If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you will remember that I made my own Christmas cards last year.
The finished product
If you’d like to make these for yourself, I’ve included them on my tutorials page.
Santa Suit card
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Author Archives: Patti_is_knittinginflashes
Off balance
My tag line says “Finding the right balance between life and clutter.” I’m off balance.
We observed Columbus Day yesterday so I was home. (Thanks, Chris.) I so desperately wanted to post at least one tutorial, clean off the kitchen island, organize my current knitting corner. I failed at all attempts. I did wash my car and motorcycle.
My Garter Stitch bag is complete except for the straps (I-cord takes me a long time to do) and the lining. I’m still debating on the fabric. I tried to make a tutorial on lining this bag and spent far too much time failing redeveloping my idea. I’m about halfway done on the first one.
I also worked on the travel case for electronic chargers tutorial that I promised months ago. The text is written but inserting the photos is challenging. Plus I still need someone to test it for me. 
Nothing was working out.
I’m off balance.
It’s that time of year when I start to feel overwhelmed with clutter. I try to declutter but it never seems like I’m doing enough. I’m constantly being pulled between what I want to do and what I should do.
I want to:
- knit
- sew
- paint
- make Christmas ornaments
- redecorate
- repaint the family room, kitchen, guest room #2, three bathrooms, the master bedroom
- buy and install a closet organizer
- get crown molding in the living and dining rooms
- hire someone to make my craft room
- display my mother’s dishes that are still in boxes from 2007
I need to do:
- vacuum
- laundry – it’s the putting away that drags me down
- dust
- iron Mr. Aitch’s shirts
- cook
- wash dishes – somethings just have to be washed by hand
- find the right piece of furniture to display my mother’s dishes
- organize my craft stuff: yarns, wood, paints, fabric, threads, paper, glue, beads
I don’t want to do but have to do:
- file papers – seriously I have 4 file boxes of papers that need filed
- clean out the closets – will I ever get back into those size X suits? Will they still be in style?
- clean out the pantry
- clean out the basement – full of stuff I “might” need
- Get. Rid. Of. Stuff. Tied. To. Emotions.
That list is what gets me overwhelmed. I was reading Laurie Perry’s (Crazy Aunt Purl) post from last week and can really relate to her decluttering mind-set. Defcon 1, 2, 3.
I am a crafter and I keep things that I can use. Is it ok to keep these things as long as I organize them? A place for everything and everything in its place?
Can I tackle/declutter one drawer, shelf, flat surface, box, or pile and do it for 15 minutes a day? Can I commit to this every day?
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Post felting
I did it! And I’m happy with the results.
The finished measurements are 10 1/2 inches tall and 13 1/4 inches wide. It’s shown here stuffed with 2 bath towels and a hand towel. The pile of fluff is what I had to shave off as it was a bit fuzzy.
I bought some leather straps but I don’t think they are quite right for this bag so I’ve decided to knit some I-cord around a clothesline as straps for strength and durability. I’ll sew them on after they are felted.
The final decision I need to make is with the fabric for the lining. Most of my bags have a dark interior and I feel like I’m looking into a black hole to find what I need. I prefer a brighter lining.
I’d rather use a piece of fabric I already have rather than buy something new.
Option 1 is a scrap of cotton (less than 1/2 yard) from my mother-in-law’s stash. There might be enough for pockets which I find are a necessity. Of course the pocket could be made from another fabric or I could make a zippered pocket with a different lining as well.
Option 2 is a bright lime green silky-satiny fabric that matches the green squiggle on the front. I have a yard which is more than enough for the lining and many pockets.
Do you have an opinion on the lining?
I still have to knit the straps so I have at least a day to decide.
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Pre-felting measurements
I measured my Garter Stitch bag before I put it in the washing machine.
The square measures a little bit less than 4 inches. Sorry for the glare.
16 inches across.
And almost 13 inches from the top point to the bottom.
It’s in the washing machine right now in a mesh bag and two pairs of jeans.
Felting.
I will check it in 15 minutes.
I hope I’m happy with the results.
Knitting In Flashes 