Fashioned by Meg

-this week-

2012-01-22T15:55:00.000-08:00

I made my first thing for new baby girl! One of the softest, most luxurious blankets ever! The pink floral is a velveteen by Anna Maria Horner. The other side is a super soft minky. I found it here at our local random fabric store. It is a giant warehouse full of all sorts of interesting treasures and a whole lot of well, you know.... stuff you never want. I found something similar over at Fabric.com.

I love making things like this. Really isn't anything easier, and you get such a nice result! I took it downstairs to show everyone, and Felicity immediately declared that she was freezing and needed a blanket. Hmmmm.... I let her try it out. ;0)

I also got out my Turning Twenty quilt top that I made last summer. It is finally a quilt sandwich! I went to my mom's house and basted it there, since I really didn't have a big uncarpeted open space to baste this. I think I am going to keep the quilting simple and maybe just outline the blocks? I plan to quilt it here and there. It is such a big quilt that I don't want to burn out on it.

I also started a crochet pillow to go with the new bed quilt! I have had this pattern pinned on Pinterest for awhile now, and I am excited for how these colors are coming together!

Hope you all have had a wonderful weekend!

-cloud song floor pillow-

2012-01-18T14:24:00.000-08:00

I finished another floor pillow! Since Juliana claimed the last one, Felicity has been patiently waiting for hers.

This one was inspired by a quilt in Little Bits Quilting. I am addicted to crafty books almost as much as I am to fabric, and I got some good ones for Christmas! This book has a lot of fun quilts made from precuts. There are definitely a number of really great designs, and there is the cutest floor mat that I have on my "to make" list.

This pattern is simple, but I forgot how time consuming applique is. Why do I always seem to block the "this will take a long time" parts out of my memory?! ;0) It took 3 or so hours to cut out all the fusible web and to stitch all those cute little rainbow rain drops down.

However, the recipient was quite pleased, and she is using it right now to watch a movie! So well worth the time!

Want to swap?! How to get involved with modern online sewing and quilt swaps!

2012-01-15T20:51:00.000-08:00

Inspirational mosaic I made for The Fab Little Quilt Swap

As I was putting together this mosaic I remembered that I had promised to write a little "how to" for online modern swaps for my local modern quilt guild. There is no doubt that I love swapping. I love the stalking of my partner, looking at all the inspirational mosaics, seeing pictures of fabric stacks, and wondering if that wonderful item could be for me!

Swaps are starting back up like crazy since the Christmas season is over!

Sewing Machine Cover for the Urban Home Goods Swap

There are swaps done through Facebook, different crafty forums, blogs, and even Twitter. However, if you are looking for modern sewing and quilting swaps- Flickr is where they are happening! I think there is a good reason for this as well. Flickr is a great place to post pictures and have discussions all within one group. This allows for lots of inspiration, and there is definitely pressure (in a good way) to do your best. No one wants to post a picture of something they made that no one will like! Plus, it is easy to start discussions or ask questions, and I think this unites the group of swappers- making it easy to get to know each other.

Mini Quilt for The Mini QT Swap

So, the first thing to do is get a Flickr account. You can set up an account for free, and if you want to store unlimited photos and have less restrictions you can set up a Pro account which costs around $25 a year, but definitely start with a free account if you want to just test it out.

Second, start uploading pictures of things you have made and favorite photos of things you love! Each swap is run a little differently but most swaps will require that you have crafty photos and upload at least a couple of times a month. This is both to ensure you do sew and/or quilt and to make sure you are an active member of the community. It doesn't guarantee anything, but people want to know you aren't going to sign up for something and never show up again.

Third, find a swap you would like to join in! When I first started swapping I found the swap through a blog. I requested to join in. After that I have either been invited through Flickr or I have found them through my other Flickr contacts. (If you like certain things people make, you can make them your contact and always be able to see what their newest photos are!)

Also, be prepared to do a bit stalking. Sign ups for most swaps are only for about a week- some of the popular ones fill up in a day or two! So check in the group every once in a while to see when the next sign ups will be.

Here is a little list to get you started (This is definitely not all of them!):

Scrappy Mug Rug Swap- mug rugs

Potholder Pass- Potholders and other small items

Pretty Little Pouch Swap- Pouches, Clutches, and other little bags!

Urban Home Goods Swap- Items for the home

Goodie Bag Swap- Bags and Scraps

The Doll Quilt Swap- Doll Quilts

Mini QT Swap- Mini Quilts

The Pillow Talk Swap- PILLOWS!

For The Love of Solids- Solids only!

Spicing Up The Kitchen- A Kitchen Item Swap!

