Finished Projects--Two Years Later!

needlebook
Originally uploaded by Green Kitchen.

There's something about having this blog that makes me finish projects. In the past, abandoned projects would go unfinished forever haunting me and causing me much guilt. But, now, the new blogging me gets these things done for the satisfaction of posting them, which is somehow more motivating than actually giving the gift. Hmmm? For my sister's bridal shower I had two gifts, a sewing kit and a cookbook, neither was completed until this month. When was she married, you might ask -- nearly two years ago! Thanks for waiting sis.

sewingkit2
Originally uploaded by Green Kitchen.

This cottage needlebook, made from a pattern (I can't remember the book) is the final addition to the sewing kit. All of the wonderful needlebooks posted lately (see here, here, and here) gave me the inspiration to get mine done. All I had to do was sew in the pieces of fabric to put the needles in. It took about five minutes to finish. Why did I wait two years! Note: the fabric for the needlebook is a wonderful woven wool/rayon felt, the same as I used for my embroidered stockings. It's a little more rough around the edges than regular wool felt, but it is so soft and drapes beautifully.

inside2
Originally uploaded by Green Kitchen.

Originally the sewing box was an ugly brown stain. A quick remedy of matte red spray paint with black details made me much happier. I took the whole box apart before painting it to get a cleaner look. Then, I filled the kit with vintage supplies! Hunting for the notions was the funnest part.

Bridal Shower Cookbook
Originally uploaded by Green Kitchen.

The cookbook was a collective gift that I organized and art directed, and then let lie fallow. It's called "Whatcha Got Cookin'" and everyone brought a favorite recipe and decorated (you could say "scrapbooked," but that word leaves a bad taste in my mouth) a page to add to the book. I can't say it's fine bindery, but I did learn a bit about grommets and glueing fabric to cardboard. The book has been sitting unbound until just recently. The party invitations were also tied into the cooking theme. I drew a caricature of my sis holding a spoon and a spatula and then hand decorating the cards with felt, tulle, and rickrack.

Whew! Two projects done, many more to go. Coming up next in the world of unfinished projects: circus-themed bean bag toss game, vinyl and polyester quilt handbags, vintage fabric appliqued heart quilt.