Lillian's Stitches

Love Stream

2012-02-12T20:22:00.000-06:00

This one's for my babies.

It's not uncommon to be sitting in church and an image of a quilt or a block drop into my consciousness. This sort of thing has happened to me in the past and involved some sort of creative endeavor that goes on to be a gift tailored to someone specific. Not this time. Two weeks ago, this baby quilt dropped into my mind, and in record time (for me) I've completed the top. I used a matching yard and fat quarter purchased in Paducah, as well as a few remnants of red, etc., from various locations. Unbleached muslin borders complete it, and I'll use the same in the back.

They say hope deferred makes a heart sick, but when desire comes, it's a tree of life. Whenever my tree of life comes, it is sure to be well-nourished and healthy, fed by loving expectation and confidence in the goodness of God to bring to completion everything He's spoken to me.

And so my husband and children will receive the work of my hands, supported by a heart full of trust, faithfulness, and, of course, love.

Gifts

2012-02-03T18:26:00.000-06:00

It's better to give than to receive, but it's still good to receive!

It happens, on occasion, that when friends realize I am a quilter, exclamations of "Oh, would you like--" follow. For example:

"There's this quilt we have in storage. We don't know who made it. We found it in his grandmother's trunk. It smells like moth balls, though, and it's falling to pieces. Oh, and the backing looks like an old granny's wallpaper. But if you want it, we'd rather it be used than not."

Would I like it? Well...

Silk, velvet and embroidery, what! A couple of sticks of incense dispelled the moth ball smell, and yes, the silk is shredding in some places, but I *do* have a stash of deconstructed silk tops lying around, and that dupioni remnant... But meanwhile, I'll just pet it. And snuggle under it.

And the backing? Pah! Who cares when all that glory's on top!

Speaking of glory, I got a surprise package yesterday containing...

AACK! Thank you, dearest Orange You Glad hivemate! My jaw dropped. For several minutes. Literally. The only explanation was an invitation to PLAY! YAY!

Now to give. Convention may dictate this worth a post of its own, but, though fully awake, I'd rather finish up this post and get to sewing!

Tomorrow I'm off to visit my Grandmother. She's been part of so many firsts in my life: first bath, first ice cream, first doll dress sewing, first Krispy Kreme, first trip to the emergency room... My first free motion quilt went to her last year (has it been a year already?!), and before that, my first quilted gift (coasters). To brighten up her room, I decided to make a first just for her:

That Alexander Henry backing is Grandmother to a T. She is a prolific reader, art aficionado, and quite as classically coiffed. I look forward to surprising her tomorrow and pray all the virtues of love, health, hope, faith, beauty and healing accompany her through this stage of life.

linked with sarah

Odd Blocks

2012-02-02T23:02:00.000-06:00

Anyone else wax philosophical on less sleep than usual? Or find there's a negative correlation between the previous night's hours of quality sleep and the average number of syllables in your idiom? Seems the more tired I am, the longer and clunkier my vocabulary becomes.

I'm not even sure what text to put with these photos. A single phrase, such as "disparate elements of various projects", might suffice, but the post title communicates this. To say, "I've been sewing blocks" seems obvious... Ah, well. Onward!

I'm starting a quilt using a yard and a fat quarter I found in Paducah, KY, with the MCMQG gals. It's an experiment in plan-as-you-go. Here are the first bits in that so-cute-it's-practically-not-me print (and--bonus!--an overuse of dashes!)

Another project: the Sew Happy Geek Quilt-Along. Last week's block:

Finally, a block pieced from this tutorial. It's got a story, too, but I'll wait on it for now, maybe until a time when I'm feeling less sesquipedalian?

Happy sewing and sweet dreams!

Star of the Magi Quilt--Complete!

2012-01-21T23:34:00.000-06:00

Last year I made a fabulous yoyo toss pillow for a couple of my favorite people for Christmas--and forgot to blog about it. So here ya go...

That's chocolate wool suiting underneath hand-made yoyos.

But, of course, I had to top it this year. It started with a yard of the print on the left.

Yards of batiks were added once a design was selected...

Then, after piecing a backing from scraps and an extra yard of red, coming out with a wobbly (i.e. not flat) top, wrestling with it through the baby Kenmore, and using the white glue trick for binding, I hand-stitched the last bit today.

And, huzzah, not even a month late!

Please note, this block is called the Star of the Magi, NOT "swoon". "Swoon" is, in my opinion, a knock-off. But the star of the Magi block isn't well known. I only encountered it in an Elm Creek Quilts novel, and I've had trouble finding reference to it elsewhere. However, these friends, as a couple, are collectively known as the Magi, and thus, no "swoon" would do.

note the square print binding

The few bits not left from the backing were used in a pair of birds, my "place holder" Christmas gifts to the couple.

roughly 6 feet square

And yes, that's the Kitty Chronicle print you see. Once it pops out of the dryer, I'll fold the quilt to make sure that print is on top. I am stoked about delivering it--hopefully tomorrow morning!

To make the story even sweeter, as I was fingering a throw quilt around Christmas, my friend off-handedly remarked that her throws needed updating, and she was particularly keen on replacing the garage sale mass-produced quilts (in color schemes other than her taste) currently in rotation. (And for the record, no, she wasn't hinting... too much truth warrior in her for such schemes!)

And as if the sundae needed more than that chocolate sauce, said friend accompanied me for the purchase of the extra yard of red. Seeing the bolt in my hands, she proceeded to swoon (pun intended) and could not leave without buying a piece for herself. She claimed to work it into gifts... but I've seen nary half of what she bought actually used! Perhaps someone loves it too much to give it away? Muhahaha!

As I said, I am thrilled to surprise my friends.

Oh, and bonus:

Some of the Music City Modern Quilters roadtripped to Paducah, KY, today. That's 23 faaaabulous remnants you're seeing. Since I needed replenishing and all, now that glorious albatross is gone from 'round my neck...

AH! Dryer's done. Off for a quick test snuggle before getting this baby ready for its new parents!

Sew. Happy. Blocks. Weeks 2-3

2012-01-18T21:20:00.000-06:00

... With a side of psychological self-analysis!

I am feeling perky and full of hot chocolate, Ben & Jerry's, and neuroscience-education reading!

I shall share my joy with you by sharing a few blocks from the Sew. Happy. Quilt-A-Long I put together in the past few days.

Hmm... perfectionistic zombies rearing their heads... i.e. I thought I'd killed that OCD-ish impulse, but those un-squared edges are getting to me...

There's an unintended green-grey thing going on with these blocks. Maybe I'm eager for spring?

Oh, and some Kitty Chronicle print coasters sneaked into my making as a hostess gift for a fellow feline aficionado!

Which reminds me: having caught two mice in traps in the past few months, do I have enough evidence to convince my landlord we need a cat? Ought I to research pest control services and do a cost-benefit analysis, including average damage to flooring from hair balls and spraying? Or will Roommate and I just pray for favor and leave it at that?

'Cause every quilter needs a kitty, after all.

Wrought Iron Blocks

2012-01-17T23:12:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite adventurers got engaged on New Year's Day! We have watched angels at a barn dance, flown commercially and on hang gliders, snow boarded, been roommates, walked in the snow at midnight, spent Christmas together, graced famous music venues with our presence, traveled internationally, gone on frou-frou girlie outings, feasted, laughed, danced, created, dreamed and interpreted dreams, sledded on plastic tub lids down the backyard, survived floods, celebrated birthdays, sang original music, defied expectation, lived every day of our lives... together...

So she and her fella deserve a truly wonderful quilt.

I love the idea that orienting bow tie blocks into rings makes them a True Lover's Knot. I chose fabrics that speak of life, hope, favorable impressions and joy, then surrounded them with black to evoke wrought iron.

Tonight I assembled the first three blocks. Please note that the first picture is most accurate for color as I continue to try to make up for compact florescence and camera flashes.

I'm loving the look thus far! Scrappy but intentional...

I'm not too concerned with matching blacks. I used whatever I had on hand and can do no more without purchasing a yard or two more. I even made a few black "poverty blocks" which, as I am NOT wishing poverty over this couple, I shall rename "good stewardship blocks" and bless them with wisdom to steward all their resources.

I'm looking forward to seeing this piece come together! The couple have not set a date, so there's no rush, but with such an adventurous bride, I figure once they make up their minds, they'll lose no time. Until then, I'll do the same!

Lined Drawstring Bag...

2012-01-10T21:56:00.000-06:00

... Hottest trend this season among glass carafes.

Made with this tutorial as a bit of a gift for a friend. Fabric courtesy of Wal-Mart's reinstated fabric department (hello, power to the fiber artists!) Now if only their solids weren't poly-cotton...

First Stitches of 2012

2012-01-08T07:12:00.001-06:00

It was four days into 2012 before I sewed a stitch, and within the week I've already added an item to my list for the year and foregone another.

So this box of awesome arrived, courtesy of some Christmas funds (thanks, Mom and Dad!) and the FQS "Blogger's Choice Bundle" thingamajig, over the course of which I encountered some gotta-have-its and oh-my-it's-on-sales. It started with that yellow cartoon print, destined to be tea towels for a couple that are perfectly depicted therein, and as it's not really worth the price of shipping to just purchase one yard, I decided to fill my stocking with gorgeous fabrics I'd never buy for myself otherwise. And, oh yes, all. on. sale.

I stalked the UPS site for days...

And inside there were yards...

And half yards...

And before they arrived, I saw the Sew. Happy. Quilt. Quilt-A-Long, giving me a perfect opportunity to put them to use immediately! So I've added this to my list, but I've dropped the hobbit cloak (thanks to a clearance item at Pier 1, I'm all set in that department).

Thus, week 1's blocks:

And speaking of blocks, here are my practice blocks for the OYG bee:

And the real thing:

I'm so excited about the rest of the quilt-a-long. It's so liberating to have holiday sewing behind me so I can work on things I love just because I love 'em.

And that's perfect, because my word for the year is LOVE. Hoping your 2012 has gotten off to just as lovely a start!

A Year in Review

2011-12-31T11:52:00.000-06:00

My black eyed peas are soaking in the fridge, and there are already events on our 2012 calendar. It's been a particularly eventful year, and I look forward to what's to come!

As I was going through my pictures, I was stunned at how much I actually created this year! The following collages are not exhaustive (omitting, for example, bee blocks) but provide a sense of all I've stitched in 2011.

