Cafe Apron project

This has been a fun, busy, but no time for sewing week for me.  Fortunately, I had finished this week's Patchwork, Please! sew-along project several weeks ago.  You may remember it...

 The original pattern uses three pieces blocks to make up the pocket section, but when I came across this vintage tea towel, I just knew it would be perfect for this project.

 I had anticipated making another one before the due-date of this particular project (that would be TODAY), using the pieced block version of the pattern, but that did not happen, so this is the one I will be submitting to the project submission page.

 It is always fun to find unique embroidery pieces and then to work them into a new sewing project.

Next week's project will complete the "for the kitchen" section of the book with a Diamond Patchwork Placemat.  Another full week is ahead for me, so I'd best get started on that one early!

Tea time, anyone?

Here is Sunday night, and I'm squeaking in with an hour and a half to spare on my next Patchwork, Please! sew-along project.

 This week's project was to make a tea cozy and a tea bag holder.  Learning a new sewing technique is always a challenge, and this sew-along uses paper pieced blocks on a number of projects. This was my first time trying this method, and I must say I loved it!

 Once you know the process it's really pretty easy.  I found a video on YouTube, which showed exactly what to do.  As a visual learner, that REALLY helped to understand how to use the paper-piecing process.

 I do believe I am now set for a tea party!

Project #2- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Towels

Have you ever worked on a project and ALMOST had it finished, but run out of steam?

That's how I felt this evening ... working to get my project for the week finished by the 11:30 p.m. deadline for submission.  This week's project was to make 3 towels -- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.  The Dinner towel is finished and submitted to the Patchwork, Please! sew-along link page.

Whew!  I made the deadline!  One complete towel did the trick.  The other two towels are ready for the binding, which takes a bit of time to make and sew on.  I love the end product, though, and will finish them off soon!

 One of the things I enjoy about sew-alongs is that they give an opportunity to learn new skills, or perfect ones already learned.

 For me, it was to practice the skill of applique!  This is the first time I've appliqued letters and words, and I must say, it took some slow sewing, and careful turning of fabric!

It took a while, but I'm pleased with the results.  Hey-- is it time for dinner yet??  I'm getting hungry! :)

Patchwork Please! Sew-along #1

For several months I've been anticipating the start of a new sew-along.  Last year I participated in the Zakka sew-along, and this year Lindsey and Debbie and organized another one to sew along with Ayumi's book Patchwork, Please!  This book features 19 projects.  We are once again, completing one project each week.  I'll see how I do at keeping up!

The first project is called "Bell Pepper Coasters."  Here they are...

Since I used three different colors, and had to change the thread for each color, I decided to make several sets using the "assembly line" method.  Following is my journey through the peppers!

First thread -- white -- sew all center pieces.  I loved this "kitcheny" fabric so decided to use it for all the coasters. 

Next thread -- Red -- love those dots!

At this point I made a batting, backing, top "sandwich."  My fellow blogger, Amy,  suggested using freezer paper for her templates.  I tried this and it works great!  As she suggested I pressed the template to my fabric and then sewed right along the edge of the paper piece.  This was so much easier than tracing on the fabric. Thanks, Amy!

Three red peppers... waiting for their finish.

Next thread -- Green -- "Birdie", the pin cushion is checking them out!

3 red peppers + 3 green peppers = ???

Final thread -- Yellow -- Birdie is not too sure about these.  They look a bit pale!

3 red peppers + 3 green peppers + 3 pale yellow peppers  = a stir fry???

Here they are -- the final product.  I made a little bag to hold them in.  

I just realized I missed a step!  Oh, no... I'm not going to tell you what it is, though.  :)

I'm linking these at http://www.inlinkz.com/wpview.php?id=280543.