Zakka Picture Frame

When I first looked through the Zakka Style Sewing book, I was not particularly drawn to this project.  I was tempted not to make it, but as I've kept up with all the others, I just couldn't let it pass without giving it a try.  And, as it turns out -- I kind of like it!

The Zakka frame uses linen on the side pieces and the backing.

The book instructions for the frame suggested piecing different fabrics to make a patchwork strip.  I preferred something a bit different this time.  This frame will hold a family picture of some kind, but for here I've put in a picture of the beautiful mountains!

No, I will not be putting a picture in the wreath on the door! :)  But I do like the way the berries frame the frame!

This was the first week with students back at school, so I'm glad the Zakka project was a quick and easy one.  For my Zakka friends -- I did put this together the "easy" way by using spray glue, rather than doing the ladder stitch on the back to secure the fabric.  I think the adhesive gave it a smoother look, which I am pleased with.  I'm posting at LRStitched and would love to be drawn for the prize this week (as I'm sure about 25 or 30 others would!)  It's a $75 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop!  Sounds like a fun give-away.

Little Pocket Pillowcase

Zakka project #19 is such a cute little pillowcase.  I'm sure a young child would be delighted to sleep with a fuzzy bear right by their side!  Here is my version of the project -- step by step.

No eyes on mine -- just a colorful tummy!

The most time consuming part of this project was the diamond pieced pocket.  I took the advice of another blogger/zakka participant and cut my diamonds the quick way!  I sewed 4 strips of fabric lengthwise, ...

...cut each strip on a 45 degree angle, ...

... and sewed the strips together using a 1/4 inch seam.  At this step you need to fold down the seam allowance first to make sure your points will match.  I was a bit off on some of mine. When I did not measure and match, though, I was WAY off.

The piece on the left was my first attempt at piecing this by sewing each individual diamond.  I was not liking how it was turning out.  Then I tried the strip method and was so very pleased.  It is so much quicker!

Here's my little cutie bear all tucked in his pillow!  

Rather than stuffing the ears and hands as the book suggested, I used a double layer of felt and sewed it into the bear sandwiched between the two right sides.  After turning right side out and stuffing, little bear looks quite plump. This little guy is made with some left over faux fur I had used for another project.  

As always, I am posting the Little Pocket Pillowcase at Lindsey's LRStitched.  I'm already beginning to wonder what project I'll work on when this sew-along is finished.  I may set a goal to make each of the projects I've pinned on Pinterest!  ...or maybe I'll piece a quilt to get in the frame for winter stitching ... or maybe...both!

Zakka #19 -- Only 5 more projects to go!

This week's project is -- "Sweet Sugar Cookie Sack" -- and it is a cutie!

My version of the cookie sack.

This project was desinged by Amy Sinibaldi from http://nanacompany.typepad.com/.  It included a few skills that always test my comfort level (like embroidery), beading, and the blanket stitch.  Even so, it was a fun project.  I changed things a bit from the pattern by lining the bag and did a self binding on the top with the lining fabric.  The book suggested stuffing the bag with fiberfill and tying it with a ribbon.  Because I wanted to use the bag for storage, and figured any children playing with it would putting cookies in and out, I figured the lining would give the bag durability.   I used a linen (it's a scrap piece -- may not be linen, but looks like it!) beige for the bag outside, and a fabric from Paper Dolls by CPdesigns for the lining.

Mmmm...wish they were real. I'm getting hungry for a cookie!

I am posting at LRStitched.

Zakka Bread Basket - #18

This week's Zakka project is a bread basket.  I loved the designer fabric choices in the Zakka Style Sewing book, and even had very similar fabrics on hand.  An unusual vintage fabric I had found some time ago, though, kept coming to mind.  It didn't really "call out" to me as bread basket fabric, but I decided to go with it.  Here it is...  with several other than bread options!

The front and back are Essex white linen.  I fussy cut the mailbox motif from the vintage fabric, placed it on top of a mustard linen piece, and sewed them both onto the front.  

The sides/handles are cut from the vintage fabric.

Use #1 -- Breadstick Basket!  Yummmm...

Use #2 -- Flower vase holder! -- Why not?

Use #3 -- Specialty Tea bag.

And, Em, this is for you --  A Windshield Wiper holder!! :)  I couldn't resist!

I'm linking at LRStitched today.

Zakka #17 Delightful Linen Bag

With 16 Zakka projects "under my belt" and 7 more to go -- I'm beginning to wonder what other sew-along I may want to join!  This week's project -- Delightful Linen Bag -- was created by Mette Robl from http://mette-erleperle.blogspot.com/.

Laying out the fabric -- trying to get a feel for what to use.

On several recent projects I have enjoyed using pieces of dresser doilies as accents.

I changed my fabric choices a little as I went along.  The designer of the project sewed bits of fabric and trim to the front of her bag.  On mine, I decided to make a little pocket using a pink linen and accented with this piece of doily.

Ideas for use?  I'm thinking it would make a lovely gift bag -- with a spot for a gift card in the pocket.

I am posting my project at LRStitched.

Peach Cake

Mmmm, mmmm, good!  There are some seasonal foods that are just so good because you only make them at certain times.  Peach Cake is one of those treats for me. Peach cake really is not cake, but more like -- sweet bread with a peach on top!  It's not overly sweet -- it's not fancy -- it's just "Peach Cake."

Make a basic sweet dough recipe.  I cut mine in half as I only wanted to make 1 cake. Put the dough in a buttered pie plate.

Cover with a towel and let it rise a bit (30 minutes or so).

Meanwhile, cut peaches in half, remove pit, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Leave the skins on.

Press peach halves into dough.  Sprinkle with MORE cinnamon and sugar.  Let rise a bit longer.

Bake in 375 degree oven for about 20 minutes. Cool just a bit, and enjoy!

Zakka Patchwork Ribbon

Yep! It's true -- Zakka style ribbon!  This little project is a great way to use up fabric scraps, AND have some interesting ribbon to use.

 I forgot to take pictures along the way, but to make this I sewed together a small patchwork using 12 squares.  After cutting 2 1/2 inch strips on a bias, I sewed them together into a long strip.  Then as the instructions in the book suggested, I folded the strip wrong sides together and stitched along the edges.  How simple can it get?  Others in the sew along have added great creativity to theirs.  For mine, I just decided to keep it simple and quick.  As always, I am posting at LRStitched.  By the way, if you click on this link, you will see my little elephant bookmark was one of the featured projects! That is just too fun!!