A Little Fabric, A Little Chocolate- swap fat quarters, chocolate, and other goodies!

Convertible Bag for the Goodie Bag Swap

Reasons to Swap:

It is FUN!

You get to know all sorts of people who are just as crazy about sewing as you!

You get to plan and make something for someone who appreciates how much time and effort goes into the project!

Someone makes something just for you!

It pushes your creative talent!

(I tried all sorts of techniques I never would have tried to make something just right for my partner.)

Spiderweb Pillow for The Pillow Talk Swap

Things to keep in mind before signing up:

Different swaps have different rules and ways of running. Some you have to be accepted first before joining in and most have a set amount of people that they allow to sign up to keep it easier to manage. If you get turned down or don't make it in that particular round, try another swap!

Pay attention to the rules and make sure you can follow them. Some expect a certain amount of participation. Some have quick turnarounds, although most have a 6-8 week turnaround. Also, make sure you aren't going to be on vacation when it is expected for you to ship your item! Be prepared to ship internationally for some swaps.

Be open about what you receive in the swap! I can honestly say I have almost always received lovely, lovely packages. I think maybe there was one time I was a little disappointed, but I know my partner had tried hard. When you sign up for a swap there is usually a place for you to list things that you both love and hate. Plus, most swaps encourage you to make a mosaic of things you like. You can make a mosaic using Big Huge Lab's Mosaic Maker. However, each person is going to interpret things differently, and you are participating in a swap of handmade things! It isn't going to be perfect. If you want something very precise, well...*cough* make it yourself! Part of the fun is seeing what other people come up with!

Christmas Mug Rug for The Scrappy Mug Rug Swap

I hope this is helpful!

If you have any other questions about swapping, please leave me a comment.

If you are a swapper yourself, and have some more tips, please share!

-getting organized!-

2012-01-11T11:49:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like the new year to get me inspired about getting organized. Real "regular" life started again for us this week. Thankfully, all the sickness that has been going around the past six weeks now just seems like stuffy noses for Josiah and I. Last Thursday I got the urge for a new planner. I wanted an Erin Condren life planner, but $50 was just sooo much money! I was kicking myself for not getting some of the deals I saw back in the fall. So I started searching around for another idea and came across The Home Management Binder over at A Bowl Full of Lemons.

I became obsessed with the idea! I rushed out to the store the next day to get all the supplies I needed and made it that afternoon! I think the thing I was most excited about getting was the label maker. I have always wanted a label maker since I was a kid, and I decided it was time to indulge and buy myself one. ;0)

I followed the directions for the most part in making mine. However, the printables she recommends you have to buy, and they looked great. However, trying to keep the cost down I searched for some free printables and really there is a lot of there! What I really like about this idea is that you can make it as complex or as simple as you would like. I added a crafting section to help me keep my projects organized, and I left off certain sections that didn't really apply to my life. Plus, it is so easy to add or subtract if you decide you need something a little different!

Do you do something like this? Any tips or thoughts you have on using one?

Here is to a more organized 2012!

-I have been crocheting-

2012-01-07T18:43:00.000-08:00

My husband and I were lucky enough to get a little vacation for a few days this week for our anniversary. It was so lovely to get a way for a bit with no kiddos. We spent time hiking, shopping, eating, and relaxing all.by.ourselves!

I haven't been spending as much time behind the sewing machine of late, but I have done quite a bit of crochet over the past month. I finished this cowl for my mother-in-law for Christmas. This was a super quick project. It is called the Sedge Stitch Cowl, and you can find the tutorial over at The Aesthetic Nest.

I also finished Felicity's hoodie. I used a bamboo blend yarn for hers at it is so soft and silky to touch.

So now the girls have matching hoodies. This is the outfit they chose to wear together to go shopping with Daddy. My husband said he felt like he was taking two little Fancy Nancy's to Home Depot. ;0)

Today I finished a Calm Cowl for myself. I live the simplicity and versatility of this cowl. You can wear it long or short. You can find the pattern for this one over at Ravelry. I have some extra yarn left over, so now I am thinking a slouchy hat to go with?

Last Finish of 2011!

2012-01-01T17:41:00.000-08:00

This was the last thing I finished! I cut this pillow out on Thursday, sewed the blocks and top together Friday, and quilted and made it into a pillow yesterday! I had so much fun making this gigantic pillow. The blocks are actually not improv improv. ;0) I used block patterns from Scrap Republic. I loved this book and wanted to use it right away. I knew I didn't have any reason for starting another quilt when I already have four others in progress, but I was inspired by Svetlana's pillow.

