Rock the Vote!

Hey, Everyone! Tracey over at Itching 2 B Stitching is hosting the Because I Matter Challenge and it's time to vote for all the June entries. Will you go over there and vote for your favorite project? You'll find my June project (the sewing organizer) as well as a bundle of other super cute things from very talented crafters. CLICK HERE

Don't Look Tracey!!!

Phew. It is finished...almost. That's right. ALMOST finished. I still have to complete a little bit of hand stitching around the zipper, and inside the lining. What a big challenge this bag was for me. I really am happy with how it turned out despite all the little quirks that got sewed in. I added the little fabric flower to spice it up a bit...what do you think?

Because I Matter Challenge--June Project

Because I scored a loaner machine from my very sweet friend Phyllis, I was able to finish my June entry for the Because I Matter Challenge over at Tracey's. This little organizer is the perfect size for all of my quilting and small sewing tools. It is lined with fleece so it is perfect for safely securing needles and scissors. Next month maybe I will dream up something bigger for myself, but for this month, I kept it simple.

RIP Little Singer

My sewing machine died last night. It's got some kind of timing issue. It has been a great sewing machine, but last time that I had service done on it, I vowed not to spend and more $ on it so I guess it's time for a new one. I don't mind buying a used one, but really need a work horse...anyone have advice?

Sneak Peek (TRACEY, DON'T LOOK!)

Drum roll please. I finally got started putting together Tracey's bag from her swap that ended a million years ago. Amy Butler's Weekend Bag. I got a little farther tonight and completed the piping around the front panels and attached the zipper. It isn't nearly as complicated as I feared and I am so happy with how it is going together. The stripes matching on the front panels is a total fluke...and they don't match up one bit on the zipper panel, which may look funny. So this is a sneak peek:
I haven't given up on quilting yet. I'm also still stitching away on my pink quilt. I really enjoy the actual quilting part and slowing am getting better at it. Addie's toes will probably peek out from underneath by the time I get it together. :)

Squares & Skirt for Addie

TA-DA!

All but one of my homework squares are finished now. I will be working on getting borders on and then will start quilting. These squares represent HOURS of seam ripping...especially that silly 8 pointed star. I now have a much deeper appreciation for the hands behind all those quilts I own and see in shops.

After this week's overwhelming class where we learned about different quilting stitches and techniques, I had to go straight home and work on something that I was comfortable with. So I made Addie this cute little skirt from Bananafana out of the princess material and ribbon she picked out at the store recently. I have some beautiful fabrics to make a few more skirts from this pattern, but had to make this one first. It turned out SO cute and was SO easy.

Quietly Quilting

I've been spending those few precious hours after the kids go to sleep, working on my quilting class homework. I finished four blocks last week (pictures soon) and now have two more to do before the next class...eight point star and drunkard's path. I have enjoyed the cutting, piecing, and ironing--I think it really appeases the control freak in me. Okay quilters out there...why, when, and where do YOU love to quilt?