Rollover

The great(?) thing about works-in-progress is that you can just roll them on into the new year. And although I had a boatload (that's a techinical term) of finished projects, I am carrying my weight in WIPs to 2014.

A quick list, for reference and accountability:

Sewing
-Liberty pillow (unblogged: started in May 2012, QAYG, with Liberty scraps purchased on etsy)
-Nothing but Blues EPP (will blog soon!)
-Ruby dress (cut out, just need to sew it up!)

Quilting
-Shattered Nordika (top's almost done!)
-Wonky Bee Traveling Quilt (top received!)
-dgs curvy improv quilt (nearly done, but a seam came apart in the wash; haven't figured out the best fix)
-Wonky star quilt
-red aqua quilt (super old WIP, may scrap or seriously modify) I'm not a sasher.
-Single Girl (another super oldie. UGH.)
-BaMS bee improv quilt (top is done)
-Scrappy trip along (all strips cut and sewn into pairs)
-Vintage Star (started quilting over a year ago, messed up. Need to pick out quilting, rebaste and requilt) Double UGH.
-Meow quilt (top is finished, back is made!)
Multiple scrappy triangle projects
Prairie braid (not sure if this will still turn into a quilt..)

Knitting
-Chestnut Facets
-Orchid Thief Shawl
-unphotographed Koigu socks

So, in a nutshell, there's my WIP list. That doesn't count projects I've already committed to (like a KAL and a QAL starting in a few days).

But I like goals and lists. I'm nothing if not a dreamer.

I wish you the very best 2014. Personally, I'm happy to say goodbye to this year. There were a lot of personal difficulties, and hitting the reset button is especially tempting.
Cheers, friends.

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!

Favorites (quilts and such)

It's always hard to pick annual favorites, but I managed to do it.

Click through to see larger pictures, or details on any of the projects!

After the Christmas craziness, I plan to do my list of non-sewing annual favorites, and also share a few end-of-year FOs.

Wishing you a peaceful end of 2013.

A simple handmade gift

I was just joking with E last night about my never-ending to-do list. Like most crafters, I want to make ALL of the things.

My brain knows that I never will, but the heart wants what it wants.

With Christmas just two weeks away, the to-do list is especially long. But I finally made a batch of gifts that I know will be repeated next year.

I made three quick scrubs today, resulting in twelve small gifts.

I bought a twelve-pack of 4-ounce Ball jars, printed some free labels, and spent a little over an hour in the kitchen. Not bad!

Here's a basic recipe that you can modify, based on your preferences.

1 cup sea salt, brown sugar or white sugar
3 T coconut or grapeseed oil
6-10 drops essential oil

That's it! I used lavender (and some chopped rosemary) with sea salt, cinnamon with brown sugar (but I think I'll try orange next time) and peppermint with white sugar.

I really appreciate anything handmade, and I can't wait to try these scrubs for myself. And of course, I can't wait to give them!

Mini Quilt Swap: Sent & Received

It's been a long time since I participated in a public swap. Swaps are always fun, but also challenging, especially if you don't hear much from your partner. But more often than not, it works out in the end. I find it helpful to stick to my convictions and focus on making a quality gift.

Schnitzel and Boo orchestrated this mini quilt swap.

I made this little mini for my partner, babydoxie. I used a variety of colors, a block from Patchwork, Please! (the same one from this apron), and quilted it by machine and by hand.

The back shows off the quilting a little better. I haven't done much hand quilting, so this was a bit of a stretch, but I am fairly pleased with how it came out. I, personally, do not like to use white sashing, but that was something my partner specifically requested.

As for what I received, I was so surprised to see a package from Tammy in my mailbox (you know, since we live in the same city, are friends, and hang out fairly regularly). She tricked me well! We even discussed the swap at Quilt Market last month.

I just love the mini she made for me. It's got lots of my favorite elements, and will fit right in with my collection of minis.

I really love the label detail, too!

I probably won't do another swap for awhile, but this was a fun one to participate in, and I met lots of new people.

FO: Clover Geranium

Sorry to disappear again! I spent the last week out of town, and am catching up on home life this week. I meant to share this with you before I left, but I made another Geranium dress, this time for Alison Glass.