I had wanted to make the kids some big pillows for reading for Christmas, but the first part of December didn't go my way. I wanted to enjoy making them and not have them be stressful projects. I am so glad I waited because I felt nice to sit back and really enjoy making this.

I added a little free motion stitching in this one scrappy print using some gray wool thread.

I had Juliana hold up the pillow just to give an idea of how big it really is. It is often hard for me to tell in pictures what the size of things are. Also, she loves it and has "claimed" it.

For the back I used this Denyse Schmidt canvas print. It doesn't really "go" with the front but since this is a floor pillow I wanted something sturdy for the back.

I quilted this in a grid pattern which I really love, but I forgot how time consuming and monotonous straight line quilting can be! When I finished these blocks they only measured at 24". I needed this to fit a 26" pillow so I added a border. I was going to do a more rainbowy border. However, I decided to use white prints with splashes of color instead, and I really like the look.

We moved our rooms around a bit after Thanksgiving, and we have a big space by the kids' bookshelf that is just begging for a little reading nook. I already have the next floor pillow pattern picked out, and I am hoping to make one of Dana's Rollie Pollie chairs as well!

I hope you are all having a wonderful New Year!!!

If I was a really cool blogger...

2011-12-30T13:10:00.000-08:00

and big people wanted my opinion or take on fabric, it would look something like this. These little bundles are popping up everywhere, and I can see why! It was so much fun to put these fabrics together. There is a contest going on over at Quokka Quilts to make a fat quarter bundle of your choice with fabrics from The Fat Quarter Shop. I went with greens, blues, grays, and beige. I like it! I love cool soothing colors, but there are so many great bundles that have popped up I don't know how they will choose!

Also, voting has started for the bag make overs over at The Sewing Summit blog! Head on over and vote for me...if you are so inclined! ;0)

Looking Back- 2011!

2011-12-28T15:06:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! We still have toys scattered everywhere across the house, and we are taking things slow this week. I am always impressed with people who can hop right back to "regular" life. I am not one of those. ;0p I have a few things I finished this month that I still have yet to share, but I have been thinking a lot about this past year. Jessica over at A Little Gray is hosting a "A Year in Sewing", and I thought I would get my post written before I get distracted!

This year I think my love of quilting and small patchwork definitely took over! These are all the pillows, mug rugs, minis, and other small patchwork that I made this year! My love for quilting has definitely grown this year, but I admit that I like quilting mostly on a small scale. The basting and quilting of large quilts always makes my procrastinating nature kick in!

However, when going back through my Flickr I realized I actually completed 8 quilts! Most of these were completed the first half of this year.

I definitely stretched my quilting skills more this year especially with joining in on the Kaleidoscope QA and the Summer Sampler QA. These are the two at the top that I still have not finished. Kaleidoscope blocks are tricky and stretchy and not friendly! However, I am happy I stuck with it and finished them. I also learned how to foundation paper piece through the Summer Sampler QA and loved it! I really enjoyed making all of those blocks. The bottom two are my Turning Twenty quilt for our bed and a block from my Fussy Cut Bee quilt. My first goal of 2012 is finishing these four quilts!

Here are some of the bags, wallets, and pouches I made this year. I love making bags, and I only wish my closet wasn't exploding already with all the bags I have made over the past few years or you would probably be seeing a lot more. ;0)

I also went through a clothing spree this spring. I made a number of tops for myself and skirts and dresses for the girlies. I conquered my fear of knits and fell in love with Lil Blue Boo's Pieced Tunic pattern. I made four of them! I am definitely not a seamstress though and have realized that I don't have much desire to make complicated and involved patterns.

This year I participated in many, many swaps and two quilt-a-longs. I got to be a part of Mug Rug Madness, and I hosted my first online "event", Finish It Up! I even wrote a couple of tutorials. I got to go to The Sewing Summit and meet lots of new sewing peeps. My sewing has gone through a number of stages this year. Over the summer I seriously felt a little bit too addicted to sewing, and it felt like an obsession. This might sound silly to some, but I am sure some of you understand. It didn't feel right. However, getting pregnant definitely reversed that problem. ;0p Now I feel the need to create a little schedule for myself so I can fit some more regular sewing in a bit more.

I have a feeling 2012 will have a little less swapping, and I would really like to finish up the quilt tops I have going on, so I can start other quilts guilt free. I am hoping to do a little more stash busting, and just try to make sure I am making things I love and not because I feel I have to! My life is busy right now, and I want to make my sewing a fun, creative outlet.

What about you? Do you have big plans for the new year? Do you feel the need for a change in your sewing habits or are you happy with where you are at?

