My first rag quilt done!

Close up of all my girly prints

Finished size is 70 x70

Yeah, it's done!  I've done a couple of baby quilts, mini quilts/runners etc. but wanted to try a grown up quilt.  It had to be fairly easy/forgiving, since I don't really know how to sew yet.  This one was done with 6 inch squares, 12 squares by 12 squares, with 1/2 inch seams, so a finished size of 70x70.  Perfect for snuggling under  as the weather cools.  I had a couple of fleece throws that someone had given me when my boys were born, they were just plain white, but they had such a nice heavy feel when you were under them.  They got cut up to use as a backing, and since they were so heavy, there was no need for a middle layer.   The rag quilts, if you are not familiar with them, are attached to the backing first, then the squares are sewn together with the seams up.  Next you snip the up parts along each side of the square (thanks to my mom who did a lot of  snipping while I made dinner).  As you wash them, they fray and fluff around each square.  I haven't washed this one yet.  The bad part of reusing the fleece blankets is that they don't really fray, but I still think it looks and feels great and will just get better with age -and it gave me the chance to recycle those blankets, saving on the project cost.   I used cotton for the top so that should curl at the edges just as it supposed to (I used 1 yard each of 6 patterns).   My son is asking for a quilt now and keeps taking this one to "test" on his bed.  I'm going to do one for him next but not the rag style....and probably not with the butterfly and flowers.

More holiday vinyl on the walls and a sewing project



Snowflakes from Christmas Noel at 3 and 4 inch

I bought a bunch of sparkle vinyl on clearance last year, soooo pretty, and thought I'd put some on the walls.  I made the J and Y letters 11 inches and used a berry wreath for the O.  Then used the leftovers for some snowflakes.  I would normally hate red snowflakes, but for some reason this year I'm seeing them all over and rather liking them.   I had that mantle made flat just so I could do vinyl on it.  I also had a plug put in above the mantle just for that very old tree.  It was my great-great aunts and I have to keep it far away from the kids and the dog (she has a dangerous wagging tail).

My other project share is a sewing craft, which I was very happy with since I don't know how to sew or follow a pattern.  We had planned to buy stools to go at the new island, but since that won't be in the budget for a bit, we are using the extra ones from the dining table.  I don't want them to get messed up so I thought I would make covers.  I had to wing a simple pattern.  Each one only cost me about $3.50 to make, cheep enough to make one for each holiday until we can buy stools, and I can always use them in the dining room later.  Thanks for looking!

My attempt at sewing a purse

I have way to much time and not enough hobbies...HAHAHAHA.  Even so, I thought it would be fun to try sewing.  I had a sewing machine that I used for minor mending and sewing on cards/scrap pages but I didn't use it enough to justify storing it, so I sold it.  And as always happens, as soon as it was gone, I needed one.  But that was OK because costco had one that had a new one out with LOTS of fun stitches....and there was a coupon (yeah!).  So now to justify that expense, I have to learn to sew.  I've done some pattern-free stuff, but yesterday was the first time I bought a pattern and (mostly) followed it.  I ended up with an extra unused piece, and I sewed a seam where there wasn't supposed to be one, but other than that, it went pretty well (I don't follow instructions very well).  The flower on front was cut with Stampin Up big shot/flower fold die I borrowed from a friend - Thanks J.  The fabric was scraps from my moms house and a pair of old jeans ready for the trash.  I really want to buy the big shot scallop die and try some of those cute little purses people are making with that, but this will have to do for now.   I did this in a couple hours, I think the little pockets filled with goodies would make a great gifts, so I'm sure I will be making many more.

Look at all those fun stitches to do on cards and scrap pages....errr...I mean to sew with!  I used the loopy one on the top of the pockets -cute!