A Woman of a Certain Age...

I think it is a woman of a certain age who discovers a previously unknown need for a plastic bag caddy. 

  I am that woman.

I first saw this idea at my mother-in-law's house shortly after Billy and I were married.  At first, I thought it was a shirt sleeve.  Upon closer look, I discovered it held plastic bags, ready for easy dispensing.   Nine years later... I decided that I really should have one, too.  

Now, I do.

Such an easy project and with it came the priceless feeling of maturity.

Quilting On My Mind

The girlfriends and I were sitting in Chik-Fil-A, watching the children through blessed sound-proof glass and sipping our icy beverages, when Kristin suggested that we start a quilting club.  There was a moment of silence throughout the restaurant in respect for such a great idea.  Maybe it's the general feeling of limitless potential that accompanies the start of a new year or the fact that we all appreciate a good yard of fabric, but we were all on board.  Following the basic idea and rules set up by The Virtual Quilting Bee, we brainstormed a good list of fellow sewers and discussed the details.  There are 12 of us who've committed and I am anxiously anticipating the month when the group will work on my quilt.  It's set off this mad frenzy of internet searches for fabric and quilt designs.

 oliver + s                                                                        denyse schmidt                                                lizzy house

 

I love how quilting is wonderfully complex.  It mixes maths and art, past and future, function and design.  I am a great admirer of well made quilts and the people who know how to make them.  I hope that I'll learn a few new skills over the next year.

 
 

While it's not quite up and running yet, you can follow our progress at:

http://12squared.blogspot.com/

In the mean time, here's a little visual list of pretty things that have caught my eye in my recent blitzkrieg on all things quilting.  I'm always drawn to more traditional quilt patterns, but I love modern designs, too.  Generally, I go for quilts with lots of white.  But, maybe for this project, I should make something out of my comfort zone.  It's going to be really hard to decide what kind of quilt I want.

(Apologies in advance.  I will try to post credits, but I've looked and saved lots of pictures in the last few days and can't guarantee I'll remember where each one was from.)

American Jane

Denyse Schmidt

Moda

The Last of 2010

Here's some evidence of my last ditch effort for 2010.  Most of that effort was spent on Christmas presents.  Now, I can start focusing on 2011, which I think will be the year of the baby shower-- even more babies are due in my circle of friends than were last year!

Happy 2011!

Twirl Skirt for Lucy

Fabric: Heather Bailey's Pop Garden

Pattern: Edith Twirl Skirt

Twirl Skirt for Emily

Fabric: Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane

Pattern: Edith Twirl Skirt

Silk Flowers 

(on everything! skirts, headbands, pins, you name it)

Some friends showed me how to make these.  Here is a good tutorial, but WARNING they are addictive!

Lots of trappings for the newest edition to our family, Felicity. (Pictured sleeping on the center shelf).

Doll Quilt and Pillow

Fabric: Moda 1933 Jelly Roll

Pattern: None

Clothes for Felicity

I mostly used Simplicity patterns.  I really like the vintage dresses in No. 4347 and No. 3929.

I can't take credit for this one, but Billy customized this scooter for Henry.  I think it turned out great!

Henry's name written in slip-proof tread.  Genius!

 Bottle Cap Necklace with lots of interchangeable bottle caps!

Some paper ornaments for Lucy.  I'm sure I love these more than she does.

                                      

A little room re-arranging is good for the soul.  Plus, we needed some more spots for all the goodies Santa brought.

Of course there were lots of unfinished projects in 2010.  Some that will remain unfinished because I lost interest, some that will have to wait until 2011, and others that just made me angry.

                                      

So, here's to the project pile of 2011!  May it be as fun to climb as 2010's.  

Mom- Hopefully, these pictures are better quality than the web cam!

First Day Experiment

Lucy has been asking for something like this, for the first day of school:

And me, thinking, oh that would be easy to make! came up with something like this:

I can't say I'm loving how it turned out. There are a lot of things I would like to change, but seeing how on top of things I've been lately, this will probably get put on a shelf and forgotten... hopefully before the first day of school.

Baby Gifts

I've been working for the past couple of months on some special baby gifts for a close friend. I have had a lot of fun gathering fabrics and doing projects-- especially since this friend really enjoys homemade things.
{the banner says "theo" which may or may not be the name of the unborn baby. i got the idea for the banner here}

{this is a little swaddling blanket made from a knit blend and striped thermal knit}

{i used a gray chambray and cotton prints from denyse schmidt-- one of my very favorite fabric designers. the backing is dark gray flannel and the letters are cut from bamboo felt. i got the idea for this baby life quilt here}

{i used part of my moda 1933 jelly roll for this vintage inspired quilt. i got the idea for it here}

{a couple of organic cotton onesies with some appliqued goodness}

I also made a diaper and wipes case and some chenille burp cloths. More pics to come.