Clothing and Accessories

Gifts--Housewares--Baby

Quilts and Mug Rugs

My plans for 2012 are as follows:

OYG Bee Quilt (my month is July!)
OYG Sampler Quilt (made from practice blocks)
Late Christmas present (basted)
Wild Thing Quilt (ready for basting)
True Lover's Knot (for me)
True Lover's Knot (for friend)
Marlowe Quilt
Jelly Roll Race II
Circa 1934 Quilt
Baby Trees (basted)
Lillian's Hexagons (ready for basting)
Antique Pinwheels (ready for basting)
Hand-Tied Solomon's Puzzle (awaiting binding)
Botany Baby Quilt
Psychology Quilt
Rooftop Garden Baby Quilt
The Hobbit Movie cloak (to wear to the midnight showing next December)

Since college I've been in the habit of making to-do lists that are impossible to complete. It doesn't discourage me, though. I shoot for the moon and always land among the stars.

Happy New Year, y'all! No matter how amazing 2011 was, the best is yet to come!

Drinking the Fat Quarter Shop Kool-Aid

2011-12-30T19:44:00.000-06:00

Y'all heard about the fantasy fat quarter bundle thing they've got going on with Quokka Quilts and the Fat Quarter Shop? And is it any coincidence that the contest runs parallel to holiday sales? Further, is it possible for me *not* to spend some of that Christmas money on fabric? (Thanks again, Mom and Dad! You always know *just* what to get me!)

Well, let's just say in the course of choosing my 12 prints and 3 solids, some of my "fantasy" shall become reality, whether I win or not. It all started with--actually, it's a long story, truly not worth getting into, but rest assured my logic is sound, my sense of stewardship in tact, my budget safe.

Now onto the goods! My strategy involved narrowing down approximately 53 "ooooooh!" fabrics down to 12, then choosing accordingly.

Starting with the left column and working down (not across):

1) Blue Roscoe from Impressions
2) Grey Medallion from Taza
3) Moss Paisley from Secret Garden
4) Fresh Grass Floralism from Modernology
5) Black and White Trellis from Fleur Noir
6) Pearl Lace from Bohemian Soul
7) Slate le Linge d' Epoque from Paris Apartment
8) Midnight Garden Damask from Secret Garden
9) Gray Tiny Florals from Flower Sugar
10) Black Rosie Toss from Annie's Farm Stand
11) Gray Medallion Dots from Lost and Found
12) Midnight Mehndi Stripe from Grand Bazaar
13) Bella Solids Silver
14) Clementine Cotton Couture from Michael Miller
15) Jet Black from Michael Miller

Apparently three winners will be chosen on January 15th. While I'm hopeful, of course, it's been fun to peruse the virtual shelves and see what draws my eye. Now I'm curious to see what others have put together!

Handmade Gifts Revealed (Part 3)

2011-12-27T19:37:00.000-06:00

Last few gifts to be revealed as they were given yesterday/today!

A dear friend gave me a purse she loved to death. The straps were threadbare and the lining was unsalvageable. I chopped, I re-lined, I zippered (pouch tutorial here), I repurposed, and she was surprised and pleased! (Sorry, no "before" picture--I zealously attacked and didn't think about it until after I'd already hacked it to pieces.)

These haven't actually been opened yet, but I don't think the recipient follows my blog. My brother's boyfriend has a culinary background, and I've been known to consult him when I have garden-to-table quandaries. My log cabin blocks were just right as pot holders for him!

And I gotta admit, I love the reference of the grey to my brother's gift. That and these were some of my favorite makes of the season!

Now just one more to finish up... interspersed with projects for myself, of course, because after all that sewing for others, it's more than justified to treat oneself ;-)

Handmade Gifts Revealed (Part 2)

2011-12-26T08:37:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas! Time to reveal a few more handmade gifts given yesterday.

My brother received a Market Tote made from Modern Log Cabin Quilting. It's made from grey denim jeans with busted zippers given to me by a friend who married a lighting engineer. I'm not sure the project instructions were accurate, but it didn't affect how the bag turned out.

I love it. And, more importantly, my brother loves it, too!

Three years ago I made a couple of Spool birds that unintentionally match one another. They must have been prophetic, as the recipients of those birds married a few months later. Those same friends received new birdies this year! I whipped these together when I realized that their real gift (not yet finished) would not be ready in time for Christmas. I have a two-week deadline, but in the meantime...

Another friend requested pot holders. That gave me opportunity to play with charm squares! She loved these, as well as the print by Erin Leigh I gave her (unfortunately, I don't think she sells that particular print anymore!)

Finally, I joined some of my OYG bee ladies in making a secret something for our bee mama Staci. This was a great opportunity to play with the cams on my machine and use some Christmassy fabrics! I hope she likes her mug rug and had a merry Christmas!

There are still a few more gifts to reveal and a few more Christmas things to attend to, but it's been a very rich holiday for me, and I hope it has for you, too!

I Win!

2011-12-23T10:45:00.000-06:00

I won several giveaways on Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway Day! A few have already arrived.

First, a sweet ornament from Kim at Geek Stitching:

Second, nine faaaabulous fat quarters from Shelley at Little Meanderings:

I look forward to using these in my OYG bee when my turn comes!

And just for fun, something I didn't win...

Homemade chocolate covered cherries! My brother and I worked together. It was a break with tradition and a first attempt for both of us. And oh... so... good...

Hope your holidays are shaping up as sweetly as mine!

Handmade Gifts Revealed (Part 1)

2011-12-21T07:30:00.000-06:00

Remember those sneak peeks of holiday gifts a few weeks ago? Well, at least one has been given and a few more are made. Here's what I can reveal thus far:

For my friend who received the Spliceosome Quilt, in honor of his love of cooking with CSA produce and his frequent texts of "Hey, I got you something from the farmer's market and left it by your back door"... Pot holders! Yay! Backed in that fabulous turquoise batik (not pictured), and super-sized for his loooooong, articulate fingers.

For my girl D., the lovely impetus behind the vintage dress-cum-apron, a PINK journal and cover based on a starburst block and using V & Co's tutorial. After seeing me with a similar journal from a MCMQG door prize drawing, D. requested one for herself, but in pink. I happily dispensed my stock of pink and brown remnants, adding scraps from the project to my Sew, Mama, Sew giveaway box. Even before I'd sewn a stitch, I knew the front deserved a funky vintage button.

For my own personal journey (that is, a gift to myself!), a mug rug repurposing some raw-edge appliqued blocks made by former students. On one side is my block, and on the other are blocks that (a) bring back pleasant memories and (b) were the best examples of third-grade stitching out of 18 attempts. A year ago, I couldn't have imagined I'd be where I am today. This little mug rug honors and celebrates my years of teaching, reminding me of the joys without need to wish I were still in that career.

I'm looking forward to finishing up my few remaining gifts and posting about them soon!

Chag Sameach and Happy Chanukah, y'all!

Personality Type Giveaway Results

2011-12-17T08:25:00.001-06:00

Congratulations, Anne! Random.org selected her comment as my winner.

And now for the fun part... the results of my little "study"! Here are my rough counts, and by rough I mean I looked over it all once and made tally marks on a grid.

This first chart shows how many commenters told me their Myers-Briggs personality type in four letters. "Valid Data" refers to those four-letter commenters. "Partial Data" refers to those who gave me less than four letters or told me a moniker (I didn't care to match informal names like "the avenger" or "the madwoman" with the types they referred to). "No Data" are comments that opted not to participate in the test.

This next chart shows percentages of each personality type.

Finally, we have the breakdown of each dichotomous variable.

So what can we conclude?

It seems that we are a select population! Several people pointed out that they were surprised by the frequency of certain types that they believed to be rare. I'm not in a place to assert the validity of the statistics to which those commenters refer, but personally I was surprised to find as many fellow INTJs as I did! And the high frequency of introverts over all makes sense, considering that crafting is generally an individual process, a means of escaping and recharging, bound by planning and creativity.

I can't say my data represents our community as a whole. I had nearly 900 page views, and less than 300 comments. I'm no market researcher, but I'm sure the appeal of my giveaway, plus the time cost of taking the test or dredging up the memory of some college class, affected who my participants were. But these are questions for a future study.

Thanks to everyone who participated! I had a lot of fun collecting data and playing with spreadsheets, and I hope you enjoyed my "study," too!

Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway Day

2011-12-11T22:25:00.001-06:00

Giveaway is now closed. Find results here.

Hooray for Giveaway Day! To first time visitors, hello! My name is Mary, and that's my great-grandmother Lillian in the header. This blog serves as documentation for all the bits of stitching I do. When not engaged thus, I'm a research analyst with a neuroscience lab!

I'm using Giveaway Day as an excuse to simplify my artistic tendencies and make room on my fabric shelves. Up for grabs are some fat quarters, charm squares, scraps, dye experiments, yoyos... and some other bits and bobs that didn't make it into the pictures.

Eligibility:

All commenters who (a) comment as specified (see below) and (b) provide a means of contact (either leave your email address in the comment or have a way to link back to it) are eligible to win. International visitors are welcome as I will ship internationally! Enter by 5 p.m. Central on December 16th. After this, random.org will choose a winner. Failure to respond within 3 days to a winning email will result in forfeiture of the prize, and another winner will be selected. All will be shipped before December 24.

To enter:

Please leave a comment on this post telling me your Myers-Briggs personality type. If you do not know it, click here for a (short) 40-question test, or have a glance here and choose one you think fits. (If you're really interested, there are several places to take a 72-question test for free, and I've found those reliable.)

Why a personality test? Well, first of all, people are fascinating to me! Second, as I've become involved in several groups of sewing women, I've been intrigued by the differences among us as well as what holds us together. It's made me curious about what the blogging/sewing/crafty community looks like in general, so I'm doing a kind of mini-study to find out! Descriptive data collection, if you will.

If you'd rather not participate in my "study" but want to enter, please say so in your comment. I am trying to avoid kamikaze entrants and will only be selecting from those that have taken the time to read this post, but I don't want to make anyone jump extra hurdles unless they're willing.

Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy the adventure! Click the button on the right to return to the giveaway madness!

