Cross Stitching FTW!

This weekend I decided to get back into cross stitching.  I can't quite remember when I first started, but I know it has been a couple of years since I did one.  I had always gotten a kit that included everything and then would go from there.  This time I wanted to do some projects that didn't involve those kits.  So I looked online and found a pattern that I liked and I even made a couple as well using Excel.  This way I knew the project would interest me and I wouldn't start it only to leave it in the back of a closet somewhere, never to be completed.

The weekend started with a trip to Michaels.  Since I wasn't using a kit, I would need to buy everything that would be required.  I grabbed all the colours of floss I needed, Size 22 tapestry needles (round end), a 6" hoop and 14 count aida fabric.  I chose the 14 count, as that is what I am most familiar with and the 22 needles are what is recommended for that count.  With purchases in hand, I was ready to begin.

It actually took me quite awhile to get going.  Not being familiar with cross stitching without a kit, I was a bit nervous that I would screw it up.  I decided to go with an actual pattern that I had found rather than one I had made just to ease the transition.  I nervously cut my fabric to be around 8X10 since that is roughly how large the pattern was.  I left a few inches on all sides just in case.  I wasn't exactly sure how big it was going to be in the end.  I then folded my fabric into quarters and marked the center.  Once that was done, I taped all the edges to prevent fraying.  I used scotch tape on three sides, and then since I ran out, packing tape on the fourth side.  As it turns out the packing tape worked the best.  The scotch tape was recommended online, but I found it wasn't sticky enough and didn't really hold onto the fabric well.  The Internet also recommended that I iron my fabric first, but since I was using a hoop, I decided that ironing really wasn't necessary since it would get hoop lines in it anyway.  After this I found center on my pattern and I was ready to go.

It took me a bit to get back into the actual stitching, but after a couple of rows I started to get the hang of it again.  I started off doing every stitch, just so I could recall what I was doing.  Then I moved into doing half stitch rows; going back over the row to complete the stitches.  This method seems to be faster, but that could very well be an illusion.

I chose a simple pattern, so was done by Sunday evening.  I ironed the fabric flat and framed it just using a dollar store frame, and trimming a bit of the excess fabric on all sides.  All in all, I am very happy with the results, and I am looking forward to more complicated cross stitches in the future.  I am also glad that I picked it back up so easily.  I guess it is just one of those skills you never really forget.

Yet another IPhone case!

The other day one of our friends gave me a Warmachine figure that he had bought and decided not to use.  Since it was for my faction, he said I could have it so that it wouldn't go to waste.  I wanted to give him money for it (the thing cost about 10.00) but he said no.  I felt bad because I hate not paying people back for their kindness.

When I made my hubby his Hulk themed IPhone case, our friend expressed interest in a Captain America one.  I decided that this would be the perfect way to pay him back, so I got an IPhone case and went to work!

I am really happy with the way this one turned out!  I feel I am getting better with each one I complete.  I learn something new every time and they keep getting neater and easier to do!  Needless to say our friend was very happy with his new case!

Marvel comic flats - A Friday night adventure

I've been kind of on a decoupage kick lately and on Friday night I was bored and decided to try something new.  I had an old pair of fabric flats that I wasn't wearing anymore, and I had seen some nice shoes done with comic panels on Pinterest.  So I figured I could try it out and see what happens.  If they didn't turn out, I was only out a pair of shoes I didn't wear anyway.

I went about choosing some various action panels and then a few character panels that I could add on later.  I Mod Podged each panel and went about setting it on the shoe.  The more Mod Podge the better as it makes the panels more pliable and easier to follow the curve of the shoe.  One thing became apparent right away.  Fabric shoes are not the way to go.  They bend too much while you are trying to set your panel and even as they are drying can collapse on themselves.  It is very hard to keep the two materials together while they are drying as well.  I know for next time that a sturdier shoe would be the best for decoupaging.  But, I made the best of it and muddled through.  I even tried stuffing the shoe, but since I had to secure the panels to the inside I didn't want the stuffing to be suck to the shoe too!  After the first layer of panels was down it became a bit easier as the shoe was now sturdier but the toe was always an issue.  I then placed my character panels where they fit best and used three more coats of Mod Podge to secure everything down.  It was at this point that I decided to secure everything with a layer of sealer, just in case.  So, I stuffed the shoe with plastic bags and wax paper and spayed it with the sealer.  I then let them dry overnight.

All in all I am happy with them, and I was able to wear them to "The Avengers" movie.  There are things I will do differently next time, and I will never use a fabric shoe again! 

Hulk IPhone case

Last night I finally bit the bullet and created my hubby's IPhone case.  I used the exact same technique as I used for mine, but having previous experience, I was actually able to improve on some things.  I didn't leave so much excess in the corners and his phone fits better in the case then mine does!

All in all I am pretty happy with the results and a little jealous too!