4/52

So, I promised myself I wouldn't start a new quilty project until at least March, so I could focus on WIPs. But then I bought Erin Harris' new Make Your Own Medallion book, and I couldn't get a block out of my head.

I kept thinking about fabric combinations for it, and eventually succumbed to the pressure.

So, here is my Box Canyon block! And I don't know what it will be yet. Maybe I'll make three more for a nice throw quilt (the block finishes at 30")?

Maybe it will be a pillow, or maybe it will be the start of a medallion quilt as it was supposed to be. Who knows? But it was fun!

Also, this week, we tried a third recipe of the month for Smitten Kitchen's crispy tofu and broccoli with peanut sauce. It was delicious, and we will definitely make it again!

I started a new knitting project, Knottygnome's mystery lovefool sock KAL.

And finally, I made my first Explorer Tote (this is the small size) using my friend Kim's new Imbue fabric line.

I think it is a really striking bag in these fabrics!

FO: Panache Compass Bag

Panache is Becca Bryan's debut line with Robert Kaufman, and I was asked to make this Compass Bag for her booth at quilt market.
It was my first time making this pattern (this is the small size), and I am already planning one to keep, very soon! I really love the way the hardware looks, especially on the adjustable strap (Anna gives suggestions in her pattern for sources). I really love these prints (Panache will be available in October), but the pocket/strap print is my favorite!

FOs: Lots of pouches

When a dear friend (who is your sister in sarcasm) gives you some ice-dyed fabric, you must try to do it justice.

I decided to make two Petal Pouches (one for me and one for a birthday gift) using this amazing fabric. This was my second time to make the pattern, and it produces such a nice pouch. The shape is fun, and using a metal zipper just feels fancy.

I also recently made a pile of open wide pouches.

I can't believe this was my first time to make these pouches. Anna's tutorial is nearly five years old, but for some reason, I never got around to it. I used fusible fleece on a second set (I will share those later), which helped them keep their shape.

And most recently, I made two gifty pouches using Jeni's Triplizip pattern. Somehow, I still have a million zippers, so I suspect there will be some more pouches in my immediate future.

FO: Skinny Triangles

I love how I bragged in this post about how fast I finished the quilt top. And then it sat for over a year before I quilted it.
Whatever. It's done! And now it lives with my nephew!

I started with a happy pile of fabric, including Rain Walk prints and lots of other favorites in (mainly) primary colors. I added in a few improv elements, playing on the triangle theme.

When I started this quilt, my nephew didn't exist yet.

A post shared by Jacey (@jaceynotjc) on Jan 22, 2017 at 2:44pm PST

As I finished it up in January, it felt like the perfect choice for him, and my sister agrees.

FO Handmade Style Bench

Anna's Handmade Style book has become one of my favorites, and this bench has been on my list since I got the book.

I collected the materials early last year, and then I kept putting off the actual making. The actual making time took just a few hours, so I'm not sure why I waited!

Especially because the cats have been using it nonstop since I finished.

Elliott helped me sand and apply the foam, and we both agreed we can do even better on the next upholstery project. Taking the time to cut the foam level on the sides is worth it!

I used a variety of Ellen Luckett-Baker Garden prints, which are cotton-linen blend (and have also been interfaced). I have had them for years, and am glad they will be enjoyed in bench form (bonus: gray cat hair blends nicely).

Oh, wow. After checking etsy to share the source for the legs, I bought them in September of 2015. I bought the legs from this shop, and the quality is excellent.

As usual, Anna's instructions are clear and concise.

The bench lives in my sewing room, in front of the window (a perfect cat nap spot).

Skinny Triangle quilt top

Well, it doesn't always work out this way, but I started cutting for this quilt top on Sunday, and finished the quilt top yesterday.

It was a frenzy! Here's a little detail shot:

There are so many happy prints in this, and I love the little improv bits. I have to give my husband credit for that skinny strip with the goose. That was absolutely his contribution, and I think it adds just the right amount of balance to the patchwork. And there's a little sneak peek of one of my finished Lark Tees. I'll be sharing more on that next!

WIP: Skinny triangles

I'm sure you've been there. You make a fabric pile, maybe it takes you a few days to deliberate, and then you instantly want to cut into it and sew. Despite a lovely list of projects-in-progress, this happened to me on Sunday. After purchasing Rain Walk, Anna's debut collection with Cloud 9, it sat in on my floor for several months. I originally had it earmarked for some EPP, similar to this pin. But then I realized I already have two EPP projects in the works, so that probably wasn't a good choice (although I'd still like to do a similar project eventually).

