SPRING!

 

Here is the effect spring is having on my sewing room!  ~Anna

EASY PASTEL BABY QUILT.

This is the quilt I was working on a couple weeks ago. It is the same pattern as my dinosaur quilt I did a post about.
I had so many ideas for this quilt, and many fabric choices. I asked all my sisters and went with the most popular!
I am happy with the outcome. 

I actually started with two quilts. I made the quilt at the top of the post, and then I made another in the bright colors below.

The lady who ordered it picked the pastel colored one.

I am going to quilt the second one on my long arm machine. I already have the pattern picked out!!!

Here is a closeup of the fabrics.

This is the border and backing fabric.
This is the fabric I started with, and based my colors on.

For quilting, I used the "stitch in the ditch" method. That is when you sew as close as you can to the seam.

I have a special foot for my machine that acts as a guide, but I decided not to use it.

When I first started I used it all the time, but now I am more comfortable without it. 

I liked the way the striped border turned out! 

I used a pretty yellow with butterflies for the binding.

I also made matching blocks to go with the quilt.

 These blocks are so much FUN!

I used inspiration from a lot of different places, and came up with my own pattern.

The blocks measure 3x3 inches. I decorated them with ribbon, Ric rack, and a few iron on appliques.

Lots of things to keep a baby interested!

I also put bells in the middle so they jingle!

If you would like a set, let me know. I can make almost any color scheme.

Here is a picture of the entire quilt.

And everything ready to go!

Sweetwater's SIMPLE HOME tote.

This is the tote I made from the book Sweetwaters SIMPLE HOME.

The pattern is so easy, I was able to make it in an afternoon!

In the book, they used burlap to make their tote.

I went with patterned canvas and pulled out my stash:)

I decided on this lovely brown print with flowers.

I think it works well in the winter.

These two fabrics are my favorite!

I am still thinking about what I am going to make with them.

Until next time,

Anna

DINOSAUR QUILT!

My new favorite theme is dinosaurs!

This quilt is so easy to make. I made the pattern myself.

This quilt works well as a neutral baby quilt, or for a toddler who enjoys bright colors.

I am making another one at the moment in soft pastels.

It will be given to a 1.6oz preemie!

I found the perfect fabrics to use for the backing and binding.

 Here is a better picture of the whole quilt.

And here's the binding.

I really like the stripes! I think I'll try to do more striped bindings in the future.

 Until next time,

Anna



CASTELS AND FAIRY TALES

This is another one of my favorite books. Sweet and simple baby quilts.

I made this quilt in two days. I pieced the top in one day, and then quilted it on my long arm the next. I added the binding that nght.

Here are the fabrics I used. I like all the castles and windmills.

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This is the quilt I based it on. In the book she calls it PINK LEMONADE!

I changed the pattern by making a 6 inch block instead of a 4-1/2in 

And I omited the border.  

This pattern was a lot os fun to make!

Happy quilting,

Anna

A NEW BOOK AND A STACK OF SQUARES!

As soon as I saw this book at the library, I knew it was coming home with me. I've never gotten this book before so it was a real treat to come home and look through it...and then the hard desision of what to make first!!!!!

Sew something handmade for every room. WOW. The girls at sweetwater are creative.

I also enjoyed their blog at http://www.sweetwater.typepad.com/

My first project from this book was actually a tote (pictures to come!) but as soon as I saw their adorable trivets, I had to make a set...after a quick stop at Joanns to get insulated batting :)

These squares were given to the family, and as it turns out, the template for the trivets fits in them perfectly.

For this project I used insulated batting for the first time. I was happy with the results and really liked the way the batting handled. I also cut my binding on the bias for the first time. I normally cut my binding from selvage to selvage, but thought I could use the extra stetch from a bias cut; and I was right.

The binding was the only thing I changed on this pattern. I didn't like the double layer the pattern instructed, so instead, I cut my binding to 1-1/2 inch and ironed over a 1/4 inch.

Then attached as normal. 

I found it went on a little smoother.

Over all I am happy with the results!

I am also looking forward to trying these in some bright summer prints.

Until then, happy quilting!

Anna

St. Mary's county fair!

I had so much fun this year making things to enter into the county fair.

Above is all the stuff I had to take. After ironing, I laid everything out so I woundn't forget anything. I put as much as I could in bags, so tthings were easier to lug around.

Remmber this quilt? I did a post about it when I first made it.

I finished it with a green border and it took first place in the fair!

(I think because it was the only one in that catagory!)

The next two projects came from one of my favorite books, Last-minute patchwork + quilted gifts.

This bird quilt was at the top of my list to make after reading this book.

I was thrilled that it took first place. This was the first quilt I made using applique.

This little elephant was also in the book.

He was a little tricky to make, but sure worth the effort.

 This next project is not as familar to everyone. Its an OTHELO board.

My Family loves this game, but apparently not many people play it.

I was happy with the blue ribbon it won.

I enjoyed sewing up these little outfits.

The first two are from the book WEEKEND SEWING by HEATHER ROSS.

A book we regularly check out at the library :) 

This blouse was also from WEEKEND SEWING. I made it just as a learning experience.

These doll clothes wrap up my clothes section. I entered them in two different fairs and they won first and second.

I love my recycled jean door mat, and it was so easy to make.

For next years fair I am thinking of ideas to make more from recycled jeans! 

I had fun making this little pillow (first time I have made fabric flowers!).

I'll finish this post with the last two quilts I entered.

My DINOSAUR QUILT. 

And GRANDAD'S QUILT.

Hope you had fun looking at all my projects. I sure had fun making them : )

Until next time,

Anna