Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Blissful Blogging

Bliss & Crocheted Doilie edited

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I stopped in at Barnes and Noble yesterday with a B&N membership coupon to use and wondered which of the new books out I would find. I came across Blogging for Bliss and was glad to see it. My intention was just to scan through it at the store so I could see Emily of Ravenhill's page. I really thought it would just be a pretty book to read through and visit blog sites. I was so happy to find that, as well as looking gorgeous, the book is really a blog how-to. There is so much great information in there that I didn't really want to figure out myself. I've been trying to learn to make a banner (I made the one above early yesterday with no help at all, though!) and add pretty "stuff" to my blog without using a busy template. I like the wide-open, clean look I have here, but I'd just like to add some side bar titles that are pretty and stand out. If you are a serious blogger, this is one book that isn't just a luxury; you can really learn a lot with the information provided and don't have to reinvent the wheel!
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Crocheted Doilie
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Take a look at my pretty crocheted doily. Lindamade creates patterns and mentioned that she would have designs in Crochet Today, July/August, issue. I picked it up and made the doily above with sock yarn. It was really quick and easy. To be honest though, I think I made one error and gave it a lopsided shape. I should use markers next time. Anyway, I plan to sew this one a bit offset on a linen pillow. One made up in solid white would be a great addition to some plaid wool in my stash, too.

Clemson Diaper Clutch, Cosmetic Bag

I cut into the football fabric. I made these cute pants and some more zip top pouches that are PUL lined for wet resistance.



It seems that all the children's pants patterns I have purchased recently have very low rises. It's made me crazy sewing up darling pants only to find out they barely reach above the child's panties or diaper. I have had to remake a number of pairs sold. To get it right, I purchased several sizes of nicely made commercial children's pants and have "fixed" the patterns. It's one thing for teens and adults to wear low-riders, but I would think it's a good thing to be able to pull a little one's pants up to a comfy level so they can bend over and move with ease. I've gotten a bit crazy about that issue over these past ten years. I'm so glad tops and bottoms have started to meet one another again!

8 comments:

The Flying Bee said...

Hi Michele!

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the kind words. Your blog is great! You are so talented! I have a sewing machine, but still trying to learn to sew.

Isn't Tara's book wonderful? It has helped me so much!

So nice of you to check out my blog. Thanks again.

Adrienne

linda p said...

thanks for mentioning my doily pattern! i've been meaning to work some up for myself sometime soon. and i'd love to see a pic of your daughter in the beret when you have the chance (and the sun cooperates).

The Blonde Duck said...

I'm going to check that book out. It sounds interesting.

Abby and Stephanie said...

I just may have to go use my JoAnns coupon on that book. Color doily. Lots of sewing happening in your world!

Nanette Merrill said...

I have to get that book. My name is in it! Not my blog in a chapter but a little ps. Good enough for me.

Unknown said...

Ok on the doily, if you start just to the right of the place that seems larger than the other, count the 3dc, ch2, 3dc places (these are called shells), you only have 3 of these shells almost half-way around, you just didn't finish on around to the end of that last row, you can find where you need to end just by check each 'shell' stitch to see there are 3 or 4 where you are wanting to stitch, if there are 4, then slip stitch to end to doily there, that will fix it.

Chris Worthy said...

Michele, The most brilliant thing in kids clothes lately is the adjustable elastic inside the waistband. (Go to Old Navy and investigate.) It has saved me countless hours of taking up waists for Nolan. I think it would be easy for you to add and would be a great selling point.

Farmgirl Paints said...

Hi Michele,
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Yours is super cute. Love your header:)

I just bought blogging for Bliss too. Isn't it the best? I'm really enjoying reading all the new blogs featured in it. Hope you have a great day:)