It's here, It's here! the Star Trek Blog Hop is out of the World!!

Today is finally my day to hop!
Have you enjoyed all the crafts? The giveaway? I know I have!!

I made a couple of things, with a couple more in the works, cuz a Trek Geek, I am.

First off...a teeny, tiny pincushion/ornament

Made with a wool blend felt in a command color...all hand done....including the star!!

This can be yours....just check out the lead hoptress at http://www.punkprojects.com/

In the background, you can see a stellar project bag...it needed a a little something to keep my smaller equipment all in one place.

Sooooooooo I unsewed this plastic grocery bag holder (since the eco nazis are taking away all the plactic bags) and used it as my fabric. 

I ♥ linen and red and polka dots and trek

One fold

Two fold

Three fold, then tie!!

Hope you enjoyed hopping and I KNOW you enjoyed Star Trek: Into Darkness!!

check out the other specTREKular hoppers!

Katie: (me) http://www.punkprojects.com/
Emily: http://emilymayhem.blogspot.com/
Mandy: http://www.chocolateandcreamcake.com/
Regena: http://thedistracteddomestic.blogspot.com/  ***you are here***
Melissa: http://www.scrappyjedi.com/
Taylor: http://thismemorablelife.blogspot.com/
Kam- http://www.campfirechic.com
Megan- http://thenerdnest.com/



Yes, I did wear this today along with my totally awesome Trek shoes from our own Miss Katie

CUTTING EDGE TOYS okay, okay, I got some new scissors

Ever since I started doing embroidery, I have been on the hunt for the perfect pair of scissors. 
I have several I like, a couple I love, and a bunch that work fine, but I take no joy in their use.
I admit, I am still searching for scissors nervana.........

On to the new toys......................

Mother of Pearl Thread holders

How could I not?  

Ewe need some too!

My latest test candidates.....

Karen Kay Buckley brand

Sharp, lightweight, large flexible finger holes

They are pretty good. Cuts pearl, floss and other lightweight threads and fabric nicely.

I wouldn't use them for fine, precision work because the tips are a bit squared off, but the blades are quite fine and they are a good all around scissors.

Fancy brand .... Bohin of France

Teeny, tiny, adorable, sharp

Finger holes are quite roomy... especially considering their 2.25" length

Cuts pearl well, and 4 or fewer strands of floss.

Not bad, but limited because of size

Did I mention they are too cute?

Silent Stitches Brand

Good weight, pretty, sharp, large finger holes

Cuts pearl, floss and fabric

Not a super fine blade, but a really good all around pair of scissors.

If the blade was a tiny bit thinner and the tip and little finer they would be per-fec-tion

My trusty Ginghers that I used as my base for comparison.

All the little duckies in a row

Over all, they will all do the job well. It becomes a matter of personal preference.
None of them were more than $16.00us and if you keep your eyes peeled, you can find them on sale.

So far, I love my cheapy reproduction pair and an old pair of Ginghers the best. 

I've used the green ones for a few weeks now....I am just not feelin'  them even though I can't find anything negative to say about them.

The Bohin minis.......they are a little too specific, but fun. They may end up in a giveaway since all I've done is test them on some thread.

The silent stitches pair will get added to my rotation and tested. I only got them two days ago.
 I am feelin them and I like a little heft to my scissors.

I still want to try a pair of Dovo brand and the Premax that look like they have a googly eye....Alas, those are a bit pricey and I am not quite ready to plunk down more than $100.00 for two pair of small scissors. I wouldn't mind borrowing a pair to see if I love them...hint, hint

Do you have a favorite pair of scissors? I would love to hear about them.

Happy Sewing!

By Land, Air or Sea--Steampunk Inspired Transportation Blog Hop

May is National Transportation Month and what better way to celebrate than with a Steampunk themed blog hop?!

Our loverly hostess for this hop is Ms. Leslie Rahye....all the links are at the end of the post. Join me, won't you?

My inspiration fabric

Sewn on a 1941 Featherweight.......almost as old as the age Steampunk represents, right?

Transporting groceries, steampunk style!

I made this bag for a friend who loves him some bike riding and hates using his wife's girly grocery bags. lol

Enjoy the hop!!!  I know I will!!

ODDS BODKINS

FILE THIS POST UNDER: LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY

                                                EEEEWWWWWWWWWWW

          

I came across this handy little item looking at antique needlework tools. Boy, I am so glad I was born in modern times. LOL  I realize it isn't a lot different that using beeswax, but my modern ick factor kicks in, like when I saw thee most beautiful embroidery...super fine threads.....threads that were hair. Ew, ick and wow!

CHARLES I SILVER BODKIN with EAR SPOON

 England, c1630

     

(Actual Length 4.5 Inches - The images are oversized.)

Of very heavy gauge in the usual elongated flat tapering blunt needle form 

with wide open slot below a smaller round opening and scooped ear (wax) spoon  

(used to wax threads, like beeswax or thread heaven)

and decorated with Stuart style hatched engraving; unmarked (as most of this period are)

Note: A bodkin is a needle like tool that was used for pulling tape or ribbon through a series of loops.  17^th century clothing was often joined by such as ribbons or leather straps.  

Bodkins were personal, often carried on the person, and passed through the generations.  

The word "bodkin" in earlier centuries also referred to sharp instruments, as stilettos, 

daggers, and pointed hair ornaments.

Can you imagine? 

Thread getting a little fussy? Just dig out some earwax and take the fussy factor out of it.

Ewww, ick and wow.......modern times have made us all a bit squeamish about our bodily functions....and I am kinda okay with that. LOL

Now, where did I put that little blue box of thread heaven.....................................................

Sneak Peek.....

Been working on a couple of blog hop items but I can't do the big reveal for a while yet, but I can show you some snippets.....

That's all folks....until blog hop time on May 12-18.........if the dates aren't a big, giant hint, I just don't know.........