Burlap is a unique fabric to craft with.  I have sewn with it and found that the final projects usually turn out charming and durable.  Be forewarned that it will drop many fibers into your sewing machine and around your craft area.  My best advice is to make sure you clean and oil your sewing machine after each burlap craft.  The ornament above came about because I was lucky enough to be going to a very special book signing and I wanted it to be more personal for the author and me as well as give my thanks to her.  You'll find out who if you look through the picture slideshow:)  * hint- she cooks and lives on the open plains.*  This is a very quick craft and remnants would be great for it.  I used canvas and permanent ink to draw the picture first.  Everything else was sew as you go so there is no pattern for this one although I do have several pictures that will help you as you try your own. 

I hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you learn and are generous with what you make. Someone will appreciate your hard work.

Playing with dolls.  What more can I say?  If you let yourself relax and not think about what you should be doing like housework or other chores, you can really get back to your childhood by grabbing some dolls. In recent years I have begun collecting all of my favorites that I had when I was a child and keeping them in a glass cabinet so I could enjoy looking at them.  That was until I found Tree Change Dolls.  What a lovely site. If you have not heard of this movement to make dolls over in a simpler way, then please start there.  I have to admit that it looked like so much fun, I went to our local thrift shop and purchased a couple of dolls who had been scrapped in a large Tupperware box along with many "naked" babies.  I brought them home, gave them a good wash and hair condition first.  Then I took their faces completely off.  It is intimidating at first to see that blank slate and know you have to fill it up or that poor little doll will be far worse off than when you brought them home.  I have some before and after pictures below and a little slideshow of the progress.  At any rate, this project was by far one of the most special I have done in many years.  I hope to keep doing it in the future and sending the dolls to new homes for special little or big people.

   This little Brunette started out a tangle of wild hair and no feet.  She is washed conditioned and re painted

This little Blonde was in quite a mess also.  She has also been washed, conditioned and re painted

                                         Such a sweet little doll! 

       The change is so dramatic. It is hard to believe they are the same.

The progress of each doll can be seen in the above slideshow.  Again if you haven't seen the site I mentioned earlier, please make it a point to visit. It will make you smile!  I hope you have enjoyed this post, pass on what you learn and are generous with what you make. Someone will appreciate your hard work.

                  

Purchasing an Embroidery Machine can be a daunting task.  Making the decision on whether it will actually be a hobby or a profession can be hard.  In my case, I was not sure that I would even use it enough to make the purchase worth the investment.  I really researched it and when I finally felt that I had enough information and made the leap, I realized I had just touched the surface.  There will be a link to some detailed instructions on how I went about making my decision below. I made a short list to hit the high points. These were created to help make some choices and also know that you might want to look further before you spend some of that hard earned money.  I talk specifically about my machine but I have been lucky enough through many classes to sew with more expensive machines.  For my current budget, I am completely satisfied with my choice.  It does beautiful work.

I am certain the tutorial will help you if you are just beginning to consider purchasing an embroidery machine. If you already have one and you are scared to open the box and set it up, maybe this will get you motivated.  Either way, I hope you enjoy this post, share what you learn and are generous with what you make. Someone will appreciate your hard work!