What will inspire you to create today?

Friday, December 27, 2013

Happy New Year

With a New Year comes new goals.  I have not been blogging a whole lot this last year and I continue to think that maybe this is just a place to keep me honest in what I can and can not accomplish.  In 2013 I thought I was going to bust my stash.  That did not work out so well, since I have now decided that I really like to make my own clothes.  I have accomplished a whole lot this last year.  I was able to move some WIP of the shelf and on to their new owners.  I have filled these shelves with new projects of course and no.., not all WIPs are gone!  This year I plan to get back into the blogging just to keep myself accountable.

Here are some of my accomplishments since my last post!



All of the blocks were made by the ladies in my Flickr Bee Sew Blues Bee.
This is the second bee I have done with these ladies and the second set of curtains that have come from them.  We just started up our third bee and my month is January. 



My neighbor and crafting buddy Cat has leant me the Alabama Channin books and I highly recommend checking them out.  I have had them for awhile now and I should probably be  a good friend and get them back to her... they are just so fun to flip through.  I want to make at least one more project... but that would mean starting something new before I finish any of my works in progresses. Okay okay I have talked myself into it.  I will give them back.  I can always borrow them anew. 

I also made two bathing suits this summer.  I was inspired from Katie Kid_md at katiekadiddlehopper . She did a Swimalong series this summer and made it look so easy.  It really was.  Of course I am still learning and I have room to improve, but the suit turned out fabulous and I wore them proudly all summer.  Now it is no longer swimsuit weather as it is snowing in these parts however, I look forward to wearing them to the hot tub over the winter and making some new ones next summer.  It is always so fun to wear something you have made.  So many compliments make it worth it.


I got a lot done and took no pictures. Nothing to show for it! Yes I need to get better at taking pictures. I somehow just wanted the projects out of the house and forgot to document them! Oops!

Goals for this Month:
Finish Circle of Nine Quilting and send it off in time for Melody's Birthday.

Other WIP:
Work on Bedroom quilt to match the curtains
Santa decoration
Medallion Quilt
Dress repair and hand embellish Alabama Channin
Trip Around the World (Sew Blues Bee)
Laurel
Craftsy Scarf

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

WIP: Mid May Progress


This week I did not get much accomplished...
Well I did go on several runs and we had a wonderful Mother's Day picnic.  I made Quilt Blocks for the Boston Quilt Guild and I traced the Meringue pattern, cut the fabric and started sewing.  I just do not have any finished projects!  Hope you had a great week!





Last Week's Plan:

3X6 - Go have a picnic! Accomplished!
Baste Rainbow Quilt (Not Yet!)
Get started on a new wardrobe piece: Started the Meringue Skirt


Projects finished over the week:
Quilt Blocks for Boston

Projects I worked on during the last week:
Quilt Blocks for Boston
Meringue Skirt

This Week's Plan:
Baste Rainbow Quilt
Finish Meringue

May Goals
Finish 3x6 (DONE) and last dress for closet repair... If I can squeeze it in make a new outfit for me....so many to choose from not sure which one!

Goals for this Quarter:
Finish quilting Under the Rainbow (no progress)
Finish hand embellishing Alabama Chanin Swing Skirt (no progress)
Finish Closet repairing the items that need repair (seven of eight items done !!!)
Finish Quilting 3X6 Done!!!!!

Other WIP with no progress:
Hand Quilting Circle of Nine
Quilt blocks for our bedroom quilt (Fabric is now all in hand.)
Curtains for our bedroom
Civil War Quilt ( I only started one block so far!)
Felt Hat (Cut out)
Santa decoration
Medallion Quilt
String Quilt 2
Rainbow Quilt
Dress repair and hand embellish
Hand sew Alabama Swing Skirt
Trip Around the World (Fabric Cut)

Projects I have the fabric for but have done nothing:
Polka Dot Amy Butler Apron Dress (Washed the Fabric!)
Curtains for the upstairs door
Curves Quilt
Curtains for downstairs
Curtains for the laundry room
Weekender
Polaroid Sleeping Bag
Pillows for students
Idea Pouch
Bottled Rainbows
Knit projects for Craftsy Class
Laurel Dress from Colette Patterns (Fabric Washed!)
Sassy Librarian Shirt on Craftsy
Sewaholic Renfrew View A
Swimsuits

Please check out all the other projects on: WIP: Wednesday

A Lovely Year of Finishes

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Quilts for Boston

Please join in on the effort to make quilt blocks for the Boston Quilt Guild releif project.

