Crumb Bookmark

Years ago I found some quilting fabric that I was instantly drawn to. The shade wasn’t my usual preference, it was pastel when I usually go for brighter shades but the design of hearts on a blue background is what got me. I love hearts. I’m not sure how many metres of it I brought it was at least 2m. It was my “special” fabric only reserved for certain projects. Over the years of my gift making each one of my four nieces had an item made from it. I’m down to just a small piece of it left which reserved for making something for me from it.

As I was coming to the completion of the fronts of this year’s toiletry bags I started to feel a sense of loss that the project was over for the year. In my crumb stash I had lot of pieces of the blue fabric which I had been using in the crumb fronts on the toiletry bags. I then had a sudden thought. You have started reading again why don’t you make yourself a bookmark with the crumbs of the blue fabric.

In the crumbs box I had 2 wide rectangles of denim which I couldn’t use in the crumb fronts as it was a different weight to the other fabric. I cut and then pieced them together to form narrow bases for the bookmark. I then dived into the box looking for all the blue crumbs. Initially I couldn’t find any and was starting to think maybe I didn’t have as many pieces left as I thought I had. In my head I was starting to come up with a plan B of adding in another fabric I liked but luckly after a little more churning through all the fabrics I started to find pieces.

This was really fun to put together. I started with one piece on each base in the corner and went from there. Having a limited selection of pieces to choose from wasn’t a hinderance. The fabrics were all a decent size so easily fitted the narrow bases. Some pieces I actually trimmed off excess fabric after sewing them to the base. The triangle offcut of one piece I trimmed off ended up being the perfect next piece once rotated around. I will be honest these several times I unpicked a piece once it was sewn on and I wasn’t happy with it was sitting once it was flipped over. I moved it a millimetre or two and restitched it into place. I did that a few times on the toiletry bags but not as much as I did it on these.

When I do the toiletry bags I press the seams after each piece is sewn on. I do 6 fronts at a time with often multiple pieces on each piece so it is worth heating up the iron. With these I opted to just finger press the seams open instead of heating up the iron on each time or keeping the iron on for long periods of time. I pieced these in day over a number of hours. I only ironed them once they were done.

I debated on how to assemble and finish the bookmark as I was piecing together the fronts. I didn’t want a lot of bulk so initially I placed the 2 fronts wrong sides facing and started to blanket stitch around the outside but frankly it looked horrible. I can do really nice blanket stitch by hand but only on a flat one sided piece where the backside won’t to be seen. I pulled out my stitches, placed the fronts right side facing, hand stitch around the edge and then turned it out. I used a narrow seam allowance and did only just catch both pieces in one section. The bookmark is bulkier than I would’ve preferred but not enough to cause damage in a book.

I will still make something with the fabric reserved for me but I love that I have been able to create something from the fabric crumbs of this fabric. It is a practical item I will use. I combined my love of sewing with my renewed love of reading. I was able to save textiles from landfill or waste. This was an easy but rewarding project.

Cassiy

Hanging Straws

I’m still trialing ideas for DIY bird toys. Each week or fortnight I play around with a new idea to see how well the birds take to it. Some of my ideas are taken from toys I have seen online, others are just random things I think of. I think I saw a toy made of straws so decided to try something similar.

Prior to making toys I paid no attention to the size of straws. I knew when you brought crushed iced drinks the straws were wider but I had no idea what regular size straws were. In the state where I live (NSW) plastic straws are now banned so you can only buy reusable metal/silicone or paper straws. For toy making paper straws are ideal. Our flock in particular Bobbin loves straws.

The standard size straws sold are very narrow and lightweight, they are about 6mm in diameter. You can purchase them in 2 lengths regular or cocktail. The wider straws are about 8mm in diameter. The ones I purchased are a little harder, I think from memory they are 4ply which makes them sturdier. I didn’t even know straws came in ply weight.

The materials I used for this toy were

• 2 regular straws
• 2 thick straws
• Jute twine
• Stuffing material

I cut a length of twine, tied a knot in one end and used a doll needle to pierce the straws and thread them together. I then tied a hanging loop so that it could be hung off a rung in the cage. I cut slits in the thicker straws and stuffed them with shredded paper and treats (seeds, millet) leaving some poking out so the birds could see it. The thicker straws were very hard to cut so I had to do it with some force.

