Blue Jean Kindle Cover Tutorial

     Some of you (especially those of you who know that my frugality borders on stingy) may have read that title, and said,"Wait a minute. She has a kindle?"
Yes. It's true. But for the story on that, you're going to have to wait until the end of this post...mainly because I want you to scroll past the pictures and see the transformation of a few pieces of discarded blue jeans and cutting board into a kindle cover (I apologize for the florescent lighting...but most of my inspiration happens after sundown. Ignore the frequently changing colors..I did try to adjust them believe it or not). I also saved it until last because the story involves some videos, and those will be at the end.

     As for the cover, I really wanted to make one because most of the ones out there are either really expensive or completely synthetic. I wanted something that would last, and would be durable and thick enough to protect the screen, but streamlined, not bulky or floppy. I wanted something that I could shake (whether open or closed) and the kindle would still be held tightly.

     I thought it would be a good project to utilize my neglected denim collection, so I came up with a sketch. And even though I changed a few things, I'm happy with how closely I ended up sticking to it. I should sketch my projects more often.

I made some things.

Yesterday Nathanael and I went out to the garden to finish up some things we hadn't had the chance to complete during our busy Saturday. We made a few new rows, but it has been to dry to break the soil appropriately for planting (i.e. the soil is concrete), so I was writing some seed names on stakes, which required me to reference the seeds. About then, Nathanael and I both realized our seeds were just too disorganized. As you can see below, they were neither functional or manageable, but more or less in two large piles (though not spilling during transportation, which is a plus).

Thus, I decided that today's project would be solving this problem. I got a box (one of many from our move and the packages we receive from family), tore all of the labels off of it and went to work. As you may begin to notice, I never actually use scrapbooking paper for creating scrapbooks, but I love to use it to decorate. After adorning the box I used some cardstock (leftover from creating our wedding invitations believe it or not--though we only used the yellow for that) to create tabs, and voila! A recipe-box-like seed organizer.

 

Nathanael and I are both pretty excited about how much easier this will make our planting times. 

Also this week, I decided to make use of some of the blue jeans I have been collecting and make a thick, durable potholder. Nathanael's old black Singer sewing machine is pretty powerful to make it through all of these layers! Some parts of it required some seam-ripping and redesigning as I went, but I am pretty happy with the finished product and it is now listed in my shop. (See link at top left for shop listing and larger versions of the potholder pictures.)

 And finally, remember the rice bags I made at Christmas time? One of my friends really liked them and commisioned me to make one so she could use it instead of a heating pad for her TMJ. And since the rice bag has no plastic parts, it's a great way to reduce the footprint of an ailment. Here's what I created for her...

(The pictures taken on my jungle table cloth are of the rice bag before I filled it with some local popcorn rice.) I put some other little edible treats in the box too, because if you're going to pay for shipping, why not make it delicious, right?

Have you guys been creating or renovating anything this week?

Organizing and Revamping

 

This week I have been reorganizing...everything really. 

It occurred to my last week as I was being bothered by an unruly shelf, that if I am a scientist and an artist, I should really also be an inventor, if even in very small things. And so, this week I set about reconfiguring things in small ways and solving problems in the most well designed ways(both functionally and artistically)  that I could think of on short notice. (Yes, it's true...we have guests coming and that is part of the sudden motivation.)

     In the bathroom, we have some built in shelving which once had doors (probably before I was born). For hours I tried to decide which fabric I would choose to sew little panels to cover the least used (most filled) shelves in a decorative way...but finally I came across some woven striped dish cloths we had never used. I hammered them up, and they are not revolutionary, but the bathroom looks much more tidy without exposed bottles everywhere.

    For the bedroom I am contemplating shoe storage options (let me know if you have some great ones), and considering one of those cloth over the door shoe racks. I have always considered them ugly, but I was thinking I could probably make one in a small amount of time, using some sturdy recycled khakis and some fabrics I would like to see every day. We will see if that goes anywhere.

