Improv Baby Quilt COMPLETE!

It's done! All quilted, bound, washed, and ready to go! This quilt had many firsts for me...first improv block, first log cabin and first time with free motion quilting.

Just had to get a picture of it blowing in the wind.

So I guess this was my one and only completed project for the spring to finish challenge. I think I started a whole lot more than I completed. Oh well, all in good time right?

New attempts...

So here's the quilt kit that I purchased from the Creative Festival in Toronto. The pattern is from Fons and Porter's Baby Quilts...found here. So as soon as I got home, a began pressing, cutting, and organizing. There are 9 blocks in total, 5 pinwheels, and 4 flowers.

I love these prints! I wasn't sure at first, but I think they are so playful and fun!

A first for me is machine applique. It took awhile and I was very hesitant at first, but I think they turned out pretty good.

I think this one may be my favorite.

And all my pinwheels. First time doing that too! So next...sashing and piecing together!

Gotta love the Creative Festival!

This past weekend, me and my crafty sister went to the CreativeFestival in Toronto. Our first time going, and were we overwhelmed! We definitely found some great deals...including all of this:

I'm falling for these old-fashioned feedsack inspired prints!

And on the other spectrum...a Nest jelly roll. I've been eyeing this collection for a while but have had to control my fabric purchasing impulses...but got a great deal on it, so it's allowed.

I picked up this quilt kit on clearance! And as you can see, I have already started it! I couldn't wait to let the rotary cutter fly! More posts on this...

So we have definitely made plans to return to the October show...and I'm saving up money for a new sewing machine. I think it's time for an upgrade! Now which to choose...

Antique Finds

I'm a big lover of old furniture and antiques; however, refinished items can be very pricing. How fortunate are we to have received two large pieces for FREE! My husband's co-worker is moving and wanted to get rid of some old pieces he has no use for. So when I saw this old Singer sewing machine, I needed to have it. It was his grandmothers...I'm not sure how old it is but it does have a date of 1911 on it. So then or after I assume.

I LOVE the old pressor foot (is that what its called?). It still moved back and forth, but I have not connected it to the machine to see if it's functioning.

As you can see it's pretty beat up, but I still love it. I have another old singer sewing cabinet, but not as old as this one.

In another vanity piece we received, the drawers were filled with all this old craft stuff. This old Singer buttonholer, complete with case and instructions! Again, no clue how old...I'm thinking 70's????

I'm not quite sure what I want to do with this piece...I was thinking of removing the machine, filling the hole and using it as a console type table...is that bad of me to want to alter it? I would keep the sewing machine and display it in my sewing room...polish it up and make it pretty. We'll see...

I'm the Winner!

This is my first ever blog contest winning!!! Thanks to Kandra over at Sibling Craftery I received this lovely basket full of goodies! (And may I add, the winning annoucement was on my Birthday! How cool is that!)

Fabric, embroidery floss, a hoop, needles, a pin cushion, a tea towel, and of course the basket.

1/2 yard cuts of each of these...aren't they pretty. I love all of them, but my fav is the butterflies with the cream background.

And all my embroidery supplies. Now I have never really embroidered before, so this set is great to get me started. I'm sure this will turn out to be another crafting obsession. Go check out Sibling Craftery's blog for great tutorials and free patterns...I personally like the birds of a feather embroidery patterns...perhaps my first attempt at this fine art?

When I was trying to explain to my husband about my winnings, he was all confused..."so these ladies that you don't know just sent you a package for nothing?" was his response. It got me thinking how the Internet has provided the crafting community with an avenue to connect, and how generous everyone is. There are thousands of crafting blogs out there, hundreds of which I follow, in an effort to connect with those that share your passion about crafts. People host giveaways and take supplies from their favourite stash to hand over to someone for free to share their passion. From here in my sun-room where I type away, I feel connected with those thousands of km's away...and I think that's something special. There. My little sentimental moment.

Getting back on track

Remember these? I had completed these small improv squares months ago...and I have finally put them together. And another new experience...free motion quilting!!! Never done this before! I think I did a decent job considering I'm using a cheap little Brother machine. It was a little difficult to get the rhythm of the machine...it really makes me wonder what it would be like to sew on one of those fancy quilting machines....oh dreams!

It will be about a crib size once complete...not sure what I'm going to do with it...but it has definitely been a "quilting-on-the-fly" project...and I've loved every minute of it.

Oh wait, more new experiences! I have never labeled a quilt before, so why not start now. This label is a duplicate of my business card, blown up, and printed on fabric paper. The problem...I forgot to put it on before quilting...so I will have to figure out an alternative.

On a side note: I got a new computer!!! The old university laptop was good to me, but now it's time to move on...

Welcome Spring!

Even though it still looks like winter outside, inside I'm ready for spring!!!

I think these are me new favourites!

New Bag in the Works

I've been working on this new design - It's a simple hobo with quilted patchwork stripe on either side, appliqued onto linen (this is my first time working with linen, and I'm loving it).

I love the way it hangs!

Using some scrap pieces, I completed two different patchwork stripes on either side of the bag.

Lined with Amy Butler's Midwest Modern line, and a square interior pocket.

So now I need a name for this purse. In the past I have used my nieces names for my other purses/clutches. I'm thinking the "Sammy" (after my nephew...but Sammy can be a girl's name too) - to me it echoes spring and summer, fun and easy. This one will be a gift for my sister for her birthday.

I will definitely be making more of these, and be sure to check out my shop for new designs!