minis

Since I was last here, I've made 8 mini quilts. With each one I learn something more about my machine, about my preferences for color and design, about what is visually pleasing to me, from the stitches I choose for quilting and binding to a favorite color palette. My minis are yet far from perfect in my eyes, but I try to remember that is how someone will know they are handmade, each and every one, not manufactured.

I'm proud of myself for being committed with a goal in mind.  I may even attempt a larger quilt again, having gotten some good practice in with these minis.

I'm also learning to use what technology I have on hand to assist in my quilting.  I had been designing my quilts with pencil, eraser and graph paper. It's nice being able to do so anytime, anyplace.  However, it's also frustrating when your design doesn't fit the space as you intended and you have to start over again.

I decided to make a spreadsheet using Numbers on my iMac, mimicking the graph paper.  I can fill the cells with color. I can even add shapes when I want something besides squares and rectangles.  It's much easier to select the cells and wipe out the color and the lines when I want to make a change.

The colors don't necessarily designate a particular fabric. I use them for placement, length, width, etc.  I don't always know what fabric I'm going to use for a particular style quilt; therefore, trying to designate colors for the different fabrics would be impossible for me.  I let the fabric tell me what to do with my template as a guide.  And, without hesitation, I make changes to the template if needed as I'm working with my fabric.  It's meant to guide, not restrict. The lines I've included for notes at the bottom of the page have proven useful. I jot down fabric, what stitches I used, thread tension and date completed. It means less time spent agonizing over my machine settings.

Quilting and working with the spreadsheet satisfies both sides of my brain...the side that aspires to design and the one that is the foundation to my creativity.

pink patch doll quilt

when i mentioned on fb i was making doll quilts and hoped to open an etsy store by the end of the year i had a few sweet friends tell me they'd be interested. and they reminded me little girls like pink! between what little bit of pink i had in my stash and what i found at my local hobby lobby, i came up with this quilt. it measures 18" x 24" and i quilted using curvy lines, with and without bows.

pink patch doll quilt - front

pink patch doll quilt - quilting

pink patch doll quilt - back/binding

thankfully i don't have to pick my favorites because, though i've only made two so far, i am loving each and every one. they're fun to design. and fun to imagine being cherished and played with by a child.

and, yes, that's my American Girl doll, one of the first they ever came out with! there are so many more options now, from hair to eyes to skin tone, to choose from so every little girl can find her very own playmate. or every woman who knows to nurture the child within!

the cutest thing ever!

this morning i finished my first little doll quilt and i positively love it! the fabrics are all from my scrap bin. i chose bright, happy colors and sweet designs. and i stitched, quilted and did the binding with my Brother XR9500PRW machine.

mini mod stripe doll quilt, front

mini mod stripe doll quilt, decorative quilting

mini mod stripe quilt, binding (back)

it's the best binding i've machine attached ever! i couldn't be happier!  yes, i still see my "imperfections." but with every piece i make, i learn something new and i improve my designs. that's a win-win in my book!

the rain has gone, the skies have cleared and the sun is shining bright and warm. life is beautiful. go live it!

pay-it-forward

at the start of this new year, a sweet high school friend of mine i've had the pleasure of reconnecting with thanks to facebook posted that she was participating in a pay-it-forward project. to the first five people who responded to her status update, she would send a small token of friendship anytime during the year. in turn, all who responded would post the message on their page and do the same for five more of their friends. it's always fun to receive some mail love, something that is NOT electronic. i was in!

it's already april. AAUGH! but i haven't forgotten. in fact, i've been busy working on my friendship gifts for the past few weeks. after finally making myself a version of prayer or peace flags that i'm ready to hang in my yard as soon as the hubby puts up some hooks for me, i decided these would be perfect...handmade with love.

i've since made three more sets. i chose colors and fabrics that reminded me of the recipient. and i'm going to include a bottle of fabric paint that each one may write their own words/blessings on their flags if they so choose. tee suggested that. i thought it was a wonderful idea.

one set has already been mailed off.  two more are pictured here with mine.

can you tell that mine is the flamingos?

i've made my flags double sided, pretty from either direction, and sewed them with sweet decorative stitches. this photo shows the "backside" of one. the fold is actually pretty cute, too.

