Stray Socks, I have so many

Recently these books were pointed out to me and I can't stop obsessing about them.

Stray Sock Sewing: Making one of a Kind Creatures from Socks
Stray Sock Sewing Too: More Super-Cute Sock Softies to Make & Love

It combines two of my interests making plushies and RRR (recycle, reduce, reuse). I've already flipped through the books and think I have an idea on how to approach. I'm not sure if I need to own these books, yet. I'm going to try to do one of the projects and if I think I need more guidance, as opposed to a general idea on approach, then I might consider purchasing the books.

Some people have said that they would buy new socks for these projects. In a sense, I understand where they're coming from. You're cuddling a plushie that used to be someones smelly sock. But on the other hand, that defeats the whole stray sock concept, right? Then again, my socks usually don't match, so do I really own any stray socks?

Scrap Fabric, Ideas Apply Here

So I've been trying to clean out the garage, again! The question is always, "how small is a scrap of fabric TOO small to use?" I do have a few ideas of what to do with some of my scraps; tote bags, pincushions, pencil cases, tissue holders, draw string fish bags, and quilt squares (if I ever get around to quilting that is). But these still use a sizable amount of fabric. Of course, the question plagues me the rest of the day. Then off I go to the trusty (insert sarcasm here) Internet! My results are inconclusive.

Basically nothing is too small. Look at postage stamp quilts. And the basic premise of quilting is to use remnant fabric scraps. Which is why the idea of quilting, even though I've never quilted, is so alluring to me. So now I'm back to square one. Having to trust my gut instincts may just leave me with my garage fuller than before. It's a fine line between pack rat and hoarder. Sometimes, I don't know which side of the line I'm standing on.

On a brighter note, all my research gave me a two projects I'd definitely like to utilize with my scarp fabrics.

Fabric Curlers by Life with Monkey - These fabric curlers are soft and great to sleep in. At least it looks like a better alternative than those plastic pink ones everyone usually uses. I'm definitely excited to try this one out.

Jewelry Wrap by AgricanKelli - This is a traveling jewelry holder for the women on the go. I was just thinking I needed something like this since I've been traveling a little more this year. I was having problems with all my necklaces tangling up.

There were a lot of other good ideas, but they were either things that were similar to ideas I've already come up with or they didn't tickle my fancy.

Crafty Gamers???????

I took up needle point when I was in the 6th grade. I love it, but I'm really bad about finishing anything. I think I've only completed 3 projects my whole life.

On the other end of the spectrum I've been a back seat gamer since our family bought the original Nintendo. Other then Gyromite in which I controlled the doors. I didn't play at all. I loved to watch my brother play as I excitedly (and probably annoyingly) screamed instructions on how to play. I never had any interest to actually play the games since I was too impatient with myself to gain any skills.

So you ask what do these two things have to do with one another. Well I found this whole forum (Sprite Stitch) of gamers that do craft!!! Somehow I just didn't picture it before this. But after going trough some pictures and their projects, it makes complete sense. It's like the 8-bit world and cross-stitching were always meant to be together.

Here are the projects that I found that blew me away.

If you don't recognize this, it's Zelda: A Link to the Past Map completely cross stitched by Servotron from the Sprite Stitch Board.
This happens to be one of my favorite video games.

Here's a Mario Brothers 3 Map made by Cross-stitched ninja
This totally makes me jealous. I'm so pumped to play video games and cross-stitch right now. Also makes me want to go get a DS Lite. O.o

I WANT ONE

I was searching for something else when I found this picture. I don't remember where I found it or who designed it. I vaguely remember a reference to some Northern European Designer. It's so crazy awesome. I love the zipper sleeve hem and the hood. I WANT ONE!!!!!!