FOs: Lark Tee versions one and two

A few months back, I stitched up three versions of the Lark tee pattern, by Grainline Studio.

It's become one of my favorite garment patterns, and comes together so quickly. Before this, I had limited experience sewing with knits. As in, I had completed one simple knit garment. I'm not sure why I resisted, but working with knit is really not scary. My trusty little Janome (an older version of this one) is what I use for sewing with knits, since my larger machine is straight-stitch only.

So, I've tried three of the four necklines available, and three of the four sleeve lengths. This pattern really gives you a lot of options, and I see myself making many additional versions soon. I've already got another pile of knit fabric washed and ready to cut. The only modification I made was to crop the length (except the dotty version) because I like a shorter tee.

And the great thing about knit fabric is you can finish your hem and sleeves, or not. As you can see, on the boatneck version, I chose to leave my sleeves and hem unfinished.

I'll share my third Lark tee as soon as I get a modeled shot. And maybe by then, there will be another one finished!

FO: Wonky Kites

I recently completed my last quilt for do. Good Stitches. After seeing this photo by Amber, I asked for blocks with a mixed neutral background and pops of orange, yellow, blue and green.

These blocks are a great way to use up triangle scraps, which always seem to multiply.

There's lots of ways to piece these blocks together, but I liked the wonky kites that formed in this layout.

I made a little strip panel for added interest, using mostly neutral solids and a small strip of each dominant color. That wasn't part of the original plan, but I love that section as much as the kites.

The quilting was so much fun, and came together quickly. I used my walking foot, and serpentined twice through each block, never touching the scrappy triangles. This sort of leaf pattern that resulted makes me happy, and I'll definitely use it again! I quilted the strip section with straight-ish lines from top to bottom.

The binding is from Ayumi's adorable Lighthearted line, and it was just the perfect orange for this quilt (with additionally awesome pops of yellow).

For the back, I used three bluesy fabrics, including the very fun Leah Duncan triangles, from her Tule line.

Up next, I'm going to share a little recap of my do.Good Stitches experience, with a mosaic of the quilts I contributed (and maybe one of the blocks I made for others, too).

FO: Maya Blouse

Remember this? I shared it last week, with the promise of some modeled shots.

I was tempted to do more jumping shots, but not this time (but it will happen again, because it was fun).

Instead, you get a goofy smile.
My sister always gets the best of me.

Again, this is New Look pattern 6010, in Leah Duncan's Maya fabric.

I highly recommend this pattern, and intend to make a couple of others (although short sleeves might be best for Houston climate).

I haven't shared this here yet, but I purchased a new sewing machine at Quiltcon. It's the Janome 8900QCP, and they were selling classroom units for a steal. So, I did (thanks to my sweet husband).

The new machine is 99% of the reason I can now successfully sew buttonholes.

I don't know what my problem was on the old machine, but a buttonhole was never successfully produced.

Now, I don't have to avoid them!

I'm pleased with this blouse, and even wore it this weekend to my grandmother's 88th birthday celebration.

When asked how old she felt, she replied, "I feel like a question mark."
She's still got spunk.

This week

I intended to be back here sooner, but it's been a fun week with some big accomplishments. I hope you have experienced the same!
First up, I am starting to exercise again. It's been AGES. ages. Too long and I've felt so lazy and complacent.

I hope I can keep it up this time. I'm just running/walking (mostly walking, but that's okay), with a little pilates (dvd) thrown in for good measure. I'm writing it here to add an extra layer of guilt!

I've been on a garment sewing kick, and finished a second version of this top. It's New Look pattern #0134, and I used a pinstripe linen this time.

I also finished New Look #6010 in a favorite Maya print (by Leah Duncan).

I intend to share modeled shots of both shirts soon. I am especially pleased with the Maya top. I'll share more details on both shirts when I post the modeled shots.

I have also been quilting away on my Marcelle Medallion. The quilting is now finished, but you can see a sneak peek above. I'm so SO in love with this quilt. Binding is almost finished, so I hope to be able to share the finish next week!

So, that's my week in a nutshell.

What about you?

Some new happy fabrics

In the recent sale at Pink Castle Fabrics (which is still going on, actually!), I scored several of my favorite prints for $5 or $5 a yard!

I cannot get enough of Leah Duncan's Maya line. Summersville is another favorite. I think these two lines play nicely together!

It appears that I was also in a green mood in my recent stashing.

I may have to use these together in a quilt!

I'd also love to pick up a little more Field Study soon!! I just love those arrows and feathers!

Brenda is also offering a discount on all precuts/bundles right now, with the coupon code PRECUT20.

Well, as you can see, my helper is requesting my attention now.

I hope you all have a fun weekend! E's parents are visiting tomorrow, but I will try to share some fun things on Sunday!

A quick note

I hope you don't have a case of the Mondays, like I do. Thanks for all your sweet comments on my table runner tutorial!

This week will be a doozy, but I wanted to pop in to share a little tote I finished over the weekend.

I used a little Melody Miller cut, along with two polka dots (It's a Hoot and Amy Butler Full Moon), Moda Measuring Tape canvas for the exterior. It's lined with a print from Leah Duncan's Maya. Lots of happy colors and fabrics! It's available (along with a couple of destash items) in case you're interested.

I have a baby quilt to share, but no pictures yet. Soon!