      Now that the shop is open (check out the grapefruit marmalade added today), the blog too will be receiving a new look. So say goodbye to this one, and look forward to a little less *ehem* clutter, and a little more fun.

    And finally, (you may laugh) I did something about the plastic grocery bags that were slowly spreading through the kitchen cabinet like The Blob. Again, I considered making something, like one of those fabric bag holders, but just didn't have space for something floppy. So, I tore the wrappers off of two empty oatmeal boxes (the 42 oz ones) to reveal their simple cardboard brown, and decorated them a bit before stuffing them full of an unbelievable number of plastic bags. So even though it may sound silly, I though I would share with you how oatmeal boxes turn out to be quite attractive for storage.

 We make a lot of granola and hot cereal around here.

 

 ^This picture makes it look a bit like a cup of coffee from a cafe.^

So, simple and silly? Yes. 

But helpful too.

2010 Handmade Christmas Gifts II

For the second instillation of Christmas gifts, I am proud to present you with...

Project #5 Penny Whistle for Seth (made by Nathanael)

    

   This gift may be plain in appearance, but the sound it makes is magical. Nathanael and I had a hard time giving this one away; he because he loved playing it, and I because I was constantly serenaded from the moment he carved the last hole. In general I appreciate penny whistles, but the fact that he used a low D scale on this one allows for the most lovely music. The body of the whistle was constructed out of PVC, and the inside of the mouth piece (as you can see below) is made of wax infused pine. The top of the whistle is detachable so that you can create pipes that produce different scales, while using the same mouth piece (the most time consuming portion, especially considering the time to carve the wood and boil it in wax).

 

I hope he makes another soon.

 Project #6 Blue Jean Potholder for my Dad

 You may recall that we made some blue jean potholders last year as well. This year I made one for my Dad to match the Blue Jean Apron Nathanael made for him last year, and also because a heavy duty potholder always comes in handy. The design is modified from last year to allow more grasping flexibility (since the fabric is so thick), and to prevent any holes from forming where the thumb meets the hand...a very important area to protect...very very important.

During the gift exchange some people voted to add eyes and teeth to make it a shark.

But even plain, it can be stylish in all sorts of settings.

Project #7 Blue Jean Apron for Nathanael's Dad (made by Nathanael)

After last year's apron for my Dad came out so stunningly (sorry, we actually posses no pictures of that one, folks), we decided Nathanael's Dad would probably love one too. Nathanael composed this rugged apron out of a single pair of jeans, in a single day. He always amazes me. The strap pulls through the sides on the upper portion of the apron, creating a completely adjustable neckline without the need for knots, and all pockets remain intact for carrying small kitchen necessities.

Nathanael's Dad is taller and more broad shouldered, so it fits him quite nicely...if you think it looks silly on Nathanael you should see it on my short self.

 This is pretty much kitchen armor you are looking at.

Isn't he skilled?

I Like Turtles.

 

In my last post I mentioned having recycled a shredded pillowcase, so here is the second project salvaging some of that material. Since I was motivated to sew, I decided I would sew whatever I wanted, so after the clothespin bag I wanted to make a gift for one of the (many) babies soon to be born to my friends. Sewing projects for infants are common, but I wanted to make something that would not be grown out of too quickly. Inspired by the simplicity of uglydolls, which provide no choking hazards but are a little bit creepy, I decided upon a turtle. The list of patterns I have created on my own is very short...ok, this may be the first one, but much to my surprise it worked without a single problem! That is until the thin, old fabric tore as I was stuffing the turtle's little legs. I almost stopped then, to add it to my half completed projects and move on, but Nathanael told me to keep going. So, I patched the turtle's wounds, gave it some hand-sewn detail to compliment its roughness, and voila! The turtle prototype for my future baby gifts. I am actually kind of glad it ripped, because now I get to keep it and remember fondly how I purchased the pillow case at a yardsale before college (against the advice of people who told me it was a creepy thing to do).

