Simple quilted placemats - sewing project

I definitely have a lot of learning to do still for sewing. But this was only my second attempt at making placemats using a cute pattern I purchased on Etsy. 

"Take Four" - I don't know why I thought this was a good way to learn to sew. Mostly it was about the fact that I wanted to try to make something small for the house, something that I could change out over the seasons - and somehow, I thought this pattern was just about right for me. It's a bit harder than I expected, but they turn out super cute. And it's a fat quarter friendly pattern - which means you can buy a set of fat quarters in coordinated fabric and go to town. 

Just don't look too close to my seams. They aren't as straight as I'd like.

Mod podged coasters

I have been making these every couple of months with all different styles. There is no end to the creativity. For gifts I've made used licensed fabric for star wars, deadpool, etc. Those are ok to use for gifts, but not for sale.

They turn out adorable and so, so VERY easy. 

Check out my tutorial and information on HomeMadeHappiness

Sewing project - travel case

 

Probably my fifth sewing project in my life... and it turned out pretty good. Not perfect, but I've only been sewing a few things in the last couple of months. 

I've got a second blog started for use with a future-not-quite-ready for the big time website where I will be reviewing projects/patterns/etc and discussing if there's any potential for turning the projects into something profitable (or not).

Let me know what you think: HomeMadeHappiness

2024, new life to my knitting

 My wrist pain has made it altogether impossible to enjoy knitting. And I've tried it all. NSAIDs (ibuprofen and two forms of topicals), wrist splints, etc. 

It's been two years since I've been able to knit. And it's been HARD. I've explored a lot of alternative crafts over the past few years. And while that's been fun and I've enjoyed them. It is not the same. I don't get the same dopamine rush, I don't get the same meditative, soothing, relaxing sensation.

But I found something, and it's even under $10!!!

I found a pair of fingerless gloves that have heating elements on the palms and back of the hands that is heated by a simple USB port. 

Affiliate link - USB Heated Gloves.

I've been wearing them while working (office work, so I'm on a keyboard all day), and in the evening. They've helped the pain ten-fold better than everything else I've tried.

Now, admittedly, I've been nervous about whether they'll work for my knitting or not. So far, I've spent about twenty minutes last weekend and twenty minutes yesterday - keeping my knitting time to a minimum intentionally. But my wrists don't hurt afterwards. I'm not sure if I'll ever knit as much as I used to... easily four to five hours every evening and most of my weekends. But I am definitely feeling more at ease with knitting again. 

I can't vouch for how long they'll last. I've worn mine non-stop since Christmas. For $10, I wouldn't be too terribly upset if I had to replace them occasionally.

I also bought a pair for my son who struggles with Raynauds. He's thrilled as well. He's even bought a separate battery pack for them so he can wear them away from the laptop. 

While the heating pads can be removed for washing, there's a velcro strip to hold them back in place that could be a little stronger; but the light velcro strip is reducing bulk so you don't really notice that while wearing the gloves. I just wouldn't take them out and replace them multiple times unless you really needed to. 

NOTE: No one has paid me to support these, though the link above is an affiliate one, so if you use the link and buy the gloves, I will get a small commission.