i strung some on braided trim i found at hobby lobby, but then picked up a nice, big roll of twine at lowe's. i tack my flags down to the twine so when they're hung they won't slouch or shift in the wind. and, yes, i plan to leave mine out. i want them to fade and fray, sending my blessings to the heavens, just like the tibetan prayer flags. read a description here.

this morning i wanted a little something more to include with flags going to the kind woman who inspired me to do this. i made my first mug rugs from the same fabrics as her flags.  

as soon as i jot down a note on a card i've tangled, i'll be ready to bundle everything up and send this package on its way.

mod blocks. wall hangings

lately i've really been into modern blocks for modern quilts. because we have so much wall space in our home and all this fabulous color from room to room, i decided it would be fun to do quilted wall hangings, turning the open space into a canvas of favorite things.

i'm also really liking white in my quilted projects which is pretty unusual for me. it looks fresh and color really pops in contrast.

i did this first one a couple of months ago now.

White Mod Blocks - Front

White Mod Blocks - Back

White Mod Blocks - Stitching

because it's a nice size, easy to maneuver around on my machine, i took my time and quilted squares and rectangles in various configurations. you can see the cute pattern it created in the second photo of the back.

this was the first time i cut my own binding and i realized how much easier it was to machine sew than the more stiff store bought.

this wall hanging will be in our hall when i repaint the walls something more like lavender than the "fuchsia" it is now. and super white for the trim.

there's a second one, quite a bit larger, for the same hall. i'll save photos for another post. it's pieced but not quilted yet.

the following photographs are of a wall hanging i just finished today that will be for our den. again, i've used colors that are a bit of a departure for me, but in our den we have these beautiful Native American framed masks that are red and black. and a snowscape i had professionally printed and mounted that i took on our adventure to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica. this will fill up the wall nicely.

Red and Black Mod Wall Hanging - Front

Red and Black Mod Wall Hanging - Back

Red and Black Mod Wall Hanging - Stitching

i pieced the blocks with my Husqvarna Viking Scandinavia 200, but quilted and did the binding with my Brother XR9500PRW. i used straight stitching as well as decorative stitching to quilt. because the fabric i chose for the back is rather busy, the various stitches aren't distracting. the stitching becomes part of the artistic design and personal expression. mine are far more simple than the amazing quilt designs i've seen on the net. some day it would be a pleasure and a privilege to witness artists at work on their extravagant designs created with or without a long arm machine.

a purple lap quilt for her

my sweet niece is in her second semester of her freshman year of university. she's adjusted so well and has become quite independent. it's a blessing to see dear babes become responsible, happy adults.

i remember many, many years ago how wonderful it was to receive a "care" package from home, or from a friend, when i was in college.

hopefully we've not completely lost such kind gestures because of this age of technology.

after making a lap quilt for an older niece who is in her own apartment and has returned to study nursing, i wanted to make one for our freshman.  i asked her what her favorite colors were. she said she would like purple and light purple. the child knows how to get straight quick to this heart of mine. i really like purple. it's just plain fun.

i found fat quarters and fabric yardage in awesome shades of purple, threw in some white and decided on a nice, striped pattern.

and added blocks for the borders, keeping it simple since the fabric was so rich.

for the back I found this 118" quilting fabric of lavender daylilies here.

i had every intention of quilting, but ended up tying the entire quilt, using a curved needle to thread DMC embroidery floss at the corners of each block in each strip and in the border blocks. i was trying to stitch in the ditch, but i could not feed the quilt, all bundled up and rolled, adequately through my machine to get nice, straight lines with tidy stitches. after it took me two hours to rip out two lines, i knew i needed to stop, take a deep breath, and tie.

then it took me between ten and twelve hours to tie. i even woke up one morning at 2:30 AM and tied for 2.5 hours. i couldn't sleep, wondering why i was having such problems when i hadn't before. in those early morning hours, i relaxed and let the stress roll off my back.

the binding went on quite easily. i've heard and read about nightmares regarding machine stitching binding, but i actually like it! i cut my own which i've realized goes on much straighter with no wrinkles then the store bought i had previously used.

as i mentioned in the previous post, i like to use a decorative stitch to secure and give my binding, front and back, a finished look. i am so very happy with the end result!

i've the perfect sized box ready to package this baby off, send it on its way.

and i've decided i'm going to stick to smaller quilting projects, things i can do fun designs with, in sizes my machine can handle. like this wall hanging i did before the holidays...

