Sunday 23 June 2019

Song of the week 25

"Beautiful In White"
(performed by Shane Filan)
(Early Version)
Not sure if you know this
But when we first met
I got so nervous I couldn't speak

In that very moment
I found the one and
My life had found its missing piece

So as long as I live I'll love you
Will have and hold you
You look so beautiful in white
And from now to my very last breath
This day I'll cherish
You look so beautiful in white
Tonight

What we have is timeless
My love is endless
And with this ring I say to the world

You're my every reason
You're all that I believe in
With all my heart I mean every word

So as long as I live I'll love you
Will have and hold you
You look so beautiful in white
And from now to my very last breath
This day I'll cherish
You look so beautiful in white
Tonight

You look so beautiful in white
So beautiful in white
Tonight

And if our daughter's what our future holds
I hope she has your eyes
Finds love like you and I did
But when she falls in love we'll let her go
I'll walk her down the aisle
She'll look so beautiful in white

You look so beautiful in white

So as long as I live I'll love you
Will have and hold you
You look so beautiful in white
And from now to my very last breath
This day I'll cherish
You look so beautiful in white
Tonight

You look so beautiful in white
Tonight 

Wednesday 15 May 2019

Song of the week 20

"Set It All Free"

Scarlett Johansson
(from "Sing" soundtrack)


I followed my heart into the fire
Got burned, got broken down by desire
I tried, I tried
But the smoke in my eyes
Left me blurry, blurry and blind

I picked all the pieces up off the ground
Got dirt on my fingers but that's gone now
Got the glue in my hands
And stickin' to the plan
Stickin' to the plan that says, I can...

Do anything at all
I can do anything at all

This is my kiss goodbye
You can stand alone and watch me fly
'Cause nothing's keeping me down
Gonna let it all out
Come on and say right now, right now, right now
This is my big "Hello"
'Cause I'm here and never letting go
I can finally see
It's not just a dream
When you set it all free, all free, all free

You set it all free

I was a girl caught under your thumb
But my star's gonna shine brighter than your sun
And I will reach so high
Shoot so far
Gonna hit, gonna hit, hit every target

Make it count this time
I will make it count this time

This is my kiss goodbye
You can stand alone and watch me fly
'Cause nothing's keeping me down
I'm gonna let it all out
Come on and say right now, right now, right now
This is my big "Hello"
'Cause I'm here and never letting go
I can finally see
It's not just a dream
When you set it all free, all free, all free

You set it all free
You set it all free
You set it all free

This is my kiss goodbye
You can stand alone and watch me fly
'Cause nothing's keeping me down
I'm gonna let it all out
Come on and say right now, right now, right now
This is my big "Hello"
'Cause I'm here and never letting go
I can finally see
It's not just a dream
When you set it all free, all free, all free

You set it all free
You set it all free
You set it all free
You set it all free
You set it all free 
 
 
 
 

Sunday 31 March 2019

Quote of the week 13


Numbers game

I started crafting the quiet book from the games of numbers and shapes, next I made the colours game and then the covers. The last ones I have already finished are the games of mouse-and-cheese and the snail.

The numbers game was the first one I started making and testing with, even before I started with the covers. On one hand that sounds illogical, on the other hand it's easier to make the covers based on the content, than the other way around. Of course, if you have a very specific plan, then there shouldn't be any differencre in which order you make it. But it was my first book and I couldn't really visualise, how will it actually look, so it seemed only right to start with a few pages. For example, at first I didn't think I would use the strips to attach the pages to the rings, instead of simply sewing them to the covers.
Preliminary sketch for the game

The numbers game is a bit like abacus. I made 10 rows (on two pages) - on each row there is one number from 1 to 10 and corresponding number of buttons. These buttons can be moved back and forth on a string, to count them or just for fun. The numbers at the beginning of each row are removable - you can take them off, try to find the right place for them and then reattach using Velcro.

  


At first I wanted to use pearls instead of buttons, so that each row would have its own colour, but otherwise they would all look the same. Unfortunately, I couldn't find what I wanted. Instead I found same-styled buttons, which came in different colours. Sadly, there weren't enough of them for all the rows, but I got everything I needed using 2 different shapes - bears and smiles.




As mentioned before, I chose a different colour for the buttons on each row. I also made the numbers match with the colours of the respective buttons. For example, on the first line there is one green bear and the number "1" is also green. I wanted to make all the numbers removable, so I decided to make same-coloured and -shaped "homes" for each of them on the page. For that I cut three identical numbers for each row - two of them got Velcro strips on opposite sides, one of which (with the  more rough Velcro side) I sew on the page and the other one I attached to the third remaining number. As a result, I got nice double-layered felt numbers, which could be attached to the decent-looking "home" places on the page. These removable numbers were the ones, which started getting lost, as soon as I gave them to my child to play with. Although I didn't want to at first, later on, I added some strings to them, which connected the numbers with the "homes". It seemed like an unnecessary simplification (numbers being connected to their correct places all the time), but if I had connected them all in the same point, then the strings would have been very long and very messy.


