Quilt for a Grandma

Mom and I worked on this baby quilt together. She did the piecing and binding; I did the appliqué, embroidery, and quilting. Mom was going to a surprise baby shower for her friend. Really it was a grandmother's shower. A cute idea, I thought. Our friend lost her husband recently, so each 9 patch has a piece if her husband's dress shirt. On one of those squares I appliquéd a heart and embroidered his initial.

Feeling Pippy

What's next? Well, I have 4 baby quilts to make. No time like the present to get started, right? This was a free pattern from Moda's website (United Notions). I saw it a while ago and it stuck with me. I didn't look it back up even, so it might not be just so however it is just right to me. Fabric: Sherbet Pips. I have been hoarding it forever! What are you working on?

Good Fortunate Update

So I have been debating what to do with this quilt and I finally took the scrappy border plunge. Now I am debating how to quilt it. The plan is to get that done early this week as this gift needs to be done by Friday!

Progress

Good Fortune

Fabric: Good Fortune by Kate Spain of Moda Fabrics

Pinwheel Baby Quilt

I have always wanted to make this pinwheel baby quilt by Jodi of Pleasant Home.  Always finally came true, I guess.  I whipped out the quilt top in about 4 hours.  You can find the tutorial here at Moda Bake Shop.

Fabric:  Ten Little Things by Jenn Ski of Moda (her first line)
FYI:  Only precuts are released of this line right now.  Yardage comes in April.

I love the prairie points.  Oh, and the pinwheels.  Very cute.

Now I must admit, that Jodi has you cut your squares into triangles before sewing them for the 4 quarters of your pinwheel.  I had never done a pinwheel this way.  I know...you're thinking, what?  I kind of like it.  Sure beat drawing lines.  Also, I had never pressed my seams open.  I usually marry the seams....you know what I mean?  I think these worked out better than any of my previous pinwheels.  Nice and pointy.  You know what I mean?

All Framed Up Baby Quilt

I finished this baby quilt over the weekend.  I have been working on this project on and off for a while now.  I wanted to wait until I was confident about the baby's name, as I have run into a baby name change before.  Nothing worse than having something personalized when it isn't right. 

Fabric:  Ruby
Pattern:  All Framed Up, which can be found at the Moda Bake Shop

I also made these coordinating burp clothes. I was very happy with how everything came out.

Out of curiousity, I have had some requests at work for some baby quilts, which I haven't agreed to.  I keep very busy with my own projects.  However, I was curious...how much would you charge for a baby quilt like this?  2 charm packs, 1 y kona, binding, yard and quarter backing, embroidered. 

A bag for a friend...

I know, you've been wondering if I drowned in a pile of UFOs or scraps in my sewing room.  Nah, life has just been busy (I know you can relate).  Although, the state that my sewing room is in...I could have easily have fallen down and never been found again.  That is a project for another day.  Sometimes, when life gets like this....it does cross my mind to maybe stop blogging.  But, then I think about all my kind friends who always seem to be there when I get back at it.  I really do enjoy it.  And then I get a sweet comment like this...."I adore these darling bags. I guess I'm afraid of zippers, but you've inspired me to take the plunge and try one. Love your blog, visit daily." from a blogger, Dianne, who I have never heard from before...and that just makes my day.  I always see all the "hits" my blog gets and I always wonder who is stopping by for a visit.  I love hearing from you!  I also have been in "lurker" mode lately myself, so I get it.  Sometimes you just want to see what is going on.  I often have people leave me nice comments, but in their blogger profile, they have it set up on No Reply....so I cannot answer  your question or just say hi myself or if I am having a giveaway, I can't contact the winner.  Just something to keep in mind.

Well, the swap wrapped up.  I still need to do the drawing for the prizes.  I was very pleased with all the bags I saw.  If anyone had a less than good experience, I would hope that you would email me in private with your concerns so that I can make some adjustments next time.  All bags have been shipped.  All but 1 were on time, which is a fantastic statistic.  And, I did read all of your comments and suggestions on the last post.  Seems many of you are eager to get going on another swap.  We will have another....I just need a bit to catch my breath. 

