Embroidery + Pillows

Seems I’m on a pillow-kick lately.  It’s just that embroidery of this size does so well as a pillow!  This little guy is a Badbird’s design.  She has several free embroidery patterns on her blog, and this one is a gift for a friend. 

This little bear is also a free pattern from Badbird’s blog.  I loved the simplicity of this pattern and had the perfect fabric to sash the pillow in.  I wish I had more than just a half yard of it, I really liked it!  I bought it a year ago at Bolt and know nothing about it.  Otherwise I'd buy up a few yards! 

This one is a gift for a family member who has a birthday coming up in May.  Feels good to cross things off my list!

Lunch Bags!

 

Well, here it is.  My first published pattern in print.  Well, not this lovely bag, but one of mine is in there.  I was contacted last year about contributing one of my bags that was seen in my Flickr photostream and was only too happy to agree to submit my bag for consideration.  Guess what?  It was picked!  I’m one of the “Design Collective” authors now at C&T Publishing.  I haven’t got to see the book myself yet, but I did some sneaking around and found a few of the other contributing authors and their blogs and saw some of their lunch bag designs – it’s going to be a great book!  The book isn’t due to release until July, so I wont have my copy until then (I’m assuming).  But as soon as I do, you know I'll share the news.  What bag did I contribute, you ask?  Well, I think I will save that for closer to the release date.  There is one more thing that makes this very exciting.  My best friend was also asked to submit one of her bags for the same book!  Now how crazy is that?  Twins, I tell ya!

On a side note, this is one of the books that will release under their new Stash Books label.  It’s an “imprint” of C&T Publishing and geared towards the fabric-arts.  Susanne says it much better here.  Anyways, what I think it really boils down to is this is the label for most of us crafters.  I know when I go to buy a book the first thing I do is look at who is publishing it, because each publisher has their own, unique style and authors.  The label says a lot about the book you’ll be getting, just like a label in the clothing you buy says a lot about quality of fabric and construction.  So far, all the books that I see coming from C&T under the Stash Books label is a book I want on my shelf.  In fact, I received a few books in the mail today that I can’t wait to share with you from the Stash label. 

Recovering

I’m slowly recovering.  It rained all day today.  That helped a lot.  I’m also on my third day of Clairton.  I was so happy to learn that I can take that, since just about everything is a no-no with high blood pressure.  I always feel that allergies meds take awhile to work…they need a few days to get into your system and do their job.  Hopefully tomorrow I don’t feel so cruddy for the first half of the day.  A lot of you were so kind as to mention being careful of pneumonia.  I have had it numerous time and know that it’s not fun.  Luckily (and I spared you this detail in the last post) I cough everything up the next morning.  Sorry for the visual on that one.  Since taking the Clairton I've been able to sleep through most of the night, which has been great, but I'm sleeping like the dead!  Not much crafting has been going on.  I don’t feel very productive when I'm like this.  But I did start to work on my art journal for a online class I signed up for.  I think it will help me to have an outlet for my paper-creativity and maybe get myself more into painting and putting my doodles to good use.  This was my first page, a “Who am I?” page.  I’ll share pages on Flickr from time to time, but not all of them, it is after all a journal, and those are meant to be a little private.  The class is called Tell Your Story.  I’ll be traveling that road for the next 6 weeks…when I'm not sewing.

Allergies? Cold?

I don’t know what is bothering me, but I'm getting sick of feeling sick.  I am leaning more towards allergies, but I'm beginning to suspect a cold.  It started last Tuesday night and I do have to say it gets worse if the windows in the house are open, or if I go outside.  So that makes me think allergies.  The odd thing is I’ve been having drainage into my upper chest.  Not something I normally have with allergies.  Today I'm slightly congested, although still able to breath through my nose (yea!) and coughing.  Maybe a mild fever – all common for me and allergies.  It will pass in a few more days.  My body is very good about adjusting to my allergies.  And if it’s a cold, a few more days should see me well. 

