Missing in Action

Hello friends,

I didn't mean to disappear for 10 days, but I have. So much going on (all good!) and not much time has meant very little sewing production. I did manage to sandwich my quilt and I began quilting it. I have to admit that binding this quilt is scaring me a bit, but I really want it to be done. Hopefully by the end of this long weekend, I will have a finished quilt. I am warning you professionals out there, I am NOT hand stitching the binding. If I do that, this quilt will be finished sometime in 2020!

I have so much that I want to work on, but I feel like I cannot move on while the quilt is unfinished. I believe that Simplicity patterns are on sale this weekend, so I'd like to pick up a few knit top patterns. I also would like to make a simple black a-line skirt. I got a promotion at work (!) and now I need a whole new wardrobe (I really do, I was wearing a uniform before and outside of work I am a jeans/t-shirt girl). I will probably purchase a lot, but I do want to work on a few simple pieces to wear as well. I not only want to update my work wardrobe, but also my off-duty outfits as well. I know I've mentioned that I'm turning 30 (really, really soon!) so I would like to start dressing in a nicer, casual way - more like a 30 year old woman and less like a 17 year old! I'm thinking nice boots, knit tops, good fitting jeans, a pretty scarf and some simple jewelry. I'll be a work in progress, but look for some posts (and pictures, I promise) of my upgrades. And please hold me accountable, I need to finish this quilt!!

So Close

The quilt top is complete! I was in New Hampshire last weekend, so no sewing was done, but I was able to complete the last 3 rows during little bits of time during the week. I also trimmed the batting to fit, so I just need to get the backing and start quilting - which I plan to do on Saturday. I looked up walking feet online and they are pretty pricey - especially for just one quilt. So, I'm going to brave this quilt top without one. I have enjoyed putting this together, but I don't foresee much more quilting in my future. I have a million different projects that I want to start next!

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?