Homemade coupon organizer!

One-Yard Wonders is another one of my favorite books (did I mention that already?) I have a list of projects that I want to make from it.

This past Christmas I asked for a coupon organizer to put my recipes in. I am just a beginner cook, so I didn't need something big, but somewhere I could keep everything together.

I received a blue plastic one that is perfect!

Right after Christmas I saw the pattern for a coupon organizer in this book and just had to make one!

It has ten pockets to keep your coupons in.

I love the accordion pleats to make the pockets!

The pattern is easy, but takes a little time. I made all the different parts one afternoon, and then put it all together the next day.

I know these aren't good pics but I wanted to show you the label holders. (I haven't labeled mine yet)

You can either label the pockets by month, or by category, cleaning products, frozen food, beverages etc...

I found a lot of online labels you can print for free. So it is customizable.

The organizer in the book was made from one color. I wanted to make one out of the green fabric, but I didn't have enough of it for the whole thing. I fixed the problem by adding some cream, and I like the look of the two colors!

I googled homemade coupon organizers in google image and found some really neat ones. My favorite ones were the Isewblog quilted coupon organizers. check them out if you want more ideas.

-Anna

ELEPHANTS!

This past christmas I made elephants as gifts for my cousins.

The first elephant I made (cream, second from the left) won first place in the county fair last fall. So I decided to make three more (I decided this way too late) for my cousins ages three, 15 months , and 15 months.

At the last minute (I mean *LAST MINUTE*) I sewed another up for a little girl I babysit for.

It is enough to say that I finished the last one up only a couple hours before giving it away!

But I think they all turned out wonderfully.

NOTE- in the picture above I have not yet added the eyes!

Recently a friend ordered two more; one pink, one cream. I was able to make these at a much slower pace:)

These elephants came from the book Last-minute PATCHWORK + QUILTED GIFTS

Again my favorite words -last-minute!

This pattern is a little tricky. After making seven of them I still mess up.

I even had to throw one away, and I still don't know what I did wrong!

I used felt and buttons for the eyes, then blanket stitched the edge. I have also made all felt eyes which are safer for a baby.

I braided yarn for their little tails.

Each one has its own expression!

I also made them little blankets! 

Until Next time, happy sewing!

-Anna

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