Wordless Wednesday

Making Pumpkin Cupcakes with Dema . . .

Don't forget the frosting . . .

Sweet P

The Process, Part 1

I was blog surfing the other day and came across The Process Pledge on r0ssie (fresh modern quilts) blog. I thought about it for a while and then decided I would participate in the Pledge. Here is my shaken and stirred Pledge:

I, Sweet P of Coffee Time Stitches, pledge to talk more about my creative processes, even when I can't show and tell every step of the way.

So, where do I start with the pledge? I have thought about this for a few days. It's next to impossible for me to describe every action or step I take in working on a project. I create under one of two circumstances. I'm either creating because I have a deadline (usually a swap deadline) or I'm creating because my muse has told me to create a project.

I suppose you may be wondering why I say I "create" instead of sew or quilt or crochet. Webster's defines create as a verb meaning: to evolve from one's own thought or imagination, as a work of art or an invention. I don't want to sound egotistical about my creations. Every item I create comes from my heart and becomes part of me. My inner muse expects me to create a little bit each day. If I don't spend time creating I can be one cranky person.

I decided to share my process as I create three sewing projects. Two of the projects have mid-November deadlines. These projects are going to be called Project A and Project B. You'll have to excuse the anonymity, but these are gifts and the recipients could be reading. The third one is a set of goodie bags designed by Monica Solario-Snow of Happy Zombie. I have been mulling over what to make for these projects for several weeks. I've changed my mind at least a dozen times and now I'm ready to start working in my studio.

This afternoon, I took advantage of Mr. E's nap time and wandered into Coffee Time Studio. Will you join me?

First up, you'll notice the sound track in my studio. I'm super predictable in my sound track choices. Nine times out of 10, Gettysburg is running on the DVD. I've played this movie so many times that the DVD is wearing out. Sometimes I put on Gods and Generals. If I'm in the mood for music then I play Jesus Christ Superstar. Each of these soundtracks provides just enough background sound so I can focus on my work.
Although I have written directions for every project, I often make my own set of cutting notes in a format that's easy for me to follow. This allows me to jot notes or changes I make to the project. Here is one page of notes for Project A. I have a similar page for the goodie bags.
Project B's directions were written well enough for me. I was able to start cutting the fabrics and pinning a few blocks before Mr. E woke up from his nap.
That's as far as I got on these projects today. I hope you continue to follow me as I work on these projects.

Sweet P

Australian Stitchery Kits for Sale

I am de-stashing and am selling these six Australian stitchery kits I bought last year. Each kit comes complete with the embroidery floss, fabric and patterns. I am charging $20 per kit; plus $5 for shipping, if you live in the US or Canada; $10 shipping for international shipping. I will invoice and accept payment through PayPal. Send me an email at coffeetimestitches @ comcast (dot) net if you would like to purchase any of them.

Kits #1 and #2

Kits #3 and #4

Kits #5 and #6

Mr. E graciously let me take a photo of him trying on his pumpkin sweater before I put the final trim on it. It is big enough that it will last him a couple Halloweens!
I'm off to clean the house and work on swap packages. I hope everyone is having a great day!

Sweet P

Playing With Fabric

Last Monday mommy and Mr. E spent the day with me. Mommy and I wanted to begin planning our Winter Totes. Mr. E was interested in what we were doing so I had mommy get a bag of my fabric scraps for him to play with while we were looking for our fabrics. She showed him all the scraps and he was interested for a few minutes, then went off to play.

Isn't this cupcake fabric yummy? It came in this week and two yards yelled at me to come home with me. I couldn't resist. After all, cupcakes go well with coffee you know.

My MIL sent me a wonderful birthday present last week. It started with the lovely sewing basket. Inside the basket I found a gorgeous seam ripper, a small pin and a glass thread bobbin for hanging in a window.
This small box was also in the basket. It's the perfect size to sit on the sofa table next to me and hold the items I don't want Mr. E to get into: my camera, our Flip video, cords for those items, my small notions tin, a container of stitch markers and any small items to keep out of little hands.
I finished my mittens earlier this week. I love how they turned out and they fit perfectly. I have one more end to weave in and they are ready for winter. I have enough yarn leftover to make a beret and hope to have it finished soon.
We had our first Nor'Easter of the year yesterday. Lots of rain, wind and snow in the higher elevations. Today the sun is shining, the sky is blue, but the wind is still whipping around. I'm off to play in the studio for a few hours before I head into work this afternoon. Tomorrow I'm off. It's the first Sunday I've had off when I can watch all of the football games! Hooray!

