It's National Sewing Month!

This apron was one of the last projects I worked on before I put my sewing machine away for the summer. My sewing room doubles as our guest room, and that guest room has been very busy with both Rodrigo and Michael coming and going all summer. But now Michael has gone back to China, and Rodrigo's days of school in Sacramento have lessened; he's only here 8 to 10 days a month now. Could it be time to take back the sewing room???

The pattern for the apron is from The Apron Book, by EllynAnne Geisel and is called the Basic Waist Apron. I dipped into my stash of cat fabrics and cut and stitched this up in an afternoon.

Detail of the ruffled pocket and hem:

It was a really fun project. I had hinted at this project in this blog awhile back, but couldn't say what it was, or post photos, because it was to be a gift, and my recipient hadn't received it yet.

Recently my son sent me this photo of his bride, Dianna, wearing her birthday gift:

How cute does that look!!?? I was happy she liked it and is putting it to good use (in the very limited spare time that she manages to carve out of her nursing school schedule). She's making chocolate chip cookies (my fave!) and, whoohoooo! She sent some with Rodrigo the next time he came up. I hid them in the freezer and took them out one or two at a time to eat secretly. I didn't want to share, ha ha ha ha!

Here's my current sewing project - a California King-size quilt. The top is all sewn together now, but I still need to add the borders:

At the moment it's all packed away, but it just may be time to get that baby OUT!

Yeah, I know, there's ALWAYS a cat sitting on my in-progress quilts!

I'm happy about that.

Are you sewing this month? What are you making???

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

It's that half-chinese kid! Michael is on his way here. We'll pick him up around 1:30 p.m. today at SFO. Whooohoooo!

The last couple weeks have been VERY busy with:

hiking
quilting
birthdaying
bbqing
partying
strawberry-picking
and lots more ings.

Hope to post more often in June!

It's a Girl!

Or will be. My niece, Amber Wirth, is due to have a baby girl next month. Amber will receive this baby quilt next week:


I'm pretty sure she'll like it.

To everyone who tried to guess who the mom-to-be was . . . you didn't try very hard!!!

Party-poopers!

Guess Who's Having a Baby Girl!

I'm geared up to make yet another baby girl ragged quilt. These are the flannel fabrics I'll be using; aren't the ladybugs and butterflies soooo sweet? And the purple gingham, well, what can I say, any gingham is adorable for babies. I'll be spending a lovely afternoon sewing this up.

Can you guess who, in my family, is having a baby girl???

Lotsa Finished Projects!

I've had a very productive few days! I put a self-imposed limit on my internet time and made great progress on my list of UFO's (UnFinished Objects). Here are the things I've completed:

A small cross-stitch piece of a hummingbird and flowers. I put it in its frame for this photo, but it's not "properly" framed quite yet. I need to stretch it on the backing so that the faint crease down the middle is gone. Still, it's SO close to being finished that I'm counting it!

This is a coffee cup cozy, for use with those cardboard cups you get from Starbuck's and other coffee houses. This was only an hour-long project, including cutting out the fabric and hand-sewing the button on. I followed Erin's tutorial as posted on her blog, House on Hill Road, and which you can find here. I made this as a gift for my friend, Chris, in Napa.

(By the way, I photographed my coffee cup cozy in the macro photo studio that Mike and I built using a 12x12x12 cardboard box, some tissue paper, and a sheet of posterboard. Want to make one of your own? Check out this tutorial at Strobist!)

Next, I finally finished my Bargello quilt!!! This pattern is from the book, "No-Sweat Flannel Quilts," by Beth Garretson and is called "A Bit of Bargello."

I am especially happy about getting this done because I actually put together the quilt top 2 or maybe even 3 years ago, got it machine-quilted by Paula Gallagher of Quilt-in-Time in Benicia (as far as I know she doesn't have a website or I would list it), and then, for various reasons the quilt got put away and just remained stored in a closet, nearly forgotten.

When I took it out recently to finish it, I had to search all over for the fabric strips I was sure I had cut to make the binding. Two days later I finally found the strips at the bottom of a container of scraps. I stitched them together, then onto the quilt, and then did the hand-stitching while watching a movie. DONE!

By the way, for the BEST instructions EVER on how to bind a quilt, check out this tutorial at the Gratz Industries blog. Easy to follow, gorgeous results!

My bargello quilt is lap size and now I really regret not making it at least a twin-size. Bargello strip piecing goes really fast and looks great. Plus I just LOVE the colors. And look how cute it is on my white iron daybed!

Not to mention how pretty it looks next to the eyelet bedskirt on that same bed. ARGH, should have made it twin-size, and should have made two of them! I'll know better next time.

I spent much of today in the sewing room again, with Scout as company, as usual. She loves the sewing maching, she loves fabric, and she loves the warm ironing board. Now if I could just teach her to thread a needle!

