Return of the Spider Lilies

The spider lilies are back. Last year they did not show themselves but this year they are back.

They are my favorite fall flowers. That could be because they bloom on my birthday. 

I finished this little fox. Hubby and I both tried to get this in focus but this was as good  as it got.

I used variegated perl cotton for the orangy-brown body and tail.

The little fox is going to be part of a play pocketbook for baby Ava. She is very interested in carrying a bag around and fiddling with zippers. I'm going to make something with I Spy features in the patchwork. Here she is exploring my messenger bag. Such a cutie!

Gifts and gift bag

The long Labor Day weekend was productive around here.

I finished these mama cows and babies. I put crinkly wrap and jingle bells in the baby animals to make them more stimulating.

My mom (Great-grandmother) made the chick, pig, and sheep mamas and babies.

We are giving a set to Ava and a set to David for her birthday and his Christmas respectively.

My baby gift stash now has 6 flannel receiving blankets. Time to take a break from making receiving blankets.

TaDa! I used my blue bird embroidery on a zipper bag I'll take on this weekend's trip.

Here is the back.

I used some recycled fabric and scraps - zipper I had - and fusible interfacing leftover from another project. I altered the wide open pouch from Noodlehead by adding a strap.

I also changed the pattern to have the corners finished inside instead of turning it thru the lining.

I love the lining fabric - birds and birdhouses.

And last of all - a fabric gift bag for Ava's 1st birthday. 

Ready for the beach birthday party!

Pencil boxes and more little animals

I finished the 3rd pencil box, the one on the left. The green one is made from my favorite fabric but I put in one part of the snap wrong. The one on the far right has a wonky zipper.

I am happy with how the 3rd one turned out. The lining fabric has state shapes. Mississippi is there in the corner. I included some Mississippi pencils, a pair of scissors, and washable markers and mailed them to Liam in NYC. He starts kindergarten Tuesday. Hope he makes lots of new friends.

While I was fussing with the pencil boxes the messed up snap came off box #1. Now I can replace the snap and my favorite pencil box will be ready for another kindergartner.

I have found a quick sewing project to do while watching TV.

I trace the pattern on white fabric using a washable marker.

Then I stitch over the design.

The designs came from this book I bought last summer in Savannah.

When the sewing is complete, I get the marker out by washing the fabric in diluted Dawn dish liquid.

I haven't decided how to use these cute little critters. 

Glad to have Amanda Jean back for link ups today!