I Made A Shoulder Bag Out Of Trousers

These lovely trousers had an unfortunate experience in the washing machine. They were not washed on the correct heat setting, causing the fabric to shrink. To make matters more awkward for the pants, the lining of the pants are made of a different material, which is resistant to shrinking. So, the lining was longer than the pants. I decided to keep the pants to use for a craft project. I wasn't certain what I would do with them, but I don't like to throw away good material. I never know when I'll be inspired.

Lately, I've been wanting a new bag that I could throw over my shoulder that could not only hold essentials, but also a lunch. I needed a bag with ample space. I measured the pants, starting at the crotch, to decide a suitable length for shorts. Perhaps sometime, late summer, I'll fashion some "Zoe Hart" inspired shorts. I set aside the top of the pants and used the legs to make a bag. I saved the lining to use to line the bag. Cutting along the inseam, I had a large amount of fabric for the front and back of the bag. I used another pair of brown trousers to use for the handles and for a outside pocket for my cell phone.

I used an assembly method based on that used for a basic tote bag. The end result being a very roomy bag that is 17 in. x 21 in. This will give me plenty of space to carry my wallet, my cell phone, an emergency make-up kit, a folder and a lunch. It would also be great for those long days where I'm running errands.

 It will be fun to make some late Summer/ early Fall shorts, in a few months. For now, I'm just going to enjoy the warm weather, while we have it. I look forward to more baking, gardening and crafting over this summer. All of which I will share, until then..~ Toodahloo!

Time Killer Addictions

There will be no photos in this blog, that would take too much time! I really need to admit to some ridiculous time killers that I have been indulging in a bit too much, as of late. I think that the harsh winter was a big contributor to this problem. The snow would not stop coming, which meant that I was stuck inside a lot. Ordinarily, I would curl up with a good book and read whilst sipping hot cocoa. However, this winter, I was far too agitated to read. So, I killed time with the screen. Armed with Netflix, Hulu, Youtube and Video On Demand I'm never without something to watch.
Some of the shows that I watch are a favorite among many, while others are simply questionable. SO, here's my list of time killers in no particular order:
1) Orphan Black on BBCAmerica- This show is ridiculously amazing; it's a bit of sci-fi, mixed with action and mystery. The plot is enough to keep any nerds sucked in, but I'm particularly interested in watching the show, not just because of the plot, but because I love spotting the actors from other Canadian shows. It's amazing how many actors who've appeared on the show "Heartland" have also been on this show, as well as other shows like "Haven," "Emily Of New Moon" and "Being Human" (U.S. version).
2) Moone Boy featured on Hulu, this show is so flipping funny! I can relate to the main character, as I would have been the same age as him during the time period that the show is set. The main character has an imaginary friend played be Chris O'Dowd. If you've ever watched "The IT Crowd" you'll know how hilarious he is. The nostalgia and innocence of the show is endearing and the comedy is so delightful. I could watch this show all day.
3) My Drunk Kitchen seen on Youtube, the web series features Hannah Harto as she endeavors to create culinary masterpieces while consuming copious amounts of wine. Sometimes, she has guests who help her make edible disasters, all while she throws puns at the viewer. I can sit to watch one video and an hour will pass before I realize what I've done!
4) Endeavour seen on Netflix, it's a sort of prequel to the series Inspector Morse. Set in 1960's Oxford, the men wear suits (with skinny ties), the featured detectives drive a Jaguar, there's some opera music, mystery, side burns, mid century modern sets, mod clothing, and delicious British accents. This show is very irresistible. Really, I don't feel the least bit guilty about watching this show.
5) Pixiwoo make up tutorials. This is also seen on Youtube and features the delightful Chapman sisters, Nic and Sam. These makeup artists are from Norwich, so again I'm pulled in by the accent. Also, they are very personable, they're my age, so it feels like one of my gal pals teaching me how to execute the perfect cat eye. Although, try as I might, I'll never duplicate their looks exactly, the tutorials are so engaging.  A bit of warning: Once you've watched a few of their videos, you'll start watching their brothers videos and their friends videos, and their future sisters in- laws makeup tutorials and her friends videos. Seriously, it's a big community, but they are all delightful and they'll make you laugh and introduce you to beauty products you never knew were possible.
There are a few other time killers that I won't even get into, because it's far too embarrassing (ahem, TOWIE). I am now starting to experience sunshine, singing birds, dandelions and blossoms. I think these time killers will now be experienced at night when I"m too tired to function. It would be a shame to be pasty looking, when I could get some fresh air outside. Then again, there's always time on rainy days. Until next time~ Toodahloo!

