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Monday, September 28, 2015

A Winner and a Winning Sewing Machine Cover

Gill Watson! You are a winner! You won the e-version of Sweet Tweets! Congratulations :) I sent you an email.
 
 
A few weeks ago, I decided to tackle a sewing machine cover for my Janome 6600. I was still using the vinyl cover that came with the machine. But when a terrific load of Yuwa fabric was dropped on our shop...I just knew it was time!
 
 
This fabric, in particular, was the one that got my wheels spinning!
 
So without a pattern...just a good foundation of bag and box making...I set forth to create....
the EPIC SEWING MACHINE COVER!!!!
 
 
  I truly cobbled this together! Honestly, it was whack and hack!
 
I added a long pocket (divided) made of Hexies! Some of my favorite pieces fussy cut and some of the sweet hexies Susi sent to me!
 
 
I added a smaller hexie pocket on the reverse side...and some pieced letters...as well as bits of some of my favorite fabrics ;)
 
 
On both ends, I added tall pockets for rulers and tall things! Notice the fussy cutting! Hahahaha!
 
It was fun putting it together and really not difficult. I do find that if I am attempting something from scratch...oversize the pieces when possible. It's like your hair, you can always cut more off...it's difficult to put it back together. 
 
happy Monday!
mary 
 


Thursday, September 24, 2015

Sweet Tweets!

When Erin Cox of Why Not Sew? asked me to participate in her book blog hop....of course, I said YES!
 
I have known Erin for years and have long admired her adorable projects! Writing a book and sharing her ideas seemed like a natural next step. And, boy, I am so glad she took that step!
 
   
Sweet Tweets guides you through using raw edge applique and a technique called sketch applique to create sweet projects.
 
Erin includes tips on preparing the applique, which foot to use for sketching, and oodles of projects to make!
 
  
 
But you aren't limited to just the projects in the book. This book is a great jumping off point for using the templates and techniques to create your own sketch applique project!
And that is exactly what I did!
 
 
 
I used Erin's delightful birds and heart template and did a little sketching....
 
to make a pretty 'tweet' pencil pouch for a special little girl!
 
  
I added a fun yarn fringe pull!  I can't wait to give it to her!
Erin is having a big giveaway on the last day of the blog hop so be sure to head over here 
on Saturday September 26th!
 
If you would like to win your own e version of Sweet Tweets...leave a comment here! I will choose a winner on Saturday September 27th at 10 pm EDT. Good luck!
 
Have a 'tweet' day!
mary   
 
 
  

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Spring Fever!

Some time ago, I purchased Jen Kingwell's book, Quilt Lovely.
What a fitting title!
Everything in the book is LOVELY! I couldn't decide what to start first...until I saw Spring Fever at Minneapolis Quilt Market.
 
I saw Spring Fever in person and fell in love with the butterflies and flowers...and that scalloped border!
 
 
In between a gazillion other projects and family obligations - did I mention we have a newly engaged daughter - I have been plugging away at the blocks...
 

I enjoy working on it because it is a combination of machine piecing and hand applique. That works so well for me right now. I can piece with the machine and take the hand stitching with me as I go! Perfect!
 
 

I decided the new Heather Ross line Tiger Lily would be perfect for this quilt pattern. We received our selection of Tiger Lily in the shop - and if you are itching to pick some up...we have it at a great price! Personally, I would love to stash tons of this line, but as of now, it is not being reprinted...and there are only a couple of prints available from the manufacturer.... **insert sad face**
 
     
 
 
 But since I can't just work on one project at a time....I picked up the Farmer's Wife 1930's Sampler Quilt....oh my! What a lovely book!
More on that next time! 
xo mary