We Heart Andy Samberg + An Update!

Today we're going to talk about two things:  What Happened the Last Two Months and Andy Samberg.  In order of importance. 

1.  First, Andy.

There he is!

photo courtesy of blog.rhapsody.com

Awhile (much too long) ago I posted pics of a face cozy I'd made along with a call for new face ideas for the next project.  I got a lot of requests for presidents.  And really, I mean, presidents are great.  I love presidents.  And America!  But this guy right here, this is really what I was looking for. 

Once I started thinking about it,  I realized that a cozy was quite clearly too small a canvas for the magnitude of dorky genius begging to be captured.  So I reframed the project, going all the way back to the roots of my celebrity crush:  Rod Kimble, as portrayed in the national gem of a movie, Hot Rod.

And this is what I got:

A favorite scene from Hot Rod translated into stitching.

 

Lettering.

Stitch Andy Samberg as Rod Kimble.

My stitch signature.

2.  Second, Update.

Gah.  Winter is weird.  Even this one, where I could still see the grass in February.  I have a very fragile psyche anytime after November, apparently regardless of annual snowfall percentages.  I was pretty much holding it together until I got myself entangled in The Awful Project.  Which we will not speak of, except to say that it basically killed any shred of will I had left to accomplish anything even borderline creative.  So I had to change tack for a few weeks, spending my time with the family or burying myself in kitchen therapy. (Wherein I learned how to make cheese.  CHEESE, people!  And what I have long suspected is apparently true:  cheese heals all.)

But its March now, and the cheese-making has worked its magic. It's time to come back. 

Your Face Here?

James, in thread and flannel.

Ah, the face cozy.  I mean, what's better than having your likeness immortalized in thread?  This guy is my bro-in-law in one of his more "Father Winter" phases.  (It can get pretty cold in MN.) A couple of years ago I made one of my sister, so I thought it was only fair they both had one. 

I'm currently in the midst of what is, for me, a pretty ambitious hand-stitching project (I'm afraid to call it embroidery because I'm self-taught and therefore assume to be somehow less legit).  But of course in the middle of one thing, I have great visions for what's next.  Which is a whole series of face cozies.  Featuring what faces, I haven't decided yet.  Maybe you have a suggestion?  Maybe your face?  Leave your ideas in the comments or hit me up on Facebook.

Press!

Check out the feature spot R is R scored on the Minneapolis style site Thrillist.com!

http://www.thrillist.com/style/minneapolis/recycling-is-rad_bags_custom

Follow the link to read the (short, but super nice) article by Drew Wood.  Yay for press!

DIY Upcycled Terrariums.

I've long defended our awkward ratio of houseplants to house with the argument that the greenery helps us all survive Minnesota's version of winter.  Which I think is actually probably true.  Aside from us just being happier having plants around us, indoor gardens can help to purify the otherwise stale air we breath all winter, when the doors and windows shut against the cold also keep out the fresh air. 

My finished jar terrarium, featuring some kind of fern, two or three mosses, a found antler and my favorite tiny blue bowl.

But of course my real concern is whether or not it's something I want to look at.  And lately, I'm in love with looking at terrariums.  There are probably a trillion possibilities of awesomeness, and they're super easy to put together and maintain.  (None of mine have died yet!)

I loosely followed guidelines in this book, but you can also visit your local garden store (some offer classes or terrarium kits), or find much more detailed step-by-step instructions here:  http://www.gardendesign.com/how-to/diy-moss-terrarium

Teardrop terrarium with moss and the most adorable vintage squirrel miniatures my genius husb spotted at the thrift store.

Read about my process after the jump, plus more pictures!  (Thanks to the studly T.C. Worley, ace photographer for lending a hand with some of the photos.)

Satchels.

This is the time of year I start questioning my small shoulder bag choice.  When you can't fit the strap over your newly bulked-out, winter-coat-wearing shoulders, it gets you thinking.  I haven't settled on a design for my own purposes yet--and let's be honest, between knitting projects and holiday orders, there's not a big chance of me having any time for Selfish Sewing before the snow melts--but this is a style I love.  The strap design is compatible with any size parka, plus, it's awesome to have some extra room for stowing a hat and mittens. 


Check out these ones from my Etsy shop...the Buck Satchel is just listed today!

Just Listed: Buck Satchel

Unicorn Satchel

Very special limited edition satchel!  The Stormtrooper Satchel

Winter Friends.

I'm not trying to jump the gun or anything (believe me, I'm clinging to fall like the rest of you).  But once I dug out my knitting (and crochet) gear a few weeks ago, I've been obsessed:  going to yarn stores, spending hours looking at patterns on the internet, plotting a ginormous mental list of projects I will never finish, and also actually knitting stuff.  So when I was finishing the hand sewing on these guys, I couldn't resist adding some winter accessories.  Tiny, tiny winter accessories.  All the winter friends (and more details) are available in my Etsy store.

Winter Squirrel wearing a crocheted wool stocking cap.

Winter Raccoon wrapped up in a green handknit wool scarf.

Winter Fox with a knit wool hat to keep his ears warm.

Messenger.

Octopus: Small Recycled Plastic Messenger Bag

It's true, I've been a little caught up in all things fabric as of late.  For handbags, cozies, and toys, it's hard to beat repurposing an awesome vintage--or not so vintage--textile.  But for more rugged or all-purpose uses, recycled plastic is my go-to medium.  These new messenger bags are great all-weather commuters, if you're brave like that, and for the less daring: gym bag, errand bag, overnight bag.  Etcetera. 

Thank You: Small Recycled Plastic Messenger Bag

The small version of the messenger is still big enough for a laptop + miscellaneous, and its generous flap and heavy-duty velcro is designed to keep the weather out.  Get all the details by checking out the individual listings in my Etsy shop.