The crochet hook holder (left) was made using a Berocco pattern, with a felted based (Paton's 100% wool) and a lacy holder (Lion wool - from stash). It was a quick make, and felted nicely. I tried to give this to my grandma, who has crocheted for many, many years. Unfortunately, she is unable to crochet much more, as her hands have been bothering her with arthritis, so she told me to keep it. She then handed over all but 3 of her hooks for my sister and I to split. She seems so pleased that we have both picked up knitting, and that I taught myself to crochet. Between my grandma and I, I think my sister will pick it up as well. I was in South Dakota last weekend for my grandpa's 80th birthday, and the three of us sat side by side and went over the basics, and really enjoyed ourselves. After all the afghans and doilies my family has gotten from my grandma, I know the benefit and joy of hand made blankets!
The knitting needle case is the pattern from the Stitch n Bitch Handbook. I love the funky fabrics that I got on super clearence at JoAnn's. It makes the case really fun, and definitely one of a kind! This was my very first sewing project, believe it or not! I did not take "home ec" in high school, and though my mom sewed all of her clothes growing up and then sewed pretty little dresses for my sister and me when we were young, she never really passed the craft down to us. I decided to make this case about 3 months ago, and was going to hand sew all of it, but the first 2 pockets done by hand made me realize how cumbersome this would be. Knowing that I would be traveling home to my parents for the Memorial Day weekend, I took the opportunity to get this done...via machine!
My mom was so open to helping me out with the machine, and we used an old bed sheet as "practice" before actually stitching on the real thing. She patiently showed me how to follow a straight line...difficult if you are using a sewing machine for the first time, I realized. After doing a couple of practice runs, I was ready...and somewhat flawlessly sewed all the pockets. We then did the "how to sew a corner" lesson. Though my mom could very easily gauge the 1/2" seam, I on the other hand, had to have some sort of drawn lines to get me to the corners, and turn, and continue on. I seamed the base and flap, and wasn't too crooked with my lines. Mom was impressed, and proud! The next task was doing the top stitching...which proved a little more challenging. I had gotten a little too confident in my new sewing skills, and though most of the top stitching went well...going across the top of the case was not good. I was very crooked and wavy with my line, and the 6" opening that was left to turn the bag right side out ended up being not too even. So out came the seam ripper. I was discouraged, but Mom continued to encourage me, stating that for this being my first sewing project, having to only rip this one section was pretty darn good. Going back the second attempt was much better...thanks to Mom's encouragement, and probably the food in my tummy from dinner, and maybe because of the break away from the machine while eating dinner. Finally...one more line of stitches to sew the flap to the base and the case was done! I sewed on the ribbons, and Mom and I admired my finished project! Success!!
Honestly, I don't know what was more fun...actually sewing something for the first time on a sewing machine, or having my mom be there to help me every step of the way. Its pretty much a tie! Thanks Mom, I love you!! And I think I need to get a sewing machine... :)
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