Sewing should be fun, not stressful! And if I do decide to do something bigger, like lap size, I'll resign myself to tie it from the beginning. It's just as secure and the knots are cute anyway.

a new look...

I've been missing from this space for some time, but decided yesterday to give it something of a new look, add some items over on the sidebar where you can find me on other social networking sites and to give you a sneak peek at a lap quilt I've been working on. I recently purchased a Brother XR9500PRW Limited Edition Project Runway sewing machine at a great price on amazon because I really wanted an inexpensive machine with lots more decorative stitches than my Husqvarna Viking Scandinavia 200. I like to use them to secure and give my binding a nice polished, finished look. This is my very first time using the machine! I positively love the sweet, loopy stitch. It looks so nice, front and back. And the stitches are neat and tidy. That does my heart good!

I've made another quilt since I was last here and have made several sets of "prayer" or "peace" or "garden flags."  I don't have too many photos of these projects except for a few I took with my iPhone. My goal is to photograph what I do have and share here at some point.

it only took me four years and four months to finish what i started

if it hadn't been for this blog, i would not have remembered my plans for this lap quilt never mind that i had started it back in january of 2009! really?! oh my. life was a bit chaotic for a while, things up in the air at times, but obviously i've done quite a bit of sewing. what took me so long?

i know i was stumped by how to border this lap quilt. i considered my friends' preferences, but couldn't match up my triangles all the way around.

and i feared quilting and binding. the very first quilt i made, my mother and i sewed buttons to tie it down and i used the envelope method.

but tee and me have recently moved into a new home and we've re-painted the rooms in these amazing, bright, springlike colors.  he kept suggesting i make a quilt that would match "sweet mimosa."

that's when i remembered the lap quilt started so long ago. no way, no how would i start a new project with this one sitting there. i needed practice before tackling something queen size.

the wait was good because i saw it with new eyes.

i went in a new direction with the border.

and used those original triangles in hourglass blocks for the back.

(these are instagram photos in case you're wondering why they're in square format with borders and so saturated.)

before i go into the details, let me show you the completed quilt, front and back. it'll make it easier for me to explain.

lap quilt, front

lap quilt, back

i didn't match the single row of blocks on the back to any one on the front, so i decided to quilt and tie.

on the bottom three rows of the front, i quilted squares around the 8" x 8" blocks and squares in the solid 4" x 4" blocks of the hourglass.

had i continued this pattern in the tops two rows, it would have not aligned to the back and i just didn't like how it looked.

using DMC embroidery floss, i tied in the center of the 4" x 4" squares of the top two rows and all the 2" x 2" squares of the border.

the knots are barely visible on the back. besides that, i learned how easy it was to use a curved needle and how to tie a surgeon's knot.

i went store bought for the binding, having purchased it here in this color. it was familiar since i used double fold bias tape to hem before. so it would match and the mistakes would be less noticeable, i used yale blue machine quilting thread, too, that i picked up at my local jo-ann's.

though the binding bunched a little so it doesn't lay super flat, particularly over the length, i'm proud of my imperfections and feel super accomplished.

i've many ideas churning for more quilting projects starting with a wall hanging for the hall, that "sweet mimosa" quilt, some table/mantle runners and more lap size for gifts! i've already been practicing with designs. fun!

pocket purse

i don't know about you, but come summer time, i don't really want to lug around a huge bag unless i'm going to the beach, on a picnic or have a specific activity to attend.

perhaps i want to take my sketchbooks and tangle amidst the beautiful flowers of my neighborhood museum gallery gardens. In that case I'll carry my art student tote.

the saturday market tote is perfect for shopping at the farmers' market.

obviously i have bags for many occasions!

