maggie makes

doorstop

Something finally went right this weekend! G and I made two doorstops for the shack using the pattern in Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing. I reduced the pattern by 50% and used some picnicesque fabrics I bought last year from Ikea. G filled them with small beans for me and really packed them good so they are rigid. I really like how they turned out, much prettier than the box of change we had been using.

failed attempt number two

Attempting to fulfill #21 on the list I decided to make a top out of one of my favorite fabrics from my stash. I actually carefully measured myself and followed the directions to the letter. Two things I rarely do. But it still turned out about four sizes too big in G's estimation, two in mine.

I decided to wear it today under a cardigan just in case I don't make another form of clothing this year. One day wear wasn't really what I had in mind when I made that goal but its still better than not attempting it at all.

ironing

This weekend was filled with less than successful sewing attempts.

Up first is my new ironing board cover. Mistake number one was using my old cover as a template. I neglected to notice that it was stretched out and didn't count for that. Second mistake was attempting to use elastic. The elastic  wasn't strong enough. The result was a cover that was too long and not tight. I had to do some rather primitive repairs to make up for it. This definitely wasn't one of my finest crafts but the new cover with the pretty kokka print still looks much better than the stained tan canvas cover from before.

and hers

his

My mother indisputably had the knack for gift giving. She always surprised me with the most perfect gifts. Not everyone has that gift and we all end up with things we just don't need or already have too many of.

For Christmas last year we received two small lap blankets. They were both a terrible shade of brown and filled with some sort of poly. We already have a beautiful quilt my mother had quilted for us and one she quilted for me when I was younger that was once beautiful but now is falling apart from so much use.

So I decided to recycle the new blankets for my friend S who just moved to a new apartment and setup a room for his kids when they stay with him. It was actually very rewarding to take something dull and turn it into something special and fun. I had a great time picking out fabrics that worked with the room but still captured the kid's personalities. I am excited about how they turned out and I am already planning another one (yes yet another blanket we received) for the shack. More on that later.

tutorial: cloth napkins

I had so much fun making my cloth napkins this weekend. It was such a simple project that barely took any time, but I got to practice making mitered corners and ended up with something that I could use daily, looked pretty and added some color to my home.

The project was so simple I decided to try my hand at writing a tutorial so others could also enjoy making their own. Happy sewing!

spicy blue

I checked #30 off my list a few weekends ago. We used Alton Brown's Spiced Blueberry Jammin' recipe. I really like the spiciness, but next time I will probably use a little less vinegar. Its not the taste as much as the smell of it that is a little overwhelming.

We are going to send some off to our friends and family, so of course that meant we needed fun labels. We took our inspiration from some old foreign jam labels we found online. I love the way they turned out! G is a master with Illustrator.

I can't wait to print them up and get these jars in the mail.

napkins

I finally finished them.