Spring/Summer Bag

Continuing on my summer project list is a new bag/purse for me.

I had the tan and black fabrics in my stash and purchased the floral fabric from a local quilt shop. The tan piece is a sample from an upholstery/commercial fabric outlet shop that has been out of business for several years. The black may have been from the same shop, it's more of a sport fabric, rip-stop, jacket type. I've used it on other bags, but there are only a few small scraps remaining so maybe I can make a pouch or 2 yet.

My bags are all about pockets. 

One zipper pocket, a large divider pocket to keep things from floating around in the bag and multiple slip pockets along the one side. I have become so accustomed to having these pockets that it's nearly impossible for me to purchase a pre-made bag for myself. Guess I'm a creature of habit....LOL

The bag is machine quilted, simple lines on the tan part and a free motion meander on the floral section. I used a Pellon non-fusible foam (instead of batting) for stability and pre-quilted cotton for the lining. These are also standard features for my bags. Yes, it increases the cost but also increases the durability and style.

It's been awhile since I made a bag for myself so there were some mistakes or should I say design changes along the way but all in all I'm please with the end product.

Thanks for stopping by,

Carolyn

 

Vintage Toy Fabric Baby Quilt

The next finish for this summer is a baby quilt.

I purchased this vintage toy fabric when I was planning a baby quilt for our grandson but I later found something I liked better so this was just hanging out in my studio. The coordinating fabrics are a green shadow dot and a very light green tone on tone, although in the pictures it reads as white or cream.

I used a simple hour glass block alternated with a block of the toy fabric. I like the on-point square in a square illusion.

The quilting is a simple wavy line done with my walking foot.

The backing is the remaining "minky" from an earlier quilt and there is no batting (lesson learned).

Just a sweet, easy project that is waiting to be gifted someday.

Thanks for stopping by,

Carolyn

 

Return to the Creative World

I'm back!

Well at least for the summer or maybe just part of the summer.

In December, I retired from (aka quit) my office job to become a

"stay at home" gramma to our newborn grandson. His mother (our daughter) teaches school so I have summers free for creative/fun projects. My goal is to complete one project/week. So far I'm on target.

This throw sized quilt is a Disappearing 4 Patch pattern.

I used scraps for the tans and muslin for the solid part.

The large spiral quilting was done on my domestic Bernina machine. Not sure I'll ever do that again on this size project. I started one weekend and finished the next due to the sore muscles. I worked on this project during the spring but finished it up this summer.

I started in the center free-motion quilting (FMQ). After 2-3 rotations I switched to my walking foot, it was still a challenge but I'm glad I tried it. Love the circular effect with all the squares.

The backing is a minky type fabric. I also used a low loft polyester batting which would not have been necessary. Live and learn. It sure is a cuddly quilt!

Not sure if Blogs are still used much anymore but thought I'd document my projects.

Thanks for stopping by!

Carolyn

 

Autumn Color Placemats

Autumn has arrived in south central Pennsylvania so I 

decided to add a little color to our table.

4 placemats from scraps of fabric.

I also decided it was time to brush

up on free motion quilting skills.

Don't look too closely, I am rusty!

That means it's time for more projects.

I retire in just over a month, although I

will be babysitting our new grandson hopefully

I'll have more sewing time too.

Thanks for visiting,

Carolyn

 

Baby Quilt for Expected Grandson

Lord willing, we are expecting a grandson early this fall.

Of course I had to make a baby quilt.

The nursery theme is forest animals.  

I found this adorable print at a local quilt shop

and fussy cut the little critters.

The back is minky and I selected a fun print for the binding.

My daughter thinks it looks like snake skin and she loves it!

Work continues on our "new" home, we've been here about 18 months. We are currently remodeling the breezeway between our dining room and garage to include the laundry area.  Lots of work, hubby has been very busy, but we are making progress.  

No more carrying clothes to the basement, big smile!

Enjoy each day!

Carolyn

                                    The Lord bless you and keep you.

                                    Make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

                                    The Lord turn his face toward you.

                                    And give you peace.

                                                                                            Numbers 6:24-26

Disappearing 4 Patch

 I found this little orphan 4 patch block in my stash.

Found a Disappearing 4 Patch tutorial on Pinterest,

cut on diagonal....

and put it on display with other orphan blocks.

Displayed using these vintage mini clothes pins.

Just a little project to brighten my studio space.

I'm planning to post more pictures of my studio next week.

Enjoy your day!

Carolyn

Dreaming of Sand & Surf

 Last October, we were privileged to spend a week at a beautiful AirBNB
on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  

I made this quilt for the owners as a thank you!

I quilted using a double needle, the stitches straddle the seams. 
The backing (forgot to take a picture) is a minky type fabric.  
The result a cuddly, comfy throw.

Thanks again to our wonderful hosts!

Carolyn

Where have I been?

Welcome to my much neglected blog.  

Many life changes have occurred since my last post, over 17 months ago.

We sold our home, purchased and moved to another. 

First snow in our new home.

Did lots of home repairs to both houses with more to come (bought a fixer, this will take time).

My hubs had a few job transitions but has landed in a really great position where his gifts and talents are being used to glorify our Heavenly Father.  

I spent many months working from home, but our office has moved to a new location so now I'm back working behind a desk.  

So many transitions, it just makes my head spin.

Did a little traveling, thanks to ministry training opportunities and a very generous airbnb ministry.  

Exploring the coast of Maine.

Outer Banks, NC

But you didn't come here to hear all this........I did manage to do a little creating too.

Sneak peak of my latest quilt.

Dusted off my crochet hooks.

Autumn pillow for our new sunroom.

Placemats, some fabric is vintage other's reproduction.

A buffalo check quilt for our living room.

A purse, one of my favorites!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to post again soon.  Stay safe and healthy!

Carolyn

Navy Bag

Found this cute navy floral at Hobby Lobby, even 

though I didn't need fabric, I had to have this piece.

Quilted using Pellon sew-in foam, gives lots of dimension

and added stability.  Although I used interfacing too.

The light gray handles, piping and bottom are

Waverly decorator weight fabric from Walmart.  

I'm hoping it doesn't look too springy, cause it's my new

fall purse.  Navy is for fall right?

Thanks for visiting,

Carolyn

1930's Print Quilt

While in Ohio Amish country a few years ago,

I purchased a charm pack of 1930's print fabric.

I have always loved the vintage prints and finally bought a pack.

After playing with the squares I realized I needed more.

So I put it on my Christmas wish list.

My son-in-law bought 2 more packs on-line.

I found the yellow yardage at JoAnn and sewed the top 

together months ago.  It's been laying in my sewing room 

waiting for quilting design inspiration.

The backing is a thrifted, vintage sheet.

We've had a stressful transition in our family this year and

my energy was consumed with just living but last week

I found inspiration on Pinterest and the energy to sew.

It's not perfect, I was a little rusty with my free motion quilting,

but I love the quilt all the same.

Thanks for stopping by my little blog.

Carolyn

First Dresden Plate "Block"

Tried something new this week.....a Dresden Plate "block".

Is it actually a block when it turned out to be a circle?

It's not perfect, but I'm pleased with this quilted table mat.

I also made simple quilted placemats for everyday use.

They aren't fancy, but it's nice to have a something new

in our kitchen.

Thanks for stopping by!

Carolyn