Friday, July 31, 2009

Zipper Critters

I have got to get this pattern. What a fun way to use all the extra zippers I have. Now I just need to find an extra 15 hours each day.

$9.99
Pattern for pups, cats and a pig created with zipper mouths that also can double as a hidden pocket. Use miss-matched fabrics and notions to add character to your critter design. Makes a wonderful keepsake of yours or a friend's beloved companion. Larger critters are approximately 5"x8" and smaller are 3 1/2" x 3 ½." Small size can be attached to a lanyard for adorning a backpack.
Aren't they just the cutest things.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

More Red and White Checkerboard

I warned about the red and white. This is where my head is today with the quilt. I will probably look nothing like this when I am done.
My proportions and sizes are not right. This more of a layout for me than anything else. The bright blue squares will be denim, some of it given to me by my Mom. I might actually cut into these tonight. If Rex knew if would be laid out flat on the ground clutching his chest in sheer horror.
I had to go check the Purina website to make sure the checkboard had red in the corners and not white. I was correct it is red.
My friend G that was sewing with me over the weekend commented on how it would be a nice Christmas present for him. Christmas???? I hope to have it done before Labor Day. Did I really say that. Yikes now that is writing I might have to follow through.

Red and White

Fair warning... you are going to get tired of seeing the red and white checkerboard pattern of Purina. While visiting my mom there was a little sneaky action going on. Her husband, Rex owned the local small town feed store for many years. He has many of the Purina shirts and patches. I have never seen him wear any of them. I think they hold a sentimental value more than anything. My Mom gave me a few of the shirts to make into a quilt for him. Here are the pieces I have to work with. I bought the red and white flannel to add into it and also to do a red and white checkboard for the backing.
This is going to take a while to design and sew together. I will keep you posted on the progress.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Poor Planning

Somehow I ran out of light blue thread. Just poor planning on my part. I only finished two sets tonight.

Lizard burp cloth and bib. Backed with terry cloth for extra absorbency.
Another burp and bib set, a flannel choo choo print. This one is backed with a dark blue flannel.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Bibs and Burp Cloths

A friend of mine has convinced me to do a couple craft fairs with her this fall.
I am stocking up on extra bibs and burp cloths. I am thinking about rolling them up into sets and displaying in a bassinet. What do you think my husband will say when I buy a bassinet?

Instructions

Mason is moving into the bedroom on the first level of our house. Setting it up as his own "apartment". He starts his senior year of high school in a couple of weeks and will most likely live at home next year while attending the University of Memphis. The bedroom is the smallest in the house but also comes with its own bathroom.
While shopping for new pants for his senior pictures he saw this bath rug and had to have it. I thought it was very appropriate to have it point in that direction. Maybe with instructions like that there will be less need to clean the bathroom.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Summer Tote

One of the ladies that works for me has a birthday this week. This is the tote I came up with.
D is for Debbie. This is the 2nd ever attempt at applique. I think I will use a different stitch next time but it turned out OK. The pink polka dot is also the lining of the bag.
Button came from my Mom's stash when I was visiting her.
And a coordinating pouch bag. Of course had to use another one of the craigslist zippers.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Proof

If I just showed you my craft table today you wouldn't think I cleaned. Photo on the left is this morning, on the right is yesterday. Proof I did actually clean. I made it through most of stuff brought home from Mom's.
I did have a weak moment yesterday and bought some fabric. Not because I needed it, I just wanted it. Enough to make bags or bibs and burp cloths. Just haven't decided yet.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Oh Snaps

Snaps that look like buttons and the red with dots are just gorgeous. I wish I had bought more of them. These will look great on baby bibs.
Made it home from my Moms and everything just got dumped on the table. Have plans with a friend to come over and sew on Saturday. My sewing maching is somewhere behind that box. I might just have to give this some attention soon.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Can Holster

