The Cotton Patch

Warm Wishes

2012-02-05T11:46:00.000-08:00

I usually keep one project that I work on primarily at work, usually something crochet or embroidiered. For the last month and a half that project has been an afghan for my aunt and uncle in California. I did not grow up knowing them but since I married and moved here they have been a special part of my life and I wanted to do something to show them how much I love them. My aunt loves blue and white and that is the primary color scheme within their home. Coming across an afghan in a Vanna White afghan book I have that was in just such a color pallette I just had to give it a go. The results are beautiful and this treasure will be on it's way to California with the morning post.

Portraits Of A First Grade Class

2012-01-31T10:53:00.000-08:00

The childrens' school is well on the way with preparations for their annual fundraising auction scheduled next month. I am, of course, helping in each of the kiddos classes with putting together the baskets. Caleb's class has decided to do a spa themed basket, Isaiah's class is doing a chocolate themed basket, Ivy's class is doing their traditional art themed basket, and Sarah's class chose to do a quilt.

We had each of the children in Sarah's class draw a self portrait on a 6 1/2" square of white fabric and then color it. Some of the children did a fabulous job of following the instructions of doing their best work and making their person the focal point in the space. It was fun to watch the creativity come out in the children and their efforts to do their best.

And some put so much personality into their self portraits that I could not help but chuckle.

And being a bit partial I just have to share Sarah's as well.

As I pieced together the quilt top I had fun looking at each of the drawings again. I based the colorful color pallette from the fabric choosen for the backing of the quilt. I did not get a photo of it before I took everything to the quilter but will be sure to do another post when the quilt comes back to be bound. But here is a look at the top:

My inspiration for the layout of this quilt came from this quilt from the Moda Bakeshop. And I think it was the perfect pick.

Simplicity 5483

2012-01-15T15:18:00.000-08:00

Sarah has out grown most of her dresses so I decided it was time to make her a couple new ones with some corduroy that I have had tucked away for a couple years. The first one completed is this one:

View C. I'd forgotten that for some reason the skirt of this pattern comes out rather long. I may go back and shorten it a bit. She loved getting to wear it to church this morning and is lookng forward to seeing what I have ready for her next Sunday

Another Bobble-licious Bag

2011-12-29T19:57:00.000-08:00

Mum is expecting some visitors soon and they will be bringing their 4-year old daughter withthem and so she wanted a little gift to give her when she came to visit. I quickly whipped up the wonderful Bobble-licious bag for her to give the little girl. The bag is lined with fabric that has little kittens playing with balls of yarn.

Little Wallet

2011-12-23T11:57:00.000-08:00

Can I just say....I love this pattern from Valerie Wells for the "Little Walllet". I have had it for a couple years but have never used it until today. I will be using it all the time now. What a great way to use up scrapes and have a wonderful little gift to give as well.
Please excuse my poor photos:

A Set

2011-12-23T10:02:00.000-08:00

After seeing reuseable grocery bags at the same local quilt shop where I found reuseable produce bags I decided to make it a set, having already made a produce bag for mum for Christmas. I love how roomy the grocery bag is and may have to stitch one up for myself as well.

A Matching Pair

2011-12-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

A woman at church called me last week (nothing like waiting to the last minute) and asked if I could making a matching girls' dress and 18" doll dress to include with the 18" doll they were giving her daughter for Christmas. She brought over a pattern for a girl's dress and fabric they wanted to use for it the next day and I came up with as close of a match as I could for te doll. Here is what I sent home with her today:

Seafoam

2011-12-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

I love this afghan pattern. Over the last 20 years I must have done about 25 of them. It is quick and easy and makes a beautiful gift, which is why I decided to make one for my boss this year.
The color of the wool is called seafoam.

Crochet Clutch

2011-12-19T15:04:00.000-08:00

My co-worker at work does a little crocheting as well as a friend of mine in South Carolina so I decided to make the Crochet Clutch from the Moda Bake for them for Christmas. I was able to make the two of them from three coordinating fat quarters I had in my stash. Over all I had very little trouble completing these. The designer did leave out the little detail of the spacing for the hooks so I just did what I felt was needed. I really wanted to do a pink for the needle keeper portion and could not find a pink I loved and therefore settled for what I used. I now wish that I had gone with a cream.

Completed Christmas Tree Pants

2011-12-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

It's finished

Tea Towels

2011-12-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

My sister is starting a hope chest for her daughter this Christmas and I decided to do up some tea towels to add to it for her gift from me. I have only been able to complete two of them so far but will work on the other 5 throughout the year to come and send them to her to add to it as I complete them.

Reading Pillow

2011-12-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

My Isaiah is quite the reader and so when I saw this pattern for a reading pillow at one of my local quilt shops, I just had to get it. It was fairly quick and easy to put it together. I cut out the pieces yesterday afternoon while the three older kiddos were at school and then spent this afternoon putting it together.
I did get it a little overstuffed and need to remove some of the polyfil but otherwise it turned out super cute and I can't wait to see Isaiah using it.
It has two pockets on it. One for pencils/pens and one for eye glasses. Since he does not wear eye glasses I think I will stick a flash light in that packet so he can "sneak" and read at night when he is suppose to be sleeping.

