APQ block swap top

Between Christmas and New Year I worked on hand blanket stitching the applique on my top. My pieced borders are on. The final border is on. It is a top!!! Now I need to figure out how to quilt it. I have to say that it was so much fun to look at all the blocks again and see every one's names. It felt like a big hug . I really have to get it done so I can snuggle under it.

I also finished this baby sweater and hat. The yarn was hanging out in that closet way too long. The picture is not good, but hopefully you get the idea. It has been really bad picture taking weather.

You saw this quilt a long time ago when I put these panels together:

Now I am working on the last section of this quilt top. The reason I am so slow working on this is these:

I have to hand piece them because I just couldn't get them right on the machine. I normally like to do hand work, but I guess this much fussiness isn't my thing cause I am still trying to get it done. I just have to piece 5 tumbling blocks together and then the rest of this panel can go together. and it can be added to panel #4. Then two of those panels get a section that is done added to the bottom of them. Then I can add the whole mess section to the rest and have the top done!

Current status

Wish me luck. I really have a goal for this to be a top by the end of the month.
Happy stitching

I can't believe I forgot

I was trying to get purses done for my DDs for Christmas. One was finished because I presented it at the Precut club at the shop. The other one just wasn't coming together.First I couldn't find the canvas I had when I made the same bag for DD#1. Then I decided the fabric I had just didn't work for this bag.
I managed to get more fabric. (Surprise) And to another store for more canvas. Then I just ran out of time.

I decided to finish the bag between Christmas and New Year and surprise both of them for New Years. I got the bag done. I put them in my sewing room closet where I couldn't possibly miss them. I missed them. DD#2 is back in L.A. and both bags are still in the closet. Maybe I should just save them for Valentine's day. What do you think?

The first bag I saw when a customer came in to the shop with one that she had made. The boss talked about looking for the pattern, but with all that was happening in the shop that did not happen. I saw the pattern on a shop hop and bought it. It is The Trixie Bag by purse strings. I took it in and it was ordered for the shop. At the same time we got in our first shipment of Kaffe fabrics. PERFECT. Here is the bag I made.

The second bag I made for DD#1 last year. This year DD#2 asked me if I could make her one like it.
It is an Amy Butler pattern, favorite clutch. It was published in American Patchwork and Quilting December 2005. I went over to see if it on the APQ site as a free pattern, but it isn't there.
Anyway, here it is, my version, minus the pin or button to embellish the flap.

Happy stitching.

UFO weekend

Over the weekend I participated in a UFO week end on Pat Sloan's forum. There was a lot of  sewing going on. I decided to work on binding a stack of quilts that have been waiting to have the bindings hand sewn for quite a while. Some of them languished as tops for quite a while too.
I am hoping to get some of those tops quilted this year. I am also hoping to work on some of the many kits, collections, and bundles that I have stashed in one of my bulging closets. Notice I said hope, cause I always have good intentions, but there are sew many distractions. What's a girl to do???
At least I started the year with some finishes. And here they are with bindings done. I think most of them will be gifted. I am running out of room. First up Santa, a Thimbleberries pattern.

Amish buggy mini

Thimbleberries wreath

Charm square table topper

Charm square tabletopper



BOM from Handcock



Red Hats started for my friend

Another charm square table topper

Baby quilt started over a year ago.

My week end finishes. My fingers are tired. Think I will do something else today. ;)
Happy stitching

Happy 2012

Saying good-bye to 2011 made me remember all that happened during the year. Some happy and some sad. Through all of it I felt like I had some wonderful friends here in blogland. I am grateful for the support and encouragement. Thank you everyone.

That said I wish you all a Happy, Healthy, New Year filled with family, friends, and quilty fun.
Cheers ;)