   

 My finished turtle is about six and a half inches long.  He is made of 100% cotton, inside and out.

 

His solid green body used to be the base of the pillowcase and his colorblocked shell used to be the decorative edge fabric. I was not able to find such super fabrics at the fabric store this weekend, but I think future turtles will still turn out satisfactory and squishable.

And he comes out of his shell! Which is a completely inaccurate representation of turtles to young children, but so fun. I am sure I would have preferred this falsehood as a child.
What do you guys think?
Would your child / friend / younger-self approve of this toy?

Brightening Laundry Day

In September I read nine books, plus one with Nathanael. None of them were bad books, but neither did any of them live up to the expectations I had when I borrowed them from the library. This, and the fact that the refrigerator was packed with leftovers (and I am doing my best not to be addicted to cooking), prompted me to say to Nathanael on Sunday,"I am going to paint today." It was a nice idea. Unfortunately, the amazing and creative images that flash through my mind as I fall asleep dissipate before the afternoon; I was not able to think of a design for my canvas. Not wanting to waste my creative motivation, I decided to sew a clothes pin bag for myself. I needed one. No more carrying clothespins in my pockets.
 I went in search of a pattern and ended up finding a really neat design for a tear drop clothespin bag, which stays open on its own. For fabric I used a green pillow case that was torn to bits (never put a Euro pillow in a ~40yr old standard pillowcase), and some yellow floral fabric that I purchased a few years ago during a Joann Fabrics sale.
I am pretty excited about this bag.

First, because it looks really suave. I kind of want to find more uses for it and make another one. I would hang it on our door for full of candy for trick-or-treaters if there weren't danger of the first kid taking all of the candy. Secondly, because it was a really quick project and has inspired me to attempt to complete (or at least work on) a creative project each weekday. Third, because it is just one of a series of projects from my destroyed pillowcase, and I think you will enjoy seeing all of them in the days to come.

 If you want to make one of your own have a look at this pattern by Leisl . I think there is a printable pattern on there, but I just freehanded mine on a piece of packing paper. 

 Inside my extra long loop I put some braided string, just incase the old fabric would not stand up to the job.

This is the bag laid flat, before topstiching.

In action.

 The apartment clotheslines do not have hooks beside them, so Nathanael helped me devise a way to hang the bag from the clothesline itself. I think it's pretty nifty. I also plan to put a button on the back, to loop around for easier storage indoors, but I am still in search of the right button.

Getting Rid of Your Junk

Nathanael and I will be moving soon, and even though we tried to only carry things that we really wanted into the apartment in the first place, there are some things that we really should eliminate from our lives instead of carting down into a new climate zone. I am glad to say that most of the things that we will get rid of are things we no longer want because they are seriously worn out (like shoes, toothbrushes, and clothing), but we would still feel really wasteful throwing some of those things away. My old shoes may hurt my knees, but they have so much good rubber on them!
Just in time for moving season I have come across a list of good places to recycle various things that you need to get rid of (In the United States), but would rather not see in the garbage truck. I found most of these websites in the book This Green House by Joshua Piven, which has some fun how to ideas including building a plunger washing machine, making a sink on the back of your toilet, building a bat house, and converting a normal home roof into a growing space.

FURNITURE and building components such as Windows and Flooring
Second Change Inc. will pick up donations anywhere in the Baltimore, Philidelphia or Washington D.C. areas, and even has building deconstruction services so that as little as possible will be put to waste.

COMPUTERS and other Tech items
Depending on where you live, there may be electronic donation bins at goodwill, office supply stores, and some grocery stores; where companies such as Dell or Motorola will collect and re-use components, or refurbish items for schools, libraries or low income families. These items shouldn’t be disposed with household garbage since most contain heavy metals, and honestly, many usable parts which should not just build up in landfills.
Reconnect also has drop boxes around the country which have no limitations concerning brand of hardware, and you can search for locations on their website.

