My friend Diana strikes again! She made this soft and pretty carrying case for notions. Her choice of colors and attention to details are impeccable. It measures 12" x 8" when closed, and it opens to 20 1/2". Notice that all pockets are see-through, making it easy for us to find where we put what... There is even a special place for pens and pencils. I don't know where she finds these great patterns and, in fact, I don't want to know, so long as I keep getting samples of them (hint … [Read more...] about Carrying case for notions
Embroidery for babies
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! I am not doing any projects which involve hearts, but since my grandson, who will be coming to this world in April, is already in my heart, I have been working on a quilt for his crib. The blocks are pre-stamped for embroidery, made by JDNA in St. Louis, USA. The pattern name is Noah's Ark. These are the two blocks I completed: Since the embroidery stamping is very simple, I will add details where I think is needed. For example, on the snakes block I … [Read more...] about Embroidery for babies
Modern quilts – freebies
Modern quilts have a very distinct look about them: bright colors, unexpected geometric lines, and most have solid backgrounds. In fact, the landscape in Utah this winter has had me thinking daily about making my own modern quilt: colorful roof tops on an all-white background. If you would like to try your hand at modern quilts, McCall's has put out a downloadable eBook with three patterns which could get you started on this trend. The patterns (shown above) will give you an opportunity to … [Read more...] about Modern quilts – freebies
Shadow Trapunto
Last week I purchased Geta Grama's book, "Shadow Trapunto Quilts" (find it here). Oh... I need more hours in a day! I have been putting off trying trapunto, but now I cannot resist it any longer, particularly shadow trapunto. First, go to Geta's blog (click here) to see her beautiful work. She has an engineering background, is very adept with EQ (Electric Quilt) software, and very creative. Geta is Romanian but both the website and the blog are in English. In her book, published in 2012, … [Read more...] about Shadow Trapunto
A beautiful gift
Diana, my girlfriend, absolutely brightened my day yesterday. Look at the gorgeous tote she made for me! How did she know I needed a boost? Green, red, grey, off-white, with cheerful flowers and a front pocket where she embroidered a cute design. Inside there are two sturdy pockets, and even an acrylic piece on the bottom to help it keep its shape. All the work which went into it... and no doubt she was thinking about me while she sewed it. A few of our friends received a similar … [Read more...] about A beautiful gift
Sewing Pouch
One of my friends made me a sewing pouch last Summer. These sewing pouches are perfect for storing thread spools, needles, small scissors, and other notions. I usually carry in it what I need for hand quilting, and take it with me to Sue's house on Wednesdays. A few of my friends asked me to make them so they could give them as gifts. I had a lot of fun choosing the fabrics for each one... My plan is to open an Etsy store and sell them there (how many times have you heard me say … [Read more...] about Sewing Pouch