P.S. I'm an INTJ, if you're curious :-)

Little Bits

2011-12-04T13:01:00.001-06:00

My roommate had never done a "Secret Santa", so I suggested we do one between the two of us! We came up with lists of things we like and set a $20 limit. (That's a single $20 bill, no cheating!) We'll drop off little gifts for one another throughout the season. Ah, but where?

Stockings, of course! They were SUPER easy to make, just a seam to hold the sides together, a seam on the top, and a seam for the loop to hang 'em.

We stuck with our nontraditional holiday theme. Can you guess which one is mine?

Another mini-project was inspired by a trail run in a sweatshirt with a kangaroo pocket and a phone that would not stop bouncing. Then this tutorial popped up, and I took off with the idea!

My favorite pair of socks from high school had long since been converted into ankle warmers--BEFORE they were popular, mind you! I simply stitched on a little pocket in the one color lacking from the rainbow.

A simple turned-down casing for elastic and a few side seams later, and I'm set to run.

I didn't flex for the photo as I didn't want to intimidate y'all with my mighty biceps. Hopefully bright! cheery! colours! will dampen that effect...

Now all I have left to do is figure out who my Secret Santa is...

It's Beginning...

2011-11-29T23:20:00.001-06:00

Pot holders--because someone requested them for Christmas

Experimenting with cams that came with the baby Kenmore

Chrismahanukkah gifts--a "gelty" pleasure

My brilliant tree: a tomato cage from the hardware store

I'm looking forward to Christmas this year, happily ahead on my sewing, cheerily keeping bows and bags on hand for each completion.

And speaking of presents and packages, y'all heard about the "Traveling Stash"? It's currently here. For the origin story, check here. Intriguing, no?

Cracked Pepper Quilt

2011-11-27T18:18:00.001-06:00

Happy belated Thanksgiving, and happy early holidays!

This Thanksgiving, I was surrounded by family and friends who have received quilts from me in the past 12 months. Somewhere on the road trip home, I realized I'd yet to make a quilt just. for. me.

Not for my hope chest, not for a family member, not for a friend.

Just me.

So over the next few days, I put together my Cracked Pepper quilt. Thus...

BEHOLD!

This was my first time to (a) piece a quilt from precuts (thanks, MCMQG Jelly Roll race!); (b) piece a backing (that's lime, y'all!), (c) quilt with a combination of washed/unwashed fabrics; (d) straight-line quilt by sticking and re-sticking painters tape; (e) attain any measure of satisfaction with double-fold binding; (f) machine-stitch an entire quilt, including binding; (g) use digital photo editing with a modicum of accuracy to lessen the effects of compact florescent lighting; (h) make a quilt just. for. me.

I like the little leftover section of Summer House fabric in the binding. I love the black! And I owe this post for the inspiration to tack the back binding with glue instead of fiddling with pins. That was brilliant AND made the whole binding process much friendlier.

So, all told, a great learning experience full of firsts, and, of course, I love--LOVE!--my quilt!

Happy snuggling!

The Generations Quilt

2011-11-17T20:21:00.000-06:00

Oh, this is a metaphor for life.

You take what you're given, you make choices, you add your own flair.

You make do.

And then you get ambitious, and you get excited, and you try.

And you try.

And you try, even though it's not working out the way you planned.

So you adapt, and you try again.

And again.

And you do everything you know to do, you call the one who was supposed to fix it, you blame, you wonder, you give up.

You sit down and cry.

And then you try again.

It's puckered, and the seams are skewed, and the points are blunted, and the blues don't match, either. But it's beautiful.

I made a quilt with 15 flyfoot blocks my grandmother (mamaw) made, and I made a 16th to match. The unbleached muslin back is coffee-stained, and the batting is nondescript.

Free-motion bubbles had thread breaking all over the place. I picked out more walking foot stitches than I care to remember. I did sit down and cry after leaving a frustrated message for the repairman who assured me no more stitches would skip.

And then I tried one last thing: I changed back to a universal needle, and suddenly, it was okay.

Straight lines and self-binding stitched down, run through the wash to make it soft and crinkly, folded and tied for delivery, I surprised Momma at work for her birthday. And it seems words just aren't necessary.

Because my Mamaw died four years before I was born, but she sewed, like her mother, like my mother, like me. My stitches and hers now wrap her daughter, soft and warm and comforting, embodying what my Mamaw must have been. I know, because that's the way my mom is.

The way I'll be, one day.

Linking up with Sarah this week. Click here to return.

Water Bottle Prom Dress/Froufrou Apron

2011-11-15T22:13:00.001-06:00

No, I've not been playing MadLibs.

I have, however, been helping a friend with a sewing project! But first, the accidental discovery/brilliant idea of how to use a scrap of ruffles.

Behold, the lonely water bottle. So dejected. So forlorn. Feeling like no one will ever notice her, appreciate her, ask her to dance...

Until...

Hooray! She will be prom queen for sure!

Er...

My friend had a vintage $1 dress she thought would make the perfect apron. Unfortunately, we didn't take pictures before we started hacking away. Imagine a floor-length sleeveless number in that lavender rose print with ruffles at the bottom. And imagine haphazard cuts and eyeballed seams, something like this...

A few stitches later, we finished!

Perfectly adorable and every bit as froufrou as she hoped! (And for the record, while I stitched the tricky parts, she cut out circles for yoyos. Thanks, D!)

The idea is pretty self-explanatory: cut about an inch beyond the side seams, turn under all raw edges, etc. We chopped off the bottom and reapplied the ruffles at knee length. She liked the yoke, so we kept it intact. If you want more specific instructions, just ask!

Jelly Rolls and Cracked Pepper

2011-11-12T18:58:00.001-06:00

The Music City Modern Quilters got together for a jelly roll race today!

It started with this...

Then it looked like this...

And it really was this blurry, sewing 40+ strips end to end, then that one loooong seam, then those four shorter seams, pedal to the metal, seven machines singing at once, and a handful of times we all paused at the same instant for a breath of silence...

And in less than an hour, we had...

I used a roll of Summer House along with 2.5 inch black solid squares I'd cut ahead of time. I finished in second place, too! Way to go, Baby Kenmore!

And, of course, I love it. If not for the black, it would be too girly for my taste, but somehow that bit of freshly ground pepper gives it enough spice for my style. Hmm... Henceforth this shall be my Cracked Pepper quilt. I'll quilt it after holiday sewing is over, I suppose. Can't wait!

A Tisket...

2011-11-05T22:20:00.000-05:00

A tasket...

A green and yellow basket...

I got some fabric from my friend...

And I applied embellishments. (Have no fear, those are separate blocks, just overlapping in the photo.)

November practice blocks and bee blocks are DONE! Now onto some secret sewing...

Rescuing Threads

2011-11-01T22:09:00.000-05:00

... Because even rotary cutter shavings deserve a moment in the sun!

Bloggers' Quilt Festival

2011-10-30T07:20:00.000-05:00

Hi to all first-time visitors to my blog! You are most welcome! My name is Mary, and I am the photo on the left. Lillian is my great-grandmother, and this blog is dedicated to her. Feel free to get more acquainted with me via the "About Me" tab.

For those of you not attached to the quilting world, every so often we share significant pieces we've made and link up via a central hub (found here), almost like a virtual show-and-tell.

This time I'm featuring my Stained Glass Quilt.

The inspiration for this quilt began when a good friend of mine became engaged. For years I've said what a quality individual this friend is, and I wanted to do something very special for the couple. Both are in their early 30s, and they've held out for one another in a lot of ways. The bride is from the UK, and the groom is Southern, so I was challenged to come up with a style that would work for both.

When I saw this quilt, I thought it would be perfect. Guess what?

It was.

Bride-to-be at her linen shower

Mottled greys from hand-dying

Passing it 'round

Examining the self-binding

The dedication

The label

Blessing the couple with LIFE and HOPE

I hand-quilted out of necessity (my machine was overdue for a tune-up at the time, and her stitches showed it!) and was finishing the binding the day of the shower. But of all the quilts I've worked on this year, this one's my favorite. I'm proud of the way it turned out, and it's a reflection of my heart for these two wonderful people.

Thanks for popping by! Click here to return to the Festival.

Four Square

2011-10-22T12:56:00.000-05:00

Long days this week have meant fewer moments for sewing, but last night and today I was able to finish up some blocks I've been working on. At the moment, I can't reveal the purpose for them, but let's just say I enjoyed the chance to try out some new designs!

Double hourglass tutorial here.

I made one of these for my OYG Bee sampler, but I liked it so much I made another! Question: is it true that this orientation of the Bow Tie block goes by "True Lovers Knot"? Tutorial here.

Next was a Supernova block, but though I referenced the tutorial, I didn't follow it. Maybe that's why my triangles didn't match up exactly? Oh, well. It's the thought that counts, and I'm along for the ride!

Finally, my favorite. I attempted to duplicate an antique block from the flea market. Ultimately, I wanted to see if I could replicate it and, eventually, write a tutorial when it's my turn for the OYG Bee. I love the way it turned out, even though I used HST's and the original uses rhombuses. Does this block have a name? It's not exactly Weathervane. Do I get to name it, if no one else has? If so, any suggestions?

Hope your weekend is as glorious as mine! Enjoy!

Autumn Yarn

2011-10-13T07:13:00.000-05:00

I have a hard time sitting and listening and not falling asleep. Sometimes I create projects for myself for this very reason!

Although I am quite new to knitting, I decided it was time for a new hat, and knitted it would be. Behold my first attempt!

If it had a name, I'd call it an "acorn cloche". I only own one pair of knitting needles, and I've never knit in the round, so I made two pieces and stitched them together. Then I took the wacky little rattail, curled it around and stitched it down. Voila! Hat! Maybe not exactly what I had in mind, but functional and funky (off-beat?) nonetheless.

Another yarn splurge involved three skeins of organic cotton. My original thought was some sort of rebozo, but after crocheting through one skein, I realized I needed to simplify.

Last year I made a cowl as a Christmas present. This one's all for me! It's predominantly single crochets and a few rows of double. I'm not sure what that row of windows is called, but there are a few of them, too. Regardless, I love it!

Hope you're enjoying your October as much as I am mine!

Pairs

2011-10-06T07:50:00.000-05:00

Good things come two by two!

In all the baby sewing I made a couple of Spool birds. They ended up nesting in my hope chest.