Alison sent me this adorable Clover Sunshine print and some Andover chambray to make this version. Alison shared it at her Quilt Market schoolhouse session.

I just love the button details on this dress, and the fun print she sent for the lining (also from Clover Sunshine)!

I have now sewn this dress several times, and I really enjoy making them! I always drag my feet on the hem and buttonholes. It's the little things.

I hope you are all having a great week!

A Halloween Mini for Amy

I have lots to share with you, the first thing being this mini.

Amy is a Halloween baby, and she loves the holiday. I decided to make her a spiderweb mini quilt, as part of her gift this year.

I used my 60 degree triangle template and some fabric strips to make six triangles. I used Kona Coal to finish the top.

I used straight line quilting to divide the top into sections, and then free-motion quilted squiggles and triangles. The spiderweb section is, naturally, quilted with a spiderweb.
I used orange binding to finish.

See you again later this week!

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!

Winner

And the winner is Daisy!. Thanks again to Alison for the giveaway fabric and pattern. And thanks to everyone for entering.

I hope you all have a crafty weekend.

Shop Update

Thanks for all the Long Addition love!

I don't mention my etsy shop often here, but I have decided to run a coupon for a couple of weeks.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to participate in the craft show that I mentioned, and I'd like to clear out some shop items.

So, if you're interested, please take a look! I've got one favorite quilt listed, several pillows and lots of destash items. I'll be adding more this week, too.

If you spend $20.00 or more, use coupon code FIVEOFF for a $5.00 discount!

I hope you find something you like. And thanks for your support, friends!

The coupon is good until Friday, October 18th.

FO: Long Addition

I'm sure by now, you've heard about the new Sun Print and Clover Sunshine fabric lines, by the fabulous Alison Glass of Andover. There have been some amazing projects made as part of the release (see links below!).

I was thrilled when Alison asked me to participate in her blog event. I love her style, and her sense of color. She is an amazing artist and has such a warm heart.

Alison sent me several fat quarters to work with, and I dug through my solid stash to find a fun pairing. I landed on a Pink Chalk Fabrics solids bundle, called Hot Summer Nights. It included a variety of bold pinks, oranges, and some purple and brown. I thought it worked perfectly with Alison's palette!

And truth be told, I am in love with this quilt.
I used Jeni's Arithmetic pattern, and made the throw size (dimensions: 64" x 76").

I completely love the colors, and a plus quilt is always a happy choice. This is my first full plus quilt, but I made a few pillows previously.

I quilted it in what I call "loopy squares". There is probably a more official name for this type of quilting.

I backed it in one of my favorite Sun Print fabrics (purchased from Stash Fabrics!), the magenta feathers!

Alison is having a huge giveaway, as part of the release, with a prize of 74 fat quarters!

Click here to enter over on her blog! I am at the caboose of her blog event this week! Please check out the previous posts below!

Group 1 - Feathers, Text, Party Streamer

8.19.13 - Olivia Jane Handcrafted

8.21.13 - One Shabby Chick

8.23.13 - Silly Mama Quilts

8.26.13 - Threadbias

8.28.13 - KD Quilts

8.30.13 - April Rhodes

Group 2 - Feathers Quilt Pattern

9.2.13 - The ADD Crafter

9.4.13 - Sew Sweetness

9.6.13 - I'm A Ginger Monkey

9.9.13 - Ellison Lane Quilts

9.11.13 - Olivia Jane Handcrafted

9.13.13 - Imagine Gnats

Group 3 - Clover Sunshine

9.16.13 - Crafty Fox

9.18.13 - One Girl Circus

9.20.13 - Sew Sweetness

9.23.13 - There and Back

9.25.13 - J.M.B.

9.27.13 - Modern Maven

Group 4 - Corsage, Bike Path, X & +

9.30.13 - 

Gen X Quilters

10.2.13 - 

Don't Call Me Betsy

10.4.13 - 

Canoe Ridge Creations

10.7.13 - 

Jacey Craft

10.9.13 - 

Bijou Lovely 

10.11.13 - Fresh Lemons Quilts

In addition to the big giveaway over on Alison's blog, by leaving a comment here, you can win a copy of her new pattern, Color Plus!