*Updated to add Isaiah with his reading pillow on Christmas day

Christmas Tree Pants

2011-12-02T21:03:00.000-08:00

I Love the Tutorial that Happy Zombie put together for her Christmas Tree Pants and decided to try it out, making one for my sister for Christmas. All of her Christmas decor is done in blue, white and silver and after finding fabrics in these colors I got started.
Here it is waiting to be quilted.

I like how it turned out and it was really easy and quick. I think I will have to do a few more for gifts next year.

Reuseable Produce Bag

2011-11-29T14:57:00.000-08:00

I found these neat produce bags at a local quilt shop and decided to embroider one for mum for Christmas.

I just put the finishing stitch in and need to go run an iron over it

A New Sewing Companion

2011-11-29T14:55:00.000-08:00

A Few More Hats

2011-11-19T20:49:00.000-08:00

A birthday gift in one and Christmas gifts with the other two

Pink and Gray

2011-11-14T13:26:00.000-08:00

A woman at church contacted me about doing a carseat cover for her sister who is expecting a little girl. I really like the color combo and made a couple burp cloths with some of the extra fabric.

Halloween Costumes

2011-10-31T20:15:00.000-07:00

October is of course, the month for putting together costumes for the kiddos and that is just what I did.
Caleb: The Ghost of Monopoly Man
Isaiah: Ranger's Apprentice
Sarah: Witch
Ivy: Tinkerbell

A Little Something for Mum

2011-10-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

Today is Mum's birthday and she has been asking me to make an oval doily so this is the one I put together for her:

BOM Club - Margaret

2011-10-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend marks month 2 of one of my local quilt shop's BOM Club. I have choosen to do all 4 color ways this year and have three of the four blocks complete.

19th Century Colorway

1930's Colorway

Batiks Colorway

Sorry about the following photos but they are of the free additional pattern we are getting with club. These patterns come from The Alphabet Quilt by Florence LaGenke that was part of a 25-week series that was published in newspapers in 1929 and 1930.

FRIENDS Delivered

2011-10-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

Jo received her parcel in the post today. Her photos are far better then what I took so be sure to head over there for a look.

FRIENDS Received

2011-10-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

Boy do I feel spoiled. Look what Jo sent for the Friends swap. Isn't it fabulous! Sorry about the terrible photos but I love it all and look forward to using the bag.

F= Fob

R=Roses

I= Indulge

E= Embroidery (fun bag pattern)

N= Nellie Sewing Bag (LOVE LOVE LOVE)

Look at all the pockets

D= Delicious Dairy Milk Chocolate

S= Stationary

Slouchy Hat

2011-10-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

I got a jump start on Christmas this week and made this hat for Caleb. I made him one last year for Christmas and he wears it ALL the time so I decided to make another one for this year.

FRIENDS Swap Sneak Peak

2011-09-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

Just a little sneak peak at what I have been working on before I post it for it's journey to Jo in Tasmania. As I started this particular item I had the final product visualized in my mind but then as I was working on it I worried that I had made the wrong choice. But now that it is complete, it is even better then I had hoped. I love it and hope Jo does as well. Course there is something fun for each letter in FRIENDS but this particular one is my favorite.

A Pillow for Gina

2011-09-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

My Co-worker Gina is celebrating a birthday tomorrow and I could not resist making something for her. I hope she likes it:

Bag and Hat

2011-09-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

One of Ivy Girl's little friends had a birthday recently and of course I had to do another of the bobble-licious bags but also decided to do a ht as well.

Bobble-licious in Lavendar

2011-08-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

A co-worker's daughter celebrates her 9th birtday today and I could not resist making her one of the Bobble-licious purses from the pattern provided by the wonderful Heidi.
I love making this purse as it is so quick and easy and the girls love it.

Apple Crate Quilt in Nicey Jane

2011-08-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

Another quilt in the works. This one using a pattern from the Moda Bake Shop called Apple Crate and I am using Nicey Jane fabrics from Heather Bailey. I've been using these fabrics in decorating our family room and decided it would be nice to have a quilt to curl up under while reading a book.

Here are four of the blocks completed:

These six are awaiting a final round of print
and these a final round of white

Once these blocks are completed it will be on to awaiting the remaining fabrics that are ordered before completing this project.

We're Off To The Quilter's

2011-07-31T16:46:00.000-07:00

This along with two other quilt tops will be making the 45-minute journey to our favorite quilter this week...I can't wait to see it completed.

Summertime Fun

2011-07-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

I came across this fabulous idea the other day and just had to give it a go for the kiddos. Since the weather promises to be summer like this weekend I thought it the perfect time to head to Home Depot and gather the supplies and also get a 10% Military discount while I was at it. Being military does have it's advantages at times.

