Better Late than Never?

I haven't posted in a looooong time. This is why I was skeptical of starting yet another blog. I have great intentions but just can't follow through. But I'm going to keep trying.

First, its Spring! Finally. Today is partly sunny, I can see little buds on the giant maple tree in the back yard, the grass is green, green, green. Maybe now the Winter blahs will go away!

I've finished and sent off 2 quilts- One for my sister Jessica and one for my BFF Liz.

Jessica's is all flannel and was supposed to be a Christmas gift. She got it last weekend. I love the flannel- its so soft and comfy. I used a thicker batting than I usually do and it really gave the quilt a good loft. The quilter did a great job with a cool, kind of modish 70's leaf pattern. We decided on a green thread on both sides and it makes the back look great. You can see the quilted pattern and I think I like the back more than the front in some ways!







Liz's quilt is a wonky log cabin block quilt. I showed some pictures in a previous post. The fabrics are not ones I would usually work with, but I love the final product. I made the binding with leftover strips and its the first binding I've ever sewn where you really can't see the stitches. I am super proud of that. The quilter used a meandering pattern and I love it. It makes the quilt just bumpy enough but doesn't distract from the quilt top pattern. Another good job by the Patchwork Peddler!





I have been crocheting lately. Well, trying to crochet...I made a scarf (no pictures yet) and it took forever. I think I took it apart at least 5 times before I was feeling like I could actually follow the pattern. This new crochet adventure has made me realize how much I suck at following directions! I get distracted and just don't pay enough attention. Thank goodness for my friend Karla, she really talked me through the pattern. Thanks Karla!

I have these fabrics all piled up and am trying to decide what I want to make with them:



I am thinking maybe this or this. I have to think on it some more...hmm.

Go on out and have a sunshiney day!

**Homemade Holiday**

I am a novice sewer/quilter. I love to create quilts but haven't yet achieved the level of sewing excellence that I would like to have...My nine patches are still a little wonky and my triangle squares are just a little off. But I still decided to make some gifts this year. First up, a small quilt that is about 16" x 16" to use as a table topper. I used a Mary Engelbright charm pack to create the squares and I bound it like a regular quilt. I really like the results...I think it turned out okay:

This is the front.


This is the back.
So, I don't think its too bad. And my co-worker seemed to really like it.

The other thing I tried was to just trim out some flour sack towels. I used a Moda Merry & Bright charm pack to do this. Then I made a couple of little trivets to match. I love the Moda Merry & Bright fabric...its just so cheerful. I am pretty proud of these items. And my other co-worker seemed to like them, too!





So, slowly but surely, I am moving toward my goal of becoming a more-than-competent seamstress.