Playing with Pastels

Let me start off by saying that, despite seeing a whole lot of Cherry Baby fabrics hanging out here lately, I'm not really a pastel person. There's nothing wrong with pastels. They're cool. They're lovely. I just tend to gravitate to more saturated colors. But, as most of you know, sometimes fabrics just call to you. They say "play with me". And hey, who am I to ignore it when fabric is talking?

First step to play with fabrics? Yeah, that would have been clean the mess in my sewing area. Here's an "after" shot. Still a few things on the table (it's never REALLY clear -- but, getting ready to sew now takes all of 2 minutes rather than the hour and 1/2 it took to get it to this point).

And then, while I do have a few other projects I need to get to -- I played. I will have the "need to finish" projects done this week -- but, well, some bad news over the weekend kind of sent me into a place where I needed to play. I needed to remember that while this winter seems to have been dragging on forever, the world won't seem like it's in perpetual hibernation forever -- and that there is rebirth and renewal that will come.

So, this is what I came up with. In a few ways it's totally unlike what I usually do. It's pastel for one thing. And then, well, it's a pretty darned traditional quilt piecing design. (I like traditional designs, I just don't make very many of them) Of course, I did add my own "twist" to the traditional -- but, hmmm...

I'm just not sure it works. I had an idea for a series of four of these little quilts (this one is about 18 1/2 by 18 1/2). I was going to play with different border and edge treatments and kind of do an ode to spring (and yes, one of them in a slightly smaller size to accommodate borders was going to be for my Four Season's Swap). I also had some vague ideas of doing some embroidery embellishment to the top. I'm just not sure it's worth continuing on with -- or whether I should call the experiment a bust and start over.

I think part of the problem is lack of contrast in the fabrics. The design I chose (bonus points if you can tell what the design IS -- I'm not sure I can and I made it) is one that should have a bit more contrast. Maybe I was being influenced by all of the lovely blended quilts (the link takes you to Nicole's finished challenge quilts, but the post has links to others) I was seeing last month?

Part of the problem is surely my own fault -- I'm usually of the "more fabrics is better" school of thought (why use one or two when you can use 10 or 20?). And I did that here -- maybe confining myself to 5 or 10 would have been better than the, um, I think 30 or so I did use? (gotta love those jelly rolls -- oh, yeah, that was how I got into this mess in the first place) But seriously folks -- here's a bit of a closeup with the sun shining on it, how could I have chosen just a few of these fabrics?

I guess the question now is whether to keep on trucking with this experiment or not? Any advice, opinions? For those of you involved in the Four Seasons swap -- um, would you hate something like this (though not this one) in your mailbox? I welcome some good, constructive criticism here. In the meantime -- I have a few "have to finish it" projects that are calling out to me. Oh yeah, and some blog reading to catch up on, oh, and laundry, grocery shopping, etc. I suppose it will keep me out of trouble. But oh, I really want to play!

I Spoke Too Soon

In my last post (of all of, what an hour or two ago?) I said that my Four Season's Swap quilt didn't bleed. And when I took it out of the washing machine -- it hadn't.

But, well -- when I took it out of the dryer this is what I found. F*ck.

And this. Double F*ck.

I'm sorry to those of you offended by swearing but, there are times when such language is the only thing that will accurately describe the feelings. This is one of those times.

And, I was right. It is that &(&*%^(*# star fabric that was bleeding on my ironing board. Aren't I just so happy to be right?

So now what to do? Other than swear and want to cry? I'm going to try washing it again. More Retayne. Some Dreft stain remover (works on some really nasty stuff my daughter manages to get into -- can't hurt). And if it's still bleeding? What then? Any opinions? Advice? Please?

This is what the quilt looks like with the stains. If it were a quilt for me, I'd probably try washing it again and if that doesn't work say fecal matter occurs and hang it up anyway. I still love it. The stains don't bother me. But, it's not for me. It's for someone else. UGH!!!!! Any opinions?

And just so this post is nothing but me wanting to tear my hair out (because, no, I didn't pre-wash my fabrics and I know it's my own fault). I'll show some of the embroidery that I put in. 'Cause it turned out exactly as I wanted it to.

And the second panel.

And the full poem that is embroidered on the front as a label ready to be sewn to the back (there is another label as well with all the required info -- but, well, since this will be the first quilt I've ever actually labeled it's not so hot. And if you're about to have a heart attack about the not labeling quilts thing -- sorry :0( ).