It was so quick and easy to put together, especially since the folks at Home Depot cut the PVC pipes to length for me while I was there. Isaiah had a blast drilling the holes before he and Mac headed off to go tend to one of Mac's projects.

I used 3/4" PVC for this project and followed the idea of another blogger in leaving off the misters and just going with holes drilled every 2" across the top piece. I did 6 holes down the side pieces but think I should have just stuck with 4....oh well...it's still tons of fun.

Starting to Come Together

2011-06-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

My Raggedy and Friends quilt, a free BOM for the Painted Quilt, is starting to really take shape now that I have started adding sashing. When I purchased the blue I was a little unsure that it was the right choice but I love how it is coming together. In the photo block 7 is not quite complete but it is now.

Tomorrow I shall get a start on stitching block 10 which is assemble and just awaiting it's images.

Raggedy Friends Blocks 2-6

2011-06-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

I picked up a book by a new to me author about a month and a half ago and then had to read every book by her. In finding her other books at the library I discovered another author and had to find all her books as well which led to a third author. So needless to say I have not touched my Raggedy Ann blocks until this week because I have had my nose stuck in 30 some different books. I did rather enjoy my little sabbatical from the craft world as it was the first time I have done such. At the same time it has been nice this week to be back to the needle again.
I did complete blocks 2 and 3 before my little detour and will probably have block 5 completed this afternoon following my monthly Costco run. Block six is put together but awaiting it's little Raggedy images.

Block 2

Block 3 (did you notice my error in this one)

Block 4

Block 5

Block 6

Playin' Catch-up

2011-04-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

Boy have I been falling behind in my posting. Working full time outside the home and full time inside tends to make that happen I guess. But I have a few minutes to spare and can play catch up with sharing some of the things I've been working on.

1st up is a little outfit I've been working on for Ivy Girl. I am using up some remaining fabrics from the girls' Easter dresses to put it together. It is not quite done yet but will be in the next day or so when I have a free minute but here is Ivy Girl proudly modeling it as a work in progress:

I stumbled upon this pattern back November and tucked it away in my file of things I want to make with the plans to make each of the girls one for Easter. I was surprised at how quick they were to put together, 4 hours start to finish for each of them.

A co-worker saw me working on these for the girls and asked if I might make some for her grandaughters and so I had fun with these three:

I Forget where on blog land I found this little pattern for these bunny cute sachets but I could not resist making three to go in mum's Easter parcel. Sorry about the blurry photos.

And of course there is the girls all decked out in their Easter dresses ready for church.

Ivy Girl is our little bag lady and LOVES her new purse. She totes one bag or another everywhere she goes. And it is usually loaded with paper, her favorite thing in the whole wide world, next to mommy of course.

I have also completed two more Raggedy Ann blocks but have not photographed them to share yet. I shall try to do that in the next few days.

Nicey Jane Pillows

2011-04-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

I threw together these quick pillows last night to adorn the settee I picked up last summer at a yard sale for $8. The upholstery is not in the best of shape so I have also been at work on a slipcover for it. That too is nearly done so I will share photos soon. Although you get a bit of a peak at it in this photo.

Easter Dresses in the Making

2011-03-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share a little peak at the dresses I have been working on for the girls for Easter. I just have one little thing to complete and they will be finished. Ivy Girl is in heaven over the fact that they are purple and green, her two favorite colors.

Raggedy & Friends Block 1

2011-03-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

After completing Ivy Girls' coverlet I needed a project to work on that was easy to tote to work and decided to start on Kaaren's BOM from last year. I have had a selection of Cottage Ramoance fabrics in my meager stash for a couple years and decided they would be perfect for these blocks and now that I have the first three blocks assembled and block 1 stitched I am pleased with my selection. What do you think:

School Auction Quilt

2011-03-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

Miss Sarah's kindergarten class made quilt squares to go into a quilt for their schools' annual action to raise money for field trips and such. I volunteered to assemble the quilt and it was so fun to see what each child came up with from their hand print. Most turned them into some kind of animal but a few came up with other ideas. Being partial to Sarah's I of course got a close up shot of hers but have included shots of the overall quilt to share. Currently it is off at the quilter's but should be returned in a week or so so that I can get the binding on prior to the auction.

Baby Shower Gifts

2011-03-01T07:19:00.000-08:00

I am hosting a shower for a friend having her first, a boy, in a little over a month. I have wanted to try my hand at a couple ideas I have seen around blogland and thought this the perfect opportunity. The first is that of a nursing cover-up. I selected a couple prints from Kate Spain's Fundango line for it and think it turned out fairly well. We shall see what the new mommy has to say about it when she tries it out.

