This is a small project I made not long ago. I'm especially happy with it, as I didn't use a pattern, just stitched straight onto the fabric, and made it up as I went along. It's a pretty simple design, but I like it.





It's stitched with DMC Medici wool on some scraps of bright green silk. Split stitch filling for the elephant, then a few simple decorative stitches (french knots, chain, spider web etc.) Doctors wool flannel pages inside the needle book. I made the cords with the Medici wool too. The picture could be better, sorry, but my camera didn't manage any close-ups. (--I've added a scan which shows the detail better.)

Would love to hear your comments  

[beautifully]

That's a gorgeous package Serenthia, lucky you!

Speaking of very lucky people, I heard a mysterious beeping at my front door this morning ...



... ROBOTS!! Not just one, but a whole robot army!



Narrowly avoiding the savage attack cat, they marched in, as robots do. Before I knew it, they had invaded my study, and started helping me with my thesis. You see, these aren't your ordinary, run-of-the-mill robots, they're thesis bots!



Frustration bot provides a listening ear antenna, and doesn't complain if squished fiercely. (He is beautifully embroidered.)



Computer bot (fabulously feline, complete with mouse attached) has mastered my computer.



Clearthought bot just loves old German tomes...



... and no pile of books is too big for Reference bot and Organiser bot!



It's a little hard to see in my photos, but each one is beautifully detailed - amazing work.

Thank you so much KW, you are an awesome swap partner. I love these little guys, and I know they will make the thesis go much more smoothly!

I made this for the aussie just one thing swap (http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=345897.0)

Kitten Wrangler had communism and political propaganda/iconography as one of her themes. I'd been wanting to do something with recycling books. And it all just came together...



The outside cover



On the inside, it's a needlework project holder ...



... complete with little red needle book and star pincushion (these are silk dupion with raw silk pages in the needlebook)



It was lots of fun to make, and I think it made KW laugh too. I have a lot of old books, and I'm enjoying coming up with ideas to turn them into usable things.

Oh, and in case you cringe at the idea of book dissection, this used to be an early 1980s recipe book with lots of advertising and cheesy pictures - amusing, but no great loss to world literature. I picked out the funniest pages and sewed them together into bigger sheets to use as wrapping paper. So now I also have themed wrapping paper (fondue, box wine, kiwifruit, etc.)!

I've been inspired by Craftster to have a go at the recycled book bag idea (thanks Craftster!). And I love recycling old ties, and thought they'd work well together. I’m sure I’m not the first person to have thought of combining old books and old ties, but I’m still proud. My first completed Craftster project!





Both peasy AND easy, it took a lot less time than I thought it would. 1 book, 2 ties (all dark blue and gold), and a scrap of felt to cover the bottom. I just used glue, so it's really only up to light handbag duties (great for mincing about at art openings), rather than anything heavy duty (not recommended for scouring op-shops for new supplies).

I'm going try stitching one next I think. Suggestions and tips welcome!

I haven't got pictures of my stuff, 'cause I kept giving them away!!

I have made these little designs before, from Jane Nicholas. janenicholas.com




I love making the bees, with their fuzzy bodies and little wired wings. I made a few just on their own, in tiny gold frames. Of course you don't have to use traditional designs, you can use these techniques for all sorts of things. However there are a LOT of hours involved.