Embroidery Projects

Since I've had so much time on my hand one of my main gifts for Christmas this year was making embroidery pieces.  I made 8 in total for 7 different people.  I feel a little strange today not having something to work on, even though I've been dying to finish all of them.  Strange.

Anyway, I thought I would share the photos of my pieces with you now that they have all been gifted.  I am rather proud of them, even if they aren't perfect.  (And Kayla would gladly point out the part of one of my pieces that has a mistake.  I must remember not to tell her things like that.  She has a wicked memory and loves to share those things.)

Hope you like the photos and my attempts at 'creativity.'  I am putting the links for patterns that I was able to get for free so that you can make them too and to give credit where credit is due!  You can also find all of the free patterns on my Pinterest Sew like the wind: Embroidery Board.  My Pinterest is just listed under my name, April Bumgardner.

This one was made for my sister-in-law Angela.  I found the base balloon pattern here.  I then got creative with my own unique patterns for the balloons.

This one was made for my cousin Charlene.  It was the first one I finished and was a new type of embroidery for me that it was on a VERY heavily patterned fabric.  I found the dress pattern here.

This was made for my Aunt Eileen.  This was also a major experiment for me.  I stitched this onto scrapbook paper.  It was a bit harder than I thought, but the overall effect came out so neat I ended up doing 2 other projects on scrapbook paper.  (One was made for my niece for her birthday.)  I found the pattern for this design here.

Kayla, my niece, helped me pick this pattern out for her mom, my sister-in-law Megan.  The M can be either Megan or Mom.  The original pattern did not have all of the vines, but I felt it was a little lacking and added to it.  The base pattern was found here.

My cousin Michelle loves irises.  So, when I saw this pattern I knew I had to make it.  I really like the way this came out, even if all the satin stitching was a bit painful.  It was so worth the effect!  I found this pattern here.

This was another major experiment.  I made this design on scrapbook paper and added real buttons to the piece.  My Mom is obsessed with button crafts lately, so I thought it was perfect.  I really love the way this came out.  I think it is my favorite.  I found the pattern on this site.

This last design was for my Dad.  It is the only pattern of these that I actually purchased.  I just loved it though and thought it was perfect for him.  I purchased it from Urban Threads along with several other patterns that I will be working on for myself and others in the near future.

I have to say in closing how appreciative I am of all the wonderful people who post great free patterns.  I have no drawing ability and people who make these patterns and post them for use are wonderful.  Thanks so much for making my gift giving easy and affordable!

Home Made Christmas

This year due to time constraints, laziness, my love of crafts and lack of cash; I decided to do mostly home made gifts for Christmas.  I am pleased that most of them seemed to be well received.  I had grander plans than what was actually accomplished in the end, but then again I always do.   Timing was not a friend of mine and between not feeling well and frequent trips to the Medical Center, I just wasn't able to accomplish quite what I wanted.  Maybe next year.  I will try to start planning earlier.

I will say though, that what I did make, I am fairly happy with and I hope the recipients enjoyed.  In the coming weeks as I (hopefully) continue to feel somewhat well (I can eat, my pain level is much decreased and I am not peeing every 30 minutes!!!!) I will try to finish some gifts I had hoped to make.  Christmas just may end up being extended this year!

So, here they are.  Some pictures of my home made Christmas gifts.  Hope you like them!

Megan's Tye Dye Shirt.  It was supposed to look like a flower.  It didn't come out quite right.

Angela's Tye Dye.  Same concept as above.

Mom's shirt.  She wanted lots of spirals.

Dad's.  Scarlet and Grey for the Buckeye's.

Phillip's

Andy's

Mom on Christmas Eve with the pillow I made her.  The front was 4 panels of embroidery.  Two Crosses, a butterfly and a pretty swirl design.  The back was a beautiful black fabric with frogs and flowers.

Kayla opening the Fairy house I made her.  I used a large rectangular plant box lined it with faux leaves, moss, flowers, etc.  Then glued in some pretty pins my Mom found (for bling), made a chair out of walnut shells and sticks, made a mini blanket and pillow (fairy sized) and decorated the exterior with more bling and flowers.  I hope she likes it!