lately, however, i've noticed i just grab my smartphone and wallet to dash around town doing little errands like mailing off some letters or picking up a few groceries. and when we walk to meet up with our friends for a nice cold one...or two...i certainly don't want to carry a big, ole purse to lay on the floor or sit on a crowded counter. i've a small leather purse i bought years ago. the only problem with it is that i have to take my phone out of its protective case and i can only carry my driver's license and some cash or credit card. i just don't like that.

i searched through my pattern stash and came across this one.

perfect.

i used Wrights double fold bias tape quilt binding for the strap. it's the same width as what the pattern calls for. because it's already seamed and folded, it's quick and easy to attach. cut it to a length that fits your frame and you're good to go.

besides the zippered front pocket, i added a pocket to the back. it's not necessary unless you're like me and you want your individual items securely separated.

the bag can be made in sizes ranging from 4" - 7". this is the 5". of course, you can make it any size you want. 5" is perfect for a smartphone in an otterbox case and a small credit card size wallet like mine.

it lies nice and flat against my hip and is lightweight. i can wear it comfortably, unencumbered, and carry plenty of camera equipment when I'm out shooting. sweet, sweet summertime. i'm ready for you. bring it on!

art student tote

a new home. a new creative space. a new bag.

it's been a busy few months. but this week i've been back at the sewing table and it feels good.

i had started this bag before i knew where i was headed. as it turns out, it matches my surroundings beautifully, inside and out. i'm surrounded by light and color. i've a feeling it will reflect in my choices now, in where i go, in what i create.

i'm still hesitant when a project calls for zippers and magnetic snaps. but i'm pleased with the results and i love the bag.

i've had the fabric for some time. it's Michael Miller..."garden pindots" for the trim, "boho blossom" for the exterior pockets/divider/lining and "far out floral" for the exterior.

as with all my bags, before constructing i basted a muslin to the straps, pockets, exterior, lining and divider panels. because the strap is narrow, i used a lightweight muslin for it so it wouldn't be hard to fold and topstitch. the strap is sturdier without being too bulky. for everything else i went with a premium muslin. it's not as expensive as a canvas yet provides that stability i like.

a few things that make this bag a little different from some others i've made...

the straps are one continuous loop. you sew the main panels at the bottom then attach the strap, stitching up one side, in a rectangle, from top to bottom, and then the other.

there's a divider with pockets that is secured to the lining panel at the bottom as well as at the sides.

the pair of snaps, back to back, secure the divider in place and close the bag, a super cool feature.

it's perfect as is for me because i divided my interior pockets to hold the size sketchbook i like to tangle and my micron pens. it has the zippered pockets for smartphone, wallet, etc. and it's a nice, comfortable size. but it could easily be modified, too. it's why I love to sew bags. i feel i'm learning many techniques and studying design in a pleasant, happy environment. and i've always a bag in my closet to coordinate with any outfit, to suit any mood and meet any season.

a messenger bag in fall colors...

...that's what tee said when i showed him the fabric i had chosen for this large messenger bag. i won't spend too much time talking about it since, if you're here and have followed me for a while, you're very familiar with it. i've made it in several different sizes with many pockets and lately an adjustable strap.

i do think it's pretty, though, in this bright, bold amy butler fabric and i did want to post it here continuing this online, visual journal of my sewing projects.

this bag is for a new friend. she saw this one that i've been using to carry my notebooks to a wonderful poetry class i'm taking (an 8 week course...for free!), heard me mention to someone that i sew, and asked if i'd make her one. why, of course! she told me to pick the colors and the fabric. for some reason, maybe because of the time of the year, i felt this was perfect.

now if only the fall like temps would return and stay!

for mom. with love

at the end of july i suddenly found myself in nyc, a trip i had not planned anytime this calendar year. but some members of my immediate family were gathering at my sister's house and needed me to be there. fortunately it wasn't all business and what was passed uneventfully. there were some great moments, too, like spending time with my niece and nephew and long chats into the night with my big sis.

tee and i were also able to hitch a ride into the city on a friday with my sister. we left her to her day job in the early morning and hopped on the subway with a list of places we wanted to go in a few short hours.

on that list was mood designer fabrics. because i'm a fan of Project Runway and have been since it's first season.

