Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Holiday makings.....


Hello!  How are you going today?  We are on school holidays here so it's lazy days for the boys and a fair bit of hunkering down in the chilly weather for me.  I have done a bit of holiday crafting too, so that's been fun.  I thought I'd show you what I've been up to with this little make.

You know when you get an idea and you just have to try it out straight away?  
Well this little purse/case was a bit like that, I thought these would be cute little presents filled with pencils/nail polish/soap/crochet hooks/washi tape etc.

I had an idea to use some pieces of tapestry crochet that I've hooked up.  
I crocheted the edge and folded them in half and sewed up the sides.  
I added the picots for a bit of added cuteness.  So far so good.


Then I made a lining out of a piece of woollen blanket, it is quite chunky and tactile.  I decided to be lazy and not get the sewing machine out, so I hand sewed the lining onto the crochet piece.  
Then I hand sewed a zip into the top.  This ended up being quite dodgy.  
I don't really know how to sew zips into things, but thought I'd just wing it anyway, so the results are less than perfect, to say the least!
I think I did it in the wrong order, I should have sewed the zip to the outer first and then sewed the lining on last, which would have hidden the inside of the zip.   
Something to remember for next time!


I was after something a bit more chunky and substantial, so I like how thick my little case has turned out, and I am sure I can improve on this next time.  So this little experiment was successful, even if the finished thing is pretty wonky!


It is the right size for my crochet hooks, so I am going to do a house wide hunt tomorrow and get them all in one place.


(See my dodgy sewing in of the zip, can definitely improve on that!)

One good thing that occurred to me while I was trying this out is that I really want to make some cute bags out of my blanket stash, I forgot how lovely the woollen plaids are, and how nice they feel to touch.  I think I will actually make the effort to get the sewing machine out and have a go.  
I want to get a few cute things made and put away for Christmas, I feel a handmade Christmas challenge coming on!

Howe are your holidays going? Or is it business as usual at your place?

xxxxxxxxxxxx

25 comments:

  1. Ooh a handmade Christmas, so much more special to receive something personal, loving your blog x

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    1. Hi Debbie, Thanks yes I think a handmade Christmas is something I'm going to try to do. Think I'll write a post about it soon and see if anyone else wants to have a go too, maybe I'll get a little linky thing going so we can all share... thanks for reading!
      J xx

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  2. I think it's super cute! Love the new tapestry design too. (I keep my hooks in a crochet zipper pouch too.)I know I always spot my imperfections in things I make but I find other people usually don't. A great idea on getting an early start on those presents, I tend to wait too long and then have to burn the midnight oil to try and finish. lol Here in the US the kids are out for the summer, so things are a little more chaotic now to say the least! ;D

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    1. Thanks so much Angela! Summer seems along way off over here, my place is chaotic too, I tend to get the go slows when my boys are home and all the normal stuff gets put off till tomorrow, which of course never comes :) thanks for visiting, J xxx

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  3. Love the colours! Think I'll have a go at the tapestry crochet, your blog definitely inspires me, thanks for that!

    Rebecca

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    1. Thanks Rebecca, tapestry crochet is a tiny bit addictive, so be warned! :) Have a lovely day and thanks for visiting, J xx

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    2. Rebecca, Jules has her lovely patterns on Ravelry now! Woo-hoo! All you have to do is pick your colors!

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  4. Ooh that's lovely, a great effort considering there was a zip involved! (I hate sewing zips...) :)

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  5. Oh I think your little case is perfect zipper and all. Im loving this new pattern at the moment. Might be favourite one to date ♡

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  6. It's always so inspiring coming to visit here! You have an awesome crochet talent Julie!

    Have a super day!

    Vanessa xxx

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  7. It's been warm so far this summer. Sadly it looks like we are going to get hit with a tropical storm ruining the 4th of July holiday plans.

    The bag is beautiful. I just finished a shawl I needed for a wedding I'm going to and I've promised myself I'm finally going to look at Tunisian.

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  8. Love your bag and what a great idea to use for your hooks. I love your colors and your zipper does not look "wonky" at all. that bag is simply precious and what a great present! I'd love it if someone gave me that. I'm still on birthdays and an anniversary and company coming this month but after that it will be full swing into "making" for the holidays. I'm making my "list" now. So far there are 50 items I want to make this year...LOL! That would be almost 1 item per week...I don't think so. There will definitely have to be some eliminations. So many wonderful projects and so little time! I just need a housekeeper, a cook, a gardener and then I could sit and create all day long! Meanwhile though I'm trying to sell my house or at least get it ready and it needs LOTS of attention but I still try and "create every day". I can't wait to see what you make next! TTYL!

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  9. Super cute! I love every pieces of tapestry crochet you do! You are so creative and talented! It's always a great plesure visit your blog!:::Silvia

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  10. This is so adorable! I LOVE IT! And I am sure you will be able to always find it, as it is made with the cutest right colors :-)

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  11. Love it and love the blanket-bag idea, it is one that has been kicking about in my head for a while too... xx

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  12. Dear Julie, your little purse/case is wonderfull!! It´s so original......:-)

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  13. It is a beautiful case and will hold your crochet hooks perfectly!!! Such a great idea to make some of your tapestry crochet pieces into other things. I hope that you enjoy your making! xx

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  14. The zipper looks great! You did a fantastic job. I really love the colors :)

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  15. As always, super inspiring!!!! Love the tapestry crochet!!! Have a super happy week!!!
    Love
    AMarie

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  16. Hello from a new reader! : )
    Love the items you show on your blog, I've seen some great things out there - and this one is lovely!
    Cheers! ; )

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  17. Handmade christmas sounds awesome. The little zip bag you made is adorable. Love it. T x

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  18. I haven't tried tapestry crochet before - something else to put on my list! It doesn't seem possible that we are talking about Christmas already!
    www.thequietstitcher.com

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  19. What a fabulous idea!
    I too, need to have a go at tapestry crochet! It looks lovely.
    Wishing you a happy weekend,
    Sarah x

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  20. Using the blanket fabric is a superb idea for a crochet case. Without a lining, the crochet hooks have a tendency to poke through the gaps between the crochet stitches or to put holes in the fabric - the fine steel hooks are notorious for this and finer fabrics don't stand up to them at all. Your blanket fabric is a very sturdy and secure solution. Very pretty work.

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  21. Love this little zippered pouch! What yarn did you use? Is it yarn you sell? I love the colors! In fact, all your makes are with these wonderrful colors....what yarn is it???. :)))

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