Christmas sewing is in full-swing! Influenced by this book (which I won in a giveaway!), I decided my first pair of potholders would be log cabins!

Now to the daunting task of quilting Insul-Brite(R)! At least I retrieved my walking foot from my friend.

I've settled in well to the new science gig and am finding ways to keep sewing in my life. Here's to balance and joy in spite of occupational constraints! :-)

Oh, Baby!

2011-10-02T23:56:00.000-05:00

Baby, it's cold outside! My cousin and his wife are new parents, and as the fall just announced itself with chilly temperatures, I thought a pair of cashmere-blend booties would be just the thing!

I used this pattern from Lion Brand. After making sample, they came together easily, so much so that I decided to make a pair for my PI's baby! They looked cuter turned inside-out. I'm profuse with pictures as I used two balls of variegated yarn and am stunned at what a perfect match they are!

A couple of quilted bibs round out the set. Honestly I didn't put too much effort into the quilting. I think my best friend is borrowing my walking foot. I'll have to check on that. The only other modification was using sew-on velcro for the closures. I think I like it!

Both are backed with "Sweet Baby, Miracle Baby" print.

Here are all the pieces of my shower gift.

I didn't stay at the shower long enough for presents to be opened, but I expect they were well-received. In any case, I'm done with babies for a bit. There's a side swap for my quilting bee, and Christmas looms. I'm excited to make progress on those projects! Hopefully I'll get some time this week. Meanwhile, I've thrown a quilt top on my bed just for a change of colour, celebrating the new season and the new month! Happy October, y'all!

Hunting for Fleas

2011-09-27T23:10:00.000-05:00

I went to the market to buy some fleas

But when I came home, I was toting these:

Antique quilt blocks, a dollar for three,

Three cross-stitched embroideries...

OK, I never claimed to be Emily Dickinson, but I'm fine to amuse myself...

Sunday was my first flea marketing since childhood. I am proud of the restraint I exercised as well as the finds I came home with! In addition to a few pieces of china and bit of silver (not pictured), I found the following:

I think I'll stay away from the flea market for awhile. My budget will thank me!

Baby, Belt, Board

2011-09-24T13:15:00.000-05:00

In alphabetical order of what I've been working on...

The PI ("principal investigator", a.k.a. my boss) is having a baby girl! I attempted crocheted booties, but they were too involved, so I opted for baby shoes instead! I used this tutorial, lined the soles with batting, and kept the uppers unlined. I've cut several more pairs of shoes, plus a few bibs. Consider this your warning for an impending baby theme.

Up next... a new belt! A friend gave me several bags of fabric oddments, among them some chunks of orange corduroy. The shape of those chunks inspired this belt! I based it off one of my favorite d-ring belts and used rings cut from curtains (repurposed here). D-rings might have been better than circles, but I've been spending time around MRIs lately, and as these rings don't respond to magnets, I can wear this belt to work on Saturdays. I'm wearing it now... because I'm going to work... today... Saturday... ok, so it's a drawback, but hey, no job is perfect, and I am full-on LOVING my new field!

Speaking of work...

Everyone has a work accessory they're rarely without. Mine is a clipboard. Inspired by this photo, I decided to glue + Mod Podge my favorite paint chips onto the back of my basic board and bring a splash of colour to the lab. Mmm... something delicious for the eyes to drink in... Life in the midst of data and screens... I love it.

Alright, off to the imaging center! Happy weekend, y'all!

September Bee Blocks

2011-09-21T21:52:00.000-05:00

What my garden lacks in volume it makes up for in colour...

I thought the orange a fitting introduction to the blocks I made this month for the Orange You Glad bee! Leslie was incredibly brilliant, I think, for giving us this block. The package arrived full of pre-cut squares, ingeniously luring me into believing the block would be an easy whip-up.

Well, easy is one thing. "Whip-up" is another. All those fiddly HST's to sew, iron, trim, position...

All the effort was worth it, of course. I love how fabulously the blocks turned out, and I am newly confident in my HST skills! We call that a win-win.

I must say, I'm glad to have these finished. I've several projects waiting in the wings, and I look forward to bringing them front and center!

Lab Lunch Bag

2011-09-15T20:49:00.000-05:00

Remember this puppy?

She's looking kind of sad.

And the interior is beyond help.

Guess it's time for something new to tote my veggie-rich lunches!

Scraps of home dec dots and a remnant of denim make up the body of the bag.

I hacked off part of a t-shirt destined for yarn-ing to make the lining.

It's finished with a flowery button brooch.

I didn't document how this came together, and nothing is terribly precise, but I love how it turned out. My honest first impression once it was done? "Aw, dang. It's cute. I can't help making cute stuff. Ugh." Seriously, I don't think I'd ever pick this out in a shop, but coming from my hands, I'm feeling it. And I can remember that red lining came from a punk concert! Mmm!

Practice Blocks

2011-09-13T20:39:00.000-05:00

Funny how a change of career saps your sewing time! For the record, I'm loving the learning curve. My coworkers are dedicated, passionate, precise and thoughtful. They accept my strengths and encourage me to grow. It's a wonderful feeling!

But it leaves little time for hobbies. It took me over a week to put together a couple of practice blocks for the Orange You Glad bee!

Although there are two "hives", I'm making practice blocks from each. Thus far, the beginner hive's blocks have been more challenging overall! I'm definitely getting in lots of HST practice. Now to square up bits in the fabrics I was sent!

Final Marlowe Blocks

2011-09-05T08:18:00.000-05:00

Let me give you a peek into my professional life as of late:

June 1: initial interview with lab

August 4: HR website posts position I interviewed for

August 18: position has been taken down, but as I haven't heard from the lab, I check-in

August 19: second interview

August 24: job offer

August 29: first day of work

From the day I began until Saturday, I didn't sew a stitch. I'm thankful to have Labor Day off to make up for lost time! (Hence the rapid-fire rate of blog posting. I have so much catching-up to do!)

I added one more sampler block to my Marlowe Quilt design. I'd seen the Crossed Canoe block in a photo of a barn quilt. The image resonates with me as it recalls memories of canoeing with my dad or kayaking with fellas and family, of peacefully drifting with the current or the exuberant joy of flipping an overturned boat. I felt it would be a great opportunity to work my favorite flower into the quilt as the block showcases fabric nicely.

But wait... wasn't the Double Wedding Ring to be the last block?

Originally, it was. But then I got further along and realized the thing is HUGE! My other sampler blocks are 18", but this one was making up to be about 22"! I was so far into it (and loving it too much) to abandon the block, so I reworked the design, added in Crossed Canoes, and finished my Double Wedding Ring last.

I love it. My cousin helped me decide on the final arrangement of the arcs. For one of my first attempts at piecing curves, I feel like it came together remarkably well! Paper-piecing the arcs helped, but stitching by hand kept it challenging.

I think I'll set the Marlowe Quilt aside for awhile, at least until after the holidays. My machine has been back for a week, but I haven't even tested it out! I'm thankful for a long day ahead of me. Hopefully Kenmore can forgive my neglect!

Square Scrap "Wreath" Tutorial

2011-09-05T01:10:00.000-05:00

'Cause it's hip to be a square.

You will need:

1) Cheap square picture frame

2) Those scraps of batting you kept from the quilts you've trimmed up, assuring yourself you'd use them

3) Long strips of fabric (I used scraps from quilt backing sheets)

4) Hot glue gun

5) Embellishments--fabric yo-yos, fabric scraps, buttons, needle + thread, etc.

6) About an hour

Procedure:

Take the backing and glass out of your frame. If it is as cheap as mine, it has staples sticking out. Bend these down, but don't worry about removing them since you'll be covering the frame anyway.

Start by hot gluing a piece of batting on the diagonal of the back of your frame. Start wrapping, overlapping edges slightly. Glue the end in place, then start another strip where the first left off.

Wrap the entire frame once... twice...

... until it's fat enough to feel like a wreath form. I ended up with about five layers.

Don't worry if it's messy, especially at the corners.

With fabric strips, follow the same procedure as with the batting. Glue a strip on the diagonal and start wrapping, overlapping the edges slightly. Don't make the fabric too tight so the wrinkles and imperfections of batting won't show!

When you come to a corner, skip a little space, then wrap the corner first.

Come back and cover the bit you skipped, tucking in the raw edges from the corner.

Skip back over and keep wrapping! Continue adding strips until you secure the final one. Make sure you secure these strips on the back!

My stripes are disjointed and uneven due to different strip widths. For a more uniform look, go with a less-graphic print.

Now for embellishments! The rosette I made consists of a loooooong strip of fabric gathered with a long running stitch and secured with a few backstitches.

I also pored through my stash of vintage buttons. Among them were some large buttons I'd backed with circles of scrap fabric!

Artfully arrange your embellishments and hot glue them in place.

Now try it out on your door!

I like mine set on point, framing the knocker nicely, almost as if I intended it to look this cool!

Happy making!

*

2011-09-04T17:08:00.000-05:00

tutorial

*Christmas is coming.

Only four months left for making!

Dear World

2011-08-24T19:17:00.000-05:00

Dear World,

Dreams come true, even dreams you didn't realize were yours.

It's taken some time for me to step away from things I knew I was good at and press into finding the boundaries of my capabilities. I'm writing to encourage you to do the same.

Since this past winter I've taken the initiative to move away from teaching elementary school and pursue graduate studies in neuroscience with a prestigious local university. One main stepping stone in that process is gaining practical lab experience. Through a series of God stories (call it coincidence if you must, but this string of coincidences and perfect timing is compelling me to believe the contrary), I've found myself as a new research assistant in a lab working in my chosen field--developmental neuroscience! That means all my experiences teaching have prepared me for just this kind of work!

I'm thrilled beyond measure to begin this new chapter of my life. I've never known a teacher to step out of education and pursue what I'm pursuing, and from my perspective, I thought it was nigh impossible. But truly, with God all things are possible. It's been a challenge to wait and wonder, and I've had to step away from demanding that God do what I think He ought to do and instead trust Him to do it His way, but wow. I'm amazed. During my interview out of my mouth came flying, "I just want my life to be the script to a really great Lifetime movie." Ladies and gents, it seems I'm well on my way!

If you hear less from me in the coming months, you now know why.

May you pursue everything your heart sings about, fill your life with new adventures, and do things you never dreamed possible!

