Amigurumi WIPs and Sewing Projects

(Caution! Word and Picture Heavy Post Ahead!)

Am I the only one who feels like this summer is going by too quickly? Wasn't yesterday the 4th of July?

It was a gorgeous day to pick blueberries! It was so cool that I needed my sweatshirt, at the end of July too! In total, my husband and I picked over 14 quarts of berries! Freezing them is the best option and I can't wait to break out a couple bags this winter! Blueberry cobbler anyone? 

Looking back over the last few weeks, I feel like I accomplished little but I know it can't be not true. Ever feel like that? I think it's because I haven't made many new designs for my shop. I did sell many narwhals and whales (yay!) whose pattern is now etched in my memory - permanently. I can't complain, they are simple to make and apparently really popular!

Aside from crafting, this summer has been eventful for my husband and I. Blueberry picking with family, hung out with friends, and prepared dinner with different family members at our apartment. My husband's brother and his wife recently had a baby girl, graduated from college, and moved home from WA; all within six weeks!  Definitely a big change and adjustment that has brought many busy moments for everyone. It's so wonderful to have them home! Their little girl is my very first niece and I'm smitten! She's so sweet and adorable! Yes, I've made her a few hats and no, I didn't take any pics. Shame on me too, because the hats turned out great! Ah well, I have many more that I'd like to make and I'll be sure to share about those :] 

The dressed-up amigurumi dolls that I have in my shop are selling well so I made two more, but I've hit the "Now what should they wear?" wall. Help! I need some inspiration and suggestions! 

The next project that I've been causally working on is this lovely bear.  I've tried to made larger, more doll-like ami's in the past but each one was a total flop. Not this one though! I'm so happy how she's been progressing! She does need a nose and mouth and once that's been perfected, I'm looking forward to making other animals based on this pattern. Also, I'd like to sell a pattern set of 3 to 4 different animals and their outfits. It'd be easier for me to write up a set of patterns than individual ones, I think. <-- Key phrase: I think. I have no idea if that's true!

And now, an official Ami-Flop!  Meet Cowboy Pig! 

Yeeeah, not so cute.  I was trying to make a joined-leg body with some space between the legs but the body is way too short. Or his head is too small, not sure which. He's kinda cute, but I don't know, just not really "there"- if that makes any sense. Ah well :] Moving on...

Sometimes my hands wear out from crocheting or I get bored with my work so I dabble in other crafts that I find more interesting or calming.  At the moment I'm really enjoying sewing and embroidery. Up first: My blog binder. It all started with a desire to be a better blogger, which meant I needed to get serious about organizing my posts, ideas, and plans. I looked all over the internet for tips to organize my blog and there were tons of options from post outlines to planners, to printables. 

(Left) What started it all: The Post Outlines. The best one I found was this one at BridgettEdwards.com; I loved her helpful accompanying post too! Her form is the closest to what I wanted but I decided to create my own that would be best suited for my needs and style. I used Word to create them from a list of points I used most often when writing my posts. And of course they needed a holder, so a piece cardboard and three yards of washi tape later, I had a nifty envelope.

(Right) All my organizing-stuff needed to be kept together and I didn't want to use a plastic 3-ring binder. Yuck. Something soft with lots of room and pockets would be much better! I spent a whole Saturday sewing this thing together and it's one of my better sewing creations. If I could go back, I would use a different fabric for the front, this pattern is pretty in small doses but the whole cover is too over powering and the embroidery can hardly be seen.

(Top) I love the inside! You can't see them but the beige fabric has little white stars all over it! There's a large pocket on both sides, with another pocket on the left - you can't see it, it's under the Post Outline's envelope. 

(Bottom) Filling my binder was easy. I found the perfect journal at Target for $10. The cover is a soft faux-leather in the prettiest blue! It's been super handy for planning my life, posts, and projects. The TOPS comp book was also from Target for $.50- great deal and I wish I had bought more than one! It contains my filled out Post Outlines, writing tips and ideas, and patterns. The Sharpie pens were also from Target for $1.50 and come in many colors. 

All in all, I love my binder but regret the cover fabric choice. But it's handy, sturdy, and travels well; what more could I ask for? 

Second Sewing Project: A Needle Book

I love Japanese crafts, (amigurumi is just one of them) and the Japanese Kawaii & Zakka style. Amy, from NanaCompany, has perfected this style down to an art form.  Her pieces inspire me to become a better designer! I love her work! If you've never heard or seen her work, do check out her beautiful blog!  

It was her lovely tutorial I used to create this needle book. The embroidery is my own design.

The book was a serene and relaxing project where I could let my mind wonder and just enjoy the process. 

Every time I open it to take a needle, the clouds, balloons, and happy colors make me smile :]

I hope everyone's enjoying their summer! What projects are you working on or have completed?