Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Work-in-Progress Wednesday 4

Wow, I can't believe this is already the 4th WIPW. Thanks to everyone who has participated thus far. I've been busy making a list of everything I want to crochet for Christmas gifts, and I must say, I have my hands full. I'm not sure I am going to be able to finish it all in time, but here's to hoping. That being said, I've started a few projects this week that will be gifts, or at least are "test" items before I made the real one.

A little off topic, if any of you can recommend a good "beginner/starter" sewing machine for less than $150, please let me know! The cheaper the better of course, but I don't want a piece of crap. LOL I don't know the first thing about sewing machines, but would love to learn. Please leave a comment if you have a recommendation!

Last week I shared my afghan further along. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to even touch it! I also shared my dinosaur. I sent it to my swap partner, which she received yesterday so I can post it soon.

This week's WIPW projects are:


I wanted to make this purse from Ravelry for a Christmas present, but the pattern was a little confusing. Before trying to making the one I will be giving, I decided to make a test one. It only took me one night while watching a movie and then another afternoon. I still have to figure out the lining (in black) and I plan to crochet a strap. For the Christmas gift, I will be making it in black with a pink inside and pink/black ribbon. I think I'm also going to buy a purse handle/strap for that one. I was really excited to find out I could make it so quickly and I had a great time doing it!



Alea at Pop Culture Junkie has been obsessed (is that the right word, Alea?) with Granny Squares lately. I'd never made one, so decided to give it a try. This is the start of my first Granny Square I started this morning and haven't had a chance to finish today. Hopefully I'll have a bunch more to share next week. Since Fall is coming, I thought it would be fun to make a few in Fall colors, so I started with this pumpkin color.

To share your WIPW post with us, just fill out the Mr. Linky below. Despite it saying you must comment, don't feel as if you do. That is something Mr. Linky automatically adds. I just ask you to check out a few of the links posted to see what everyone else is working on and comment there if you can. Everyone loves feedback and a little encouragement on their projects! Also, please link back to this post in yours to get the word out! The more the merrier!

22 comments:

  1. Tami, I've linked, and I put a link back to you in my blog. Thank you.

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  2. Yes, Grannies turn into an addiction basically!

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  3. Love the purse -- nothing better than quick-but-beautiful project for gift knitting!

    And hooray for my first WIP Wednesday. :o)

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  4. Thanks everyone and welcome to WIPW first-timers!

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  5. Back after two weeks of little internets! Thanks for this.

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  6. I absolutely love to look at granny squares although I must confess I find them a bit boring to crochet - I hope you enjoy doing yours & I love that colour.

    Re sewing machines - It's a while (years!) since I've bought one, but my cheapish Brother has been good, although I think Brother get mixed reviews. You might be a bit pushed with $150, though - $200 would give you more options (that might not be practical though, pls feel free to ignore!).

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  7. Thanks Susie! Normally I wouldn't mind paying a little more for something, but money is tight right now (I'm currently not working). If I knew I would use it all the time, it would be worth it, but I don't want to spend $200+ on something unless I know it will get a lot of use. I"ll check out the Brother machines! Thanks for the suggestion.

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  8. My first WIPW linked.

    Ooo, nice purse! And I love Granny Squares. I've helped my mom make a granny square blanket for my son and I've always wanted to make one with my own choice of colors, one day I will. I think using fall colors is a great idea! Have fun!

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  9. Awesome meme idea! I'll join in next week.

    As for the sewing machine, I got a great Brother machine for $99.99 from London Drugs. Not sure where you're located but there are lots of great deals at Walmart too.

    Some other reliable brands: Kenmore (by Sears) and Singer (of course!).

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  10. Thanks Vinita and welcome to WIPW!

    Thanks so much for the recommends, monnibo. You're happy with the $99.99 one? That's exactly what I'm looking for. Something easy to use, cheap and not totally crappy. LOL I live in Southern California. Can't wait to see what you're working on next week!

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  11. I have a Brother sewing machine also, I'm not sure how much it was. Probably less than $50, though I think it was on sale. It works fine, but I don't use it too often. Hopefully that will change soon, haha.

    Lovely purse!!! (:

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  12. Thanks Marushka! Once I learned to understand the pattern, it was really easy! I can't wait to start on another one (and finish this one! LOL)

    Rachiella, thanks! It sounds like one of the cheaper Brother sewing machines is the way to go. All it needs to do is sew in a straight line and I'd be stoked! LOL

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  13. I linked my first WIPW too. Good luck with the granny squares. I have yet to finish one myself. I think it's the thought of weaving in all those ends that chase me away from doing more. LOL!

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  14. Welcome to WIPW, Joycers! Yeah, I can't imagine weaving all the ends in either! I actually never even considered that. LOL

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  15. Oh dear, I totally missed the fact that it was Wednesday yesterday!

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  16. so see...I really did bring up the end! Thanks Tami for nudging me to remember to add to Mr. Linky. The headache is at bay so far, hopefully it will stay AWAY!

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  17. It's okay elephantJuice, there's always next week!

    Dina, you're welcome! Glad to hear you're feeling better.

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  18. I wanna see the dinosaur! Please? Also, that granny square yarn makes me want a pumpkin spice latte. :) Happy almost weekend!

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  19. Yum! Pumpkin spice latte! I'm waiting to unveil the dino when my swap partner shares pics from the swap. Hopefully the beginning of next week. :) Thanks for wanting to see it!

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  20. I sew a lot. I would be pretty leery of the machines that are under $200. For that money I would by a used Singer from the '60s or '70s. Maybe a Janome or New Home from the 80s or 90s. I would try out machines from a place that repairs and refurbishes one. You can get a machine that runs like a tank for under $100 that was built to last.

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  21. Thanks for the advice SJ! I didn't even think of a refurbished older one. Great idea!

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