Bugs and Frogs

This was my favorite.project.ever.

The same day my friends found out they were having a boy, I found this awesome bug-themed fabric.  It was like it was meant to be. (that white stuff on it is chalk, in case you were wondering)

I used the"Charm Squares Baby Quilt" pattern from Elizabeth Hartman's website, Oh, Fransson!  I lovelovelove Elizabeth Hartman's quilts.  I read her blog all the time, I buy her books and I watch her classes on Craftsy.  Her patterns and projects are very well designed- the instructions are easy to understand and the pictures are always really helpful.   

I only machine quilted the solid parts so the back would be interesting.  The binding was, of course, a challenge.  First, I made it brown.  Then I adjusted the seam allowance without changing the fabric strip size- THEN I decided to machine sew the binding. So, when I tried to wrap the binding around to the back of the fabric and "stitch in the ditch",  I missed huge sections of the binding on the blind side (bottom) of the blanket because it -surprise- didn't reach.  At least I ended up hating the brown binding, so ripping it out didn't make me feel like a huge failure.

The seam ripper and I, we're good friends.

No problem!  I fixed it.  Made it better.  Decided on yellow binding and cut the strips larger so all the binding wrapped nicely around the blanket.  I know there is a little more over-hang than most quilters like, but for me, well, I like it.

So do the parents- but what really made me feel like I rocked it was that their two year old wouldn't stop playing with it. 

I spent yesterday afternoon wandering around the Brass Armadillo.  I like to go by myself every now and again, it's like a little therapy/me time/style-and-craft inspiration.  The oldies they play are fantastic and I lovelovelove looking at the old quilts for sale......and I collect cute glassware and tiered serving trays.  I don't actually use them yet, but I have a cute stash going just in case I start having craft nights or something.  Here's today's retail therapy:

You NEVER know when you are going to need a pink tiered serving tray.

These say to me, "Cider and stitch'n bitch on a cold, autumn night"  Do you see it?

Have a great week!

Cuddly Little Pieces

I've been trying to finish up some blankets and playmats this week.  Washing, drying, cutting, ironing- I've been making all the little pieces, which will now wait in line to be made into adorable, soft, fun blankies.

I am working with minky fabric for the first time ever.  If you have any tips, I'd appreciate it. 

I finished a playmat-I really love this one!!  I was pretty sick earlier this week and somehow managed to mess up my sleep schedule, so my husband and I stayed up late on Friday and watched scary movies while I did a little hand sewing on the corners of this mat.  

You know that scene in all slasher movies where the chick with the large...bosom...thinks she's escaped her stalker and is walking slowly down a dark and quiet hallway....listening for the silence that would confirm her safety....until....wait for it.....BAM! 

Grabbed, stabbed, bloody...uh....mess.

This is where I jumped and then stabbed myself with my sewing needle.  I didn't bleed on the mat, but I learned a valuable lesson about what not to watch while hand sewing.

I thought I was going to knock out a bunch of playmats this week, but I became obsessed with finishing a baby quilt for my friend.  It turned out so flipping cute, but you'll have to wait until next week to see pictures of it.

After I finish a few more mats I am going to take the good ol' sewing machine in for a well deserved tune up...then I am going to make something for myself!! What could it be?  Here's a hint:

Is that a vintage-inspired, Christmas-themed fat quarter bundle?   

YES.