Dare I say it again? That old grey towel has come in handy once more. This is the fifth towel project I've made and she may yet have another in her. Not bad for an ancient (and standard-size) bath towel, eh?
For this installment of Old Towel New I referred to Chris's lovely Oven Mitt Template and Tutorial. I highly recommend it. I followed her directions as written with only these few tiny changes: use of an old towel (obvious), straight-line quilting, and a slightly different hanger placement. Also, I didn't have any basting spray so I used straight pins instead. It all worked really really really really well. Don't know why, but I was actually scared of making an oven mitt. True fact. But you know what? It was a piece of cake thanks to Chris.
My old battered oven mitt (which this new one is replacing) could only be described as grody. A fitting description I assure you. So I'm overjoyed with the upgrade. I'd been meaning to make a new mitt since time immemorial and wondered if the towel fabric would do the trick. I'm happy to report that it was ideal. In fact, I think I'm in love with this mitt and its towelly texture. I'm tempted to use it as a pillow. Good idea eh?
Guess what... I made a wee how-to test video. Eep. It's my very first. The concept is NOT original or nothing. In fact, you've probably seen this particular idea done at least 500 times in as many ways. But I needed some newspaper plant pots 'cause seeding time is like, tomorrow. So while I was at it, I thought I'd try pulling together a video to see where my video-making skills are at.
I was able to do all the recording myself which was good. But as things stand now, I'll be needing substantial practice where video-editing is concerned. I got a ton of help from Lo on that front, thank Pete. I couldn't have pulled off this cute first video project without his expert help.
Lo walked me through the basics of the "Adobe Premiere" editing software. I learned how to import my video, add music, make the title card, work with fade-ins and "dissolves", and add credits. It was fun to see it come together but GOSH, there's a lot to know! Luckily Lo is a very sweet and patient man. Opposites attract don't you know. He must've answered a good 200 questions from me yesterday, poor thing. I kinda felt bad for him sort of but not really... Needless to say, it took a little while. At the end, he did some magical data-management-type-stuff that went in one eye and out the other too. We may have to review that section twice or thrice. But, you know? I did learn stuff. And I'm pleased with my first "solo" effort.
So here's my take on an old standard. The newspaper plant pot...
Edited to Add on 3 Apr 2012: Please note that I've used black and white newspaper to make the pots as black ink is made of soy and safe to use around edibles. Coloured newspapers should be avoided as the ink may contain some toxins.
The Boy gets a look of concern sometimes. A furrowed-brow look. One that is far away. Important. Quiet. And deep.
If only I could read his thoughts... But alas I'm not allowed into his secret inner world. Here's my first attempt to capture one of these old-soul looks of his...
'A Boy Caught Thinking' is 16" x 22" (40cm x 56cm), rendered in junkmail and Mod Podge on craft paper and stretched over an old picture frame.
♥M
P.S. The March Break is here, posting may be light over the next week. Have a great one!