I’m suppose to go to my friends little girls 2nd birthday today.  I was making the Oliver + S dress for her…that isn’t done (see photo above).  I had planned to just gift it later this week, but still attend the party, but on the off chance I am sick I don’t want to be hacking all over everyone.  I’m bummed though, not just because I hardly see Stephanie and her daughter (who is just 4 weeks older than Brice) but also because of all the other friends that I would have got to visit with while there. 

Last night I picked up my embroidery again.  I just don’t feel up to much right now, and it’s easy to sit in bed and watch Netflix while working on stitching.  I finished this sampler this morning.  I’d started it several months ago when I won the Small Stitches eBooklette by Carina Envoldsen-Harris on CraftyPod’s giveaway back in September.  I’m thinking I'll have it be the center of a pillow.  (I seem to be in pillow-mode lately.) 

I also finished up the last of these three embroidery’s, someday to be the centers of pot holders.  I especially love the red spatula amoung the grey.

**Edited** The kitchen embroidery designs are from the book A Rainbow of Stitches.

**Edited again** I forgot to tell you how wonderful the eBooklette is (not feeing well messes with my brain function).  It has great patterns and wonderful tutorials on how to do the stitches.  Totally worth your money!

Patchwork Pillow Covers

I had some extra pieces sitting around from when I was originally figuring out some of the blocks for the quilt-along.  I decided they would make great little pillow covers.  I listed this one in the shop.

This one I love.  I did have plans of listing it in the shop, but when I was thinking of a quilting design for it I drew on the fabric with a water soluble marker.  I changed my mind on the quilting, but the ink decided it wanted to stay on the red flower print. 

And, not only that, but the red bled all over when I was spritzing it out and trying to iron it dry.  Lovely.  So now this one will live with me.

I did remember to put my stamped tags in there.  I love this twill tape.  I bought it from Amber some time back, and it’s still my favorite.

Oh!  Totally off topic, but I finally put a button to the “how-to” photography posts from a few months ago on my side bar.  It’s the one that has a camera and says “Photography 101”.  The link will take you to a page with a link to each of the posts.  I like being able to find stuff quickly, don’t you?

Appliqué Block

Finally, the final block in the quilt-along series.  While I've provided a pattern for this particular block, the idea behind having an appliquéd block was to have you try some appliqué that interests you.  There are so many different ways to appliqué that I couldn’t quite possibly show them all to you.  But I can direct you to some talented bloggers who have shown their methods of appliqué.  I prefer the reverse [machine] appliqué method, mostly because it’s fast.  I like fast.  As you can probably tell on this one I rushed a little too much (bubbled fabric).  I recommend taking your time and tacking down your fabric when doing this method to avoid this.  I sometimes like to put a little Elmer’s glue (or you could use a fabric glue stick) to help the fabric stay in place while I sew.  Again, I've created a PDF for you to download for directions and templates for making this block.  But before I give you that, let me give you a few links to other appliqué tutorials:

1. Needle Turn Appliqué with basting (video)
2. Back Baste Needle Turn
3. Freezer Paper Appliqué
4. Another Freezer Paper tutorial (but done a little differently)
4. Fusible Turn Appliqué (the method I like to use)
5. Machine Appliqué (great with zigzag, blanket or straight stitch)

Also, there is a great blog out there on everything appliqué: All About Appliqué.

There are so many appliqué tutorials out there, so if one doesn’t do it for you, do a quick Google search and see what else you can find. 

And as a side note, I really like to use my appliqué scissors when working with any kind of appliqué technique.  They are fantastic.  I use them all the time.  Especially on reverse appliqué stuff.

Reverse Appliqué Circles

{Patchwork} Square In A Square Block

…and another one done! This is “January’s” block. This one is an easy one, but gives you some patchwork experience. A good block to start with. Guess that means this should have been our block last March. At any rate, it will go quickly for most of you. And if you are new to sewing, this is probably a good block to start with. Our inspiration block is here. Again, another download for directions. Tomorrow I'll be posting the last of our blocks for the quilt-along.

{Patchwork} Square in a Square (PDF)

Stacked {Whatever} Block

I know, real inventive name.  But I had no idea what to call it.  And I can’t seem to find a name based on my searches.  I can’t imagine this block doesn’t have a name yet, seems how I've seen it around for years now.  I do like Stacked Bolts/Bricks/Books.  I will let you decide what it’s a stack of. 