-crunch time!-

2011-12-16T18:59:00.000-08:00

I don't think I need say more than "stomach flu" for you all to understand what kind of week this has been. Throw in some random colds and rashes, and I am very ready for something better to happen! The week wasn't all bad though. Sukie hosted a Secret Santa Swap over on Twitter, and I got my package the other day from Kate over at Needle and Spatula! She really spoiled me. The book is awesome! I wanted to immediately go to my scrap bin and start putting something together. She also made me a cute little needle book and zip pouch. Plus, homemade caramels! I never make candy, so I was super impressed!

It is getting down to crunch time for Christmas gifts. I purposely did not put much on my list and thank goodness I didn't. I cut out a couple of zip clutches yesterday to make to put in gift cards for teachers and the husband's secretary.

The only big thing on my list is finishing this quilt. I am showing this one off at the modern quilt guild meeting back in October. I just need to add a couple of borders, and I would really like to get this sent off to it's rightful owners. How is your list looking? Are you ready?

Also, AnneMarie over at Gen X Quilters was kind enough to feature me today on her blog, so go check it out! I got to meet her at The Sewing Summit, and as she said we bonded over our pregnancies. She is super sweet, and it was fun to get to chat with her a bit!

-habitat challenge quilt complete!-

2011-12-11T17:00:00.000-08:00

I finally finished my Habitat Challenge quilt a couple of weeks ago! My little assistant tried to raise her arms high enough...

but alas, she was a wee bit too small.

So we hung it up on the fence. If you haven't heard about the challenge, the modern quilt guilds were offered the challenge of taking a bundle of Habitat by Jay McCarroll and making something with them. Our guild decided on small quilts.

I knew I wanted to cut it into small pieces. It is such busy fabric, and I also wanted something simple and modern. I found Kate Conklin's pattern called Scattered Showers and knew it was perfect for what I wanted to do. It was an easy little quilt and came together very quickly. I could also see fussy cutting some of my Heather Ross little scraps and using them in this pattern.

I kept the quilting simple and modern as well with some random straight line quilting in a slightly darker grey thread.

I used Kona ash for the background and then used Kona charcoal for both the back and the binding.

One quilt top turned quilt! Five more quilt tops and/or completed blocks to turn into quilts! Why do I always get burnt out after I finish the tops?

-hoodie!-

2011-12-10T22:17:00.001-08:00

I finished Juliana's little hood earlier this week while laying sick on the couch! It turned out so cute. Juliana tried it on. I told her she looked like a little elf, and she was sold. She has worn it every day since.

The pattern by Bonita Patterns is mostly the crocodile stitch, a v stitch, and a half double crochet. The crocodile stitch takes more time to complete, but definitely offers a unique effect. I would certainly recommend the pattern. She offers good instructions, and if you need even more visual help (like me), I found several tutorials for this specific stitch on Youtube.

I did make the mistake of taking the girls with me to pick out the yarn for each of their hoods. Juliana and I disagreed quite a bit about what color. She preferred bright magenta pink with metallic sparkles. I picked out a fun apple green. We compromised on the light pink. Now Felicity watches me with great interest as I work on her blue one.

-crazy-

2011-12-06T14:56:00.001-08:00

That is what life has felt like the past week or so. So much happened, and then I got sick, so rottenly sick. Pregnancy always seems to make me so much more susceptible to catching things no matter how much I wash my hands and how careful I am.

- My husband and I decided to get each other a new camera for our anniversary. Our first DSLR! I love it so much. Our anniversary isn't until New Year's but there are always great deals this time of the year, so we got it a little early. I have no idea what I am doing, but I am excited to learn! If you have any photography tips, books, websites, etc...please share!

I have been playing around quite a bit with it though and taking lots of picture of the kiddos.

Josiah

Juliana

Felicity

-We also received some sad news. A friend from college passed away last week. He had been in the ICU for 47 days and although we knew he was horribly ill, there was so much hope that he would pull through. Thousands of people were praying for him. Matt was a great guy. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.

-Juliana got to be in our town's local parade through her Little Flowers Club. She *loves* parades and was so excited. She had a great time, but as we were driving home it was clear all of the waving and saying "Merry Christmas!" over and over had been a bigger responsibility than she anticipated. ;0p

-Somebody turned 32 last week (and it wasn't me!) I found this recipe for a Chocolate Stout Cake, and it was amazing. Perfect cake for the men in your life!

- Late last week I got a call from my OB saying he wanted to refer us to a specialist because of different things that had shown up on the baby's ultrasound. We knew about these things, but were told not to worry. My OB was out of town at the time, so I really didn't worry too much. However, when we got that call, I admit I felt scared. We got to see the perinatologist the next day though. He was very reassuring, and he thinks that everything has a good chance of turning out fine. I will be monitored more closely though, especially in the third trimester. Please keep our little one in your prayers.

