Inspire Us Thursday, May 29!

It's time to sit back and browse through a collection of wonderful links dedicated to fiber -- sewing, knitting, cross-stitch, and crochet; links of fabric, yarn, and embroidery floss. Join us for Inspire Us Thursday! And if you have something to share come link up.

Featured: Peaches and Bees, Felt with Love Designs, The Itinerant Seamstress, and Amelie and Atticus

Ruffled Halters & the Non-Ruffle People

Summer is coming. The Peanut and I both melt into cranky piles of cranky, flushed-red, cranky goo when it gets hot. Sadly we define "hot" as anything over 72°. As long as we remain south (barely) of the Mason-Dixon, we will really need cool clothing come June. This Sunday, in the midst of sewing an in-depth, exciting, I-so-want-to-show-you-right-now-but-can't project, I realized June? It's next week! ...Huh. That kind of snuck up on me.

Since all of my sewing magic (hint, hint) is currently being channeled into this other enchanting (there's another hint) project, let me take this week to show you how us self-defined non-girly, ruffle eschewing girls took on the heat of last summer. With ruffled halters, of course! ...Huh. It's possible the heat also melts our brains.

Not one, not two, but three ruffles. Clearly I can't be trusted to define my own style.

Inspire Us Thursday, May 22!

It's Thursday! Time to browse through the links, fill your creative well, and be inspired by the amazing work everyone is sharing. Join us for a weekly link party of sewing, knitting, cross-stitch, and crochet; of fabric, yarn, and embroidery floss. Inspire us and be inspired.

Featured (clockwise from upper right): Little Red Window, Pensebrox, Little Monkeys Crochet, and Lulu & Celeste

Mini-Us, A Cross-Stitch Pixelated Family Portrait

I have decorating block whenever it comes to my home. I know! A graphic design background! A love of sewing! What the what? My husband agrees with you. I’m paralyzed by taupe walls, by indecision, and by some wishy-washy ideas with a lack of follow-through. Drives Mr. Wren crazy. 

After I mentioned this (in those exact words) here on the blog, I decided to start doing something about it. I'm starting small, a piece here, something-hung on the wall there. I want my home to reflect my less-is-more, God-is-in-the-details style and the people who live here.

I also needed a new Couch Craft [defined as that which you create with your hands while sitting on the couch in the evening watching, or rather listening to, TV]. I found one in an old UFO (unFinished object) begun in 2012. A perfect reflection of those who live in my home. Including my inability to spot spelling mistakes.

Mr. Wren said, "it adds character to the work." I eyed him skeptically and moved on.

Inspire Us Thursday, May 15!

It's time for Inspire Us Thursday! Join us for a weekly link party of sewing, knitting, cross-stitch, and crochet; of fabric, yarn, and embroidery floss. Even if you don't have a project to link up, come browse through the links and be inspired by the amazing work everyone is sharing.

Featured: Vera Luna, Howling at the Moon, Macy's Crochet & Knitting, and Kuka and Bubu

Muse of the Morning Girl's Tee Reviewed

When I started blogging I really thought I'd be on my own island in the vast sea of the internet, sending out messages in a bottle hoping someone, anyone would read them. I still get a thrill just seeing that people are reading (and following!). But when I'm contacted to participate in a blog hop or review a pattern, I'm downright flattered. That's not to say I'm easy, I still choose reviews and group activities carefully and thoughtfully. When I was asked to review a pattern from Muse of the Morning, I admit I wasn't familiar with Chrissy's patterns. So I went and had a look. I immediately saw a great opportunity to mix a utilitarian gray knit with feminine shoulders on the Practically Perfect Girl's Tee Shirt. When something like that pops into my head so quickly and easily, I go with it. I love it when it comes out even better than I first saw in my mind's eye.

Inspire Us Thursday, May 8!

Fire up your posts, stay to click around, peruse, and be inspired. It's time for Inspire Us Thursday! Join us for a weekly link party of sewing, knitting, cross-stitch, and crochet; of fabric, yarn, and embroidery floss.

Featured, clockwise from upper right: Maddie Moes, Sewing 4 Sofia, JANuAry trifft JuNE,  and Made by Chrissie D

TUTORIAL: Prop-Up Tablet Case

I love my Kindle. It's the best thing ever. I can throw it into my big tote and take a library of books with me wherever I go. As a known introvert, one of my favorite activities is taking myself out to lunch with a good book. Before, when I got to the table and dug my Kindle out, I used to have to brush off all the crumbs and junk from my tote (I really should clean that out), then I'd have to figure out what to prop it on so I could read hands-free: the ketchup bottle, the sugar packet holder, maybe a napkin roll if the waiter left an extra one on the table. I needed an envelope case. And I needed a portable stand.

I bet you do, too. Or maybe your mother does! This envelope case with a prop-up stand built right into the flap can be sewn to fit ANY tablet, and it's a quick afternoon project. There are still a few days to whip one up for the tech-savvy mama in your life.

Inspire Us Thursday, May 1!

It's time for the Inspire Us Thursday! link party. If you were last here a week ago, go back and check out last week's party -- we keep get great work all week long, you may have missed something fabulous!

Featured: House of Estrela, Handmade by Eva Rose, Ginx Craft, and Sawyer Ford Driving By