Sunday, May 26, 2013

What are you up to this weekend?

Hooray a three day weekend, I am soooooooo happy.  I get to sleep in and play around with whatever I want to.  Don't you love three whole days where you can move at your own pace and putz around here and there.  I  did have a check list for myself for the weekend but it involved fun things to do.  

Number 1 is to finish my crochet African Flower Bag.  I can check that one off my list.


This fabric is not near as blue as the pictures are indicating, it is actually purplish polka dot fun.  I even created a pocket, let me just say my sewing skills leave much to be desired.


 I am not loving the button, it needs something much more fun, so this will have to do until I can find one.

I sewed on the lining with purple thread and stitched over with blanket stitch with green floss.  I wanted more stability and I did not want the lining to pull off the yarn.


Sorry about my toes sneaking into the photo, number 2 on the list needs to be freshly painted toe nails.  I bought this fabric at the quilting store Rainbow's End, and if you are a quilter believe me this is your little piece of Heaven.  The fabrics are amazing, so many colors and patterns to choose from.  They must have every quilting notion that is made, plus ribbons and patterns.  If you are a quilter and visit Florida, Rainbow's End needs to be a a priority for you.  The store is located in Dunedin, Florida.  I love it so much it makes me want to take up quilting, which I am not going to do, I have too many other things I love to do.


 I had some extra fabric from the bag and I remembered reading somewhere on Pinterest about how to make a t-shirt that is too tight a bit bigger.  I loved these polka dots so much I thought I would give it a try.  So I got busy, and frankly created a big mess.  How could sewing two seams on each side be such a problem?  Well if you have to re-do your serger and the thread keeps breaking (insert several swear words here) it becomes an issue.  So a very quick project became a bit of a pain, but it is finished!


 I also decided that I wanted to sew a few little dresses for myself.  You see I am a bit insane and I can not stress to you enough that I can't sew.  That last thing I seriously made was Halloween costumes for my boys.  About 17 years ago I made some dresses to fit my expanding belly as I was pregnant, but since then, not a lot has been made.
 

 I swear I am trying to conger up my Home Economics teacher from middle school Mrs. Koch.  I am trying to remember what she said to do and what all those symbols mean on the patterns.  I think I got a pretty good grade on the sundress that I made in school, even though I did not back stitch or tie off any of the threads.  I was so worried it was going to fall apart the day we had to wear it to school for a fashion show in class.   If these two dresses turn out you all will be the first to know, if not I am not uttering a word.


I have gardened a little bit, mostly weeding which I need to complete tomorrow, so that can't be checked off  my list, yet.  Look at my gorgeous rose tree, well it is really a bush that has been shaped into a tree.  I re-potted it a few weeks back and it is loving the extra space.  The blooms keep coming, and now it is too high for the deer to eat, they love a good rose or hibiscus flower for a treat.


They have a very delicate fragrance.  Lovely.


A beautiful walk on the beach with a friend this morning was such a treat.  We walked five miles and got to reconnect over beautiful sand, warn salty air and lovely little waves. 


Here is the African Flower bag with my yarn bombing/tree art.  The bag is heavier than I would like, and it looks like a messenger bag, which is actually the look I was going for.  The funny thing is if you put some books in it, or a lap top (which I do not own) it will be heavy.  I am all about the process not the final product, so I may never even use this bag.  But I like that I figured it out all on my own and completed it even if it isn't spectacular.  That puts me a 9,180 yards of yarn used this year.  I think I might have a yarn problem don't you?  

I have few little things to make for my sister Claudia, I get to start those today, another thing to cross off my list.  What is on your list for the long weekend?

30 comments:

Teresa Kasner said...

You are getting lots accomplished on the weekend! We are awaiting the delivery of our 2 older grandsons for an overnight visit. Our son and DIL are heading to the beach for a getaway. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Olga Poltava said...

I love your African Violet bag. It's gorgeous both outside and inside!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Oh the bag is awesome! Love it!

The beach photo really makes me want to just run across (ok stumble) the sand and dive right into the water!

Wow, sewing. Is there anything you can't do? You are amazing. :)

Blessings always

Vicki

Mrs. C said...

Your bag turned out beautiful! You must use it! Instead of the button maybe a nice dragonfly charm? I can usually find something fun in the jewelry section of our AC Moore craft store. :)

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Your bag turned out terrific. Love it. I have never figure out how to make that African flower. Good Luck with your sewing project. NOT for me. LOL BUT I would of LOVED to walk along the beach with you. I am sure you had a lovely time chatting with your friend. Hugs Judy

Crafty in the Med said...

Hello Mere,
Love those colours for your bag the grey enhances it all however I definitely agree with you about the button. Would a toggle go better I wonder? I'm sure you will eventually find what goes well with it though. I really must try that African flower pattern it is so attractive.
I've had to grin where you mention you are not much of a sewer!! My maximum at present is square bag like things and even then the seam is all wonky...sigh!! I suppose if I keep at it I'll learn to do better!


keep well

Amanda :-)

Sharron said...

I like your attitude to things Meredith. 'All about the process' kinda sums me up too! Thank you for reassuring me that that's ok :) Yet again, I am swooning after that coast-line. A walk in the sand would be wonderful right about now. My list this weekend has mainly consisted of friends, family and food (oh and a bit of crochet) x

Betsy said...

