Mug Rugs

I decided to make my friend mug rugs for her birthday.  We always get each other a little something and this year I was stumped. I did lots of internet searching and found that mug rugs have been quite a craze.  I love them.  Aren't they cute?  I think she will like this little handmade gift!

Unfinished Projects

I have been in a rut.  I have so many unfinished projects I haven't been able to focus on just one.  I sew for a while on one project, find myself bored and unmotivated, and then move on to another unfinished project.  All this unfinished business calls for a plan.  I took pictures of my unfinished projects and decided to focus on just one.  When that one is done, I get to pick another, then another, and so on.  I just have to keep focused and finish something!  I am working on this charm quilt I started last summer.  It is going to be a wedding gift for my daughter's friend.  

 It is this free pattern from http://www.unitednotions.com/fp_charm-thursday.pdf

When you make your blocks, do you trim for accuracy? 

 I found it necessary with this quilt.  Those little pinked edges from my charm pack throw off my 1/4" seam I think.  Anyway, after trimming, I am now ready to lay out my blocks into a pleasing arrangement.  

Two More Finishes!

    

I finished my bow-tie quilt.  I hung it up on the railing of the loft in our cabin. 

 It makes things look so comfortable here.

 I also finished "Grandma's Porch", a Carol Hopkins Designs pattern.  

I just love these Civil War Patterns.

My head spins with ideas for more quilts.  

What should I do finish next?

Laptop Sleeve

Today I completed another project.  This time it is the "Sew Spoiled Designs:  Laptop Sleeve" by Leah Williams.  You can purchase your pattern for the project here http://www.etsy.com/listing/74968113/sew-spoiled-laptop-ipad-ebook-reader if you are interested.  This did not take long at all and it is such a useful project.

Now, what project should I move on to?

At the Cabin

I finished my first project at the cabin.  It is a sewing machine cover using fabric from a Fabric Scrap Bag from Moda.  The fabric is Fandango by Kate Spain.  I used the idea from Moda Bake Shop at http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/11/jelly-roll-cover-up.html

Now, how cute is that?  

I liked the fabric so much I ordered a layer cake of the same line.  

What will I do with that?

Mother's Day 2011

My daughter and future son-in-law!  I just love this picture of them!

I am using this quilt pattern to make their wedding quilt! 

http://www.atkinsondesigns.com/patterns/patternDetail.asp?productid=501

Cabin 2011

We opened our cabin this past weekend.  I am so excited to be up there for the summer.  For now, my sewing station in the porch waits for me.

Prairie Women's Sewing Circle-Gentleman Caller

I made all these bow tie blocks and I guess I didn't realize how big it was going to be.  I read the measurements but didn't put it all together in my mind.  The other quilts I made for sewing circle were small so maybe I just expected this to be small too.  Funny, huh!  I am not crazy about the red squares but hope it grows on me.  With the price of fabric and the fact I already have it cut, I am not changing it.

Another Little Quilt Complete

I just love making these little quilts right now.  I think it is because I can feel a sense of accomplishment much sooner.  When working full-time, it is hard to get large quilts complete.  So I am decorating my home with fun little quilts!

I love the print I used on the back.  I got it in the bargain room at our local quilt shop!

Leaders and Enders

I am working on two quilts right now.  The first quilt is the little quilt "Papa's Birds".  Last night I cut fabric for a bow tie blocks.  I am using those blocks as my leaders and enders.  So instead of this . . .

I begin and end with these blocks . . . 

While I am making these . . . 

Do you use leaders and enders?

AccuQuilt Go Cutter

I bought an AccuQuilt Go Cutter several years ago.  I used it to make a "rag quilt" and haven't really done much with it since.  Today I decided to do some research so I could make better use of this product.  I mean, why own it if I am not going to use it?

I read that I should mark my dies with a Sharpie marker.  I chose to use silver.  I marked all my dies.

Now I am using my 2 1/2 inch strip cutter to cut 2 1/2" inch squares for a bow-tie quilt.

Why is it so much fun to cut fabric into little pieces?  I also ordered two new dies and a pattern book.  I will show you those when they come!  Not only is it fun to cut apart fabric, it is fun to use new tools.

A New "Little Quilt" to Work On

I am starting another "little quilt".  This one is called "Papa's Birds".  This pattern is from Carol Hopkins Designs at www.carolhopkinsdesigns.com  I think these little quilts are my new favorite thing to sew.  The blocks for this quilt are 3 1/2" square.  The quilt should finish about 22" X 28".  What is your favorite thing to sew right now?

A Finish

I finished my "Lauren's Hat Pins Quilt" from Carol Hopkins Designs at www.carolhopkinsdesigns.com  It finishes at about 31" X 37".  I love all these "little quilts" spread around my house.

A Much Needed Job Complete

My ironing board cover was a mess (to say the least).  So I went to my local superstore and picked up some heavyweight cotton fabric.  Fabric, elastic, and about 30 minutes later I had a new look.  Such an improvement, don't you think?

Blocks Complete

Sewing Saturday

We are waiting for a winter storm again.  The forecast is for freezing rain followed by several inches of snow.  I love to get out my sewing when it is snowing.  I started these small blocks today.  They finish 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches.  Aren't they cute?  I hope I can show you the completed quilt by the end of the weekend.