One winner will get a copy of this new pattern PLUS a set of ten fat quarters from Alison, similar to this pairing!

To enter, just leave one comment, and tell me about your favorite print from Alison's new lines!

Please make sure I have a way to contact you!
I will pick one winner on Thursday!

And please, go enter Alison's big giveaway!

Thanks, Alison, for letting me be a part of this!

Comments are now closed. Thanks for entering. I will select a winner in the morning.

And while we're on the subject,

How about a do.Good Stitches update?
We have been making some pretty fun blocks in the Love circle lately.
I'm not sure when I last posted about the group, but last month, we made house blocks for Natalie.

In a paper-piecing mood, I first made this block. Whoa. Let me tell you, it is not for the faint of heart. But it was fun, and I am thrilled with how it turned out! I used Charise's Cozy Chalet pattern from Fat Quarterly Issue 8.

I also made this block, using Elizabeth Hartman's Neighborhood block, from her second book.

I really love that tuba player fussy cut, from a Paper Sparrow 2012 tea towel.

This month, we used Rachel's tutorial for a paper-pieced striped block.

I think both quilts will be amazing!

I'm glad I finished up that Starry Quilt, because it's my month again in October! I'm planning to ask for improv curvy blocks using Penny's happy tutorial. I made a few practice blocks last night, and I'm excited to make more.
It's been awhile since I've made curvy things (my favorite was this one for Nicke.)

FO: Starry Quilt

Isn't it lovely when you have a giveaway and then you don't show up for the opening? The winner of the Erin McMorris half yards, courtesy of FreeSpirit, is Marla!

Yay! I met Marla at the Stash Bash, and I am so happy this fabric is heading her way!

I'm also finally able to share my do.Good Stitches quilt, and it's a good thing, since next month is mine for quilting again.

I really love this quilt. I don't give purple a lot of love, but I think it works so well with yellow and gray in these stars.

I outline-quilted each star, which was worth the time it took. I then filled in larger sections (such as the strips I used to connect the blocks) with free motion quilting. I held back from doing the square quilting around each star. I didn't want to overdo it, and I think I stopped at the right point! I used a lovely gray bias stripe to bind.

My sweet husband ducked down behind the quilt in these pictures.

I am entering this in Katie's 100 Quilts for Kids. Please enter if you can!

Cafe Curtain Tutorial

Hello, hello!

I am popping in today to share a tutorial I recently wrote for FreeSpirit, as part of National Sewing Month. You can find my cafe curtain tutorial here, over on the FreeSpirit Fabric blog.

I was able to use two prints from Erin McMorris' line, Astrid.

And even better, FreeSpirit was kind of enough to send me a little extra for one of you!
Just leave a comment here and you can win a half yard of each of these two Astrid prints!
Please be sure I have a way to contact you, and for this giveaway, US entries only, please!
I will pick a winner Monday!

I really like this curtain, and I hope you do, too!

ETA: Comments are now closed. Thanks!

More garments, in miniature

In further pursuit of garment sewing, I recently purchased Made by Rae's lovely Geranium pattern. I've signed up for a craft show next month, and I thought this would be a good pattern for that (make sure you sign up for the license if you decide to do the same!).

I made two versions to practice, both of which have been gifted to special peeps.

First, a 12-18 month version, with gathering. This was made for my sweet little niece, Adelaide. She turns one in December, and her mom tells me it will work well for several months. I think it's always smart to sew a little big for kiddos, and hopefully, she can wear this well into spring.

Version two is for Ara Jane's Ingrid. I sent that little scalloped hat to Ara Jane for her soon-to-be-second, and this dress for the almost big sister! This version has pockets, is a 2T top (not a dress), and has pleats.

And look. The buttons. Adorable.

I plan to make a few for the craft show, but I also expect this will be a go-to baby gift.

Contrary to recent posting, I do not have babies on the brain. So don't get any ideas, mom, Nicke and Amanda. xoxo.