Blessings,

MissMary

August Bee Blocks

2011-08-19T17:33:00.000-05:00

We have two "bee hives" in the Orange You Glad Bee, and I'm in the one for first-timers (Hive A). I am, however, trying to hone my skills by making practice blocks in the patterns chosen by the "not first-timers" group (Hive B).

Hive B poly-cotton practice block:

Hive A practice block:

There were many ways to mix up the pattern with Hive A's block since instructions recommended the use of a certain commercial ruler. I think my measurements were off. My perfectionist tendencies, which had been on their way to an early grave, rear their ugly heads when I note truncated points and mismatched seams below. The disparity between the practice block and the orange block is intentional, though. I mixed up some of the cuts for the practice block and rectified them for the real thing!

On a whim, I made a second, slightly smaller block out of remaining fabric. This was my first experience with a Lemoyne Star. I definitely want to work on setting in pieces (maybe actually read some of those quilting technique books on my shelf, ay?). I worked from a book of templates that promised a 12-inch block, but this one fell short. Hmm... Lots to learn about this sweet art!

Meanwhile, the sewing machine is in the shop getting a tune-up. Perfect opportunity to--shh!--work on Christmas presents!

Stained Glass Quilt--Complete!

2011-08-14T17:47:00.000-05:00

We had a wedding shower today, and I finished the last stitch of binding an hour before it. I ended up self binding with backing and signing with a fabric pen. Needless to say the bride loves it, and the other ladies passed it around with due admiration. I had a hard time letting it go, but there's no better couple to receive it. Blessings, Jeremy and Suzie, on your coming marriage!

Wild Thing

2011-08-12T22:35:00.000-05:00

Wild thing...

You make my heart sing...

You make everything...

Groovy...

I said Wild Thing...

Wild thing I think I love you...

My Rockin' Robin Quilt-Along quilt top is done! I have named it Wild Thing, and I love it! It is the first quilt I've ever made just. for. me. No other purpose, not for my hope chest, not piggybacking on someone else's work. It's my blacks and whites and grays, my cacophony of clashing fuchsia and orange, my refreshing aquas and gold-rimmed purple. It is ordered chaos and a treasure hunt, but it's definitely all deliberately purposed.

And I'm finished just in time, too, as transitions continue to unfold, to mark the change. Children are heading back to school, parents are flustered over teachers and expectations are high, but for the first time since I was five years old, I have no part in it.

E. L. Konigsburg says there are days when you should allow “what is already in you to swell up inside you until it touches everything." This moment is one of those days.

Rockin' Robin Week 5

2011-08-10T12:46:00.000-05:00

I am so spoiled. Yesterday the farm had a plethora (I mean, crates and crates!) of extra tomatoes. Needless to say I indulged.

Ah, well. Onto the sewing! Week 5 involved paper-piecing hexagons. I'd never done this before. It was definitely a labor-intensive process. I like the look, but I don't think I'll be joining the hexagon craze any time soon.

Now we come to it. I have twenty-five blocks and a question over how to arrange them! I tried several orientations, starting with the standard rows...

... then a sort of 'v'...

... then diagonals...

... and finally concentration of print.

I think I like this last best, letting the bulk of the focus print start heavily in one corner and trickle down to almost none.

My machine is in dire need of a tune-up, which, around here, takes about two weeks. I have three projects left before taking it in: the MCMQG block on Saturday, my Orange You Glad Bee block, and stitching this top. I think my darling Kenmore can handle it. Meanwhile I have plenty of hand-stitching and prep to do. Maybe sending my baby to the hospital will help me get going on some of the more tedious tasks! Here's hoping!

Dyed Muslin and Vintage Lace

2011-08-03T10:17:00.000-05:00

I can't get over this colour and how fabulous it is on my skin tone! (It's all about finding what works for you and playing to those strengths--there, style advice for free!) Earlier in the year I re-darkened my dark rinse jeans with a package of navy Rit Dye in the wash, and I threw in a chunk of unbleached muslin. When it came out this gorgeous, I thought it would be the perfect canvas to showcase bits from my box of vintage trims!

I chose a pattern I'd made up years ago in calico + eyelet, then revisited for the Fourth of July. (Oops, I never posted either!) I modified this pattern by gathering the sleeves with eighth-inch elastic and making bias tape for the neckline rather than fussing with facing.

Go ahead, Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters, copy my style! I'll still be original :-)

Tie One On

2011-08-02T10:44:00.000-05:00

I made my last apron out of a vintage pillowcase. Unfortunately, it was so vintage it started to shred in the wash. Not good. My solution came from a pattern I'd purchased in grad school. Boldly I attempted the empire/halter version, something I would typically shy away from. Results?

Mad Men, eat your heart out! The only modification I used was adding that ticking pocket. You may recognize the fabric from my Rescued Threads (tm) tote. The blue was bought for a dime at a garage sale, and the ticking was a remnant. Now to get into the kitchen and cook something!

Strawberry Swim Shorts

2011-08-01T12:09:00.000-05:00

Too hot to model!

I used a knit fabric picked up at a local thrift store awhile back. The drawstring is finger-knit cotton yarn, and the grommets seemed an easier solution than button holes, particularly as my button hole plate needs replacing. I used the same pattern as my bloomers but went off the grid by pinking the hem and simplifying the waistband. I'm expecting a pool party soon, and if not that, there's a rope swing over the river that's been calling my name all summer! Happy August, ya'll!

Rockin' Robin Week 4

2011-07-30T15:09:00.000-05:00

Let's give square-in-a-squares a whirl!

If I choose the traditional row robin orientation, I'll have something like this:

I'm leaning towards mixing it up, though. Maybe something like this:

Next week is the last week. It will make all the difference, I'm sure! I wonder if I'll be able to do some sashing? My eye is enjoying the stair-step effect of the rectangles and squares. Thoughts?

Oh, and just because I'm gleeful over it... BEHOLD! My first home-grown tomato! I feel like a proud mama.

Just Because It's Awesome

2011-07-27T19:07:00.000-05:00

This has nothing to do with sewing, but it is awesome. I made a periodic table from paint chips and pinned it to my wall, and as dorktastic as it is, I love it!

Written by hand, individually pinned, situated above art supply storage space. I love loving what I create! [swoon]

Dog Days of Sewing

2011-07-23T12:35:00.000-05:00

House sitting is always an adventure, and I'm happy to embark upon it! This week I've got a couple of canines to keep me company, wondering why there's a sewing machine on the kitchen table and why I won't let them cuddle on a quilt with me. (Elementary, my dear Einstein--you stink!) I have gotten quite a bit accomplished, though!

Week 3 of the Rockin' Robin Quilt-Along's theme is houses. Here are my blocks:

I mixed them up with the other weeks' blocks to play with the effect. It may turn into a sort of "I-spy" quilt, except the task is to find particular shapes, not prints. Can you find four tiny stars? Three houses all in a row?

As I trimmed corners off the Flying Geese shapes, I happened to lay out the scraps as half-square triangles. The size was perfect for a mug rug, so with the help of some strips leftover from my Stained Glass quilt top, I came up with this little wild thing:

I am struck by how closely the shapes resemble a Union Jack. I'd like to try a Union Jack block in the future, so this ended up being great practice! I used some of my favorite Sunkissed for the back:

Recent excursions to fabric shops left me with some glorious daffodil batik and a remnant of red ticking. Daffodils are my favorite flower, and the colors are so saturated and rich that I had to make something wearable with it! My first bit went into a double-sided headband, perfect for making the "messy look" appear purposeful!

Practical and pretty with a side of simplicity--my favorite!

And speaking of practical...

Behold the latest addition to my basket of unmentionables--eyelet drawers!

Perfect for square dances...

... no matter how fast your partner swings you!

I used a pattern purchased when I was teaching a student to sew on machine. As you can imagine, they were a breeze to put together with one pattern piece, a chunk of elastic and a couple of seams to iron! I may have to make another pair for swim shorts--we'll see.

Can you believe how quickly the summer has flown by? I can't. Harvests are in full-swing and the fridge is piled with goodies from CSAs. Sewing makes way for freezing and attempts at canning... Ahh... It's a good, good life!

P.S. Look where (else) my Rescued Threads (tm) tote can be found! (That is, here and here!)

Dewberry Dress (a.k.a Making Fabric Do All The Work)

2011-07-17T23:32:00.000-05:00

May your eyeballs be seared with flaming COLOUR!

Let's face it. I know I could win America's Next Top Petite Model and all, but in this case, I think the print is working it more than me!

Yes, that is pink pocket lining you glimpsed, as well as shockingly clashing pink lining for the bodice. After visiting the Stitcher's Garden (for a few peeks and description of that glory, check out my friend's post here), my best friend and I came home with less cash but more exuberance from unexpected finds! Among my purchases were a yard of Joel Dewberry's Aviary 2 and a fat quarter to match. I stole back a favorite pattern from said friend and "made it work" with what I had.

I added pockets of my own making rather than follow the pattern, both for aesthetics and because I lacked enough yardage. I kinda like the obnoxious pink with the grenadine blossoms!

Please excuse the rumples and the lack of hook-and-eye. Those were amended after I wore the dress to church where I received lots of compliments, both from those who knew I'd made it and those who didn't. Such a sweet bit of gratification--beyond self-congratulatory pats on the back for making another obstinate zipper bend to my will, of course :-)

Stained Glass Top--Complete!

2011-07-16T15:58:00.000-05:00

It took a bit longer than I anticipated, but I've completed my Stained Glass Quilt top! Lack of planning on the outset had me unpicking some blocks at the last MCMQG meeting, but that didn't make a difference once it was all put together. The only other problem I encountered was having to "fix" a few scant seams with fusible web. As I was working on this top, I declared to friends that it's one of the most fabulous things I've ever made. My opinion hasn't changed now it's all pieced!

I'm stocking up on batting this week (hooray for 50% off at JoAnn's!) but I'm still not sure what do do about backing. The grey is hand-dyed muslin. Should I dye more of that, or should I go with something completely different? I thought of piecing the back with similar colors from the "windows". The only issue is that I worked with scraps and have nowhere near enough for a backing. Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions? I appreciate it!

Meanwhile, I'm spending restful moments indulging in novels I never dreamed I'd enjoy. When a local bookstore went out of business this past fall, I snagged the first Elm Creek Quilts book for cheap, needing something light to read on planes, buses and trains in Toronto. I found several more at my local library and quickly devoured them, then the ones below came from a used bookstore near my house. Ah, bliss... Summertime, and the livin' is easy...