i hadn't realized it was on the third floor of a building and that it took up three floors. so cool. as soon as we walked in i immediately noticed a few of the employees i recognized from the show. how exciting would it have been to spot a designer or Tim Gunn?! it may have been more than i could have handled. i got totally tongue tied when i came face to face with Jessica Mendoza at the 2012 wcws. but that's another story!

i asked tee to take this one photo of me with my iPhone to record my very own Project Runway moment.

we walked up and down all the aisles through all the racks on all three floors looking for some fabric for my mom. sometime back she had asked me to make a specific purse. this one. when my mom has asked me to sew something before, it's been for a gift, a bag or an apron she wanted to give to a friend, never anything for herself. she knows i won't let her reimburse me for the fabric and she doesn't want me to go to any unnecessary expense. moms are thoughtful and considerate that way. i'm grateful mine is, anyway.

so i found some beautiful fabric. actually tee did and i agreed with him. my mom specifically requested something mostly black. i don't think she'll mind the dark brown, the backdrop to the black flowers. this way she can use it with either black or brown shoes, slacks, coat, anything.

it's home deco of a nice weight. it held up so beautifully, even to the fusible fleece used to line the exterior panels, sides and handles. i could hear the needle "pop pop pop" as it slipped in and out of the fabric. i love that sound. it means tight, straight, even stitches to me!

for the inside i wanted a fabric with a lighter color that would pop, but nothing too obvious because i knew it would be visible from the top. i think it's perfect.

it's also a home deco weight, but 100% cotton and flat, not shiny.

the bag is very simple as you can see. i gave her an outside pocket in front and back. the inside is nice and open, has one small pocket for a cell phone or a small wallet and has a sturdy base. i inserted a piece of foamboard in the bottom of the bag between the exterior and lining.

the sides are tacked to give the purse shape and structure. i really like it. and i hope she will, too. i'll get it in the mail to her early next week and see what happens upon arrival!

a weekend getaway bag

this is it. the bag i'm going to be using for my next weekend getaway. of course, i don't have any immediate travel plans. gosh darn it! regardless, should something come up, i'll be ready.

i love this bag! i was totally intimidated because of the...gasp!...zipper. probably even more so than the tubular frame which i've never used before. so i procrastinated. i had the fabric and fleece cut out two weeks ago. and i sat contemplating it until this week. i needed to release some anxiety. sewing is my meditation. and it worked. all my troubles went right out the door! or my consideration of them anyway.

i broke two needles trying to sew through all the layers of fleece and canvas in the straps, including a super duty jeans/denim 100/16. holy smokes. i would have broken more had i not really taken my time and helped the machine along. i'm thinking the models are made on industrial type machines? no, seriously?

so, let me introduce you to the bag, the bohemian carpet bag by sew liberated. i made a carpet bag a few years ago, this one, for my older sister. and it came out really nice. but i'm thinking i like this one, a lot, because of the frame. which i got here, by the way, along with the swivel snap and feet i used.

here's a full view of the bag...

and a close up of the zippered outside pocket and the frame...

another view the frame, open...

and one of the bottom with the feet...

i really like the corner accents, that they meet at the sides and at the bottom. i like the straps sewn into the bottom seam for extra support. the feet, besides being super cute, will be nice when i sit the bag on the floor. i like how roomy it is inside, as is, with no pockets. this really is a bag to carry your clothes in for any overnight trip. the outside pocket is enough for your cell phone which most of us can't live without. and the key fob, which i didn't take a photograph of, well, it's sewn into the frame casing to hang inside. it's handy dandy so your keys don't get lost.

i would recommend this bag and this pattern, i really would. i would just warn you that the materials can be costly, depending on what you choose to use. i went with this printed cotton duck i bought quite a few years ago. it's woven and durable. i like the bulky handles from the fleece, but it is tough to sew through. just take your time. if you don't need something quite so sturdy, but like the bag, you could easily line your exterior, handles and lining with canvas and skip the fleece all together. those are my thoughts, anyway.

oh, and that zipper? super easy to insert. phew! maybe now i'll take on more projects with more zippers!

i can see more sewing in my near future, of course. i'll be back then!