Need A Little Needle Book Swap

I joined a new swap this month -- Need A Little Needle Book Swap.  Just in case you are wondering what a needle book is, it is a "book" with fabric or felt pages in which to hold sewing/embroidery needles.  Check out this page -- https://www.flickr.com/groups/2631188@N24/ -- to see some great examples of needle books!  Mine, which is called the Needlebook Butterfly is included!  The free pattern and tutorial I used is from Wild Olive.  When I saw this pattern I knew it was the one to make for my partner!  I'm on the search for some "extras" to add to my package for my swap partner, and then it will be in the mail.  The fun part about swaps, besides making some new sewing friends, is that a something special will arrive in my mail box as well! For as much as I sew, I still don't have my own needle book, so the one I received will be my first -- and very special, indeed!

Waking from my sewing "sleep"...

For weeks I have walked by my sewing machine ... looking at it ... sewing only when I absolutely felt I had to!  It was a big time sewing slump! Has anyone else ever been there??  Perhaps the beginning of summer break will help to motivate me back into the creative process.  A recent baby shower gave the push to uncover that machine once again.  The result?

Baby shoes are so fun to make!

And the winners are...

...drum roll, please.

The winner of this apron is Dawn S.  This one will be a fun local delivery.  Another apron will be going to a family member ... Jocelyn!  This one is not so local, but will be hand delivered as well!!  Can't wait!  :)

Finally ... A Cindy Apron Give-away!

The 2014 Cindy Apron has been finished for several weeks, but I'm just now getting around to posting it.  Five years ago my sister, Cindy, died of breast cancer.  Each year I have marked the anniversary by making an apron to give away.  Cindy surprised me with a pretty apron on one of her last visits to my home, and though it is faded and becoming a bit worn, it still hangs with my other aprons.  It is a daily memory of a dear sister who brought so much joy to the lives of everyone around her.  For this years apron I used a linen stripe and a piece of vintage table scarf -- and -- here it is... the 2014 Cindy Apron.
If you would like this apron, just leave a message below.  I will randomly choose the winner next Sunday.  As I did last year, I'll also make one for a family member. So...to my family... if your name is pulled you may choose one similar to this, or in the style of one of the other Cindy Aprons I've made.

 

WIP - Finished!

This quilt top (banner size) has been on my "work in progress" pile for way too long!  For years it has been waiting for a backing and quilting.    I'm happy to say it is finally complete!  I cannot remember the name of the pattern used, but I found it on http://www.debbiemumm.com/ some years ago.  My original thought was to make a wall hanging, but it seems to have made it's way to the table.  I used a combination of machine quilting and long stitching.

Tote Bag

It's soon Auction day at school, and each year I like to sew something as my contribution.  This year it is a springy, pink tote bag.

Choosing the fabric

Pleated in the front

Inside pocket; snap closure

The right needle for the right job!  I decided to try a new kind of strap on this one using vinyl.

Fabric:  Ivory Kona cotton, Kumari Garden Marala Pink
Pattern: Tohoku-tote   found here,  handbag straps.

Getting ready for spring!

Accessorize for spring!  That was my theme for a little afternoon sewing.  I love to wear a scarf -- winter, spring, fall -- pretty much any time of the year.  Today, with the threat of ice and snow overnight, I thought it would be the perfect time to get ready to bring on some spring in the form of infinity scarves!

This one is a knit, lacy fabric.  

Fabric: Nest by Valori Wells

The top one (a bit hard to see) uses "Asian Circles" by Kaffe Fassett.

Is it possible to over-do it on scarves??