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).

FO: Hexagon Wreath

Happy new year! You know, this post would have been more relevant a couple of weeks ago, but here is a Christmassy project for you.

So, I intended to make this before Christmas 2015, but it never happened. I had the fabric picked out and everything. Magically, when I got to cutting in early December, it was pieced within a day or two (amazing!), quilted, bound, and ready to sparkle. I used a Spoonflower Heidi Kenny print, and a bunch of awesome OOP Cosmo Cricket Dear Mrs. Claus prints, plus a nice gold metallic dot for the background.

I really love it, and I kind of don't want to take it down. And as you can see, I'm using my Marcelle Medallion as a tree skirt (which the cats have thoroughly enjoyed). I used Jeni's clever Color Hex pattern, and just left off the borders (it makes a pretty generous 45" square as written). I think I'll keep this pattern in mind next time I need a baby gift! Okay, time to take the tree down..

FO: Friedlander Josephine

You might already know that I am awful at documenting my finished garments.

This Josephine blouse is my third, but I haven't shared the first two here. After seeing Jeni's first Josephine, I felt inspired to try the pattern. All three of mine are sleeveless, and so wearable. I got a chance to use the new Friedlander Lawn for this one (and I have a pair of City Gym Shorts waiting to be sewn from of the leftovers!).

Photo credit Carolyn Friedlander

I actually have a shot of me wearing it (at quilt market), alongside my pal Jemellia in matching fabric! We joked that the only time it's cool to wear the same fabric is when you're among crafters and sewists!

One of my goals for next year is to be better about getting photos of my finished garments (or more specifically, of me wearing them!).