This toy wasn’t as successful as others. I think the yellow thick straws were too big and intimidating. I left this in the cage for 2 weeks. They did play with it towards the end. The smaller straws were chewed on and some of the yellow straws were chewed/shredded a little. I will make this toy again but next time cut the yellow straws in half.

Cassiy

BHG 2024 Knit & Crochet Collection

Better Homes & Garden sill release their annual Knit & Crochet Collection magazine around April each year. When I last blogged about it in 2022 I said I was a little disappointed in the magazine as it didn’t seem to be as good as in previous years. I will be honest and say I couldn’t even remember if I purchased it last year (It comes out in April and last April I had a lot on my mind with my adenoma surgery) Apparently I did buy it last year.

Back in 2020 I noticed I had acquired a large stash of the magazine editions over the years but at the time I had maybe only knitted one pattern from them. I set myself the personal challenge of making at least one item from each edition. I have since made a few items from the magazines but with no deadline I haven’t completed the challenge yet. This year I started stalking the shops from the start of April waiting for it to come out. These days I don’t buy a lot of craft magazines so I don’t really need to justify buying it each year like I did back in 2020.

The patterns this year are a mixture of toys, homewares, garments and accessories for both children and adult. The skill level ranges from beginner to advanced so there is something for everyone. Most of the garment patterns are knit flat rather than on circular or double pointed needles. Last year the magazine returned back to providing freebie tools on the front cover. The needles provided are straight needles which is why most of the patterns are constructed flat and then seamed together at the end. This year it still does use a lot of yarns from overseas but there is a page which lists local suppliers to purchase the majority of the yarns from. It would be nice if the yarns used were yarns by local manufacturers and not just local suppliers.

I purchased this year’s edition for the purpose of having an enjoyable something to read both at the time and later on. I regularly get out all my editions and flick through them. They are full of yarny goodness. 3 patterns did jump out at me this year. Unfortunately the women’s patterns tend to be on the smaller side so the first pattern I liked didn’t fit. It was a simple poncho so perhaps at some point when I have the brain power I could sit down and work out the maths based on the other sizes to work out how to make it large enough to fit me. The second pattern was a headband made up of scrap yarn which requires 6 different colours. You pair up the colours so you need to plan out which colour combinations you want each row. It looks good but you need a bit planning of planning before you cast on.

The third pattern which kept jumped out was a cowl called French Mustard. It has lace work in it which I don’t normally do but I am fond of a cowl and it just looked cozy. In my stash I knew I had some suitable yarn not earmarked for anything else. I purchased the magazine on Tuesday afternoon and Saturday morning cast on the cowl. Lace work looks complicated but broken down it is just a series of yarn overs, increases and decreases. The instructions are in the form of both a chart and written out row by row. I struggle to read charts that have a lot of symbols but I can follow written instructions fairly easily. The cowl is only 45 stitches wide so you can’t get too confused per row.

I had anticipated my big knitting project this winter would be a jumper. I still intend to knit one but not at this point. I have no deadline to finish this cowl. Due to the lace work this cowl is going to take a lot of concentration so I will only be able to work on it at certain times when I don’t have other distractions around me. I’m enjoying the process of knitting it so far.

Cassiy

Apple Core No More

I started the blanket in 2020. I had scraps of Stylecraft Special DK leftover from previous projects and was looking for a way to use them up. I came across the Apple Core pattern and fell for it due to it resembling the quilting pattern apple core. The blanket is made up of individual blocks and joined together using a whip stitch.

Front

I started strongly on this making many blocks and even assembling some of them. The blocks are simple enough to make and joining them isn’t hard. However in the last couple of years it has sat untouched. I think I put it aside as I was waiting until I used up some more Stylecraft yarn I had. I wanted to add some of the blocks amongst the ones I had already assembled so one section of the blanket wasn’t just in the one colour.

Back

After much contemplation I have decided I’m going to scrap this blanket. I will unpick the blocks I have joined already and unravel all the blocks. It is funny I really like hand sewing with fabrics but when it comes to yarn I hate doing seams. I don’t know if it is because the tools and materials are slightly larger or it is because I don’t do it enough what I do looks bulky and untidy. Originally this blanket was planned for us but I know I won’t use it due to the all the seams. I don’t want to make it for anyone else as I think it would be uncomfortable, my version of it anyway.