Quilts for Boston


Check their blog post for complete instructions.

These are the blocks that I made.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

WIP and the BIG Finish


WIP: May 8, 2013

I am so excited!  I have finally finished my 3X6 quilt.  I love all of the blocks that I received during the three swaps I did with the 3X6 Flickr group.  Thanks to all the people that made me blocks for this quilt.  I pieced the top a long time ago and had a very difficult time deciding how I was going to quilt it.  Once it was pieced it sat for a long time and then once it was basted it sat for another few months! Finally I took the Craftsy course on Free Motion Quilting with Leah Day.  Her class is geared toward quilting the 2012 Sampler Quilt that is a free class over on Craftsy.  I have watched many of the videos for that class but I already had two sampler quilts going so I decided I did not need another.  I needed to quilt the ones I already have done!  Therefore I had to do a bit of tweaking with the designs to make it work for my quilt.


Step One:  Watch the videos on FMQ and decided which patterns you would like to debut on your quilt.


Step Two:  I took a picture of the quilt top and started drawing out the individual blocks.   I decided in the end the actually quilt laid out was easier than the picture.  Once I outlined all of the blocks, I started comparing them to some of the blocks in the Craftsy Sampler quilt and decided I had a few of the same blocks so I just did the same designs on those.  Then I looked for ones that were similar and redrew the patterns on top of my sketches.  What I have learned is the more you sketch out a design the easier it is to sew it.  Free Motion Quilting is so fun to me because I love to doodle.  I also found a source for Zen Doodlig that just blows me away!  It is called Zentangles.


Step Three:  Beginning in the middle start stitching in the ditch and then quilt each block interior.  I did not stitch all the blocks first.

Step Four: Bind and Celebrate!



I also had another finish this week:  Baby shower gift  The project is "R" for Romper from the Sewing for Boys book.  I am trying to do all the clothing projects from this book I bought last year at Sewing Summit.  I have a 4 year old so the romper is not really his style anymore.  I thought it was fun to make but way too time consuming for a shirt that is going to last for a few weeks or maybe even face total destruction with one wear if it gets pooped out!  Hee Hee!  My friend Cat and her husband adore all things British... he is a Brit!  So I had to make my gift something a little British!





Last Week's Plan:
3X6 - FMQ and binding Done!
Hand sew Alabama Swing Skirt: No progress
Baste Rainbow Quilt: No Progress

Projects finished over the week:
Finished Free Motion Quilting on my 3X6... bound and ready for the first picnic
Keep calm and Sleep on "R" is for Romper from Sewing for Boys


Projects I worked on during the last week:
3X6 quilt Done!
Reviewed Craftsy Class
Made a Baby Shower Gift



This Week's Plan:
3X6 - Go have a picnic!
Baste Rainbow Quilt
Get started on a new wardrobe piece (Fabrics are washed.... let's get a move on!)

May Goals
Finish 3x6 (DONE) and last dress for closet repair... If I can squeeze it in make a new outfit for me....so many to choose from not sure which one!

Goals for this Quarter:
Finish quilting Under the Rainbow (no progress)
Finish hand embellishing Alabama Chanin Swing Skirt (no progress)
Finish Closet repairing the items that need repair (seven of eight items done !!!)
Finish Quilting 3X6 Done!!!!!

Other WIP with no progress:
Hand Quilting Circle of Nine
Quilt blocks for our bedroom quilt (Fabric is now all in hand.)
Curtains for our bedroom
Civil War Quilt ( I only started one block so far!)
Felt Hat (Cut out)
Santa decoration
Medallion Quilt
String Quilt 2
Rainbow Quilt
Dress repair and hand embellish
Hand sew Alabama Swing Skirt
Trip Around the World (Fabric Cut)

Projects I have the fabric for but have done nothing:
Polka Dot Amy Butler Apron Dress (Washed the Fabric!)
Curtains for the upstairs door
Curves Quilt
Curtains for downstairs
Curtains for the laundry room
Weekender
Polaroid Sleeping Bag
Pillows for students
Idea Pouch
Bottled Rainbows
Knit projects for Craftsy Class
Laurel Dress from Colette Patterns (Fabric Washed!)
Meringue Skirt from Colette Patterns (Fabric Ready!)
Sassy Librarian Shirt on Craftsy
Sewaholic Renfrew View A

Please check out all the other projects on:


Fresh Poppy DesignWIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced A Lovely Year of Finishes


Saturday, May 4, 2013

Precision Piecing with Norah McMeeking

Well folks, I have some exciting news.  I received an email a few weeks ago asking me from the Craftsy company asking me if I would like to take one of the online classes and write a review on my blog.  The class is Precision Piecing with Norah McMeeking.  I had seen the class on Craftsy and was already interested in taking it.  I am a self taught quilter so tips are always great especially when it comes to how I can be more precise.   I have taking several quilting classes on Craftsy, so I was delighted to be able to take one and review it.


