A Wedding Signature Quilt

I haven't been doing much sewing lately. I have two babies under 2 that keep me very busy. But I had to dust off my sewing machine for this special occasion.

My husband's youngest brother recently got married and my gift to them was a guestbook quilt. I tossed around quite a few patterns in my mind but I finally decided on a pattern by Thimble Blossoms. I got the idea for using the labels on the back from another quilter. I thought it would make for a great reversible quilt.

Photo by Marion McClellan

Photo by Marion McClellan

Quilted by Marion McClellan of My Quilt Diet
Pattern: On A Whim by Thimble Blossoms
DMC # 3802
Fabric:

• Hazel Plum by Fig Tree & Co. for Moda
• Glimmer solids in Champagne by Cloud 9 Fabrics
• Bella solids in Fig Tree Cream by Moda
• Quilter's Linen in Smoke by Robert Kaufman
• Souvenir Labels in Pearl (#13740-11) by French General for Moda

Countdown to Christmas

I recently finished up a Christmas advent calendar for my niece. Using the same pattern as my Thanksgiving countdown, I used fabric from two collections for a bright and cheerful Christmas version.

I added a red mini pom-pom trim below the numbers for a fun effect, although I didn't take into account how difficult it would be to sew on. Lots of slow sewing to make sure it was securely attached.

For the holly leaves I used scraps and the same buttons from my niece's cherry dress.

The binding was a perfect last minute find at my local quilt shop. Silly me didn't get binding fabric when I bought the other fabrics, but this bias stripe in red and aqua from the Hello Darling collection was the perfect finishing touch. It reminds me of striped Christmas candy. :)

Pattern: Quilted Advent Calendar by Sew Sweet Violet (altered for larger pockets)
Fabric:

• Multi color snowflakes: The Cookie Exchange by Sweetwater for Moda
• All others: North Woods by Kate Spain for Moda
  
• Background: Mochi Dot Unbleached Linen by Moda (#32911-11)
• Backing: North Woods by Kate Spain for Moda
• Binding: Hello Darling by Bonnie & Camille for Moda

Embroidery Floss: DMC 321
1/2" white cotton twill tape and red mini pom-pom trim found at Joann's
Stamp set and fabric ink: found at Hobby Lobby (use a coupon!)

In Everything Give Thanks

I decided this year I wanted to find a fun way to teach my son about gratitude. I remembered seeing a countdown calendar with activity cards a few years ago and thought that would be perfect. And then I saw this pattern with patchwork pockets and I fell in love. Patchwork has my heart, it's my favorite.

I had to enlarge the pockets a bit to get the cards to fit and I also made the rows have 5 pockets each (that was a boo boo on my part, but I went with it). Of course I changed the embroidery to reflect the holiday and I also added a rod pocket on the back for hanging. The muslin I used ended up having a more open weave so I backed it with interfacing to help stabilize it better. 

Now that I've made one I think I got all the kinks worked out. I plan on making a Christmas version for both my son and my niece, so you will be seeing more of this cute pattern.

Pattern: Quilted Advent Calendar by Sew Sweet Violet
Activity Cards:  Thanksgiving Countdown Cards by Everyday Celebrations
Fabric:

• Cream cherries: Unknown designer (found in my local quilt shop's scrap bin)
• Taupe pumpkins: Home for the Harvest by Heather Mulder Peterson for Henry Glass
• All others: Welcome Fall by Deb Strain for Moda
• Background: muslin found at Hobby Lobby
• Stabilizer: Shape-Flex SF101 by Pellon
• Backing + binding: Postcards from the Lodge by Pela Studios for Windham Fabrics

Embroidery Floss: DMC 498, 729, 367, 920, and 898
1/2" wide cotton twill tape found here (color: natural)
Stamp set and fabric ink: found at Hobby Lobby (use a coupon!)

Embroidery Floss Organization

I thought I'd share with you what I've been doing for my growing floss stash, in case you need to organize too. :)

Bobbins
When I first started out I used cardboard labels but I've found they aren't very good for long term storage. That's when I switched to plastic bobbins. The DMC brand is pretty expensive and to be honest, not all that  great. I've found that my floss unravels easier because the little slits are not very tight. I ended up buying 250 generic plastic bobbins for around $5 from here and I like them so much better. The slits are smaller which means the floss stays put. I've been putting all new floss on the plastic bobbins and I'm slowly switching over the floss on cardboard.