Another idea I have been wanting to try is the carseat tent. There are loads of tutorials for those as well. I don't have a photo of it but used Kate Spain's Central Park line for it becuase the colors in these fabrics go well with the fabrics in the fundango fabrics I used in the nursing cover up.

Along with these I made coordinating burp cloths and diaper clutch and this cute little hat in coordinating colors that should fit the little guy next winter.

A Ripple Sensation

2011-02-23T12:53:00.000-08:00

It's done! Hurray, it's done. I started this twin size ripple coverlet for Ivy Girl's bed on New Years day and I am so happy to have it complete and on her bed. Ivy Girl loves it and insisted on posing with it as I took photos to share. The colors are the same that I used in Sarah's granny square coverlet that is shown a couple posts down. I still have a bit of yarn remaining and thought I'd make some decorative pillows to go with both using inspiration that I have found here and there across the internet. I will be sure to share those as they happen.

Prairie Paisley = Rose Trellis

2011-02-18T08:21:00.000-08:00

I have had the pattern and fabric for this quilt for about eighteen months. The pattern is from a summer mystery quilt along by Helen back in 2009. I fell in love with the Prairie Paisley line when it came out a couple years ago and just had to have some. And then when I saw Helen's finished quilt from the mystery quilt along I just knew what I wanted to make with the fabric. I cut out the fabrics last Friday and then sewed a little each day this week. Yesterday I ended up with no kiddos home for about 2 hours and sat down to put all the sections together and now I have a beautiful top. I am not quite sure that the stripe I selected was the right one for this project however as it fades away into the background.

2011-02-14T08:51:00.000-08:00

Sunday I was making a hat (for Valentine's Day) for one of the patients I take care of at work, who loves to wear hats, when Sarah asked if she could have one too. So Sarah and Ivy Girl both received a valentine hat when they awoke this morning. The heart on their hats comes from a tutorial I found on Skip To My Lou.

Scripture Cover

2011-02-05T10:52:00.000-08:00

Thursday I finally did up the scripture cover to go with the tote that I made Sat. I am not a ruffles and fluff kind of person but I have to admit it is kind of cute. The woman from church who asked me to put it together was very pleased with it and I hope her niece, who will be receiving it for her baptism today will love it too.

This last one is just a look at the inside.

Hello Roses Tote

2011-01-29T18:51:00.000-08:00

After spending the morning checking out a bit of property/house that we are interested in purchasing I returned home and spent the remainder of my day working on this custom ordered tote.

An aquaintance from church asked me earlier in the week if I could put it together along with a cover for a set of scriptures for her niece that will be getting baptized next week. The tote is complete so now it is on to the scripture cover. More on that coming soon.

Gone No More

2011-01-24T16:15:00.000-08:00

After a month+ of computer trouble I am back on track thanks to a wonderful computer genius. I have kept busy throughout that month+ and would love to share some of the things I have been working on.
As I have mentioned before, I always start off the new year with a new afghan and this year has been no exception. I had started a granny square bed cover for Miss Sarah back in May but it was put on hold several times as other things came about and then again with the holiday crafting season. Using the same yarns that were selected for this coverlet I started this coverlet for Ivy Girl.

Just a basic ripple design and coming along nicely. Nearly half way on it currently and it is looking great. Ivy Girl calls it her "rainbow blankie". While working on it I have also been working on completing Miss Sarah's coverlet. Loads of squares (304) to join together. With the exception of all the little "tails" that need trimming I completed it last week and am pleased with it as well.

In between working on these two I squeezed in a couple hours to make this sweet little new born hat for a co-worker whose daughter blessed her with a grandson.

Hat's Off

2010-12-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon this tutorial a couple weeks ago and thought it would be perfect for the girls for Christmas. I already had one of these started for one of the boys and plans for another for the other. Both sets of hats were quick to put together and the kiddos will love them. The granny hat was really fast and I was able to put both together in about 4-hours. I can see doing these for last minute gifts in the fututre. I just have to make the cording for the boys' hats and then all will be ready to go into stockings Friday night.

Hug Pillow

2010-12-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

Inspired by this pillow back in the spring, I saved the link and planned to do one for mum for Christmas. Having worked on it over the weekend and finishing it up this morning, this is what we have:

Symbols of Christmas

2010-12-18T14:54:00.000-08:00

An aquaintance from church had seen this and asked if I might be able to put something together for her. After searching around I came up with this:

Just have to make a wreath ornament to complete the set.

A Bit of Rain

2010-11-23T15:00:00.000-08:00

is pretty common here in the pacific northwest and what could be more perfect them this design by Jenny of Elefantz for Among the Gum Tree. Here is my rendition:

Little Artist Lazy Susan

2010-11-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

I put this together for the kiddos about a month or so ago and the children love it.

Having been inspired by the ones that I had seen in the Pottery Barn catalogs and on the knock-offs around blog land I kept an eye out for the buckets, which were found at Jo-ann's for $1. They were originally an orange but a can of navy blue spray paint hides that fact. The lazy susan was a cast off from someone at church and a bit of sanding and a can of white spray paint had it looking great. Just need to finish filling it with art supplies.

