Photo Friday

2nd WIP of 2012

This past week I did quite a bit of sewing, yet feel as if I got not much accomplished.  At least not as much as I was hoping.

I am quilting my little design now.  The more I look at it, the more I want to try again in a smaller amount of prints and more solids. 

Even though I am feeling as if not much productivity has been happening at my little sewing space, I did get a tutorial written and posted on these pin cushions.

I didn't post a new year sewing goal list like so many out there have, but one of my BIG goals this year is to finish my - oh - so - long awaiting works in progress, you know the ones that each week are still sitting in hold or no progress list; such as this barn quilt I started while I was pregnant with my almost 4 year old.

Here's to getting those neglected WIP's completed in 2012!

Quilt/Bind:

Log cabin quilt
Princess Pea quilt

No progress:

Beatrix Potter quilt (working up design)
Barn quilt
Kaleidoscope quilt

Skill Builder Sampler (behind)

Daisy chain ABC's sampler (on the letter 'J' - still)
Husband's shirt
Felt Christmas ornaments
Bottled Rainbow quilt (sorting scraps)

Stats:
Completed projects: 1
New projects: 0
No progress: 8
Quilt/bind: 2

Linking it up to Freshly Pieced.

Tranquil Pin Cushion Tutorial

We all know that lavender is calming.  But did you know that lavender has numerous other properties? This wonderfully scented plant can be used in cooking, as a mouse repellent, disinfectant, headache and migraine relief, healing burns and insect bites, sore muscle relief and much, much more.

Today, we are focusing on the soothing, relaxing aspects this plant provides.  For many of us sewing is our relaxing time, so how about we add a little extra?  A quick and easy project - lavender pin cushions.

What you need:

• 1 - 5 x 5 inch piece of scrap, print fabric or a leftover charm square (I'm using domestic bliss by Liz Scott for Moda.)
• 1 - 5 x 5 inch piece of muslin
• 1 - 5 x 5 inch piece of batting
• lavender (I bought a 1/2 pound bag off of Amazon)

Layer your pieces - print fabric right side up (or print side up,) muslin, then batting.

Sew all around 3 sides of your layers with a 1/4" seam allowance.

On the 4th side of your layers, sew in on one side, and then the other, leaving about a 2 inch opening. I've placed pins where my opening will be. 

Make sure to back stitch right before each side of the opening so when we turn it right side out, you don't rip your stitches out while doing it. 

Clip each corner, making sure not to cut through your stitching.

Turn right side out.  Usually I use a knitting needle to help push the corners through, but you can use whatever is around, such as the eraser end of a pencil.

Fill with lavender.  Make sure you fill it between the print fabric and the batting.  Be extremely generous here!  Go on, don't be shy!

Once your pin cushion is sufficiently stuffed, it is time to close our opening.  You can either hand stitch or run it through your sewing machine.

Sorry, a bit blurry.

Now, take a deep breath!  Ahhhh.

Giveaway Winner!

And the winner of the Kate Spain charm pack is....

True Random Number GeneratorMin:Max:Result:2 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

#2! Congrats Beth. I will be sending you an e-mail shortly.

Okay, so I haven't quite figured out how to get the random generator posted with the results. If anyone out there knows how to do this, please tell me.

It would be just my luck that it is something really simple.

First WIP of 2012

Happy Wednesday!

Well, it seems like I have even more projects then I started with before Christmas.  Mainly because I sat down and thought, "Hmm, what goals (sewing wise) and things do I want to attempt in 2012?"  And then my list grew, and grew, and grew...

So first up I have my little concoction I wrote about yesterday.

Here's a few more cut pieces.  I have the main blocks sewn together, and will hopefully get the rest sewn today.  Right now I am using this autumn-y flannel, but I'm thinking I am going to do another one in some bright, springy colors.  You'll know soon!

I got the tutorial for this coupon clutch off of the Moda Bakeshop website.  If you haven't noticed already, I go there a lot for little projects to send as gifts (ex. tea caddy's - the ones I made are here.)  This pink one is for my sister.  I think I'll make myself one next...

A peek inside

In progress:

Kaleidoscope quilt

Skill Builder Sampler (behind)

Daisy chain ABC's sampler (on the letter 'J' - still)

Husband's shirt

Felt Christmas ornaments

Bottled Rainbow quilt (sorting scraps)

Quilt/Bind:

Log cabin quilt

Princess Pea quilt

Still holding:

Beatrix Potter quilt (working up design)

Barn quilt 

I am linking up to other great works in progress at Freshly Pieced.

**REMINDER:
New Year giveaway closes Thursday January 5!

There's A Plan Forming

Inspiration struck me the other night.  I sat down with pencil in hand and before I knew it, a little wall hanging/table topper was staring back up at me.  I am now testing out my little concoction.  Not quite sure on the whole color scheme just yet.

If all goes well, maybe I'll post it as a tutorial, or a quilt a long, or something...

Stay tuned!

Happy New Year Giveaway

Hello all!  Happy 2012 to you!

As I reflect on this past year, there are so many things that I had the good fortune to do.  We went to Washington State to visit family - something we hadn't done since my now three year old son was 10 months old!  I met one of my nieces for the first time and went to my other niece's birthday party.  My best friend from college also lives up there, so we spent a day with her and her little ones.

This past year, I switched this blog over from the life of  motherhood and cattle ranching to sewing projects.  In the process I have gotten to know other sewing/crafting bloggers out there, who have been such inspirations to me.

Speaking of which, I have some plans for this little blog in the coming year, which I am looking forward and excited to share with you all.

So let's celebrate!  A charm pack of Kate Spain's Good Fortune for the coming year. 

To win, leave a comment with a goal for the new year; or with something that you are looking forward to in the coming year (ex. a trip, a new job, a new family member, etc.)

Giveaway closes Thursday, January 5.  I will draw someone via random generator on Friday or Saturday.

Best of luck!!