Pattern File

Looking through the most recent issue of Sew Beautiful, I noted a new service/web site.  It's called pattern file and it is just that.  I signed up for the 10 day free trial tonight.  It appears interesting, but I was rather surprised how simplistic it is.  It's easy to use, but it lacks some capabilities as far as sorting your pattern hoard.  I entered a handful of patterns that were handy.  Next, I'm going to head down to the pattern file and see if it will accept vintage patterns like it claims.

Check it out.  It's the first program out there that I have seen that has the potential to track a pattern hoard.  The web site also states they will be coming out with mobile apps for your phone.  I would love to be able to pull up a blouse pattern in my stash and see the yardage required when I stumble upon a fabric find.

Pattern File Logo

Not just another web site...

Earlier this summer I visited River City Knits in Lafayette, IN looking for some ribbon yarn for a crochet project I was wanting to try.  *sigh*  The pattern was disappointing... or perhaps my gauge was the problem...  but I digress!  While there, I overheard the lady at the counter telling another customer about this crochet/knitting web site.  Of course I made a mental note of the web address but then forgot it, of course!  Shortly thereafter though, while doing a web search I accidentally found the site.  Membership is free, so I have since signed up for a username and password.  The site is www. ravelry.com.

It has several fun features but I like being able to save projects I want to do to a work queue or save patterns you are interested in to your notebook.  One can even enter your private stash of yarns and threads and then use that to hunt for possible projects to use up that supply.  I have started entering my stash of magazines, books and booklets. Now when I stumble on a stash at a yard sale or auction I can pull Ravelry up on my droid phone and see if I already have the issue or book. 

Finally, and one of the cooler features is adding a button on my Firefox browser called "ravel it!".  If I find something I like on a web page, I can "ravel it" and it will hunt for that pattern/design on Ravelry.  It will pull up that pattern if possible as well as similar patterns.  I did that on an interesting crochet potholder and then hit the "ravel it" button.  WOW!  Not only did I find the pattern I was looking at, I got sucked into a whole realm of other cool ideas.  Let's not forget.... Christmas is coming and crocheting a kitchen ensemble may be old fashioned, but appreciated by those who actually know how great a good crocheted/knitted cotton dishcloth is!

Nostalgia...

About 5 years ago, my maternal grandmother passed away.  Prior to my grandfather passing away, he sent many of my grandmother's sewing, knitting and quilting supplies home with my mother.  Recently I have been doing some crochet and I have been using Grandma's crochet hooks.  I have also had the pleasure of looking through her piles of magazines, pattern booklets and books.  I even found a few crochet patterns that were marked as done for me.  I remember those crocheted vests and capes!  Now as I crochet, I have to wonder, is this the hook Grandma used to crochet one of those treasures? 


Just a week ago the family had the estate sale for what remained of my grandparent's possessions.  As I looked at the old empty home, I was very glad to know I had the important thing... Memories of grandma sewing, crocheting, knitting, and gardening.  Many of her tools I have inherited and it will bring a smile inside every time I use them for my creations!

Sewing creations...

Burp clothes....

 

These turned out very nice and coordinated well with the romper and jammies I purchased to go with them.

Coming soon... Pictures of Bitty Baby clothes and baby carrier....

Free Filet Crochet - Geometric 3 Leaved Pattern

 

I created this as just a simple insert for linens.  You could also add a crochet border for a stand alone piece.

Please feel free to share this pattern and you may sell the finished item, but please do not sell the pattern.

Bronze Metal Clay

Guess this is another something I want to try.... Bronze Metal Clay.  Could make some one of a kind buttons, eh?  Web site for it is www.BronzClay.com .  I knew of the silver clay, but heard about the bronze clay on Favecrafts.com.  Check it out -- they are giving some away!

Anna's Superhero Cinderella Costume

This is Anna in her Cinderella costume. I used Simplicity 2569 as the basic pattern with light blue sparkle satin and shiny tulle. The waist band has silver embroidery. The cape was a last minute item I whipped up the night before Halloween to help keep her warm. Ann called it her superhero cape!