Welcome Spring?

18 Friday Feb 2011

Posted by Bonnie in Fabric, Quilt Along, Sewing Projects

I was awakened this morning to the sounds of beautiful music. A harbinger of spring? I won’t get my hopes up just yet as it is still only February but at +7 degrees I welcomed the renditions that were offered up by my feathered friend. I apologize for the clarity of the picture but he was perched far from my window.

There has been much sewing of late but no finished products to show off so I will present some ongoing projects as a hint at things to come.

I told you about the Cherry Hill Quilt Along that I’m participating in. There are five of us that gather on Friday mornings to work our way through the weekly instructions that are doled out. So far we have cut our pieces and done some piecing. Here are some pics of the progress…

That’s Astrid on the left. Next is Pam, our host, from MadAboutPatchwork. Then Millie and Sandra. Yours truly is behind the lens.

Above are my columns ready to sew together.

Here’s a few more tidbits to tantalize…

And finally some new fabric to add to my growing stash.

I have a house full of company on the way. I’m very excited!
Have a great weekend!

Learning to Read

04 Friday Feb 2011

Posted by Bonnie in Alphabet Book, Sewing Projects

≈ 2 Comments

This delightful little alphabet book I made as a gift for a young man near and dear to my heart. The moment I found it I knew I would make it for him. I discovered the pattern over here at Moda Bakeshop. I searched high and low for an alphabet panel that I could use for this project. Imagine my delight when I came upon the exact panel at my quilt shop. It was on clearance so I was just in time or I may have missed it. You can follow the complete directions in the tutorial but I will show you some of my step-by-step.

Since the panel was on clearance the store did not have any of the original charm pack that was used as contrasting fabric. I was able to find a few fabrics to complement the panel and had a few Kona solids in my stash to fill it out a bit. The original book was made with 26 charm squares which afforded a different backing on each and every letter. I did not have that luxury.

After cutting out all the individual letters I cut squares of paperbacked fusible webbing to sandwich between the letters and their contrasting backing squares. Each letter was matched with a pleasing backround and zig-zagged onto the fabric.

The final step was to hammer grommets into the corners of the letters. This requires cutting a hole in the spot where you need to insert the grommet. I was aghast at the thought of piercing the fabric. Once all the letter blocks have their grommets they are put onto a large ring for the little guy to carry around. I’ll be presenting this little gift to my muse tomorrow night. I hope he likes it!

My Muse…
…isn’t he a cutie-patutie?!

Pretty Little Pouch

02 Wednesday Feb 2011

Posted by Bonnie in Sewing Projects, Zippered Lined Pouch

≈ 1 Comment

Today I made a lined, zippered pouch that can be used for cosmetics or anything else you might be inclined to carry in it. I found this pretty little pouch tutorial by Florence over at Flossie Teacakes. I liked this one for a number of reasons. First off and most importantly, the instructions were very clear, right down to the minutest detail. Not to mention her playful side throughout. Secondly I liked that this bag was lined. And finally, I love the little tabs at each end of the zipper. They hint at a little surprise on the inside. It makes for a very clean and professional finish.

Wait for it… here comes the surprise inside. I love the contrasting fabric. And why shouldn’t the inside be just as pretty as the outside? Well I say – It Should!