New Look 6470

This is another favorite pattern of mine. Lots of different looks from one pattern. I have actually made 4 tops from this pattern, one with the wrap bodice to which I added a band at the bottom (b/w zebra print), two with the wrap bodice that ties at the hip and one of the cowl neck. My recommendation when cutting the wrap bodice is to pay attention and be sure to lay your pattern pieces right side up before cutting. You will notice that I have one top that ties on the right side and one that ties on the left. On the black and white python print I had one of the pattern pieces turned over so that it would be a better fit on the fabric. It totally doesn't matter but it will make following the pattern instructions a little confusing.

Okay, here's a test. I bought the tie dye looking fabric at High Fashion and I love it! When the saleswoman was unrolling the bolt she pointed out a flaw in the fabric which I didn't even catch because the print is so busy anyway. She ended up giving me about 3/4 of a yard extra to avoid the flaw. I had a pretty good chunk of this fabric left after cutting the top that ties on the side and decided to try and get the cowl top out of it. I fiddled around trying to cut around the flaw and then thought..."live on the edge...put that sucker smack dab in the middle of the front and dare anyone to find it!" No one has yet...Where's Waldo?



Dare you to find the flaw!



"Handpainted" Needlepoint Canvases

Any of you out there that needlepoint know how expensive handpainted canvases can be. Well, here's a tip that will not only save you a ton of money you can also create original, one of a kind needlepoint projects.

I wanted to stitch Our Lady of Guadalupe...great...good luck finding that at any of the shops in Houston...and we have some great ones. So, I found a picture of her online that I liked and downloaded it. Then I cut a piece of blank needlepoint canvas the size I wanted to stitch. I put it in the paper tray of my printer and hit print. Then I sprayed it with a fixative that I use on my pastel paintings. Voila! An original canvas stitched completely with threads from my stash and finished myself. I wanted it to have a sort of border town tchotchke look and I think it does!

Magic Quilt

This is the blooming nine patch quilt that I made for my bed. I swear, it is magical...since having it on my bed my sleeping has improved immensely. Coincidence? Who cares...I choose to believe that all the loving energy that went into the making of this gorgeous creation envelopes me in a lulling cocoon that beckons the Sandman...