Super Paul!  Paul wearing one of his capes.  This one is Spider Man on one side and bright green 'camo' on the other.  He loved it and walked around with it on for the longest time.  So cute!!!!

Kayla with her cape.  This side is Scottie dogs and the other is green flowers and frogs.  A princess, superwoman, or whatever she wants to be.  Beautiful to boot!

Wonder Nick!  He was trying to look like he was about to take off in flight!  Spider man on one side (to have one at least to match his brother) and sports on the other.

Paul's second cape.  Trains and dinos!  Love this one. 

Nick's second cape.  Black ops and a real camo on the other side.  I really enjoyed making these!

The capes and fairy house were my favorite projects.  I am also working on a purse I need to finish for my Mom and a tie for my Dad.  I will be posting a tutorial and instructions for the capes.  The kids really seemed to like them and I am THRILLED with that.  They got so many toys and I wanted to give them something different, hand made, and something to inspire imaginative play.  I think that is going to be my new moto.  Imaginative play for everyone!  Goodnight all!

November 9 - Thankful (Plus a few photos for a welcome change of pace)

Today I actually took a few photos to put up here on my photo blog.  What an accomplishment.  I am amazing.  Can you hear the sarcasm dripping in my writing?  Its there, believe me.

Before I post them, let me bore you with several things.  Some much needed information about my day and my list of things I'm thankful for today.

First off, it has been a unique day.  At times I have been extremely happy and high as a kite (quite literally.)  Other times, I have been dashed against the rocks and as low as a person can be.  Pain is a bi**h.  I actually (against doctors orders) took my Oxycontin 2 times today.  The pain was bad.  I really didn't eat anything significant to speak of, even with all the pain medications, but I really needed it to get me through.  I have such a long list for the GI tomorrow.  I am working on my assertiveness and am going to be VERY firm and EXTREMELY honest with him.  Maybe I should print out some of my logs from this blog to show him exactly how I've been feeling.  Its a thought. 

The good news is that my appointment with the ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor) went very well.  The looked at my vocal chords and they are in great shape.  The problem with my voice is actually because my throat and mouth are WAY to dry.  I have dry mucus in my throat.  How does one have dry mucus?  I am confused about that but believe the incredibly handsome educated and smart doctor and am going to start a new medication to help with the problem.  He said it all probably began with all the medications that I take.  About half of them cause dry mouth and throat and it is just making a slightly natural predilection for me worse.  So, we'll work on that.  Easy enough solution.  I just hate taking 2 more pills a day.  With that my count will almost be up to 30 pills/doses of medications a day!  OMG - I'm only 31.  Can you imagine where I'll be when I'm 40?

On to the next topic of conversation.  My thankfulness.  Today I am thankful for:

1. Books - I stopped at Barnes and Noble to get my 'dinner' (a croissant-not too doughy, a banana, and a hot apple cider) at the Starbucks there and browsed around the children's section.  I found the most adorable book about an Owl and I can't wait to read it to my preschoolers tomorrow or Friday!
2. Directions - The directions to the clinic for the ENT were great and I got there with no trouble at all.  I was early (big surprise for me) and had plenty of time to use the restroom, take my pain meds (thank you God) and drink a protein shake well before my appointment so I didn't risk vomiting when they did the camera down my throat.
3. My organizational skills - I have all of my things neatly packed and stowed away and all is set for the night and for the morning.  Hopefully all will go smoothly and I will be up and ready in plenty of time to leave my motel room and make the 15 minute trek down the road to the hospital for my doctor's visit in the morning.  (Sorry, that sounded really vain didn't it?)

Okay, now on to a few pictures.  I hope you like them.  Have a lovely evening and a wonderful tomorrow.  Love to everyone, everywhere (can you tell I'm high again?)  Enjoy!

A very ominous sky while I was driving after my doctor's appointment.  Spooky!

The sky getting a bit brighter!

A bright and glorious sky!  Beautiful!

