Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Sew, what's up now?

It's been a long time since I've taken on more than one sewing (crafting) project at a time but for some reason I've bitten off a bit more than I normally do.


For starters, I finally bought (at 40% off) some batting for my quilt top and as soon as I have some 'Wilbur free' time, I'll get it put together. Unfortunately for me, as soon as I lay anything on the floor, Wilbur (our vicious pit bull) gives me his best cat impersonation, and lies all over it!


I opened up the package of batting and it's so stinking soft I almost hate to hide it between the quilt and its backing.

Almost.


And what's this? OMG, it's yarn! My middle daughter is having a very difficult time with depression and anxiety, and she thought that maybe if she took up a hobby like crocheting it might help to calm her nerves. Yesterday she brought her supplies to my apartment and made a small stab at it.


After she left I did a bit of googling and found some fabulous sites and YouTube videos that show people crocheting the most unbelievable things; rugs made out of thrifted sheets, sandals and dog leashes from recycled plastic bags... and in my attempt to understand and help, I ended up getting myself worked into a lather and bought a skein of yarn (I already own a crochet hook). However, most of my enthusiasm went by the wayside when I actually attempted to 'crochet'. Way back in the day I crocheted an afghan so I know I can do it, it'll just take a bit of time.


I'm just not so sure this is going to be a calming activity.


Today I took her to the market district which just happens to have an incredible fabric store. I mean a store with 'real' silk, designer quilt fabrics, and notions to die for!


I asked her if she'd like me to make her a bag and when she replied in the affirmative I expansively told her to pick anything she wanted. We ended up with these two (very expensive although she didn't have a clue) Amy Butler prints and matching acrylic buttons. The fabric colors are brick and gold but to me they are brick and green (my dad is completely color blind and my sister and I are color shy! Not a good thing when it comes to picking out fabrics!).


Anyway, she likes slouchy bags and I think I have a good idea of what I want to do and I also plan on making it reversible. And I think I'll have enough fabric for a matching wallet and maybe even a small purse for me!


Wish me luck!

Here's Wilbur, the vicious pit bull, I mentioned earlier.




















He's my boyfriend!

3 comments:

Cyndi said...

Hey Laura! I can't wait to see your quilt finished. Did you get "warm and natural" for your batting? That stuff is sooo soft!

I'm sorry to hear that your daughter is suffering with depression and anxiety...my heart goes out to her. Jeff has that same problem and it can be really hard on not only the person going through it, but family and friends, too. I'm sending good thoughts her way! What a great mom you are...buying those gorgeous fabrics and buttons to make her a bag! Good for you...and I hope there is enough left over for something for yourself!

Oh man...that is one vicious dog you have there, lady. Best be keeping him confined! :o) Give him a smooch for me!

XOXO,

Cyndi

Debbie Cook said...

I just want to hug Wilbur every time you post a pic of him. He's so stinkin adorable!

laura said...

Cyndi, I think I bought a generic 'warm and natural' but it really feels good! Thanks for sending good vibes our way, this has been a really awful summer so far, I just hope things improve for her. I just now had her pick out a pattern so I hope to get started soon (and there better be some fabric left over, I really like it!).
And don't worry, Wilbur gets many smooches all day long.

Debbie, Wilbur thanks you for the compliment! He thinks he's stinkin cute too!!