Baked Goods

Last Friday, I had a craving for Hot Cross Buns. This is something that I, usually, only make once a year. I think I rarely make these, because it is such a long process and it requires more patience than I have. However, I had the craving, and so I made them.

A few days before that, I baked cookies. I had the house to myself and I was bored and decided the best way to spend my time was by baking. I played Take That in the background as I spent the afternoon baking chocolate - chocolate mint cookies.

I used a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe, with a few additions.

 



To the dry ingredients, I added 3/4 cup of baking cocoa powder. This makes a very dark chocolate cookie base.

Then, I unwrapped a package of individually wrapped mint chocolate wafer candies and chopped those into chunks to use in place of chocolate chips. Although it was a tedious task, the end result was super yummy!








Now that the holidays have come and gone, I'm a bit tired of baking, so I think I'll take a break from that. I'm very excited to have my sewing machine fixed so that I may resume some sewing crafts. I have a tote bag project that I'm working on and when I finish that, I'll post about it. Also, the weather is warmer and even though we might get some snow tonight (sadly I'm not joking) I'll soon be cleaning up the yard and beginning my Spring time work on the herb garden. This week is a busy week, but I do hope to get some sort of project successfully completed.... that would be fabulous! Until then~ Toodahloo!

Thrifting For Creativity

Spring is in the air. Even though another snow storm might be arriving this weekend, the birds are chirping, today, and the sun is shining! For the past few weeks, I have been hunting on Pinterest for craft inspiration. After much pinning, I have a list of projects to work on. I like to go to the thrift store to find my supplies for my craft projects. Last week, I went to my local thrift shop and found five t-shirts and two books for a total of $5.00. One of the t-shirts I used in a craft project that I did yesterday. The book on birds I intend to use for this year's nature journaling. The copy of the book Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier is a nice hardcover book (as is the bird book) with a fun art work on the dust jacket. I grabbed the book after seeing in on a list of books everyone must read, online. So, I couldn't resist snagging it. It should be a fun read on a warm sunny day, this summer.

Earlier, this week, I went to another thrift shop while I was on a girls day out with my bestie. I went there looking for a the game Guess Who? and the game Operation. Then, I found a copy of the soundtrack to the movie Elf, such fun holiday music! I also found a denim skirt that was on sale for 1/2 price, which was a nice bonus, because I wanted another skirt for the summer.



I was in search for the game, Guess Who?, after seeing an amazing craft project on Pinterest where some very crafty Whovian actually drew each Doctor, some of his companions and some of his nemeses. This clever little Whovian then put those pictures in the slots of the original Guess Who? characters, and thus, they had  Guess Doctor Who?! I know! I want to track down that brilliant Whovian and make them some fish fingers and custard! I wish I could remember the exact link to that awesome craft, but it can be found on Pinterest.

I wanted the get the game Operation after I saw "Sherlock" playing the game on the show Sherlock. I forgot how much I loved that game. So, when I saw it at the thrift store for $.99, I was very happy. I was even happier when I opened the game and discovered that the only piece missing was the Adam's Apple. I can easily make another Adam's Apple with polymer clay. So, the 99 cent investment was well worth the effort.

So, this week will be filled with a lot of crafting. I still have so much more that I wish to do, but it all hangs on what I can find at the thrift shop.  I like the challenge of using what I can find at the thrift shop for crafts; it's almost like Iron Chef, but with fabric, thread, paint and hot glue instead of potatoes, marshmallows and catfish.  I hope to keep this updated on this blog, as well as any other baking, and etc. that I take the time to do. Until then~ Toodahloo!

March And The Unbreakable Lion

Today is March 25th; according to the calendar, this means that the current season is, in fact, Spring. However, if I look out my window, my eyes see a few feet of snow on the ground. There is so much snow, that the glare from the sun hitting the snow hurts my eyes. The sunshine is, most certainly, Spring sunshine. These sunny days do bring a glimmer of hope that, eventually, I'll see grass on the ground. At first, it won't be pretty green grass, but the muddy and dead brown grass.. still, it won't be snow.