Once all the blocks are unraveled I will use the yarn up in blankets for charity. I’m going to make scrappy rectangle blankets with it. The yarn will be mixed in with acrylic yarn from other brands. They will all be the same weight so it doesn’t matter.

The Apple Core pattern is a great little pattern but it is just not for me. Looking at the blankets others have made it does look nice. Mine looks bulky and uncomfortable I think just to way I stitched my blocks. Perhaps I was a little haphazard where I placed my stitches. Some areas I went back over and over if I had excess yarn which caused more bulk. Looking at it now I even missed one corner of joining a couple of blocks. I’m not sure if I ran out of yarn when joining it with the intention of going back later to fix it or I just missed seeing it. I’m not disappointed for starting the blanket. It was enjoyable when I first started it. I will admit since making the decision earlier this week to scrap the project a weight has lifted off my shoulders. I wanted to quickly write this post and publish it so I could then start the disassembling process this weekend. 

Cassiy

Reusable Produce Bags V2

Back in 2021 I made some reusable produce bags. Some unfortunately had to be tossed. Full confession we were wasteful and some had food in them that went mildewy and I needed to toss them as I couldn’t clean them properly. Late last year I did purchase some pre-made reusable bags when our supermarket had them on special. We needed a few more so I made another batch. I couldn’t get the exact same fabric I used for our first lot but it feels pretty similar. It could be the same fabric just in a different colour.

The first time I made these I followed a pattern Butterick 5338. This time I just measured the size of the store brought ones and made them that size. As the fabric is a light weight chiffon (or similar) I once again used french seams but this time I really struggled with my seams. I just couldn’t get all the fine fibres to sit nicely in the seam as I stitched it down. There is a lot of little “hairy” bits poking out of the seam. I didn’t want to trim the off at the end out of the fear of putting a hole in the new bags. The seam is still strong, it just isn’t as neat as I would have liked it. It won’t impact the use of the bags so at the end of the day it doesn’t matter. I have more important things to worry about than the finish of these bags.

Did I enjoy making these? Had I gotten my seams nicely I would have said yes but to be honest I can’t remember. I had them on my to do list to make during my Xmas/New Year short break so considering I got in and made them I’ll say yes. They are a practical item for the house and I like making practical things.

Cassiy

One Book Over And Over

A recent daily writing prompt “What book could you read over and over again?” got me thinking.

Watching a tv program about Billy Connolly he mentioned he had a favourite book which he could read over and over, he would often give a copy of it to people and would recommend it to anyone. I would love to have a book like that but sadly I don’t. Once I read a fiction book that tends to be it, I generally don’t have the desire to read it again. I may not be able to give the book away but at the same time I don’t want to read it again. Non fiction books are slightly different, some I can pass on, others I want to keep to refer back to. As a child I could read a book over and over but as an adult I struggle to do that. I’m trying to re-read the Harry Potter books again. I started nearly 12 months ago and have only gotten just over ½ way through the first book as I’m only reading it whilst Womble is at medical appointments. I need to pick it up and read it and not just throw it in our waiting bag when Womble hands me the book he is currently reading.

As a child I would read book after book after book. The Baby Sitter’s Club books had just started and I had every book. Another favourite series was the Gymnast, again I have every book that came out. I would order books from a mail order catalogue through my school, every month I was buying 2 – 3 books. As a child who couldn’t touch her toes the gymnast books let me escape into a world I was clearly never going to be a part of. Thinking back now the Baby Sitter books probably was the reason why originally prior to my hip surgery I was planning on a career in childcare. My first paid job as a teenager like many was baby sitting which I did a few times.

