I've got a bit of a problem.

I have this reoccurring blister on my right thumb. Both knitting and crocheting aggravate it so I haven't been able to do either one for a week at least. The blister comes to the surface, peels, new skin forms, and then I get about 2 days where it feels healed up and it starts all over again. I had a Dr. look at it about 3 months ago and he said he didn't know what was causing it and to wait and see. So I have to focus on what I can do instead. Which is sewing for one thing. But today it was 97 degrees and my fan died, so I didn't get a whole lot of anything done.

Dryer Sheets

I cut out and serged the edges of some felt squares to make my own dryer sheets. No more pesky little sheets floating around to wind up in a land fill. My understanding is I mix some liquid fabric softener and water, then spritz the square each time and toss into the dryer. Then after using six or seven times, wash it to remove excess build-up and repeat.

Simplicity 3557

I got the pattern cut out.

New Earrings

I finally got around to making earrings out of some pieces I bought in Quartzite.

A new hula hoop

I plan to do a lot of hooping this year if I ever get the hang of it.

Motley Threads Sewing Project

I started a new sewing project today called Motley Threads. You can watch as I make and wear this dress for a year.

Chamberlin Ranch Shoot 2008

I spent four days at Chamberlin Ranch camping in a tent. I learned how to make bamboo flutes from Sal. I know they work because he can play them. All I get is horrid hissing sounds, but hope springs eternal. I met lots of people who knew how to do lots of things like make bows and arrows, arrowheads, knives, herbal tea, leather goods, and beaded pouches. It was an amazing four days. Here are some of the photos.

Floral Hair Barrettes

I'm blaming this project on my daughter. She said the girls at work were wearing hair ornaments with flowers. So last night I made these until my fingers were sore.

Back to needle punch.

Now that my thumb blister has healed up, I thought I'd give needle punch another go. But this time I'm smarter. I cut the finger off of a rubber glove and put it over my thumb, so my thumb isn't sore at least not so far. I started the dark blue background around the moon and stars. Then ran out of thread. So I'll have to remember to pick up some more on my next craft store trip.

Kimono Baby Booties

Today I created a pattern for Kimono Style Baby Booties. Then I went to M&L Fabric to pick out some flannel for them. Not having a newborn on hand, I'm 'guesstimating' a lot. I couldn't resist some Bert and Ernie fabric. I know I can't sell those on ETSY, but that pair will be for my future grandchild coming along in Sept. I'm hoping for a girl, but all the fabric I got today can go either gender. I also got some dalmations, some ladybugs/insects, and some baby dinosaurs.
Then I bought some more sock monkey fabric.
Right when I decided I'd done enough damage, and got in line, the store announced it was closing in 15 min, so I beat the rush to get in line as well. And that store has the best .99 scissors...stainless steel, stay nice and sharp...so I got five more pairs of those. I hate losing craft time because my scissors have gone a'missing behind the couch or something. Now I can keep one other pair in our detached garage for when my fabrics ravel and tangle all together in the washer or dryer.
I also picked up some more hat netting. It's hard to find and once that store runs out I have no idea where I'll get more.

Bejeweled Skeleton Key Hair Ornament

My newest creation: My pirate treasure chest key hair ornament surrounded by copper wire, shells, freshwater pearls, glass beads and a vintage skeleton key.
Made sturdy for pirate swaggering, bellydancing and gypsy wagon rides.

Update: I just posted the Bejeweled ornament to my shop here: Hypnotic