So then I thought about triangles. I drew a tall skinny triangle shape on cardboard (and first tested it with a small scrap pile), and set to work, cutting one row of triangles from each piece of fabric.

Oh, and I should mention, I found LOTS of stashed fabrics to incorporate, including several large scraps of beloved prints.

So, yes, triangles. I started sewing them up yesterday, and have four full rows sewn, as well as smaller clusters to sew into rows today.

It feels good to sew with such happy fabrics this week.

FO: Poolside Tote (and some Grenada photos)

Isn't it strange to come home from vacation? I feel like our Grenada trip was a long time ago, even though it's only been a week. I guess it's easy to re-immerse yourself in everyday life. We stayed a week with Elliott's sister and family in their new home. We saw some beautiful sights and a different way of life. I was surprised by the variety of terrain on such a (relatively) small island. Grenada is about 130 square miles, but elevation reaches 2,700 feet at the highest point. Here's a handful of landscapes we experienced on our trip:

Morne Rouge Beach

Hiking to St. Margaret's waterfall

St. Margaret's

Atlantic, near Fort Jeudy

The garden

From the glass bottom boat, which was my favorite thing. Check out the underwater sculpture garden, which we were able to see from the boat!

I made Anna's Poolside Tote for the trip, and it was such a great choice. It served as my carry-on bag, and I toted it along each day, with my camera, a towel, and other essentials. I am planning to make a few more as gifts in the next few months. Honestly, I think it's my favorite of Anna's patterns. The size is nice, and I love the durability of those straps.

Next time, I have a few more pictures to share of the trip, including Oliver and Adelaide!

This week

February do.Good Stitches blocks for Natalie. It was lots of fun sorting through scrap mountain to make these.

Two boxy pouches, from Bonnie's tutorial. The front pouch is entirely from scraps and the back pouch was made form a favorite and long OOP Echino cheater print.

Slowly working my way through a social tote. Pattern is by Carolyn Friedlander w/ Noodlehead. I'm enjoying the process!

I pulled this stack of fabrics to use for 100 Modern Quilt Blocks, and I'm sewing along with Jeni and Amanda (and possibly a few other friends!).

First three blocks!

Bella is still constantly looking out for the third kitty. It's been a little over six weeks since Fitzgerald moved in. Things are getting easier and calmer, slowly.

Have a great week!

A few more gifts

I know I'm not alone in great gift ambitions. There were a few things left in my pile this time around, so I'll be finishing a few late Christmas gifts in the upcoming weeks.

But let's talk about what did get finished, shall we?

First, my friend Sara, wove this beautiful scarf for my mom. And now I want a loom...
I purchased this yarn back in 2010 with hopes of knitting a pair of socks for my mom. The yarn celebrates her deep love for Texas A&M, but alas, it sat in a drawer until I realized I could send it to Sara for some instant gratification gifting. Sara did an amazing job, and my mother loves it. And now I have a little less stash guilt. Win, win, win.

Other scarves were made by me, out of a pile of pretty voile fabrics. I used AMH's notes with a length of 72" per scarf. These were a big hit with my family, and I enjoyed pairing the fabrics for each recipient.

I made a second Super tote (right down to the wire) for Rhonda. Not sure how it's possible, but I love it even more than the first. I used a variety of red-orange and teal prints, along with a natural linen for the exterior.

I'm especially proud of my quilting on this one.

That's all for now!
I've been thinking a lot about my hopes for the new year. I'll be back soon to share my goals, unfinished and new!

An FO, hot off the machine

I literally just finished this, about ten minutes ago. After seeing all of the awesome Super totes around, I decided last week that I wanted to make one now. It was already on my list, but you know that feeling of 'gotta have it/need it/gimme'.

So, I started pulling some scraps together and came up with a lovely stack of gray, yellow, black and white. I quilted (in a quilt-as-you-go fashion) the back exterior and the front pocket.

This was my first try at piping, and I have to say, I am a big fan. It is easy to install, and it looks so good. This red was from my grandmother's stash (we help her clean out a few boxes every time we visit).

This was also my first time to use elastic pockets. I'm not sure how much I will use them, but they are lovely to look at!
Also, the recessed zipper is genius!

I am thrilled with the resulting bag, and between this and my Snap Tote (which carry all the time), I'd say I'm set for awhile.

This bag is very labor intensive, but your time is worth it. Go slow, and take breaks. I like to do all of my cutting and then break before sewing a single stitch.

Anna is so very talented, and her patterns are always well-written. And the resulting projects are satisfying!

