Last Finish in 2011

This quilt was made for my niece for her high school graduation. I hate to admit that I started it years ago and I still didn't have it finished in time for her graduation. BUT she does have it now and I hope that she enjoys it for a long time. I did put a hanging sleeve on the back so she can either hang it or use it!



The quilt top was mostly from a kit, but I added a few more batiks so I could make the quilt bigger. The backing is all purple batiks that I had in my stash.


Sew until next time........

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Happy New Year!! I'm Back!

I'm back in a couple of ways!!  Hopefully back to blogging on a regular basis, which I've never been quite able to accomplish and I'm back from a wonderful 3 week vacation which took us from New Orleans to Portland, Or. and back by car in DECEMBER!!!!  Were we crazy when we first started planning this trip, or just hopeful that everything would just work out with the weather?  Most people thought we were crazy, but it did turn out wonderful!!   We had to shut things down for one day coming back because of "white out" conditions in WY.  The next day we saw what was left in the storms aftermath---4 over turned 18 wheelers left on the side of the road!
But the best part of the trip was spending time with DD and her hubby for the Christmas holidays!!  So much to do and see and so little time, but we enjoyed every minute! 
I don't want to make this too long because I know how BORING a post can be with no "eye candy" (pics), but I promise to be back soon and on a regular basis!!!  That's my resolution!

Sew til next time...................

Just gave it away......

the third out of 4 graduation quilts that I made this year!  And I think it's a winner in Hayley's book!!

I called this one "It's All There In Black and White".   The story behind this one is "if you don't know where you're headed at this point in your life, it's sometimes right in front of you in Black and White."

Again, this was made entirely from my stash.  I will have to start working on my scraps next.  I have 4 bags and counting to tackle.  Ouch!!!

 Gary was nice enough to hold the quilts while I took the pics. 

I quilted a stenciled pattern in the middle of each block and the rest of the quilting is free motion.  I really like how it came out on the back.

I'm a little sad to see the quilts go, but I know they are appreciated and will be loved!

Sew til next time......

Latest Finished Project

I can't believe it!!  I'm back already with a finished project.  I haven't given this one yet, but decided that it was safe to "put it out there"!
This is my "go to" bag pattern when I need a gift in a hurry.  I can usually have it done in about 3 days. The prep seems to take longer than actual sewing!  Isn't that always the case.

The pattern is called "Bethany's Bag" from Sweet Treasures.  This tote measures 13" x 17" x 5".

 I found this fabric online and fell in love with it.  I hope the "graduate" that I am giving it to, feels the same way!!  She is a bright, bubbly person, so I think it is a good match.

Front and back are different looks since the fabric was a large scale print. 

I pre-quilted my sections with invisible thread.  I wanted it to be "loose" like the fabric, so I intentionally didn't follow some of the lines.

I love this zippered pocket in the inside.  It connects to each side of the bag, and goes all the way to the bottom of the bag, but doesn't connect.  And the side pockets are HUGE!!!!

 This makes a good "book" bag, overnight bag, carry all bag or if you like a REALLY BIG purse, this is the bag for you!!!

 My little tag.  If you haven't seen these yet, be sure to check out this site  for the tute!  http://www.seamstobeyouandme.com/wordpress/2011/04/quilt-care-label-tutorial/

In case you're wondering, I "scratched" out my name in Photoshop!  I'm learning something new everyday.  NOW I just have to retain what I learn!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sew til next time...........

I'm on a roll...

so let's enjoy this while it lasts!!! 
I still have one more quilt to show you, but I want to wait until I give it before I post about it.
So today I will show you something else that I made recently for a graduation gift.
I found this fabric at JoAnn's about a year ago.  I just fell in love with it and thought whatever I made with it, I could always add some decorative stitching, which is what I did.

         I love making these bags and matching pillowcases.  I think it's something that every college student can use when they are away from home.  Here's a closeup of the quilting I did before assembling the bag. (oops, didn't realize it was so blurry)  I'm also working on my picture taking skills!!!

         And here it is unzipped to show the inside.

All in all, it's a simple gift, but one made from the heart!

Sew until next time.........