Ok, off to try and get the stains out and keep more of it from bleeding.

Da*n, Da*n, Da*n.

I think I need chocolate. Maybe a drink.

Quick Blog Break

I haven't been blogging much the last week or so, or doing a whole lot of crafting. This whole getting sick thing has really knocked me for a loop. The antibiotics helped. I was able to eat again relatively quickly. But the energy levels? I'm still waiting for those to get back to something that resembles "normal". It doesn't help that mommy just doesn't get to be sick in quite the same way as daddy and/or little one (potty training still needs go on, laundry needs to get done, etc., etc., etc.). I think I'm finally getting back up to speed, but -- oy! So, while I'm waiting for my Four Seasons Swap to finish up in the dryer (it didn't bleed!!! Wooo Hooo AND I got out all the markings for the embroidery, double WOO HOO!) -- and thinking about how to apologize to my partner for how late it is -- I thought I 'd take a quick blog break and show what I HAVE been able to get done in the last two weeks.

I did manage to do my part for the economy lately (go and read Kim's blog about this one -- really, you'll be laughing yourself silly). I mean, shopping doesn't take that much energy right? (we'll ignore the fact that when I got home from the shop that day I needed a nap.) And hey -- when you can find some lovely new fabrics? Oh yeah. I finally broke down and bought my very first jelly roll. It's the new Moda Simplicity line by 3 Sisters. Yummy, yummy spring time colors in pinks, blues, yellows, a scrumptious green, and white. Oh my. Not my usual palate at all -- but, oh, how I need some spring. I already have plans for these goodies, just need to get a few more things off my plate. (oh, and I think I'm kind of lucky to have these. I just checked out the Fat Quarter Shop and looks like these haven't gotten in yet...)

I also got some great mail. I won a blog contest over at The Late Bloomer (Thank you Compton) and my goodies arrived over the weekend. Two fantastic patterns and kits to make the cone and heart valentines. Just in time! I think I may be playing with these over the weekend. As for the Altar Steps pattern...oh my, that I may need to go play in the stash for. Much too cute! Thanks so much Elizabeth -- your package made my day.

So, new projects added to the pile, but, how about some things actually done??? There are a couple. I've mostly been finishing up things (note, 4seasons quilt still in the dryer -- LATE). First up on my finally finished list is this cutie. And yes, this is Yet. Another. Apron. I think this is about my 10th apron made from this pattern. Am I tired of it? Um...no, not really. I can make them pretty quickly now -- and hey, they turn out so darned cute. Now, having said that, do I want to do another one soon? Um...well, we'll see. This one is a shop sample. More Cherry Baby fabrics from Lakehouse -- with the panel letters used for the word and a fun cupcake applique added. Sorry, that cupcake needs a closeup of its own here. I actually started this one before I got sick folks -- (so much for I can make them quickly) and it took me way too much time to get it done -- but it's done, delivered and last I saw was hanging on a manequin in the shop.

Other than that -- not too much to report. I've been working on finishing up things (weaving in ends of knitting -- mils mitts are done! Yeah!, need to finish sewing down the binding for "bella" -- almost done!, have a couple of things being blocked before I can do much more -- but hey, I'm blocking them...). Lots of things in the "almost done" category that I want to clear out so I can start some new projects. Speaking of which -- I think I just heard the dryer buzzing -- WOOO HOOO! Label to stitch on, photos to take, and a trip to the post office. (which, since I just looked at the time -- will happen tomorrow morning. UGH!) Oh well, almost done with one more! YEAH!

PS -- and STILL no spell check. Um, am I just cursed??!!??

WIP it good...

Yep, repeating myself with musical references, but I had such fun finding out who was actually a closet (0r not so closet) Devo fan the last time :0).


Not a whole lot to report this week. I did get the mitts I was working on while waiting for the doctor done. Mostly. They still need the ends woven in. The knitting equivalent of hand sewing down the binding. I may get to that tonight though -- so, close enough to show on the blog. And no, they don't match -- that's the nature of working with verigated Noro for something like this. I actually like the look -- let's just hope my mil does too. She chose the yarn though, so, she should.