The channel playing in the other room is informing me of a nor'easter coming my way. Yes, another messy snow storm is heading for New England. This has been an ongoing plot line this winter. Now that it's Spring, I'd really like a reprieve from all the fluffy white stuff. The long winter is common in New England. The transition from Winter to Spring is always unpredictable. Most New England residents find a way to make the most of the weather. They take advantage of the snow for outdoor recreation, or they use that time to catch up on their reading or another hobby that gets neglected over the summer months. I've done all of these things and now, I'm ready to transition into Spring.

Did I mention a nor'easter heading my way? This puts a bit of a crimp in my plans. However, it's not all doom and gloom and Ladytoesocks will not be bothered. Over the next few weeks, I will be preparing for warm weather, because it is coming. Once the warm weather is here, I want to take full advantage of it. So, I've decided to begin my Spring cleaning next week. While the outdoors still looks like it's January, I'll be indoors, clearing away clutter, cleaning curtains, dusting, removing cobwebs and pine needles and all of the winter debris. This way, once the nice weather arrives I'll have the free time to spend on my garden.

There are other ways in which I have avoided the blues, grays and all around blahs. I have re-introduced summer treats, while indoors. The things that I enjoy doing and treats I enjoy eating, I play with now. I bought myself a hula hoop! Yes, the prices of hula hoops drop tremendously during the winter months. So, I bought one for a few dollars and it's fantastic! Not only is it fun, but it's surprisingly excellent exercise; it also lifts my spirits. I like to hula while I watch re-runs of Merlin on Netflix. Another trick that I like to use is, I like to make myself a treat, like a nice latte and watch the show McLeod's Daughters on either Hulu or Netflix. No matter how cold it is on that show, Australia always looks far warmer than New England. On that show, they spend a lot of time outdoors, riding horses or driving around in their utes, or sitting on their veranda, drinking beer and eating summery food. Sigh, it almost makes me forget that it's cold outside.

The next few weeks will be filled with preparations for warmer weather and more crafting, all of which I look forward to sharing with you! Until next time~ Toodahloo!



Fighting A Cold...

 

 

This is what my desk, typically, looks like each morning. Lately, I haven't had the energy to be tremendously crafty. I have been fighting a cold for a few weeks now, and it really is physically draining. Last week, I felt better and I decided to crack down on my sewing machine. I removed the plate and I REALLY gave the machine a deep cleaning. I felt like this would resolve my problem with my stitches catching. So, I did a test run and the stitches are now fine; however, the foot which feeds the fabric it set too low. I gave the machine another look and it turns out that the plate wasn't put back into place, properly, after I cleaned it. For some reason, I can't seem to move it. I decided to set it aside and try again on another day. Then, my cold came back again. Apparently, this is how this particular cold works. I have been taking things easy and not jumping into projects that might be too messy.



 

Rather than, working on the projects that I want to work on, I've been researching topics on Pinterest and finding some inspiration. I did bake some really delicious pumpkin muffins with dark chocolate chips. They are large muffins that are big on taste. I used a recipe that I found in a Yankee Magazine cookbook. Like most of my baking, I adapted the recipe to suit the ingredients that I had on hand. In the afternoon, it's lovely to sit with a cup of dark roast coffee and a pumpkin muffin and either browse Pinterest, read the blogs that I follow or watch a show online.

 

Speaking of shows, the upside to January is the television programming. Since it is way too cold to do anything outside, and I'm too sick with cold to desire the outdoors, it's the perfect time to get cozy and watch tv. January has treated me with "Downton Abbey," "Sherlock," "Pretty Little Liars," and the US version of "Being Human."

 

Lately, "Pretty Little Liars" has gone to a new level of creepy and since I've been watching so much "Sherlock" I can't help but wonder how he would solve the mystery of "A" if he were to take on the case. I'm pretty certain that I know who is the mysterious -A. I know that the show is trying to set it up to look like one character, but I think they are doing that to throw off the fans. Although, I will not say who I think it is, I will say that I have suspected this character for a while, but the show would move into another direction and distract me. After this weeks episode, I decided that my theory was right. Then, since I don't have much to do, but watch tv, I watched episodes from previous seasons on Netflix and found more clues to support my theory. It could be that I've watched one too many episodes of "Sherlock" ( can one, really, watch too much Sherlock?), but I'm certain about this.

