Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Not exactly a quilt, but almost as much work...

Another finish before 2012 runs out. I pieced these at the beginning of the year, when I had all my fun oranges out for a quilt I completed. Couldn't put those colors away until I tackled something on my "to do" list: placemats; 12 placemats. (We have a large dining room table, in an odd shape (parallelogram) so tablecloths generally aren't a good fit). I routinely use placemats and thought making some would be fun. I had lots and lots of 1/2 square triangles in some of my very favorite colors and pieced them with Kona snow. Since my dinner wear is unique, I thought each placemat should be different as well. Without too much over planning and having the requirement of only one blue triangle in each placemat, off I went, playing more with the designs than the placement of each colored triangle. In the end 12 finished placemats, that when all is said and done, was just as much work as a quilt, and way more binding than I thought (yards and yards of binding).


The details:
The (not-so) Dirty Dozen: 1/2 square triangle placemats (12) 20" x 16" each
Pieced: various quilting cottons and Kona Snow (background)
Batting: Warm and Natural 100% cotton
Quilted: (straight line) with Auriful 50 wt cotton thread, in off-white and variegated orangy-red. (I think tutti-fruity but I'm not certain). Tone on tone threads for depth, but not contrast.

Oh, and by the way, this is my 200th post. So, if you've gotten this far and leave me a comment, I'll have a little something to give one lucky person to celebrate the New Year. Check back on 1/4/13 and see if that lucky person is you!!!

Now all I have to do is find someone willing to cook a feast,  I've got the table setting covered!

Friday, December 21, 2012

For baby….

My Daughter's Japanese teacher had a baby girl a few days ago. Since I hardly had time years ago to sew, work full time and sleep (part-time at best), I'm now seizing all opportunities to make all the cute baby clothes I hardly ever (I did make some, mostly for the Holidays) made……
(Plus the fabrics are so much nicer).
Baby Kimono top by Martha Stewart  (with additional instructions just in case you have a hard time following Martha's) and pull-on pants by Made by Rae:



The ties (which I liked better than buttons) are made with vintage up-cycled silk kimono fabric. So soft against baby skin. I added 2 additional ties to the side (In the pattern the ties are just at the shoulder).  The cotton top and pants fabric are both Amy Butler. I made the Kimono top in the longer length, since it's a little girl. (Yes, I know she's not walking yet, it's just so cute with the little coordinating pants peeking out the bottom).


Wednesday, December 12, 2012

12-12-12

I just knew there was something special about today.
This is why……...
A beautiful pouch, with  just perfect hand embroidery, full of my favorite candy (Atomic Fire Balls). The hand-stitched Christmas Tree card is equally lovely.
Thanks Whitney -  All of it is perfect!

Monday, December 10, 2012

Dear Santa-



I've been very, very, very busy this year! So, since it's that time of the year when it is much better to give than to receive, I am showing you what I made to give to my family and friends this Christmas. I'm photographing them all, but keeping it a secret as to who gets what. You see, I also love surprises, even when they are not mine. So, Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you see something you like!!
Table runner, pillows, little pouches, pot holders, and note books

Close-up of the Christmas goodies

Folded log cabin, I love the 3-D effect

Bee blocks finally in a finished pillow, Christmas Bee, Oh,  Fransson! block Pattern

Covered note books, pattern here

Holiday pot holder, Christmas Bee, Oh,Fransson! Block Pattern

Long, long table runner (this might give it away). Christmas Bee Blocks, Oh, Fransson! Block pattern