Recycling Project and Another Rag Rug

Do you have an old comforter laying around?

Don't throw it away!

Wash it, fold it in quarters and stitch the three sides up.

 Now, it's a doggie bed. 

 Every time I tried to take Maggie's picture, the flash would go off, and she would get up and leave, with a disgusted sigh.  I finally snuck up on her, and clearly she is refusing to have her picture taken. 

She really does like her new bed, though.

Here is a rag rug in progress. I'm not quite sure how big I'll make it because I'm kind of running out of browns. 

I feel like I'm still in the experimental stages of rug making, but it's so cool to see strips of fabric being transformed into a rug.

Chau!

A New Attempt At Rag Rugs

I was at my local fabric shop when I spotted this rag rug pattern. This is a technique that results in a toothbrush rug.  The kit actually comes with a starter piece so you can practice the stitch. Well, I didn't get it at first, but you know that old saying......

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!

And, since I'm obsessed with making a rag rug :)

You're not suppose to have a hole in the middle, but at least I figured out the stitching. Yay!

So, it became a chair pad.

(Sorry about the terrible picture.)

I really like this technique, and I find it doesn't strain my hands and wrists as much as crocheting or knitting with fabric. I'm also loving the fact that I can use up all the old fabric stash that doesn't appeal to me anymore. 

Until next time, Chau!

A Sweet Little Purse

Here's a quick gift idea, and a great way to use up some fabric stash. 

I found this pattern at my local fabric shop.

I added a wrist strap on this one for my daughter.

I can see adjusting the size of this pattern to make a purse for a particular need.

Sometimes, A Project Just Isn't Meant To Be Finished

I guess before I talk about what I've been up to in the studio, I should talk about what projects are not going to be finished, just in case I have a few readers who were looking forward to seeing these projects completed. 

In the last month or so, I have shared projects in progress like this........

rag rug

I wasn't happy with the way it was turning out, so I decided not to spend anymore time on it.

And, then there is this.......

bag

I may finish this bag, but not anytime soon. It just wasn't holding my attention.

Now! The rag rug thing is very intriguing, so I've been playing around with fabric stash that has been around for way too long. I have been trying to crocheting fabric, and it's quite painful! I'll share why in a moment, but first, here is what I crocheted.....

pot holders!

I know, you're saying hmmm.

Ok, the reason I said crocheting fabric is painful is because first (according to one way of instructions I came across) you cut strips, sew them together and turn it into bias tape. The reason for making the tape is to have a more professional look with finished edges.

After a few hours, you end up with a few yards of tape ready to crochet.

The painful part is actually crocheting because if your crochet stitches are as tight as mine, then it's a struggle to make a stitch. Fabric does not respond like yarn when crocheting. My right elbow was Sooo sore the day after making these that I knew I would not be making more. 

Anyway, I do not mean to discourage you from trying because I have seen some beautiful crocheted rag rugs, and that is what inspired me to give it a try. Take a look on Google for crocheted rag rugs and see what I mean. I just know it's not for me. 

Peanuts Gang Pillow Cases

Look at this adorable Peanuts Gang fabric.

When I saw this fabric, a couple people came to mind, and I knew I had to make something with it. 

One Christmas present done!