Creating - Crafts & Sewing

Creating

Crafts, Sewing & Gifts

I shared in the asparagus post that I like to"do".  I am in motion just about all the time, even when I sit and wait.  I had a grandmother who was never idle, either.  She had to have inspired this trait in me. Therefore, I have this strong need to create and produce and that is why I enjoy crafting, sewing and needle arts.  My favorite projects are transportable.  It is amazing to me how fast a project comes together when I put in 15 minutes here and 30 minutes there.

My paternal grandmother taught me how to crochet and to embroidery when I was in elementary school.  I learned to knit in a yarn store when I was in college.  I had not idea yarn of different types and textures existed. My grandmother only used one brand and one texture for everything. 

This page is for the projects you are working on and stories of those that taught you.  Please feel free to add your stories and projects below.

Projects

March and April 2016  - - I have been crocheting "Lacy Springtime Shrug" from Lion Brand. (http://www.lionbrand.com/printablePatterns/L20121.pdf) The original pattern was intended to be made with "Cotton-Ease", a cotton blend yarn of Lion Brand's creation. I was unsuccessful in locating the yarn in a discount store or a craft store. I could have ordered it online but instead choose to substitute the yarn for an acrylic, for both the ease of the purchase and I like how soft it felt.* I included the link (it is above) and a picture of the white shrug I finished in time for Easter.  I must tell you that I was not happy with how the shrug looked on me with the sundress which I sewed for my Easter outfit. The wrinkles don't help but I just wasn't satisfied with the look below. You can see what I mean by not quite "happy". So . . .

I'm now wearing the lavender Easter dress with a spring cardigan I purchased from a consignment store over a year ago and I am pleased with the way this outfit looks on me. 

  

I didn't give up on the white shrug.  I found another dress in my closet that compliments the pattern.  This is terrific news because by the time I discovered that I didn't like the Easter ensemble I was half way through making a black shrug from the same pattern.  The white shrug pairs nicely with this blue gingham embroidered sundress.  I believe it works on this dress because the arm holes of the tank style bodice are less severe and the shrug matches up nicely. 

* Soap box signal*  I am not a fan of synthetic anything. So although this yarn feels nice, I am disappointed in myself for ditching my convictions and going with the easier cheaper material. I truly believe that synthetic yarns and fabrics have a negative impact on our nervous systems.  I will refer you to the chapter on neurological disorders from The Fourfold Paths to Healing (please see my bookshelf on main page) Both of the dresses pictured above are 100% cotton. My nervous system doesn't like being tricked and that is what "fake" textures do to the brain. I will not continue my rant any further.  I will note my disappointment and encourage myself to make wiser choices in my crafting future.