Memory Stitches

So I was able to get some crafting in before the wedding, and thankfully so, because this was very special to me and both my sisters. I found my belated mother's wedding dress in my Dad's basement. It's a beautiful, simple, old 70's style dress, which over time had developed stains and discolouration. I knew that it would never be worn again, besides maybe at a halloween party, so I thought to get creative...

I decided to turn her gown into something special for me and my two sisters. And so came wedding clutches...

One for each of us. I used my Fiona clutch design, adding piping and a flower. Mine's the blue on (for something old and something blue). Each has a coordinating lining with fleece to add softness.

I used the skirt of the dress for the body of the purse, and her train (with coordinating ribbon) for the flower. Each has satin ribbon piping with a string of pearl beads hand stitched in place.

On the interior I added a simple label - "Stitched in Loving Memory of Karen Case". I gave them to my sisters and they just loved it. Hopefully this will be a family heirloom that will be passed on for generations.

Annoucement

I haven't posted in a long time...been very busy with planning and organizing our WEDDING!!! Me and my man of 9 years finally tied the knot! It was a nice simple ceremony in a small resort in northern ontario. It was perfect, and we are both thrilled to finally have taken this step!

So now the next step is announcement cards. We only told a few family members of the wedding, hence why I never posted our plans for it. So we plan on sending out announcement cards like you would invitations to all our family and friends. I was thinking about photo cards from Kodak or a similar service...or making our own. Does anyone have any suggestions, advice or ideas???

I'm excited to get back to normal life again...and my sewing room...

Pillows Galore!

Well I've kinda developed a love for pillow covers! I just spent the last two days playing with fabrics and designs, and came up with these three:

I love the colours! The solid is a real nice smokey green - and the flower print fabric is bold and beautiful!
After completing those log cabins for Project Improv, I have just fell in love with piecing these fronts! It's simple, yet gives you endless opportunities for creativity and imagination.

I really like them all, but I think I LOVE the stripe one below:

So it's been along time in the works, but I have finally decided to start up my Etsy shop again. I was doing really well there for about a year, then I moved to a new house, things got lost, sewing machines got broken, yadda yadda yadda...but now I'm back on track.
So please stop by the check it out sometime.

A little craft...

Just wanted to share pics of my new pin cushion...it's pretty straight forward and easy peasy...yet functional and cute - just the way I like it.

You can find this free pattern from Heather Bailey's website. Click here for the PDF file.

Fabric Cork board

So I have been wanting to make this for a VERY long time, but supply issues (staples for the staple gun, enough ribbon, etc.) always stopped me from completing it...so yesterday I said "Just do it...and if it doesn't turn out, oh well." I had a large piece of this fabric laying around for a long time, and I have finally put it to good use. I didn't over embellish with ribbons because I thought eventually it will be covered with papers and lists, etc.

I used the Moda ribbon you get with jelly rolls to add a little detail to each corner. I think it looks quite cute.

Then I started loading it up with some stuff...the downfall to this design is the solitary hanging hook at the top...if I put too much on one side it leans. So for now, I'm restricted to light papers and pins until I fix...

As a side note, I found these buttons that I purchased ages ago buried in my drawer. Isn't it cute! If I have it out on the cork board than maybe I will remember to find a good use/home for them...

Wonky Log Cabins

So after my first success with making a log cabin, I thought I would try to make some wonky blocks. It started with this one:

Then came this one:

And a third:

Until I ended up with 5!

These are all 6" square. I used up my scraps of Urban Chiks Blossom. Not quite sure what I'm going to do with these yet...I think I'll keep making more until I run out of scraps. I think I see a throw quilt in the works.

I must thank Jacquie for her inspirational blog that has opened my a whole new world of quilting for me. I love the creativity and individuality of each block, and the freedom I have to choose the design - no patterns or designers to dictate my creative process! It's exhilarating!

Improvisional Log Cabin Block

So I heard about Project Improv from Tallgrass Prairie Studio, but I couldn't decide whether or not to join. First, I have never made a log cabin block, let alone a improvisional one. So I read through a few tutorials, and starting scouring my scrap bins. And viola! My first improvisional piece. And was it FUN! It felt liberating to just randomly choose patterns and sizes and let it all come together.

There are bits of Amy Butler, Urban Chiks, Anna Griffin and various pieces. I think it came together quite nicely. So the piece measures approx 14" x 14" - too big for the Project Improv - so I think this will become a pillow cushion cover...that can't be too hard, right?

I HIGHLY recommend taking this step and just flow with your mood, the fabric, and what inspires you. So with this great experience in hand, I decided to join Project Improv! I will definately be making more of these! Check out Project Improv's Flickr group. Some beautiful and amazing pieces.

Next attempt: try making it Wonky!