Christmas Skirts

2010-11-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

Spent a little time today at the sewing machine today and whipped together this skirt for Miss Sarah for Christmas using this tutorial found on the Moda Bakeshop.

It was super simple and quick to make and I had it together in less then 2 hours. I ran out of steam however when I discovered that I was out of elastic. So I will have to run to the store for that. I really like the 12 Days of Christmas Fabric line and selected it for this project. I got 1/3 yard of 11 prints and have plenty left for Ivy's skirt, the appliques on the shirts and some other fun project yet to be decided upon.

One Happy Family

2010-11-13T09:36:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by this lady and her embroidered families many months ago and have made a few over the months but have not shared any so I thought I would share this one, a Christmas gift for a very dear friend. Using Rachel Berry's design as inspiration I sketched out my own characters and found a font that I liked, as my writing is not the best, and had fun with it.

Now, on to framing it.

Sapphire Afghan

2010-11-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

A Christmas gift

FRIENDS SWAP

2010-10-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

The postman came by the house yesterday with a bundle of treasures all the way from New Zea land. Kelly of Vintage Mum was my partner for the Friends swap and this is what she sent:

Kelly wrapped everything up so nicely...love the paper doilies

Fabric, red pouch with ribbon in it, Inspiration book (children's sewing), handmade envelopes, needle case, bunting, and souvenirs

Her "friend" items from me are in the post and she should receive them within the week

JaKell's Baptism Dress

2010-10-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

I've been working on two more baptism dresses. A friend from church wanted to not only have one for her daughter to wear after she was baptized but on for her to be baptized in as well. This is the one for after (Simplicity 3545)and is much fancier then the one she will wear while being baptized. This one was completed on the 18th and I just have to hand stitch the lining in place on the bodice for the other.

Simplicity 2553

2010-10-04T21:14:00.000-07:00

This car organizer is now on it's way to South Carolina, a birthday gift for a very special lady. It is view A from Simplicity's 2553

Vogue 7681

2010-09-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

I have never used vogue patterns before but a very special young lady is getting baptized in a couple of weeks and so I wanted to make a dress that is just as special as she is. When I saw this pattern I just had to give it a try. For Kate, I decided to go with view C with a white organdy overlay on the skirt. With working outside the home now, it took me a bit longer to put it together then it would have in the past. I also don't think I have ever done a dress that required so much hand work but it was rewarding all the same. I wish I could be there in Montana to see her reaction when she receives it in the post on Monday or Tuesday. Misty, don't forget to send me a photo of her in it...and maybe one of Kate's reaction when she sees it. Thanks~
As usual, my photos are not the best but here is a look:

I did shift the flowers along the waist line around a little after I took this photo. The center one was shifted to the left and another added in to the right to make it look a bit more even.

Sheer Inspiration

2010-09-12T23:22:00.000-07:00

Needlecase

2010-09-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying the designs that Kareen of The Painted Quilt has been offering as part of her First Friday Freebie but have not attempted any until now. I just completed her #12 freebie, the Huswif Needlecase. I opted to do it in red rather then black and like how it turned out.

Lap Quilt

2010-09-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

My sister purchased two of these kits a year or two ago and asked me not long ago if I'd put them together for her. Here is the first of the two:

Completed- Palest Aster

2010-09-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

All Done:

The Pocket Purse

2010-08-31T17:15:00.000-07:00

It's done! I could have completed it yesterday but I stuck my nose in a book and couldn't seem to get it out. The book is finished though and so is the purse. I think my niece will be thrilled and Shelley Detton did a fabulous job putting together the pattern. Here's a look:

At this point I had not finished tacking down the ribbon on the interior top edge but you get a pretty good idea of the final product, as well as a look at how gorgeous my black-eyed susans are.

So take a moment to head over to Shelley's and have a look at her designs...they are far better then mine and she has the pattern to boot.

The Pocket Purse in Marabella

2010-08-29T14:29:00.000-07:00

I am still so excited to have been selected by Shelley Detton to be a pattern tester for her "Pocket Purse" design. I have been on pins and needles to start it all week but had a commitment from an aquaintance to do some sewing and thus could not start on it until yesterday. So when I wasn't getting things in order for the cub scout pack meeting we were doing last night I was getting a start on this cute purse. I had had the opportunity to go earlier in the week to select fabrics and chose Marabella by Amy Hamberlin of Katie Cupcake. I choose this fabric group for two reasons, the first being that I intend to kill to birds with one stone, so to speak, in doing this pattern test. Not only will I test the pattern but I will give the resulting purse to my niece for her 14th birthday this next Sunday. She loves purple and green so I thought this the perfect choice for her.

