Vintage-style Dress

I finished this dress for our oldest daughter, Heather. She selected the fabrics (at JoAnn's) and pattern, I provided the "magic". I found the red vintage plastic buckle in my stash, it was perfect for the belt. I knew I'd find a use for that bag of buckles I bought at the thrift store for 50 cents :)

Oh, and the red shoes were part of her birthday present.  Such a cute outfit on a beautiful model ! When she finishes making her jewelry the outfit will be complete.

We survived the flu bug this week, so I hope to get back to quilting soon....

Stay healthy!

Carolyn

Disappearing Nine Patch, mini-tutorial

If you've made your way around quilting blogs, I'm sure you've seen the disappearing nine patch block. Recently I saw an alternative layout for this block (sorry I can't find it now).  So decided to write a mini-tutorial.  

For this quilt I cut 108 six inch squares, but you can use any size.  I used scraps so each of my blocks is unique.  

Step one.  Sew squares together into a nine patch block arrangement.  I used the same fabric for the center of each of my nine patch blocks.  Stitch all squares before continuing, you will have 12 large nine patch blocks.

Step 2.  Cut each nine patch block in half, horizontally and vertically.  

Step 3.  Rearrange your cut blocks and sew together in this layout (see below).  See the common center blocks appear in the 4 outside corners - brings a little consistency to the scrappy look.

Step 4.  Sew large blocks together using sashing, whatever size you choose.  The sample sashing is narrow because that's all the fabric I had, I also added small blocks at the intersections to match the corner blocks.  Finish with borders to your liking.  Here's my top, ready to quilt.  This sews together quickly and is great for using scraps.

I've completed this mini-tutorial for the H2H linky tutorial party hosted by Confessions of a Fabric Addict.  I will be donating this quilt to the Quilty Hugs for Happy Chemo project at Em's Scrapbag.

Happy Stitching!

Carolyn

Yes, I've been busy, just not posting :)

Hello friends - I have been busy sewing but haven't finished projects lately, therefore the lack of posts. Plus the weather in PA has been so beautiful that I even spent time in the flower beds!  Which is amazing since I'm not usually an outdoor type person, I'd rather be sewing...LOL

It's time to sign-up for Hands2Help Quilt Challenge.  I've decided to donate 2 quilts.  This top is for Quilty Hugs for Happy Chemo.  After I've finished the quilt, I will post a mini-tutorial for this alternative layout of the "Disappearing 9 Patch" block.

For my 2nd donation, this one to the NOLA project. I'm going to use these animal blocks that I received as part of a swap several years ago (like maybe 10). They've just been hanging out in my sewing stuff, even through a major move, just waiting for the right project.  I'm playing with the layout now, so more on that later.

And I recently finished a dress for my daughter, Heather, but I forgot to take a picture, so here's a picture of the in-progress stage, I'll post a finished picture soon! Don't you love how the vintage hanger matches the dress - Makes me smile :)

Also, linking up at Crazy Mom Quilts, thanks for the motivation Amanda Jean!

So what projects have you been working on?

Happy Spring!

Carolyn

Quilting for others - you can help too!

Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict is hosting 

the link is on my side bar.

Come join the fun! 

 There are prizes and guest bloggers with tutorials, lots of fun for worthy causes!  

Sign up will be March 18-24.  

Check out the details, sign-up and start sewing

I already have one top pieced and plans for another :)

Stay tuned for pictures and more info!

Carolyn