A Warm Completion

At the start of each year I begin an afghan that I dub my "take along" project. It is my project that I keep in the car to have on hand at various doctor/speech pathology/dental appointments for the children. Saturday while at a church activity for the children I was able to put the final rows into it and am excited to have it completed. I have done this particular pattern a total of 10 times and I like the simplicity of it. It works great as a take along project because I don't have to refer to a pattern each time I pick it up to refresh myself as to where I left off. And it makes a lovely gift.

A Little Tweet for You

I had a bit of funthis weekend at the sewing machine and after the spell away it felt wonderful. First up was the sewing of some super fun bird ornaments that I found in Joelle Hoverson's book, Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts. I used the beautiful fabric I recieved from Christine in the Christmas in July ornament swap we participated in an it was perfect for this project. Thanks again for the fabric Christine! I was able to get a total of six birds from the 2 fat quarters and the kiddos had a grand time helping to stuff the "Birds". Elizabeth Hartman of Oh, Fransson has a fabulous pattern for sale called "Paper or Plastic" which I purchased several months ago. I finally gave the "Plastic" bag a try today and am very impressed. Think it will also have to go on the must do for the holiday/birthday gift list. Wonder if I can get the 6-cent per bag rebate on my bill at the grocer as I do with the green bags...will have to give it a try. At any rate I will certainly be making more of these.

Captain's Fancy BOM 1

With homeschooling my two boys I have not been able to do near as much sewing as I usually do. But yesterday I did manage to put together the first block in the new BOM program I am participating in. Have a look:

Cell Phone Bag

I have discovered a new pattern that shall work up great into Christmas and birthday gifts. Quiltsmart has a pattern out for a Cell Phone Bag that is super quick and easy to put together and after the initial purchase of the pattern is fairly inexpensive to make loads of. This bag goes together in about 20-minutes and at most has two seams. I am sure that photos of these will frequent the blog over the next few months as I get into the gift giving/making mode of the holidays. Be sure to check them out. This tote/purse is just the right size for any cell phone and has an additional pocket to put driver's license and debit/credit card.

Bagsket

I have wanted to try out the "Bagsket" tutorial provided by Suzanne of Foofanagle for months and when Linda came up with the bag/bucket swap I thought, "what a perfect opportunity". So using Joanna's fabric line, Dandelion Girl and adding in a stitchery design from Crabapple Hill I came up with this: Suzanne's pattern was fairly easy to follow and I really like the end results. I just might have to put one together for myself as well.