- We got our Christmas tree and finished off most of our decorating!

I finished the table runner I started last week. It is called the Simple Table Runner. I had made it before, and I like the size and simplicity!

Instead of using ric rac though. I used this cute little red pom pom trim in my stash.

Thanks for reading this rambling post! Hope all your Christmas sewing is going well!!

-tote bag challenge!-

2011-11-30T14:57:00.001-08:00

For The Sewing Summit we were given these awesome, HUGE bags full of swag. They were just simple totes, but when we got home we were told that was on purpose. They challenged us to remake our bags and make something unique as long as it was still a bag.

I went to my scrap basket and was going to do some "rainbowy" patchwork. However, as I set my bag down I noticed the little 2.5" charm pack that had been part of our swag. I had pulled it earlier for a different project, but I knew it was perfect for what I wanted to do!

So I embellished my bag with simple patchwork and a wonky star. I backed the patchwork with some more canvas to make it extra sturdy since I knew a lot of stress would be put on the seams. I wanted to use this bag for my more portable projects so I also cut the bag down and made it a little smaller by a few inches.

I decided to free motion stitch "Crafty Stuff" to add some more flair to the plain canvas. I used some of the Aurifil thread that was also part of our swag! (Very serendipitous!) It was a wool thread which I had no idea what to do with, but it was perfect for this use since it is a heavy, thick thread and makes the words stand out more.

I lined my bag with this fun starburst print.

For the back I just kept going with the patchwork. I also took off the handles and replaced them with these simple blue and pink patchwork ones!

I definitely enjoyed this challenge and now I have a fun project bag as well! There is nothing like waiting until the last minute! I have had this bag complete for almost a week and a half except for the handles. The last day to enter was today, so I got my booty up to my machine and finished it up! ;0)

We are having...

2011-11-29T19:22:00.001-08:00

1. Quilt for Maddie, 2. serendipity1, 3. Finished if you're a girl quilt, 4. Far Far Away 2 Quilt, 5. 28 076, 6. Georgia's Quilt, 7. Twin baby quilts, 8. Zig Zag Rail Fence Quilt Pattern, 9. Molly Miceli, Just Growing in Sunkissed, 10. Busy Bees Quilt Block for Tacha, 11. strawberries & champagne baby quilt, 12. Quilting Divas block for Susan, 13. www.flickr.com/photos/25254510@N02/6356719683/14. Not available15. Not available16. Not available

a GIRL!

I thought for sure we were going to have another little boy, but I guess God had other plans. ;0) Right now Josiah will remain our little prince.

So now the planning begins! I made this mosaic of girlie quilts, and I am excited to make a special quilt for this little one. I am definitely feeling "stars" right now, and also some combination of pink and yellow. I love this Daisy Cottage line and am definitely thinking these fabrics will somehow hop into her quilt.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-27T17:34:00.001-08:00

I have been working on this little hoodie for Juliana the past couple of weeks. I tend to get an urge to crochet around this time of year. It is so cozy to sit in a chair under a blanket and watch a movie. I found this pattern from Bonita Patterns and fell in love with this pattern. It uses the crocodile stitch which I had never done before. It is definitely a more involved stitch, but thanks to Youtube I figured out after trying to figure it out on my own unsuccessfully. I am hoping to finish this one up tonight and get started on one for Felicity.

I can't believe that the Thanksgiving weekend is already coming to a close! We had such a lovely Thanksgiving with family and lots of good food. We switched our family and dining rooms, which was wayyyy more involved than I thought it would be, but I am super pleased with the new layout. We went and saw the new Muppet movie. About half way through the movie Juliana came over to me and whispered that it was the Muppets! She had been insisting they were called the Muffins. Glad I know what I am talking about. ;0p Yesterday I got to spend some time with our modern quilt guild working on a little Christmas table runner. It was so nice to sit, chat, and sew with no interruptions! Today was spent at church and selling advent wreaths. It was such a great four days, and I am so thankful for my sweet little family. It is going to be hard to go back to "real" life again!

Now I am moving on Christmas sewing. I have had a number of completed projects, but I am finding it hard to get pictures and on the blog. I am really going to try harder! I have a runner and some pillows I am hoping to complete this week for Christmas. Then I have my Christmas presents to finish up, but I am trying to limit those to just a few as to not stress myself out. ;0p We will see how successful I am at that. hehe...

What are you making for Christmas? Do you have big plans?