Norah does a great job of explaining the blocks she is using for the class, she has loads of tips and even a very helpful template to use to make your piecing more precise.  I am not working on the exact pattern that Norah shows in the class; however I had a similar block up on my design wall when I started the class and it is perfect for putting some of her tips into play.  I got out my template plastic, printed out the course materials and got to work.


The techniques require a great deal more pinning than I ever do.  The results were outstanding.
I have not yet made a block using the second or third style that Norah describes in the class.  I am looking forward to using all of the tips I learned.  If you would like to take the class, the folks over at Craftsy are offering the class to you at 50% off.  What a deal!  The class is brand new so jump on it if you are wanting to refine your skills.  Here is the link to get started.  I hope you come back and share the photos of the projects you make using some of the precision techniques.


If this is not the class for you there are many other quilting classes over on the site that you should check out.  I have really enjoyed all of the classes I have taken, and am always checking back to see what new classes they have to offer.

If you are just wanting to check out Craftsy there are many classes you can take for free!  I have taken many of the free mini classes and can not say enough about them.  I really enjoyed Mastering Zipper Techniques.  I met Sunni at Sewing Summit last year and she is a delightful teacher.  I will go back to this class over and over to review the techniques.  She is thorough and really makes zippers feel a lot more manageable.  Another free class I have taken is Sewing Machine 911.  I always recommend this class to my friends that are just learning how to sew.  I was lucky to have my mom show me all the ins and outs of my sewing machine when I was just a girl.  This class will inform you on how to make sure your making is clean and running smooth! 

Check out all of the other free Craftsy mini-courses by clicking here.



Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Progress, WIP, and Revisiting Goals

WIP: May 1, 2013

With so many goal driven parties happening in the sewing world I have decided to list them all in one area so I can cross reference my lists and make sure I am setting attainable goals!

The boys were out of town for the last two weeks so I really got a move on my 3X6 Quilting. Actually I only have one block left. I am hoping to wrap this one up by the weekend. Hopefully next week it will be off the list! Today is May and May Goals are in order!



Projects finished over the past few weeks:
Repaired 7/8 pieces of clothing from the closet.

This Week's Plan:
3X6 - FMQ and binding
Hand sew Alabama Swing Skirt
Baste Rainbow Quilt

May Goals
Finish 3x6 and last dress for closet repair... If I can squeeze it in make a new outfit for me....so many to choose from not sure which one!

Goals for this Quarter:
Finish quilting Under the Rainbow (no progress)
Finish hand embellishing Alabama Chanin Swing Skirt (no progress)
Finish Closet repairing the items that need repair (seven of eight items done !!!)
Finish Quilting 3X6 Almost there!

Projects I worked on during the last two weeks:
3X6 quilt (Almost there... one more block to quilt and bind it off!)
Watched a few Craftsy Classes (Reviews to come)

Other WIP with no progress:
Hand Quilting Circle of Nine
Quilt blocks for our bedroom quilt (Fabric is now all in hand.)
Curtains for our bedroom
Civil War Quilt ( I only started one block so far!)
Felt Hat (Cut out)
Santa decoration
Medallion Quilt
String Quilt 2
Rainbow Quilt
Dress repair and hand embellish

Projects I have the fabric for but have done nothing:
Polka Dot Amy Butler Apron Dress (Washed the Fabric!)
Curtains for the upstairs door
Curves Quilt
Curtains for downstairs
Curtains for the laundry room
Weekender
Polaroid Sleeping Bag
Pillows for students
Idea Pouch
Trip Around the World
Bottled Rainbows
Knit projects for Craftsy Class
Laurel Dress from Colette Patterns
Meringue Skirt from Colette Patterns
Sassy Librarian Shirt on Craftsy
Sewaholic Renfrew View A

Please check out all the other projects on:

Fresh Poppy DesignWIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced A Lovely Year of Finishes


Saturday, April 27, 2013

April Finish Party

Here we are getting close to the end of April and I saw the post on Flickr for the April finishes party and I actually had to look up at the calendar and say.... is it already the end of April?  I can not believe this!  Wow this year really is flying by.  My boys have been out of town since the ski hill closed visiting  my husband's family.  I was really jealous that they were getting to go on a little vaca while I stayed and worked.  That really passed quickly.  Although they are missed, it is so nice to have a break.  I have gotten quite a bit done on the sewing front.  Not exactly everything I would have liked.. but progress none the less.

