Pay It Forward

Ok, I have been seeing this around, so now it's my turn. I signed up for PIF with Rene and now it's my turn. The first 3 people to comment on this will receive SOMETHING handmade from me within the next year as long as you blog about it and get 3 people to sign up with each of you. Questions? Just leave a comment and I will email you. This could be as much fun as a swap!

Sew & Tell Friday

Poochie Bag
Originally uploaded by QuiltyBee

Do you think a newly turned 6-year old girl will like this? It's her birthday tomorrow, and I was looking for bag patterns to try--this is the Poochie Bag from Happy Zombie! She also had a cute variation at Moda Bake Shop for trick-or-treat/gift bags. This is such a great pattern!

I am lucky enough to also have 4 nieces (the rest of us all have boys), so this year for Christmas they are all getting bags.

The poochie bag is so very easy to follow--although I admit I didn't quite follow the directions (I find that nearly impossible). I added batting for a bit of firmness. Otherwise, I tried to do exactly as Happy Zombie so clearly described. I really like the results and will spend some time today digging through my stash for some more baggy collections--3 fat quarters is all I need for each one!

If you'd like to join Sew & Tell, just visit Amy! Have a great weekend!

Gratitudes:
Healthy (relatively) men in the house
Most of a day off work
Fun with fabric (plus I received my STUD swap from Julie--more about that later!)

WIP Wednesday

Four Patch Frenzy
Originally uploaded by QuiltyBee

I pulled these out of the UFO box, started 2 years ago! (See more blocks at my flickr.) They are a take-off on the 4 patch frenzy (stack four layers, aligning the repeat exactly, sew each stack together). Just ironing them up got me interested again--although I'm not sure I have quite enough for a lap quilt. This project is intended for my dad, back when he turned 65! (Sorry, Dad--we're all so slow). I think I will back it with red dragonflies.

I'm not sure how to quilt this--probably in grey since the fabric is dark with greens, greys and golds and the sashing is this dark, dark grey. I'm most comfortable with straight lines, but this seems to call out for a spiral or something. Got to get them sewn together first!

It's rainy here but supposed to be nice by Friday, my day with any time at home. Hmmm--sewing or yard clean up? Yard clean up or sewing? Do I really have to ask? Boys were just made for yard clean up, right?

Sneak Woodland Peek for Julie

Sneak Woodland Peek for Julie
Originally uploaded by QuiltyBee

I spent some time on the Swap Til You Drop (STUD!) mini with the woodland theme. I wish my pictures were better, but I think the old canon is dying! I had a lot of fun with this. Hint: the wonky bug has bitten! Now I just need to quilt & bind it.

I love these swaps and quilt alongs--they really keep me going with a project!

Wonky Progress

Finally got back to my Quilt Along blocks. I switched fabrics--same prints but slightly different colorway. This will be a gift and I needed to go with reds more than purples. I still plan to finish the purple and green blocks. It's thrilling to use up this fabric. (I have so much fabric it should have it's own address.)



Today was rainy and cold, so it was great to get some sewing in--my first Friday off in a few weeks (I'm supposed to have it off). I've joined a new swap--the theme is "Woodland Wonder" and minis less than 16 inches. I have some sweet owl fabric that might work.

My older DS is off on a date, the younger DS (newly minted 14 year old) at a cold & wet football game, and in a minute DH and I will sit on the couch and watch Numbers. Have a good weekend!