Of course, if you turn the block clockwise it is no longer stacked bolts/bricks/books.  It looks more like a seismograph of an earthquake.  That could just be the geologist in me.  But that’s beside the point.  This is the next block in the Quilt-Along.  This would be “December’s” block.  Originally the inspiration for this was a photo called “Sound Waves” by Film in the Fridge.  But the photo is no longer available to view on her photostream, so you will just have to check it out in the mosaic that was built for this project.  I decided to go with more of a random stack.  Liz reminded me last night of an Anna Maria Horner fabric that looks like this called “Volumes”.  I’m assuming she means volumes of books.

Anyways, it’s not a particularly difficult block, but sometimes it’s nice to have someone else work it out for you.  I’ve done just that.  It is more of an improvised kind of block, but I've also given you some measurements if you prefer.  I know sometimes I just want to reproduce the exact thing and measurements are nice.  Even when improvising.  Again, I've made it a PDF for you to download.  I can’t wait to see what you make!

Stacked Quilt Block (PDF)

{Cheaters} 8 Point Star

So, getting back to the Sampler Quilt-Along… I’m several blocks behind and it is my goal to get those done next.  See, I have some fabric waiting for another quilt pattern, but I've forbid myself to work on it until the last four blocks are done.  So here is “November’s” block.  Our inspiration block for this quilt was an 8 point star, which uses a 45 degree angle diamond and is usually paper pieced (read more about piecing those here).  But I felt like finding a lazy-quilters route to this block.  The basic idea behind the block is to have a traditional star block with a center pinwheel block…only we are using a different fabric for each of the 8 points and that corresponding fabric for he pinwheel points.  Snazzy, huh!  The tutorial is a little different than my usual step-by-step photo directions, instead I've created you a quick sheet with diagram, cutting and piecing directions.  Let me know if you have questions and I'd love to see your blocks!

{Cheaters} 8 Piece Star Tutorial (PDF)

Quilt Done & Shop Update

I have been a busy, busy girl today.  I finished the Nicey Jane quilt and got it photographed yesterday.  I am so pleased with it.  Soft, sweet, romantic and very spring-y.  The final measurement is 60x88” and I listed it in my Etsy shop. 

Not only did the quilt get finished, but so did the pattern!  It’s all ready to go.  This pattern is a little different from some of my other patterns.  I have all sorts of charts and diagrams and check sheets to help navigate all of the pattern cuts.  I had my mom test it out for me, and if she can do it, anyone can.  No offense mom.  But she gets very frustrated with patterns and I usually get pulled in to help her navigate them.  Hence the check sheets, diagrams and tables for cutting AND piecing.  I’m so excited to have this done and I can’t wait to see all of the different fabric combinations that come together. 

I originally designed this pattern with color value in mind – light, medium and dark.  Keeping that in mind while designing gave a nicely balanced quilt.  But you are not limited to light, medium and dark…you could choose to do colors, like orange, green and blue.  Like we did here with the Katie Jump Rope fabrics for my mom.  As you can tell this still needs to be quilted.  Soon.

Finally, I needed a quick sewing fix last night.  So I grabbed another block print that I had printed back in January and surrounded it in patchwork and made it into a little tote bag.  The perfect library tote or shopping bag.  The final measurement ended up being around 15” x 11”.  I lined it in gingham and put my little logo stamp on the back.  I love this creamy-white home dec fabric.  It gives the bag great stability.  This too made it into my Etsy shop.

More photos of everything can be found on my Flickr.

Owl Block Print Patchwork Pillow

I finally put my owl block print that I made back in January to good use.  I kind of had a thought of a patchwork pillow in the back of my head for this all along.  I was glad to take a break from quilting to create it.  It didn’t turn out quite as cute as I hoped for, but I'm still very happy with the end result. 

I made an envelope back for it with a little patchwork and label.  The backing is this super soft, corduroy like fabric with a little stretch to it.  Perfect for fitting around the pillow.  It’s nice to have a little “give”.  It is for a 14x14” pillow form and I decided to list it in my Etsy shop.  Sold!