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

-we have a four year old!-

2011-11-16T09:46:00.001-08:00

Felicity turned four over the weekend! She was so excited. She has been counting down the days ever since Juliana was counting down the days to her birthday. It has been a long wait, but finally she is four. Now she is counting down to five. ;0)

We had her birthday party the day before, and she has been looking at the pinatas at the grocery store for months picking out the "perfect" one. She settled on a blue unicorn with pink and white hair. She named it "Star Heart". Poor Star Heart really got smashed to smithereens

One of the things she has been asking for was a princess purse and a wallet. Both of my girls are intrigued by how money works right now, and they like to pay the cashiers at store and get "change". They think it is so awesome that they give them money, and then they get handed money back!

I didn't make the princess purse, but I had this awesome little mermaid/ castle Japanese fabric scrap that was the perfect size to make a wallet. I used Keyka Lou's Zip Pocket Pouch pattern. This is the tall version. This size would work perfectly for a cell phone!

The only thing I did differently was to use a lightweight fusible fleece. I like how it makes it soft but firm. It was definitely a big hit with the recipient!

Keyka Lou is also offering all her patterns right now for $5 until November 27th! All her patterns would make great Christmas gifts!

-little mini-

2011-11-11T13:14:00.001-08:00

I finished a little mini to enter into Amylouwho's Mini Challenge! I stitched these little girls over the summer when we were on vacation. I knew I wanted to make a mini quilt with them to hang in my girls' room, and this challenge was the perfect motivation to finish this project up! These two little girls come from an embroidery pattern by Cathy Gaubert. I changed the little girl on the left a little bit to look a little more like Felicity.

I kept the quilting simple- just added some simple straight lines at an angle using some light pink thread.

I used a red Kona to outline the embroidery, but I am not super pleased with how "bold" it looks. I don't know. I guess, I didn't hate it enough to change it. haha.

Here it is hanging up in the girl's room by their window seat. The cute little hoop above it was made for me by Darci in The Scrappy Hoops Swap!

I feel like I have gotten out of my sewing funk over the past couple of weeks- finally!, and I have been working on lots of projects big and small! So, I am hoping to pop on here a little more over the next week or so to show you all what I have been working on!

-pillows-

2011-11-05T19:04:00.000-07:00

I am finally getting around to showing the finished pillow I made for The Pillow Talk Swap. I had a really hard time getting a good angle for this pillow for some reason. Every angle just looked slightly off to me...ah well. My partner for this swap is definitely a fun, cheery type person, so I went with something bright and scrappy. For these blocks I used this template that I found via Flickr. I love making things from my scraps. I love hunting through and finding fun little pieces of fabric that bring back memories from past projects. This block was perfect as well for some of those odd shaped pieces I have held on to.

Overall, I was pleased with how the pillow turned out, but I think I wouldn't have used variegated thread for the quilting. For some reason, it ended up looking just a bit sloppy to me. This pillow isn't the biggest. It only came out to about 16", but sometimes it is nice to have a smaller pillow- I hope! I added some turquoise piping around the edges, which I liked for the "pop" factor.

For the back I just did a simple envelope closure with bright sunburst fabric I have had in my stash for awhile.

Last week I also received my super awesome pillow from fionapoppy! This pillow is full of fun, simple details that really just make it something special. I love it! Plus, now I have a pillow to go along with my Authentic quilt!

I love how she added the little "Make Life Beautiful" quote into that one square.

Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend! The temperature here has dropped twenty degrees, and I can finally say that fall is here! Yay!

-we are ready!-

2011-10-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

The kids' costumes are ready! I have been dying to make the cape in the Oliver and S book, Little Things to Sew, and Halloween was the perfect excuse. Luckily, Felicity really does like the story of Little Red Riding Hood and was easily sold on the idea. I used some Kona Red for the outside and a pink gingham flannel for the inside. I made the smaller size, and the whole thing went together very well.

However, you can't have a Little Red without the Big Bad Wolf, can you? I was just going to buy a wolf costume, but by the time I started looking the cheapest I could find was $40 (that was cute, anyway). Call me cheap, but I didn't want to spend that much for something he would only wear once or twice. So I found this idea on Martha Stewart. Simple, easy- perfect! I bought the little gray hoodie and some felt all for under $10.

It took me only an hour this afternoon to cut out the templates from the felt and glue them all on. That is my kind of costume making. I do think my favorite part is his claws.

The only part I actually had to sew was his tail, which is made out of more felt. I just attached it to the top of his pants with a big safety pin.

I tried to get a picture of Little Red and the Wolf together. However, the Wolf was distracted by that basket full of yummy treats. Then he dove right in and attacked!

His attempts were foiled! Chocolate is not good for wolves.