I also did manage to get some of the embroidery done on the four seasons swap. Yes, I know it's the 31st. I know it's past the deadline for mailing it. I did get an ok for an extension due to illness. I should get it out in the mail on Saturday. I hope. No later than Monday. And no, not much of a peek here. I'm hoping to have a bit of a surprise for my partner (not that I think she reads my blog -- but you never know).


Oh, and a recent purchase that I didn't show -- a small bottle of Retayne. Because, one of the fabrics from my winter swap has been leaving some nasty blue marks on my ironing board.




I think this fabric is the little bugger culprit, but I'm not positive. Since most of the pieces were smaller than I would prewash anyway -- um, well, hey. Ya play, sometimes you might pay. Not an attitude I'm happy about having to take with a swap piece -- but there it is. And yes, I'm also going out to get some color catchers too.


The last piece I have anything to show on is this one. A new shop sample out of the Cherry Baby line from Lakehouse. I do like this fabric (though, since I've been playing with it since October, um, I might need a bit of a break soon). This one is way cute. I have to think about making one for my own daughter (nope, sorry -- Bella is not Tink's name -- I do believe this one will be going to this cutie, scroll down to see Bella, when it is done being a shop sample). Super, super simple and quick to put together (which is why this is almost done but the apron I'm also working on isn't) -- a charm square pack and a panel of the alphabet letters and you are good to go. The only thing I had to cut out were the letters. Woo Hoo. Simple quilting on this one, a quick binding and it should be done!


You know -- despite the fact that this week feels like it has been singularly unproductive, I may have actually gotten a few things done. Hmmm...now, if I had taken pictures of the other knit project I cast on while I was confined to the couch, I'd probably really feel that way. Cool.


And finally -- a question for you folks. I mentioned in my last post that I bought a book that I had "previewed" by checking it out of the library first. I've been doing a lot of that lately. Not buying books (not that I don't want to -- just, well, my budget hasn't actually had room for new craft books unless I'm absolutely positive I want to make something out of them), checking them out of the library to see whether or not I want to buy them. Or, in some cases, if I want to hunt them down since they are now out of print.

And well, since I don't seem to believe in moderation when it comes to checking books out of the library, I'm starting to lose track of what it is I like, or don't like, about some of the things I've checked out. See? This is the current stack. And well, since I took this picture BEFORE I went to the library to get the interloans that had come in while I was still contagious, the stack may be just a bit bigger than this. I did return a few of them -- I did, but, well, I kept most. So -- where does the question come in? Would anyone be interested in seeing a "review" post every now and then? I can't promise how often -- but, I'm thinking if I put my thoughts about the books up on my blog it might help me remember which ones are "buy it, now", "buy it someday", "buy it if you see it on sale", "check out again later", "nice to have seen but you don't need to see it again" or "what a waste of time". Let me know -- I may do it anyway, but, would be nice if other folks found it useful too :0).


That's it for now -- now off to see if I can figure out what has been piled on my sewing table (kitchen table, whatever) while I was sick and unable to do much policing. Ugh -- I have to clean to be able to sew -- what's up with that?


** Note -- I am still unable to use spell check so, see previous disclaimer. Spelling is not my strong suit -- this is why I spell check the heck out of my work and usually have a dictionary at hand. Where my dictionary went to, I have no clue -- oh honey?!?

Goodies, Goodies

A couple of days of antibiotics do wonders for your outlook. Add in the fact that I can eat solid food again and the improvement in my blood sugar means my mood is drastically improved. Thanks to everyone who sent get well soon wishes -- and put up with my whining! So, now that I'm feeling human again I thought I would share some of the goodies I've been treating myself to lately. Some fabric goodies, a few knitting goodies, all thanks to some Christmas and birthday mad money -- wooo hooo!

First up -- a recent purchase with a lovely Christmas gift certificate. I love this house and laundry line fabric. No, it's not new. It's been out for awhile. Over a year at least. But, it makes me smile for some reason every time I see it. I have no idea why. I've been eyeing it for at least a year and I finally had an excuse to buy it.



And my excuse for getting it now? This ribbon. It also makes me smile for no apparent reason. I bought this to wrap my daughter's Christmas presents with (yes, she had pink presents -- but, the red polka dots went -- really). When I found out it was printed on both sides -- I went nuts. (ok, so I may have been nuts before then -- and it may have taken very little to amuse me at that point in the holiday season -- but seriously? how cute is this?) I knew I HAD to use it for some sort of sewing project -- so I made sure to snatch it as it was coming off of the gifts. (yes, I actually still have some on the roll as well -- but, hey, recycling here!) What I'm going to do with the combo I don't know exactly, I'm thinking bags of some sort -- but something. And soon!

