A few firsts...

Today was a snow day, and you know that I LOVE snow days.   It's probably a "hidden" requirement for the teaching profession -- look forward to and enjoy those snow days!  So... today, I'm not sure what got into me, but I was on a roll.  First up was to try making a set of these microwave bowl holders.  My stash of fabric needs to shrink, so this seemed like a good project to help with that.  They are a bit "wonky" looking, but I think they will do their job.

The other thing I really wanted to do today was decorate cookies.  I've never tried using royal icing for cookie decorating.  Today was the day to try.  Not bad for my first attempt, but I must say, this task took a whole lot more effort than I expected!  Now it's time to put my feet up and have a cup of tea.

Quilt Progress

Snow Days have come early this year, and are a delightful surprise!  It has given me a bit of unhurried time to work on the blue and white quilt.  Maybe -- maybe, -- maybe I'll finish it by Spring.

 My morning has been filled with cutting, piecing, sewing, and trimming blocks.

Placing the blocks is one of my favorite parts of the quilt process.  This is the first try of many more sure to come.  Progress so far ... 10 blocks finished and 6 more to go.

Sofas make a great design board!

One Bag Fits All shopping...

Going to my local vegetable, organic food market is one of my favorite summer chores.  It really is not a chore, though.  Being surrounded by the beauty, variety, and possibilities of the vegetable choices is, for me, a delight.

A number of years ago I made a market shopping bag as part of a Patchwork, Please! sew-along.  When I made this bag I used a plastic coated painters drop cloth for the main bag fabric, and did not line it as was suggested by the pattern.  It has work well, and has carried many groceries! But, alas, it is looking a bit worn and the plastic coating is peeling on the inside.

The original first bag.

A pretty fabric find at a local hobby/decor store inspired me to make a second bag -- this time with the proper lining.

The fabric -- duck cloth, cotton, and laminated cotton for the lining -- were all found at HobbyLobby.

The front pocket is just the right size to hold a list.  Although, I must say, when I shop for groceries at a farmer's market I forgo the list, and get a bit carried away with the freshness and color!

These straps really are supposed to be one color, but I only had enough strap webbing for partial handles!  It works, though...

This thing can expand to hold A LOT of groceries.

The drawstring top holds everything in.

There it is ... the pretty laminated liner.  

Now I'm ready for some "one bag fits all" shopping!

Minimalist Wallet

My eyes are always drawn to patterns by Anna Graham.  A while back I purchased her pattern for the Minimalist Wallet and have now made both the small and large size.  The small size was my first attempt, and I learned a few things along the way... 

* If using Duck Cloth fabric  for the outside, use a cotton on the pocket.  It will help to reduce bulk and make for smoother corners.

 *When installing a snap, follow the directions carefully.  A snap that does not work is frustrating!

* The metal zipper on this small size seems a bit bulky for my preference. 

The best thing about this little wallet, in my opinion, is the leather flap.  I love using a bit of leather.

Fabric choices:  Both fabrics (duck cloth and linen) are from my stash.  

Enter the larger size ...

Fabrics:  Duck Cloth and cotton from Hobby Lobby.

 This one makes me smile!  It's the right size -- can hold cards, money, and a phone -- AND the snaps work!!

Adding hardware is a "snap" if you follow directions carefully.  

Back to the Blue & White...

Five years ago I started a blue and white quilt.  Started -- not finished.  It's time to get back to it! One of my summer goals is to get this quilt top pieced so it is ready to quilt over the winter months.  

This quilt will be for us.  The blue and white (cream) combination has always been a favorite of mine, and I'm happy to say that after five years I still like it  Here's to blue and white summer sewing!

It's been a L-O-N-G time!

When I hit post #200 it seemed like a good time to stop for awhile!  But now, the "bug" to journal -- and to sew -- is hitting once again.  When I look back at the past 10 years sewing, I'm kind of amazed at myself. How in the world did I do as much sewing as I did while working as a full-time teacher?

This past year had several bumps in the road for me, but I did manage to complete a wedding quilt for my son and daughter-in-law.

An this, my friends, will turn in to a quilt!

 After seeing an inspiration quilt by Noodle-head.com, I collected an assortment of fabrics that would give a similar look.  This quilt is named Vast and is from Patchwork Essentials by Jeni Baker.  I changed it a bit to make a larger quilt.

Playing with blocks has always been a favorite part of the quilt-making process for me.

Love these fabrics!

Opps... Need a few more blocks.

Last summer's trip to the beach turned out to be a great place to sew the top together.

My mom gave me this great PVC pipe quilting frame she was no longer using.  It worked great -- so easy to move the quilt and put it away if I needed the house to look uncluttered. ;)

 After many hours of hand quilting, it's out of the frame and ready to bind.

The finished quilt.  May it bring warmth and comfort to these newly weds!

Quilt progress...

There has been slow progress here on the quilt.  I had hoped to whip this one out quickly, but it is taking time... Even so, the quiet repetition of stitch after stitch, has a rewarding outcome.  I love to look at the progress and know that when this quilt comes off the frame I will be amazed!  Last week we experienced a great loss -- the unexpected death of a special friend to our family.  As we have looked at pictures, talked and told stories of many good times, I have realized again how the people we hold close, the experiences we have all add "threads" to our family story -- threads that when we step back and reflect fill us with amazement.  "...Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!  His faithful love endures forever." Psalm 106:1