What are you up to this weekend?

Sweet P

Skypeing With Grampa

Hubby is in Hong Kong right now. Before he left we set up our computers with Skype. Yesterday morning Mr. E got to talk with Grampa.

Hi Grampa! How are you?

Mwah . . . blowing kisses across the miles

I can see you and touch you . . . but I can't feel you.

Ethan likes to Skype with Grampa. Sometimes he has more fun playing with the keyboard than talking with Grampa, but it's still a lot of fun.

Have you Skyped today?
Sweet P

A Few Firsts . . .

I've been busy the last few days between sewing time and crocheting time. Recently a friend of mine asked me to make her a knitting needle case for her double pointed knitting needles. Yesterday I made her this one. It has 30 pockets for knitting needles. I hope she likes it. If so, she will be my first paying customer.
Last week I finished the Snuggle Sacks for our new nephews. Since I haven't had a chance to deliver them here is Hero modeling them for me. The pattern came with two designs. I made one of each design for them. This one is for Cooper and is made with Sensations Lodge yarn and Lion Brand Homespun Yarn.

Matthew's is made with Sensations Lodge yarn.
They are soft and snuggly and I'm sure will get lots of use.

And finally I finished my first mitten. The pattern is Ravelry download. The yarn is from NH Knitting Mama in Purple Haze. The pattern is easy and allows you to custom fit the mitten to your hands. I've already started the second one and should finish it the next day or two.
Yesterday was a sewing studio day. I actually made two knitting needle cases. The first one didn't turn out as well as I had hoped so I made the above one. Then, on a whim and because I love the variegated thread I was using, I pulled out a UFO from about three years ago. I quilted it and sewed the binding on the front. Today I am hand sewing the binding and another project will be done.

I really need to focus on my swap packages. I have four of them to make in the next six weeks. I'm not too worried about them though. I'll have fun putting them together and then fun opening the packages I get in return.

Happy Stitching!
Sweet P

The Happy Couple

After Harvey's creation yesterday, Erma begged to be come to life.

Here is the Happy Couple:

Now I'm off to the studio for a little while. Time to start planning a few swap projects.

Sweet P

Meet Harvey

I'd like to introduce to Harvey, Mr. E's new friend.

I made him using the Pack o'Puppies Mitts from Spud & Chloe. I've already started his friend, Erma. Mr. E knows how to put it on his hand, but doesn't quite understand how to use him yet. I tried hard to get a photo of him playing with Harvey. He moved too fast for me. Stay tuned though, I'm not giving up!

Sweet P

Sorry To Disappear

Hi there, I didn't mean to disappear for a over a week. It's not nice to be a swap hostess and then disappear on people.

Anyway, I've been taking care of Mr. E for two days. He caught the head cold that Grampa and I had and couldn't go to daycare.
He is learning all kinds of new behaviors these days. Yesterday he found a photo of Grampa and I. He brought it to me. Pointed to Grampa and said, "grampa, grampa". Then he started kissing the photo. He made sure the photo was close to him all day long. With Grampa traveling right now, I guess it's cool that he knows who he is.
Like any child he hates to get his nose wiped when he has a cold. Ever since I've had him I always say, "boogie alert, boogie alert" when I need to wipe his nose. Yesterday he had a big, juicy sneeze. When I said boogie alert he toddled over to the desk where the tissue box is and waited for me to get a tissue to wipe his nose. Granted, I could only get one good swipe in before he wiggled away. But one swipe is better than none, especially when he is ready for it.

Winter Tote Swap News:
Everyone has been sent their partner and should have contacted her by now. If you didn't receive your partner, let me know. Likewise, if you haven't heard from your partner, let me know as well.

Also, I've created a blog list of all the participants. Please check your link and make sure I have it correct. I had links for everyone except Denyse. So, Denyse, if you have a link, please send it to me. Be sure to pop in to other swapper's blogs and say hello!

Have you chosen your tote bag pattern yet? I have about half a dozen I want to try. I just don't know which one to choose.

Sweet P

It's A Pumpkin or is it a Jack O'Lantern?

Is it a pumpkin or a jack o'lantern?