I woke up to a photo of this with a hand written note... What would you charge to make two of these?
They actually wouldn't be too difficult to make. Gotta think about it. If I make two for friends in Tennessee I will have to send a couple to Minnesota. I am guessing anybody that owned a motorized cooler would love one of these also.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Dutchman Store

Just in case my sister and mother missed what was at the bottom of my basket at the Dutchman store.
Iron on embroidery transfers and pre-printed embroidery quilt squares. I still spent less than my sister. But then again I didn't buy a gallon size bag of cinnamon.
Mason's favorite purchase was marshmallows. You know the hard kind you find in Lucky Charm cereal. Actually the only reason any kid would eat Lucky Charms is for the hard marshmallowy delicious sugar chunks. Imagine getting a whole bag of just the marshmallows. Mason has started calling it Mennonite cocaine.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Three Favorites

Top on my list of favorite peopleMason (my son), My Mom, and Valerie (my sister)

We had a nice visit with my Mom over the weekend. Mason held up on the trip. Although I think he was wearing out before my Mom did. The peaches made it to Iowa in decent shape. Not sure they made it all the way to Minnesota without some collateral damage.

Now I get to sort through all the junk fabulous family treasures that I brought home.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Just Peachy

I am off to visit my Mom in Iowa for the weekend. My sister is also coming down from Minnesota to visit at the same time. There was a special request for peaches. A few decided not to make the trip. I have to admit these are some of the best peaches I have ever had.

Highs and Lows

Got a great report from the doctor yesterday on Mason. His wound is healing nicely. Quicker than expected. We do not have to pack gauze in the wound anymore. We can now just bandage the wound. School starts in a couple weeks so this is great news. And he should be able to travel OK this weekend.

Saw the Harry Potter movie yesterday evening. Good movie. That could be creepy scary for little kids but overall it was a good movie. Long movie.

As we are pulling in the drive way last night I noticed one of the upstairs windows was open. Later figured out the lock broke on it and it had popped open. Got inside the house only to find water all over the floor in the kitchen, another pin hole leak in a pipe in the ceiling. Wake up this morning to the light bulb burnt out in the refrigerator. And walk outside to one of the cars covered in graffiti.

I am ready to have a mini vacation to Iowa this weekend. Hopefully all will go well.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Mom's Surprise

Where on earth I got the motivation and energy to finish this last night is beyond me. Time is ticking pretty fast and I knew I wouldn't have the opportunity to work on this much in the next couple of days before I go visit my mom.

Note to Mom: Now is the time to quit reading

It looks like a giant padded envelope.
That actually stores a laptop. Laptop sleeve to be exact. It is definitely custom made. Snug fit but that is exactly how I wanted it. Mom already has a laptop but it has been giving her problems so I am taking my old one to her. Can't deliver a plain boring laptop.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Christmas in July

I wish it was Christmas in July I would be buying this.
Last year Mason bought me Deb Strain's Love is in the Air for Christmas. The Love U fabric line does not come out until November. So I guess I will give Santa my wish list now. I want a fat quarter of each of these for Christmas. Love the colors and the owls are adorable.

Shopping List

Believe it or not... I stuck to my shopping list. And I lucked out even more when fat quarters were on sale. Buy two, get one free, plus I got 20% off. I needed pink and green fabric for a swap project. Got red fat quarters for Mom's surprise. I am trying to buy more variety in smaller quantities. And I am trying to trust my instincts for fabric color choices.

Just Another Hang Up

Just Another Hang Up is having a fabulous tote give away.

Check it out and leave her a comment for a chance to win. The details on this bag are gorgeous. Love the colors and the style.

