The Craft Book Challenge Returns!

This past summer I gave myself a craft book challenge. The challenge was to make something from each and every one of the craft books I own. I did this because I have an impulsive craft book buying problem so I own a lot of books...but sometimes the books end up hanging around on my book shelves a little too long and not much gets made.

I originally gave myself an end of 2008 deadline, but I've decided to scrap the deadline all together and just try my best to finish eventually and focus on making things regardless of any deadline. I haven't revisited this challenge since the end of August, so yesterday I thought it was high time to pull a book off the shelf again. I decided on Last Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson, also of the fabric and yarn shop Purl in NYC. I have flipped through this book many, many times. One of the things I love about it is that the projects are divided up by time, i.e. 1-2 hour gifts, 2-4 hour gifts etc. This is perfect if you are a part-time crafter like me and just want something quick and satisfying for a Saturday afternoon.

I decided on the pin cushion above (from the 2-4 hour section) and I just love it...plus it was made entirely of pieces from my scrap bin. It was easy, but different from anything else I've made...which leads me to my next thought, a part time crafter tip. But you'll have to wait...for...it. I'm bringing them back, but not til tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Another craft book conquered

Here is a leaf cushion from the book Simple Gifts to Stitch by Jocelyn Worrall. David got this book as a gift for me several months ago, and I wanted to make this leaf cushion right away, but it was just as the spring/summer fabrics were coming out and I could not find corduroy anywhere. I just couldn't make this cushion with anything else! Now that fall is approaching, corduroy is all over the place and on sale, so I stocked up to make these simple pillows. This is easily a 'one hour or less' type of project.

This book has lots of simple looking projects and a wide variety too. There are baby items, bags, a wallet, placemats, even a skirt! Overall it seems like a solid addition to my craft book library. I would love to make many of the items in it, but for now, I am moving on to the next book, this is a challenge after all! Is anyone else out there trying to make things from their craft book library? I have to say this challenge has been very motivating so far.

Apron Love

First, pardon my cheesy photograph...I was playing with the timer on my camera and I felt fabulous at the time. This is the Reversible Apron from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing. It was quick. I started it one evening this week and finished it up this afternoon. Even with having to turn 4 narrow 25 " long apron ties right side out, it still took no more than a few hours. I suggest watching a movie during that part. I watched Almost Famous (I forgot how much I like that movie)! I did change a few things...I added a pocket to one side and rather than making the ties the same as the apron front, I reversed them so the contrasting fabric shows. You can see my other side here. When I finished the apron this afternoon, I wore it out to a friends house and then to JoAnn's. David said this was silly, but I think I am just ahead of a fashion trend here. And I got lots of compliments from the ladys at the fabric store! They understand.

So that is one book down...not sure what is next...

Crafting *Lite*, Mom & UFOS

I try not to post to this blog when my mind is blank, but here I am --blank. It's been a 'lite' week craft-wise...only small accomplishments --one of which is above. I had a fantastic sewing afternoon with mom yesterday. I definitely need to make a habit of that. I need her help in more ways than one! Yesterday she taught me a thing or two about knits and sewing machine tension and she also kept me from saying mean things to my sewing machine and that always helps! I still could use a few more hours in the day to tackle all of my unfinished crafty business though.

One thing I notice so clearly about myself when creating is that:

1. I am an idea person (so much unfinished business in that craft room of mine). I'm great at starts...not so great at finishes and

2. I like (the thought of them, at least) challenges. So many projects are unfinished because they are difficult or beyond my skill level. Which leads to a lot of delay and procrastinating on my end. This weekend, however, I discovered a couple of projects beyond my skill level 2 years ago that I think would not be so now. So I hope to pull them out sometime in the not too distant future and see!

I do have some updates...this week I knitted a lot, made bibs and tackled a UFO (unfinished object). In case you are wondering, it's still not finished. But it's closer. All told, I probably have at least 7 UFOs hiding somewhere in the craft room. I'm not holding myself to the challenge of finishing them, like my craft book challenge, but I'm going to *try* and pull a few out over the next few months. But don't hold me to it.

As far as that craft book challenge goes, I have my books sorted so I can quickly pick projects. I have a few things to finish up and a quick west coast trip to squeeze in first, bit then I hope to get started. I think I've even picked my first project!

Craft Book Challenge

Last night, I made these. They are from Bend the Rules Sewing. Finally I am making things from this lovely book, which I've had for many months now, but am only just now making things from it. I've sorta decided to give myself a challenge...to make something from each and every one of my craft books and patterns. I have this bad habit of buying lots of craft books. Too many. And then I end up feeling overwhelmed trying to decide what to make. So from now until the end of the year, I am going to strive to make something from each book I own. I'm not entirely sure if it is possible to complete this challenge by then, being that I am part-time crafter, but we'll just see what I can do. Here are my rules:

1. Make at least one project from each book.

2. Japanese books are included, so improvise!

3. It is okay to pass on a book or pattern if I no longer like it

4. If I no longer like it I must sell it on ebay or give it away to someone who will appreciate it.

5. Deadline for completion is January 2009, however if I am making a genuine effort and can't finish by then, I reserve the right to extend it.

6. Blog about my adventures right here!

7. It is okay to make multiple projects from one book if I am on a role.

8. Purchase of more craft books is okay as long as I have been making things from my current collection

I think that will do for rules. I like to make lists, which is one of the reasons I made these rules. Plus it just feels like a more official challenge if I give it rules...and I am not naturally very self-disciplined if you hadn't been able to guess from the nature of this post -so rules help a person like me. So here goes! Does anyone else have this craft book problem? I notice I do not seem to have this problem with cookbooks, only craft books...