I'm crocheting Mr. E a pumpkin sweater for Halloween. I finished the back before I started my shawl. I finished the front between yesterday and today. I noticed when I took the photo that you can see the difference between the hanks of yarn. Although you can't see it other wise in normal light.

What do you think of Pumpkin so far?

Sweet P

The Finished Shawl

We enjoyed an extraordinary wedding weekend in Chicago. The couple was gorgeous. The venue was stunning. The food was over the top.

I debuted my shawl at the wedding and received many wonderful comments.

Have you signed up for the 3-2-1 Winter Tote Bag Swap? Only two more days to sign up!

Happy Creativersary to Me/Random Sports Thoughts

Six years ago this very day (and in this very same hotel actually) I re-entered the creative realm. I started my first quilting class from Quilt University on that day. I don't remember the exact class, but I believe it was their Starting From Scratch Class. I have come a long way in six years from quilting to stitching to crocheting and loving it all.

This weekend hubby and I are attending the Deutsche Bank Championship. This is the 8th tournament and we've attended every one. Walking the golf course and waiting between pairings gives me lots of thinking time.

Here are my random sports thoughts from today:

1. Will someone tell Tom Brady to get a haircut?
2. Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis need to get healthy for spring training next April.
3. Who is going to have more interceptions this year: Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Bret Favre or Tom Brady?
4. The NFL Season starts Thursday night. I can't wait!
5. Will Shaq really help the Celtics this year?
6. Will Mr. E win our family pick 'em football pool this year?

If you need me to explain any of the above, let me know.

There is still to sign up for the 3-2-1 Winter Tote Bag Swap. Won't you join?

Sweet P

Scavenger Hunt Q&A

I joined the Scavenger Hunt Swap on Ravelry. Here are my answers for the Q&A.

• Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been at your craft? I have been crocheting off and on for over 40 years.
  

• Do you spin? What type of spinning do you do? I do not spin.
  

• Are there any other crafts that you participate in? I sew, cross stitch, embroider and some paper crafting
  

• What are your favorite yarns/fibers? I like all fibers except 100% acrylic.
  

• What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers? See above answer.
  

• Are there any types/brands of yarn that you are dying to work with but haven’t gotten a chance? Any yarn with some silk in it.
  

• What are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet? I like all projects except afghans.
  

• What are you currently working on? Anything you plan to start this autumn? I am working on a pumpkin sweater for my grandson. I want to start a sweater for my hubby.
  

• Are their any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn? There are no techniques I want to learn at this time.
  

• Do you have a yarn winder and/or a swift? I have a yarn winder, but no swift.
  

• Where/how to you keep you needles/hooks? I sew my own hook cases.
  

• Do you collect anything? I love small containers. The more unique, the better.
  

• What is your favorite type of music? Are you MP3 ready? Billy Joel, Sting, Rod Stewart. I have an Ipod Nano if I can get it away from my hubby.
  

• Do you like sweets? What are your favorites? I like jelly beans and spice drops.
  

• What is your living situation like? Any pets? Children? I live with husband. My son, DIL and grandson live across the street. I get to spend lots of time with my grandson.
  

• Are you allergic to anything? No allergies, but I don't like the smell of cigarette smoke.
  

• Do you have an online wish list (Amazon, Etsy, Loopy Ewe, etc.)? Please include links for your swap pal. I have a wish list on Amazon.
  

• Is there anything else that you would like your pal to know? Surprise me. I like everything except country themed items.

Sweet P

Is If Fall?

Have you signed up for the 3-2-1 Winter Tote Bag Swap?

_________________________________________

The last few days have been cool, wet and windy. Yesterday while running errands with Mr. E I noticed the leaves are starting to change colors. These leaves are outside my patio doors.

And in the front of the house the leaves that have blown off the trees from the wind are accumulating in the garden hose.

Mr. E and I even saw geese starting to gather getting ready for their trip south.

Soon the NFL Season will start and all will be right with the world.

Sweet P

3-2-1 Winter Tote Bag Swap

I love tote bags. I love Christmas and Winter. I love swaps? Do you like these too? Then I am hosting a swap for you.

Introducing the 3-2-1 Winter Tote Bag Swap

We will be swapping Christmas or Winter-Themes tote bags filled with goodies. Here are the details:

Based on your partner's preference make one Christmas or Winter-Themed tote bag at least 12 x 12 inches in size. Then fill the tote bag with:

• Three items for your partner to use in her crafting endeavors, i.e. fabric fat quarters, yarn, fancy papers, floss, threads, etc.
• Two Christmas or winter-themed goodies, i.e., gloves, an ornament, chap stick, seasonal treats, etc.
• One of your favorite holiday recipes

Please include items that would make you jump up and down if you found them in your bag.

