Ipad Stand with Bean bag

I found a pattern for an ipad stand tutorial that appealed to me but it was fairly large so I modified the pattern.  I cut my pretty fabric 14 1/2" by 10 1/2"

Then I found some cardboard from a discarded game, cut out the size it printed at which was smaller than she used in her larger version. The cardboard was 6 3/4 across the wide end and 3 1/2 on the top.

Then using my cardboard as a pattern I cut some muslin( folded on the wide end) about 1/2 inch bigger all around and made it into a bean bag.

It looks lumpy because I used Lima beans (not too popular in my house so a good way to recycle them)

Then I folded the pretty fabric as in the tutoial.  As my fabric was directional, I made sure I sewed across the owls heads and left the end with their feet open.

I'm not saying what the stitch ripper was there for.... :(

It all went together beautifully, the button was sewn into place...

The big Ta-da.  Thank you TeresaDownUnder

ps. I also saw this on youtube for a cheap travel friendly one.

Delightful Stars Quilt-a-long

I couldn't resist this quilt-a-long with Michelle Foster over at the Quilting Gallery.  The quilt is called Delightful Stars and I got started a couple of weeks ago reading up on her suggestions and video links of ways to improve my accuracy and techniques.

Here's the first block.  I am very pleased.  Although I understand the principles and usually have no troubles with my piecing, Michelle encourages me to be more.  Accurate and precise, that is. This block is amazing if I do say so myself.  Maybe the use of spray starch (Mary Ellen's ) was the key.

I will also point out that as with all my piecing, I press my seams open.  Look at how flat the centre of the pinwheel.  I agree that there are times when pressed to the side is better but I rarely do it.  Here's an article by Marby Benson that says it all.

Knitting Mitts

One of my favourite pastimes in the car (or in this case truck) is knitting.  The light is good, and unless it is complicated the vibration of the ride doesn't matter.

These were for my Grandkids so they are smallish...even the red ones wouldn't fit me.

Backside of the Frontside

I love when the back looks as neat and tidy as the front.  Well maybe I like it because it shows off how much stitching I did...

Red redwork embroidery blocks

I had worked these blocks many moons (read years, maybe) ago and realized they would be a great addition to another quilt top I am working on so this morning I sashed them.  After putting on and ripping off a green sashing I new this was the right fabric and am really pleased with just the blocks.

I apologize for not knowing where these designs come from.  I believe they are by Bronwyn Hayes.  If anyone knows differently, please tell me.

These two blocks are definitely Bronwyn.  They are from the May 2003 Australian Country Threads special edition called Stitchery.  In case you are interested here is a link to her Pinterest page....are you back yet - I know wonderful, huh?

New Fabric from New Zealand

My Cousin went to New Zealand to visit a dear friend and in all that bonding time she found time to visit a quilting store.  Just for me.

I feel special.  And look what she brought me back.

New Scarf I Knitted

I took a trip over to Gina Brown's and came home with some yarn.  I bought a great bulky one and made this scarf over the holidays.

Redwork finds a home with Little Step Stones

Further to the redwork story, I love it when I have an inspiration.  I thought if I just laid out the redwork with the Little Step Stones blocks I have been working on...

I believe I am on to something...

I was particularly happy when I found this Robert Kaufman fabric called Splish Splash in my stash.  I think it really adds a special zing to the embroidery.

Small Duffle bag Christmas Project

My DD asked me to make three of her kids small travel duffels for Christmas.  She wanted them to be similar to ones I made for her and her siblings in the 90's.  I am posting this now that she has them.

I made the carcass using regular quilting fabric with a heavy iron-on interfacing and a lining fabric.  Then I stitched and serged the three layers together.  The pieces could be handled more easily.  She requested a double zipper on each side of a long tongue.

The bag has side pieces that are cut 22" by 13".  The Tongue is cut 3" by 44" then interfaced the whole length and doubled over stitching the zippers on either side.

I traced the end ovals and then topstitched all layers together.

Finally, the end product...