From imagination to denim crafts and other projects

Imagination grows by exercise, and contrary to common belief, is more powerful in the mature than in the young. - W. Somerset Maugham

At the start of this year, I resolved to use my imagination more...in crafting and in everyday life. For us crafters, we use imagination before we start projects. We imagine the color, texture, shape and size of our would-be creation. If we are using a ready-made pattern with photo or sample, we can almost be sure of how our project would look like...and if we use our imagination, we could see how it can be altered or modified.
So here's the story behind my first project for this year...
I volunteered to make the souvenirs for my baby nephew's christening on Jan.12...even if I didn't have a design in mind yet. I wasn't going to crochet it, since that would take a longer time...I already planned on using the denim scrap materials and other recyclable fabrics that abound in my stash, and was looking for inspiration. Soon as I saw the Christmas ornament below (while window-shopping after Christmas), I had a clearer idea of what to make.

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As usual I overestimated myself and thought I could do at least 30 pcs. :p I managed to make 25, but that was enough ;). They all liked it, btw... :)

I predict I'm going to make more baby stuff soon... I'm very thankful for the new baby in our extended family ;) I'm always happy with each new addition, but this time it will be sweeter, since baby and his parents are living right next to our home :)

On to more projects...
I was working on some recycled denim bags, before I made the above souvenir items. I finished a sack bag and a tote, both of which I already used for shopping ;)
Here's the sack bag...front, back and inside. The lining is also recycled denim, which is wonderful for the built-in pockets...but makes the bag heavier than your usual fabric bag. The cord is crocheted using 3 strands of cotton thread (combined thickness is similar to that of worsted weight yarn). I used the crocheted cord in my pattern for Stylish Sack Bag.

And here's a simple tote lined with a lighter fabric, for use as a grocery shopping bag.

I also finished a Romantic Shrug in red cotton thread, a custom order for a friend. I modeled it here...its a bit big for me though ;)

That's all for now. Thanks for looking! If you have questions on the above projects, please let me know :)