Erin Condren Notebook

I got the Erin Condren notebook in the same 7" x 9" size that the life planner comes in. I figured this would be practical size for a notebook I would lug around with me and toss in and out of bags. I love the sturdy coil because nothing is more frustrating than when your coil bends and breaks. The cover is interchangeable just like the life planner. I got the keep it simple version of this notebook since I didn't know what I wanted to do with it when I purchased it and I didn't really think I would be needing a calendar.

If I haven't already said it. I love how sturdy the cover is as well. Again throwing this in my bag and taking it places I like that it will stand up to the test of time.

I have been tossing this notebook around for a few months and I finally decided to use it for crafts (big surprise there) and in fact I am thinking of getting some others in the future for other projects since they seem to hold up so well.

This one however I commandeered for knit and crochet. I started by neatly copying down instructions so I can understand them for projects I am working on. I also plan the eventually add some photos (scrap book style) of the yarn projects I complete.

The page above shows my interpretation of my grandmothers ripple chevron afghan. She never had any real instructions for how to make this afghan so I had to come up with my own. I like that this can sort of become a diary of things I have made. I also recently learned to make some finger-less gloves with my mother in law Betty and once I have it down and the right fit for me I will add this to my notebook. It will be great to be able to reference my notebook for instructions and sizing, maybe even get my sisters and friends sizes too.

In the back there are some blank pages which would be great for crochet charts or pictures of finished projects, maybe even some inspirational photos or quotes. A dream board for future projects,

And lastly the final page. Here I have my ruler tucked in the back for now I think it will be handy to mark and find your current project.

I will post some updates as I am not far from finishing the fabled afghan. When I feel more confident about the gloves I will post them too.

If you haven't checked out the notebooks they are worth a look.

Thanks for reading♥ Olivia

Sewing Room Crafty

I have today another sewing room crafty project from Pinterest. 

I found several of these on Pinterest for inspiration but when it came down to making my own I pretty much just winged it. I really wanted to stop losing my scissors and  stiletto all over my sewing surface, under my sewing project, cat knocks them on the floor, you get the idea.

So to make this basically I measured my machine width and depth and determined how much drop I needed for my pocket. I wanted a really exact fit under my machine so I made my square the width of my machine plus a ½" which for me came out to 16½". Next I took my machine depth and added enough to fold over and make my pockets. I determined I wanted 17½" so my finished size is a 16½" X 17½" rectangle.

Below you can see I have already quilted my 16½ X 17½" rectangle, bind-ed it like a small quilt and folded up the bottom about 4½" to create the front pocket area.

Next I took some of my favorite sewing notions that I wanted at hand and marked pocket sizes using my sew line pencil(I Love this pencil).

I stitched on my lines, placed the mat under my machine and voila!

I can't wait to start my next project and put this into action.

Thanks for reading♥

Pretty Princess for a Princess

For Taylie's Birthday

 I made a gift bag with Aurora using my moms circut machine. The cricut is so awesome it does everything.

Here's the card I made using rubber stamps, glitter and a tutorial on U-tube.

Soldering About...

Here are a few of my first soldering projects that I have been working on.

The first charm I made was the one with the face. The second was the Eiffel Tower.

Here you can see the back sides of the charms.

And lastly the ring, which was just plain playing around. I have no size for it and it actually fits me kind of loose I think if I were to make more I would probably do it a little different.

I am excited to try some other projects with these flat back glass marbles. The wheels in my head are turning as I write this. So I think it's back to the soldering table for me...

My Heart on a String.

This all to cute craft is actually a catnip toy.

and my cat as you can see has enjoyed it very much.

These little beauties are in the process of becoming Valentines for my friends with cats...

As you can see I made a couple of larger ones that are just filled with stuffing (no catnip) for decoration, or that special someone/friend. I made them out of a softer more delicate yarn that I tried out but deciced wasn't cat friendly. Basically I was worried she might eat it. If you want to try this all too cute knitted heart and give it to your special Valentine here's the link.

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/knitted-catnip-delight

Happy Hearting.