Thursday, 15 March 2012

Star Wars: Yoda

Walking stick made from a Christmas tree branch, and glued on.

I got to choose which present the husband opened today, and I went for my favourite of this little series... Yoda! He was one of the later ones I made, and I may have gone a bit more overboard with detail!

Eyes, eyelids, noise and mouth embroidered on, and his wispy hair brushed out (tutorial coming soon to Tried and Tested!)

Lightsaber attached to his belt ready to go! Made in the same way as Darth Vader's handle.

Tuesday, 13 March 2012

Sewing, Sewing, Sewing!


(And a bit of ramble about sewing machines!)


Things are insanely hectic round here at the moment, but I've been blessed to find a small amount of time each day to create for myself and for those around me.

If you've been following me for a while, you may be aware that I had a second hand sewing machine which only worked when it felt like it, and that wasn't very often... Well, the other week was the final straw. I lifted the foot up all the way, and it pushed a piece of metal out of place, which in turn pushed the tension dial off and sent it flying at me. The tension dial has been the source of all my problems, and we eventually decided enough was enough.

But you want to know what's amazing? I was given another second hand one. And this one works. Amazingly well. It even has an automatic needle threader - I didn't even know they existed, but I think my life is now complete. I've been working the little machine hard, and when my life has calmed down I think it deserves a good clean and a good oiling! (If you have items you no longer need, consider joining Freegle to share them with people who do... It's a brilliant site to give and receive.)

Star Wars: Darth Vader

Oh, I've got so many things to share with you lovely readers over the coming weeks!

First up is a series I briefly hinted at over on Facebook the other week... You may have seen these patterns for Star Wars amigurumi floating around the internet, designed by the brilliant Lucy Ravenscar. Well, I spent the first couple of months of this year working through them ready for my husband's birthday! His presents are being spread out in a small countdown until his Birthday, and so I will share them one at a time here as he opens them!

First up, if you hadn't guessed, is Darth Vader. Now, I made this little series of figures before I'd seen the films (which I now have!) and there are so many extra details I'd add to them if I was making them now... But, there are a few changes I will share with you, and maybe one day I'll make them again! (There are also a few proportion issues due to my random wool oddments haha!)


I decided Darth Vader needed his famous lightsaber to complete the look. This is only a temporary one until I can find a thin red straw, but I still think it's very effective! The handle is made with a cocktail stick, cut in half, and coloured silver (I used a marker pen, but you could use paint); details were added with black paint (but a marker pen would work). The red part of the lightsaber is a length of red scoobie (anyone remember them?!) with a length of wire inside to add sturdiness. The tapered end of the cocktail stick handle is inserted into the scoobie and it sits together nicely. Because Darth Vader is crocheted, he can even hold the lightsaber, and it can be removed - yay! The other change I made was to paint the eyes on, which I quite like.


Wednesday, 7 March 2012

Tried and Tested Tip Number 4 [Heart Envelopes]


I think this is such a cute idea! As soon as I saw it I knew I just had to try it - making simple envelopes out of heart shapes!


Whenever I make a template I place it in a specific folder so that it's ready if I ever need it again... Thankfully when I decided late the other night to give this a try, I had a heart shape I'd made a while ago just waiting to be used!


I cut it out of wrapping paper to match the presents it was to go with, and a few simple folds later...


I had my envelope! So easy, so simple, and from a blog full of great crafting ideas! I held it closed with a small sticker, so that when opened it could be unfolded to see the heart.

If you're finding it difficult to make a perfect heart, try just drawing half on a folded piece of paper and cutting it out - then both sides will be symmetrical :) If you're still struggling, a simple Google search should help you on your way!


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