My project today was this purse, the pattern is called "La Borsetta" by Meredith Burns. I bought the pattern and fabric at the Patchwork Cat quilt shop in Benicia. Sadly, the Cat is no more, as it's owner, Bonnie, closed it a couple of months ago. I still miss it! She had The Best fabric, and a lot that were cat-related, of course.

So the first photo shows the purse when it is laying down flat. This photo shows how it expands and can sit up by itself. It turned out really cute, I think. There are pockets on both the front and back, a ribbon and button closure, and two shoulder straps. Don't you love the cats 'n coffee themed fabric?

It's fully lined inside with another, coordinating fabric, and is a perfect size for an on-the-go knitting project, or just as a fun weekend bag. I do believe I'll be using it when I go off to Pacific Grove for a scrapbookers getaway this weekend, dahhh-ling!

Finished Ragged Quilt - Baby Girl

Love the way it turned out. Pinks and purples; one of my fave combos for baby girl quilts. This one will have to be named Kalleigh's Quilt, since it's for my niece's baby girl, Kalleigh. Here's the back:
Aren't stripes fun? These quilts are so much fun to make and, as I mentioned yesterday, FAST. You can easily whip one up for a baby shower even if you have just a couple of days notice (well, ok, unless you have to mail it). This one's actually way late; Kalleigh was born several months ago, but in my defense she was 6 or so weeks early and then I had the Christmas rush of projects for my digital scrapbooking business to handle, so the quilt-making got put off. However, I think baby Kalleigh will still enjoy it!

Just for fun, and so you can see how a variety of fabrics create different looks, here are a couple other ragged quilts I have made in the past:
Ryan's Quilt; his nursery is all decorated in safari theme so monkeys, giraffes, elephants and lions were the order of the day. The back, if I remember right, was done in the animal print.

Leah's Quilt. Another sweet baby girl; I thought she should have stars, moons, clouds, and pink gingham to encourage peaceful naps. I used the pink gingham for the back because I have a huge attachment to gingham, of any color.

One last baby quilt made in the past 2 years is Blake's Quilt:As far as I can tell, this is the only photo I have of it! Taken at Seana's baby shower, just after she opened it. It's not a flannel ragged quilt, like the others, but an actual pieced quilt with cotton fabrics, using a very easy pattern, an 8-patch block (and I can't even remember what it's called), combined with large squares, then I added borders and tied it with embroidery floss.

Are you a quilter? I'd love to see your quilts, send me a link or photo!

My Own Eco-Friendly Produce Bags

A few weeks back I found these pale blue sheer curtains at a flea market. I got two panels for $5.00. I washed them in hot water and bleach, then hung them to dry. I had plans to repurpose them as reusable eco-friendly produce bags.

This tiny white "treat" bag from a wedding was my inspiration, not so much for the bag itself since that was just a simple rectangle, but I LOVE the drawstrings. Not just your ordinary drawstrings, these are the type that draw shut from both sides, and are super-easy to re-open.

Here is one of my finished bags. In cutting up the sheers I found I would be able to get 8 to 10 bags out of each panel, so I'll end up with a total of at least 16 bags. Four are completely finished. The next dozen will sew up quickly since now I've got all the shortcuts figured out.

The drawstrings are a teensy bit more trouble than the regular ones (that draw shut only on one side) because two separate strings must be threaded completely through the casing but are worth it for their ease of use and, I think, they're just cuter! I used lengths of yarn that I have in my stash so the 16 to 20 bags I'll end up with only cost me $5.00 and a little of my time.

Here is one of the bags with three Gala apples inside, giving an idea of the size of the bags, which are very close to the standard plastic ones available in any grocery store.

I'm pretty happy with them!

Drying Clothes with Solar Power

My new apron!

I mentioned in a previous post an apron that my friend's mom had when I was a kid growing up in Redondo Beach, Ca. It had a big pocket to hold clothespins and she wore it when she was hanging clothes on the clothesline in their backyard. I always loved that apron.

Well, now I have one of my own! The Internet is a marvelous thing - I just went on-line and googled "apron pocket clothespins." Up popped an Etsy shop (if you've never been to Etsy and love handmade stuff, it's THE place to buy all things handmade!) and user momomadeit had just what I was looking for, and only $20! See it here. Don't you just love that retro fabric?? Chic is right!

It arrived quickly and beautifully wrapped in bright orange tissue paper (see below) and with several paper items to describe it (I love it's name "Eco Chic Everyday Housewife Apron), and even a recipe for a delicious pound cake, all clipped together with a teensy clothespin. How cute is that!??? This is why I love buying handmade items. People who take the time and care to make things by hand do it for the love of the craft, and when they send their handmade items out into the world it is with love and care and the hope that the recipient will enjoy the item as much as they enjoyed making it.

I hung two loads of clothes out today, and then later brought them in, all the while wearing my new apron and enjoying the convenience of dipping into that roomy pocket for clothespins.

Lovely!