And while I was snagging the house fabric, I also found this lonely little pattern hanging out in a clearance bin. $1.00. Can you believe that? $1.00. I don't so much care about the projects -- but the little stitchery patterns are adorable. And for that price? Oh yea, coming home with me! I also picked up some fusible fleece to make another mini-messenger bag soon, but, nothing all that interesting about white fluffy stuff.

This brings us to what I was going to blog about last weekend -- my Friday shopping spree. Before the plague hit -- I was able to go out and spend some of my mad money. Bwahahahaha.

First stop was Michael's for this book (whole story there about not having a 40% off coupon, being told where I could find one -- leaving the store to get it -- yes, I am that cheap frugal -- coming back without a coupon due to bad information -- and a store clerk giving me the discount anyway because I did try to get one).


Why this one? Well, I had checked it out at the library recently. Some really cute patterns, a few things I was kind of interested in but not sure enough to buy it. Then Miss Tinkerbell saw this pattern. Her reaction was a demand request for Mommy to make it for her, complete with color demands choices. What's a mother to do? Yeah -- we've already established that I bought the book right?



Yep -- and the next stop was the LYS. For the yarn. In pink and purple. As ordered. I'm such a sucker. Though, I have to admit -- when Tink saw the yarn she wanted to wrap herself up in it immediately. (forget that Mommy still needs to knit it) *sniff* I'm so darned proud of her. Of course, we'll neglect to mention that while I THOUGHT I had the right needles for this one, I don't -- so, I have to make another trip. But that's ok -- I have an order for some yarn from my aunt. Any excuse will do!



And, while I didn't get the needles for this project while I was there -- I did buy some needles for another project. And some more yarn (though, no photo of that, I'll have to take care of that later). I did get another knitting book with my birthday loot though -- a beautiful Debbi Bliss book. (thank you Borders and a 30% off coupon)



I have to admit the patterns in this one are wayyy a bit above my skill level. But -- oh, man. This one is just killing me. And, since the patterns go up to kids' sizes 8-10 years -- I might even be able to make one that will actually fit my daughter by the time I finish it. Maybe. Probably. Um, we'll see. It's at least inspiring eye candy.




And while I was already out and about -- well, why not a quick stop at a favorite LQS? (oh come now, a day spent shopping for crafty goodness and you think I didn't end up at a quilt shop? Please!) I will admit I was a bit restrained at the quilt shop though. Something about a basket full of projects I want to get to has been restraining me when it comes to fabric purchases lately. But, I did get this little goodie (and some muslin to back it with) -- I had such fun doing the last one I just had to have another one. More hand quilting -- wooo hooo! I can't believe I just said that -- um, no, I haven't been abducted by pod people, I really am excited about this. Cool, 'cause I can't wait to get this one sandwiched and started.



So, that's it for the goodies for right now. I do have some progress to share on some WIPs and an idea that I would like some feedback on, but this post is getting looooonnnggg. (I know, par for the course with me) I think I'll split it up a bit, so don't be surprised if you see a couple of posts in one day from me. Later!

PS -- sorry about any spelling errors in this one -- I usually do run spell check (knowing that I am a lousy speller and that I tend towards typos) but for some reason, blogger doesn't like it's spell check right now. Phooey.

Breakfast of Champions

Or, well, ok, so maybe not of champions. I'm sure champions actually eat a very healthy and nutritious breakfast. How about "breakfast of birthday celebrants"? Hmmm...not the same ring to it. But it's my birthday -- so I enjoyed every single bite! Even more so since I wasn't expecting it when my mil brought the cake to dinner last night! (and hey -- it has apricot jam in between the layers -- that's FRUIT, see, healthy! We shall simply ignore the sponge cake and home made butter cream frosting shall we?)

No major plans for the day today -- I think I'm going to spend the day communing with some fabric for a deadline that is approaching. I may even get to quilting a swap I finally finished the top for this weekend. I'd show a photo of the top, but I need the ok from a certain someone who is currently cruising the Caribbean. Hmmnph. Maybe I should show it anyway just to make up for the fact that I'm here in the frozen tundra (previously known as the cornfields) while she's enjoying balmy temperatures. Nah -- I'll wait!

