For Baby Kaysen. Quilt #3 Finished. Disregard the fact that quilt #2 is not finished yet...

Quilt #3 for Baby Kaysen. Quilt #2 is about 2/3 the way to completion. Stayed tuned for pics of Quilt #2.

To Sew or Knot to Sew

It's summer. Finally. In MN it's usually arrives unfashionably late. It's stay, short. The craving to sew and create still lingers, but taking advantage of the sun & dirt have to come first these days.

Sunflowers from Holly's Garden

The Shed

Sand Raindrop

Holly Swinging

Last night, I did however, get some more diagonal lines sewn into Quilt #2. With rain in the forecast, hoping to get it finished this week. Then it will be onto Quilt #3. A baby quilt for baby Kaysen!

It's summer. Finally. In MN it's usually arrives unfashionably late. It's stay, short. The craving to sew and create still lingers, but taking advantage of the sun & dirt have to come first these days.

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.

Today, I must quilt.

It's been a hectic week, trying to divide time accordingly for work, Cinco De Mayo party prep, laundry, and of course sleep. It always happens during weeks like this that I decide in one swift motion (or right turn into JoAnn Fabrics, in this case) that I start obsessing over some project. Currently, quilting has my undivided attention.

Was up until the wee hours last night piecing it together. I have only ever made one other quilt. It was about as simple as you can get, although, the hand quilting that I did was pretty intricate (pics later). In between work, the internets have assisted me learning some new quilt techniques. Exciting. In this quilt I've used the Dresden Plate, Log Cabin, & Curved Scrap piecing. Here's what I have so far.

Dresden Plate.

Curved Piecing