30 Bags in 30 Days - Day One

I have been in a bit of a creativity slump lately. I just haven't much felt like making anything lately. So anyway, I figured that if I forced myself to just start sewing, I might break through this block. I have decided to issue myself a challenge to sew 30 bags in 30 days. So by October 9th, I should have a wide selection of emergency gifts (or 30 new bags for myself, but I'm guessing that I will have to get rid of a few since my bag collection is already out of control!). I have selected ten bag tutorials online that I will start with and then hopefully I will feel like creating a few (or rather 20) of my own design.

I started with the Gathered Clutch from Noodlehead's blog. Although it kind of feels like cheating, I started this bag on Day minus 1 and finished it on the first day. I also haven't decided whether or not I should be allowed to make two bags in one day and none on another day since the idea is to make something every day and if I am running short on time, I can always make a small pouch. But since it is my own challenge, I guess I can make up the rules and then change them along the way if I feel like it.

I really like the contrast of fabrics on this one, the lining is a dark maroon/brown with small pockets made out of the blue. I didn't take a picture of the back (I think one picture of each bag will have to do), so it is hard to see the main fabric, but it is an asian-inspired flower and bird print in bright spring-y colors.  The bag came together fairly quick, and although I didn't think I was going to keep it, I used it yesterday and it is perfect for carrying around my phone and a few other odds and ends.

Eyeballs

At the office where husband works, someone started a Halloween treat swap thingy. Basically, you get a note that says, "You have been Booed" along with a treat. Then you post the sign on your door and pay it forward to two people. When husband was booed, he requested that I crochet some treats for his pay it forward (I think everyone else gave candy). So I crocheted these creepy little eyeballs...

The pattern is loosely based on http://www.scificrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Crochet-Eyeball-Pattern.pdf although after row 7, I tied on all the red yarn and let it hang from the outside while I finished the eyeball part. Then I threaded the yarn onto a tapestry needle and chain-stitched the bloody nerves to the back of the eyeball. As with most of my creations lately, these were gone before I even had a chance to really look at them, so I think I will make some more for myself.

Goomba Mini Quilt/Trivet

I have been having a lot of fun making mini-quilts lately. If I ever keep one, I will use it as a trivet to put hot stuff on. For a geek craft swap that I am hosting, I thought an 8 bit mini-quilt would be awesome. I went with a goomba because I had this fun goomba orange spiral print that seemed perfect.


Here is what a bunch of goomba pieces look like...

This is what a goomba would look like if a bob-omb exploded it to bits.

This is a freakishly tall goomba.

And finally, here is the finished goomba mini-quilt hanging on the finger hook. I am really happy with how it turned out and kind of sad to send it away although I think my swap partner will be pleased.

Smittens

It was seven o'clock on Friday night when Peregrin and I realized that we should probably bring a present to his cousin's wedding the next day. It took a little bit of brainstorming, but we came up with smittens as a perfect wedding gift. A super quick trip to the fabric store and a late night of tracing hands, sewing and trying on, and voila!!!


Smittens (all by themselves, they look a little strange).


Here we are trying them on for the camera (although the pictures came out really fuzzy and not terribly flattering to the smittens). Note the suit because taking these pictures probably was what made us late for the wedding. I now think that I will make smittens for every wedding present because it seems like the only time you can really give these as a gift.

Mario Mushroom Crochet Pattern

Mario Mushroom Pattern

By Yoshi Kumara

Here is the pattern for these cute little mario mushrooms. If you copy the pattern, please attribute it to me, thanks.

Materials

Worsted weight yarn in white and red or green.

Small amount of black yarn for eyes.

G hook

White Felt

Needle and white thread

Mushroom Cap

R1: Ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook.

R2: 2 sc in each sc around (12 sts).

R3: *Sc 1, 2 sc in next sc* repeat 6 times (18 sts).

R4: *Sc 2, 2 sc in next sc* repeat 6 times (24 sts).

R5-7: Sc 24

Attach 5 felt circles (I sew mine on, but they could be glued on).

R8: In back loops only, *Sc 2, dec 1* repeat 6 times (18 sts).

R9: *Sc 1, dec 1* repeat 6 times (12 sts)

circle to 2sc, 2sc in same sc 24

Mushroom Stem

R1: Ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook.

R2: 2 sc in each sc around (12 sts).

R3-6: Sc 12.

Stitch in eyes, I do this by using black yarn and making one vertical stitch.

Stuff and sew together.