How did I do?

Back in April, I joined Rhonda's Finish-A-Long. Although I didn't get everything on the list completed, I had several projects to submit in her link party. Here is the list I made.

I didn't finish Swoon (but the top is complete, so maybe it will be a July finish), I didn't make the Iris shorts, and I didn't participate in Kelly's My Precious QAL. Other than that, success!

Also, I finally started the embroidery on my Modern Medallion quilt. I'm a little behind, but I'm hoping to get most of this section done in the next few days.

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!

Try, try again

I don't think I've mentioned that I signed up for Rachel's Handstitched class. I hemmed and hawed about it, partially because I have so many things to finish (and to start), and I wasn't sure if I "needed" a class like this. I talked to E about it, and he encouraged me to do it.
I realized there are many topics covered in the course that I have little or no experience with, and knew this would be a focused way to acquire those skills.
I knew I would learn these skills SOMEDAY, but Rachel's class will help me learn them NOW.
Signing up has already given me new tools and confidence when approaching a hand sewing project. I'm so glad I joined.
Not to mention, the Modern Medallion quilt. Ooh, such a beauty! Yes, out of all of the projects Rachel shared sneak peeks of, THIS project pushed me over the edge.
Fabrics have been selected for my MM version: I completed my center block this week, but I was not satisfied with my work. With little applique experience, I dove in, completing the block in one evening. Since this will be the centerpiece of the quilt, I decided that I would take the things I learned from the first to make an improved second block.

Block attempt #1

I used too much starch on the edges, my stitches are not very even, my inner corners are messy, there are puckers (I bet partially due to too much starch) and to top it off, I trimmed the block too much.

I'm not this picky about small mistakes typically, but as I said, this will be the centerpiece, and I knew I could make a better block based on the experience. I've already started it, and I'm much happier with it so far. There was not another large piece of that lovely HTF Amy Butler Coriander in the stash, so I'm using an Anna Maria Horner's Garden Party for the replacement.

Don't worry about the fate of this block; I see a pillow or mini in my future!

I plan to share other projects from Rachel's class throughout the summer.

In other quilting news, I'll have a fun finish to share very, very soon!