A Rather Grey View

I love all things Austen. And even though the blog title reference comes from the 2005 film, not the book. The quote popped right into my head when I started writing.
Things have been a little slow on the craft front for me. Between work, uni and family, life has been beyond stressful. I haven't gotten around to photographing any of my current work, but I'll do a proper update later. I just feel like getting some of this stress off my chest.

Progress and the Pouf

I'm getting so close to finishing my tote bag now. And somehow the closer I get, the harder it is to finish. Maybe it has to do with tying loose ends. And I don't mean that figuratively. 

I mean I literally have to tuck in or tie in all the loose ends so the squares look neat. Worst part of any project. I always tell myself to do it as I go along, but I never do...

On another note, my procrastination skills are really coming along. I told myself that I wasn't allowed to be distracted until I finished writing up 10 index cards of notes for my exam. I've done half. Of 1 card.

But that's not really the point, is it? No. The point is that I found something awesome! Or a couple of awesome somethings...

Hamilton Chunky Pouf Set
Source: http://www.spotlightstores.com/projects

Ta da! It's a pouf! Don't you just love it?

I have no idea what I would do with it if I made it. But I kinda love it none-the-less. Hence I must have it.

Seasons Pure Wool Star Garland
Source: http://www.spotlightstores.com/projects

And the garland...I've just gone a little Christmas crazy. I can't help it. I love Christmas time. I love the feeling and the music and the cheer. It's hard not to be happy when you think about Christmas. So I get excited when I see Christmas themed things.

Now I'm humming "I wish it was Christmas today"... ughhh, must study.

The Infinite Square Project

So this is one of the things I am currently working on. I get bored easily, so I'm always starting new projects. Here is...

The Granny Square Tote

Tada!

Obviously this is just a sketch of the concept. The idea is to make a bunch of granny squares, stitch them together and then attach them to a plain tote bag.

I came up with the notion to make this when I realised my canvas bag that I use for uni was falling apart. I figured it would be a quick project to distract me from the stress generated by the looming end of semester.

Boy, was I wrong. It's not quite infinite but there is nothing quick about making 32 granny squares. Though I admit it has helped me to de-stress. When I need a break, I find a quick video to watch and allow myself to mindlessly stitch away.

Surprisingly, despite amount of time required to completion, I haven't given up yet. I've made all my squares now and I'm up to stitching them together.

Once I'm done and have a clear height and width measurement, I can sew the calico lining. Yay.

Also, I want to acknowledge Meladora's Creations. I was hunting on Pinterest for a granny square pattern to use and I stumbled onto the lovely "Lacy Flower Granny Square". I altered it slightly to suit my needs but mostly followed the pattern found here.