The first of my goals that I was able to finish was from the Craftsy class Sewing with knits.  I am learning a lot about knits.  I am not really thrilled with how the bottom of the garment turned out.  I am not sure why it worked out the way it did and why it hangs kind of funny.  I really whish I had a teacher that could help me figure this out.  Wait I do... that is what is great about the Craftsy classes.  Now I just need to send in the pictures and ask the questions.  I have kind of turned off the garment sewing for the last few weeks because I am trying to get some good progress on my Free Motion Quilting on my 3X6 quilt.  So as soon as I am finished with the quilt I will post pictures on Craftsy and see what the teacher Meg McElwee has to say.




My second accomplishment for the month is all the progress I have made on my 3X6 quilt.


My dad sent me one of his cameras so I could try it out and start to take some better pictures for my blog posts and so far I am really excited with the improvements I have seen thus far.




I am working dilligently to get this quilt finished before the boys get home.  The blocks from the quilt were all made by my friends on Flickr.  It will be a picnic blanket to use this summer.  It has a special place in my heart because I just told the 3X6 group the colors and they got to pick the blocks.  The group is really fun.  I did it 3 times so I really have a nice variety of blocks.

 I have At least 4 other tops that I have pieced that I need to also quilt at some point in this year so once I get one under my belt I will feel much better.  I am really enjoying all I am learning from the craftsy classes.  I have gone a bit overboard and am currently taking 4 different classes on FMQ on Craftsy.  You might ask is she addicted to  and the answer is "YES!"  I really am just loving all I am learning.  I love learning from other people's blogs.. but I really love the videos on Craftsy!

My final goal for April was to make myself a skirt.  I have not yet completed this goal. I actually have not really even thought about the goal.... Oh wait... I have finished the goal.  I did not make any new skirts however, I did clean out my closet and fixed two skirts that previosly were not wearable.  So yes!!!! I finsihed all of my goals for the month.





I fixed the zipper on the above green zipper as well! So two skirts! Mission acomplished!
The Quilt is not yet out of my sewing room. I am hoping to get it wrapped up this weekend.
Stay tuned for pictures! I also have a little secret to share with you all and I am really excited about it!

Linked to:

A Lovely Year of Finishes

Saturday, April 20, 2013

FMQ Progress

Over the past few weeks I have taken quite a few classes on Craftsy.  I am bit addicted I must admit.  The internet is so awesome.  My favorite class so far is Leah Day's Free Motion Sampler class.  Although I did not make the 2012 Sampler quilt that she is showing us how to work on, the information I am learning is great and easy to apply to the 3X6 sampler quilt.  My friends over on Flickr sent me these blocks as part of the 3X6 block exchange, and I am finally quilting them up.  I can not wait to have my first picnic on it.  I am also using the knowledge I am adquiring to design how I am going to FMQ my blocks for the We Can Do It Sampler Quilt.  I have not yet basted the blocks for that project, but plan to as soon as this one comes together.

Over Spring Break, I started to take the class.  I went through and watched the videos.  I have been reading 365 Days of Free Motion Quilting Blog and practicing Free Motion Quilting for several years, so the information on the craftsy class for the most part is what I have already learned from Leah on her blogs.  The great part is that it is all in one place.  I have learned a lot I have not learned from her blog.  I am sure that it is on there somewhere, but I have missed it.  So really I took the class for the convience.  I also believe in supporting someone who helps you to create.  So go check it out if you need to improve your FMQ skills.  I sound like a commercial... sorry.

Here is my progress so far.






I am looking for a really good Camera class for my new Cannon 30D. (Borrowed from my awesome daddy!) If anyone knows of one or any tips in that direction let me know.

Linked to

Monday, April 15, 2013

WIP: April 17, 2013 and Q2 Finish A Long goals

Two weeks ago was Spring Break and I was able to work on a lot of projects and even start a few new ones. I went a little crazy with fabric purchases!  I am really loving garment sewing and really can not stop thinking about it!

