A Little Christmas...and Hexagons!

Yes, the Christmas spirit has arrived! I got to work putting together a little log cabin Christmas quilt.

I had great plans to quilt it. And the test sample was perfect. I didn't take into account all those seams this delicate thread would have to travel through though.

All the thread did was keep breaking, so I had to switch to plain red thread for the quilting...still nice but not shiny and gold.

One thing I'd like to share though is that before putting on binding I always baste the edge of my quilt about 1/8" in.  It really helps to prevent tucks and puckers.

The finished quilt....about 24" square. It is going to look great on someones table!

I have also been working on my hexagons. I have a map now. Most of the pieces are assembled into strips of 3 blocks. This is my pile...

And this is my first section so far....

It is going to be so very beautiful on my bed!

Happy Stitching!

I have a LITTLE guilt....

I had a great weekend sewing and cut into some of the fabric I bought while I was away to finish piecing this quilt. I love this fabric and had a very hard time slicing into it.

So here is a confession of my guilt. This quilt was going to be a Christmas present (and I will not say for whom) but after piecing it I think I need to keep it for myself. As soon as it was done I could see myself all wrapped up in it for a winter's nap. I can almost feel the flannel backing (I have to go shopping for that!) and see the quilting. And it is the perfect nap size- 60" x 67".

This one will be another big stitched quilt so it will hopefully be ready to use by the time the cold part of winter arrives.

So I am thinking a clam shell pattern with a nice brown pearl cotton.

And although I will not get another quilt made before Christmas to replace this one I will begin work on it's replacement for next Christmas...

And in the meantime, and despite my selfishness, maybe a little Christmas spirit has found me after all...

Happy Stitching!

Back in my Sewing Room!

It was a long hot summer without much time in my sewing room and now I am back! Over the last week I have been working on one of the projects I bought while I was away on my holiday- the Bow Tucks Bag.

As it turned out I had bought enough fabric to make 2 bags! Here are the outside pieces and linings.

And the finished bags!

...and details of the bows and tucks!

 

What a cute bag!

Two someones I know will enjoy them...yes they are gifts!

I did have some difficulties...I had forgotten that my sewing machine does not like Guttermann Polyester thread. It never has...even right after a cleaning and with a new needle. I had thought I had gotten rid of all my old thread long ago. I did not even think about it when I looked for blue thread for the handles. I am not close to a thread store (at least 1-1/2 hours away) and had forgotten to buy blue thread with the fabric so I was making due.

And here is what I got...

Yuck! It is only on the back and only on the handles (I changed thread as soon as I noticed it).

  I left it as it was warts and all. I decided it was part of the bag's charm...yes I am telling myself that.

Now I am going to start sewing my strips together from my scrap quilt I had started just before I went on holidays. I am so in love with this fabric I almost hate to cut into it, but this quilt has a purpose I think. It may be a gift...it is that season for thinking about Christmas a bit!

Happy Stitching!

Back from New Hampshire and NYC!

I had a little fun while I was away visiting family and enjoying the sights in NYC- and by fun I think I mean I did a 'little' shopping!

In New Hampshire, one of my aunts took me to a couple of her favorite stores and as it turned out I liked them too. Our first stop was Candlelite Quilts in Chelmsford, Mass. It was a wonderful little store that had great samples and great fabrics! I would be a regular shopper if I lived there.

My first purchase was fabric for this cute tote bag. I can hardly wait to get started sewing.

Next I fell in love with these Robert Kaufman Quilters Tweeds. I can see a new log cabin quilt in my future.

I have been wanting to make myself a new Christmas stocking. Since my separation from my ex I have been using $2 Walmart Christmas stockings for myself. Really it is sad that a quilter should have such a stocking, so I am hoping I get this one done in time for Christmas this year. I may be cutting it close!

Here are a couple of patterns I bought at the various quilt shops I visited while away.

Then I found this perfect sashing fabric for a scrap quilt I was working on before going away. Now I can finally start putting it together.

Some more fabric for another bag and some for just because...

I found my calendar while away. I worried that it would get a little bent in my suitcase but it made it home in perfect condition.

Then here is a little felted wool in beautiful colors and textures. I didn't mean to buy this but my hands wouldn't let go so I had to. I have no idea when a wool quilt will get started but when it does I know I'll have a good start on collecting beautiful wool for it.

Then I came home with some stash from my Aunt Sharon's stash (thank you Aunt Sharon!!!) I have some ideas for a beautiful brown and pink quilt.

Now no trip would be complete without going into a yarn shop or two!

I very much enjoyed my time in Knit Pickings in Plaistow, NH. (As you can tell!)

The first thing I saw were these beautiful Fiddlehead mittens all made up. I have been eyeing them on Ravelry for a very long time so I bought wool to make a multicolored pair and also a 2 color pair! It will be a great winter!

Then I bought some very soft sock yarn. After all, what trip to the wool shop would be complete without a bit of sock yarn.

And here are couple more projects...

I think I bought myself a busy winter! I can hardly wait for it to start!

Happy Stitching!

Progress!

I have been slowly working on those big hexagons and finally I have some progress!

So far I have 4 strips of 3 blocks put together. This will give an idea of how it is going to look. Definitely NOT my usual colors but I am liking it! I still have a very long way to go but I am happy with how quickly it comes together now.

I hope the next post I'll have some amazing show and tell! I am off on a trip to New Hampshire and New York City! I can't wait to see what the quilt shops have!

One stop is the American Folk Art Museum! And the garment district in NYC! And.... Can't wait!

Happy Stitching and I'll be back soon!