Rockin' Robin Week 2

2011-07-12T15:10:00.000-05:00

Stars this week! I made two partial large stars, two medium, and four small for five more row robin blocks. The little guys were a challenge with all the bulk from seam allowances. My HST points are improving, though!

When the quilt-along is finished, I have an idea of how I want to mix each week's blocks. I'm about 98% sure I do *not* want to do straight rows of similar blocks. I pulled out last week's rectangles and mixed 'em in to check the effect. Stars and bars, anyone?

I'm excited! I love the way it's shaping up, the way your eye bounces around, the sense of organized chaos, the colors, the textures... Feels very "me". Looking forward to next Monday for the next tutorial!

Baby Binge

2011-07-07T18:39:00.000-05:00

Big B, little B, what begins with B? Baby sewing bug has bitten, B, B, B...

After crocheting my first baby blanket for a cousin, I was suddenly seized with the desire to sew for my future children. No, I'm not pregnant, but maybe by the time I am, I'll be too busy with other things to sew a few basics. I'm beginning in earnest to build my modern version of a hope chest.

If you're not into alliteration, I apologize for what's to follow. I assure you, it was not intended, but it fits the theme, no?

First up: bonnets! A few days ago, Sew, Mama, Sew posted a list of summer tutorials (hey, did you see my Rescued Threads [tm] Tote made it?) I was already in baby mode when I saw the tutorial for sunbonnets. Perfect timing! I used remnants of two different eyelets and lined one with scraps of a vintage sheet, the other with a remnant of voile from a friend's scrap bag. The tutorial was easy to follow, and the bonnets came together nicely! I only diverged by omitting the interfacing and putting buttons on both sides so the bonnets can be reversible. (Of course, I spent a delightful hour poring through buttons for just the perfect pairings!)

Next up: bibs! I made a few of these for a friend last year based on a bib my mother allowed me to trace (thanks, Mom, for the idea and pattern!) but hand-stitched them. That family had lost their first baby, so this one was extra special. I found a print that said "sweet baby, miracle baby" and bought all I could find, creating bibs from the fabric. For my own bibs, I used seven different prints for the fronts and "miracle baby" for the back. Scraps of batting were used for filling, and the only part I hand-stitched this time were the snaps. I took the opportunity to practice some free-motion quilting forms instead!

For some, I attempted to trace the print of the fabric.

For others, I let the fabric inspire the quilting.

Finally, I practiced lettering using meaningful scriptures.

You have given me my heart's desire... Psalm 21:2
For this child I prayed and God has granted my desire. 1 Samuel 1:27

Last B for the time being (pun intended): burp clothes! More scrap batting, more vintage sheet scraps, and remnants of flannel I'd purchased some time ago came together to fit my small-frame shoulders nicely. I practiced more free-motion quilting, this time focusing on lettering and drawing inspiration from scriptures. I want my children to know how much they're loved, desired, and destined for good things long before they are born.

Before I formed you in your mother's womb I knew you and set you apart for Myself. Jeremiah 1:5

You formed my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

Not one of all the Lord's good promises failed. Every one was fulfilled. Joshua 21:45

You wrote in your book all the days of my life before any came to be. Psalm 139:16

I've still a few more baby-themed WIPs, but that's enough for now! We'll see what more comes out of my hands over the next few days. I have a MCMQG meeting on Saturday and a women's open studio at church on Sunday. Should be lovely, and hopefully... not B themed!

Rockin' Robin Week 1

2011-07-06T19:01:00.000-05:00

The Rockin' Robin Quilt-Along has begun! This is my first block-based quilt-along. So far, so fun!

From that big pile of fabrics I chose five or six to play with this week. Here's what I came up with:

I made one block more than the tutorial called for, intending a 60-inch square throw. I didn't sew them together in a row because I expect each week's blocks to be comprised of different fabrics, and I'm not sure I want each row to be so unique they look like they're pieced from separate quilts. It is a much simpler task just making five blocks at a time, though.

In the tutorial they suggested using stacked scraps for the interior rectangles, but I decided to go along with my plan to use that paisley to unify the blocks and cut each background element from a separate scrap. Based on one week alone, I know this thing's going to be WILD! If the paisley isn't enough to convince you, check with the zebra. Thus, my tentative title for this quilt: WILD THING!

Laid Out

2011-06-30T21:13:00.000-05:00

Edit: linking with Lily Quilts and Confessions of a Fabric Addict. Happy blog hopping!

Forty-nine blocks plus one extra for the Stained Glass quilt all laid out and looking FABULOUS! They came together much quicker than any other quilt I've made, and I love the effect!

Flash photography helps display colors a little better, but natural light will reveal them in their true glory.

I even fussy-cut a few "windows" to bless the newlyweds with life and growth!

I've begun putting the blocks together. The only thing that will slow down the process is deciding on backing and purchasing more batting.

Meanwhile I decided to join the Rockin' Robin Quilt-Along. I think it will be a great opportunity to continue stretching my skills as well as provide me a sweet lap quilt for myself (for once, not a lap quilt to give away!)

I found a bit of yardage set aside from my regular stash. My best friend and I agreed that "it's so bad it's good" when I bought it. You can't tell from the pictures, but those loud colors and busy print are highlighted by shiny metallic gold. Seriously. So I think it's a perfect for this quilt. They're calling for three yards of background and two yards for all else. I have two yards of this print, so I'll go in reverse: scraptacular background, matching foreground!

Wanna see what I pulled? Literally just started tossing stuff onto my bed.

Am I crazy? I hope not. I'm sticking with black-white-grey-turquoise. That's tame, right? Hopefully it work like this and this... So bad it's good!

Blocks

2011-06-28T17:20:00.000-05:00

I taught a six-year-old girl to sew yesterday. She was intrigued when she saw me working on my Marlowe sampler blocks. As she worked, I finished two more of my eight blocks.

Gentleman's Fancy:

Tennessee Waltz:

I haven't used templates on any of these blocks, and figuring out how they are constructed has been an adventure. I shrug at my truncated triangles, but as a friend pointed out, at least they're consistent!

I was excited to lay out all my blocks! My last sampler block is a Double Wedding Ring. I'm piecing it to paper templates (not sure if that's technically "paper-piecing" or not) and laid out what I've got so far. Looking over my handwork, I feel AWESOME!

In my time at home I've been working on machine-pieced blocks. The first is a trial for my first ever quilting bee! Here is July's block made with vintage and scrap polycotton. I think I'll do a trial for each month, then combine those blocks into a picnic quilt later.

And here is the actual bee block! I've never been so cautious and precise with cutting and seams. Dang! And it still didn't come out perfect! But that's okay. It was a great first experience.

Finally, I've been piecing blocks of pearl grey-dyed muslin for a good friend's impending wedding. To me, he is the total package--courteous, kind, a great dance partner, a whiz in the kitchen, plays classical guitar, concocts delicious cocktails, great with children, well-traveled and works with an organization that rescues child soldiers in Asia. (Honestly, I could go on!) His style is chicly Casablanca, but his dear bride is sleek and modern. When I saw this quilt (tutorial here), I knew I could make both styles work. I'm just beginning, but I love how the blocks are coming together!

Great Granny Square Baby Blanket

2011-06-25T08:35:00.000-05:00

My cousin is having a baby! He and his wife married years after my Great Granny passed away, but I learned to crochet through her legacy and decided to pass it on!

Great Granny crocheted shell potholders using Boye no. 10 hooks and mercerized cotton thread. I drew inspiration from there and used variegated cotton yarn for the interior, bordering in natural yarn. With baby due in the fall, which can still be quite warm in the South, I thought it perfect to drape over a crib sheet and add just the right bit of warmth.

Initially I believed the colors were a perfect match with the paint swatches I'd seen for the nursery, but when I looked again, I saw greys and reds. Happily, this presented me with an opportunity to dye the blanket grey!

This was my first attempt at a crocheted baby blanket and my first time dying anything yarn. I love the results, and my cousin and his wife did, too!

Coldplay Mug Rug

2011-06-16T23:34:00.000-05:00

Look at the stars... Look how they shine for...

You...

And everything you do...

Yeah, they were all yellow...

I never thought I'd enjoy the mug rug trend, but there's something satisfying about the opportunity to play with techniques on a small scale AND have a quick completion. Plus I needed something to go under my teacup while my coasters were being washed!

My inspiration for this mug rug came from the colors grey and yellow. I felt wonky stars would be a great format for playing with that palette. Impatient to finish, I tried sewing the binding on entirely by machine. Alas, I cannot find the tutorial I referenced, but the idea is that the binding is lapped far enough over in the back that a stitch run in the ditch from the front will catch the binding in the back. (How's that for a sentence? Check it--I'm sounding like a research article!)

The Coldplay connection didn't even occur to me until I was snapping photos. Just so happens that "Yellow" is one of my favorite songs. Love when the heart knows first, and the brain catches on later!

Zippered Pouch

2011-06-15T08:43:00.000-05:00

My Rescued Threads Tote does not have an interior pocket, so I made a pouch to clip in with a carabiner. I followed this tutorial but modified it to add a loop and adjust for pillowcase lining. It turned out a little wonky, but for a first try and keeping with the repurposed theme, I think it's a win. It also gave me a place for the odd patches people have recently given me. The zipper is from a stash I acquired when a friend's mother downsized her sewing basket.

Summer is in full-swing, which means more time for making! Happy June, ya'll!

Rescued Batik + Wooden Necklaces

2011-06-13T12:15:00.000-05:00

My friend gave me a long scrap of batik from Thailand (I think!), and I knew I had to make something fabulous from it. I was inspired by this tutorial.

I used round and dowel-shaped beads from a back massager I'd found at a thrift store and cut apart. The interior beads were clipped from a mirror ball garland I'd used to decorate a classroom. I also diverged from Martha's tutorial by wrapping and stitching embroidery thread to seal off each bead instead of knotting. I found I got much more length from my necklace this way! And since my needle and thread was handy, I sewed the ends together rather than leaving them to be tied.

LOVING the results!

Rescued Threads (tm) Tote

2011-06-10T11:41:00.000-05:00

As promised!