The second reason I chose this group of fabrics is again related to the colors. I purchased some purple and white ties for my boys for Easter this next year from Children's Place at the End of last Easter Season and had plans to do something in purple for the girls. Then a couple weeks ago this pattern popped up on the Moda Bake Shop and I knew right away that this is what I wanted to do. So I purchased what I hope is enough for not only the purse but for the skirts and appliqued tops for the girls as well.

I managed to construct the outside of the purse in between prepping for pack meeting and am loving how it is turning out. With any luck I will get the chance to finish it tomorrow and share my findings with Kelley. She has done a fabulous job and I can't wait to make a few more, perhaps as Christmas gifts.

Palest Aster

2010-08-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

The beginnings of a gift that is from the September 1991 issue of Decorative Crochet.

Thrilled

2010-08-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

to be selected, that is to be one of Shelley Detton's pattern testers for her "The Pocket Purse" design. My heart is racing with excitement. So the plan for tomorrow, go shopping and find some amazing fabric to construct this beauty...wish me luck.

Butterflies

2010-08-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

Miss Sarah was invited to a birthday party for a friend this week and so a gift was in order. Not wanting to have to run to town for something I decided to look at my meager stash to see what I might have on hand to make. Recalling that I had some pink and purple butterfly fabric I went through my patterns and came up with this pattern from Simplicity. Making a couple changes to view B and adding a bit of inspiration (apron) from Angel of Ta Da, Creations I put together this little outfit for the birthday girl. Sarah was thrilled with it and enjoyed the chance to model it before taking it to the party (is that bad etiquette for gift giving?).

Pinwheels 2

2010-07-31T06:53:00.000-07:00

Another version that I found inspiration from online somewhere. It has joined the previous pilllow at my friend's home. She was so gracious in watching Annie while we were away on vacation and so I wanted to do a little something to show my appreciation.

Birds on a Wire

2010-07-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

Inspired by this pillow, I had to make one of my own. The painting on fabric was a new technique for me and I think I may have to have another go at it.

Another Pinwheel Pillow

2010-07-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy making this pillow design. This one I made for a friend as a "thank you" for taking care of our Annie while we were away on vacation last month. I don't recall just were I found the original design idea but came across it online when I was participating in a pillow swap recently.

Pretty in Pink

2010-06-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

An acquaintance from church asked if I'd do a slipcover for a chair in her daughter's room. This daughter's room is all about pink and uses several of the Nicey Jane fabrics throughout. Mom was quite pleased with the end result and I, although not a fan of pink, like it as well. Perhaps my girls' might find a similar one in their room some day.

Project Pillow Swap

2010-06-20T15:26:00.001-07:00

My partner for the Pillow Swap should be receiving her pillow sometime this week and so I thought I'd take time to share what I did for her. I was inspired by this pillow and wanted to try doing one. The flowers were what intrigued me the most and the actual process was neat. I learned alot as I did them and look forward to trying out what I learned on a few more similar pillows for my girls' beds.

Onesis Dress

2010-06-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

So quick and easy. Cute too.

Back From An Adventure

2010-06-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile hasn't it. My family and I went off for a little Southern California Adventure with a little side trip to my cousins wedding. We had loads of fun but are glad to be back home again. Remember that little sneak peak from the previous post? This would be what that was all about:

A pillow in my aunt's favorite color scheme: blue and white. Just a little thank you gift for letting us stay at their place on our way to and from our little holiday.

Prior to leaving for our trip it was a wurl wind of activity around here getting things completed that needed to be done prior to our departure along with all the packing that comes with taking a trip. Among the things on the list of things to do was a bit of sewing. A blessing gown for a freind, flower girl dresses for my girls (they were part of the wedding party), and the wedding gift. I was not totally happy with how the table topper for the bride and groom turned out but the bride seemed quite happy with it so that is good. The focus fabric just did not work out as well for this design as I thought it would.

Blue and White Sneak Peak

2010-05-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a little peak at what I worked on yesterday. It is to be a gift for my Aunt so I can not share the full result just yet:

A Little Fabric Shopping

2010-05-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

A cousin of mine is getting married here in a couple weeks and I found this fun B&W floral print (Essentials III By Studio Fabrics) to use as the focal print in a table topper like this one. My Aunt is giving them some of her china that is a black and white design and they plan to add punches of aqua here and there in their kitchen design.

I also picked up this floral (9 by Sanae (moda)) to use in the pillow I am making for the pillow swap I have signed up to participate in.

Currently on the Hook

2010-05-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

I felt inspired by this granny afghan to make one for Miss Sarah's bed. She is very excited about it while I have been wondering what I have gotten myself into when I figured out I need 384 squares to make it the right size for a bedspread. 192 White squares and 192 colored. 11 whites and 13 colored done....loads more to go. Still debating about throwing in a yellow and red...the colors currently selected are already what is in use in the girls' room but I think I may want to add yellow and red.

I also like this pillow by the same woman and have that o the go as well...not sure that I am lovin' my rendition however.