Labels
I originally bought the little DMC number sticker labels when I was using cardboard bobbins, but I've found that they don't stay very well on the plastic. Can't have a number label go missing when working on a project! You could of course write it on with a fine point permanent marker but I liked the look of the printed numbers. So I've been using my label maker to type up the numbers. If you want to do the same here's a few tips:
- Use the label tape that is plastic coated, the paper tape will smudge over time. It comes in white or clear, either color will work.
- I use the smallest font size possible. It's actually the same size as the DMC stickers.
- Between each number I put 4 spaces to allow for cutting and trimming.
- I do large batches of labels at a time to not waste any tape. I keep typing numbers until the machine tells me it can't fit any more, then I print.
- After the numbers are printed and trimmed I put them on the bobbins right away so I don't lose anything. Then whenever I have a few minutes I wind up the floss on its corresponding bobbin. It will take me a few days to get through a big stack but since it's mindless work it can be done while watching a movie.

Storage
I originally had 2 plastic bobbin cases that can be found at any craft store. But I needed more space and I didn't like the idea of having stacks of these cases. But I'm so glad to have come across some fellow stitchers on Instagram who get just as excited over organization as I do. I saw someone's stash in this double sided case on their Instagram and knew that was the answer. Apparently it can hold the entire collection of DMC floss (#stashgoals ;) ) You can find the case on Amazon for $15 but I recently found this case at my local Meijers on sale for $6.50!! I may have squealed and done a little happy dance in the craft aisle. So if you happen to have a store in your area, hop on over there and get yourself one. I've barely filled one side, so there's definitely some room to grow.

Hope this helps some of my fellow stitchers out. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. :)

Hand stitching while I wait

We had a cross country move at the end of April and the last stitch I made with a sewing machine was for my dad's quilt. Since then I've been doing a bit of hand stitching until the room where my machine will go is painted. I've been working on my cross stitch cottages of the month. After seeing others on Instagram I got the itch to finish what I started. I finally finished May (only took a year!) and moved on to August. I plan on doing a few changes to August. I already ordered the next two I'll be working on, July and September, and I'm really excited to keep going. These cottages are so cute.

For embroidery, after I got my summer pattern done and framed (I got it framed right before we moved) I started working on the winter pattern. I'm hoping to have it done by the end of winter but we'll see. It took a year to get summer done so eh...I'm not holding my breath. ;) I already purchased the spring and fall patterns so I'll be able to start on them whenever I get done with winter.

I'm hoping my sewing machine will be set up soon because I've been feeling the itch to sit at my machine again. My poor Farmer's Wife has been calling to me and I really want to get back to it. And I finally found a backing for my son's twin size quilt so I really want to get that one finished as well.

My latest embroidery finish

I recently finished this embroidery. I started it back in June last year and now it's finally done.

It's still on the Q-Snaps but I plan on framing it. This pattern is part of a four seasons series and I hope to complete them all.

All the raspberries are made up entirely of French knots! I ended up doing them last and I kind of wish I didn't. French knots aren't my favorite stitch and so it became quite tedious. But look at them, so worth the effort!

I did change up some of the stitches. I used very little stem stitch (I substituted with back stitch) and I added on to one of the bunny's ears, it just made more sense visually to me. If you look at the original pattern you'll see what I mean.

This pattern was a challenge to me. I've never worked with a single thread and made such tiny stitches before, but I absolutely love it. I highly recommend it, even if you are a beginner. Just go slow and feel free to substitute stitches if you're not confident on one (but don't be afraid to learn something new either). I'm looking forward to starting my next one, I already bought the winter pattern!

Stats
Pattern: "His Mercies Are New" (Summer) by Clementine Pattern Co.
Size: fits in an 8"x8" frame opening
Floss: all DMC, according to pattern
Stitches used: back stitch, stem stitch, chain stitch, French knot, lazy daisy, satin stitch, straight stitch

Check out my Flickr for more photos.