It's time for a fresh cup of coffee and a muffin. Once I feel better, I should craft something. If not, I find something else to keep me entertained. Until then~ Toodaloo!

What's Going In My Bag?

Happy Friday to my readers! I have watched many vlogs on Youtube, in which some of my favorite vloggers featured the inner workings of their handbags. In these telling vlogs, all sorts of random necessities are removed from the bags; followed by either confusion, repulsion, excitement and or embarrassment expressed by the vlogger.
Today, I thought that it would be more fun for me to reveal what I'm packing into my handbag. Before I begin, I should first explain that I am one of those people who like to me prepared for any situation. ** Also, any brand names that appear in my bag are supplies that I purchased or was gifted by others and I have not been paid to show these objects. I just happen to like these products, and I'm not being paid to say so.** So, here it goes.....

 

I like to make little emergency kits. I re-use plastic bags from other travel kits. They are great to have in a handbag, because they zip up (keeping items from falling out), the plastic is easy to clean and it's easy to find needed items since the bag is clear. In this kit, I have a miniature sewing kit (which includes many extra safety pins), bandages, pain reliever, hand sanitzer, mouthwash, toothpaste (not pictured), hand salve, ointment and cuticle cream.

 

This emergency kit is more for cosmetic emergencies. Included in this kit is: more hand sanitizer, lip balm, face moisturizer, eye liner, mini-mascara, eye shadow stick, rose pink lip balm (which can double as a blush). I also have hair ties, clips and a miniature mirror. I think I should add some pressed powder in the future; but for now, this will do.

 

 

Here is the rest of the things I'm packing in my handbag. I have my two kits, gum, mints, granola bar, crackers, a baggie with green tea and instant coffee, a manicure kit, oil blotters, perfume samples, sunglasses, wallet, notebook, book lamp, cell phone, mp3 player, and yes.....a sonic screwdriver = the essentials!

 

 

All of the above fits, nicely, in my bag with room left for a kindle and any other extra snacks, lip sticks or techy toys! It is very organized and handy for any random scenario. This is how Ladytoesocks functions.

 

 

In other news, I cleaned my sewing machine and my fingers are crossed for a successful completion of my leg warmer project. I hope that it works so that I can move on to other projects.

 Until then~ Toodahloo!



 



It's Sunday and It's Finally Warm(ish)!

So, some of you may have heard, but for those who haven't, it's been a very frigid week in New England. Most days, I woke to temperatures of -10 to -20 F. The rest of the days didn't seem to get much above 5 degrees F. Taking my dog outside was a task that even he found to be painfully difficult. Although he did wear his jacket any time he was out doors, his legs and feet quickly felt the chill and he needed to be rescued. Mind you, I watched him from the window at all times, and the short time that he was out felt a lot longer...poor pooch.
Also, this week we experienced a massive snow storm, which reached blizzard conditions. The local schools were cancelled and all I wanted to do was stay inside, with blankets piled on top of me, while I sat and watched old episodes of "Manor House."
"Manor House" was a perfect choice for the week, since "Downton Abbey: Season 4" will be premiering on PBS this evening, and I can hardly wait. The ending to the Christmas special left me speechless, briefly, then a series of unpleasant words oozed out of my mouth. However, I had an odd feeling that something terrible would happen in the end, as things were just too lovely to remain and there was still 20 minutes left to the show. So, tonight will be a delight.
If you haven't watched "Manor House," it can be found online for streaming. It was on tv over a decade ago; PBS aired it, but I missed out when it was on then. I remember watching "The Victorian House" and I found the experiment to be very interesting. "The Manor House" is delightful, showing what life would have been like for those working downstairs for those who lived upstairs. The show is set during the time period of the first season of "Downton Abbey" and it also shows what life was like for the aristocracy. However, this series is far less romantic than DA, but as a reality series it's refreshing.
Finally, it reached 20 degrees F today; it felt so warm! Next week, Fred and I will return to home and we'll begin a new year of crafting, baking and crazies. If you get to watch DA, do enjoy yourself! Until next time~ Toodahloo!

My First Post For 2014!