Baby Girl Quilt

As promised here are photos of the second ragged quilt. I loved working with the little girl colors, especially the pink gingham. I have a long-standing love for gingham for some weird reason! These quilts sew up so quickly, you can easily buy the fabric, cut out the squares, sew them together, clip the seams, and wash and dry it all in one day. Gives a great feeling of accomplishment!
I only hung the quilt on my clothesline to take a photo -- these "ragged" quilts have to be put in the dryer in order for the fabric to fray nicely.

This quilt will be sent off to Henderson, Nevada, to my niece Brittany. Her baby girl is due in early March. I can't wait to hear what she and Brandon name the baby, how much she weighs, who she looks like, and all that other fun stuff!

Scout has a Busy Day

Who could resist this face??? When we took Scout and her brother, Jack, to the vet last Monday we were told they were both overweight. We kinda thought so (we've been calling Jack the Beached Whale), but didn't realize just how much. Scout needs to lose 2 pounds! That's 1/7 of her body weight. Guess it's time I cut way back on her "candy!" But just look at her! That's how she manages to get so many treats from her mama!

Ahhhh, Saturday! Always lovely to wake up and know that I don't have to rush off anywhere; in fact, this day was totally unscripted. Michael is here, he arrived last evening on Amtrak, and we picked him up in Martinez. He's been sick and is still recuperating. His idea of the perfect visit was sleeping, reading, eating, drinking tea, watching movies, and putting together another jigsaw puzzle. So that's exactly what we did today. Here is he is, remote control in hand, wrapped in a blanket, and surfing the channels.
He also spent some time on-line, presumably chatting with friends (especially Salena) in China. For those who don't already know this, Michael lives in China at present, has been there for a year now, teaching English and the Louyang College of Technology (I think that's the proper name). He's due to return for the spring semester early next month. He came home just days before Christmas for an extended visit and ever since has been on a whirlwind tour of California visiting friends and family all over the state, plus a quick trip to Portland to see friends there.

Below, Scout monitors Michael's on-line activity!

Except for a quick trip to Wal-Mart for a new jigsaw puzzle and a few other things, we have stayed inside on this gray and overcast day. It gave me a chance to finish up the quilt I have been working on for my niece's baby, due in March. It took a little longer than I planned due to the very constant assistance from who else but Scout!
Turns out she's quite fascinated by my sewing machine, not to mention a huge fan of cuddling on flannel, so it was hard to keep her away. She kept inching closer and closer until I was afraid she'd put her nose right under the needle and get sewn to the quilt!
But I did manage to finish the quilt. I washed and dried it and here is the finished blanket. I think it turned out really cute!
And it was very fun, though tedious to clip all those seams so that they would fray during the washing/drying process. I'll definitely make another one of these for my other niece, Brittany, who is having a baby at about the same time as Heather. I'm thinking I'd better make one for Scout. I have some squares left from this one, perhaps I'll have some left over from the next one, and I'll sew them together and make Scout a quilt of her own.

She's gonna love it.

At the moment it's pouring outside; apparently the storm that was being predicted has arrived. No matter; tomorrow is another stay-at-home day. I'm planning to make cookies, something I haven't done in ages. I may have to fight Michael for the kitchen; he loves to bake cookies, too. I almost never bake unless we have company because otherwise I'm the only one here to eat what I make. Mike doesn't have much of a sweet tooth at all. Me, on the other hand.....well, that's another story!

Mystery Bird Identified!

My friend, Susan, who is a ninja net-surfer, has identified our mystery bird! It is a Townsend's Warbler and is commonly seen on the coasts of Oregon and California in winter. Here is a link to a better photo than mine of this beautiful bird. Isn't he a stunner? Thank you, Susan!

Well, it's another gray, rainy day here in northern California so I plan to stay inside as much as possible. I'm so lucky to be self-employed and able to work at home! The cats will do more of this:

Scout, sleeping on top of my sewing box.


And this:

Jack, having his bath on my sewing table. Wherever I am . . . that's where they want to be!

Warm Flannel for a Baby Quilt

My niece, Heather, is due to have her baby in March. Her baby shower is on the 9th so I've been busy working on a baby quilt for her. I found this adorable safari flannel fabric at the Patchwork Cat and also the stripes and green batik to go with it. Heather is using the safari theme and colors in her baby's nursery (they know it's a Boy) and so I think this quilt will fit right in.

This is the quilt in progress. I'm trying one of those "ragged" quilts where you clip the seams and then wash the quilt, letting the clipped seams fray. They are so cute when they are done! I can't wait to finish it and wash it. It works especially well with flannels and probaby chenille fabrics, too. As you can see it's a VERY simple pattern; just 9.5" squares so it's going together really quickly. And it's FUN!

Every time I get my sewing machine out I wonder why I don't do it more often....
That's Jack. He decided this folded up piece of warm & soft batting was the perfect place for a nap. Yep, he's really that color.