r-anne-dom : a place for me (anne) to leave random blog posts.
Such as:
..knitting, sewing, and other random activities pursued
..Girl Guides of Canada : yep, Guiding Lives Here
..the 4 shops on Etsy : one features quality handmade items; the second has lots of patterns, & crafting supplies; the third is stocked with Vintage; and the fourth is guiding flowers.
Enjoy the r-anne-domness!

August 20, 2011

My Favourite Photographers

My Favourite Photographers

I am definitely an amateur photographer. Sometimes I get lucky and have a great shot.

I am also lucky to know several professional photographers whose work is amazing!
They are so skilled and have a such a great eye for a great shot!





August 19, 2011

A Properly Lined Tote Bag


Remember I was trying out that Zest Tote Bag from Joann.com?

And I didn't like the unfinished look of the inside seams?
 
Well, I did make one with properly hidden seams and here it is.
 
I loved the contrast fabric at the top - and because it was all Spagetti, Rigatoni, Lasagna and other Italian pastas, I had to give the bag to my friend Joanna.  She and her mom, Nonna, will shop for pasta with it, right?! 
And maybe she'll bring me some Fettucini some time!  :)
 
I also thought of another way to hide the unfinished look of the original pattern ... and since those instructions are quicker, I might do this on the next ones ... simply cover the seams with bias tape.  Should work.  I'll let you know.

August 13, 2011

Coming Soon! Crafting Workshops in London Ontario!

Coming Soon!

Crafting Workshops in London Ontario!

"Like" Workshops at Nanc's on facebook so you'll be notified of workshop dates!


Pattern Review - Zest Tote Bag from Joann.com

Pattern Review - Zest Tote Bag from Joann.com

Bag 1 - Side 1

I liked the look of the Zest Tote Bag (link is to a pdf file) on the Joann.com website and thought I'd give the pattern a try.


Modifications:
1. I did not include any quilt batting and did not stitch the quilting lines.

Bag 1 - Side 2

2. I replaced the fabric trim with battenburg lace I had in my stash.


Issues with Instructions:
The instructions are not clear on Step 3 for attaching the lining to the outer pieces - when I first did this, I automatically put right sides together but you must put wrong sides together for this step.


Ugly seams showing inside.  :(
Additional Review Notes:
I was very disappointed that the seams show on the inside of the bag - since there is a lining, I assumed the inside seams would be hidden between the outer fabric and the lining.  When I make my next bags, I will see if I can correct that and have the lining sewn separately to hide the seams.  I'll be sure to post about that project.

The project is labelled as a Skill level 2: Sewing experience needed - I am not familiar with their levels, and I've been sewing since before my teens (and that is many many years) and I would have liked to see clearer instructions for Step 3 ... or perhaps clearer drawings depicting right side vs. wrong side.

Bag 2 - Side 1
Bag 2 - Side 2
The bags did turn out great, though, and I'm sure will be loved by the gift recipients. 




August 06, 2011

Nan's Bear Hug

Please "like" my friend's new facebook page
- Nan's Bear Hug -
Designed & handcrafted Teddy Bears plus so much more in gift ideas!

August 01, 2011

CAL - Crochet-a-long - Mesh Raglan Pullover - hibernating. :(

CAL - Crochet-a-long - Mesh Raglan Pullover - hibernating

Yes, I have officially abandoned this project ... for now.

Once I "finished" the yoke, I realized that I did make too many mistakes - the corners were'nt square and I didn't have enough completed stitches for the size I was making.

So I must have misunderstood the instructions.

Since I have other projects I need to work on between now and Christmas (yes!  Christmas!) I want to get started on those.  So I've "hibernated" this CAL and it is now a UFO (unfinished object).

For now.

I promise I will get back to it ... eventually.