Sunday, April 17, 2011

Gift Idea: Snowman Wall Quilt

One of my goals for the year was to work on Christmas gifts throughout the year to minimize the stress during the holiday season. I've been aiming to complete 2 projects a month, and I've been pretty good with keeping to it.

My quilting experience is pretty minimal, so to improve my binding skills, etc I wanted to find a small project that wouldn't be too overwhelming. I also wanted to learn Applique, so this was the perfect project. YouTube is a great resource to watch how to video's on binding and needleturn applique. Little did I know, I used hand quilting thread which is very thick, so for my first applique project it was more fussy than it needed to be. I finally asked my friend Joanna who is amazing at Applique and Quilting for some advise. She blogged about it here.......

As for the tree's in the wall quilt, they were paper pieced together.......These three were the best of 6....each one taking 30-45 minutes, so you could say I was getting pretty frustrated. If I were to do this project again, I may omit the trees! Or come up with something easier/less time consuming.


I think the Snowman Wall Quilt turned out pretty cute:)

Sewing Project: Table Runner


I love green. I decided to make a table runner that would be nice for spring/summer seasons. I had some home decor fabric in my stash and completed this project in under 1 hour. Very simple, and also reversible. After measuring the table and comparing the size to a store bought table runner, I cut the fabric allowing 1/2 inch seam allowance. On one side, I added a coordinating fabric to each end. Then with right sides together, I sewed 1/2 inch seam leaving 4 inches at one end to turn right side out. After turning right side out, I ironed and topstitched the parameter. I think it turned out great! I love the contrast with our dark table.

Sewing Project: Reversible Shopper Bag

I've been on a bag making kick and totally love Amy Butler's Style Stitches. For my special friend Michelle, I decided to make the Reversible Everyday Shopper bag for her birthday....

It was very simple to make and took about 4 hours including cutting, interfacing, and sewing. Compared to the Cosmo bag, this one was super easy and less time consuming. I love the versatility of the bag and the fact that it is reversible. I was surprised how big the bag was once completed, but I think it would be a great overnight bag, beach bag, craft bag....endless options. I hope she likes it!

Nintendo Organization

My husband has been on a Nintendo kick for the past several months. This has included getting an older TV so that we could play Duck Hunt....because yes, the new flat screen TV's don't allow the gun to work! So after living with the TV on an heater and cords everywhere for the past couple months, I decided to surprise him with my organization skills:) While he was off with his friends to a Red Sox game, off to Ikea I went:)

Prior to the trip, I put all of his Nintendo stuff on the dining room table and grouped similar items. I then measured games, etc. to ensure getting the correct box and ample amount of storage. The Expedit Bookshelf was the perfect fit, as we are limited for space. but the $40 price tag was also perfect! I think it turned out pretty good and my hubby was thrilled!

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After: