More Mini Sewing

I've been sewing much more than blogging lately, but hope to remedy that soon. I'm keeping up with my blistering pace of one Mini Amish quilt per month.  This month's quilt is creatively named: Four Patch.

It should be 4 patch with a few hst's thrown in for a little variety. But that's a bit wordy.

Here's Gwen's version:

And my version

Just the top so far!

This will finish at 15" x 18". If you don't feel like doing the math, each block finishes at 3". I can't wait to get a few of these finished up and hung in my studio!

Are you sewing along with me (Amy? Linda?) Jump in any time!

My Ginormous Tote Bag

At the last meeting of the Baltimore Modern Quilt Guild, we had the reveal of our tote bag swap. Sadly, I did not participate in the swap. (Trying to be realistic about what I can actually get done in the time that I have!) I still wanted a tote bag, though, dang it. And I wanted a really large one. On the lines of an artist's portfolio. One large enough to hold a cutting mat, pressing board, big rulers, etc. Large enough to take to guild meetings and to classes. Large enough to hold a couple of quilts. Or, even a cute toddler if we come across one. (Okay, forget that last one. Family joke.)

At the same time I was dreaming about a tote bag, this quilt top has been hanging around. It was from the guild's Row Robin that ended in December. I envisioned a sewing themed wall quilt, and made my starter row some colorful spools. My fellow "robiners" did a great job with my top. But when it was all done, I just wasn't feeling a quilt.

And then it occurred to me I could make the top into a tote bag. So I took it apart in places, did some rearranging, added some solid red to the bottom and came up with this really ginormous tote. I LOVE IT! It's about 35" wide, 25" tall and 8" deep. It holds everything I want and then some. I layered the outside with some thin batting, did some minimal horizontal line quilting, then fused a stiff interfacing to the outer layer and the lining as well. The lining is a favorite vintage sheet in an awesome red print (never seen before or since.) I already have it stuffed to take to our next guild meeting. I know this will get tons of use.

Filled with 2 quilts and a 20" pillow!

Scrappy Trip ~ Checked off!

I quilted up my scrappy trip a long! Took no time at all and I'm so happy to have peeled another layer off of the "tops that need quilting pile."

Last weekend I swung by our local post office, hoping it was open (it was not.) Adorable, isn't it? Built from an old railroad depot, back in 1904. Right next to the post office is this stone bridge which runs over the tracks. Hmm, looks like a great place to hang a quilt from.

So yesterday, as Katie was practicing her driving (she did great and I only had to slam on my invisible passenger seat brakes once!) I took her to the bridge to do a quilt photo shoot.

The quilt is still a little crazy for me. But, I did discover some fabric combinations that I really like. I hope I still have some of this fabric left!

So, Hi Again...

When bloggers take a break, be it a few days, weeks or months, there's the obligatory, Sorry I've been away, and here's why....

My why: I got a job. One that requires me to show up at 8 every morning, and stay until 5 ish. I tell you what, working takes up a LOT of time. And leaves very little time for sewing. And even less for blogging. Those bloggers who work outside the home, have kids and a life, and who also manage to blog on a regular basis: I tip my rotary cutter to you. You rock!

Some sewing has been going on. I participated in the Madrona Road challenge with my Baltimore Modern Quilt Guild. I'd show you the quilt, but I think I left it at work. Next week for that one. I can show you this though.

Yeah, I did it. A scrappy trip around the world (although, I set it in more of a chevron style.) I wasn't going to do this one. I have plenty of projects. But a few weeks ago I and a few friends from the guild taught a Modern Quilt Sampler workshop, which meant plenty of downtime while the other gals were teaching. I wanted to sew something relatively mindless. This was just the ticket. I ended up doing 20 blocks. I don't really love this. I don't hate it, but I don't love it. Up close, it looks like a hot mess. It really needs distance to get it. But, I'm glad I made it for two reasons: I found some great fabric combinations along the way. And, I realize I haven't got nearly enough lights in my stash. I'll need to remedy that asap!

The 2013 Bee Vintage group started up this month. Linda asked for Lady of the Lake. Lots of hsts! I think it will make a nice quilt.

Liz asked for a granny square block. This is the perfect block for vintage sheets!

So there. I blogged. Hope I can make it a more regular thing!

Zakka Delightful Linen Bag

Another quick and easy from Zakka Style.

The linen is recycled from an old skirt. A precious scrap of vintage fabric (aqua and red! probably from the 30's or 40's), a bit of lace taken from an old linen napkin. Love this one!