Well, last Sunday I had to give myself a good kick in the pants to get a gift done for my girlfriend.  I needed it done by Monday.  Nothing like waiting to the last moment, right?  I had started it the week before, but wasn't happy with my fabric choices.  I made her this bag, which is actually the Libby Bag by Clover and Violet, but I opted to put a magnetic snap inside it and skip the binding and the flap.  Maybe next time.  This pattern did have a little typo, but I caught it.  It called for you to sew 7 rows of charms, when you actually needed 8.  Nothing big, just something to note if you intend to make one yourself.  The picture diagram showed 8.  I also think I did my own thing on the handles.  But, that is typical me. 

This bag is a great size.  I love big bags, and this has lots of room for a teacher to put folders in it, and it has great, great pockets, for Ipads or Nooks.  I'd darn near call it perfect, really.  I used the last of my Strawberry Fields charms on it.  A sad day!  LOL.  My friend loved it, so it was worth the stash sacrifice.  My apologies for the winter pictures.  I would love for the sun to come out again.

Just Sewing Along

So, I will admit I am starting to feel the pressure.  I need to get some of these gifts done.  Now.  LOL.  I finally sat down and finished the binding on this gorgeous mini quilt.  Love it.  Fabric:  Strawberry Fields by Fig Tree.  Hard to giveaway, frankly...just keeping it real, people.  LOL.

Then I had even more requests for coupon clutches after the last round, so I zipped up a few yesterday.  Should have been zippy at least, but I was slowed down by several stupid mistakes.  Uggh.  Ever have one of those days in the sewing room when you know you should just walk away?  Yes, that was me yesterday. 

Sewing some presents

So, I have been working on this Christmas present.  A small Strawberry Fields quilts perfect for a wallhanging or table topper.  I just need to finish sewing that binding.  

This is a small signature quilt I made as a Best Wishes present.  I appliqued the little stars as an after thought because I thought it needed a little zip.

This is that hanky quilt.  Those of you loyal followers will remember I finished this top a year ago.  LOL.  But, I quilted it today.  Those are my grandma's vintage hankies.  This is going to be a Christmas present for my mom to hang in her kitchen.

In other big news, Buddy finally lost that tooth that was dangling for a week.  I thought tooth fairy might have to leave a note of encouragment, but finally he got it out.  Unfortunately, he has forgotten how to smile normally.  It took me 20 shots to get this one.  No joke.  Either his teeth are stuck together unnaturally, his eyes are squinted shut, or his tongue is sticking out that gaping hole.  (notice all the above in this photo.)  Heaven help us, he is having his pictures professionally taken tomorrow and I am hoping we get a couple that are good.

What are you up to this Saturday?

Stitching up some Christmas presents

I had some fun last weekend making these coupon clutches.  It seems coupon clutches are the most requested gift around here.  I will be out shopping with a friend and they will see me pull mine out and then they say....hey, I'd love one of those. This is the one I made for myself. I've made several color ways in the past that were pieced with a brick pattern see here for a past gift.    These were some I made last Christmas.

The original Coupon Clutch Pattern came from Julie over at Moda Bakeshop.  It is a great pattern, even for a beginner.  I made some obvious variations on mine this time as I had some pretty focal prints I wanted to use.  So, I added some ric rac and yo yos.  I thought they turned out super cute.  I really like the PDF she uses for the inserts/organizers.  Make sure you have some tag board for those. 

What has been keeping you busy lately?

For Brian and Brooke

This is the quilt I made for Brian and Brooke.  You see, they are getting married.  

Brian was one of my very first friends in this world.  While I was quilting, I thought a lot about Brian.  Brooke, I know you are in good hands.  I remember Brian convinced his mom to buy me this hideous beautiful green beaded necklace at a garage sale, when we were probably about 4 years old. I thought it was the most beautiful necklace.  He has always been very generous, that Brian.  Brooke, I am sure he will buy you lots of jewels and treasures, as well.

I also remember a time when these bigger kids came riding by on their bikes, and they were not very nice to me.  Brian took care of them and told them to get lost.  So, I know, Brooke, that Brian will take good care of you.  He is very loyal, protective, confident, and in-charge.  He has always been that way...he will make a wonderful husband. 

So, to my friend, Brian, and his beautiful bride, Brooke...may this quilt help you make a cozy home together.  While I quilted it, I prayed for a very happy marriage.

Hooray...a finished apron, let's celebrate

So, I did actually have enough bias tape.  I know you were wondering, weren't you?  You probably wouldn't be able to sleep tonight, so that is why I got back on this thing to tell you....allow you some relief.  I actually finished the entire apron.  I am going to give it to my MIL tomorrow....just because. 

