Crafting Japanese

I received my very first issue of Cotton Time in the mail yesterday and I can easily see why people love it! I have seen Japanese crafts and inspiration all over the web, so I finally ordered my own copy. It didn't disappoint - check out some of these pics:

I probably will not be spending the money on this all of the time, but it's a great treat full of inspiration. I'm going to work on my quilt top today - hopefully get it done - then I'll start making the binding. It's coming together!! Enjoy your Saturday :-)

Pieces

There was finally some time to get started on my quilt! It's coming along quickly - I sewed 6 rows so far, I think 4-5 more will be plenty for the size I want. Maybe 6 to be safe. I had a thought that maybe I would back it in a light blue gingham. I'll have to dig out a Joann's coupon and go get some, this is working up pretty quick!

I haven't had much time to work on sewing, but I have been thinking about it a lot! I want to make something with my serger next, perhaps a dress for my birthday??? It's not until the end of next month, so that is a possibility. We'll see though, I don't have much time right now, but I can dream right! I'm thinking one of these patterns:

Up next, I tried hemming a pair of pants with stitch witchery and they just aren't having it! So, I'm off to sit on the couch with my needle and thread :-) Have a great week everyone!

Step by Step

Confession - I haven't started my quilt. I cut out the squares (I hope I have enough). I think about it daily. I have not purchased the sheet to back it. I have not made the bias binding (how long?). I'm still not sure I cut enough squares. But, I can't wait to have a finished quilt. So, my goal for this week (in between 2 classes, my full time job and classes for the promotional exam at the job) is to start piecing (maybe?). My goal for yesterday was to buy the sheet and figure out if I have enough squares. That didn't happen though, so it will be added to this weeks goal - no worries! Little steps will result in a finished quilt a lot quicker than just fantasizing about it!

PS - Check out the bag my mom made - isn't the fabric great?! Nice job, Mom!!

Sunday Morning

Here is the finished gift I made for my friend's daughter. I think it came out pretty cute. I need some work on my embroidery skills, but I really do enjoy the craft. It's very relaxing to do on the couch while watching the Home and Garden channel :-)

It' s Sunday morning right now, my absolute favorite time of the week. I went out and got some magazines and a bagel. I came home and took a clean-up shower and I'm ready to relax! It's beautiful outside, I can see the sun shining through the trees from my kitchen window as I write this. Sunday morning in the fall - nothing better than this. Enjoy your Sunday :-)

The High Street Messenger bag is finally finished and ended up a success! I pinned and pressed and edge stitched on Saturday and then today I ripped out part of the edge stitching on the flap and restitched it. Now, it's finished and I love it :-) Here are some pictures, you can read a full review here.

I finally had a chance to make the Black Apple Doll that was featured with Emily Martin on Martha Stewart. This was a really simple project and it came out really cute! It's going to be a gift for a little 1 year old girl, along with an embroidered pilllow that hopefully I can show you next week.

Lastly, I cut out the pieces for my quilt! I hope to start piecing this together next weekend. Hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend, I'm ready for fall now - how about you?