Mom's Surprise

No I did not piece this. It is preprinted fabric.
I only have a couple days to turn this into Mom's surprise. It isn't looking too promising that I will get it done. I leave bright and early Friday morning, working all week and two doctor appointments for Mason. First stop is the fabric store. I need a coordinating fabric for a lining. For some reason reds don't usually last too long in my stash.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Almost Forgot

I almost forgot to show you the finished values quilt. I knew that I sewed more than a few small bags over the weekend. It dawned on me last night that I didn't show you the finished quilt. It is about 40x40 inches. I doubled the batting to give it a little more loft. Can't even tell I doubled the batting. It is quilted on the diagonals to accent the diamond pattern.
A little peak at the back. The blue is brighter than I normally would have chosen but it works great knowing I didn't buy anything for this quilt. If weather turns better today I will try to get a photo outside.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

More Zippered Bag Tutorials

More zippered bags.

Goofy Bag similar to other bags but I really like her piecing.

Cute zippered bag I really like the unique style of this one.

My Moneys Worth

I have offically gotten my moneys worth out of the zippers. I have been paying about $2.50 a zipper at the store. Today I used four zippers from my craigslist purchase. Everything from here on out is free.Zippered pouch bag. These are so simple you can make them while sleeping, and I think I actually have.
Zippered triangle bag. I have no idea what I would put into this. I would make it much bigger next time.
Mini zippered bag. I made two at the same time. Nice size lined bag. I made the strap thinner on one of them. I will definetely do that modification again.
Nice to have the freedom to use zippers whenever I want without worrying about the cost. I can even destroy a few and not feel guilty.

The Longest Yard

After sorting, tossing, untangling, winding and winding I finally got yards and yards of trim sorted. I was very realistic when I went through this. If it was stained it was tossed. If it was frayed it was tossed. If it was just too out of date it was tossed. Now the fun part starts. I get to use all of it.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Zippers... How to Use Them

Now that I have all the zippers I am looking for ways to use them.

Mini Zippered Bag Tutorial - I like how she has the tabs on the ends of the zippers. Gives it a nice finished look.

Moda Bake Shop Zippered Bag - I made a bunch of these around Valentine's Day. May be time to make a few again.

Messenger Bag with Zipper - It doesn't look too complicated.

How to conceal a Zipper - With all the totes I have been making lately this would be a great finishing touch to them.

Zippered Pencil Case - Great project for Kim. School starts one month from today.

Pyramid Zippered Purse - Cute idea.

Boxy Pouch with Zipper - I make these all the time but line it with fusible fleece first. They are so quick to make.

Hmmm.... what should I work on first.

Weekend List

I am so glad I have energy back. As much as I love my pinwheel quilt I really didn't want to be hiding under it for days. Nice to be out from under it and among the living again.

Finish the Values Quilt - I probably can finish it in a hour or two.
Sort through the zippers and trims - now that might take a while
Pink and Green swap projects.
A secret project for my mother, just in case she remembers to read my blog I won't disclose the details quite yet.

Pretty agressive list since David will have me tied up on Saturday going to look at new John Deere riding mowers. I guess I won't complain too much since I don't have to mow the lawn.

Fat Quarters

Finally this morning I am feeling better. Just in time to run off to work and make up for everything I didn't accomplish yesterday. It started with a migraine on Wednesday, and then I think I made it worse by taking some meds on an empty stomach Thursday morning. Which completely did me in. Lovely Japanese fat quarter from a swap. Isn't that sweet. I will have to find some place special to use this.
I did a little fat quarter shopping last week. They were on sale and I had a % off coupon for my whole puchase. Ended up paying about 80 cents a piece for these. I am working on restocking some brights into my collection. And now with the zippers I guess I will be finding some new projects to work on.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Zippers

I did get the bags in the house. David was mowing when I got home from work so he had no idea. And I am crossing my fingers he won't notice two more bags of junk in the craft room. If I can hold him off a week I can blame my mother. She always sends stuff like this home with me. Mason and I are visiting her next weekend. It wouldn't surprise David at all if it came from my mom.
If I had to guess I would say the seller got these from different sources. Probably garage sales. Notice the prices on some of these 35 and 50 cents. These have been around for a while. Hopefully I will put the majority of them to good use.
I would have spent more time admiring my purchase yesterday but went home sick. And will probably go home early today. Bad when I don't feel well enough to play with craft supplies.

