Napkins

Years ago when I was lots younger, with young kids, and not a lot of cash, I still wanted to give everyone Christmas gifts. I decided to make napkins! I used the most lovely calico fabrics, enclosing each square with a mitered corner frame. As ugly as we'd all think they are now, I worked very hard on making them perfect, and I used mine untill they died. I think my Mom is the only one maybe still hanging on to a couple. (Love you mom!)

A few weeks ago I went to the Jacksonville quilt show. I had a great time wandering through seeing some amazing quilts, trying out long arms (oh how I miss you Millenium) and looking through shops. Jacksonville very few fabric shops for such a large city, so it was fun to see such variety in one place. 

At one shop I spotted this piece of Farmers Market by Sandi Henderson and not far from that I saw a fabric I'd not seen before. I found out it's by Hoodie, whom I've also never heard of, though she has been designing fabric for years. This line is called Vegie Patch. The eggplant fabric was all I could find at the show. There on the spot I decided to revisit my napkin making. We go through a lot of napkins but I also do a lot of laundry so why not combine the two.... After looking at the line, the eggplant is my favorite, but I want to get the others to make more napkins, four is not enough.

They finished out at about 22 inches. I love the mitered corners. I made these by just wrapping the fabric from the back and framing my focus fabric. The solid green is Kona Grass. Is there anything you made years ago that you've decided to make again? I wonder if in twenty more years I'll think this fabric was a "lovely" choice?

Whether She Wanted It Or Not

One of my co-workers had a birthday last week. With only two days to come up with something, I decided on a bag. We don't know each other well, but you know me..... I'd rather make a gift than purchase something. I made it up as I went along because that's the way I roll these days. I may have gone a bit out of her comfort zone color-wise. It's kind of a lunch bag, carry-all type of thing.

 I took these pictures with my phone the morning I finished it.

 I should have been on my way to work.

 The color is brighter than I remember it being. Poor woman, I think she prefers black.....

It's the thought that counts.... right??

Sketchbook Shorts

Busy much? Yeah, me too. I made these a couple of weeks ago.....  Actually Jess did most of the sewing. 

 This is such a cute pattern, thank you Oliver + S. I used Kona cotton in stone (clay? whatever) and some of Amy Schimler's fun fabric for the waistband and pocket linings. 

 Jess did a really good job sewing and learning more about clothing construction. 

I apparently need to go back to cutting out stuff 101......  I thought I used the same peices I traced for the last pair I made, which fit the Little Mister perfectly. 

I didn't. 

They are too small. 

I think I have just enough for another pair.

A Little Charm Quilt

The other day Jess said, "We should make some stroller quilts."

Then she made three.

With appliqué.

I managed to eek out one in twice the time!

 My challenge was to use fabric I had, and I did. Even down to the batting. Of course it's tiny, 35 x 35, so I'm not sure it should really count as fabric out...

Michael Miller Pod Pozy charm pack.

 Kaufman Kona chocolate border.

 Michael Miller Ta-Dot for the binding and back.

Sorry about the not so artistic sun spots. I wasn't in the mood for a do over. 

Next up is my gratuitous baby shot. Avert your eyes if you are tired of these........

Trying to capture golden baby lashes on a wiggly boy.

Heaven.

Half Square Triangle Pillow

Pillows seem to be the big thing right now. They are kind of irresistible. About a month ago (? time flies) I decided I needed a pillow for my guest room. I actually could use a couple of pillows because one looks kinda sad, like an incomplete thought, but you must start somewhere.

 

My finished HSTs are 2 inches. It's a bit crazy that there are, I think, 85 of them in this one small pillow.I used Kona cottons. I wish I had a color card because I cannot for the life of me remember what these fabrics are called and I really need some of the yellow! So who would like to come see me next? The room is ready!

The Boy and His Blanket

Just in case you're wondering, quilts and blankets are not the same thing and anyway, his mom bought the fabric and said make it. So I had to. Poor me.

 Made with Urban Circus by Laurie Wisbrun, Shannon Cuddle in brown with blue dots, and kona cotton in a color I would know if I could ever get my hands on a color card. I "quilted" it with straight lines about every third row of elephants. 

He loves it and I love him. Perfect.

It Makes Me Giggle

Because. It's. Just. So. Cute. Jennifer made two for her girls and after squealing and looking at hers (sorry for being grabby Jenny) I knew I had to make one right away. I mean it's only, like, two years and baby m will need one!

When Katelyn mentioned the chameleon fabric I may have squealed again. (What can I say, I'm a bit emotional right now.) I knew I had enough to make the back pack.

I added a bit more of Ms. Schimler's fabric on the sides. Kona cotton in moss became the piping, straps and interior.

I lined it and put in Timtex like Jennifer suggested to give it a nice shape.

I even added a pocket. Everyone needs a pocket.

I love it. Hope you like it too baby.

Easy Bias Skirt

I made this using the Best Bias Skirt from Indygo Junction. We have it in the shop but I think people have trouble invisioning it. The cover is, let's say, less than flattering to the pattern. I decided to make one Wednesday night after work. The "best" means different things to different people... I can say this was quick and easy. I was tired and it only took me two hours from tracing to final ironing. It consists of two panel peices and bias binding. I made my own bias binding cause that's the way I roll.

I used Nicey Jane and Kona in grass. The pattern has you sew on the right side with a zig zag to complete the casing for the waistband and the hem. I really like it since the skirt is meant to be casual.

I wore it all day yesterday and I'm glad to say it was very comfortable. I was not just sitting looking pretty either, it was a receiving day for merchandize and I was bending and lifting a lot.

Did you get to sew today?

Repeats

I was thinking the other day that it's time to take down the Sunday Brunch Jacket hanging in the shop, hoping to inspire others to sew something. I really love that little jacket and now I will fold it up and send it to Jessica. Thank goodness she sees no pressure in me making these little things. I haven't asked Uber about that...... Anyway, I just love these patterns and when our corduroy came in at the same time as the Marrakesh line, I couldn't resist the way they looked together. This is size 6-12 months. Maybe the next time Baby E comes in I can see if it fits her. She's growing fast though...

I made another of Heather Bailey's aprons. This time I decided to make it reversible. It works. It wasn't too difficult either.

More later.