A catch up (photo heavy!)

What with all the excitement (trips to Brussels, wedding excitement yah-de-yah) I've not had time to blog about the normal goings on at the sewing machine.  So here's a little update on smaller things I've made as gifts and for selling in the shops.  Hopefully not too boring and same-y!

First up, Some iPad covers - After a false start with my first attempt, I managed to get the sizing right second time around and these actually do fit i-Pads in them! I played around with Velcro and zip fastening options. Feedback from James, whilst generally positive, did suggest double layers of batting next time (he's getting into the groove of this sewing lark!)

Then, a zippy pouch for Mothers day. I made this with the phone tucked into my shoulder catching up with the lady in a cupboard in Shetland, whilst she stitched and then unpicked some piecing - it's amazing neither of us sewed through our fingers! (Message for Mum: multi-tasking doesn't make it any less of a gift!)

Two cushions - I pieced the front of the first one yonks ago, it's taken me ages to getting around to finishing it off!

Some extra little zippy purses

A baby quilt - I tried to make this unisex, but rather than go rainbow, I opted for an alternative colour scheme. I think I was thinking log cabin, but kept changing my mind and ended up with these quarter log cabin blocks...

which I finally laid out in alternate directions, and added a double border and scrappy binding to create a quilt measuring about 30" x 40".  It's for sale in the shop at the moment, and is backed in purple fleece and quilted in a free-style wavy line pattern that is my new favourite "easy to do" quilting design!

(sorry for the appalling picture, forgot to get a proper shot so had to make do with a snap outside the shop!)

And finally, a lovely friend of mine, Zoe, whom I haven't seen for a few months, had a little boy a couple of weeks ago.  His name is Monty and I made this changing mat for him (well, more for his mum actually, although he may appreciate the fleecy lining!).

I followed this pattern but added improv-piecing to the exterior .  The pictures don't show the fabric covered button I need to add before sending it on it's way to it's new owner :).  Welcome to the world, Monty!

x

Chicken dinner winner!

The title of this blog post has sod all to do with chicken dinners, however, this week I do feel like a winner!It's Wednesday, and there's progress to share, thanks to:

• Felix going through a phase of decent length morning nap-times
• Lovely parents-in-law taking Felix for a very long walk this afternoon
• James being very tolerant of me spending more evening time with my machine than with him...

and if that wasn't enough, look what he bought home with him last night...

Thanks James, my scissors are gorgeous, you're the best :)

So, onto progress, first up, I finished a ticker tape cushion for the shop

And I got cracking with Mark III of the rainbow quilt.  I managed to design and cut this on one evening, piece it during nap time the next day, and make the back, quilt it and bind it the next evening!

It's roughly 40" x 28", the back is linen, with a cotton rainbow stripe, and I machine bound it (for reasons of speed and durability!)

I think I prefer Mark II but was still pleased with this one, and it came together quickly which counts for something when it's going (hopefully) to be sold!
I also managed to make a gift for a cool little chap, Noah, who's first birthday party it was at the weekend..

Things on the go - still working on the diamond cushion, thanks for all your suggestions re sashing, I've opted for pale green and a rectangular cushion. Here's how it's looking...

So all in all a good week on the sewing front....AND....I won a giveaway at the weekend!!!!  Double chicken dinner winner! yeay!  A proper bloggy thank you will happen when the goodies arrive in the post..

As usual, I'm linking up with WIP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced and I'm off to catch up with some blog reading because for once I've managed to get this post done at a reasonable hour  :)

x

Juice of Haddock?

Following my last post with the funny things the kids came out with at the weekend, my Mum emailed to tell me her favourite, and I can't resist publishing it here.  This came from a little boy (now in his 30's!) who's favourite TV programme was......Juice of Haddock!  Get it?    If you're still struggling, the adult translation is at the bottom of this post... :)

Quilt progress now, I've pieced the fabric together in strips with narrow white sashing.  Since taking this pic, I've also cut the rest of the sashing and ironed everything (which took me an age!)

Next step is to put it all together for a finished quilt top yeay!

x

Juice of Haddock = Dukes of Hazzard