The book I got at Barnes and Noble.  Isn't it so cute?!

Some fabric I picked up at Jo-Ann, etc.  Hmmm....

Bible Cover

This morning I did crafts with the kids at Sunday School.  I was lucky to be asked to do crafts and love having this special time with the kids.  Since I was working with the older children this week I wanted to make sure we took a little time to read the actual Bible verses to go along with the story we are studying.  Currently we're working on some Old Testament stories, and right now our rotation is Ruth and Naomi. 

As I left the house I grabbed my Bible and put it in a little bag, so I wouldn't forget it.  Its a nice little bag (I got it at a yard sale for $1 last year and it has an embroidered cross on it) but, I realized I needed something unique.  Something just for me (and my Bible) and something homemade.  So this afternoon I started and during the course of the day I've worked on it and now I have a great new cover to keep my Bible in.  Its almost 18 years old now, my Bible, and I want to be sure it stays in relatively good condition.

Below are some pictures of my materials and the new cover in action.  Enjoy!

Materials: Interior & Exterior Fabric & Pellon Fusible Web-13 1/2" by 9"; Fabric for Flaps-7" by 9" (x2); Elastic for closure-8"; Ribbon-9" (x2); 1 Button; Fabric for Handles-10" by 3 1/2" (x2); and Pellon Fusible Web for Handles-10" by 3/4".  I purposely chose fabric that didn't coordinate.  They are all fabrics I love, and I felt that had a 'similar' color pallet, so why not.  The ribbon is just some of the Winnie the Pooh ribbon and I have and really like!  Not everything has to be matchy-matchy! 

The back of the finished cover.

The finished front with this cute button.

Interior flaps to hold my Bible in place.

Cute Pooh & Friends Ribbon marker!

Hump Day, thank goodness...

I've been quite a bit off lately.  I'm having trouble finding any sort of balance in my life and I can't seem to get myself back on track.  I know part of the issue is my health; but honestly, I know there is something deeper.  I just haven't figured out what that deeper issue is yet.  If you might have any insight, please let me know.  I'd like to find my motivation and get back to myself.

Anyway, the last few nights I basically come home from work, check my email and posts and then settle in for a nap.  This is not like me.  I'm not a nap person.  I've never been one.  But, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday after I finished work, I came home and slept for at least an hour each day.  Weird.  Tonight, I was determined to break that streak.  After work I went straight to McDonalds and got an iced coffee.  I would not allow myself to get bogged down by fatigue and sleep and laze the evening away.  And it worked. 

I had started a project  briefly on Monday night.  I wanted to make myself a new wallet.  I have a nice Vera Bradley wallet that I've been using since April, but I've wanted to make something myself.  I had searched tutorials online but didn't find anything that particularly excited me or suited my needs.  So, I knew I'd have to design something myself.  My photos below will show you some of my process.  I am kind of proud of myself that I did this all on my own and have a unique pattern for a wallet.

I hope you like my lovely new wallet and maybe sometime in the future (when I'm making another wallet) I'll put together a tutorial.  In the meantime, I'll test drive this design and see how functional it is.  It should get a good test Friday. 

I'm scheduled to be off all day.  I have a doctors appointment in Columbus first thing in the morning, which may take a while; then I hope to be able to find a good salon to get my hair cut trimmed.  I am not fond of getting my hair cut/done.  I feel this way for several reasons.  It has been over a year since the last time I've had it cut and honestly, I really don't want to do this now.  For me they usually end up taking way more than I wanted cut.  But, I know the time has come for me to at least have the ends trimmed, but I'm always frightened of a trim. I like my hair long, (and I don't care what anyone thinks of that, especially my mother.)  I know I may not always do much with it, but I like it long and natural.  I'm not a fancy girl, but I think my hair gives me a way to actually look feminine sometimes.

Secondly, I don't like to be touched.  They always end up shampooing me with vigor and while I know most people enjoy that, I DO NOT.   I believe very strongly in personal space and while I will allow my hair to be cut, I generally avoid it for as long as I can, and really have to bite my tongue to get through the process.  (Please keep a safe and comfortable 3 ft. minimum personal zone of comfort while we are engaged in conversation or just in the same room.  Thank you!)