We tried to convince Juliana to be Grandma, but she didn't go for it. She wanted to be the beautiful Rapunzel, and I have to admit that if I was six I would want to be Rapunzel too.

All three munchkins together. (I have no idea what Juliana's foot and twist thing is about.)

The Wolf spots those yummy candies once more!

Hope you all have a safe and wonderful Halloween!

Linking up to Amylouwho's Sew and Tell!

-zip pocket pouch-

2011-10-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

What can I say...I really am a sucker for Keyka Lou's patterns. She came out with this new pattern for a Zip Pocket Pouch.

It was the zipper that sold me. I have been using this Basic Wallet for awhile now to keep just a couple of cards and some cash, but I always run into problems when I get change. This definitely fixes that problem!

I found this cute little key fabric at Peapod Fabrics last time we were up in San Francisco. It was just about a fat quarter size. Perfect for this little wallet. I don't know who designed it, but it is from Windham Fabrics. From the inside I used a notebook paper fabric by Basic Grey. I think I probably should have switched out my bobbin thread for something lighter because I think the navy blue is a little harsh on the lighter fabric. Ah well...

This was a quick and easy sew! I also love that this pattern comes in three sizes. I think I might make a tall one for a cell phone case. The sewing took as long as the cutting, and I think I have found my new teacher/ secretary gift for Christmas this year. Keyka Lou is offering 20% off her patterns through the 24th with code "zippocket", if you are interested in making one of these for yourself!

I also finished my pillow for the Pillow Talk Swap! It was a good sewing weekend. I will be back later to show more!

-habitat-

2011-10-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers for my dad! He is now out of the hospital and while he still has a ways to 100%, he seems to be heading in the right direction!

Our modern quilt guild had a Habitat quilt challenge. We were given six fat eighths of Jay McCarroll's line, Habitat, and told to make a small quilt. I will just say this once (I know there are some Habitat lovers out there.), but I don't like this line. at. all. Plus, jewel tones aren't really my thing either. Now I do like certain prints, but for some reason the line as a whole seems too busy to me. I guess I am more of a soft colors and pretty florals girl. (My mom is always commenting on how many florals I have in my stash.)

So I decided to cut the fabric up into small pieces. I knew I wanted something that spread out these prints and was modern, since these fabrics are definitely more abstract. I found this pattern, Scattered Showers, by Kate Conklin and knew it was exactly what I was looking for.

This pattern came together so fast! It was fun. I would highly recommend it. It took me only a couple hours Thursday and Friday to cut and sew half the blocks, and then Saturday I put the quilt top together. I have to go buy some fabric this week for the back, but I hope to have this one complete by the end of the week!

It was so much fun to sit down and really sew for good chunks of time. With the pregnancy I have just been so dead by the end of the day that all I can do is sit in a chair and watch a movie. During the day this little man has been demanding my attention. Don't let these little chocolate brown eyes and messy face fool you- he is trouble.

what a week!

2011-10-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

Last week was such a crazy time. At the beginning of the week my dad ended up in the hospital suddenly and unexpectedly. He thought he had the stomach flu, and being a doctor himself did not want to go to the ER. However, it turned out he had a severe kidney infection. It took awhile for the antibiotics to kick in, and I had plans to go to the Sewing Summit. However, I didn't want to leave while words like "kidney failure" were being thrown around. However, Thursday he felt much better, and my parents said they still would like me to go. He, however, is still in the hospital for severe leg pain on his left side. So, please say a little prayer for him and the doctors to figure out what is going on.

I was so lucky to be able to attend The Sewing Summit though! We flew out Thursday afternoon. I can't remember the last time I flew without kids, and that by itself felt so luxurious. No juggling of billions of snacks, toys, strollers, and car seats. I got to fly out and room with Christy, who I know from our modern quilt guild.

The next morning I accidentally set my alarm for 7:30 PM instead of AM. Whoops! I startled out of bed, whipped on some clothes, and went to join in on the shop hop! All the shops were great. I found something at every store, and it was so much fun to share in all the excitement with people who are so crazy about fabric. ;0)

This is what I ended up with! I picked out some Little Apples for some skirts for the girls, some boy Children At Play (in case this new baby is a boy), and couple of other fun prints.

That night I joined in on the dinner held by Dana of Old Red Barn Co, who was super nice. She gave us all these lovely little handmade wallets and super cute sewing machine necklaces. Saturday was full of classes. I took Dana's blogging class the next day, and I loved her message of just being yourself and staying true to that. Then I took Gertie's handstitching class. I definitely learned a lot about different handstitches and found it helpful shown in person. Gertie had her own little group of cute, vintage clothing sewers, and they were all so cute in their beautiful handmade clothes. Then I took Susan's (of Freshly Picked) zipper class. She showed us how to do zippered pouches. Big Cartel was there filming her class, so I might even be on film. ;0) The last class was mini quilts by Amanda of Ms. McPorkchop. This girl was just as bubbly and fun as she seems, and I think she charmed the pants off everyone she met. I definitely heard the words "mini quilt" from so many people after her class.

