Back to the Drawing Board and a New Tutorial!

You know how I wish things worked?  

I come up with a great idea.  

I try it out.  

It turns out just right.  

I take pictures and blog about it and everyone loves it.

(CHEER!)

You know how things usually actually work? 

I get an idea.  

I try it out.  

Something needs to be fixed.  

I fix it.  

It still stinks.

  I fix more.  

Eventually (hopefully) it is exactly how I like it.  

Or, I forget about the whole idea.

I have a bin full of dolls that I would ONLY show my closest friends.  Seriously, they are that bad.

I also have a quilt top that I may never actually make into a quilt because I hate it.

When things don't work out how I imagine they will, it makes me feel so uninspired.  Like looking out on the morning rain, ya know?

And when I knew I had to face another project

Lord, it made me feel so tired

(are you singing it?)

So, my GREAT idea last week was to make a pea pod baby doll.  I actually think it might still be a great idea, it just needs some work.  

The reason I am posting about this today is because when things turn out really well, it is SO much fun to come blog about it.  But, when they don't turn out well, they get ignored.  I mean, who wants to take photos of a sucky project?

Ready to see the pea pod doll, take one?

 

 Stuffing her just was NOT working...grr...

I think she needs an outer pod, not just the round peas on her belly, don't you?

I'd love to hear your suggestions!

One good thing about having a project flop is that it forces me find a way to get inspired.  

And, you know what inspires me?  

An organized sewing area!  

Before:

After:

(CHEER!)

OH!  I almost forgot!  I wrote a new tutorial.   

Check it out here:

Easy Seed Stitch Dishcloth {Tutorial}

 

I'd love to hear about a project that just isn't (wasn't) working for you? 

xo,

Melissa

Easy Seed Stich Dishcloth {Tutorial}

This will likely be the easiest tutorial I ever write.  

Most knitters could very easily figure this one out, but I kept forgetting how to make it and couldn't find a pattern, so I'm making one!  Probably as much for me as for you.  

Ready?

Supplies:

- cotton yarn

- knitting needles in the size recommended on the yarn label

- tapestry needle for weaving in ends

A note about cotton yarn:  I usually use sugar 'n cream or peaches 'n cream...the stuff you find at Michael's (and, of course, I always want to call it, "cookies 'n cream").  But, even more lovely to  work with is Pima cotton.  I found a nice one that comes in great colors at my LYS (local yarn shop).  I also heard from a very reliable source (an online friend!), that Hempathy is wonderful for dishcloths!

Got your supplies?  

Instructions:

Cast on 39 stitches (or any odd number)

All rows:  k1, p1

Cast off when dishcloth is the size you want it to be and weave in ends

See?  Wasn't that easy? 

Let me know if you make any!  

xo,

Melissa

Meet Elizabeth

Hey there and Happy New Year!

May I start out by saying that it is a lot of work to sew AND blog?  Sewing is fun and exciting and I love to do it every day.  Blogging is harder for me.  I want to rush through it and just get to the project photos already! 

This year, I want to make this blog have meaning and add value to the people who take the time to read it.  I haven't quite figured out the how yet, but I'm hoping that my blog will add value to others this year.  

And, that is as close as I am getting to making a New Year's Resolution.

I want to introduce you to Elizabeth today.  I listed her in the My Gigi Doll Etsy Shop in December and I have been using her as my model today.  

I am really drawn to this doll, and think I may keep her.  

From the Etsy listing, here is Elizabeth's description, "Elizabeth is a giggly girl who loves to dance and romp through the woods. She can get lost in her thoughts for hours while exploring nature. A crown with leaves and flowers is the perfect accessory for her. She is a true nature princess!" 

Doesn't she should like fun?  

I'll let you in on a little secret:  Elizabeth is based on me as a little girl (my middle name is Elizabeth).  Her hair should be a bit more messy, okay, a lot more messy, and she should have dirt smudged across her face, but besides those things, this doll is pretty close to me as a girl (YES, I had light blonde hair when I was little.)  I actually seriously thought about adding a tiny smear of dirt to her face, but just couldn't do it.  Models don't have dirty faces.

Hope you liked meeting Elizabeth!

Another thing I'd like to tell you about today is that I have something really fun coming to the shop soon:  

Doll/Child felt crowns!

Not only do the doll crowns fit My Gigi Dolls, but they also fit American Girl dolls!  You've already seen the crown on Elizabeth, but here is a sneak peek at the doll AND girl/boy crowns:

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.  

If you have a minute to leave a comment, I would love to hear what makes a blog valuable and meaningful to you.  

xo,

Melissa