For some reason, at first I thought it would be a great idea to cut slits into the page, at the both ends of the strings (which hold the buttons), to pull them to the other side, before sewing the strings to the page... However, quite soon I realised, that instead of improving things, it made sewing harder and the material weaker. From that moment on, I just sewed over the string and the cut off the remaining end of it.


The strings must be sewed on very firmly. Solitary buttons stay put pretty well, but the more there are, the more they start pulling the string. Felt is quite soft material too and doesn't keep the string taut. It wasn't too long ago, when I readjusted almost all the strings on my game, so they would stay straight (they had gone limp over time).





The outcome




Observations - in addition to the ones on the usage and attaching of strings.

* For attaching strings and "home" places, I used the 4mm wide applique stiches on the sewing machine.

* I sewed everything with the machine. By now I've discovered, that sewing smaller details (installing Velcro strips, to assemble the removable number, etc.) by hand is easier, more precise and it's also doable next to children. I guess I preferred the machine, to make the seam more enduring and it's pretty difficult to sew through the Velcro strip by hand.

* For sewing I chose the colours of the thread so they would be either as similar to the colour of the felt, as possible, or totally different, giving a nice contrast.

* Later on, I have seen different solutions for sewing the little numbers/letters on a round background/pillow, probably making them more enduring, than being in the shape of a number/letter.

* The dimensions of the pages are about 22x22cm (+3cm strip for binding). I chose this size, because when I was out looking for supplies, I stumbled upon ready-cut square-shaped felt squares in that size. Therefore, it was the easiest size to choose, avoiding extra work cutting out same-sized pieces. Primary colours (blue, red, yellow and green) I took by meter, because I knew I would use those probably more than the others. In addition, I found a small bag filled with little felt leftover pieces - there were very many different colours, eliminating the need to buy lots of fabric for different little details.

* At first, I only used Velcro strips - easy to play with at any age. My daughter already knew how to unfasten them at the age of 1 and started reattaching them when she was maybe around 1,5 years old. At the moment, I'm testing the usage of magnets. I will probably start using press-studs and buttons as well. Now that my daughter is almost 2 years old, she seems to have developed interest in those and is able to un-/fasten them after a few attempts.


Felt in different shapes and sizes


Sunday 17 March 2019

My first

I started making my first quiet book about one year ago, at the end of year 2017 or at the beginning of 2018.
My first

I'm not really sure, when or where did I get the crazy idea to start making one myself. One motivator could have been the two quiet books, which were given to us by our friends, when their child outgrew them. They looked nice, but quite elementary. Both had about four pages, each of which had one small assignment. For example, open one small zipper or button. Tie one shoelace. Learn letters and numbers, but on one page there was only the letter A and inside an apple was a small worm, which could be moved a bit. Or number 2 and two birds, which could be seen from a window with openable blinds. (Pictures of them can be found at the end of the post.) But there weren't many pages, so only a few numbers and letters could be learned from there... So these books seemed quite pointless and not very entertaining.

It was probably around that time, when I remembered the self-made quiet book, which was shown to me a few years earlier. After that I spent some time googling, what exactly is a quiet book, how to craft one and what kind of games and activities others have made. I also looked for some self-made books, that could be bought online, but these seemed to be as pointless as the ones I already had. Furthermore - rather overpriced. So at some point I made a decision - I will make one myself!

Done as soon as thought of! Or at least started doing.
I gathered ideas from the Internet (mostly from Pinterest) and asked my friend what she had made - I remembered her books to be very interesting and thorough. Based on the ideas I had found, I assembled and designed games, which seemed most interesting ones to me. Some pages I designed from scratch by myself, but unfortunately I haven't got to crafting those yet. I always storm in to starting my handcraft projects - I get an idea, I make a plan of action, hurry after the materials and start crafting.

Some notes on different ideas

Sadly, sometimes the inspiration subdues half way down and the project is left undone. My first quiet book is also not quite done yet - basically it is ready and usable, but there aren't as many pages in it, as I would like it to have. The main reason for it was lack of time.

Crafting a quiet book in pretty time consumable, because there is a lot of work that needs to be done, especially on the little details. It took me about half a year to finish 6 pages (+ the covers), which included 5 different games. The book served its purpose - our a bit over 1-year-old kid had something to do in the car while we were on a road trip. But during that summer, our lives got very hectic and kind of complicated. To start with, I was about 4 months pregnant. In addition to the fact, that this pregnancy was much more difficult for me than the last one, I also had to take care of our 1,5-year-old at the same time. Which meant I was tired all the time. Secondly, we were having our house built, but the completion kept dragging on. As if that wasn't enough to keep us busy, the apartment we were renting at that time, was sold out. So we went to live out of our suitcases at my parents' house for 3-4 months. Basically, we moved 2 times during half a year. To conclude, it's been only a few months since we moved into our new house and I haven't had much time to think about sewing, until now.

One day, I was sitting on the couch and thinking, how being a stay-at-home mom with two kids can get quite monotonous and I could use an additional output for myself, so I would have a bigger feeling of accomplishment. Don't get me wrong - having kids is an achievement in itself and I'm very proud of them, but it doesn't feel the same, staying at home with them day by day. But then I remembered my yet-to-be finished quiet book and my imagination started rushing again.