I participated in two swaps! Kati hosted a Rainbow Charm Swap. Don't they all look great? I am thinking of using these for my rainbow obsessed daughter. Any pattern ideas?!

I also participated in Kaelin's Fat Quarter Swap. I am loving those old Amy Butler Charm fat quarters especially.

Sunday we had two more classes. Vanessa of V and Co. had a fun photography class. She taught us all how to lose two inches from our thighs. Who knew what a little butt lift could do?!? Then I took Erin's low key home decor panel, where everyone got to join in and give ideas on how to incorporate their sewing into their homes.

Overall, the whole weekend was a wonderful experience. Amy and Erin clearly put so much work into this all, and they should be so proud of themselves for hosting such a great event. We got HUGE swag bags full of fabric, patterns, batting, and more. I met sooooo many nice and inspiring people. I admit I felt like a shy little school girl around some people. I got to meet so many people who have been my swap partner in swaps, and someone who is my swap partner for the current round of the Pillow Talk Swap (although she doesn't know it yet. ;0p), and so many people whose blogs I have been following.

It was lovely meeting all of you!!!!!!

P.S. I slept for 12 straight hours last night!! Was anyone else as exhausted as I was?! My husband was impressed.

xoxo

My Big Project

2011-09-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

So I really haven't been doing much sewing lately, and it isn't because I am now homeschooling or because Josiah climbs on top on the table every. stinking. time. my. back. is. turned.

It is because of this little person! We have always wanted a large family, and we are all super excited. However, let me just say there is nothing like the first trimester to make you start wondering what the heck you were thinking. This time around has been hard. I haven't been this sick ever. I was starting to stress that it was twins. I was down for a whole month, but at 12 weeks I am starting to feel a little human again. Now I just need the energy fairy to come visit me once more. She is sorely missed. I am tired of being tired!

I love getting ultrasounds done. So amazing to be able to see the little one that is causing so much havoc to your body. We didn't tell the kids about the baby until right before we went to get the ultrasound done, and it was so much fun to see their reaction to seeing the baby on the screen. Juliana, especially, fell in love. She is determined that it is another boy, so Josiah will have someone to play trucks with. She wants to name him "Dan". Felicity wants it to be a girl (mostly, I think, to be contrary to Juliana), and she wants to name her "Paula" or "Sandwich".

So, there you have it. I have been going through fabric and pulling things for a destash and future projects, so I am hoping to share more sewing soon! xoxo

A Birthday

2011-09-25T15:15:00.000-07:00

Someone special had their sixth birthday this week, and it has been quite a busy week. She has been telling anyone and everyone that she is now six, waiting for the appropriate ooohhhs and aaaahhhs. I made her a rainbow cake, but don't examine closely. Cake making is definitely not my specialty. I also made her the cute little jumper dress made out of Sarah Jane's adorable new line. I didn't get any good photos of it, so I will try to come back later this week with some better pictures.

A couple of days later was the big birthday bash with friends. Seventeen little girls came dressed up in the in their finest wear to partake in a tea party. It was crazy, but they had so much fun! This was the best picture I got of this event. Clearly, I can not host and take pictures at the same time. ;0)

My sewing has been much slower of late. but I did join in on the latest round of the Pillow Talk Swap. I have a fun partner who seems to like color. I finally decided on a direction! Scrappy and X's.

Hope you are all enjoying the start of fall! It is actually not in the 90s or 100s today! Yay!

Jazzed Up Patchwork Placemat

2011-09-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

After I wrote the tutorial for the patchwork placemats that I made my kids for last Easter, I came up with the idea to add a pocket for the napkin. So instead of doing two more rows of patchwork I instead replaced them with a solid piece of linen and made another half piece for the pocket. Perfect way to store the napkin! I wish I had made my kid's this way, as their napkins are always going astray!

I made this placemat a few months ago but have been saving it for my little niece's birthday. Of course, being the procrastinating gift giver I only just now got around to embroidering her name on. Luckily, she is only two and won't mind a tardy present. (I hope!)

Do you ever take pictures of the things you make and think it really isn't that wrinkly? So annoying. :0)

For the back I used this pretty Meadowsweet print that I actually used for a dress that I made for her last birthday! That fabric just keeps going. ;0)

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!!