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Laces and Zippers And Trims - OH MY

Any ideas on how to store these so I can get to them and use when needed. Huge bag of zippers. Many still in original packaging. All new. Seller said 75. I would guess more than that. Should I sort by color or by size?
Good size garbage bag of trims. I will get better photos tonight if I can sneak all of this in the house. The bigger question is where am I going to hide it all once I get it in the house. Two huge bags are gonna get noticed.
In my best Ricky Ricardo voice.... Lucy! You got some 'splainin to do!

Baby Ric Rac

I added baby ric rac to one of the tote bags over the weekend. This stuff is super tiny. You can see a little hint of the pink gingham inside the bag so pink baby ric rac was the perfect choice for this bag. Yes I do use alot of trims. So I have about 90% convinced myself to get the trims from craigslist when I get the zippers. Cash in my wallet. I agree it is expensive and I may just have to share the wealth with those that have convinced me to buy it.

I am going to have to figure out a new storage system for zippers and trims so I can use this stuff.

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Pinwheel Tote

The orphaned blocks from the pinwheel quilt became a tote bag over the weekend. Horrible photo, I was in a hurry. It looks much better in person.

Found someone selling 75 new zippers on Craigslist for $10. Trying to arrange a time to pick them up. Not like I need to buy supplies but for $10 that sure beats buying them. Even if I only use 5 of them I have good use of my money. I am resisting buying her trims for $15. Maybe I should take $25 with me just in case.

Monday, July 06, 2009

Forces of the Universe

Do you ever have a day when you feel like all the forces in the universe are working against you? Today was that day for me. I don't dare go near sharp objects, I will just stay out of the craft room today. I think I have a plan to finish the values quilt. Navy blue for the binding. Left over squares pieced on the backing with navy and a lighter blue. Funny thing is all the squares are from fabric swapped on swapbot. The navy blue is something my mother sent me and the lighter blue is from my craigslist purchase. I haven't actually purchased any fabric for this quilt. I like the choice of the navy blue. Hopefully tomorrow is a better day and I can work with sharp objects again.
Good news is I did get six tote bags finished over the weekend. There were many times I wanted to quit but fought my way through it and got them done. Nice to have a sense of accomplishment.
I am headed to bed early tonight. Don't dare risk tempting fate any more for today.

Friday, July 03, 2009

Fabulous Friday

Nice to have an extra day off work. David is still trying to fly home. Flight delayed, hoping to have him home before midnight.Made a few boxy pouches.I can get three out of a fat quarter. Made one for my swap partner. Just need to get some coordinating thread and I can send it.
The values quilt top is finished. I guess I didn't think this through too much. What do you use for a binding and backin for something so scrappy. Gonna have to think about it.
My little sun lover was even enjoying the day.
And six tote bags are ready to be sewn. Why on earth I went down that path today is anyones guess. There was fabric just begging to be touched. How could I deny it.

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Values In the Works

The value quilt is in the works now. A couple of the rows are not attached yet. And a couple more need to be sewn together. So far I like it. There are a couple darks that were probably more of a medium/light but it still works. I love Diane's idea of making a baby quilt like this. One of the ladies that works for me has her first grand daughter due in November. I might just have to steal the baby quilt idea.
When you take away the color from the photo you can see the pattern even better. If ever in doubt about what is light or dark looking at it without color shows the value quite well. David won't be home until late Friday, I should get a chance to finish this. Funny thing is none of this fabric is anything I purchased. All of it is swapped charms from Swap-bot.
Update on Mason: Doctor says to keep doing what we are doing. He is still healing. I can tell the hole is smaller but not small yet. Watching the summer disappear fast. Hope to get him healed good enough for school to start the first part of August.