Updates: Retreat, Charm Swap, Fabric & Gifts

This post is a little long, but many necessary updates.  First off, this AMAZING bag below was given to me by From Bolt to Beauty.  PB & J is one of her favorite fabric lines, so I was so tickled that she was parting with so much of this yardage. Isn't it just perfect? I cannot wait to stuff it full of notions. I just love it and the inside has dividers, which makes it even better.  Thanks Michelle.

Next off is fabric, so about that -30.25 yards.  Here are the 4.5 yards of Cotton & Steel that I had to order at 20% off.  Already included in that number. 

While at retreat I had to visit the local quilt shop Quilted Threads.  That top print below has a bunch of architectural drawings as the print (how awesome), then some grey linen, and a variety of chambrays. The following shot is a couple more Cotton & Steel prints and a Dear Stella dot. For an additional 5 yards. Make the net zero total now -25.25.  Still in the negatives :) 

While at retreat, Michele and I sorted the charms from our "Tone it Down" low volume swap.  Aren't they so pretty, this round was truly magnificent! All the fabrics are just perfect, especially that little sheep print below. 

These last couple weeks have been hectic at work, and my machine was in this week for it's annual check up. Things have been light on the sewing front. I do have a couple projects to share from retreat, and hopefully by then I will have my machine back for more project completion :) Hope everyone is enjoying an nice safe Halloween. 

-Patch & Chels

Friendship Bags

My guild hosted a yankee swap at our meeting last night and I needed something cute, quick, and easy to whip up as a gift. This little pattern from ps. i quilt, was everything I was looking for! Added with a charm pack of white fabric, it was good to go. Even through I only needed one, they were just too cute not to make a couple! 

All the fabric was pulled from my scrap bin, very good way to use up scraps!! Except the bottom fabric, that got pulled from my stash. Isn't it awesome!  When I picked it out, I thought more would show.  I guess not. There was a bunch left over so it's going to become part of another Christmas gift. Secret holiday sewing is well under way :) 

-Patch & Chels

Fireworks

Earlier in the month my Aunt Bonnie and I went fabric shopping, click here to see what we got!  So far all the fabric has been cut and two of the blocks have been sewn together.  This quilt doesn't go together quickly, but I love the drama in each of the blocks.  I guess it's a compromise.  Good thing I am not on a deadline!  

More to come hopefully soon.  

Sew long for now, 

CHELS  

Gifts for Jill

Last year my cousin Jill started quilting.  She has been living in Spain for a couple years now, so I don't get to see her often. While she was home last summer,  Jill came to visit and spent time learning to quilt.  It was great to catch up and share my love of quilting.  She has since started quilting on her own.  How exciting!

For Christmas this year I put together a basket full of goodies.  Including a needle book and pincushion made from Marmalade fabric by Bonnie and Camille.  Each of those little squares is 1 inch by 1 inch!

Detail of pincushion.

She often has to travel for the holidays, so I didn't want anything too big.  This little project was just the right size.  Her next adventure is moving to Ottawa, Canada.  Once again she will be spending long periods away.  At least now she will be a shorter (and cheaper) plane ride away!

Detail of book front.  The front and back were hand quilted using a light aqua floss (DMC 504).

The inside of the book is the same fabric used on the bottom of the pincushion. 

Here is the book open to see both sides. 

This little basket of goodies is packaged up and ready to head off to oh, Canada.  Hopefully she enjoys them!  

Also the basket was hand made from 1/4 inch Rabbit Wire, something found at any local hardware store.  Some little project I found on Pintrest and thought would be easy and fun.  After my hands were covered in blisters, bandaids, and first aid cream to numb the pain.  I came to the conclusion this was not fun.  I did manage to finish three baskets before quitting.  Although they are cute and customizable, they are not worth all the skin on my hands!

Sew long, 

CHELS