Recent Finished Objects

Almost everything I've sewn lately has been for other people!

I've reopened my Etsy shop--it's stocked with some crayon rolls and large box bags.  I'm hoping to get some more items photographed soon so that I can put them in the shop.

I'm in love with improve patchwork lately!  The green pillow was made for my shop, but was sold when I posted a few things on Instagram.  It is 14" square.  I love it, and think I need a few for the house.  I also made potholders--holding myself to a silvery-grey color scheme for my aunt's kitchen.  Then I went crazy and made a cover for my kindle.  It's amazing and vibrant.  And as soon as I posted that, a friend requested a cover for her Galaxy tablet, in the same style.

I made a couple of Open Wide Zipper Pouches.  I love this pattern (well, I love all of the Noodlehead patterns I've made so far.)  I gave them away two a couple of besties for Christmas!  I put in some nice lotion and chocolate, and I think they made awesome gifts.

I'm hoping to sew more soon, but with speech and occupational therapy, swimming and piano lessons, and school schedules, my time is so limited right now.  I'm really looking forward to the quilting retreat coming up next weekend!!!  Two nights and three days with my awesome quilt guild, on Vashon Island!!!  I guess I'd better start packing!

FO: Quilted Box Bag for Laura

Awhile ago I made a box bag.  Well, actually I made two.  One for me, and one for Laura.  This is the bag I made for her!

She said she likes pinks (and bunnies, but I don't have any bunny fabric--boo!) I densely straight line quilted the entire thing and filled it up with all kinds of cute stationery supplies and chocolate!

Laura also sent me a bag: it's super cute and I just love it!  She used blue and green fabric, and free motion quilted hearts along the zipper edges.  She is so talented!  She filled it with all kinds of awesome treats!  I used it this past weekend on our camping trip (pictures to follow soon) and it was perfect for all of our toiletries.  

FO: Quilted Box Bag

You! Guys!

My lovely friend Laura saw some pictures I sent to Instagram, of some of my fun stationery-type supplies.  She suggested a swap, and I'm so glad she did!

With her tutelage, I made a fun quilted box bag for her.  But I haven't sent it yet, so you only get to see the one that I made for myself.  These are seriously addicting, and I need to make a million more!

This one is holding some notebooks and my colored pencils, which I bring with me for when inspiration strikes.

Madrona Road Challenge

The Modern Quilt Guild's winter challenge was to create a quilt using pieces of Violet Craft's fabric line, Madrona Road.  The Seattle Modern Quilt Guild participated, albeit a little later since our fabric took a little while to get to us.  I finished my quilt just under the deadline, and showed it at our meeting.

This was my first attempt at a full quilt using half square triangles.  I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out, though a few of my points are off.  Next time I'll pin a little more carefully!

I really, really like the look of hand quilting.  I managed to get in two lines, and may add in a few more down the road (more pressing projects, of course!)  

All told, I used the entire 7/8ths of a yard that was provided, and I had to purchase 3 yards of coordinating yellow and grey solids, and the yellow sprout.  The rest I eeked out of my stash, including a charm pack of Robert Kaufman neutrals.

It's funny, after all the work (not to mention a little bit of money--fabric isn't free, you know) I put into this quilt, I'm not super excited about it.  I just feel kind of ambiguous about it.  This is the first time I've ever not absolutely loved a quilt that I've made.  Does anyone else ever feel this way? 

Finished Flea Market Fancy Quilt

I finally, finally (finally!) finished my Flea Market Fancy quilt.  Seriously, this project took me four years. It was the first quilt I ever started for myself, and it got pushed to the back burner every time something new and exciting came along.  But, now it's done, and I just love it!

When I first started sewing about 6 years ago, I fell in love with Flea Market Fancy.  But it was already out of print and I had a hard time finding any anywhere.  About four years ago, someone posted on their blog that they had found Flea Market Fancy at a quilt shop in Massachusetts.  I called the shop and placed an order for NINE yards--the biggest fabric purchase I've ever made at one time.  By the time I called, the owner had already sold out of a few prints, so even though I missed out on the ever illusive blue seeds, I was so excited!

I didn't follow a pattern, choosing to simply cut 12.5" x 6" rectangles and lay them in four piles (three of one print and the fourth alternating between the blue posies and an Amy Butler hexagon print.)  Then I sewed them into rows alternating two vertical and two horizontal.  It made an un-intentional zig zag pattern, which I really liked.  The back is pieced with a beautiful piece of vintage fabric that I found at an antique shop in Eastern Washington.