P.S. Go check out yummy recipes over on Deb's blog today! She included Ara Jane's granola!

Thanks, Ara Jane

It is so exciting when you discover a recipe like this one.

Ara Jane made this amazing granola for the Atlanta retreat last year. It made for an amazing breakfast paired with yogurt, and I dreamed about it when I got home. But then, of course, I delayed trying it myself. No reason, really, except lack of organization, maybe?

Well, I rectified that earlier this summer, and just made a second batch.

It has so many amazing ingredients, and is really simple to make. All it takes is a little time. This time, I subbed pecans for pistachios, because I have a freezer full of them.

I encourage you to try the recipe for yourself! It makes a heap of granola, which you can share, or just enjoy for several weeks!

A little of this

It seems I'm a little obsessed with the Staple Dress pattern. I've made four versions, and I've got a fifth one cut out. It's such an easy pattern to sew, and it's very comfortable to wear. Of course, I have very little photographic proof that I wear them. So, let's take a quick chronological look at Staple Dress numbers 1-4.

Version 1, finished in May. I followed the pattern for this one, and did five lines of waist shirring. I cut this one at a larger size than the following versions (but the later versions also had less shirring, so it balances out).

Version 2, tunic length. I used a purchased top to select the length for this version. This is my most-worn version so far.

Let's all ponder what this pose is, shall we? I finished this one on the Madison retreat in June.

Version 3, finished a month ago.

Version 4, in voile and Tsuru, also finished a month ago.

I wore this one to my sister's rehearsal dinner, but I only have half shots of it. Oh well. Eventually.

The tunic and two later dresses were cut with a wider neckline, as I felt the pattern neckline is just a little too high.

I really appreciate an easy garment pattern that gives great results. I a, thinking of trying April's Date Night Dress pattern soon!

Actual Knitting FOs

Broken record alert: I didn't mean to disappear for so long. If you'd like more regular updates, you can follow me over on instagram. Like most, I tend to post there more frequently than in this space.

I have sewing progress, but today, let's talk about knitting. You may remember this first pair of toast mitts from a couple of years ago. Well, I found a way to use up the handspun leftovers, spun by the fabulous Aquaknits (where, oh where did she go?).

First, back in June, I knit this striped hat, with the handspun and some Malabrigo Worsted.

I used a little more to knit this Little Scallops hat (I will be making another one of these. Somebody, have a baby!). I also finished a pair of socks, which I need to photograph, and my newest WIP is the Serpentine Hat, which I am really enjoying.

It feels good to have a few knit finishes. I started knitting in 2007, and it has taken a back seat to sewing in the past few years. I still love it, though.

Wonky Pinwheels + Nordika: A new WIP

After letting Nordika sit in my stash for a month or so, I finally decided how I wanted to use it.
Nearly a year ago, Natalie shared a tutorial for wonky pinwheels, and asked our do. Good Stitches group to make blocks. I truly could not get them out of my head, and knew that I eventually wanted to make a quilt from them.

I finished a few things recently, and felt it was time to get started.

I combined Jeni's lovely Nordika with some stashed prints, as well as a mixed gray background.

I'm pretty sure I'm already addicted.

I will get lots of crafting time this weekend, and I plan to work on the wonky pinwheels, as well as this and this.

FO: Polaroid Quilt

More than a year in the making.
I first blogged about this quilt in May of last year, after receiving most of my blocks from the Wonky Bee.

First inspired by a few online examples, and a tutorial found here, I was so excited for an eclectic quilt made by my friends in the bee.

This past April, I finally managed to finish the top at the Stash Bash. I don't know why it took me so long, but I really love how it turned out. I basted it shortly thereafter, but again, stalled out before quilting.

After several FMQ finishes, I was happy to return to a meandering line quilting, mostly straight, with a few waves here and there. It's fairly densely quilted, too, which I love.
The crinkle is so so good.
Never gets old.

I backed it in several favorite prints in cool colors.

I considered giving this one away, but I just can't bear to do so. Each block makes me think of my bee girls: Amanda, Jessica, Melissa, Nicke, and Sara.

And so, my quilt stack is growing.