FO: Amanda's Pyrex Mini

My pal Amanda's birthday was last week. Her package from me (and also from Amy arrived just one day late.

Along with some yarn, I made her this mini. The Melody Miller pyrex print is one of Amanda's favorites, and she plans to make cafe curtains for her new kitchen with it. I thought she could use a table topper (or wall hanging) that coordinates with her future curtains.

I backed the mini with Essex Linen and quilted with random vertical lines.

I tried to cut the pyrex fabric so that the blocks wouldn't be perfectly fussy-cut, but instead, they would appear as a background to the wonky star.

The mark of a good gift is not wanting to give it, and that definitely applies here.

I also sent Amanda one of these, and kept one for myself. We (along with Jeni) are planning to make the Blossom Pincushion, from I Heart Patchwork, by Rashida Coleman-Hale.

That's all for today! I wish you a happy Monday!

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.

FO: To Grandmother with Love

I always wanted to make a postage stamp quilt. A scrappy one, of course. I made a mini and a pillow last year, but dabbling wasn't enough for me.

Months ago, I started cutting 4" squares from scraps. I did this gradually, as I was cutting for other things. I cut many from two partially used charm packs (Circa 1934 and dark solids).
I sat down to count about six weeks ago, and calculated what I needed.
For this 70" x 80" quilt, I needed 400 squares.

I was way short with my gradual cutting, so I started working through scraps. There are a few duplicates, but this is a nice representation of scraps. I randomly started assembling them into 16-patch blocks, and then into a top.

To tame the gorgeous color a bit, I backed it with the ever-popular IKEA Britten print, as well as a half yard of an Avalon print.

It is quilted in a meander free-motion stitch, but a few blocks were used for experimenting with other FMQ techniques. It was fun!

As I was finishing it up with some scrappy binding last week, Elliott suggested that I gift it to my grandmother.

We visited my family this weekend, and she is recovering from surgery. This was the perfect chance to give her something special.

My grandmother is, without a doubt, one of the most influential people in my life, crafty or otherwise.

And I didn't even think about it at the time, but my grandmother has collected stamps throughout her life, so really, how could I not give it to her?

She wrapped up in it immediately, so I know it will be loved.

P.S. Whenever I think of postage stamp quilts, I think of Molly.

Nordika and some bee blocks

Hiya! I hope this Monday is a good one for you. I spent the weekend with my extended family. Tomorrow, I'll be sharing a finished quilt, that I gifted to my grandmother over the weekend. Today, I wanted to show you two things. First, I'll soon be assembling these blocks:

These are for do.Good Stitches, Love circle. After I took this picture, I received the last four blocks. I hope to at least start working on this top before the weekend!

I also REALLY hope I get time to cut into this lovely stack soon. This is Nordika. by my good friend, Jeni Baker! It's her second line for Art Gallery Fabrics, and it will be available next month! She very kindly sent some for me to play with, and the colors are so good. There's no doubt I'll be purchasing a larger cut of one of those plaid prints for a dress or shirt. Way to go, Jeni! It is awesome.

See you tomorrow with a quilty finish!

A few bits

I just have a few odds and ends to share with you today!

First, I never shared my blocks for the Quilts for Boston drive. I know the Boston MQG received an amazing response in this effort, which is heartwarming!
I also intend to send at least one baby quilt (and hopefully more!) to the Moore Love effort. I am hoping I can get a second small quilt done before the deadline!

Oh, and check out these fun Goose Creek blocks!

Deborah shared a tutorial for these, and asked us to make them for her month of do.Good Stitches. I really loved making them.

I especially love how this corner turned out.

Finally (and I do mean, finally!), I recently finished this vintage wrapped wreath. Jeni shared a tutorial for this, and I purchased a sheet strip pack from her AGES ago (like, two years, I think). I don't know why it took me so long. It's so easy and fun! I ended up sewing all of the strips together, like binding, instead of wrapping each one separately. And now I have a happy wreath!

Back to school

Well, not really.

After destashing some fabric on etsy (there's still some available, if you're interested!), I decided to sign up for the Summer Dresses course taught by Whipstitch. I've been making more garments lately, and felt the class would help me improve my garment-making skills. The biggest problem I face (and I'm sure I"m not alone in this) is fit. It's easy enough to follow a pattern, but catering a dress pattern to your body, accentuating you features, etc. is challenging.

Over the summer, I'll share progress from the class.

In the meantime, I thought I'd share some of the fabrics I might use for the class.

I just recently purchased these two knits from Drygoods Design. I am especially in love with the one on the right. I'm picturing a tank dress (or possibly a sleeveless one) and maybe some shirring?

I also hope to use this new Anna Maria Horner linen blend (purchased from Pink Castle), but I'm not sure which dress I'll make. Before washing, this fabric is a little stiff, but I imagine it will soften up after washing.

I've also got a pretty substantial stash of voile, mostly purchased on sale (luckily).
I won't use all of this for the class patterns, but hopefully, I'll make a dent.

And two large cuts of quilting cotton. The left print has been in the stash for EONS. I originally bought it for a skirt, but think it's much better suited for a dress. The right print is from that recent Sew Fine Fabric gift certificate.

I've got a few other fabrics that might come into play, but by the end of the summer, I hope I have a lovely handmade wardrobe!