Birdie Block of the Month

Well, this is where I'm at. 12 blocks, ready to have tops and bottoms pinned and sewn on.  

I had to do a little fixing on those strips.  The corners were not even remotely close.  They were all over.  So I either didn't measure all the squares correctly - or didn't pay close enough attention when sewing the squares together.  In any event, it was a pretty easy fix, involving measuring to find the off sets of squares and sewing them so they were the right size.  Now they are all ironed, again, and ready to go.  

Meanwhile, the rest of the group has already worked on the embroidery for 3 blocks.  Oh well, I'll just have to play some catch up.  I actually have a few embroidery projects that I would like to get done.  I thought I would do some practice before I hit these squares.

You can find out more about the Birdie Stitches Block of the Month here.

One Down!

I actually accomplished something on my To Do List!!

I needed this to be done by next week - and it really only took me several hours today to accomplish.  It's definitely not a professional job by any means, but it gets the job done, and doesn't look too bad - especially if you don't look real close. :)

Before: It really doesn't look that bad in the picture... but it was pretty dirty and stained.

After:

Edited for more info that I forgot to include the first time.

I didn't use a pattern or anything, I really just laid the original seat over the fabric and cut out what I thought would fit.  I was close at some points.  Then I just folded it over the edge and sewed all around the edge.  I had to do some folding and tucking around the seat area - nothing too daunting.  I also sewed in a few places to try and hold them together so they didn't get all bunchy.  I cut the holes for the straps and then just hand sewed around the openings - probably not the best for longevity, but it will be ok for now.  I also had to do some hand stitching around some of the bottom because I couldn't just sew through because a bar needed to be there.  (I know it doesn't make much sense, but just trust me.) :)  All in all, a pretty simple project.  Like I said - not done the best - and it probably won't last super long - but it will definitely hold up for the few days we need it next week.

Fabric Purchases

There was a rash of sales in our area.  I got some fabrics for a Block of the Month thing I'm doing.  Some girly fabrics to possibly make some bibs or other small baby items.  The striped fabric is for a new seat for the umbrella stroller.  Now I just have to get in front of the sewing machine....

Coming Soon

My To Make List for 2011:  (I figure if I make them public - maybe I'll actually get through them all)

Finish Surprise #1
Finish Boys' Comforters
Surprise #2
Finish Pinwheel Quilt
Surprise #3
BOM Embroidery Quilt
Girly Car Seat Cover
Umbrella Stroller Cover
Regular Stoller covers
Girly Clothes
Pillow Covers

Exciting things for today - SNOW!  And all new episodes of my Thursday Comedy block. :)  And an increase of little kicks and nudges - even some felt from the outside. Little girl is getting bigger and stronger.

Quilt Along Week 4 and New Work Space!

Here are last week's blocks. These were fun to make. :) I'm having a lot of fun trying all these new blocks that I haven't done before.

My wonderful husband has been hard at work transforming our laundry room into a guest bedroom and crafting area for me - while also keeping it's laundry room function. He built me a great work area desk and shelving. I can't wait to move my stuff in, but I need to wait until the drywall is done on the other half of the room. Pictures of that to come later.

Here is where some of my crafting gear resides at the moment. (On an aside, I got that great wooden high chair for $4 - yay!) I don't think many people could say they have cleaned baby food off their cutting mat...

And here is my new space!! I'll post more pictures once I'm officially moved in. :)

(have I mentioned how wonderful my husband is? :))

Quilt Along Week 3

I'm all caught up on the Quilt Along. Looking forward to this week's block.

Quilt Along Weeks 1&2

I decided to join a quilt along a while ago, and it started about 3 weeks ago. I've been a little behind, but tonight I finished the first two weeks sets of blocks. Overall I really like how it is turning out. Just don't look at all the corners too closely... :)

I was a little bit out of line with the guidelines in some areas. We were supposed to pick up a Moda Layer Cake, but instead i just got some yardage of some fabrics I liked, so as a result there is alot less variance in color throughout my blocks. Also, we were supposed to get a solid, but I got a polka dot (on the advice of a close friend and relative. :)) So far I like how it is turning out. I'm looking forward to tackling this week's block (which was posted this morning.) If you want to join, all the tutorials are here at PS I Quilt.

Hoping to post more often - we'll see how that goes.