random revelations

I’M MOVING!!!

May 16, 2009 at 1:59 pm | In going places | 1 Comment

…well, the blog is anyway. My new blog will be at www.reveldesignsdiary.wordpress.com. Please update bloglines or whatever blog reader that you use. Sorry to be such a hassle but I am attempting to make my brand more cohesive.

See you at my new diggs-

Cindy

calligraphic flourishes.

May 14, 2009 at 1:16 am | In feather my nest, reincarnate::giving old things new life:: | Leave a Comment

I’ve come to think of myself as an avid collector of junk. No rhyme or reason, just an ecclectic collection of things that I like. I never know what I’m looking for until I spot it. Looking around the house lately shows some common ground between some of my treasures.

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Yes, I did just buy that book for the binding. It’s a sickness, I know. I knew I loved the look of calligraphic flourishes and letterpress, but I didn’t know that I already had so much of it.

this summer’s best beach bag.

May 8, 2009 at 10:10 pm | In revel recipes, sewing | 1 Comment

fireislandbag1 I can’t believe summer is already nipping at our heels. These gray days are a perfect opportunity to sew up a couple of summer necessities. The bonus pattern included in The Hooded Towel Pattern is this fun and versatile summer bag. Sentimentally named The Fire Island Carry-all.

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Pockets, pockets, and more pockets. Divided pockets for easy accessability. Fully lined. Adjustable straps utilizing overall hardware. And the straps are easily removable to be thrown straight into the washer after a sand filled day at the beach.

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the best sugar cookies ever.

May 7, 2009 at 12:08 am | In feed me!! | 2 Comments

A strong statement, I know. But it’s true. This is absolutely the best sugar cookie dough for cut-out cookies. The dough was easy to work with. It stayed in shape when baked. After re-rolling the scrap pieces over and over, the cookies still stayed tender. And most importantly, they taste darn good.

I used this recipe for cookie icing. Very easy to work with and dried nice and glossy. These cookies were originally made for this spring cake. Try this recipe! You won’t be disappointed.

tutorial:: the hooded scarf

April 18, 2009 at 10:27 pm | In sewing, tutorials | 6 Comments

This wrap is light but cozy enough for those chilly spring nights.

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2- 10″x14″ pieces of fabric, for the ends of the scarf
9″x64″ fleece, I chose fleece because the ends do not need to be finished
1/2″ seam allowance

1. Fold fleece in half, right sides together, making a 9″x32″ rectangle.

2. With folded edge on top, pin right edge and stitch down 9″.

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3. Flatten corner of hood. Use a small plate to mark a curve at the corner.

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4. Pin and stitch.

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5. Trim seam allowance to 1/4″. Set scarf aside.

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6. Fold fabric in half , right sides together, making a 10″x7″ rectangle.

7. With the folded edge on the bottom, pin and stitch each 7″ side. Leave the top open.

8. Line up the small plate with the seam and bottom edge. Mark the curved corner.

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9. Stitch along that line and trim the seam allowance.

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10. Clip curves.

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11. Turn right side out and press.

12. Stitch in 1/2″ around the top unfinished edge. This will be the fold line.

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13. Fold the fabric in at the stitch line and press all the way around.

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14. Mark bottom edge of fleece up 2″.

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15. Sandwich the edge of the fleece into the fabric “pocket” with the top edge of the fabric aligned with the line on the fleece. Pin in place and stitch all the way around the fabric.

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16. Topstitch 1/8″ all the way around the fabric.

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17. Wrap up your little diva and enjoy!

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duct tape dummy.

April 16, 2009 at 8:51 pm | In whichcraft? | 2 Comments

A friend showed me this clip to help her make a dress form.

My kids were brave enough to let me practice on them. The torso is my 5 yr. old and the bottom half belongs to my 3 yr. old. Surprisingly easier than I had thought. I have big plans for these body doubles, but that’s for a later post.

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Only a couple of tips to add.

Put the subject’s hair up. Duct tape, on even a couple strands of hair, apparently does not feel good.
Use short lengths of tape. This will help fit around curves better and minimize wrinkles.

I feel like I have my own mini suit of armor!

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