Valentines Finishes

I have been so bad about making stuff for the boy. Really. I've told him I'd make him pants and quilts and lunchboxes and all sorts of things. You know what I've made for him thus far? A drawstring pouch (that was really just a vessel for chocolate) and a rather poorly constructed wallet. He used the wallet to death in spite of the construction, so that was good at least!

So this Valentine's Day I decided to remedy that. Somewhat. There are still plans for future makes!

First up: Portal wall hanging.

I was pretty excited about this one. I wasn't actually planning on it. I was originally just going to make pajamas. But! I was struck with an idea and went hunting for patterns.I was going to make the patterns myself if they didn't exist, but I got lucky! Thank you, Fandom in Stitches.

 

I just love how it turned out! :) 

I also made a new wallet. This time I used a pattern from the wonderful Noodlehead. Last time I sort of half followed a random Pinterest pattern and half did what I want... It was okay. But this one is better! It's a good basic bi-fold that uses suiting on the outside. Kinda cool.

 

Excuse the crappy cell phone pic. I didn't take any proper photos before giving it to him and it is in his pants right now...

The gifts were definitely well received :) And we've been designing a quilt for him together, too! I want to get it done before his birthday at the end of May. Of course, I haven't started yet. Or even bought fabric. But I have a sketch and the yardage math done, so I'm on my way! More on that... probably when I actually buy fabric.

Feels good to have gotten something done for a change! What have you finished lately?

Linking up to Finish it Up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts!

A Wallet!

Probably not what you were expecting, but I made a wallet for Mario.

Robots! I bought this fabric (Robotex for Northcott Fabrics) as soon as it came out. Because ROBOTS. Mario loves robots! Usually the robots on fabric are way too cute-sy and silly for him to like them much. But I loved these ones. Especially because of the excellent smaller scale prints in the collection...

Oops! Didn't realize his license number was showing :P

Like these little gears! I love them so much! I just want to buy yards and yards of it and use it in everything I make for Mario EVER. But he'd probably get sick of them.

And nuts and bolts! These fabrics were made for him. It was fate.

Why a wallet? Our puppy ate his... Again. You really can't leave little things like that out at night. Especially when she's having trouble adjusting to my new schedule. So I made him a new one both to cheer him up and to have an excuse to finally use my perfect Mario fabrics.

I used this tutorial found on Pinterest, minus the tab. Mario didn't like the tab. So I left it off. It was a very simple tutorial with nice pictures to guide you through the process. My top stitching really leaves something to be desired- I was too lazy to get out my mechanical machine. My main machine, as you may recall, really has trouble with layers. My only real problem, though, is that the card slots are a little too roomy. I think this has something to do with my seam allowances being a little too small and (again) not very good or consistent top stitching. I will do better next time! I'm thinking I should maybe make some extras to have around just in case the puppy monster gets hungry again...

I *did* finish the shirt. It's not great. Knits are a pain. So is cutting things slightly wrong and discovering you don't have enough fabric to cut another piece -.- But a full post on that later when I can get some pictures of me wearing it, in all of its flawed glory.

Most of my time was spent this weekend trying to learn to knit socks. Yeah. Trying. And failing. I don't have anything to show for it because I kept having to undo my progress. Frustration. Anyone have a good resource/some tips/advice for someone new to sock making? Preferably cheap since I am still catching up financially from not having a job for 5 months? I have been drooling over pictures of knit socks for the past week and have a kind of obsession going... But translating it to my yarn is proving to be more difficult that I'd hoped. Help would be greatly appreciated!

I am linking up today with Let's Get Acquainted hosted today at Blossom Heart Quilts! I spent some time poking around there today. Lovely blog :) Go check it out!