I'm also not particularly fond of the chatting that is 'supposed' to take place at a salon.  I'm a very private person and I would prefer we just keep things professional and get down to business.  You don't need to know all about my life and frankly I'm less than concerned with a stranger's life.  I know that sounds unfriendly and cold, but that is who I am.  I know I appear cold to a lot of people, but I'm just very reserved and don't feel the need to bond with every Tom, Dick or Harry I meet in my day to day life.  (Sorry, I'm ranting.)

So, we'll see how this ends up.  I found a salon that I'm willing to give a try, so I'll call tomorrow and see if they have anything available for Friday. 

Enough with the rambling from me, here are my photos for the day.  Enjoy!

First, draw a 'rough' pattern to give myself an idea of what I want to create.

Next, continue making the pattern and see the general shape and methodology of the piece.

Choose the fabric, cut and piece them together.  I've had this pattern fabric for well over 6 months and have not used it.  I love the colors and the pattern but I was just never inspired to use it for anything until now.  I'm glad I waited.

Make the zippered pocket.  I'm quite proud of myself for reasoning this out on my own.  I didn't look up a single tutorial but figured it out on my own from past experience.  Yippee!

My new wallet.  This is the front.

The back, with a pretty purple button.

It is not a huge wallet, which was my purpose.  I have a separate card holder for all my various club cards, information, credit cards, etc.  This wallet is for everyday stuff.  Cash, coins, my debit card and medical cards.  Small and functional.

I am pleased with myself that I actually thought through this project from start to finish.  I added pretty extra touches when they needed to be added instead of finishing and realizing, 'hey this would be pretty with a button and some ribbon.'

The Vera Bradley wallet I've been carrying and my own design.  I like mine a lot and it is so much smaller and carries the same amount of stuff!  Awesome!

This is a gift I received yesterday.  One of my former Preschoolers had been in Japan for several months to visit family.  They came in yesterday after getting back over the weekend.  They brought all of the Preschool staff these boxes of candies.  They're like a gel candy and are sooooo yummy!  I wish I was thoughtful like this!

The yummy gel candy.  It is made with real fruit and fruit juices.  This is a raspberry candy.  It is really good and they are so stinking cute!  Its almost too hard to eat it, but I still did.

The adorable packaging for the candy.  Why is it that so much stuff from Japan is so absolutely adorable!  I love this wrapping paper, the candy, the tin; I love everything about this.  Thanks Kai!!!

Busy, but not really

Today there were a number of things I needed to work on.  I did some, others I just didn't.  I know, its Sunday, I don't have to do a lot.  Its supposed to be a day of rest. I just hate getting to the end of a day and I haven't accomplished much. 

But, I did make some progress on a big project I've been working on.  Its almost done, I just have to do some finishing work on it tomorrow and it will be sent off in the mail on Tuesday.  I hope that it arrives in BG before young Henry Howard makes his appearance.  So, here's a preview of the blanket I've been working on.  Its made of cotton fleece.  I cut squares, tye dyed them, washed them, sewed the squares together and now need to attach a baking and binding to complete it.  I'm hoping to use the fabric from the dress I wore in Jenn & Terry's wedding as the backing and binding.  Its a satin dress, so that, combined with the flannel with make it the perfect 'feely'.  (A feely, in my world, is a blanket, stuffed animal, pillow, or t-shirt that a child can feel while they're going to sleep or just need a comfort.  Mine was a t-shirt of my Dad's that my evil Mother threw away when SHE thought I was too old for it.  Meanie.)  Anyway, hope you like it, but I really hope Jenn, Terry and Henry like it.  Enjoy the pics!

White flannel.  I cut it into 9 squares.  I used a sheet of scrapbook paper for sizing.

Mix the dye.  I like this kind that comes in the bottle.  Squeeze dye is the best method.  These are a bit more expensive.  But, once you have the bottles you can buy the dye to add in after the 1st time.