Off the Hook and on the Couch

2010-05-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

I finished this afghan about two weeks ago but am just now posting. It looks so good on the couch and really makes my pillow POP

Celebrate

2010-05-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

My little one turned 4 today. I spent the day reflecting on the last four years with her as I worked at completing a couple gifts for her. The time has surely sped by in a hurry and today seemed to fly by even faster. She enjoyed her birthday celebration though and was quite tickled with this doll craddle and quilt that I put together for her:

Not so much this Pillowcase Dress however:

Wonky Houses

2010-05-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

I put together this Wonky House Wall Hanging for Mum back in Feb/Mar for Mother's Day but am just now posting it. I was worried she would know it was for her if I did it sooner as she commented at Christmas that she really liked the design. The pattern was a free BOM by Jenny of Elefantz last year.

Nicey Jane

2010-05-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

An acquaintance at church recently asked me to put together a throw for her daughters bed using a couple fabrics form the Nicey Jane collection. She was please with the final product and has another project lined up for me to do, also in some Nicey Jane fabric.

A lot Happenin'

2010-05-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

but not too much on the crafting front. Alot of the week was spent getting everything in order for a relaxed weekend as we welcomed home my husband on Friday morning from a 14-month deployment in Iraq.

Hooking Another One

2010-04-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

I started another afghan to go in the living room the other day. I have done this particular pattern approximately 24 times (and this color two other times)and can do it in my sleep now but I always enjoy it and the final results. I have completed another 10 rows since this photo and will get another 2-3 rows in before adding the next skien of yarn.

Cables

2010-04-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by the pillows/cushions on this blog and gave her directions a try. I love the way it turned and am looking at making a few more for other areas of the house.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

I did up the girls' Easter dresses back in February but decided to wait until Easter to show them. I purchased the boys' ties at "The Children's Place" last year and found the fabric for the girls' dresses at Jo-ann's about the same time and tucked them away for this year. I picked up the purple ties for next year from this years Easter line at "The Children's Place". I have a plan formulating for the girls outfits and am planning to go for more of a casual look.

Burp Towels

2010-03-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

A few burp towels to go withthe other items I've made for an upcoming baby shower I am hosting for a friend.

Sweetness

2010-03-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

This little outfit is turning out so sweet. Just have to sew on the buttons and make the diaper cover and it will be ready to post to my cousin who is expecting girl #2 here in a couple weeks. I am noticing that I am growing a bit particle to this shade of green since doing up Ivy Girl's Easter dress last month. Just something about it.

And another little gift (crayola portfolio) for the big sister who is still little herself:

Once I fill it with crayolas, stickers and paper that is.

And since I spoke of Easter dresses I will share those as well. All is done on them with the exception of putting the bow and flower on Ivy Girl's. The boys will have coordinating ties and new suits as they have both outgrown their old ones.

Pillow

2010-03-12T17:49:00.000-08:00

The same friend that asked me to do these ties for her sister's wedding also asked if I could make a couple of pillows from some ticking she had. She provided me with a photo of what she was wanting and this is what I came up with. One down one to go.

It's Been A While...

2010-03-11T15:59:00.000-08:00

but I've been keepin' busy all the same...

This afghan was started 2-years ago. I worked on it for a couple of weeks and then something came up that needed my time and so I put it up on a shelf where it stayed until last month. I am so pleased to have it complete (this last Saturday night) and it looks good sitting on the back of the couch.

The Happy Hallow quilt is now ready for the spider webs in each of the four corners, that will have to wait until April however as I have several other things requiring my attention at the moment.

During my time away from blogging I also filled an order for a lady at church, who was in need of five ties for her sister's wedding. 1 Infant, 1 toddler, an 8-year old and 2 high schoolers. I had a good chuckle the day after the wedding when I happened to be blog surfing and saw the same fabric used to rehupolster a of couple chairs on a blog.

A cousin of mine is expecting her second little girl at the end of the month and so I spent today putting some things together to send. For the big sister, I have a a balloon ball finished and a crayola portfolio almost complete...would have had it done but the ribbon I thought I had for the handles is no where to be found.

For the new sweet baby...a recieving blanket in fabrics selected by the proud grandma (my Aunt) and in the works, a darling little summer outfit that will be posted in a few days.

While on the topic of babies, a young lady at church is expecting her first and I am hosting a shower for her at the end of the month. She has a shy baby however and with two different ultrasounds we still don't know if it is a boy or girl. She likes alphabet fabrics and I found this fun fabric I thought could go for either gender. Today I put together this portable high chair, I saw the idea on a blog and cannot recall where. The lady gave the overall dimensions for it and a picture of the layout and I was able to figure it out from there. I don't know how she did her's but I put interfacing on each piece of fabric and then added batting. I think it turned out pretty well but is a bit small for an almost four-year-old who was all to happy to model it for me :-)

Also put together this diaper/wipes clutch...more fun things to come

Fabric Shopping

2010-02-27T15:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Hallow Progress

2010-02-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

I am down to completing block 8 for the happy hallow quilt. It is about half done and will be completed tomorrow as I spend an hour with Sarah at the speech therapist. So yesterday I got a start on putting the quilt itself together. Sorry about the terrible photo:

Once block eight is complete it will go on the bottem right and then I will move on to completing the first inner boarder. Once all the boarders are on it will be time to embrodier the spider webs in the four corners of the middle boarder and then off to be quilted. Have not yet decided how I will do that...any ideas welcomed.

