Time to Crochet....

I have been wanting to make another totebag. The other one needs a lining which I am going to sew. Everything is always slipping out of it, its so annoying. This new tote I am making I am definitely going to make a lining preferably in black. There are many crochet projects that I want to make this summer. Realistically I won't be able to. But anyway here goes. One childs poncho, pair of socks, and sweater from Big Girl Knits. This book has some many beautiful patterns. I feel like I bought the book to look at it. I really need to try something new. The fact of the matter is I really don't have any yarn except sock yarn. So I am aiming for a chunky knit sweater. I am not ready for something fine knit. I don't have patience for something that takes long, call me lazy whatever. I like things that work fast. I am going to treat myself to some yarn tonight. The little shop Mona has Lion Brand yarn. Can you believe it? Wool ease. Here is a little pic of my almost tote. I have completed only the bottom. Macrame is so cheap here. I really want to get more. I think the sisters would like to have crocheted bags here. Maybe I can make a little money and sell some.

Finished tote!

I finally sewed on the straps. I really didn't have enough fabric. Me and my friend Hala are going to attempt to make some really cool bags from this book named "Sew many bags so little time". I ordered it from Crafters Choice(great book club) I really like this book. It's very good for beginners and has lots of cute little projects. Here is a little pic of the tote bag. Once I start sewing, I couldn't stop.

Making a tote bag....

I started to make this tote bag so I can carry my sewing stuff to class. Its really cute so far. I have to make the straps. What is the best way to put straps? Probably the best way is to have the straps go from one side to the bottom and then up the other side. I just don't want the straps to rip off the sides of the bag. I bought the fabric in a sewing shop in Brooklyn. Boy, do I miss that shop called, "Sew Materialistic". The fabric in this place is beautiful. They don't have fabric like that in Egypt. It's printed with chocolates that you might find in a chocolate gift box. Yummy.

Got a sewing machine today...

I have been going to sewing classes with my friends in Zaituun. We learned how to create patterns by measuring ourselves. Really, I have been wanting to learn how to do this for such a long time. My crochet and loom knitting partner Hala told me about the classes and for 30 LE a month, its not bad, its actually awesome.

My friend Wafaa gave me a classic singer sewing machine. When I say its classic, its classic. It works pretty good too. I am so thrilled. So of course my daughters want me to teach them. I just have to wait until I get a little more skilled.

In class today we made a pattern for a skirt. Since I didn't have fabric, we used the brown paper as imaginary fabric. What we made was a nice fitted skirt. Now just imagine, the lady doesn't speak a word of english. Good thing I understood what she was saying most of the time. Its a good thing the tape measure has english numbers. LOL. She speaks the local ameyah language. Her name is Wafaa too. She is such a sweet lady.

Speaking of language. I have to go back to school and continue my learning. Really, how can anyone go to arabic school and its getting so hot out here? I tell you it was hot in Zaituun today. We went to a local fabric shop and Wafaa bought some fabric to make pajamas. I need to make some for my boys too.

Things I would love to learn how to make:
Jilbab(islamic attire)
Hijabs (islamic attire)
Pants
Tote bag (I already crocheted one, now I have to sew one)
Quilts(i love quilting_
Dolls

So I googles free patterns and I got some really good websites that have so many free patterns.
http://www.freepatterns.com/
http://www.sewingfreebies.com/
http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns
http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/653.asp