And before I go off to enjoy a day spent communing with my sewing machine and fabrics (Miss Tink is safely at daycare after two days of being cooped up in a small house due to dangerously cold weather outside -- Mommy needs a day to herself!), I want to say thank you to Tracey, Kairle, and Gwen who all nominated me for a "You Make My Day" Award. Since all three ladies regularly make MY day -- well, it's just plain sweet. I'm supposed to choose ten other blogs who make my day to pass this along to -- but, well, there is a reason I have a lot of fabrics in my stash. I just can't choose! (between two different fabrics? Um, how about a little bit of BOTH?!?). So, I'm going to cop out here -- if I've read your blog and commented, if you've commented on my blog, please know you've made my day!

Ok, I'm off to enjoy some quiet sewing time -- or, well, possibly not so quiet since I plan on blasting some rock-n-roll on my ipod. Who says 36 year olds are grown ups? Not me!!!!

Getting back to the fabric

Ok, so the knitty love is still going strong here -- but, my sewing machine has been patiently waiting for me to find my way back to it. Or, well, I did hear some murmurings in that direction about a yarn overthrow. So -- I SHOULD spend some time devoted to sewing here on the blog as well as preventing a coup and yarn basket overthrow. I have finally reclaimed the kitchen for sewing space (there go all those lovely visions of family dinners around the table) so there should be more fabric love showing up soon.

In the meantime -- I thought I would share some goodies that came in the mail over the holidays. This lovely, bright quilt was a gift for my daughter. Despite my hopes that she wouldn't like it ('cause Mommy loves it and wants to cuddle under it) -- no luck. She LOVES her gift from her "Aunt B" and has been sleeping under it every night since the postman delivered it. It's lined with lime green minky -- soooo soft. She's even named it her "super soft blankie". I've got to admit, the kid's got good taste.

The postman also brought me a lovely little package from Sam over at Diary of a Mad Fabriholic over the holidays. I won a drawing on her blog and as a prize I got this fun little pincushion kit and some great cards. Since I really do have to send out some notes soon -- the cards are going to come in handy!

And last, just because I am feeling the need to show something I've made that is quilting related -- here's a photo of the quilt I made for Miss Tinkerbell LAST Christmas ('06). This is one where I had pretty much figured out how to make it from a photograph, but I did end up buying the pattern just to make sure I was "doing it right". Honestly? I shouldn't have bothered -- (though there were a few other cute patterns in the book). The method the pattern used was MUCH more fiddly than what I did (let's hear it for Thangles).

The other thing about this quilt is that it shows why, though I love the idea, when Finn cried "All Aboard" for the Orphan Train quilts -- I was left standing at the station without the ability to get a ticket. When I need quilt backs -- um, well, I'm too cheap, frugal, um -- thrifty, yeah that's a good word, to buy large pieces of fabric (there is also that whole -- I love so many fabric designs I usually don't want to limit myself to one or two purchases of yardage -- I would rather have a little bit each of lots of fabrics). So -- I end up having to either a) go out and buy a specific backing fabric (or two or more depending) or b) make do with what I have. In this case -- it was option b. I had lots of smallish cuts (1/2 yards or less) and an orphan block -- hey, it's a quilt backing! So, not many orphans here at casa de cornfields -- but a whole lot of quilt backs that are a mish mash!

Now, to see about getting that sewing machine to stop plotting against the knitting basket...or maybe I should clean? NAH -- there's still enough room to put down a coke -- I think quelling the overthrow should come first...

Catching up...

This post is going to have a lot of little "catch-up" stuff in it. Some quilting, some not so much. I've been thinking of all sorts of things I want to post about but haven't gotten to it and now I just need to get it all out.

Thanksgiving day -- we had a great day here in the Cornfields. I actually cooked (it happens rarely around here). And just to prove that I can do it. A photo. Yep. I took a picture of the bird coming out of the oven. But -- really, it was Normal Rockwell perfect. Not only was it pretty to look at, but it was yummy too.

Also, a few folks have asked if Miss Tinkerbell got to go out and play in the snow (I am seriously behind in answering my emails folks -- I'm playing catch-up there too!). Unfortunately -- by the time we'd had some breakfast, gotten dressed, and realized the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade was way cool to watch most of it was gone so nope -- but she keeps on waiting for more of the white stuff.

