Ugly test glasses case

More than a year ago, I was trying a stitch I came across .. Planning on a cowl.. 

by the time I got a few inches in I was more than over wanting to try any further rows.. it did make a nice dense fabric 

I have issues "wasting" anything or frogging if I can turn it into something else..

.... a pair of reading glasses were sitting there ...

So ugly test glasses case was created

 Been playing with the idea of making eye glass cases for awhile.  How would a crochet one hold up, would it protect the glasses enough to be useful... I get mine from the dollar store so it's not a big expense if it doesn't work.. 

Test results ... 

they were definitely easier to find in bag... the crochet held up well... and did keep some damage from happening... but let some dust and sand in. 

 I have been keeping it in my ugly freeform test bag... that's a whole nother story lol quick take away.. very hard on bag and everything I put in it or attache to it ... been great for seeing how well things hold up..

The case needed to go to"next level" testing.. 

I want to see how well some embellishments would hold up .. ribbon, fabric and acrylic beads.. specifically on a crochet item in heavy use.. 

Got out a few pieces of scrap fabric for liner and yo yos .. 

  

Should help with the dust and sand issues

Quickly found out a template is worth making

Went to my scrap ribbons next

I save ribbons from fat quarter packs and such... these are just long enough to make a small "woven" rose and over stitch line

This piece actually has writing printed on it from the manufacturers of the item it came on.. after making it into roses you can't tell... 

Tried a few different techniques in both creating them and stitching down... added the acrylic beads to the centers.. 

I decided to fill in the whole thing.. how well does a yarn applique hold up being carried inside of a purse or bag.. how about lace flowers.. 

This is definitely a one of a kind item LOL 

The added thickness will definitely add protection .. the textures are a definite plus to easy finding in a large bag lol

Let the testing begin 

Fabric Bowl update

Late last year I made a fabric bowl cozy thinking my dog could use it as a soft sided kibble bowl...  he loves it.. so much so I made him another lol...

( first post )

I decided to thoroughly test these before considering them for a new item in my shop.. they will be sold as bowl cozies not dog food bowls but the thinking is if they hold up to being a doggie dish they should be a decent cozy right

 

these are the original photos, taken before washing     

 

 

 

These photos are after almost six months of daily use.. washed and dried without any special treatment .. cold water and medium heat.. with anything from towels to jeans..

 

They did shrink a small amount, not enough to need to resize the pattern .. the cotton batting fluffed up a bit but held its placement well.. they did fade some but fabric still holding strong.. I didn't use any fabric softener  even though we have very harsh water.. laundry soap is not what one would consider high end... so no added fabric protection .. all in all I'm very happy with the test run.. now with a sturdy sewing table/desk I plan on moving forward with these and a few other items I've been testing.. no set date yet so stay tuned ;)

New Old Desk

Found a great deal on an old office desk.. large enough to use as a sewing table and super sturdy .. metal sides and drawers with easily an inch thick top .. had to grab the van to get it home .. 107 degrees in town no AC in van .. even though the van is extra long we still needed to remove both rows of seats 

An almost complete rearrangement was necessary to one room .. well worth the effort.. had been planning on changing a few things around any how so worked out wonderfully .. definitely happy with this thrift store find .. now to add those liners to the crochet bags