FO: Scrappy Trip

Hello! I got back into town a few days ago from visiting E's sister and family in Granada. I have thoughts and pictures to share from that adventure, but first, I want to show you my scrappy trip around the world.

I finished this up and photographed it before we left, and I really love it. I won't lie; the process of making this quilt was a little boring to me. I started the quilt over a year ago, and stalled out with just a block or two made before January.

I took it to the Stash Bash, and was able to finish a few more blocks.

When I was planning my projects for round two of Madison, WI (I went last month, and I don't think I shared that here!), I knew that this quilt would be goal number one.

I managed to finish the top while I was there, and immediately quilted it when I got home.

I quilted in a simple crosshatch through each square, which really didn't take very long at all.

Oh, and the backing is two similar prints from the stash: (Alison Glass Bike Path in grass and Patty Young Circle Stitch in Olive. I bound with an eternal favorite: Joel Dewberry Modern Meadow Herringbone in Lake.

This quilt reminds me of our wedding, because many of the strips I used are leftovers from the wedding souvenir napkins I made.

On the Madison trip, I kept insisting that this would be only scrappy trip quilt ever, and Jeni teased that I would change my mind on that. As much as I love it, I really don't see myself making another, but who knows?

ETA: Check out Holly's recap for more retreat photos, including some of the finished scrappy trip top!

FOs: Envelope Clutches

Shortly before my wedding, my neighbor Kim mentioned wanting to buy clutches for her bridesmaids. I'd contemplated making some for my girls, but ended up eliminating that task as the wedding approached. There just wasn't time. But in true crafter form, I volunteered to make her some for her bridesmaids.

Her wedding is this weekend, so in the last couple of weeks, I worked on getting these clutches made.

I used the lovely Anna's Envelope Clutch pattern.

I think the clutches turned out nicely, but I must admit, the finishing steps gave me trouble. This wasn't Anna's fault. It's just a little fussy, and I'm definitely not a professional bag-maker. Still, I learned how to install magnetic snaps, and I could see a visible difference between the first bag finished and the last. I made these in the smaller size, and I didn't include any pockets or zippers.

I used Joel Dewberry Aviary 2 prints from the stash (although I had to purchase a little more of two prints), to match Kim's wedding colors.

I hope her bridesmaids will enjoy them!

I also managed to finish my second Modern Medallion attempt last night.

I'm much happier with those inner points and the smoothness of the block. I've added my next two rounds of fabrics to the block, so I'll share progress again soon!