Opinions, Please!

I redesigned the quilt for Nathan.  I just didn’t like the way the squares were turning out.  I really loved this, and thought I could use the fabrics I had to make a version of it.  However, I really didn’t like the way my fabrics were turning out.  I think it is because my fabrics contrast so much, and the design would do better with fabrics that blend better.

So…I went back to my original design before I thought I’d try a bunch of squares.  It’s not done, but I am so much happier with it.  I really wanted to showcase the cute fabrics I found for this, and the little squares was not cutting it! 

So, now, here’s my dilemma.  I am not sure…do I repeat the blue gingham between the white and red fabrics or not?  I can’t decide.  Without it, it’s going to be about 82” long, so it can take a little length.  What do you think?

Please comment with your opinions.  I really could use some input here.  I haven’t asked my husband yet.  But, I know, if I ask “should I add the gingham”, I’d get an answer like “what’s gingham?”  or “sure”. 

Pieced Together

I joined a virtual quilting bee, Pieced Together. I have been thinking of doing one of these for the variety of blocks you get back. Thanks to Katie for looking for volunteers!

What's a quilting bee? A person is assigned to a month. For that month, that person is responsible for sending out fabrics & instructions to everyone for what type of block they would like to receive back.

So, I will have at least 1 block to do every month for someone else, and one month, they will all make my blocks! My month is August, so I have until about July to decide on fabrics to include. So many choices!

Patchwork dishtowel

Last, but not least, the patchwork dishtowel.

This really came up becuase of my guilt of not giving my parents a handmade gift. Well, they got one.

I used a flour sack - they really make the best dishtowels because they leave no lint behind, and they dry so fast.

Red Flannel Scarf

One of my dearest friends, takes time out of her day for every holiday, birthday, etc. in this house and mails us a hand-made card.

She needed a handmade scarf.


She needed the fun pom-poms on the end. Yes, she did.

Chalkboard Placemats

Four Chalkboard Placemats.

These were just too easy.
I found some chalkboard cloth from a local independent sewing store. It was so wide, I had enough to make these 4, and I think 2 more.

Instead of binding them (I need to improve my binding skills), I cut the back larget than the front and "self-binded" them with the fabric from the back.

I added iron-on vinyl to the backside fabric before sewing the pieces together. I wanted them to be completely wipe-able, so they could be taken into restaurants, get a little dirty while you wait for your food, and then be completely wiped down clean with a baby wipe.

They have been successful in my house so far. I made 1 for each of my kids, 1 for my nephew, and one for my niece.

I used the cutest fabric for the boys'. It's got a small town on it, named "Smallville", roads, buildings, etc. I thought this would be nice for the boys as they could take in their small cars and "ride" the road while we wait.

Another Toothfairy Pillow

I really enjoyed making the first one of these, and this was my second. These log cabins are fun to make. They so satisfied the need to do some patchwork.

It was a perfect timing gift, too! This was for my niece, who, right before Christmas, showed me how she could wiggle her tooth with her tongue.

Emmeline Apron

It was time for me to make my mother-in-law a nice handmade gift. (My own mom got one at Mother's Day). I thought she would love the Emmeline Apron.

What a great apron. It's wide, and reversible, and very flattering (the image below was taken by a 4 year old...sorry it's not better.)


I would have made another for my own mom, but my sister wanted to do it. I also thought of making another for my sister, but she then requested the knitting needle case.

I may make myself one of these one day. I think it's much nicer than the store-bought one I have.

The start of a new item

The first cut is always the hardest, isn’t it?  Right now it’s a mess, but this combination of fabrics will eventually turn into a quilt for my little guy.  The design?  I think I am working it out as I go.   I’ll keep you posted.

Handmade Holiday: Knitting Needle Rollup

My sister requested a crochet/knitting needle case for Christmas. She's become quite the knitter lately, and has stated that her knitting needles are getting out of hand.



I found this tutorial from Angie. I thought she did a great job sharing how to put this together. I was able to complete this project from start to finish in about 2 hours, maybe 1.5. I was surprised that I got it all done in one sewing session.

I paired the case with some Alpaca wool I picked up on this trip. She can make some very nice warm socks.

A New Year!

Happy New Year everyone.
I have a whole month of posts planned, the wrap-up of my handmade holidays venture. However, before I get to that, I am going to share some new year's goals with you.

1. I want to finish up a few unfinished projects.

These include putting some printed photographs in real albums - the last of the printed photos I plan to have...digital pictures are so much easier to keep organized!

I have two pieces of furniture waiting for me to finish them. One is a rocking chair I gave to my son for his 1 year birthday. They love it unfinished, but the whole plan was to finish it and put it in his big boy room. I am not behind on this (yet).

The other piece of furniture is a bench given to me by my sister. Last summer I took off all the stain. I just need to give it one more nice sanding and paint it.

2. I want to finish decorating my dining room and bedroom.

3. I want to attempt sewing clothing again.

4. I want to make Corinne a few summer dresses. I made two last year. I can do better, they are so easy!

5. I want to make myself a quilt. I've got the pattern. I need to do a few items above before I give myself the pleasure of a quilt for myself.

I have 12 months...I think I can do it all. :)

Happy new year.