Last week of 2022

Ava came over Monday to work on projects.

First was an angel decoration.

She chose a tightly woven fabric and used the sewing machine to sew the design.

She added narrow silver ribbon to outline the piece.

Below is her first draft on linen with a loose weave.

I took the first draft angel on linen fabric and outlined with a backstitch in black pearl cotton.

Ava's original drawing on the right.

(Washable Crayola thin marker was used to trace the design and washed out well.)

The second project was an outfit for her lovee penguin.

I made a pattern several months ago so we pulled it out of her project box and got to work.

She chose material out of my scrap boxes. It needed a zipper and button.

I suggested a short invisible zipper. As I cut out the pattern Ava said it needed a zigzag hem because penguin likes zigzags. It also needed a pocket for things penguin collects at the beach. Ava said she had to remind penguin to empty her pockets because some items picked up on the beach smell bad if they stay in a pocket too long. I think Ava needs to write a book about penguin's adventures.

Above - zipper application.

Below - pocket with caution-danger trim so penguin can be safe.

The zigzag hem has stay stitching 1/4 inch from the edge.

There is an optional 3 color belt.

It was fun to get some projects made with Ava.

We have another session scheduled for next week.

I signed up for a block swap that starts in January.

I have to make 20 blocks to swap with 9 other sewists.

Tell me a story cat blocks - paper pieced.

I found a cat fabric I love at the local fabric shop.

 We are using the book on the right to make our blocks.

Last night I finished eleven blocks.

I'm doing 4 different blocks. I will send two different blocks to each person in my group.

Can't wait to swap.

Today I had some productive sewing time so....

Final construction for 12-31-2022 below.

I have 17 blocks finished.

Ready to bring in 2023.

The seven blocks left will start off 2023 in the morning.

I have finally started hand quilting My Small World.

I am using #8 pearl cotton. My stash didn't have all the colors I want to use.

I'm waiting to get more thread colors from DMC.

Next time I will post my proposed list of sewing projects for 2023.

What is on your list for next year?

 

Once again posted on the wrong blog

2022 Quilt Review

To see my 2022 review of finished quilts, click the link above.

Later I will post what I have worked on this last week of 2022.

Sewing and other activities

 This little guy who loves to try on big shoes was too sick to go to preschool. I went over Monday and Tuesday to help out. Wednesday I had a bone density test and mammogram - all the fun I could stand.

I worked on the dress up super hero capes.

I'm pleased with my version without batting.

The shields have a stiff iron-on interfacing.

They were tricky to turn right side out and finish on the curve.

There are arm bands and a belt but I don't have photos.

Super hero presents are ready for Christmas.

I bought the panel to make this busy book a couple of years ago. When I looked at the directions I was surprised by the number of steps needed to complete the book. So.... it stayed in the 'to-do' pile thru the move and for months in the sewing room. 

Little boy is getting older and the optimum time to play with a busy book was getting shorter.

With a positive Covid test and mandatory stay inside protocols, I started sewing.

Every double page has a flap to lift.

This book went together in a totally different order from other cloth books I have made.

Multiple flaps and two finger puppets.

The flaps would not stay up, puppets to the rescue.

The puppets have iron on interfacing and lining zigzagged on before sewing fronts to backs.

The flaps have interfacing ironed on one side.

The pages have batting - actually frankenbatting.

I used lots of old scraps of interfacing on this project.

Final page

Hope this is a hit with little boy and his sister.

Next, I have joined an online paper piecing group and will be swapping blocks using the book on the left.

My tea themed paper piecing will continue as well using the book on the right.

I have hung my Christmas quilts on the upstairs railing.

In the past I have hung one of these quilts on a wall.

I wanted to try something different in the new house.

I bought some 2 inch C-clamps at a home fix-it big box store.

They worked great. One clamp on each corner.

I can change the quilts easily.

Look for more quilt displays in the future.

Merry Christmas!

Very little sewing because...

Instead of sewing, this week has been filled with music.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I was singing with the Memphis Symphony Chorus

in the Magic of Memphis concerts.

I'm on the second row, third from the right in black with a red scarf.

It was so much fun.

Friday morning Miss Ava performed in her class Christmas music program.

She played the bells. Very focused. She did a great job.

This was the final version of the jumper.

The white lace was the best look.

No buttons.

She wore the jumper with a white blouse when she came to hear the Magic of Memphis concert.

I could see my family up on the mezzanine from my place on stage.

Miss Ava's favorite part was the dancing Santas.

She bounced in her seat through the whole number.

Next week I should have some sewing to share.

Have a good week.

 

Some Christmas Finishes

Yes! The rag quilt is finally finished!

After washing and drying it is ready to be used.

The size is 48" X 48". The squares were cut 5" and sewn with a half inch seam.

There is no batting - just flannel on both sides.

Even using the spring assisted snips my hands tired after snipping a few rows.

The Super Heroes are finished, too.

I watched the how-to video several times and I'm pleased with the results.

The boy hero has blond hair like our grandson.

The girl has a ponytail like our granddaughter.

Here they are all dressed up with their Teddy Bears.

A quick sewing finish for Miss A.

I had this piece of green fabric with little red hearts.

Miss A requested a 'romper'. I think that is six year old for 'jumper'.

I used a favorite VFT's pattern but added 2.5" in length at the waist.

After making a muslin to check the size, I added another half inch on the side seams and back.

Miss A's concept drawing is below.

She wants buttons and a sash.

I suggested red ribbon but she wanted blue.

Photos of possibilities from my stash follow.

Side trip - after sewing the dress I noticed that my fingers were stained green.

I washed the dress with a color catcher and did not see any green on the color catcher.

So I'm hoping that the dress won't run on skin or other clothing.

I like the lace option below.

The only blue in my stash is this ribbon.

I think it makes a Nordic statement.

We will see which one Miss A chooses later today.

What are you sewing this week?