I think I'm in trouble...

Not only did I resolve to NOT buy any new fabric, I think I've been bitten by the quilting bug. New fabric and quilting seem to go hand in hand. I've just finished another pieced quilt top (fence rail block), about the size of a lap quilt. I used a small jelly roll of fabric called loulouthi by anna marie horner.

I still need to trim the edges and decide on a border/binding/backing. And then, of course, do the actual quilting. I'm hoping my  free-motion/darning quilt will arrive in the mail today (I thought I already had one), so I can get going on finishing the projects that are stacking up.

Help!!

BOM ~ February

I've just finished a set of quilt blocks, taught by Amy Gibson on the Craftsy site for the free Block of the Month class. I've been anxiously awaiting the pattern/instructions for the February blocks, so I'm excited they were introduced a little early. The Balkan Puzzle block is on the left, the Chunky Chevron on the right. I'm using fabrics from a fat quarter bundle called "Fresh Flowers" by Deb Strain for Moda.

Video Tutorial ~ DIY doll wings, upcycling project

My first attempt at a video tutorial, which will hopefully improve with practice. I've made a set of wings for a doll, using a simple wing shaped piece of plastic and silk flower petals. I chose to use plastic milkjugs as a base because the plastic was more durable than file folders, etc., and my husband drinks LOTS of milk. We recycle, but that's a lot of plastic - I knew I could find some use for them!

I put my little camera on a tripod, and often had to wrap my arms around it while I worked in order to get a nice straight-on view. I had no script, so I just talked as I worked - a bit rambling at times!

Amity E-pattern finally done!

I finally finished updating my Amity pattern and made it into an e-pattern (pdf) as well. Originally 11 pages in length, the instructions are now 18 pages long, which includes two color inserts with face details. I'm still using the original cover photo, but I'll get that updated one of these days. 

(one of the photos from the face detail sheet)



The original (discounted) pattern is still available while supplies last, the design unchanged from the updated pattern (except the addition of a neck dart on the back side of the doll as well).  You can find the pattern HERE.

BOM ~ January

Earlier this month, I signed up for a free Block of the Month class at Craftsy.com. The asterix is on the left, and the wonky pound sign on the right. I've never done something like this, and as I'm a pretty linear person, the future unknown and different blocks are causing me a little stress. I'm a planner, and I like having some idea of the colors, fabrics, design, etc., that I'll be using.

I'm still very much a novice at quilting, and this project involves cutting and a variety of quilting techniques that are all new to me. These are the first two blocks ("Slash & Sew") which I just completed tonight. I couldn't start the project until I bought some fabric (despite my Resolution to NOT buy any more fabric), because FABRIC was on the supply list - specifically a fat quarter bundle. So I found a bundle on eBay that appealed to me (Moda's Fresh Flowers by Deb Strain).

My first quilting project was the table runner for my mother-in-law. That was easy, because I used a charm pack, so I didn't have to cut any of the pieces. I've got another quilt project in progress, also using charm packs (my goal is to make a twin size quilt and try some sort of machine quilting with stencil or templates.) I've still got a long way to go on that project, but will post a photo if/when I ever get it done.

More Amity Progress

I just finished giving Amity some hair, and have gotten her dressed (sans undies, however). I think her dress still needs a ribbon belt or something, and she still needs her little dolly.

I'll  get a better photo of her once these details are done and I can set up my photo back-drop. But for now I feel the overwhelming need for a nap.

Amity Progress

The revision of my Amity pattern is coming along, though the project is not a quick-easy like I thought it would be. I'm making another Amity doll as I work/write/revise, so that does slow the process a bit.

I've just finished her face, and am putting together the face detail sheet now. The facial features are painted in acrylics, but I'm thinking I need to make a second doll so I can illustrate coloring the face with colored pencils (as in the original pattern). So that will slow it down a bit more.

Happy New Year!

Here we are entering another new year, and me with the same old resolutions as last year.

"Amity" pattern sale!

Today I started updating my Amity pattern, adding photos and details with the intention of converting and adding it to my e-pattern selection. That means the dozen or so original Amity patterns I have left will be discounted while supplies last. This pattern has been selling for $10 plus postage, but the discounted price is $7 plus postage (which is, or was - who knows what the rate is now) 84 cents to ship to US addresses). Here's a link to my pattern page, which will have the discounted price built into the PayPal button there. Just scroll down until you see this yellow pattern cover.

Amity is one of my earlier patterns, copyright 2003. She's about 21 inches tall, and is suitable for all skill levels. This is also a doll that would be appropriate for gentle play. Her clothing (dress, bloomers) are removable. She holds a little dolly, which is also included in this pattern. Here's a link to my Amity page on my website.

Revamping the pattern probably means I'll need to start another of these dolls today so I can photograph some steps in the process. That's ok, because I've wanted to make another of these dolls for quite some time.

A Snowman for Debbie

We had a wonderful Christmas celebration yesterday, the first time we have hosted the family dinner and gift exchange in Astoria.

It's been a busy sewing month for me, so while I put up the tree, I left the rest of the holiday decorations in the attic (probably for the best, as some are fragile and tempting to toddlers).

I managed to finish my sister's snowman about 10:30 p.m. Christmas Eve. The pattern/kit is one by Gail Wilson. I bought several of her patterns last year, and the is the first one I've made. I haven't finished my brother and sis-in-law's project, but as they're skiing in central Oregon, I have a few more days.