DISKS and TAPES and PRINTER CARTRIDGES
Most people have probably attempted to refill their own printer cartridges, and most people probably gave up and have a small collection of empty ones somewhere. I on the other hand have a collection of new cartridges from printers that broke before I used my purchased ink. Whatever your situation check out Green Disk, where they will accept all kinds of things that you have to admit to yourself are useless to you now that technology has moved on. (Some office supply stores also accept these type things, and will even give you coupons for new items in exchange.)

CLOTHING
Most of us are pretty aware of Salvation Army and Goodwill, which will both take virtually any clean clothing donations, in addition to many household and furniture items. Since all of the money from selling those items is used to assist struggling families, you have the option of receiving a receipt for tax deduction purposes. Also, if your clothing is very current in style and only gently worn you may want to search out a thrift store in your area; you may be able to make a good amount of money reselling your items. (I made around $80 one year reselling hand-me-downs I acquired from other people.)
If you have growing children who aren’t too hard on their clothing you might check out Thred Up, where you can swap boxes of kids clothes with other families around the country.
If you have unused girls formal wear you may also want to check out Donate My Dress, The Glass Slipper Project or Enchanted Closet. All three provide prom and formal dance attire for girls who need a little assistance.

SHOES
I always have the hardest time throwing shoes away. I always try to think of something I could make out of the leather, plastic and rubber, but I have yet to come up with anything. My shoes never fit into the lightly worn category, but if yours do check out Shoe4Africa, which ships your shoes to happy recipients in Kenya, who earn them by winning footraces. If your shoes are like mine consider Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe, which turns any brand of old sports shoes into rubber playing surfaces for sport fields and playgrounds.

BOOKS
If you’re in a hurry, donating your unwanted books to a thrift store or library is the quickest option, but if you have a little time and half.com is a little too much hassle, check out Paperback Swap or Book Mooch both places allow you to simply enter the ISBN of your books and post them for others to request. If someone chooses your book you ship it and receive a point, allowing you to request any book available. It’s a very straightforward process it gets your books to the people that want them. Nathanael and I have been using our acquired points to order books by George MacDonald and other classic authors.

OTHER
If you have other things hanging around, check out Earth911, which has tips on how to recycle unconventional items, as well as some other interesting articles on ecomyths, home efficiency and current events. I used this website to find a nearby location where I could drop off used batteries for proper disposal.

Brighten your plate, begin with your windowsill.

I have frequently mentioned the produce that Nathanael and I have grown together in our garden, most notably the pumpkins, but I know that many of you do not foresee gardening in your path this summer. For most of you it is lack of land or frequent change in living arrangements that prevent you from producing some of your own food, even though the concept is enticing. For those of you with this problem I would like to recommend a website I recently stumbled upon within the bbc network of websites. Whether you have a little backyard patch, a balcony, or just a windowsill in your apartment or office, the slideshows and articles at DIG IN will explain the best vegetables to grow in small spaces, how to plant and care for them, and provide links for cooking them if you are interested. Pumpkins are not on the list, but I encourage you to try growing some beans or carrots, which have so much more flavor when they are from the garden and not the grocery store.
Another fun thing to remember is that you don't need to purchase conventional pots at the garden store if you'd rather not. Be creative and recycle plastic containers, chipped dishware, and other household objects as long as you are able to punch holes to provide the appropriate drainage for your chosen crops.
If you have a hard time deciding on your plants, I vote purple carrots.

Christmas presents…unwrapped (II).

The internet has been down in the library for the last two weeks or so, which has delayed the posting of this blog and many of my lesson planning efforts. But, I must say, I have read two good books in the meantime and started a third. Here are the rest of the presents Nathanael and I created.

