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).

Kahlan's quilt

My cousin, Maclaine, is having her second baby in just a few weeks. I jumped at the chance to make her new girl, Kahlan, a quilt. When we discussed her preferences, I showed Maclaine a wonky log cabin, in Ellen's 1-2-3 Quilt book, which I highly recommend! It was fun to select stashed fabrics in Maclaine's chosen colors, primary with some neutrals thrown in.

And I love the back, possibly more than the front.

That's probably because I'm a fan of off-center designs. Whatever the reason, both the front and back are happy, bright and were made with love for my cousins.

Here's a close-up of the quilting. This seems to be my favorite free-motion stitch of the moment. To me, it feels more organic than a meander.

For the binding, I chose a favorite Color Me Retro print by Jeni. I wanted a print, but something minimal, and this worked perfectly.

I was able to gift the quilt in person to Maclaine and her husband, and I think they love it, too.

Hopefully, Kahlan will arrive soon!

P.S. Thanks to Amy for help with the pictures!

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.