Soak, 'sculpt' and tye your pieces.

After the pieces had lain overnight with they dye on them, I rinsed them and washed them.  Then I pieced them together and sewed them up.  Its not perfect, but I think it will be nice.  I love that it is so soft and so bright.  I am also particularly proud of the heart square.  It came out perfectly!!!

This is part of the pamphlet that came with the dye.  I haven't seen crappier examples of dye patterns anywhere.  These stink and they are supposed to be from the manufacturer.

Day 21 Photo Challenge: Pretty Pattern

This is a bit of a challenge.  I have a lot of pretty patterns.  We may be talking about some of my clothing, bedding, drapes, towels, fabrics, etc!  There's so much to choose from.  So, to make this slightly more manageable, I chose to concentrate on Fabrics.  Thus my photos for this particular blog will revolve around favorite fabric patterns I currently have in my stash.  They may not be my all time favorites, but this is what I have on hand (which I have A LOT) that I like the most and have used a great deal, or am planning to use a great deal.  Enjoy!

When I found this fabric over 4 years ago, I knew I had to have it.  Lilacs and hydrangea-what could be better!  This is currently my curtain on the kitchen door.  I love it.

I had a lot of this fabric to start with.  I think around 2 yards.  I'm now down to less than a yard.  I've had it for about 2 years and have made several bags and wristlets and other things using this.  It coordinates with the frog pattern you'll see below.  I think my favorite thing about it is the way the bright flowers stand out on the black background.

This is actually a brand new fabric.  I bought 1/2 a yard and have a specific purpose in mind for it.  I hope to have the intended project done in the next few days so I can get it out in the mail for the recipient.

This fabric was bought in a fat quarter for lining.  However, as I've used it for the projects (for other people) I've come to really like it.  I may have to get a yard for myself!

Love, love, love this fabric.  I have made a laptop case, at least 2 bags, Kayla's shorts and so much more with this.  I love Jim Shore's designs and this is a truly gorgeous fabric.

I bought this for a very specific purpose and used almost all of it for said purpose.  Since Jenn loves elephants this seemed perfect for baby Henry's gifts.  I hope he likes it too.  (BTW this is a Debbie Mumm fabric and I love her designs!)

A very April fabric.  This will soon be a skirt or a part of a dress.  Can't decide which, yet.  But, I'll have to decide soon as I'd like to have it done for myself in the next week or 2.  It's going to be so pretty!

This fabric is so much fun.  Again, I've used this for a lot of projects and have a bit left.  So many things I'd like to make with this. 

I've had this fabric for about 4 months and love to look at it, but haven't been overly inspired on what to make.  Its one of those fabrics that is so pretty, its almost to hard to start cutting and creating!

Just used this to make something for someone.  I know they like daisies and when I saw it I knew if was for them.  I don't think they read my blog, but if they do they might know this is intended for a gift for them.  Now the only question remaining is, what?  You'll find out soon!

When I purchased this I bought 2 yards.  I have used this as a lining, accessory piece, for bags, purses, in simple outfits, etc.  I adore this fabric and am sad to see I only have a tad left.  I really need to try to remember where I got it and see if they have more.

I got this a few weeks ago and have just used it Thursday to make myself a new wristlet.  It has a coordinating striped fabric I used for the interior and strap.  I love these colors.  Its a little bit fall-esque, while still bringing some brightness to show the end of summer.  Love, love, love and am so going to be making more with the rest of the yard of I have left.

This is a sampling of a charm pack I bought several years ago.  I pieced them together and quilted this for a wall hanging.  Now I need to add loops to hang and decide if I'm going to keep it for myself or give it away.

I love the geometric shapes here.  This is a little different from what I usually buy, but the blue and pink just screamed out to me.  I'm working on a bag with this.  Maybe...

The pattern with the hats, hat boxes and shoes was a fat quarter I bought and am using it to make another wall hanging.  I love black and red and this is so much fun.  If I can get a little better at quilting this will be pretty.  The piecing part I'm getting down, the quilting bit is still a challenge for me.