Project #4 Blue-jean potholders




Even though we were given a potholder for a wedding gift, Nathanael and are constantly encountering the need for more skin area to be protected from pans and the hot foods they carry. Pumpkin puree is especially explosive and has caused me more than one burn. Thus, the baking mitts we designed cover a large arm area and are insulated with multiple layers of cotton batting as well as a reflective fabric and cotton lining. The recycled blue-jean exterior and cotton interior should help them wear and wash well. Unfortunately, since the blue-jeans were the only recycled materials this was one of our more expensive projects.

Project #5 Cashmere purse
For Nathanael's Mom I created a purse out of a recycled pink Cashmere sweater. I didn't have a pattern, but tried to utilize each piece of the sweater (sleeve, front, back) as well as I could. In the end I used all but a few small scraps of the material, and created something one of a kind. This project as well as the stuffed pig and chicken have really inspired me to find uses for out of style sweaters.
(Sorry, I forgot to take photos of this one, as well as the next two.)

Project #6 Blue-jean apron
Nathanael's first present to me while we were dating was an apron that he made for me out of some neat canvas material. My Mom recently mentioned that my Dad could really use a nice tough apron for all of his cooking endeavors both at home and for the events he caters for our church. So, Nathanael decided to fashion him an apron out of a recycled pair of blue jeans. The result was sturdy and really stunning, I will try to collect a few photos of this one from my parents.

Project #7 Homemade fudge
Nathanael has been really excited to make fudge for me from an old candy book he has from the 1930's. He made two recipes, a chocolate fudge and a ginger fudge as stocking stuffers for his family. The ginger fudge was flavored with ginger brandy, which strangely makes it taste like ginger ale.


Project #8, 9, 10, 11, 12 , and 13 Hand bound notebooks with handmade covers

Micah's notebook





For each of Nathanael's brothers I made a handmade notebook. The covers were each 6 to 8 layers of plastic shopping bags that I melted with an iron between layers of tissue paper, then trimmed, sewed the edges (on Nathanael's old black Singer), and then bound over pages of graph paper. Most of them (all but Micah's) had drilled bindings, and each one had a different pattern of binding stitches. Since four of the six had two or more snaps, Nathanael spent most of Christmas Eve hidden away from his family, sewing them on for me.


Judah's notebook





Almost all notebooks

Christmas presents…unwrapped (I).

Nathanael and I worked very hard in the days of December to finish all the gifts we could. In the end we locked ourselves away Christmas Eve to work on sewing and wrapping until dinner time, and we still owe one family member their gift. Here are our first three projects…

Project #1 Pumpkin butter


became




This is a homemade, homegrown gift that Nathanael and I gave to some of our friends as well as our parents. It was a little bit time consuming, but did not require much more than time and the pumpkin we already had. Even though it only used a small fraction of our pumpkin harvest, we were glad to share it in some way.
pumpkin 7729
7890 Pumpkin butter The recipe I used was brought to my attention by my former roommate Lucy, and is posted here.

Project #2 Knitting needle holder






I wanted to make my Mom something that needed and that she would see often so that it could brighten her day. I decided to sew a knitting needle holder (shown unfinished above), because her former method of knitting needle storage was to keep them in a large pasta tin with Italian words all over it. The tin was a little bit cumbersome as well as loud to carry with all of the needles dancing around in there. The pattern I designed will allow Mom to sort her needles by size and roll them into a case that ties with a ribbon. I fashioned the case out of a recycled shirt and a piece of fabric from the tailor that was formerly the hem of a satin dress. The only purchased materials were the thread and the ribbon.


Project #3 Sweater animals



One of my sisters is really difficult to choose gifts for, and the other is pleased with everything. In the last few years I have tried to give them really interesting books, but since one is a student and the other is building a house, neither have had any time to read them, so I have given up on educating them for Christmas. This year I made them each an animal out of a recycled, purple, cotton sweater (stuffed with cotton batting). I hope that they will enjoy them and someday pass them on to their kids, who can sleep with them without the presence of any plastics.

Descriptions and pictures of our other projects coming soon...