Delayed retreat post

better late than never, right?

My lateness in posting about my recent retreat should not be taken as a lack of enthusiasm.

I had a wonderful time in Wisconsin a few weeks ago. I'd never been to that part of the US, and I hope it's not the last time.

Photo by Faith/Fresh Lemons

I spent several days with Anna, Deedee, Faith, Holly, and Jeni. I love these girls!

Jeni picked me up from the airport, and we jumped right in, with a fabric shop and some thrifting.

And of course, a visit with George!

We stayed near Madison, at a gorgeous cabin. Seriously, this place was stunning.

There was plenty of space for our group to relax and sew.

The place had lots of windows, too, to give us lovely natural light.

On our last full day, we tried indigo dyeing!

Using wooden (from Deedee's sweet husband) and plastic resists (Jeni purchased them from Rossie), we prepared our fabrics. Above, you can see how I prepped my pieces.

And look! The fabrics we dyed look beautiful together in the sun (my fabrics are in the front, center). I want to do this again, soon.

I didn't sew as much as I hoped, but I managed to finish my staple tunic, and I knit a hat. There was also MUCH eating. Deedee kept us well-fed. But, my favorite new thing?

Fried cheese curds. OMG.

I hope I can visit you again someday, Wisconsin.

FOs: Divided Baskets

Thanks for all your kind words on the Postage Stamp quilt!

Have you tried Noodlehead's Divided Basket pattern?

Sometimes, when I purchase a pattern, I don't make it for months.
Then, other times, I make three right out of the gate.
Like this time.

First I made one for me (the back one!). Then, my cousin saw it on Instagram, and said she wished for one. I can't turn her down. She is the sweetest.

Tamiko also commented on how much she loved mine.

Since I think she is seriously awesome, I asked her about her favorite colors in a not-so-subtle way, and made her one of her very own.

Luckily, the pattern is easy to follow and fast to finish. Plus, I got to use some of my favorite home decor prints that have just been sitting around.

I felt strange in making the first one, as the construction is a little unusual. But, then the second two were easy.

These make such great gifts, so I know I will make more in the future.

Mid-week

I've got a few quick things to share with you today.

First up, the winner of the Kona card giveaway!
Courtesy of Brenda and Pink Castle Fabrics, the winner of the new Kona color card is #60, Tonya, who said her new favorite is poppy, since she has two girls to sew for.
Lovely choice, and congratulations! I sent you an email Tonya, so please send me your address to collect your prize!
Thanks to all who entered!

Over the weekend, I knit for several hours on this second sock! I actually finished, and the socks are blocking now. Hopefully, I can share the finish soon!

I also had a second go at Anna's lovely Gathered Clutch pattern. Funnily enough, my first gathered clutch was made last August, and I ended up sending it to Nicke.

For this version, I used two Lizzy House - Outfoxed prints, and I lined with a Kaffe Fassett Spot. I love those Spot prints!

Ignore my finger that needs lotion and just look at those soft Spots. And that great zipper tab!

Here's the other side, which I just could not get right. I tried several times, but it wasn't happening on this end. Anna's instructions are very clear; I think this mistake resulted from an error I made earlier in the pattern. Hopefully, my tabe will look nicer the next time!

I still love it, though!

I hope your week is going well!

FO: Go Anywhere Bag

It's not often that fabric gets cut immediately upon arrival, but when I received this stack from Stash Fabric, I knew I wanted to use them together, and fast.

I bought Anna's Go Anywhere Bag pattern when it was released (almost a year ago, wow!), and decided to give it a try this weekend.

If you've never used one of Anna's patterns, let me say that they are very easy to follow! I've tried both her envelope and gathered clutch patterns previously.

I used a variety of prints to make this bag.

For the main exterior fabric, I used Laura Gunn's Painter's Canvas in Mermaid. Painter's Canvas is definitely one of my favorite blenders. I just love the texture of those brushstrokes! The front pocket is from Khristian A. Howell's Desert Daydreams. And you can see I used the Riley Blake Ombre Dots for the straps.

I also used them for the back pocket. Yep, those dots don't disappoint! I love their scale, and of course, their ombre-ness (Yeah, I just made up a word).

I decided to use two different lining prints, one for pockets, one for the main portion.

For the pockets, Jenean Morrison's Grand Hotel Mezzanine print in Sand. This is a great basic print!

The main lining is Joel Dewberry's Deer Valley, in Barnwood.

Have you ever installed a magnetic snap? They are so easy, and so fun!

This bag definitely feels summery to me!
I love Holly's version, too! It's so sophisticated!