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Former-Member
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Re: Craft Corner

The mandala vests are very dream inspiring aren't they. Glad I could facilitate that for you @CheerBear Smiley LOL I find them very inspirational. 

Colourwise, you could have more than one, you know. Woman Very HappyWoman LOLSmiley LOL for different seasons and such. I'm sure you can rationalise it some how if you set your mind to it! Smiley SurprisedSmiley Very Happy

Yarnwise, it doesn't have to be cotton, you can use whatever you have, or can get to fit your budget. Being wool allergic, I use mostly cotton or cotton blends, or acrylic. Acrylic is great for these as you can block it  and then carefully hot iron it to set it in place and then you don't have to be so careful with it. 

You know, if you were interested in doing one of those mandala vest things, I think we could find a basic design that we could 'do our own thing' with and see what we each ended up with. I make mine much longer and wider in front than most patterns as I like it to be sort of enveloping. 

I wanted to show you one I designed and made out of a now discontinued multicoloured yarn that I got cheaper than dirt a few years ago.

Photos removed.

Stash organisation, oh, my, that can be so satisfying, and depending on the size, so. much. work. Smiley Wink

I HAD to do something when I knew I was going to have to move house. I bought 60ltr tubs in a grey colour (so light won't fade the yarns) on special from Kmart, had to go back a few times and ended up with 8 for yarns and 8 for fabrics. 

I got those clip seal bags (Hercules Large Storage Bags twin zip) and packed yarns by type and colour, snipping about 10cm length of yarn from each different colour, brand, weight and fibre.

I taped each piece of yarn to an A4 sheet of paper and recorded all information next to it in an easily readable from a distance writing size (sharpies are so good) - How many balls etc. Then put that sheet in a plastic sleeve and taped it to the side of the box that I would be facing outwards. 

WIPs got put in a box in their own bags, To Be WIPs also got put into their own box in bags with the patterns and notes for what has been decided etc. 

It was a huge undertaking but so worth it now. The boxes are water resistant, fade proof, moth resistant, easy to access, and won't need to be resorted for any other moves. 

I did similarly with the fabrics and tools, but without the plastic bags and detailed samples on the outside of hte boxes, just general names like 'stretch fabric', 'broderies', and 'curtains' and similar. It was such an amazing help when it came to moving to have it done in such a way,and it still makes it easy to access for checking what I've got. I stood the fabrics on their ends for easy visibility instead of layering them on top of each ohter. 

Former-Member
Not applicable

Re: Craft Corner

Hey hey craft company, hope you're all doing something enjoyably crafty!  

@CheerBear @Phoenix_Rising @Former-Member @Bubbles3 @TheVorticon

I've fallen down a rabbit hole looking for a new craft project! so many things to make. 

This has been on my list for a while Lacy Duster would you be interested CheerBear? you can check it out on Ravelry to see how it sits on various figure types too if you have a membership there (free membership and don't ever need to post, you can just lurk). 

I have also bookmarked a number of potential free mandala vest patterns. I won't post them until I know if that's a potential for you.

anyone else want to join in on a project crochet a long? 

Former-Member
Not applicable

Re: Craft Corner

Going to see if I can find a suitable yarn in my stash for the Lacy Duster today.

Craft hugs for everyone. 

TAB
Senior Contributor

Re: Craft Corner

I'm just sitting in the corner playing with a ball of wool 😸 no not crafty used to be a bit crafty-groupie just saying hi and its a good thing to be crafty . A stitch in nine saves time .. lol
Former-Member
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Re: Craft Corner

Hey @TAB nice to see you here! Playing with yarn is totally fine.

I have decided on the yarn I'm using for the next project, Haven't opened it's packet yet though, need a bit of concentration before I can start a new pattern I'll actually have to follow and adapt 'cos I'm using a different sized yarn. It can wait, there's time. 

I'm going to say that cooking is crafting and put my current apple adventure here. It might amuse anyone who drops by. 

So far I'm at the cooking apple stage: 
20 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced in my super duper electric wok that I really love. Along with 3 tablespoons of Dutch Cinnamon, 1/2 cup sugar and that silver thing there is a tea ball and has the cloves I soaked in 1/2 cup boiling water in it. I added the water to the mixture too. I use that teaball to hold whole spices 'n stuff to keep them out of the mix. 

I've heard that if there's no picture, it didn't happen, so here it is. 

100_1966 (2).JPG

TAB
Senior Contributor

Re: Craft Corner

See if this works, just pushed 'like' button mult timesto no discernible effect . Yes, yarn. Mum used to knit jumpers and toys etc.
..yarning ..darning ..isn't language funny
Is your apple thingo dry? What are you going to do with it? @Former-Member
Former-Member
Not applicable

Re: Craft Corner

Hey @TAB if you click the "like" button once, give a few seconds, you should see a 'tick' on the thumbs up, that is your indication that you have liked that post. If you click it again, you can remove that 'like'. That might help. Every board has it's idiosyncracies. 

The top of the apples looks a bit dry 'cos of the shape of the wok, but no, juices develop under the apples and I divide it all up into the trays for crumbles and keep some for the cakes. I have to be very mindful of carb content and serving size with the recipes and what goes in the mix, for diabetes control. I freeze for future enjoyment. Smiley LOL

Days like today, when I need distraction are great for future tasty goodness treats. 

Here's my Apple Crumbles ready to go in the oven. 

100_1969 (2).JPG

TAB
Senior Contributor

Re: Craft Corner

Hi @Former-Member yeah think it was a data/ph signal thing in retrospect re like button. Well hope you enjoy the apples and sorry re diabetes. My mum had it in later life
Former-Member
Not applicable

Re: Craft Corner

The crafting of apples and sugar, cinnamon and cloves,
Apple 2 uncooked crumbles.JPG
walnuts, flour, butter and eggs with some whipping and beating, pouring and heating,

Apple 4 Cake ingredients.JPG

all of which started with tears and frustration at things not related, ended in smiles and the sharing of tasty delights. 
Apple 5 cakes cooked.JPGApple 3 cooked crumbles.JPGIt's dessert time!  @CheerBear @TAB @Catcakes @Phoenix_RisingHeart

TAB
Senior Contributor

Re: Craft Corner

Will look again when pics come through @Former-Member