Tatted Bookmark

This was my first attempt (after 12 tries) at making a tatted bookmark. The pattern is fairly simple, but I wasn’t used to counting the rings and missed a few in the first few tries. This ended up being a gift for my sister. I tried to use colours that reflected my favourite flower, the forget-me-not. It’s my way of adding my ‘signature’ to anything I do.

Granny Square Vest

I first made this pattern when my oldest was 2. She needed something to keep her warmer, and it was between paycheques. I made two granny squares that were just big enough to cover her front and back. The next step was to make the straps with single crochet stitches and covering her shoulders from the top of her armpits in front to the same spot on the back. The vest was still a bit too narrow, so I did side pieces that were the same width as the straps. I sewed everything together and this is the result in adult form.

Embroidered Unicorn

I belong to a needlecraft group. We do all things needlework-related, from embroidery to knitting or crocheting. We have workshops where we learn new techniques and create all manner of ‘things’.

This embroidered unicorn started as a page from a colouring book. I found out that it was a bit too complicated for what needed to be done, but it was a learning experience, so I didn’t mind. We printed the colouring book page onto a piece of cloth and coloured it in with crayons (and yes, pencil crayons worked, too). Then we used several layers of paper towel laid atop the fabric and ironed out the wax from the crayons. The only thing left behind were the colours and printed pattern. Embroidery was added to cover the printed part of the pattern, and then it was framed. I didn’t colour in all the spaces. I embroidered covering stitches, added a couple of sequins, and a feather or two. It took me all summer to finish this, but I think it was worth trying again. I have all I need except time. Maybe this year.

Disability Bears

I made these bears for the Red Cross a few years ago. Each bear has a disability, from missing limbs to blindness or deafness. The kids who were given them thought they were pretty cool. So far, I’ve only found one that had been sent to the Salvation Army after it was no longer useful. And that’s okay by me. I’d rather see the bear go to another family/child than have it thrown out.

These bears are also in my version of Saskatchewan Roughrider uniforms, the provincial football team. No, the logo isn’t accurate, but it’s also copywritten. I did what I could and no one seems to mind.