This swap to open any of my blog readers who have a blog. When matching partners I will try to keep partners on the same continent, unless you let me know you are willing to ship internationally. It is not a secret swap. You will know your partner so I'm hoping some new friendships develop from the swap.

If you'd like to join, email me (coffeetimestitches at comcast dot net) the following information:

• Your name
• Mailing Address
• Email Address
• Blog Address
• Preferred Tote Bag Theme: Christmas or Winter
• Favorite Craft Activity
• Any food or pet allergies
• Are you willing to ship internationally
• Are you willing to be an Angel (hopefully I won't need any)

Sign ups are open now and end September 15, 2010. I will send out partners by September 17, 2010. Mailing date is November 15, 2010 so the new bags can be enjoyed during the season.

Let the fun begin!

Sweet P

Coffee Time Food

I can't believe I haven't posted in two weeks. Oh wait, yes I can. DH and I have been invited to a Black Tie Optional wedding next month. I have a long gown to wear, but wanted a shawl to wear over it. I ordered two balls of hand painted yarn from NH Knitting Mama and started this shawl for me. Needless to say the shawl has been occupying all of free time. The pattern is fun, but also a little tedious. The repeat is nine rows and it will take 22 repeats to make the shawl. I'm up to repeat #8 and I have a little less than three weeks to finish it.
I'm not starving even though I'm busy. I made Salisbury Steaks in French Onion Sauce from Cinnamon Spice & Everything Nice. This was one yummy dinner. I used sourdough bread for the cheese toasts and found a treat better than garlic bread. I made the cheese toasts the following night to have with our spaghetti.
I'm wondering what you eat when you busy sewing. When I was in my sewing room I didn't want to stop to make a meal. Instead I whipped up a banana smoothie and bag of trail mix with a few pretzel M&Ms thrown in. It was the perfect snack to keep me going through the afternoon at the sewing machine.
Mr E is growing bigger and smarter every day. When he was here on Tuesday he discovered he can almost get up on the love seat. In fact, it's become our "cuddle spot." I sat on the love seat all afternoon and he discovered he can climb up, sit next to me, cuddle for a while and get down when he wants to play. When mommy came home I told her about it and they enjoyed some cuddle time too.
If you've made it this far, I wonder if you are interested in a Christmas/Winter Tote Bag swap. If so, stay tuned, I'll be announcing one in a day or two.

Sweet P

Sewing, Sewing and More Sewing

Get yourself a cup of coffee and settle in for a few photos. I've been busy as a beaver in my studio and have several finished projects to share.

Last summer while on vacation Hotel Man picked out three fabrics for me with the caveat I make something for me out of them. I finally finished that task. Most of the fabric went into this project bag. I followed the pattern from em ay kay ee.

Here is the inside of the bag. Isn't the polka dot fabric wild?

Inside the pockets there is room for a zipper pouch (from the same website), my needle case and my modified crochet hook case.

Here is the crochet hook case open and full of hooks.

Next up . . . what do you get when you mix these 4" squares

With this alphabet panel and inspiration from here?

You get 30 bean bags and a play mat.
I sent this home with my nephew today.
Mr. E will have a set of his own soon too.

One more sewing project: I finished this cupcake apron for my niece.
She used it today while we made cupcakes.

Mr. E helped us make cupcakes too.
He liked licking the spoon!

Whew! My sewing machine has enjoyed being used. I hope it doesn't take me too long to get back to it.

Sweet P

Cooler Weather Means Sewing Time

The temps have been cooler here which means I've been spending time sewing in my studio. I had a swap package due last week and I got the urge to make a knitting needle case for my partner. Since she loves to spend time by the pool I used this adorable Fun in the Sun fabric to make it.

The case has lots of spaces for straight needles and three pockets for circular needles.

I've been following Kelly's Make A Bag Sew Along. Here is the completed bag.

Here is the inside of the bag. And what is that hiding inside?

It's the matching zipper pouch.

This morning I sewed this little backpack for Mr. E. Isn't it adorable?

And here is Mr. E wearing his backpack.

What kind of sewing have you been doing?

Sweet P