[ c r a f t e d ] Owl Be Hanging Over Here

In the spirit of “making pretty things” I borrowed MICROCRAFTS Written by Margaret Mcguire, Alicia Kachmar and Katie Hatz. Since I felt that starting small means that it is doable for me.

I chose the to sew a micro-owl plushie, but the book has easier crafts to do. I just wanted to do something that involved sewing.

The book suggested to sew a loop of embroidery thread on the owl so that you can hang it as ornaments. I was deciding between a necklace or a keychain. But since the phone materials were well within reach than the necklace chain. I made it into a mobile phone charm…HUH? I am confused as well. But I am glad how it all turned out.

It was fairly easy to make this – it is small though so I had hand cramps while sewing. And because of its size it was really hard to stitch the beak and the eyes. I pricked myself a couple of times trying not to sew the front and back together.

I plan to make something new once a month (this should be easier to follow through right?).

 

[ c r a f t e d ] My First Embroidered Pouch

A  few weeks ago – or was it a month ago, Books Actually hosted a Sashiko Embroidered Pouch Workshop conducted by one of my crafty inspirations – the lovely Sandy of The Cookie Cutter Blog  (she blogged about the workshop here).

I am really taking advantage of whatever free time I have left to join workshops and create something. So this workshop came at a very good time. Plus I have always wondered how one sews a zipper by hand!

It’s no secret that I like polka dots and although I am not a fan of pink I was going for a “pretty” feel. I was very satisfied with my choices!

Everything coming along nicely, and yes a piece of chocolate for break. My eyes hurt a bit and my hand cramped halfway through sewing, I guess it’s because I don’t really have much sewing practice.

Sandy teaching us how it’s done. I love that as a small group she was able to focus on us especially when we were having difficulty with some parts of the process. She also engaged everyone in conversation and the overall atmosphere was fun and friendly.

I didn’t finish the whole pouch during the workshop, so I had time to work on it at home. Sashiko embroidery is interesting and though my skills are rudimentary I want to try my hand at it again – when I find the time. Overall, it was a great experience for me – to meet like-minded people and learn new things.

Thanks to Sandy and the people at Books Actually!