Quilted

I loaded up the Nicey Jane quilt on the longarm and got it all quilted.  I did my feather fill with some curls and swirls mixed in.  I couldn’t think of a better design for the quilt and glad I went for it.  Especially when my tension messed up and I had to unpluck two runs of it.  I should know better than to quilt without checking.  Got the problem fixed and got it done.  That’s all that matters.  Now it’s time to cut and attach the binding.  The Katie Jump Rope version of this quilt is pieced and i’m just waiting for a backing so I can load and quilt it, too.  I’m not sure how i’ll be quilting that one yet, but I have a few days to think on it.

The Weekly Update…?

 
I made the boys baskets for Easter this year.  Although I was only able to get my stepson’s name embroidered on his since I was making them at midnight Easter-eve.  So like me to do things last minute.  I think my new blog name should be The Procrastinating Crafter.  I was able to get Ryder’s fully done because I finished his the next day since we didn’t see him until later in the afternoon.  But Brice’s I had to have done and out for the morning when he woke up.  His was full of fun stuff, including new Car’s toys.  He loves them of course.  I didn’t use a pattern for these, just cut a circle with my Easy Circle Cut and then calculated the circles circumference (pi x diameter) and cut my sides and sewed it together, turning it from a hole left in the side of the lining.  Very easy.  Of course I embroidered “Ryder” before I sewed the two pieces together.

 
I had placed an order to Fabric.com for my Nicey Jane quilt backing (why I didn’t order it when it was on sale for $5.99 I do not know), and TOTALLY forgot that I ordered a yard of this so-cute gnome fabric!  I happened to be looking at it earlier in the day and almost ordered it.  Luckily I didn’t, since it arrived on my porch a few hours later.  Now what to do with it!

 
I cut out my moms Katie Jump Rope fabric to make a quilt using my new pattern (another week or two until release).  Now she is busy sewing it together for me.  I’m excited to see this one done.  Every block so far that I've seen is amazing!  KJR was a perfect pairing for this pattern.  By the way, the pattern is no secret, in case you’ve forgotten, it’s the pattern I used on Emily’s Memory Quilt.  That’s the name of the pattern so far, but I’d like to think of a different name.  I’m open to suggestions.  I’ve had a tester finish her top all ready (it goes very fast) and I am so in love with it. 

 
Yesterday I ventured over to OHSU with my mom to fill out some paperwork (traffic is hell coming back at rush hour unless you can use the carpool lane…we try to do that as often as we can).  So we stopped at Powell’s to pick up some new books for Brice (he love’s the Bernstein Bears books) and then went to Modern Domestic and Bolt where I got a new Patchwork foot for my Bernina and some darling fabrics.  Not that I need to stash build.  I need to stash deplete, really.  Hmmm….I still need to show you photos of my folded fabric in the cabinet.  But I still have to sort by color.  I’m waiting for help on that one.  I’m hoping I can temp my artistically inclined friend to come help.

I will probably be quiet on this front for awhile.  I have another quilt already designed and fabric on the way.  And I’d like to put together a Mother’s Day tutorial for the blog.  So I'm going to try and work on that and get the tutorial up very soon.  In the meantime, I’ll try and be good about updating my Flickr on a regular basis.

Taking It Slow

I can’t say why exactly I haven’t been busy on the blogging front lately…but I think it’s been taking a backseat to spending time with my family.  Now that our life is getting back into a familiar routine I think you will find me in this space more, but I do enjoy all the reading I've been able to squeeze in lately.  This little spot is in my bedroom and has the best light throughout the day.  I love to sit with my tea and read or work on embroidery or knitting. 

It’s nice being able to turn on some electronic entertainment for Brice and sit with him or to watch him play with his cars on the bed and just be in the same room while I still work on my projects or read.  I think we will be doing more of this this spring and summer. 

I’ve been working on lots of little projects (and big ones).  Getting quilts quilted for clients, working on pinwheel blocks and the quilt pattern (waiting for backing on the quilt to finish it up).  I have lots of things on my to do list, but seem to be taking life at a slower pace this year.  I keep telling myself that it’s okay, but there is another part of me that keeps saying “But you have this long list!”  I need to learn to be better about quieting that part of my brain.