. The best advice I had for doing a cake like this was to grease the heck out of the pan...

Embroidered Onesie

2008-09-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

I finally figured out how to embroider onesies on my embroidery machine!

Things that I learned:

1) Use a sticky stabilizer - otherwise the fabric tends to bunch and shift

2) Use a water soluble stabilizer on top of the fabric to keep the threads from sinking into the onesie

3) Hoop the onesie and then flip it inside out to keep the back out of the way

4) The back is pretty rough after being stitched so it probably needs some kind of backing on it - I still have to figure out what kind of product I want to use for that

In general I am pretty pleased with the final product!

A Sewing Learning...

2008-09-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

Chase absolutely loves tags so I decided that it would be a good idea to make him a tag blanket. It didn't really turn out well and it was a bit of a disaster. A few things I would do differently:

1) Skip the tags on the corners

2) Maybe add some kind of decoration to the fabric

3) Use safety pins to pin the tags rather than straight pins

Yet Another Tote

2008-09-14T12:34:00.001-07:00

So I am apparently addicted to totes...

Here is my latest one. I used a heavier fabric which I was pretty happy with and I did a bit more decoration such as the cream stripe on the tote. I also add a bunch of pockets inside so that I can use the tote as a diaper bag. Overall, I think it turned out well.

My First Embroidery Project

2008-09-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

I finally finished a project using my embroidery machine!

Check out this quilt. It is 40 x 60 which I think is a nice size for a baby quilt or a throw. The front is made of cotton and the back of the quilt is fleece. I have never backed a quilt in fleece before but I was really happy with the results, it made the quilt very snuggly. I did pretty minimal quilting on this because I didn't want to clutter the look of the front, I can't decide if I should add more or not...

Here are some examples of the embroidered blocks. I thought they were perfect for a kid blanket and I love how detailed they are.

Overall the machine was definitely worth getting! I can't wait to finish more projects with it.

Back to Crafting

2008-09-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

Well I have finally returned to the crafting world...

Here is the second tote that I have made. I actually like this tote A LOT better than my first attempt. I made it a little wider which I liked and I also made short straps which I think looks better. The only thing I was disappointed in was that I wanted to do a bit of decorative stitching where the two fabrics meet and I forgot. Otherwise I was very happy with the project.

Recent Sewing Projects

2008-06-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

I have recently been really into sewing...

Here is a wall quilt that I just finished. It was the first time that I tried applique. I was pretty happy with how it turned out but it did bunch in a few places. One of my crafting friends recommended that I make my stitches a bit bigger when I do my quilting so I will have to try that next time.

The other project that I recently completed was a tote. I don't like my fabric choice and there are a lot of things that I would do differently such as making the outside fabric a bit smaller so it doesn't bunch and using some kind of interfacing or a heavier fabric but it was good practice and I intend on making more totes in the future.

My Rockin' New Sewing Machine

2008-06-25T06:55:00.000-07:00

My new sewing machine should finally arrive today...

I am so excited, I just bought my first embroidery sewing machine! It is currently sitting on the FedEx truck waiting to be delivered (don't you love web tracking - what would we do without the internet). I am already salivating over all of the different projects that I will be able to do with it. The only disappointing thing is that I leave for vacation tomorrow so I won't be able to play with it much until I get back.

Also in case anyone is interested, here is a link to some of my older craft projects. It had never occured to me to have a crafting blog until I tried to sign up for a quilt swap and found out that they required one! But in the future I'll try to post all of my new crafting adventures here.

http://web.mac.com/kalikstein/Site/Creativity/Creativity.html