Queens of Oz Crafts: June 2012

6/24/12

It's that Time Again

Packing Time!

So, it's that time again where I head off to Washington D.C. Some people have asked me, "Why do you keep going to DC so much? What's out there?" Well, I got for a variety of reasons. My boyfriend currently resides in DC, so whenever I can, I head over to see him and spend time together before I have to come back to Chicago. This time, I'll be spending a longer time and really enjoying myself. So to get ready for this trip, I started packing already. To pack, I tend to throw everything that I want to take, or am thinking of taking, onto my bed and shuffle through everything. I have never had to pack before. Vacations were not abundant in my family and the most we did was take a days trip and travel to various flea markets and thrift stores around Indiana, and sometimes into Michigan.

It hasn't been until the beginning of this year that I've had to practice my packing skills. I own a duffel bag, a carry on suitcase and some backpacks. That's it. I will be in DC about four weeks this time around, but I have decided not to pack much. My trusty suitcase (which can hold up to a weeks worth of stuff) has been packed already. Somehow, I was able to pack everything I needed without over stuffing it (like last time) and there is still some room, just in case I get a few more things. My duffel bag is also partially packed. I'll be taking a lot of my crafting things this time. That way if anything sells, I have the item to be shipped out quickly. Also, the train is cold, so I've packed a small blanket I made a few weeks ago.

Also in the duffel bag is some sewing project kits I've made. I was making tote bags and ran out of time to finish them. Instead, I am writing up the instructions and selling these kits. There are only a few of them right now, but I am in the process of making more. The kits will come with all the fabric precut and the straps already folded and ironed. Also included in these kits will be small spools of thread that coordinate with the fabrics.

I leave on Tuesday, so I will not be able to post anything until Wednesday afternoon, once I'm in DC and settled down. Until then, enjoy your day and week!

And Remember:

No Matter how bad you think your day is, just smile and relax in the thought that at least you're not this guy
:)

Taken at the Smithsonian Natural Museum ©Melissa A Cardenas

6/12/12

Planning a Crafty Party

Today, as I was going through all my craft supplies and I have come to the realization that I have no idea what to do with half of the supplies. So a thought hit me, I should have a craft party! This has a double purpose: 1.) I get to rid myself of supplies and have them be used and 2.) I have an excuse to get all my friends into one place together and hang out. I am currently in the process of planning this whole event out. However, I have already found some projects that seem like they would be fun to do. There are some that require skill with a needle and thread or a sewing machine, while others are for a complete novice.

One thing I found was turning a plan hoodie into a dino-hoodie. The tutorial is simple to follow and you don't need a sewing machine at all. This tutorial could easily be modified to make a variety of animal styled hoodies and/or shirts. For the tutorial, click here and you'll be taken to the Ginger & George Blog to find the step by step tutorial.

Two other sewing-based tutorials I found come from the Martha Stewart website. The first is to make a simple Beach Towel Tote-Bag. I have yet to try this one, but the instructions are easy to follow and only requires simple stitching around three edges of the towel. The other is to make a Roll-Up Beach Towel with pockets. Since summer is here, these seem like they would be a great thing to have.

The last sewing project I found also comes from the Martha Stewart website (can you tell I'm a fan?). It takes any old pillow case you have laying around your house and transforms it into a cute bag. Click here to see the directions. It's cute and if you needed it to be more study, adding interfacing and a lining fabric would be very easy to do.

There are lots of other ideas I have that do not include sewing at all, perhaps making some jewelry or paper crafts. Have any ideas of what I should do? Feel free to comment below or send them to queensofoz@gmail.com

6/7/12

Find of the Week - a tad bit late :)

This was written while I was in DC but I didn't get a chance to post it on time. So here it is!

The first Find of the Week is brought to you from Washington D.C. I've been spending some time with my boyfriend and I had a day free to roam around by myself. I found my way to the DuPont Circle neighborhood. After a fun train ride – by fun I mean getting lost and almost taking the wrong one – I found myself at my destination. I decided that it would be best to stick to the main street and look at the stores along the way. After a few minutes of walking around aimlessly, I stumbled upon a few stores. My favorite of store was Looped Yarn Works, located on the second floor of a building, above a restaurant.

Picture belongs to Looped Yarn Works

The store is a cozy spot with all types of yarns and notions for crocheting and knitting. The shop has three rooms. You enter into the center of the store and are instantly greeted by the lovely ladies working at the counter. It was so nice that they started an actual conversation with me and pointed me to some yarns that I might like. The other two rooms are home to all the various types of yarns (they have a list of the types on their website). I spent most of my time “inspecting” (aka feeling all the soft lovelies). Each room had a section for people to work in. In the first room I entered, there were people sitting, conversing and crocheting. It was nice because there were two people helping the third learn more about how to read crochet patterns (something I swear I will learn...someday). In the other room, there were even more yarns that I just HAD to feel. There was also a knitting class going on (another thing on my to do list).

After careful consideration, and lots of touching, I finally decided on which yarn was coming home with me. Out of all of them, the Classic Elite Yard; Katydid, 100% organic cotton ribbon won and made it's way into a bag. I fell in love with this yarn ( I got it in green) but decided that it was too lonely in the bag. This store is great because it also has knitting needles, crochet hooks, buttons, and various notions to pick from. As I thought I wasn't going to find a friend for my new yarn, my eye caught a glint of steel. Down, at the bottom of the peg board, I found it! A Susan Bates Bamboo handled Crochet Hook (size 2.75mm). I love my purchase completely.

So, if you're in the DC area, you should head on over and give them a visit.

You can find out more information about Looped Yarn Works at their site: http://loopedyarnworks.com

6/5/12

Nothing Catchy :)

I am currently in the last few days of my trip to DC. I am not ready to go home but I know I have to. Since I have time to myself, I am taking advantage and getting a post up. I was originally trying to post at least once a week, but things happen. I am looking forward to being back to my workshop because I have so many ideas for new projects. I have sketches and plans for projects that I am confident I can make. I have been debating posting images of some of my designs that I'm sure I wouldn't mind other people attempting to make.

I often hear stories of designers posting some drawings to get feedback and instead, others take those designs and claim them as their own and start profiting from them. I'm not saying that my designs are so great that someone will take them, but it is always a worry of mine. Once I have some of my designs cleaned up, changed around and have a sample product made, I will post images of the the various drafts that I have did to get to the sample. I usually do go through two or three of them before I even make a sample item. I doubt I am the only one who does this though :)

Well, that's all I have for today. I will try to have a post ready for next week, I'm still working on one that I mentioned in the previous post. That will be posted too.