Black Friday. Ok, I read on a lot of blogs that most of you stayed home and sewed rather than fight the crowds of shoppers on Black Friday. I'd love to say I did the same. Nope. I HAVE to go shopping on that day. I do. It's a memory thing. That being said, I mostly went out to go to Joann's. They were having some major sales and I needed a few supplies for Christmas gifts.

So not all of that was for Christmas presents. I did buy some DMC floss for a project that I will be dealing with AFTER the holidays -- but really, it was on sale! (and with the extra % off for getting there before noon, um, I think I paid something like $.16 per skein -- for those of you in Europe, please remember that is the devalued American dollar -- so in terms of Euros, that's .11 or .08 Pounds. Yes -- we are spoiled here!) And how could I resist doing this pattern? Paula was kind enough to pass it on to me when she was done with it. (I loved seeing hers in progress as well as Carole's) I'm thinking that green tea dyed fabric will be perfect! Thanks Paula!

When I came home I was actually inspired by this. A table with not a thing on it. For a reminder of what it usually looks like you can go here. (and honestly? That full work surface picture is a bit cleaner than normal as well) I had to clean up my work area and kitchen so that we could eat Thanksgiving at the table (I thought it was only right that we actually eat there every so often).

The area that DIDN'T get touched in the mad dash to get everything ready for dinner though was this mess...

Yeah, um, well...look, I have NEVER claimed to be a domestic goddess. (just because some of you may not have BELIEVED me when I said how messy my home/work are is...doesn't mean I wasn't telling the truth). And this doesn't even include the piles of stuff that got taken upstairs to be hidden until after Thanksgiving dinner was over. *sigh*

So, I decided to do a little bit of cleaning and organization for my own sanity. Projects I'm not going to even think about until after the holidays and fabrics waiting to be put away into the stash got shoved placed in bins and removed from the area. I will also say, in the interest of full disclosure, that both of those bins were overflowing by the time I was done since I also brought down the piles of stuff from upstairs while I was in my cleaning frenzy. One bin for "projects" I haven't gotten to. One for fabrics to be put away. I think I need to join Judy L's stashbusting effort -- I love my stash, don't get me wrong, but I need to finish some projects before I buy more stuff for new ones! (yeah, we'll see how long that one lasts -- but honestly? It would be a good idea!)

And here it is -- the after. All organized and almost everything there (other than my basic tools and gadgets) is destined to be a Christmas present or something I need to work on before the holidays. We won't mention that those bins are still stuffed -- but, I will say in my own defense that some of it is because I just pulled the fabrics I want to use, not the correct yardages. Some of what is there will be going back into the stash after I've made the projects (or at least, that's what I keep telling myself -- and it's even somewhat true -- I've been working on some things and I did put about 4 1/2 yards of fabric back into the stash yesterday because I cut what I needed out of it). It is helping -- but I still think I need an elf or two who know how to sew to show up at my place.

And since this post is getting loooooong (when do mine not?) I will save some of the goodies I have been making to show later! (some new shop samples out of some yummy and yummier fabrics) I have been busy -- and this whole cleaning thing has really helped!

Experiments

Ok, so I've never been one to be too scared of experimenting with fabrics. I like to play. If I mess up -- it's FABRIC. No one dies, I may have spent a bit of money and time -- but, um, nothing seriously wrong happens. (if you know of an exception to this one -- I'd love to hear about it -- though, on second thought, maybe you shouldn't burst my bubble).



So, when the pattern for my daughter's Christmas gift called for something I've never done -- wooo hoo -- time to experiment. Time to venture into the kitchen and play with some tea dying. (for those of you who have done this a million times -- um, yep -- I'm late coming to the party on this one) And of course, since I'm prone to overly complicating relatively simple things, I had to not just tea dye but play with it. I wanted to get a "peachy" color to the fabric. This is, after all, supposed to be a doll right? So -- black tea should give a brownish tinge -- what will give more of a flesh tone? How about a "red" tea?



And, just in case the whole -- it should be black tea thing is necessary. How about another length that has both red and black teas combined? So far looking promising no? A nice peachy color here -- even given that tea dying is going to be MUCH lighter when it gets washed -- still, looking good!


