My Christmas Toys

Yes, I know that I’m a little late, but I want to share what I received for Christmas. I wanted to share here, because I knew you would understand. When friends and neighbors asked what I got for Christmas, my excited response left them looking at me as if I were….uh…a little bit insane. They just don’t understand!

First up…

A color LASER printer! Most of you probably know why I am so excited about this baby. Ink transfers!!! And not just black ink transfers….but color ones!!! I had already made some rustic kitchen towels/napkins in anticipation of getting the printer. This week I created these:

(all images from my favorite online graphics source: The Graphics Fairy)

The towels/napkins are made from scraps of dropcloths from other projects. They are different sizes. Some are hemmed…some I sewed a tight zigzag stitch about a 1/4 inch from the edge and frayed. Perfectly imperfect!

Next:

A sock loom and knitting board. I have wanted to make socks for years. Two problems: 1) I can’t knit. I’ve tried and tried and just can’t seem to get it. 2) Though I CAN crochet, I couldn’t find a crochet pattern that I liked…at least not a small gauge pattern. So I bought myself the sock loom (hey, it was on sale!). Boy Wonder bought me the knitting board…as usual he was all “pick it out and I’ll pay for it”. He is SO his father’s child!

I’ve already made a pair of tube socks (which are NOT photo worthy…but I forgive myself since it was my first attempt). I’m going to attempt doing a heel and toe on the current pair. The one on the loom is already looking better than the first pair….amazing what a little thing like following the instructions can do.

A little amusement…when I was working on those tubes socks, my Man walked in and asked, “WHAT are you making NOW?” (you know…in that tone). When I told him, he says, “You do know that they make machines to make those and you can buy them in the store.?.?” The “them” in that statement being the premade socks. Funny, funny man!

The knitting board and I are not getting along….yet. I have already started and removed 3 projects. One side keeps coming off the loom much looser….not quite sure what I’m doing wrong. And yes….I did watch the DVD BEFORE starting! Which reminds me…they each came with a DVD instructional video. AND the knitting board has optional extenders available to convert it into a weaving loom…that is on my list! The sock and knitting loom are from Authentic Knitting Board.

Last:

An adjustable dress form. Let’s just say there is nothing like adjusting a dress form to your exact measurements to give you a little (big!) reality check….which is why you are only getting a stock photo from online (from joann.com)! (I am just not ready to be that “real” here…yet) Hopefully it will help me improve my garment sewing skills AND even provide some motivation to stay away from the pasta, bread, and cookies!!!

I hope Santa was as good to all of you as he was to me!

Today I am working on developing my word/theme for 2012. Did I mention that I am really behind? Right now the words “courage”, “beauty” and “intentional” are all speaking to me. What’s your theme for 2012?

Until next time….

Sammi

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