Christmas Gifts 2015

Well now that Christmas is over and done with, here are the gifts I was working on (in addition to the doll quilt):

The blocks I had done from the Great Granny sew along got turned into a pillow for my sister, who crochets. Because let's be real, that quilt probably wasn't going to happen. ;) But she loves it and plans on hanging it as a mini quilt, so I'm happy she's happy. :)

 I bought some new quilt tags from Mad Mad Graphics and I used the first one for her gift.

For everyone else, I used the Sweetwater custom blocks (from their First Crush block of the month) to make pillows. I had their names and wedding dates (or dating anniversary) put on the block. I then embroidered the design using their wedding colors and found matching fabric for the pillow. I made it so it fits a 12" pillow form and everyone loved them.

I found these cute twill tapes labels at Joann's and everyone got one on the back, with the exception of mine.

This one belongs to me and it not only has our wedding date (and colors) but I also included our dating anniversary.

Instead of the other tag I used the "PS I love you" tags I found at my local quilt shop.

All in all, everyone was happy with their gifts and I'm happy to be done! ;) I think most quilters and crafters probably feel the same way right about now.

Lots more photos can be found on my Flickr

Needlework update and secret sewing

In addition to sewing I've also been making progress on my embroidery and cross stitch projects.

The house on my May cottage is finally done and now I'm working on the trees.

The garden is complete and now all that's left are the raspberries and the final border.

I did end up purchasing the custom blocks from Sweetwater's First Crush block of the month. But this is secret sewing for Christmas gifts. All I can tell you is that there are quite a few of them and I need to get to stitching! :)

Holly's Tree Farm progress

I thought I would share with you my progress on the Holly's Tree Farm BOM. As with my Feed Company quilt, I'm going minimalist on the embroidery. The first two blocks had me stumped on how embroider them, I wasn't sure if I should just do the borders or include some of the text and other design elements (like those cute trees!). So I didn't really start on anything until after the second month of blocks arrived. Ahh, much better. These were much easier to decide on, doing just the borders provided the minimalist look I was going for.

I'm still working on the block below from month one and then I have the other block from that month to do. The third month blocks will be here in a few weeks and I hope to get caught up before they arrive.

Embroidery update

Been just plugging along on this embroidery project. I've put myself on a technology fast, I'm trying to get away from spending the majority of my time with a screen. So as a result this little pattern has been coming along nicely. Maybe in another month or so it will be done. :)

Pattern by Clementine Pattern Co

Laced and framed

Last Saturday I spent the afternoon lacing and framing my 'Blessed' embroidery. With it being such an odd size (8" x 6") I first got an estimate for custom framing at Joann's. It would have been $50+ for the frame and glass, a bit too expensive but I wanted to know just in case. I wandered around the frame aisles hoping to find something close enough in size. And I did! I found a 9" x 7" frame on sale for 40% off. Less than $20 beats $50+ any day. :)

I used this tutorial for lacing the fabric and I found the acid-free foam board at Walmart. I even remembered to print up a label and put it on the back of the board for future reference.

I'm really happy with how it turned out and now it's safely behind glass for all to enjoy. Hopefully, for years to come. :)

Holly's Tree Farm block of the month

My first two blocks for the Holly's Tree Farm block of the month arrived today! The fabric arrived on Monday and I can't wait to get started! This is going to be one cute quilt.

They even sent an adorable mini block ornament. So cute! I think I may gift the ornament but the quilt is all mine. :)

One thing I did notice is that the embroidery instructions listed the same floss colors as the Feed Company BOM. But if you look on the quilt pattern (where it lists the fabric requirements) you will find the list of colors needed for Holly's Tree Farm.

If you're stitching along, here are the embroidery colors that you need (all DMC):

Red: 816

Green: 471

Blue: 503

Grey: 640

Cream: 746

One finished and another started

I finished my 'Blessed' embroidery project last Saturday.

And I started my new project Sunday. :)

I plan on having the 'Blessed' embroidery framed and hung up. My new project comes from Clementine Pattern Co., it is part of their 4 seasons series. This one is summer. I plan on doing all 4 seasons and then hanging them up when done. I love all their designs, after I get done with the seasons I hope to do a few more.