In my teens I was still reading. At 13 I was reading John Grisham who is an author I wouldn’t even think to read now. I really liked John Marsden an Australian author who wrote The Tomorrow series. I didn’t read the entire series of those but I did the first few. Mid teens I stopped reading fictional stories which is probably why I never read all of the Tomorrow series. I started reading non fiction in particular biographies and true crime with a preference of Australian true crime. As a teen I was a big reader of newspapers and watching the news. My fascination with true crime wasn’t morbid but more of an interest on reading more in depth about cases or reports I had seen in the news. It gave me more of an understanding of what happened particularly in cases where I was too young at the time to fully understand the news story. I wasn’t a fan of Harry Potter until nearly my mid 20’s when I borrowed my friend’s copy and couldn’t put it down. It was the first time in years I was interested in reading fiction again. I wasn’t into fantasy and magic so the Harry Potter books were an interesting world to me. They didn’t lead me to read other fantasy books but they are a nice world to visit. I don’t read true crime anymore but still enjoy reading biographies. I believe everyone has a fascinating story to tell you just need to sit down with the right person to help you write your story down so others can see it.

Nowadays I don’t read as much as I would like to. My preference is still non fiction but I’m open to reading fiction if a book catches my attention. In the last couple of years I have made use of the local library to borrow books on the topics of zero waste and sustainability. I do have a few books to read that I have purchased, both fiction and non fiction. I just don’t seem to get the time to read. There are times when I could be reading but more often than not I’m doing other stuff like knitting or playing on my phone. If I don’t have a deadline to read by like when a library book needing to be returned I don’t tend to make the time to read. Over Easter I started to read the Thursday Murder Club series. We watch Pointless which has the author Richard Osman on it and I kept hearing about his books so I decided to give them a read. I allowed myself reading time during the day and I actually enjoyed it.

After starting this post I went and did some research (I Googled) I have decided I want to read the Tomorrow series in full. Looking at the titles I think I have read about the first 3 or maybe 4, it was the mid 90’s I read them so a fair while ago. There is a spin off series the Elle Chronicles which looks interesting too. My local library looks to have all the Tomorrow series but I may need to buy the spin off series. Instead of knitting before work or on my lunch break I’m going to use that time to read. I want to be lost in a good book again, fiction or non fiction it doesn’t matter. If I start reading regularly again maybe I’ll find that forever book.

Cassiy

Crochet Solid Rectangle

Two weeks in a row about crochet!

After finishing my keychains I was still on a crochet kick as such so decided to finally try out a pattern I had been wanting to make for years, a granny rectangle. A granny rectangle is just like a granny square but the shape is rectangular not square. As you build up each round the rectangle grows from the centre out.

Traditional granny squares and rectangles have the stitches in clusters of 3 with a chain space between each cluster. As you do each round you place you next cluster in the chain space made in the previous round. I love the look of granny squares and rectangles but clusters do leave slight holes in the piece. In a book I had seen a solid granny square where you crocheted into the top of every stitch on the previous round and only put in chain spaces in the corners, a recent Youtube search showed you can do the same but in a rectangle shape. In my stash I came across a cotton blend mix, from memory it is about 80% cotton / 20% polyester. I decided to have a play and try out a solid rectangle.

Cloth 1 and Cloth 2

I found 2 clips on how to make one. In both clips the stitches used were UK treble (US double crochet), slip stitch and chain stitch. In both tutorials you put one chain space in at each corner. On cloth 1 the tutorial I followed you only chain one stitch to move up to the next round. You can see clearly where I moved up each but it doesn’t look that bad. On cloth 2 the tutorial I followed you chain 3 to move up to the next round. I will be honest and say I didn’t watch the entire tutorial I just skipped to the part where she chained up to the next round and I didn’t watch closely to where she was placing her stitches. My cloth is spiraling because I added in too many stitches somewhere as I wasn’t paying attention properly. Both of these cloths are going to used to clean my bathroom so I’m not worried that they aren’t perfect. I just wanted to try out the pattern and use up some scrap yarn lingering in my stash at the same time. I find it really hard to practice a new technique unless it is on an item I can use at the end of it. Cleaning cloths are a practical item for me to try out patterns on, you can never have too many of them.

My motive for trying out this pattern / style was I’m contemplating projects I can make using up my scrap yarn. A solid rectangle blanket I thought was going to be my answer but since first writing this I have started to look at Moss Stitch blankets. Moss Stitch blankets look to have even less gaps in them and appear to be denser so might be my answer. I’m still glad I finally tried out this style, it wasn’t a wasted project. 

Cassiy

Elle Keychains

Time for a bit of crochet talk.

