Sewing Challenges

Having no real plans or ideas for quilts I decided to participate in my quilt guild's challenge. You may have done something similar. The challenge is to make a medallion quilt using specific fabric given out at each monthly meeting. The January fabric was the starry print. The medallion had to measure 18 X 24 finished. 

Above is my center block with the starry fabric.

Trying out another border above.

I made a plan and then changed it, of course.

I remembered this set of templates and thought it might improve my plan.

I used the triangles to make a pointy border on the top and bottom.

I made the final border postage stamp size - 1 1/2 " squares.

When I tried the final border I realized I had to be careful to get them in the right order.

Yea! As you can see below the border alternates dark and light.

It turned out just the way I wanted.

I also participated in the Color Challenge. I joined and posted my red blocks on Thursday.

But ... I put the finish photo on my other blog. OOPS!

If you want to see my red blocks, you can see them here.

More on challenges next time. Have a good week.

Reality Check - the week in review

As I wrote last week, my plans were set in jello. Good thing. We had two snow/ice days, so I had more time to sew and read.

See the progress of my 'Feather & Fan' scarf below.

I am thinking about connecting the ends for an infinity type finish on the scarf.

Here are my two 6" red blocks for the Color Challenge.

Surprise project - finish! 

This giant 9 patch baby quilt is finished for my friend who is about to be a grandmother for the first time. I changed the backing fabric and decided to roll the edge instead of sewing a binding.

I quilted on the diagonal and that went so well I turned the quilting into big diamonds.

The problem with rolling instead of binding - the corners cannot be squared up. Oh, well.

I love the love birds on the front and the double cherries on the back.

I started one more project that has been waiting since the summer. I cut out a blouse from a new pattern. The fabric is knit and has very few seams. Will share next time.

How was your week?

Set in Jello

I don't make new year's resolutions and haven't made a list of goals for sewing for this year. As a friend of mine says, "My plans are set in jello." Flexible and subject to change. Looking back over my first two posts I see that I wrote one thing and did something else. Anyone else work like that?

Sew this long week end? I may do one or all of the projects listed today.

Above. I finally went back for another knitting lesson and learned how to do two new stitches. I started this lavender scarf and plan to work on it while I watch TV.

I may work on this Calendar Girl. 

I finished the red block for the Color Challenge. I want to design and complete a companion block using these scraps. 

If I get really motivated I will work on these cute cats.

Since it is really cold here (for middle Mississippi) I plan to stay inside and sew, knit, or read.

What's happening in your part of the world?

Ava's Busy Bag

Baby Ava's busy bag is finished and gifted to her.

Everything in/on the bag is from my stash.

I had fun figuring out how to make the house but it turned out much bigger than planned.

She can find things on the back.

Inside I sewed some cute buttons on ribbons and put a cell phone cozy and tissue pack.

The bag is big enough to hold her baby doll and other favorite toys.

The bag is almost as big as Ava but she enjoys carrying it around.

What's next for me to sew? I decided to join the Color Challenge.

I'm going to use only scraps in my stash and do the 6" size.

I have cut out the red block and plan to finish it today.

Happy Sewing!

Happy New Year! First Finish!

 Ava's busy bag is finished. It is bigger than I planned - about 15" X 14". On this side she can play Eye Spy. There are butterflies, houses, flowers, Little Red Riding Hood, a bunny, cow, sheep, pig, and chick. There are words, music notes, Strawberry Shortcake, and a bunch of dogs, too.

On this side she can unbutton the door and unsnap the windows to find a fox, owl, hedgehog, and a girl reading a book.

Inside are three ribbons. I am going to make some felt and/or cloth items to attach to the ribbons. Items being considered are cell phone, powder compact, and coin purse.

This bag is big enough for her baby doll and some clothes, too.

It has a handle so she can wag it around.

I like the green fabric on the end of the zipper. I have used it on so many small projects.

Now I'm going to concentrate on embroidery. I can cuddle up and stitch on cold winter nights and feel like I am productive while I watch TV.

Wishing all my readers a warm and happy new year.