This tote I made from IKEA canvas fabric (bought 1 yard of it). The key I purchased at Portobello Road in London at one of those random trinket stores along the road that sells old findings. Just wanted a reason to put it somewhere I guess. Didn’t have a pattern for the tote. For some reason it looks oddly droopy in this picture, but it’s not.

Other item:

It’s a roll-up knitting needle case, also constructed using IKEA canvas fabric as well as scrap fabric from an old pair of H&M pajama pants that I loved years ago. (I save stuff like this for future projects, what can I say.) I even re-used the H&M pj drawstrings for the cording to roll up the case.

I am also probably one of the only people under 40 who actually owns a 5-cd changer stereo in addition to an iPod. Oh, and a best of David Bowie LP set. With a knitting Hello Kitty. With Greek pop cds. With feather fascinators. And mountain biking gloves.

I’m confused now.

The real news is this baby:

My new Janome sewing machine! I sold my trusty Singer on craigslist to someone who needed it more than I, and upgraded to a machine that’s a lot more heavy-duty and can work with the weird projects I’ve been making lately. Seriously seeing this on my doorstep was the highlight of my Friday.

Materials: Ikea Myken mirror & J.P. Coats Metallic Knit-Cro-Sheen gold thread, 1 whole skein
Inspiration: Stitch Diva Lace Jewelry Frame, seen originally on CraftStylish.com
Stitch: This easy crochet pattern (PDF warning)
Additional views: Full front and back
Time invested: About 5 hours (I’m slow)
Total cost: $12
Why?: Why not? :)