"High-Volume" and a winner

Wednesday already.
My sister's wedding is this weekend and I've been working on several projects for her. I will share them soon!

In the meantime, two things for today.
One: the winner of the Snap Tote pattern is CourtneySews. I have emailed her a copy of the pattern. Thanks again to Yahaira!

Two: I wanted to share the most recent Do.Good Stitches blocks, made for Ara Jane.

Ara Jane asked for "high-volume 3/4 log cabins, and I just LOVE them. I want to make more!

I will be back next week with wedding projects, and I finally finished my Polaroid quilt (it just needs photographing!).

FO: Snap Tote

Do you know Yahaira?
After a few interactions on flickr, I have gotten to know her on Instagram.
She recently put out a call for pattern testers, and I jumped at the chance. The pattern is her just-released Snap Tote (pattern available here on Craftsy).

And I love it.
I cut this bag out to take on the Wisconsin retreat, and was able to finish it (except for snaps!) very quickly. Jeni was kind of enough to model it for me.
I used a fun vintage-y combination of fabrics, with the lovely Melody Miller flowers, some Architextures lining and Essex Linen.

I omitted the side pocket, but that gusset pocket is my favorite part of the bag.
I will probably make two on the next bag (and yes, there will be another one). I added snaps to it last week, after purchasing a cheap tool at Joanns.

If you'd like to make your own version of this bag, I highly recommend the pattern.
And I have one free copy to giveaway! It is a pdf version, so leave ONE comment to enter!
Tell me what summer treat you are craving today!
Me? I am craving a snow cone, coconut flavored.
Please make sure I can contact you to send your pattern!
I'll pick a winner Wednesday.
Thanks to Yahaira for the chance to test the Snap Tote!

Comments are now closed. Thank you!

Amanda's Traveling Quilt

Hello! Monday again, and I have something really fun to share. You may remember that this round of the Wonky Bee is a traveling quilt round. Well, we are finishing up an entire year of traveling quilts this month. I loved this experience! Each project was unique, we had two months to work on each quilt, and at the end, we will each have a fun project to finish.

I finished with Amanda's project. She created a pinterest board for inspiration, and asked for all things geek.

First, I decided to do a little embroidery.

I saved a template (found here on Pepper Stitches) for this embroidery ages ago, but never stitched it. It is stitched on a Kona solid, and I chose to stitch it in just one color. It's labeled, "Wonky Bee 2013 Mix".

Next, I decided to do a little Pacman paper piecing, as inspired by Happy Zombie.

Sew Hooked has all kinds of amazing paper piecing templates, including these for Pacman and Ghost!
I want to make more of these.

Using more of Amanda's fabric, I pieced this section together.

And the top! Each bee member contributed really fun things to this quilt.

This quilt definitely screams, 'Amanda'.

I can't wait to see what Nicke does with mine!

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.

Happy Friday!

Hello!

The winner of Jeni's Drawstring Bag pattern is #15, Ella! She said her favorite smell of summer is: "When I grew up in NY state, I would have said lilacs. Now, since I don't see any here in Atlanta, I'd say the smell of fresh berries." Mmm. I do love the smell of berries.
Ella just got married, by the way!

Thanks for entering!

I hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend, full of craftiness!

I'll be back Monday with retreat pictures!

Wordless Wednesday: Aqua Edition

I come bearing gifts (or one gift, anyway)

It's true that absence can indicate productivity, at least in blogging. I haven't been here, but I have been busy trying to make ALL THE THINGS.

Today, I'll dip my toes back into the water with two projects and one little giveaway.

This stack of fabric is slowly morphing into a Meow quilt. When Aneela started sharing this pattern on instagram, I just had to make one.

Here are the first four blocks. I've actually made four more since this picture was taken, so I'm halfway there. The blocks come together quickly, and they are large, so only sixteen are needed for a top.

I also recently finished two drawstring bags, using Jeni's pattern. I made a pile of them when I participated in a local craft show last fall.
The pattern is fun and easy, and makes a great gift. There are eight sizes included in the pattern, and you can make custom sizes with a little math!

Jeni recently published paper copies of her patterns, and she offered a copy of the Lined Drawstring Bag pattern to one of you! So, just leave ONE comment (and PLEASE leave a way to contact you if you are a No-Reply Commenter), and I will choose a winner Friday morning (CST).

If you like, tell me: What's your favorite smell of summer?

I'll be back soon to share pictures from the retreat I just took!

ETA: Comments are now closed.