Not Your Granny's Apron

Update the form and function of a simple apron by using a fabulous Metro fabric!

Plus one more from my stash fabric for good measure.

Shawl

What a thrill to receive a handmade gift! My mother-in-law crocheted a lovely shawl for me.

Pinata by Annie

Annie, crafter extraordinaire, has spent the past two weeks creating this mega-pinata for her sister's birthday. It is about 2.5' x 1.5'!

The motif is based on one of the required books for summer reading. She even made the sides look like the pages of the book. I'm sure the juniors will enjoy bashing this book in for candy treasures.

Bitty Baby Bag

Companion to this bag - for the recipient's 18-month-old daughter.

The Calendar Says "Back to School".....

...the thermometer says "Summer"

Remember when you were a little girl and you folded a bandana and tied it behind your head to keep your hair out of your face? Well, be that little girl again with "Bandana Bands"!

This retro-inspired kerchief is actually a cross between a bandana and a headband. Instead of tying the bandana, the Bandana Band has elastic under the hair to ensure a comfortable and easy fit.

How Do You Define Beauty?

Is it symmetry?

Uniformity?

Depth of color?

Rarity of color?

Rough edges and angular lines?

The glow of the wet stone in water, like a jewel amid the rocks.

The message?

For me, beauty usually lies in symmetry, but these pieces of beach glass continue to please my eye. Perhaps their beauty lies not in the stones, but in the process by which they come to me. They remind me of the great rhythm of the lake's waves, of the sun and the sand. Mostly, they remind me that, somehow, beauty can be found in lowly cast offs - mere garbage.

Messenger Bag

My third version of See & Sew B5273 made using Modern Flora from Contemporary Cloth.

When was the last time you were thanked for being a loyal customer? Annie and I received a surprise phone call from the Regional Vice President of Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores in which we were told we were being given a $100 gift card. To celebrate their 66th anniversary they awarded the gift cards to their top 66 preferred customers. I am sure this is based on the use of our mailer coupons, which are in Annie's name. So Annie and I will share the prize.

I am not a shopper. I rarely go to the mall. I try to shop only for what I need. The problem is I need to create. I need to knit, sew, craft, so I visit Jo-Anns several times a week. Sometimes it's just to pick up a notion. Or its a special sewing project that is getting started. At other times it may be to search for inspiration. If I can't make a gift, I often use my coupon to purchase a gift.

So, thanks Jo-Ann! I will enjoy spending my gift!