Fruition - Next Exit. Quit #2.

Must finish. Must finish. Must finish. It's my mantra for this year & I'm trying to stick to it. Most people I know start projects with gusto only to find themselves feeling less than motivated half way through. I know this all too well. I recognized. I planned. I will defeat this monstrous beast that plagues projects all over the world. My key is that I try to pace myself at the beginning to keep the inevitable burnout from ensuing. It's working. I find interest & motivation lingering longer than usual. Anyway, I digress... Here it is. The almost finished quilt top for Quilt Numero Dos.

The orange is not this bright... Took this photo with my iPhone...

Refashion Numero Dos.

My Second Re-Fashion. These skirts remind me of what my mom used to wear in the 90's, hence the title "Mom Skirt..." They're ALL over the thrift stores, and they seem like a great starting point for a refashion project since it's basically like getting a few yards of material with a hem already to go. I emphasize "seem" since I forgot that thin, flimsy material can sometimes be finicky. There were moments where I wanted to shred the skirt and use it for filling for a pillow, but I put on my big girl pants, skipped the tantrum, and went right back at it. I'm pleased with the outcome.Bought this skirt at Salvation Army for $1.99. Had to buy some elastic thread at a buck fifty, but other that that all I had to do was sew!
Mom Skirt
Halter Dress*Next time I'll post a pic of me wearing my new article, but just got back from a long bike ride... wasn't feeling very pretty.

Mom Skirt

Halter Dress

Refashion Revolution.

Sneaking around the sewing blog world is like entering another dimension. A dimension where people are self sufficient, crafty, frugal, inspiring (need to find another word... think I've hit my quota on the use of this word lately...how about 'stimulating!'... I digress...), etc... It's been my retreat lately, & all I can think about is sewing and making things... useful things. Perfect timing too. There have been too many mornings where I find myself staring blankly at my closet with complete contempt. Frozen like a deer in headlights... what to wear?!!! Not for long. I've found myself reading a lot about refashioning old clothing/fabric. The idea is genius. The possibilities are endless. Pocketbook approved. It will be satisfying I think to myself...

It IS satisfying!!!

I took one of Jesse's old button down dress shirts (next time I'll take a before shot - it's apparent I'm a newbie - everyone else posts up before shots). Assaulted with scissors. Added some dainty pleating around the neckline, some darts, & voile'! A dainty little tank. It's not finished. I am thinking different buttons (maybe little red ones) and need to finish off the bottom.

Satisfaction.

Lonely scraps seek meaning in life.

So, I've been following the blog, One Shabby Chick. I really like the fabrics she uses as well as all the beautiful quilts & danty little things she sews. What's great about sewing & quilting is the practice of frugality if you are mindful. If there's one thing that's certain, it's that there will always be scraps left over once you've finished a project. Often times those scraps pile up quickly and you think to yourself, wow, this is a lot of fabric that is being wasted. I found this great little tutorial for utilizing those lonely little scraps. A little pouch for change, business cards, credit cards, etc... Was super easy & gave instant gratification (always a plus for me as I get restless with larger projects ;).

Pretty Little Things.

After finishing the quilt for Jesse's grandma, I knew I wanted to start some more projects, but needed something with a little more instant gratification. So, I decided to make some pot holders. Mostly because we needed some for our place, but also because they're fun and easy to make!

Finito!

Well, after thinking I was going to have to bail half way through, I finished it! It's been packaged and shipped off to Jesse's grandma for her birthday. I hope she likes it! I learned some important lessons from this first quilt...

1. Don't put the binding on until the very end.

2. Make certain the layers are smooth before starting to quilt. > Material started to bunch, which might not have been a problem if I had incorporated lesson #1.

Overall, I was happy with how it turned out. I think I was more happy that I actually finished it! I am ready for quilt #2. This one is for our living room. My theory is, you can never have enough blankets! Especially when you have a little guy who loves nothing more than to bury himself in them!

Wonky Log Cabin Squares for quilt #2.

Rudy assuming his favorite position.