Your bag turned out beautifully Meredith. I haven't crocheted a bag in years because the strap always frustrates me. It seemed as if when you put anything even moderately heavy into it, the straps stretched and stretched beyond usability. Anybody out there figured out a fix for that?

Love your flowers too and I'm sure your new dresses will be just lovely.

Hubby is mowing the grass now after a morning at church and then it's back to the lake for us.

Blessings,
Betsy

Tanna said...

Whew you are getting a lot done this weekend!! I love that bag and I'm really happy you got your toes in that one photo so I could get the scale of it right! It's big and I love it!!

Your dress pattern almost makes me want to sew! LOL! It has been a LONG time for me... I think the last thing I sewed for myself was a maternity dress while I was preggers with my now 30 y/o son! LOL! Look forward to seeing your new projects. blessings ~ tanna

linda said...

The bag as turned out lovely you have put a lot of work into it, it would be a pity not to use it. I like the making but rarely use anything I have made for myself as for sewing well I am useless, that's why I don't make bags because they need to be lined, I'm looking forward to seeing your dresses! As for me I had all sorts planned for this weekend, I've managed to do a bit of gardening and have pressure washed the patio, but my daughter hurt her back on Friday so I'm looking after her and trying to cheer her up..she can hardly move but she is improving thank goodness :)

Ladybird Diaries said...

Your bag is really lovely, the lining fabric is so pretty ad complements the bag really well.
M x

Gerda said...

Your bag is very lovely, and I love the lining. Hope you have succes with the sewing of dressses, I have plans too but didn't sew for ages. And beautiful sunny photo's! Groetjes, Gerda

RURAL said...

Oh to have such a cute fabric store nearby....

I love your bag, would it do for the beach, or as a light tote?

Jen

moonstruckcreations said...

Love your bag, a lot of love has gone into making it.

We live as far from the sea as it is possible to get here in the UK sadly. Would have loved to have joined you on your walk, what a treat.

After our time in London we are now relaxing!

Helenxx

Taci simmons said...

Rest, a little more rest and some more rest was my objective but I haven't accomplished much of it yet. Great projects my dear friend. Ou are so talented.my dear friend ! Hope you can finish all of your projects this weekend ,

millefeuilles said...

So much creativity and productivity! Three day weekends are the best and I am so glad you got a chance to catch up with all the things which make you happy.

See you soon,

Stephanie

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hello there Meredith! Love three day weekends too. You are so funny in your description of your lovely bag and the challenge more then the final piece!!! Well, what a beautiful bag indeed. Love the lining and the use on the top is so clever and attractive also. So you're not a sewer(?) BUT you are making clothes, lol, I think you are and I can't wait to see you modeling soon.
Lovely roses and I can smell them : -) Nice to get together for a beach walk with a friend, it does the soul good : )
Take care and enjoy today, xoRobin

kathy b said...

Im so excited to have today off. I worked SUnday yesterday, but just having the holiday off is wonderful.

We are off to the Memorial Day parade and remarks soon. Then to fireman's dad's grave. He was in the Navy

I LOVE your bag. I LOVE your t shirt.
5 miles on the beach...heavenly!

Babajeza said...

Your bag looks beautiful. :-)
We didn't enjoy a long weekend but a rainy short one isn't that bad either. I didn't finish my sweater yesterday although this was the plan. However, after half of today's afternoon it is finished now. In a way, I just made my Monday a Sunday. Have a nice week. Regula

Toni said...

LOVE the bag!!! And good luck with the dress!

Annie Cholewa said...

You sound busy, but in a fun way. And I love the bag. And that beach ... if I lived near a beach like that I think I'd rarely be off it!

Deb said...

A 5 mile walk along that gorgeous beach sounds fantastic!
Love everything about your bag.
Hope you are having a wonderful Monday.

Suzan said...

Your bag seems to be large! glad you had your toes in the photo to give some idea how large the lovely bag is!! Neat colors!! Your white rose looks like a gardenia!! Very pretty!

deebriese said...

Wow busy girl! Thats how I like to be! Just returned from boca grande with my Daughter in law and kiddies!

Gracie Saylor said...

Hi Meredith:-)

Sat. I drove 350 miles south to get to my oldet sister because my BIL died last Monday. We are having a precious visit.
Your weekend was full of good busy work...I am very impressed you are using a sewing machine since I am intimidated by mine. You are a brave women!
Gracie xx

Kris said...

That bag is darling! I love the liner fabric too. And the tshirt idea is fabulous. I am going to try one. I always have a hard time being fitted properly because I am well endowed, with a thick waist, and then am trim from the hips down. Gah!!!
I have many tshirts that are too snug in the bust!!
You are too hard on yourself...I think your skills are awesome!
xo Kris

Rose Red said...

I love the African flower motif, your bag looks great!

I am planning on sewing some dresses too - even though I have probably less sewing skills than you say you have. Isn't it funny how we remember our school sewing teachers (mine was Mrs Casley, and she was a bit of a hard taskmaster)

Tammy said...

Sure sounds like you know how to sew. Serger? Not a clue. I like what you did with the t-shirt. And the African flower bag turned out nice. You could use it for more projects. I don't think crochet bags are ever meant to carry anything heavy since yarn tends to pull and sag. A walk on the beach sounds absolutely wonderful. I'm so looking forward to my last day of school -- June 13th. Woohoo! Best wishes, Tammy

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Hanne said...

I just love your bag :)A walk on the beach is something I really like. Maybe one day you will be walking together with me on my beach, wouldnt that be great :)