I was trying to think of items that would be practical and easy to make to add to our charity bags. I will be honest I did factor in cost involved although I wasn’t going to subtract the cost from my overall bag spend amount. I decided upon keychains as in my craft item stash I have a lot of lobster clasps. I usually use them in bag making to attached straps to bags. Personally I actually have one attached to my house keys and one attached to my work keys so that I can clip my keys onto me or a bag. They are a really handy addition to my keys, if you don’t have one on your keys add one on.

Bella Coco Crochet has a free tutorial on Youtube on how to crochet a keychain onto a lobster clasp, it is called the Elle Keychain. If you subscribe to her newsletter you can get the written pattern as a PDF for free but you could easily just follow on and make it from the Youtube video. I will point out there is a discrepancy between the tutorial and the written pattern that I didn’t realise until afterwards. When I got sent the free pattern I recognised the finished item as the keychain from her Youtube tutorial and just assumed it to be the same pattern. The Youtube tutorial has you use a 3mm hook with Aran yarn (10 ply), the written tutorial has you use a 3mm with DK yarn (8 ply)

I had plenty of 10 ply cotton yarn leftover in my stash so that is what I grabbed but I opted for a 3.75 hook instead as my hands were getting sore trying to crochet with a 3mm hook. I wasn’t going to cause myself pain just to make a project. In the end does the hook size matter? No it is only a keychain. Bella does point out the smaller the hook the more sturdier your fabric will be. I think I was on to my 2nd or 3rd one before I realised the difference in yarn weights between the 2 instructions. In terms of the actual crocheting the pattern was very easy to follow. I watched the tutorial and then followed the written pattern for how many rows to do before finishing it off. I used a row counter to keep track of my rows but you could easily just work up until your piece measured double what you want the finished length to be and then fold it over to finish it off. I actually made these on my lunch break at work. Each one only took a couple of lunch times and when they were all done I brought them home to finish.

I’m really happy with these. I will probably make them again next year as I don’t see myself using up my entire stash of lobster clasps and yarn between now and then. The Elle Keychain would make a great gift for anyone wanting a simple homemade gift. You could easily start these early December and have a heap done in time for Christmas.

I say this every time I finish a crochet project but it is something I should do more of. Depending on the pattern you are doing crochet is very rhythmic and relaxing. It is an easy to project to put down and pick up as you don’t need to finish your row like you do knitting. 

Cassiy

Survey Voucher – The Fabric Store

Recently I received an email from The Fabric Store asking readers to fill out a simple survey and in return they would receive a free $30 voucher to use online. I am one of those weird people who like filling out surveys so often do them even without the carrot of a reward at the end. I did the survey and didn’t really expect to be emailed a voucher but true to their word the next day a voucher code was in my Inbox.

Time to be honest one of the issues I have with The Fabric Store online is that the prices are in New Zealand dollars even though I am based in Australia. Some, not all, international websites allow you to switch the currency to your own country so you can have a clear idea of how much you are paying for an item. The reason for the $NZ is that the online store is based in New Zealand with all orders dispatched from there. It is one of the reasons why I have never purchased anything online from them before and a point I mentioned in the survey. We have a store in Sydney but my online order will be posted from New Zealand. What I did learn during the survey was that do have an option to fill out an order form which will be sent to your local store who will then call you to arrange payment and send it from there, the process isn’t as simple as your regular online shopping if you choose that option.

I had until the end of May to use up my voucher so then the decision was what to buy. The fabric sold is good quality but to be honest it isn’t the cheapest so $30 isn’t going to really get you far. I have plenty of fabrics in my stash that I didn’t really need any. If I was getting fabric just to add to my stash how much should I buy? I had to factor in how much extra over $30 it would cost (including postage) then convert it to $AU for the true cost. It seemed such a waste to not use the voucher but I’m cutting back on things and don’t want to actually spend money unless I have to. Spending money just to use up a voucher didn’t make sense to my frugal brain this time (I have done that in the past)

As you do whilst doing other life things I was still thinking about the voucher. I then had a thought the website has more than just fabric, they sell their own brand of PDF patterns called Made by TFS. I had a look and the decision was made I would choose patterns but then the big decision became what pattern/s do I choose?