A Purse for Me

2010-02-18T17:39:00.000-08:00

I had every intention yesterday of completing block 7 for the halloween quilt as it is nearly completed. I got distracted with this project however:

It is bag C from Simplicity's 2617 with Fig Tree's Dandelion Girl and linen

More Finishes

2010-02-15T17:51:00.000-08:00

With just two more to complete I will have to soon find something else for my on the go bag. It feels so good to be getting this project completed after having the supplies for seven years. Thankfully this is not a habit of mine.

Happy Hallow 4

2010-02-11T14:06:00.000-08:00

Finish stitching block 4 of my Happy Hallow quilt last night. It is the biggest block in the set of eight so I know it is all down hill from here. So excited to be finally doing this project.

Have also been sewing Easter dresses for the girls this week. Nearly complete and loving them.

For Kelsey

2010-02-06T15:48:00.000-08:00

One of the nieces is getting baptized here soon and her mom asked if I would make a dress for her. They are coming by tomorrow to make sure it fits and I hope they like it. I used Simplicity's 5645 for it with a lace overlay on the skirt.

A Few For The Week

2010-02-05T15:34:00.000-08:00

Just a couple things completed this week. A dress for Miss Sarah, although the pleats in it did not show up in the photographs:

A tea towel as a thank you to a lady from church who brought us dinner Weds. night after Miss Sarah spent the morning at the hospital having a procedure done. The design was one of Bird Brain's free designs last year:

And the third stitchery for the Happy Hallow quilt:

Happy Hollow

2010-01-28T19:07:00.000-08:00

I've decided to call my "on the go" project Happy Hollow because that is the name of the fabric line from Sandy Garvis that I purchased about 7-years ago for this project. Today I completed the second of eight stitcheries for this quilt.

here is a look at the fabrics... not a great photographer so sorry for the bad quality. The back ground fabric is a cream colored cotton, not the yellow it appears to be in the first image.

In My To Go Bag

2010-01-25T17:03:00.000-08:00

I like to start each year with a new project that works well for staying in the van for when I am running here and there with the kiddos that will involve so waiting. I was a little late getting this year's project together but knowing Sarah had two different appoinments today and another tomorrow I made sure to get it together over the weekend.
I have had this particular pattern and the fabrics to make it tucked away for about 7-years now and am excited to finally be getting it started. With the two appointments today I am well on my way towards getting the first of eight blocks complete.

Snow Ball Dance

2010-01-22T21:01:00.000-08:00

Sat. night a lady from church called to ask if I would make a formal gown for her daughter for the high school snowball dance the next Sat. My first thought of course was that it was really short notice but figured I could get one together in a week's time. It was late Monday night however before she purchased the desired materials and Tuesday morning before I got my hands on them. By this time I am starting to stress knowing that I had a pretty busy schedule already for the week but with a couple late nights and one all day run at the sewing machine I have it complete. The pattern they selected was Simplicity's 4070, style F. Being tall, pale and blonde the teal fabric was the perfect pick for her and she was quite excited this afternoon when she came for a fitting and saw herself in the mirror. I am hoping to get my hands on a photo of her actually in the dress and not just one of it hanging from my living room ceiling. I had not had the tulle ruffle on yet when she came for her fitting so we shall see what she thinks in the morning when I deliever it to her....for now though, I am crawling into my warm bed and sleeping. I'm zonked!

Mystery quilt finale

2010-01-18T15:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I worked most of the day and have it complete with the exception of the outer boarder. I am not totally happy with it however. One of the steps was new to me and boy does it show in the final product. My points in the stars do not line up at all. I tend to be a perfectionist on the things I make and so this flaw is driving me nuts. The square joints are beautiful though. The outer boarder will be done in the grey with the red for the binding once it is quilted.

Mystery Quilt 5

2010-01-17T15:37:00.000-08:00

Progressing quickly towards completion now....Have a good start on step 6 today but will not finish until tomorrow as other things require my time. Hope ya'll are having a fabulous weekend. We are having a wet one.

Mystery Quilt 4

2010-01-16T22:17:00.000-08:00

I am on a roll now....hated to have to pull myself away from this quilt this afternoon but other things called for my attention. Don't know that I will be able to get to it tomorrow other then to complete step 5 but Monday will surely find the top complete. Nearly there with step 5 though, so here is a look at step four:

24 of these to go with 24 of these: