Altering jean pockets

 When I buy jeans they usually last me 3 years or so.  It's very frustrating when I go to get new ones and they don't make the same style anymore or have changed them some.  This was the case.... 

I got these jeans and can you believe that this was all the deeper the pockets were !!!!  My phone barely fit in and when I'd squat down it would pop out and fall on the floor!!  Even my Chapstick and Leatherman scissor tool in the other pocket fall out all the time!!  I have been watching this show on PBS called "It's Sew Easy"  They are always showing neat tricks for altering clothes so I thought why not add on to the pocket..

So that's what I did!!  I cut a piece of fabric out of my stash wide as the pocket and twice as long as I wanted the pocket to be deep. 

  I cut across the bottom of the pocket and opened the side seams just a little bit. Then I sewed one edge of the new fabric piece across the one bottom cut edge then folded it and repeated it on the other cut edge of the bottom of the pocket.  

Then I sewed both side seams up to where the original seam started.  Voila!!!  Works great!!!  They never reduce the price of the jeans but they sure cut corners!!!  Hope these last me 3 years too!! I also added a couple darts in the back to pull in the waist a little bit.  Had to wear a belt with these and I hate wearing belts!!!  Maybe this little bit of info will help you if  you run into this problem.  It was really very easy to do :)  

The Great Frederick Fair

Went to the fair today to pick up my entries.  VERY  happy with the results!!  Thought I'd share them with you....

By the Seashore scarf didn't win anything but I wasn't really surprised by that....

Pastel Potholder...

Bunny Wall Hanging...they had it backwards on display so only the white side was showing!!

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Very excited about my second attempt at a sweater!!! 

Pillow...

Cosmos Doily...

Table cloth crochet edging...

Snowman ornament

Christmas Tree Table runner...folded in half..

Snowgirl... 

Plaid Purse

Front of appliqued shirt..

Back of same shirt...

Snowman Rug (one of my favorites!!)

Jewelry

  

and last but not least my first attempt at a messy bun hat..... wasn't surprised that didn't win anything either!!  But I thought it turned out well for never making one before...

And that's the results for 2018.  Already starting on 2019 entries!!  Stay tuned.....

Autumn Decor Pattern Pack

It's that time of year again and I wanted to share with you the link to the free pattern pack download Autumn Decor.  You get patterns for all of the designs in the photos.  Actually the ghost and the candy corn are the same pattern!!  I hope you will give one or all of them a try.  They are very easy to make the hardest part is waiting for the stiffener to dry!!  They hold up very well, too.  These were made in 2014 and still hold their shape!!

To get your free download go to the following link....

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/autumn-decor

Button It Up Poncho or Shawl

It's been a productive rainy day here I was able to get some patterns written up and posted today.  This one is for a very versatile shawl/poncho pattern

It is worked in two sections which can be worn as a shawl or bulky scarf/cowl.  Buttons are added along one side that are used to button the two sides together and make it a poncho!!  Or to button one of the shawl sides to itself in different ways. 

This is buttoning one side to itself...

This is as a shawl with the buttons going down the arm areas

This is with a V opening in the front and back

This one is worn with one arm out.  Very neat way to wear a poncho.  That's where the buttons come in handy.  You can make the neck opening larger or smaller as desired.  

This is as a bulky scarf

or as a shawl...

The pattern is worked in strips that are joined to each other on the go.  

This shows how they are buttoned to each other.  

This is a flat version showing it buttoned together.  Could be a blanket, too!!!  So you can see this pattern can be used in many many ways!!  It's yours to make your own and enjoy.  

Check out the pattern at any of the following links...

https://www.craftsy.com/crocheting/patterns/button-it-up-poncho-or-shawl/635344

etsy.com/shop/JoyceGeisler

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/button-it-up-poncho-or-shawl

Indian Corn Wall Hanging

In my opinion there is no better season of the year than fall.  I have always loved Indian Corn and this pattern idea popped into my head a few years ago.  This is a stiffened crochet pattern but the chain spaces could be worked in double crochet and the corn could be stuffed if desired.  

The ears are about 7 1/2" long by 2" around tapering down to 1" at the bottom.  

The husk also has stiffener on it but not as much so it's more pliable and more natural looking.  

A crochet ribbon is used to tie the ears together.  

Or you could just use the corn individually in a display or as a bowl filler.  

It's a great pattern from September all the way thru Thanksgiving!!  I hope you will give it a try. 

The pattern is available at the following links... 

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/indian-corn-wall-hanging

etsy.com/shop/JoyceGeisler

https://www.craftsy.com/crocheting/patterns/indian-corn-wall-hanging/635273

Snowman Stocking

There are many ways to take a pattern and make it your own.  This Snowman Stocking was published in Fall 2017 Handmade Crochet Holidays.  These features are  crocheted then sewn to the stocking like appliques.  The snowflakes and chain stitches are worked right into the crochet piece.  This one is worked from Caron Simply Soft yarns and measures 13 1/2" tall x 13" wide, 

This one a filet top was added to the same pattern along with straight stitch snowflakes.  

This one I free formed a tractor and wagon hauling a Christmas tree and appliqued on.  

This one was made from size 10 crochet threads.  It brings it down to 6" tall and 6" wide.  

So this is a very easy pattern to make your own way and make it your own!!  Have fun with it :) 

 For more pattern info click on the following Ravelry link...https://www.ravelry.com/designers/joyce-geisler.. or for the book Handmade Crochet Holidays.  https://www.anniescatalog.com/detail.html?prod_id=137800

Maryland State Fair

I entered in the Maryland State Fair again this year and went yesterday to pick up the entries.  I was so pleased with how everything did!!!  The people at the fair are super nice and really seem like they enjoy their job and take such great care of all the entries.  Here are the pictures of the entries...

The wall hanging was even honored with an Anna Troyer Award!! 

Pillow...

Framed Motif

Ornament

Cowl

Tractor Sculpture

Scarf

Messy Bun Hat

Table Topper

Holiday Decoration

Hat & scarf set

Bag

Purse

Place Mats

Fingerless Mitts

 '

Poncho/Shawl (more about that in another post)

Shirt appliques

Table Runner (folded in half)

Pot Holder

Toy

Pin Cushion

Jewelry

Unattached Edging

Rug

Cardigan

Large Doily

Snowflakes

Small Doily

Stocking

I didn't see it until it was pointed out to me that my entries were even mentioned in the local paper!!

It's pretty neat how each entry has a judges sheet with it and they tell you their thoughts and what they were looking for as they were judging.  Very helpful!!  

So a few more ribbons for my cabinet :)  Looking forward to the Great Frederick Fair!!!