Now I am sure you thought I would model the apron, but let me tell you that I just ate a chocolate covered marshmallow Santa and frankly would rather die than have my hips on my blog.  That is right folks, that is how it is. 

So the scallops here one the bottom...hmm.  Scallops.  I sure think they are cute, but I hate making them.  I clipped these babies to death and they still want to roll.  What is the deal??  I wish I would have had more teal to do the binding.  Oh well.  It is what it is ....it is done, that it is what it is.

PS---I 'heart' fig tree....big shout out to Joanna and her crew.  Keep that beautiful fabric coming.  LOVE it.

Also, if you commented on either of my posts about this apron....you are now officially entered to win these 2 charm packs.  Seems I found I had extra of this line, so my mistake is your lucky day.  Leave a comment to enter....doesn't have to be anything fancy (maybe the best part of your holiday...or a link to a cute project you've seen in blogland...or your own confession to something yummy you've indulged in recently, or just a brief hello).

Sewing on a Snowy Day- Part 2

So, when I was digging in the closet, I discovered I still had a Crazy 8's Charm Pack from last year.  So, I made it into a table topper.  The original pattern from Anka's Treasures calls for this to be a 3 star table runner.  So I just made an additional star block and sewed them into a square.

I really do like it.  Wish I had enough red to bind in but I will have to use blue or green dots. Originally I was not going to use any pink or bright blue in it.  Then it seemed a bit dull. So I tossed a couple in.  

I also stumbled over the scraps for the tops for 2 of Vickie's hot pads.  Love that idea of using 1 hot pad for casserole dishes, which I use a lot of.  I think it will be really cute quilted with binding.

Now the quilting is lining up isn't it?  I have to quilt the hanky quilt, the topper from yesterday, this star topper, and 2 hot pads.  But, I think I will whip out 1 more project before I do that.

You should have seen Buddy dance last night when we received the call for the snow day.  It was a happy dance indeed!

Coupon Clutch Cuties

It's starting to feel a lot like Christmas....or at least I am getting a few smaller projects done that are meant to gift.  Some great ladies that I work with really liked my coupon clutch I made myself a while back, so they are getting their very own.....

Cute, right?

In even brighter news, Cath Kidston now has a US catalog and she is offering a special offer right now for free shipping on orders $100 over until December 10th;  Offer code USFP.  Everything still ships from England so free shipping is a huge offer!

Saturday Sewing Report

So, I did manage a bit of sewing on Saturday.  I have a couple of finished items to show and then a couple of things that just need finishing.

First, I personalized and sewed a very cute snowman pillowcase for a friend of ours who has a December birthday.  Of course, I wasn't pleased with that puckering around the embroidery...any tips?  I had a tear away stabilizer on the backside.  This photo makes it look red, but it is a very cheery, bright pink.

Then, I finished the binding on this table runner.  I am quite pleased with this.

Sorry no pictures, but I did manage to get that scrappy border on that square table topper, quilted it, and sewed the binding on the top.  I hope to get the hand-work done this week to show you.  I was very pleased with it.  Also, I cute out the pieces for 2 coupon clutches that I want to make.  I hope to do a bit of sewing on those today perhaps.

Have I mentioned that I am done Christmas shopping?  Yessirree!

A Quick Gift

So, I picked up the new issue of Quilts and More.  LOVE IT!  A big shout out and congratulations to Vicki for making the cover...very cool. 

This is a project featured in the magazine.  These beverage sleeves are very quick to make.  I made 3 using scraps.  :)  I even love that I finally found a use for some of my smaller batting left overs.  I am going to care package it with a starbucks gift card to a college student in the fall.  I think it will be perfect.

I found those perfect retro flower buttons at my grandma's house....I think they compliment the fabric nicely.

Verna's Cutting Garden Tablerunner featured in Soiree

I went to Moda Bake Shop for some table runner inspiration.  I made Verna's Cutting Garden Tablerunner for a friend as a house warming present.  I also made a matching towel, but I forgot to snap a picture of it.  I really liked this tablerunner, which you can make from charms or jelly roll.  It is super simple to follow the directions, even a beginner would like this one. 

I am thinking of making some of these up for Christmas presents.

Schnibbles Contest- McGuffey

That's 3 goals down.

Schnibbles Times Two- McGuffey

This fabric is so summery, it is definitely the time to work on this project.  I just finished the top of my McGuffey for Kelly's contest.  Now I need to quilt it. 

Pretty cute, huh?