Recent Discoveries

Clever ideas are all over the Internet! I know it takes a while to read through the different blogs and sites, but it’s so worth the time! For me, I spend my early morning quiet time in this exploration, in pursuit of new discoveries. I love always learning, dreaming to do it all. Although I need to be sewing or crafting, creating and applying techniques I’ve already discovered, it takes a while for my eyes and hands to fully wake. During this body waking process, my mind is racing at full speed! Okay, so I “feed” my mind!

When writing an article such as this, listing my discoveries, it serves a two-fold purpose. First, and foremost, I’m sharing the inspiration with others of what I’ve found interesting and what I believe is worth trying. And, secondly, it’s the perfect place to house my “favorites” so I know where the links are when I want to come back & review how to do something!

1. I’ve never heard of “Felted Soap” before today’s discovery! Jenny, at The Southern Institute, has a great tutorial full of nice pictures! As I’m always looking for projects to do (besides spinning) with my stash of roving, I will be trying this!

2. I’ve been searching for a machine that will cut fabric shapes, especially circles. I stumbled upon the Sizzix Big Shot Machine and it might just be the perfect, versatile machine I need! It also cuts cardstock! Oh, my goodness! My mind is racing with possibilities! Wonder if anyone reading this has ever used this machine?

3. See Kate Sew has a fabulous tutorial on Make Better Ruffles. http://seekatesew.blogspot.com/2011/04/make-better-ruffles.html I never heard of sewing 3 rows of basting, or cutting out the ruffle on the bias! It does make a difference! She also shares a ruffle ratio guide!

With losing Internet for several hours this morning, then an unexpected medical emergency (that’s a misnomer - are medical “emergencies” ever expected?), I didn’t reach my full ten new discoveries for the day. While waiting for hubby & our 2+ yr old Dobie, to return with news with what's wrong now, I focused on finishing some projects, started others, and had a photo shoot! Things are settling down around here now (dare I say) and at least I can get the three discoveries posted! The plan tomorrow morning - list the new items in my ArtFire shop!

I hope "life" distractions don't prevent you from creating something!