Three completed

I completed three yesterday.  I used decorative stitches to attach the bias tapes and added a bow to one.  I will add a bow or something to the other two before I mail them.  Actually took 1.5 hrs for each - not too bad.  Remember, you can clean finish the arm area and make a casing at the top if you don't have a stash of tape or trims.  I had a set of the striped pillowcase so I made one of the tops shorter.  I cut 5" of the top (thinking big and little sisters).  The 5" could be used to bind the armholes, or to add a pocket or two.                                         

Stitching



Stitching



Long

Hope this inspires you.  I will take pics of each one later in the week.  I have three more pillowcases in my possesion as of now :)

Circular Vest update

I decided I should make a circular vest using fleece (as shown in the article) before cutting the collar on the corduroy vest and I am glad I did.  The vest actually needs to be 2" smaller - the fit is much better.  I also turned under 1/2" on each side of the armhole slit and used a blanket stitch.  I think the location of the armhole is not "just right" for me - so I will work on that a bit.  I am just going to turn the edge under 1/2" and blanket stitch each side.  I think this vest will work best for me as just a lightweight jacket instead of the fleece.  Perfect for a sleeveless top or dress (since I prefer to hide the arms).   I will post a pic when I have it completed.

Bowties and More

In my quest to find all the UFO's I have stashed everywhere -  I came across a bunch of Bowtie quilt blocks that I had pieced while learning to hand piece - sew........ not sew perfect blocks (heard this before?), some stretched, none the same size, and then of course a few of my "least" fav fabrics.  Once again I just started sewing them together, and ended up with a baby sized quilt top.  I had a crib sized batting in the stash - it is the fuseable type - which I have not used before.  (won't use that product again).  Short story even shorter - I had planned to use this as my second donation quilt - but that batting is really thin and I do not think the quilt will be that warm - Sew.......... I think I can turn it into some type of  bunting or wrap for baby.

Sew, I am glad I have two ufo's finished and  (if I may say so) - it make me feel good to know that I can give back in some way.

Purses

"the Suitcase" and "the Bounty"

Can you date or identify any of the fabrics pictured in either of these to blogs?  Let me know - please and thank you! (smile and curtsey)

Circular Vest

This is cut using the circumference as described in the instructions, the armhole measurement is 4.5" longer than listed in the instructions. The "collar" roll line is in line with the top of the armhole opening. The bindings are not yet sewn. This fabric is a patchwork corduroy and the edges have stretched a bit. The seams of the patchwork are serged, with does not allow the fabric to drape as I had hoped it would. I think a fleece or soft fabric would have a much better drape.

As you can see, I have the front pinned and it overlaps slightly. A button and small loop for a closure, would meet the two front edges. (It looks like the vest pulls across the stomach area - but that is due to the pinning and I have on a couple of layers).

In this view, I have pulled the "collar" up, which allows for more of an overlap in the front.  I like this style the best.    

Now - about this fabric.  The collar is the right side of the fabric with the body being the wrong side.  I am going to pin the complete roll line, press and then cut the circle apart half inch below the pressed line.  I will then sew it back together, right side to wrong side, so the completed vest will have the right side of the fabric for the body and collar.  Yet another reason to use fleece or fabric with no right and wrong side.  (Sheer, knit, etc) 

Red, White and Sew Blue

This quilt started out as a learning process for me. I wanted to practice half square triangles - and sew it began. After sewing all the blocks together, I realized I had not "followed the rules" in putting all the blocks together (seam allowances not going the same way, etc) so it was banished to the closet - then one day I decided to work on it again so out of the closet it came - only to find I had given away all the red and white fabric I had used. The search began for reds to match (was I crazy or what?). Back to the closet. A few years and three moves later I decided I would finish it. Which lead to another fabric search, but could not make up my mind what to do with it, what colors to use, and all that "stuff" we think about when quilting. Back to the closet.

A few months ago as I was unpacking from yet another move I found this blue fabric in my stash. I can honestly say I do not remember how long it had been there (sound familiar?). I decided I would just add wide borders and hope that it would work for a baby or lap quilt. I quickly sat down and sewed the borders, only to realize that the top had stretched, was not square and anything else that could be wrong -was. Banished to the closet again.

In December, I decided my sewing goals for 2010 were 1. Finish all UFOs 2. Sew from my stash 3. make one donation project each month. Sew - out of the closet it came, I used the same blue for the back - I used upholstery flannel for the batting and I just started stitching in the ditch across each row. Really was not looking that great because of the mistakes made while piecing - but I was not going to stop! I just stitched row after row of stitches, both vertical and horizontal - my own version of stippling. This will be my first donation project for 2010. Its not perfect, may not even be "squared" when finished - but it will be warm and I know it will be used.

Quilt top

I have sorted thru the contents of the suitcase, laid out the rings and determined the quilt size to be apx 80" x 88". I am going to purchase a 108" wholecloth and baste the double rings on, and then hand applique. I am sure it will be a long process, but that is the only way I know how to preserve the integrity of the rings. The fabrics in the rings are cotton and cotton blends. I do know there a two or three squares that are the same fabric of my Chatty Cathy doll dress (50's). Lots of scraps from clothing. Lots of bias edges, so some stretching, but most of it can be steamed. I should have a few pics posted by next week-end of the top laid out on the whole cloth. Recogonize any of the fabrics yet?

the Bounty

Standing on the chair, looking down on the Bounty. This has been such a great find. These are the pieced items in the suitcase plus the squares.

the Bounty

"the Bounty"

"the Suitcase"

A few more pics - hope you enjoy. I did a little online research last night - I may have identified two of the fabrics. Will let you know in the next day or two.

A little fact

Emery –noun
a granular mineral substance consisting typically of corundum mixed with magnetite or hematite, used powdered, crushed, or consolidated for grinding and polishingematite, used powdered, crushed, or consolidated for grinding and polishing.

Also used to fill strawberry's

"the Suitcase"

One of the "treasures" - the rings of a Double Wedding Ring - I will try to lay the rings out and take some pics for you tomorrow. Can't wait to identify the fabrics -

"the Suitcase"

Sat was a great day - found a suitcase full of treasures at the Flea Market. Old cardboard suitcase full of vintage fabric scraps, quilt blocks - pieced and unpieced, some type of cotton sacks, and more. Now - to identify the fabrics - Here are a few pics - if you recogonize any of the fabrics, please let me know. Enjoy!