Blue Ribbon Baby

****Warning. This post contains uncontrolled beaming pride and bragging.***

I entered a few of my favorite pieces in the County Fair last week. I don't know why I do it. I know I do great work. I guess I Just like to be officially recognized. I went through various stages from the "I'll do well" to "I won't place at all. I did not expect a landslide. I walked into the room and I stood with my mouth opened at all of my RIBBONS! I realize that there may not have been many entries in the categories I entered items in but still a blue ribbon is a blue ribbon regardless.

First the crochet dragon, it placed third.
Commander C's quilt was tough to categorized. My hand quilting skills are not phenomenal but I do well on hand applique and the quilt is also embroidered. But in the end I wanted it judged on the design so I entered it in Original design, it placed second. I am disappointed that it wasn't hung up for display, you can't see much of it at all folded up on the table.
The green embroidered bunting that won first place in "Hand Embroidery on a Home Sewn Object" this is lined with an adorable dandelion and rabbit print.
My version of "Hip in Hemp", "Hip in Kashmir" took first place in the Knitting "other" category.
Little Red Riding Hood, first in "Girl's Halloween Costume."
La Piece de Resistance placed first in "Girl's Dress under 6."
And Nutmeg's hand sewn blessing dress took first place in "Christening Dress" and won a big old purple "Judge's Choice" ribbon.

As I browsed the competition the only things that really stood out (apart from the quilts) were some very good showings in the knitting divisions, and a Japanese kimono themed square dancing costume. I will confess I was a bit in shock so that I merely glanced at all the other items.

Riding Pinks

This is the bag I made for Hawaii. I know it isn't very tropical but I wanted to make a bag that I could use all year round.

I made it without a pattern. I took apart a gift bag for rough dimensions. Adding the zippered pocket to the middle was a bit tricky as was inserting the cardboard bottom. I am very, very pleased with this. It is gigantic. It can hold books, knitting, wallets (a purse even) kids stuff, a spare pair of flip flops and a swimming suit!

I made a little place to clip on my keys. Bought the handles at Joann's.

My only disappointment is the red tabs that attach the handles. There were just too many layers of (10-14) of drapery fabric and even Violet couldn't handle that very well.

Happy Biarrrrrrthday!

I like making fun birthday cakes. Usually I have an order about 6 months before the birthday and that is all I hear about until the birthday. Osito has his next 2 cakes ordered already. This year Roo said he wanted a plain chocolate cake with chocolate icing. A little dissapointing, but he is growing up so that is what I planned. Well 6 days before his birthday he decides he wants a Pirates of the Carribean cake. First, I already made him a pirate cake for his 5th birthday. Second, I have no idea how to make a (cheap) PoC cake. Third, the 3rd PoC installment was just as bad if not worse than the second, I did not want to pay tribute to that. Then family fun saved me for the second year in a row. With instructions for making a pirate ship. I added black tattered sails, a Princess Leia figurehead, a white sand beach, and one rock/crab. I found a rejected imitation Lego sailor and turned him into Captain Jack Sparrow. Voila! It was a hit.

Below is a picture of last years 8 bit Mario cake. Again Family Fun saved my bacon with the inspiration of Jelly Beans for making designs on a cake.

Cute leotard on the cheap

I can't find an affordable leotard for my little prima ballerina. So I snagged this remnant of raspberry knit for a buck and borrowed this pattern that is the general idea. Last night I pulled out my handy pattern making book and altered the pattern to be tight like a leotard. Worked pretty well. Forgot to adjust the sleeve pattern to be puffy so I have to draft that and re-cut it. Also when fitting I cut the leg holes right where I wanted them and forgot to allow for casing - woops. We will see how it turns out. I think I will call it Raspberry Plié

Favorite ski sweater transformation

I bought this fabulous 60's ski sweater from Tree on the Roof back before thrifting was cool. It shrunk a few years later. I have kept it for years because I loved it so. Finally I cut it up and made a cool scripture tote to give to Roo at his baptism. I still have a lot of sweater left, I see more projects in its future.

La Piece de Resistance

I made this for my brothers wedding. The wedding colors were dark purple and I had the hardest time getting inspired for this dress. Finally a commercial pattern with an enormous bow and Sunny's dress in A Series of unfortunate events combined to make this. I had to completely redo the bodice pattern as Nutmeg's shoulder's were too narrow. I love it, it is my masterpiece.