My first quiet book is completely made of felt and most details are fastened by Velcro strips. This isn't the best combination. During the time, the felt has gone rather nubbly. Also Velcro fastens quite well on felt as well and children don't always fasten Velcro strips very accurately, so this doesn't improve the condition of the felt either. As a result, I decided to start making a new book sooner than I had planned at first - I want to try using other materials, hoping for a better result and easier crafting process. The second thing that annoys me the most about the book is the softness of the pages - some games need sturdier pages, to work better. I should research a little, how to make them stronger. But before moving on, I have on last page to finish, which I already started during the summer. This also gives me the opportunity to try using magnets instead of Velcro strips.

Even when I started planning the book I knew, that I would like to give it to my child for playing, before actually finishing all the pages. That is one reason, why I didn't sew the pages to the covers, but used rings instead. This gave me the liberty to add, replace or remove any pages, if I wanted to. In addition to that, it looks good and turning the pages is really comfortable. I am very pleased with my decision and I'm sure I will bind my next book the same way.


I veered off from the original plan by using very many ribbons to attach removable details to the book. At first, I didn't want to do it, but when the first numbers with Velcro strips got lost under the couch, even before I sew the page together, I decided it was necessary. As a result, the book looks much more clustered, but at least we still have all the pieces, which otherwise would be lost in the car or elsewhere. I still have to think, what would be the best solution, but I would like to make the new book less messy. Maybe I just won't make so many small details.

With and without ribbons

But I am very proud of the covers I made for my first book (especially because it is the first one I ever made). I put a lot of work and effort into them and I have to admit - they came out very well! I am also pleased with all the games I included, even though some of them could have been executed a bit better. The book currently includes these games: shapes, numbers, colours, the snail and the mouse and cheese game.
In the next posts I will talk more about these games, about crafting them and also about crafting the covers.

From the book we got from our friends

From the book we got from our friends


Saturday 16 March 2019

Song of the week 11

Ooh La La
Faces
 
 Poor old granddad
I laughed at all his words
I thought he was a bitter man
He spoke of woman's ways
 
They'll trap you, then they use you
Before you even know
For love is blind and you're far too kind
Don't ever let it show
 
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger
 
The can can's such a pretty show
They'll steal your heart away
But backstage, back on earth again
The dressing rooms are gray
 
They come on strong and it ain't too long
Before they make you feel a man
But love is blind and you soon will find
You're just a boy again
 
When you want her lips, you get a cheek
Makes you wonder where you are
If you want some more and she's fast asleep
Then she's twinkling with the stars
 
Poor young grandson, there's nothing I can say
You'll have to learn, just like me
And that's the hardest way
Ooh la la, ooh la la la yeh
 
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger
 
 
 
 

Quote of the week 11


The Quiet Book aka tegelusraamat

One of the biggest handcraft projects I currently have, is crafting quiet book(s). I really like the English expression "Quiet book" and I don't think there are any worthy equivalent names in Estonian for that. The best one seems to be "tegelusraamat" (which roughly translates to "activity book").

In a few words, it is a book made of felt/fabric, which has some games/tasks/activities for a toddler. It can't be ignored, that (as the name also hints) one of the purposes of the book is to keep the child busy. Some people suggest the book from the age of 2, but I think it rather depends on the content of the book. My daughter already played with my first book when she was just 1 year and a few months old and still does it now, at the age of two. Yes, at first she just enjoyed opening the Velcro strips, but as time went on, the quiet book has helped her to develop many new skills - learning shapes, colours and of course improving coordination.

Quite many quiet books can be bought online, but for me those always seem quite expensive, especially taking into account, how little they actually include - there is some nice text on the page, giving instructions what to do, but actually the kid can move maybe only one zipper. I enjoy handcrafting, particularly working on little details, so I decided to do it myself. I believe that the result was something a bit more practical than quite a few of those on sale online. Though, to be honest, I don't think I saved much money... especially if time consumption is taken into account.


An example from a book, which was given to us as a gift

The first time I heard about the quiet book, was a few years ago, when a friend of mine showed one self-made book. It instantly made an expression on me - it looked amazing! For some time after that, I didn't think about it anymore. It was when my first child was about to turn one and we were planning a road trip around Estonia for a few weeks during the summer. I started thinking of ways to keep the child occupied on the long drives and then I remembered the quiet book I had seen. I started asking around, how it was made and what was in it. I probably spent quite a few hours researching online and drafting, so I could come up with the best ideas and games and then make it happen.

The plan was to fill the first book with a bit easier games, because the child was also younger and there was no point in making a book, where she, for example, would use different letters to formulate words. I have had many ideas during the past year, which games and books I would like to make (the only limit is your own imagination). For example, the second one could be like a "level 2" book - it could include games, which will need a bit more thinking and input, like jigsaw puzzles or dressing a doll and playing with it.

So, that's the short story about quiet books.



From now on, I will start making posts, where I introduce my first Quiet Book. I will talk more about how did the crafting go and which games it includes. Then I will move on to telling You all about my new ideas and I will keep You posted on how the crafting goes.




My first