Apple and Pear Placemats and Napkins

These were made as an anniversary present for my sister and her husband (this was there 2nd wedding anniversary).  I did not know that before I started planning and making these that the traditional second anniversary gift is cotton, which makes this a perfect gift for them.  This was also my first experience with appliqueing and the 4 patch block on point.  This project was also my own design from start to finish.

Apple Placemat

Pear Placement

The Placemats:
These placemats were made with a four-point block that was on point.  Since these blocks were quite difficult to get perfect I just added a rectangle block to the other side of the placemat.  The center of each placemat features an apple or pear with a inside showing.  Each placemat was made like a little quilt complete with cotton batting and all to give it a padded and crinkled look.

Apple napkin

Pear Napkin

The Napkins:
Each napkin features a four-patch block with a top and  bottom border on each block.  All of the seams were topstitched to added reinforcement.  In the corner of each napkin is an apple or pear applique.  The back of each napkin is the same fabric as the apple or pear respectively. 

Chenille-Looking Clutch

Here is my latest sewing project, a shaggy chenille-looking clutch.  I got the idea for the clutch from Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Projects Using Cottons, Knits, Voiles, Corduroy, Fleece, Flannel, Home Dec, Oilcloth, Wool, and Beyond.  The clutch is made from flannel that is cut to have the shaggy look of chenille.  I changed the original design so that this clutch could have a zipper and a cotton lining.   

The inside of the clutch and zipper closure.

Adventures in Quilting–Scrappy Quilted Sewing Machine Cover

Cover from the front

This is my first finished quilting project after getting back into quilting after a long hiatus (the last project I made was a wall quilt that was a wedding present for a friend that got married in November 2005).  My current quilting journey began when I started to improve my sewing skills.  One of the best tools that really improved my sewing and quilting skills was when I purchased my rotary cutter.  Have straight lines when piecing and sewing makes a HUGE difference in the accuracy of sewing and quilting. 

Since I have been sewing a lot more I really needed a cover for my sewing machine and what better way to practice quilting techniques then on a small project like this.  The idea for the main blocks I got from Jelly Roll Quilts by Pam & Nicky Lintott.  The main shape for the I got from Fresh Quilting: Fearless Color, Design, and Inspiration by Malka Dubrawsky.  The entire cover was made from scraps and left over fabric from other projects (thus the name “scrappy” sewing machine cover).  I learned a lot about quilt making and what tools I needed while making this.  First I learned the necessity for having a ruler that does not slide (mine was sliding all over the place on me until I got grippers to put on the bottom of this).  It is really important that your cuts be accurate or your seams will not line up.  Also I learned the need for an accurate 1/4 inch seam.  I found a 1/4 inch foot and Jo-Ann for $5, which was a big help in achieving this.  Sine my blocks were not perfectly lined up I decided to machine quilt this with wonky and not perfect lines, which helped obscure my the less than perfect piecing.  Overall I really love how this came out.

Back of the cover

My First Fabric Handbag

This is my first attempt at making a fabric handbag.  There were some challenges with making this bag.  I did learn how to make the next handbag better.  As with everything sewing is a learning process and the more you do the better I will get.

Mad for Zippers

Lately I have become obsessed with zippers.  I find myself buying three or four every time I go to Jo-Ann but I am finding that at 2 bucks a pop is it starting to take a toll on my pocketbook.  I then found this etsy supplier: kandcsupplies that I can buy zippers for less than $.50 each which is SOOOOOO much cheaper.  Know I just have to figure out what colors I want, hmmmmm…….

Adventures in Sewing–Lesson #3

This is the third top the I have attempted to make. I was trying to make a dolman sleeve top that was banded with lots of give in the fabric above the band. This time I have the correct needle and all of my seams came out fine. The problem is that I did not cut the top part wide enough and the shirt is really tight instead of having give. I guess I will have to shelve this until I loose anther 10 or 20 lbs. That is a shame because I really like this fabric. I guess this will give me motivation to loose some weight . Overall this shirt came out pretty good it just is too small.