Let's make a giant tote, shall we? And to make it fun, let's make it from remnants, thrift store finds and items rescued from yard sales!

You will need the following:

Pillowcase for lining
At least 2/3 yard of 60" canvas or twill
2 8x22" rectangles of fabric for straps
1 15x16" rectangle of fabric for pocket
Patches, small doilies, other embellishments
Thread
Iron, ironing board, rotary cutter, cutting mat, sewing machine, etc.

Now for the how-to!

1) Iron all your fabric, including your pillowcase. This will ensure accurate measuring, especially since you got your pillowcase at Goodwill and may not know the size. Turn your pillowcase inside-out.

2) Decide how tall you want your bag to be. Add about an inch, and chop your pillowcase across the open end. Measure accurately, marking in pencil if you wish. Keep this number in mind for the exterior of the tote.

3) Measure the width of your pillowcase. Add 2 inches to this number to determine the dimensions of your finished tote. Cut a rectangle of canvas the width of your pillowcase plus 2 inches. For example, my pillowcase is 20.5 inches wide. I cut my canvas 22.5 inches wide.

For the length, recall how long you cut your pillowcase. Add 2 inches to that measurement and double it. My pillowcase was about 18.25 inches high. 18.25 + 2 = 20.25 . 20.25 * 2 = 40.5 .

Thus, I cut my canvas into a rectangle 22.5 x 40.5 inches.

4) Choose your embellishments! I found miniature doilies at a yard sale. Fold your long canvas rectangle in half, WRONG sides together, and carefully place your embellishments. Consider that the bag will have dimension, so don't place them too close to the fold or the edges. The closest I put mine to an edge or bottom was 4 inches. Pin carefully onto one layer of fabric, then sew edges down.

5) For the exterior pocket, iron all raw edges down about 1/2 inch and sew. If you have a serger, trim your rectangle by 1/2 inch and serge the edges.

6) Fold over again, iron and sew, locking raw edges inside.

7) On the other side of your canvas rectangle (i.e. don't cover up your embellishments!), place and pin your pocket, centering the short side of the rectangle and making sure it is parallel to the bottom fold of canvas. I placed mine about 5 inches from the bottom and about 4.5 from each side.

8) Sew around three sides, keeping the top side open.

9) With RIGHT sides together, pin sides of tote and sew together with a 3/4 inch seam.

10) Making sure you have a crisp bottom fold, pull out the bottom corners and mark off 5 inches. (The crisp fold will help you center your ruler as you measure and ought to lie perfectly on top of your seam.) Sew on each side. Follow the same procedure with the pillowcase.

11) Turn the bag right side out and tuck inside the pillowcase. Align side seams and top edges, then pin in place. Sew with a 1/2 inch seam, leaving about 4-5 inches to turn the bag.

12) Turn the bag out and iron the top edge.

13) Topstitch about 1/8 inch around the top of the bag.

14) This is a little tricky, but trust me. Pinch JUST the pillowcase and tug gently until an inch of canvas is turned down towards the inside of the bag. Press and pin, then topstitch 3/4 inch from the edge.

15) I owe this tutorial for inspiration on making these straps. Fold your rectangles in half lengthways and sew around 2 edges, leaving one short edge open. Clip the corner, turn out and press flat.

16) Turn in the open end, pin closed and topstitch closed, continuing around the exterior of the rectangles.

17) Fold your straps in half, RIGHT sides together, and press. Pin a few inches from the edge, then open the ends and pin to your bag. Adjust until you find something comfortable. Unpin from bag, and sew each strap in half, ending with your pin.

18) Pin straps to bag and sew. I chose a simple box, but you may want sew across the center.

That's it! Now fill your bag with all you need to start a new adventure and go out and LIVE IT!

A Block, A Tote, A Promise...

2011-06-07T18:38:00.000-05:00

Hello, summer! I celebrate you with a completed log cabin block for my Marlowe Quilt. Five sampler blocks down, three to go. Today I cut pieces for two more. This has been an excellent exercise for me--stretching towards precision, accurate planning and execution. With the confidence I've gained, I decided to join my first bee! (See sidebar button for more information.)

One of the items on my summer sewing list was this:

A new tote bag to herald my change in professional direction!

Always model in your favorite outfit. Can you tell my affinity for brights-on-charcoal extends beyond quilts?

That's it for the block and the tote. The promise? Look for a tutorial on my tote soon!

Marlowe Sampler Blocks II

2011-06-02T18:45:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is our last day of school and my last day as a teacher... perhaps forever? I'll be starting new things soon enough, but in the interim I'll be putting together a summer sewing list in the next few days.

Meanwhile I completed two more sampler blocks for my Marlowe quilt!

Tree of Life (Aytz Chaim):

Virginia Reel (Variation?): closest thing to a block named after a contra dance figure!

And... Mulberry scones! I attempted this recipe but used whole wheat, rather than all-purpose, flour and ended up almost doubling the amount called for as the dough was too sticky to work with. Results came with mixed reviews, but I found 'em delicious! Scone tips, anyone?

Marlowe Sampler Blocks

2011-05-29T18:57:00.000-05:00

Two down, six to go! I finished hand-stitching my True Lover's Knot and Steps to the Altar (variation) blocks:

I also realized I have a mulberry tree growing in the corner of my yard! This is my first encounter with fresh mulberries, and I think they're fine!

Winner!

2011-05-26T21:32:00.000-05:00

Salutations, new followers! I'm pleasantly surprised by your presence and look forward to being a small part of your life!

Mazl tov, Cindy!

We try to mend clothes rather than toss, and when something is beyond repair I try to salvage as much fabric as I can to re-make it into something else! I love the memories seeing the items in new clothes or bags, etc bring up.

Thanks for all the cheery, eco-happy comments! Lots of you are fans of grocery totes. I've noticed that Kroger and Target are starting to take .05 off purchases for bringing your own bags. Sweet, no?

And speaking of sweet, just because it's "quilt-ish"...

I made "cathedral window" hamentaschen! They were such a hit at the farm potluck that the guy who grew up Orthodox asked for the recipe! I just wrote it up for him, so if you'd like it, let me know. Poppyseeds... Citrus... Quilt inspiration... Delicious!

Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway Day

2011-05-22T22:05:00.000-05:00

Happy Giveaway Day and welcome to my blog!

To those of you popping by for the first time, salutations! My name is Mary, and that's my great grandmother and me in the title photo. Her name was Lillian, and receiving one of her quilts for Christmas a few years ago inspired me to document my own sewing. My blog is a way to honor the women artisans of my family and provide context for my work.

What am I giving away? Fat quarters and crochet in a chocolate-raspberry color scheme! (Sorry, no actual chocolate involved. I'd send you strawberries, but the farmers sold out of 'em at market and I don't get to pick up until Tuesday...)

Browns are full fat quarters, pinks are just shy. The crocheted bangle (coffee sleeve?) was made from yarn "rescued" from an ugly thrift store afghan, and the granny square ornament (gift tag?) consists of embroidery cotton leftover from another project. Hooray for repurposing!

To enter, please leave a comment before March 26 and tell me what you do to live simply, live "green" or live holistically. Winner will be chosen by random.org, and comments dated after March 25 will be discounted. I am shipping from Nashville, Tennessee, and unfortunately will *not* be shipping internationally.

Thanks for popping by, and enjoy the whirlwind!

Come Live with Me and Be My Love...

2011-05-22T12:26:00.000-05:00

There's a Christopher Marlowe poem that's been running through my head lately, so much so that I've started planning and creating a new quilt!

I'm using mostly grays with bold colors in sampler blocks, coupled with the first line of the poem.

Pages of sketches.

I've got fabric cut for the Steps to the Altar block, and I've begun hand-stitching the True Lover's Knot.

Yesterday a friend and I spent an afternoon painting. This is what I came up with!

The theme of love continued as I finished my day at a wedding! The bride especially is a friend of mine. I remember her attempts at growing vegetables, and with recent connections to local farms, I thought I'd help her out! I started by making a kneeling pad from Martha Stewart's tutorial, modifying it by using ribbon rather than elastic and stuffing it with strips of old t-shirts and batting. Then I nestled it among plant starts carefully selected the morning of the wedding from my local farmer's market!

Bonus: I caught the bouquet!

Scrap Placemats--Complete!

2011-05-17T18:03:00.001-05:00

The Music City Modern Quilters Guild met on Saturday for some free-motion practice! While there, Leah from Burgundy Buttons dropped off a gift from Deb Strain, designer of the Java for Moda line. It was a thank-you for entering Burgundy Buttons' mug rug challenge (I think! Here is my entry):

And now... onto free-motioning! I practiced on some scraps dyed in leftover Easter egg bath.

I figure I can use practice pads for bedding for these little guys, found in my shed last week. That is, if their mama will stop hiding them from me!

And here's how my mats turned out!

Love my binding--turquoise and white homespun--and gray overcast light was just perfect for picture-taking!

Like I said, I love my binding!

All done!

The MCMQ gals called me fearless, not only for my pedal-to-the-metal work but also for making white placemats! I'll keep the spaghetti sauce away, but I love the look so much it's worth the risk!

Stash

2011-05-14T18:17:00.000-05:00

I threw my Fabric Fast out the window. I'm still trying to be conscientious when purchasing, and maybe I'll take another hiatus, but, well, I did budget "blow money"...

Here's $12 of remnants:

And fabric from Royce as a thank-you for naming her latest art quilt (did I cheat by playing the Music City card?):

And half-yards of Sunkissed that I patiently waited for until they went on sale (thank you for local pick-up, Burgundy Buttons!)...

And, minus these delicacies, my current stash:

To do: finish before beginning something new! At least finish in the same category before beginning something new (for example, hand-piecing, garment making, machine-quilting, knitting...) In the meantime, the sketchbook is my friend!

Bloggers' Quilt Festival

2011-05-13T22:59:00.001-05:00

After being inspired by the other participants in the Bloggers' Quilt Festival, I decided to join! Here are pictures of the Walnut Dye Quilt completed early this year.

Precut squares were hand-dyed in walnut dye by the third grade. I helped each child align the squares and sew them together. Every child in the class participated. Sometimes they had to go back over seams with smaller stitches. It was great fine motor practice!

The backing was a plain sheet tied up and tossed in the walnut bath.