In terms of time taken to pick the patterns for me it was actually pretty quick, in less than a day I decided. I took into consideration the total amount of the voucher, the price of patterns and the style. I was able to stretch my voucher out to get 2 patterns made from knit fabric. I’m a knit person and to be honest I don’t have that many knit dress patterns.

Mabel Dress
I like the shape of this dress. It is A-line with a subtle swing outwards. It looks comfortable and roomy without looking like you are wearing a tent. It has in seam pockets. I like the different sleeve options so you don’t have to try and make your own long sleeves if that is what you wanted. I can see this dress being made with contrasting sleeves and neckband, a great way to use up smaller scraps perhaps.

Teddy Dress
Again I like the shape of this dress. It is basically a t-shirt dress with dropped shoulders but instead of just extending the skirt section down as a rectangle the skirt is gathered so you can swish around. It also has in seam pockets. In terms of fabrics again you could use contrasting fabrics for the neckband, sleeves and even the skirt.

I’m really happy that I was able to use my free voucher to the maximum amount without going over. The patterns I have chosen aren’t the fanciest however I am not a fancy person. They are in styles and fabrics I know that I will wear. I have gotten the chance to try out 2 free patterns from a pattern company which I haven’t tried before. In terms of sewing I don’t know when I will get either one of them made but that doesn’t matter.

Within a week I had used my voucher. I’m an over thinker, when I receive a voucher I spend so much time trying to think of the best way to maximize that voucher that is actually mentally draining. I put frugal pressure on myself to get the best deal I can as after all you don’t want to just waste it. This time a quick decision was the best decision, now to move on to more important issues to over think. 

Cassiy

Portable Quilting File

I’m not the only one who has seen an item at a craft show or craft shop and thought yes I will use it all the time. Sometimes yes you do use these spontaneous purchases but often you don’t. I won’t say I never make spontaneous purchases anymore but in my old buying habits I did it frequently. This was one of those never used purchases. I wasn’t sure what to call this item. I can’t remember if it had a written description on it when I brought it years ago. I’m calling it a file.

This file is about A4 size. It is for quilters to take their quilt blocks to classes or workshops to keep them flat. The outside is hard cardboard or maybe plastic covered with quilting cotton. It has a velcro closure to hold it together. When opened up it had one side has a cutting mat so you can use cut small pieces of fabric with a rotary cutter. The other side was a padded mat which could be used as a portable ironing board if you had a mini iron. If you were attending a quilting class it would be very handy to have as you essentially have a mini cutting and ironing station plus you could keep your blocks flat inside during transit.

I can’t remember what year I brought this. I never attended a quilting class or needing to transport blocks anywhere so I never used it. It sat on my bookshelf all that time. Last August when I was clearing up I came across it and decided it was time to go. It was a bit faded so I didn’t want to pass it on to an op shop (charity shop) as I didn’t think anyone would want to buy it. Luckily before I had a chance to take it down to our hard rubbish area I had an idea for it and rescued it from my “to bin” box.

I decided to remove the velcro closure. It was very easy to unpick the closure tab and square of velcro. I have done a lot of unpicking so this took me only minutes to do in front of the tv. Suddenly I had a usable sturdy item which was completely flat on both sides.

When I do my crumb quilting I rule up the stitching line on each piece. I was using my diary as it was sturdy but it was only A5 size. Upon altering this file I now had an A4 sturdy area (double the size) to rule my pieces up on. It is almost the same size as my crumb quilting bases so it is perfect to put my bases on as I try and figure out which pieces will fit where.

This file now lives on the bookshelf behind where I sit in the lounge room instead of a book shelf in the study. I use a lot now. The most frequent use is in my crumb quilting but also if I am writing notes in a notebook or diary I lean on it. I’m even using it as a backdrop to take photos now.

I’m glad with a little bit of thought I was able to rescue an item destined for landfill into an item I am now using. Removing the closure was such a simple fix I don’t know why I didn’t think of it a long time ago. I think it is really easy to over look things which have been sitting there for a long time or only think of things for the one purpose you were sold on. Our homes end up with clutter as we glaze over things which have been sitting there “forever” We end up with piles of landfill as our minds only see an item for what it is, if we can’t use it for that purpose we toss it. I’m trying to address both these issues. Look at items around the house we don’t use, try and think of alternative ways to use the item so that it becomes a useful object and not just taking up space. 

Cassiy