Mini Quilt Swap

I participated in the latest round of the Mini QT Swap on Flickr.  These are minis that are at least 9 inches and no bigger than 18 inches. The theme was "Tis the Season".  My partner, Marilyn, has received the one I made for her so I can show it to you.   I decided to make a block from a quilt pattern by Anne Sutton that I have called "The Night Before Christmas".  I have all the fabric for this quilt and thankfully my partner loves French General fabric!   

  I hand quilted a little in the star and around all the applique.  Then I added some "stars" with Perle cotton in the upper half.    It turned out really cute.

This is the mini Marilyn made for me:

She included so many things I love:  little hexies, fussy cuts, applique and hand work. 

Its perfect! 

Women of the Bible Sampler Blocks 5 & 6

I made up blocks 5 & 6 right away.  Hoping to stay up with this block of the month.   So far, so good. 

Block 5: Hagar

Block 6: Jezebel

Both of these are 10 inch finished blocks.  

This free block of the month hasn't been going for long so its not too late to sign up at Little Quilts.

Lined Drawstring Bags

I've had the pattern for Jeni Baker's Lined Drawstring Bags for over a year but didn't make one until the Twas' The Night blog hop.  It's what I chose to make for the hopper I sent a gift to.  Now that my day is over I can show you it.

Then I made another one yesterday.  A bit smaller and this one only took me an hour.  Partly because I knew what I was doing and also because I didn't make the handles but used some ribbon instead.

 I love these bags.   

The pattern has 8 sizes to choose from and directions for creating your own custom size.

You can also see how Sara Lawson added an outside pocket to it here on her blog.

I'm gonna have to try that on my next one.  :)

Twas The Night blog hop

Its time for another fun blog hop. This one is all about quick things to sew for Christmas. Who doesn't want lots of great ideas for quick sewing ideas for the holidays.  Especially if you're a procrastinator like me!  ;)

This hop had a fun little twist. We were to make a quick gift for another hopper and send it early so she could feature it on her blog post.  

I received a GREAT bag and fun pattern from Dorian of Ridge Top Quilts.

I was so excited when I saw the bag cuz I knew immediately that it was the Sew Together Bag by Sew Demented.   I have this pattern and have wanted to make it for some time. But I am intimidated by it. Why you say?  Look:

That's right!  3 inside zippered pockets that are inside a bigger zippered bag.  Wow.  I can't believe Dorian made me one.  Thank you SOOOOOOO much!!!

You will see what I made and sent on Mandy's blog, Just Keep Swimming.

Now on to the things I made for the hop.

The first thing I made was a Christmas apron.  Its been on my to-list for a couple of years and the hop was the perfect deadline to get it done!

I had this fabulous fabric from Michael Miller.  Makes me smile every time I see it.

I used the pattern booklet "More Retro Aprons" by Cindy Taylor Oates. I've made several aprons from this book. Not all sew up as quickly as this one.  The ruffle takes the longest time. Its fully lined.  I left off the pocket which is not something I need on an apron.

Next I made some Grocery Bags.

This is a great pattern by Michelle Patterns. There are three sizes on the pattern. I always make the large bag.  Oh and they are reversible!  This is a PDF pattern so you can satisfy your urge to sew at midnight.  LOL!

The last thing I sewed up were some itty bitty Christmas trees to make a bunting. 

I had seen these on Pinterest so gave them a try.  The free tutorial can be found on this blog.

I couldn't get a decent pic with them strung as bunting but this one I took before is fun:

Thanks Madam Samm for a fun hop idea. Loved the twist!  And thanks to Marlene for the work she did being our cheerleader/organizer. 

Be sure to visit the other bloggers today. Loads of great ideas.

Thursday, Nov. 13

Daisy Days  - You are here.

Just Keep Swimming

Words and Stitches

Apple Avenue Quilts

Pampered Pettit

Moose Stash Quilting

Women of the Bible Sampler

I started seeing some fun sampler blocks on Instagram and decided to join in.  The Women of the Bible sampler quilt is a free block of the month offered by Little Quilts quilt shop in Georgia.   All you have to do is sign up for their newsletter and new blocks are sent via email. 

I'm using my low volume fabric stash for the backgrounds.  Also this Mimosa collection from Windham that I have will serve as the main stash for the rest.

Block one: Eve.  

Block two: Rachel/Leah

Block three: Sarah

  This will be a nice slow project as the b.o.m. doesn't end until July.   :)

Leaders and Enders

When I first learned to quilt I was taught to sew off onto a scrap of fabric instead of cutting threads.  That way you saved thread as well as avoiding those nasty "birds nests" that would happen underneath when you start sewing a new piece.  Years ago I found Bonnie Hunter and her "Leaders and Enders" ideas!  In Bonnie's own words:

"Then a lightbulb went off. I took a bin of scrap 2" squares that had been accumulating from trimming scraps down, and started using those as leaders/enders instead of a wadded up thread covered scrap. I would sew a light square to a dark square, trim off behind it.....and eventually have a stack of these little "two squares" that I would also use as leader/enders to sew into 4 patches."

And I had my own light bulb moment.  Why not be actually making something?  So I started with 1.5 inch squares that became little 9 patches like these:

Once I had a couple hundred of them I decided to use them to make a quilt for my best friend for her 50th birthday.  Fun! 

Right now I'm making sampler blocks from Tula Pinks book "City Sampler".  I just cut out a few (from scraps) and use the pieces as my headers and enders for my regular sewing.  I have no idea if I'll actually make a quilt out of them or not.  Its a no plan, just do it, kind of thing for me. 

Here are my Tula blocks so far:

 I was able to meet Tula at market in Portland last year and she signed my book.  :)

Check out Bonnie Hunters web page, Quiltville, and see all the fun scrappy quilts that can be made with leaders and enders. She has even written two books about it.