Anyone get the feeling that this isn't going to turn out the way I want it to? You should be -- I mean, I did end up getting tea dyed fabric. It's darker/duskier than the original white -- but, the whole color thing I was going for? Not sure. It could be the detergent I used. I used Dreft, which is a wonderful product. Really. There's even a blurb on it in the current Quilter's Home magazine for this issue's product test -- they rated it REALLY highly for washing quilts, just below the specialty product Soak (and for the rating -- a darned sight cheaper as well). But, you see, I forgot one *little* thing -- the reason I still use Dreft for my daughter's laundry even though she's 2? Um -- this stuff WORKS. I mean, really works. Gets out stains I thought wouldn't come out works. As in as soon as I poured it into the washing machine it started changing the color of the fabrics -- fast!


Soooo -- this is what I ended up with. The red tea is on the left, the red/black is in the middle and that far right piece is another experiment with green tea meant for some stitchery ideas (too coarse to want to use for the doll body. The fabric across the bottom is the original white. Not sure how happy I am with these.





And just for a shot with another color reference -- here's a shot with my hand in it. I mean -- it could be the detergent (probable) -- it could just be that the red color in the tea I used doesn't stain enough (possible) -- could be that I used warm water to wash it in (also possible but not as likely as the first two) -- could be that I didn't use enough tea bags to get good color (though, look at the before pictures, I think I got enough color on there)-- etc., etc., etc. So the question is -- do I attempt the experiment again? Do I change one of the likely culprit variables and attempt to re-stain the fabrics? Do I say well -- I got stained fabric and just go with what I've got?


Am I over thinking and over complicating something that doesn't need to be? *sigh* probably to the last one. But I'm still unsure about the use or redye question. I still think the red tea idea should work -- but, really, does it matter? What do you think? Redo or use what I have so my daughter can have her doll for THIS Christmas?


And to end on a happier note -- the pincushions are coming along. Two completely done -- five more that need buttons added to them, but that's a good nighttime project. One of these is actually already at its destination -- one of dd's teachers is leaving today. I added a bit of scented oil soaked in a cotton ball to the stuffing and it's a pretty sachet if she doesn't need a pincushion. As for the others -- well, stay tuned for further announcements :0).


I've been getting some nice compliments on the Christmas ornaments from my last post -- if anyone is interested in being Megged -- I know Tammy was planning on kiting these up with the pattern and a fabric pack. I'm not sure if they're up on her site or not or if she's gotten them done yet -- but if you are interested you could shoot her an email. Just doing my part to ensure a vital global economy :0).

Goodies in my Mailbox

After a nice, boring, and relaxing weekend, things at casa de cornfields are getting back to normal. Or, well, as normal as they can be if I'm living here that is. So, time for some catch-up on all the things I haven't been doing while I've been producing cute aprons. You know, laundry, cleaning, finishing up quilting projects I should have finished by now -- that stuff.

One task I have needed to do is give a big thanks to some folks who sent lovely packages in the mail over the past few weeks. Look at it all -- makes me giddy just looking at it!!! Hehehehehe.

First up is a lovely ATC sent to me by Helen over at Quilts and ATCs. I won this lovely piece in a drawing on her blog and it's even more lovely in person. the colors are soft and lovely and the use of the washers is fantastic. Thanks so much Helen!

I also won these fabulous note cards from Karyn over at Trail Mix Designs. She's been busy with her new Gocco printer and been making some lovely cards and gift tags (and some are even available in her etsy store as well -- really, they are fantastic).

And as if sending the cards wasn't enough, she attached a lovely little button pendant to the bow she wrapped the cards with. Hehehehe -- I've been admiring these! I just need to find a chain! Isn't that button just fantastic?

And, if you were ready to hate me for my winning streak with these two -- hold on, 'cause there's one more. Teresa over at Fabric Alchemy did a drawing for a piece of her lovely hand dyed fabrics -- and well, I won a piece! And really, this blue is just absolutely luscious! I'm not sure what it will be used for, but -- oh yes, I will find something!

And the final piece of goodness in the mail is something purchased -- so no huge surprise that it was coming (darned those buttons to push). But really -- that Heather Ross fabric I was playing with for my daughter's dress was just too nummy to pass up. These are destined for a Christmas gift -- I'll show more as I get to the project! A special nod here to the folks at Z and S Fabrics -- they were great about getting the package out quickly even when there was a computer glitch in getting the order processed.

So, the mail's all caught up -- and now to tackle the laundry and the quilting!