Moving, Marley, and Other Maladies of Discontent

I have so many things I'd love to be working on right now. My work table seems so neglected and sad. There are dresses hanging on my shelf, begging to be played with. However, since I'm currently not working, I've been trying to be ultra-productive by sifting through old things, figuring out which things to part with (via donations), and slowly taking things over to my mother's house. I detest the entire moving process, including the month afterward that is spent adjusting to a new environment. I'm very much set in my ways, and I thrive on stability. This is why I think moving in with my mommy will be a good thing for me. I'm just ready for the move to be over and to settle into the only real home that probably exists for me in Little Rock.
The greatest tragedy is that Frog is taking Marley, our dachshund, to live in Little Rock. Marley inspires me all the time to do cute things since he's just so damn cute all the time. I even made a pillow out of his likeness. He will have fun in his new home, though, romping around with other pups.
I think the most difficult part out of all this is feeling completely distracted from doing the things I really want to do, like read, listen to music, and (most of all) sew or make things. Growing up, I always had my mother to look up to. She is the most creative and talented person I've ever met. People used to ask me, "You must be a brilliant artist like your mother, right?" I always smiled and broke the news. "I didn't get that gene."
It wasn't until my mother bought me a sewing machine that I found my own creativity. That's why when I'm distracted, I feel restless.
In the interest of concluding this post and showing that I DO have intentions of doing something worth posting very soon, here is a picture of the design I worked up for the embroidery I'm currently working on:
Peace, Love, and Hot Tea on a Rainy Evening.

Vacation Envy

My mother left today for Eureka Springs for a small vacation. *Fingers crossed* that she finds some sweet little fabric shop and thinks of her daughter back home. If not, I'm glad she's getting away for a bit. I think I need to plan a little trip to Memphis to do some thrifting before school starts back. Maybe even some record shopping.
It's raining today, so it's perfect weather for working on some projects I have going. Right now, I'm working on an altered slip, a purse, two embroidery projects, and the organization of my sewing area. Seriously, I have a huge bag that has been a catch-all for buckles, buttons, zippers, floss, you name it. It's about time I sort through the mess. I vow to do so today.
Etsy shop for the day, I've decided, is Meringue.
Her wristlets are very creative, and I love her fabrics. Also, I'm wondering if ogling a necklace for two weeks makes it okay for me to spend 25.00 on it. Here it is.
Beautiful, isn't it?

India

A little helpful tidbit.

I came across this site today, as I reached the end of my rope trying to do a decent French knot. This site has video tutorials on lots of different stitches, including the tricky ones. I found this to be extremely helpful, as I am a very visual learner.

www.needlenthread.com

Happy Sunday!

Adventures in Thrifting

It's been over three months since either of us has posted, so I figure it's about time. Lately, my interests have shifted to primarily clothing. I have to limit my trips to the thrift store lately, trying to make sure that I never have more clothing to be altered or played with than I can handle at once, (Say, over a long weekend). I was extremely inspired by Dottie Angel on Etsy. I love the way she gives "previously-loved" slips a new life by putting her own spin on it. They are very sweet little dresses, but I wanted to try to make some that were a little more "India". Here is what I ended up with. Both of these were plain white slips when I brought them home.

I had never dyed fabric before, and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is. Since I was working with such delicate materials, however, and wanted a good, even dye, I let them sit over night in the dye for good measure.

So, these slips get me thinking, "What else can I make my own?" A few trips later to Savers, my favorite thrift store (excluding Paddywack's, a vintage clothing store that I can't go into anymore because I want everything and can afford nothing) I discovered a vintage Neiman Marcus number that just begged for a cute little birdy to make it India's!




I can't wait to wear it this Autumn with some cowboy boots!

So, back to the topic of the title, I wanted to pay some respects to two boys who have made trusty thrifting partners, and who never complain when I take too long in the dresses and giggle with me over the puffy sleeved, sequined numbers that are staples of any thrift store.

Thanks to these two boys:
<---Caleb

^Nathan

New Fabrics!

My Mom and my Mema were kind enough to get me some new fabric from the Dallas Quilt Show last week, and I have been having endless fun playing with them, making fun new things that (I'm hoping) will appeal to friends. I have noticed there are some fabrics that I like so much that I am scared to use them! I bought The Cute Book from Barnes and Noble two days ago to get some new ideas about monsters to make. I had to buy it, since there was a cute little frog in there, and I've been wanting to make a frog.
I also ordered two new books last night from Amazon, Alternacraft and Bazaar Bizarre. I hope that I get them in before Spring Break, as I have nothing to do for that week and hope to spend as much time as possible doing fun, creative things! Mom and I even have a craft day tentatively scheduled for next week! I'm sure there will be posts following our fun!
Here's to Spring!

It feels like Spring!

A few weeks ago, I made a conscious decision to brighten up my wardrobe. Although I have always been drawn to earth tones and "safe" colors", I don't think that truly represents my fun, quirky, creative side! This quickly crossed over into my fabric buying habits. I find that I'm so much more inspired by the fabrics than anything else.
The printed felts that Hobby Lobby sells are so much fun and so easy to work with! I've been making little birdy coin purses with the felt, and lately I've started making the big birdy purses out of fleece and felt. I love the personalities that they take on! Animals are cute and quirky! Just like crafty girls!
I also made my first dress recently, and I'm experimenting with transfer techniques to take pinup girls from the internet and embroider them onto fabric. I'd love to make some solid color dresses with some saucy embellishments!
I'm so happy that Spring is on its way in! It's so inspiring! So, open the windows and let the real light in, and make something out of nothing!
More soon. I hope this weekend will bring lots of fun new things! One Love!
-IC

Happy New Blog!

Welcome to our New Blogging endeavor. India (my daugher) and me (Micah, the Mom) will be writing about life, craft, food, music, books, products, movies and anything else that strikes our fancy.

In the picture are a few of my recently started knitting projects - on the needles is a purple stole, inspired by the book the Mists of Avalon, for India. I am knitting it with a combo of Noro Kureyon and Silk Garden and Lopi wool. If you look closely at the green piece, you'll (hopefully!) detect a leaf design. I'm knitting this scarf using the "Backyard Leaves" pattern from Interweave Press' Book, Scarf Style in Paton's wool. I recently joined an Avalon knit and read-along group, if you are interested in joining us. They'll take members until February 28th.

India is feeling poorly, but she'll be posting on all her latest projects soon.

Blessings to Everyone!
Micah