I was learning to free-motion quilt at the time. I actually became more comfortable with free-motion than using my walking foot! I decided to echo-quilt around the dye patterns, saving a "bubble-free" square in the center for a special message:

Because of the drab colors, I made a scrappy, cheery binding and blind-stitched it on.

The quilt measured about 60x60 when complete and was donated to our school's charity silent auction. A third-grade parent bought the quilt for over $700! It's lovely to know my work paid off in such a powerful way!

I loved working with this quilt, not only in teaching young sewers to piece but also in allowing the fabric to dictate the quilting. When I finished the quilt, it was really the second piece I'd done on machine. I'm still a relatively new quilter, so this one was a milestone for me!

Thanks for visiting, and be sure to check out the other inspiring quilts in the Festival!

Patternless Pintuck Top

2011-05-10T17:41:00.000-05:00

Evangeline's wardrobe is growing!

I was really excited about the idea of a top to go with the circle skirt, so I decided to create my own pattern and play with pintucks!

All hand-stitched with running stitches.

Even managed a facing--and decided not to continue blanket-stitching that edge because, after all, it is only doll clothes.

Sleeves have tended to present challenges to me. I almost didn't put them on, but I'm so glad I did!

Little blue vintage mother-of-pearl buttons finish off the look and pick up the blue in the skirt.

Up next... warm weather clothes for me!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T20:57:00.000-05:00

The first grade and I made Mother's Day cards with a Log Cabin theme, perfect with block crayons and limited attention spans. Can you tell which one is mine?

I didn't give my card to my mom. Instead, I gave her a "grandbaby"! This will have to tide her over until human progeny come forth. (Hmm... as if I were a hydra!)

This little baby has a crocheted lace flower pin with vintage mother-of-pearl button, removable so Mom can add it to her collection of Mother's Day flower pins.

Grandmother, this one's coming your way in the mail!

I want to make sure and recognize the "moms" who don't have children of their own--the teachers, nannies, coaches, nurses, etc. who are the village it takes to raise little guys. Happy Mother's Day to you and to us all!

Thread Debacle on a Circle Skirt

2011-05-08T07:37:00.000-05:00

You know it's a bad sign when you have to take the sewing machine apart, and the fabric is still stuck!

Not pretty.

After much finagling, trimming and hemming, we have a circle skirt! I'm so glad I tried it out the tutorial at doll size before attempting it in my size. Despite the thread + elastic debacle, I'm pleased with how it turned out!

I'll definitely modify away from sewing directly onto the elastic if I make one for me. Good learning experience about the limitations of either my machine or my expertise. :-)

Knitting, Winning, Dying, Piecing

2011-05-01T16:25:00.000-05:00

Oh hai!

The handwork teacher was knitting adorable little baby dolls. All I had on hand at the time was black wool. I like him, though. He's a bit impish, trying to be all gentrified with that scarf and all.

Last night I found myself teaching a nine-year-old to knit. She was intrigued watching me practice a basket weave pattern. I had her knit a row, then bound off and gave her the swatch. We cast on a few stitches, and I helped her figure out her mistakes. Her mother promised to get her needles and yarn as soon as possible. Little lady picked it up so quickly I'm sure she'll have no trouble continuing, even though her teacher's a novice at best!

I was away from home for most of the week, so I'm not sure when this arrived, but I'm so glad it DID! It's a fabulous book I won (HA!) from Christina at A Few Scraps.

The sweet thing is that I'd been wanting a modern quilt book for inspiration and hadn't come across one that really "sang" to me. When I heard I'd won this giveaway, I had high hopes that it would be "the" book I'd been looking for. Sure enough, it is!

Great combination of modern + tradition, plus some backstory on the origins of the block! With Mother's Day coming up, I may be drawing some inspiration from these pages :-)

Cross this off last year's to-do list. I re-darkened my dark denim today with fabulous results. I threw in some unbleached muslin (top). Can't beat that color! I have a pattern in mind for the muslin... more warm weather wardrobe sewing!

While in the dying mood, I played with some greens, too. Each piece of unbleached muslin was left in the dye bath for a different amount of time. I look forward to seeing how they dry up and playing with their mottled marvelousness!

I finished piecing my scrap placemats! There are still a few hours left in the day. Perhaps I'll sandwich them so they'll be ready for free-motion practice with the MCMQG in a few weeks!

One year ago today, Nashville was under water. The city awoke to a familiar sound this morning: thunderstorms. With all the weather-related trauma affecting the South at present, I'm quite thankful for all the ways we've come through the storms. It's not always been easy or fun, but it makes a great story, and I am pleased to be part of it all. Happy May, ya'll!

Scrap Placemat 1 of 4

2011-04-26T17:45:00.000-05:00

I splurged. Spring/summer wardrobe sewing is in the works!

The Music City Modern Quilters are getting together next month for some free-motion practice. Rather than practicing on ugly fabric, I'm piecing some placemats.

I want to use the scraps I sorted to create monochromatic "wonky" blocks bordered by various white prints. I started with yellow. Next up are blue, brown and purple. I intend to use my newly-purchased teal solid for backing and possibly binding.

Looking forward to putting the other colors together!

Two and a Half-Hour Easter Dress

2011-04-24T20:38:00.000-05:00

I woke up at five 'til seven, quickly did the math and gave myself until 9:30 a.m. to put this together. It was on my list of to-do's yesterday, but I didn't get around to it. I started at 7:00, took 10 minutes for breakfast, finished at 9:40 and still got to church on time!

The lace and blue are undergarments. The following photos show the straps (halter finished with hook and eye) and sash (raw edges with binding sewed over top).

I used blue hem tape to help secure the gathers.

This dress is the adult version of one I made for Evangeline. Both fabrics are from sheets used in my most recent quilts (Tennessee Greens and Spliceosome). I saved myself some hassle by using the top edge of the yellow sheet as my bottom hem. Binding was created using a metal bias tape maker, and that speeded the process as well.

Lots of compliments today at church! It's been a wonderful Easter weekend. People call it Resurrection Sunday. I think I prefer Restoration Day... the day we celebrate Jesus restoring us to relationship with our Father. THAT is something to revel in! Happy Restoration Day!

Small Scale Spring Sewing

2011-04-21T21:34:00.000-05:00

Dolly has a new dress!

I made Evangeline last year with the hopes of creating small-scale versions of adult-sized clothing. I hoped to work out pattern kinks and construction issues this way. This is the first dress I've made for Evangeline that actually follows my purpose!

The dress is entirely hand-stitched. French seams on the sides, scrap binding for the halter straps, denim thread for decorative stitching, more binding to secure gathers and a scrappy binding sash complete the look. Why I went through so much trouble and detail work for a doll dress I do not know, but I loved the process and look forward to making my adult-sized version from what's left of the thrifted sheet I used to back my last quilt. Barring fittings, my dress should come together much easier! I'm even considering using the black-and-white binding as straps for my dress, too! (What, drawing fashion inspiration from quilting? Who knew?!)

Have a splendid Earth Day! Do something kind for the environment--like eat farm-fresh veggies, save great fabric from a local thrift store, save electricity by sewing by hand or take a walk and breathe the free air! Happy Pesach and may your Easter be blessed!

Outta the Bag

2011-04-19T18:03:00.000-05:00

I was making my Tennessee Greens quilt to surprise this friend:

But the cat got out of the bag early. I finished the last bit of hand-stitching yesterday and made a surprise visit to the farm this afternoon to deliver it. What a warm reception! Almost as warm as the Southern sun!

The following photos illustrate the inspiration I was trying to capture in the quilt:

All done!

I thoroughly enjoyed creating this quilt, experimenting with hand-stitching, playing with scraps and working with inspiration. Hope you've enjoyed watching it grow!

P.S. Mr. Farmer, thank you for admitting you sneaked on here to peek. You may feed me delicious green, orange and red vegetables to make up for ruining your own surprise ;-)

[working title]

2011-04-13T18:44:00.000-05:00

I never know what to title these catch-all blog posts consisting of all the little things I've been working on. Oh well.

Someone's been singing old time bluegrass to me, and I'm reading Laura Ingalls Wilder books. Now let's play "Where's Waldo" and find that inspiration in my recent doings!

I've been sorting my scraps by color.

I want to play with "wonky" or "intuitive" blocks, and I figure the best way to start is by using what I already have! I'm starting with yellow.

For the record, I started playing before I saw this quilt, but my love for the look hasn't lessened. My Tennessee Greens quilt took me in this direction when I realized I wanted to make it bigger than I'd planned. More on that later.

A trend among the faculty: crocheted stars. I learned to make one today with yarn found on the playground. Next I'll try this pattern with great granny's Boye size 10 hooks and crochet thread. Should be lacy and lovely, no?

I bought fabric. This is only my second fabric purchase of the year (not counting thrift store bed linens). Here's my little God story:

I take Holy Spirit shopping with me (just say, "Please come shopping with me, Holy Spirit!") and it's always an adventure. On this occasion I needed a piece of khaki twill and matching thread to patch a hole in a pair of trousers (yes, I'm "trading" leafy green vegetables for mending... delicious!) Having moved recently, I didn't have sales flier, and the store website wasn't too helpful. I did, however, have $6 left in my "blow money" budgeted for this pay period. I'd decided ahead of time to go for the essentials, but if I could, I'd like a remnant or two and maybe a piece of red calico. At the store, I not only found a pretty close match on the essentials I needed, but thread AND bottomweights were half off, the quilter's cotton was on sale, remnants and clearance fabric marked down--you get the idea. Several careful calculations later, I was at the register watching the numbers. With my teacher's discount and including tax, the total was... $5.99! The best part? I left with a couple of quarters of red and a third of batik and homespun, not just what I needed for mending. I love going shopping with Holy Spirit!

And I love this quilt! I showed it at the Music City Modern Quilter's Guild meeting on Saturday. It's still in process, but here's a photo from basting:

See that strip on the left? That wasn't in the original plan. Once the top was pieced, though, it just felt too small. Using as many different browns and greens as I had in my scrap bin, I started playing. I love the feel of that block. It's what got me organizing my scraps. I'm excited about creating more pieces with the same effect!

Hand quilting is coming along nicely. I have about 2/3 complete, minus the border. I can hardly believe I just started it last week! Looking forward to its completion and delivery... Unless its recipient is reading this blog (although firmly instructed NOT to), I think it will be a surprise :-)