Hello there, it's been over a month since my last post. It's been a very busy time for Lady Toesocks, So, when I last posted, I was still trying to work out some leg warmers. I decided to set that project aside until after the holidays. The project isn't at all difficult to attempt, it's more an issue with the sewing machine. I have been dreading the issue, but I am certain that I need to take the area around the bobbin apart and clean it. I had to do this last summer and it is a terrible chore to do. This is the sort of thing that I really didn't want to be bothered with during the holiday season.

Usually, I utilize my sewing machine for a number of projects during the holidays, as I tend to make numerous homemade gifts. However, this year I was too tired to do that. When I was home from work, I just wanted to rest. Even though my creative spirit desired projects, lack of time and energy forbade it. Really, between Thanksgiving and Christmas if I wasn't at work, I was running around preparing for the event, decorating, baking or wrapping gifts. It left little time for socializing or craft projects. I considered writing about my Christmas Eve baking, but I was too busy baking.

So, now that the holidays are winding down I will map out how I want to blog. I still have a few more Christmas mini celebrations with two friends left to enjoy. Right now, I am away from home, another holiday related excursion. In a few days I'll return home and can consider a plan for creativity. I should also sit down and give my machine a deep cleaning, in order to finish my leg warmers......

I hope that 2014 will bring on more inspiration for food and crafts projects. I also hope to read more, this year. Last year was dreadful when it came to my reading list. I also hope to start writing about other things that I enjoy, my frugal side. Here's to a new year and a whole year of possibility! Until next time~ Toodahloo!

Sewing Machine Whisperer

I have been wishing to craft a pair of leg warmers and a handy mug cuff. I decided, back in August, that I would wait until the Fall to do this. My intent was to devote the last of my summer to refashioning thrift store apparel. Well, the summer has come and gone and I did manage to refashion many thrift store finds. However, when it came to making those leg warmers, it was just something that I kept putting off. I can't explain why it seemed like such a task, but I procrastinated.
The other day, I finally convinced myself was that that day was THE day to make those leg warmers and a mug warmer/ mug cuff. First, I made the mug warmer, that was easy enough. Then, I made one leg warmer and that was a success. I was on a roll, as I had anticipated, the project was seemingly easy.  I wondered why I had waited so long to do this craft and I was relieved to have it done and to have something to post. Things were going swimmingly and everything was falling perfectly into place.
I began work on the second leg warmer, when things suddenly went wonky. First, the thread broke. Then, I finished sewing a line, only to discover that the thread had slipped out of the needle a few stitches in. Then, the sewing machine began to scream at me and an error code appeared on the display. After which, I had to take apart the machine and dig out a rats nest of thread around the bobbin. After a few failed attempts at the leg warmer, I decided to remain calm and walk away.
I have yet to resume the project. I feel that, after a little research, I can discover the source of the error and, from there, pick up where I left off. When I find my nerve, I'll complete the project and write about it.
I really wish that I was a sewing machine whisperer. It would be so nice to be able to say soothing words in a gentle tone and convince the sewing machine to do what I wish it to do. I've been using a sewing machine, off and on, for about 17 years and they are still a mystery to me. When those leg warmers are ready, I'll write then.
 Until then~ Toodahloo!

Only Two Days Until Halloween!

I finally logged on, after a long break, and discovered how long I've been away! I have been very busy with work and when I have a day off, I feel less than inspired. I have kept up with my normal Fall traditions. I've decorated the house, inside and out, I've made gallons of caramel corn and made a batch of squash doughnuts. However, I didn't bother to photograph any of this, because it would be a repeat of previous posts.

Lately, I have been wanting to make some leg warmers. I think about it, then I look at my sewing machine, then I come up with a reason NOT to work on a craft. It's not that I have lost my crafting mojo, it's just that I am taking a bit of a rest before the intense winter crafting tasks over. In the meantime, I have been cleaning and re-organizing my work space, and this is all in preparation for craft time.

I have also been working on various cocoa, coffee and tea drinks for the colder season. Mostly, I have been curling up, with my doggy and a hot cup of coffee and watching endless hours of shows on Netflix. For the most part, I watch re-runs of "Eureka," "Heartland" and "Haven." Since my day job involves a lot of time spent on a computer, the last thing that I want to do at the end of a long day is play on a computer. Instead, I want to bask in the comfort of an imaginary land, inhabited by Canadian actors.

Soon, I will map out which crafts I wish to make and decide when I will make the time to make them. Maybe I will write about my various hot beverage recipes.
 Until then~ Toodahloo!