I was able to finish the Amy Butler Mini Dress.   I love the pattern although it makes me look a little prego... Or maybe that is my pudgy belly.  Best do some more Plank a Day sessions or go running to fix that!  Next time I make this pattern I would go down a size it fits a bit too big.



I was able to finish piecing the back of my Rainbow Quilt.  Now I just need to get it basted and quilted.  This is my goal for the Second Quarter of the Finish Along.  I am taking a class on Craftsy with Leah Day and will start another with Angela Walters.  I really love machine quilting.  I finally figured out my set up and this is such a blessing.  It is so helpful to have a large table to move the quilt on and not have it hanging over the side of my sewing machine.  I am using our massage table to hold the quilt up and this is working out perfectly.  I have quite a few quilt tops I would like to get quilted before the end of the year.  As far as a goal for the Quilt Along, I need to get something out of the craft room and I would like it to be this quilt.

Q2 Goal #1:
This is the back
These are the blocks on the front.  

The quilt is all pieced.  It needs to be basted and Free Motion Quilted.  I think I am planing on doing bubbles in all of the white space and outlining the star by stitch in the ditch.  I was thinking I would also outline the bubbles by stitch in the ditch.  Pebbling takes forever so I know I want to keep the rest pretty simple.  I think I can get this done by the end of June.

Q2 Goal #2

I would also like to finish the 3X6 Quilting.  I have already gotten started and am loving the results so far.  The boys are going out of town for the next two weeks so I am hoping to get this one done.    I have all of the quilting drawn out... Now I just need to get a move on.  I have started and have a few blocks underway.  It is a big task!  I am hoping to have this one done in time for picnics this summer!

3X6 Finished top
Q2 Goal #3


I have one of the 4 skirt panels stitched.  I now need to finish the other three and stitch it up.  I am hoping to wear this on 4th of July weekend so I will need it finished by the end of this quarter.

I also made up these adorable thomas Pants for Sage.


Added reverse applique to his Raglan top.


Finished the Sewing for Boys Easy Linen that matches my Mini dress but is way too big so we will have to save it for next Easter.

I also finished piecing the top of one of my string quilts.  I am waiting on the blocks for the other top.  They should be here this week.  Then I need to finish the backs.


These are this month's blocks for Promise Circle of Do Good Stitches.


This weekend I cleaned out my closet and decided if it was broken I needed to fix it or get rid of it.  If I was not wearing it then I need to figure out what I can do to revamp it so I will wear it.  I finished two zippers and I am wearing one of the skirts today.  I hand embellished one skirt and will take pictures soon.  I have 8 more pieces so far that either need to be fixed or forgotten.  They are in a pile in the sewing room and I hope to get them back into the wardrobe soon!

Goals for this Quarter:
Finish quilting Under the Rainbow
Finish hand embellishing Alabama Chanin Swing Skirt
Finish Closet repairing the items that need repair (8 items)
Finish Quilting 3X6

This Week's Plan:
3X6 - Stitch in the Ditch and FMQ
Hand sew Alabama Swing Skirt
Finish up repairing clothing from my closet

Projects finished over the past few weeks:
Repaired some clothing from the closet.  
Treasure Pocket Pants for Sage
Amy Butler Mini Dress
Added Owl detail to Raglan Top- Sewing for Boys
Easy Linen from Sewing for Boys
Finished the details on my Maxi Skirt
Promise Blocks
String Quilt Top 1

Projects I worked on:
Piece the back of my rainbow Quilt
3X6 quilt (I designed all of the patterns I am going to sew, and started on a few.)

Other WIP with no progress:
Hand Quilting Circle of Nine
Quilt blocks for our bedroom quilt (Fabris is now all in hand.)
Curtains for our bedroom
Civil War Quilt ( I only started one block so far!)
3X6 quilt (I finally have it basted I just need to get after the quilting.)
Felt Hat (Cut out)
Santa decoration
Medallion Quilt
String Quilt 2

Projects I have the fabric for but have done nothing:
Polka Dot Amy Butler Apron Dress (Washed the Fabric!)
Curtains for the upstairs door
Curves Quilt
Curtains for downstairs
Curtains for the laundry room
Weekender
Polaroid Sleeping Bag
Pillows for students
Idea Pouch
Trip Around the World
Bottled Rainbows

New Projects!! I bought the fabric for!
5 Knit projects for Craftsy Class
Laurel Dress from Colette Patterns
Meringue Skirt from Colette Patterns
Sassy Librarian Shirt on Craftsy
Sewaholic Renfrew View A

Please check out all the other projects on:


she can quilt