Stuff and Nonsense

Things have been getting a little busier lately around here. I'm sure I'm not alone in that they are going to get downright crazy very soon. Along with the Holidays fast approaching and all that comes with them, I am going on a fun trip as well. You can be sure that I'll take my camera. Maybe I'll even be able to post "on the road". Here is a little bit from a shopping trip from this past week. 

I stumbled upon a new-to-me knitting store last week. Literally stumbled.

I was investigating a new bead store to find supplies to make some bracelets. I had some extra time on the parking meter so decided to walk around a little. One block away was a knitting store that, of course, drew me in.

It was difficult to take many pictures because of the lighting.  This particular scarf drew me in and I bought the colorway below to make it.  It is Merino Mia in Thunderclap by Prism Yarn. The yarn is dyed to change color in this beautiful way.

The store is L'Atelier in Riveria Village, Redondo Beach, CA.  The staff, particularly Robin, was very friendly and helpful. They have seating for customers to come and knit whenever they want. I like that.

On my way home I stopped by IKEA to check out their desk chairs. I'm tired of sitting on my little, hard thrift store chair in my craft room. I found a comfy, twirling, roll around chair.

They have their Christmas store open and I thought these mushrooms were adorable. 

This kitchen cart would be very handy in my craft room.  I may have to revisit that idea.

I absolutely could not resist this great thermos. I love the colors! So just from this little shopping trip I have three projects to finish! However, unbelievable as it may seem, I have already made the bracelets. I've made pretty good progress on the scarf and the last project is to decorate the desk chair. I think it needs some artistic embellishment. I'll keep you posted.  How many projects have you added to your list this week? Come on, tell the truth!! 

Button Bracelets

I made something. 

While perusing the internet (surprising, I know), I came across some video instructions for making these simple button bracelets off of French General's website. You can find it with The Vintage Button Bracelet Kit. There is no direct link to the video for some reason. They were a simple, quick and satisfying project.  I have my Grandma's button box and have also bought a few here and there. All I had to buy were the 3mm beads and the Stretch Magic. I mixed them up with some Charming Charlie "gold" bracelets, my Michele watch and an Alex & Ani beaded bracelet.  I might have to do some more beading.  

All Done

I have umpteen unfinished projects around here.  I have sewing projects, knitting projects, decorating projects, and so forth and so on. I'm sure you're much better at finishing than I am.  I do finish projects, I just start many,  many more.  Earlier this week, I was rooting around in my sewing room.  I can't even remember what I was looking for.  I discovered fabric I bought three years ago to make a scarf.  Here is the original post.  You can find the pattern here.

I decided to take the time this week to GET IT DONE.  The fabric is voile by Anna Maria Horner. It is so soft and lightweight.  The fabric is definitely I think what sold me on the pattern.

The fabrics are joined with french seams.

Twist the scarf up and dampen.

Pardon the fuzzy photo, but the finish is a crinkly scarf.

Sorry, I have trouble smiling at myself, however, the scarf is light and bright and DONE

What project have you finished recently?

ISN'T SHE LOVE-LY?

 If you follow me on Instagram, you've seen all of these pictures already.

 I thought I'd do a round-up.

It's taken awhile to finish this sampler because I had to stop working on it for about a month. I bought this "LOVE-LY" sampler from Charlotte Lyons during the Art-Of-Craft workshop at French General last January. At the same time, I bought this beautiful floral fabric, La Belle Fleur, from Kaari at French General and chose floss colors to coordinate with it. I couldn't find a green ball fringe that I liked, so I used this blue rickrack.  I think it's perfect in my guest room.  You can find all of Charlotte's pretty samplers in her Etsy store.  I have her newest design, "Homebodies" waiting in the wings.

Please join me at Jennifer Rizzo's Fabulously Creative Friday Party.

Long Time No See

It's been busy around here the last couple of weeks. I've been busy working on gifts for our group of ladies that were to attend the Women of Faith conference in Anaheim. I saw this pretty oilcloth fabric which got me going on the idea of making portfolios for each of them to carry all their paperwork in. Can you see the fruit theme beginning?

I covered mechanical pencils with coordinating paper.

Some of their goodies inside also had a fruit theme. I wanted to cover the kleenex, but thought better of it. I decided not to push it too far.

I did go a little crazy and make 30 strawberries. I started with Martha Stewart's pattern, but they were a little smaller than I wanted.  I switched over to Heather Bailey's pattern.  I simplified it a little more since I was doing so many in a short time period. I really can simplify, really I can. I've always wanted to make these and this picture from Pinterest, just sealed the deal. ADORABLE!

Source: nanacompany.typepad.com via Karen on Pinterest

These are mine.

The first evening before the conference most of our group met for dinner at Bubba Gumps. I was such a good girl and had Salmon and Grilled Veggies.  

My friend Denice came from Florida for the week and attended the conference with me.

These girls had a very good time!

Aren't you proud of me for posting a really bad photo of myself.  

I was teasing Pam that we were Ebony and Ivory. Ha!

Proof that we were there. The speakers were amazing. I really loved Angie Smith and Christine Caine.  The music of CeCe Winans and Selah was celebratory and worshipful. If you have never attended a Women of Faith event in your area, I encourage you to do so. You won't be disappointed. I really didn't take any pictures of our Tailgate party in the VERY HOT parking lot. I was too busy making sure everybody was fed. We served the same menu as last year, except we made little fruit hand pies. They were AMAZING. My friend Renee and her daughter Jenny made them. Jenny had recently graduated from French Pastry School in Chicago and was willing to use her new found expertise to bake them for us. Have you ever heard of using Vodka in your pie crust? Me neither. This picture was our inspiration. I bet ours were better. Just saying.  

Source: adventuressheart.com via Karen on Pinterest

Before The Green

I thought I'd show you an update on our front yard project, obviously before any plants are added. 

 We resurfaced the front porch and took out the sidewalk.

 We added a faux stream bed into the actual drainage area.

 We moved boulders from another part of our property.  Now, that was a huge job!

 We widened the driveway.  Part of this is going to be redone.  It didn't quite work out right. 

In the distance you can see my urn fountain. 

This urn had a crack, so we have a different urn and it has yet to get hooked up.  More on that later.

 We added beautiful stone steps down to the back.

Here's just a peek at the before picture.

Not bad so far, don't you think?
The beginning started here.