Sewing Success!

I've been wanting a brand new chalk bag for climbing.  But, being the budget minded, crafty person I am, I decided there was no sense in spending money on one when I can make one for free!  So, that's just what I did.

I went through my fabric stash and found some leftovers that I loved.  I also went through my collection of webbing, belts, buckles and other doodads that I've saved from old worn out purses, bags, backpacks, etc. and found the other supplies I needed.  

I finally got started on it this morning after working on some ideas in my head for a couple of weeks.  I went with some of my original ideas but figured stuff out along the way.  Here's the result...

I love how it turned out and I'm so excited to use it!

The finished size is 5" across and 7 1/2" tall.

For anyone who doesn't rock climb and may be wondering....chalk is used to keep hands from being sweaty and slippery.  Chalk is carried in the bag and the bag is clipped to the harness so it's easily accessible whenever it's needed.

Instead of spending $25 or more on a chalk bag I now have one for free. And, it's unique...no one else in the world will have one exactly like it.  I'm so excited!  Yay for sewing success, recycling, and using stuff in the stash!  :-D

Wine Socks

I made a ruffly bottle sleeve a few years ago and I love it!  I use it all the time.

It works great to catch the little drips that run down the bottle and can leave a ring on the counter.

Since it works so well, I wanted to make more.  I have some yarn left over sock yarn from my 

Zion hat.  It's the perfect color for catching drips of dark wine without worrying about stains.

So, I knitted one up.  Then, my daughter liked it so much that she asked for one.

It was fun and quick and the colors are perfect for someone else I know.

So, I now have three...

I decided to leave the ruffle off of these.

I like how they look with their cute little stripes.

I used size one double point needles and cast on 32.  I divided them onto four needles with eight stitches on each.  Then, I simply did a knit three, purl one rib for about 26 rows or about two inches and bound off in the same rib stitching.  I tucked in the ends and...voila...cute little wine socks!  

I was a bit short on wine.  So, I just HAD to buy a few bottles for the photo shoot! ;-)

Cheers!