So Organized

I've been wanting to make one of these sewing mat organizers ever since last fall's Retreat.  My childhood friend, Jill and her friends had all made them.

I used 2 FQs--one for the top and one for the bottom.  The pocket is made with 1/2 of a FQ.   I free motion quilted around the flowers and leaves.  I made a sandwich, so I didn't have to bind it, just turn it.  Then I just sewed a few straight horizontal lines to anchor the front and back together.  I made different size pockets.

Now I'll always have my marking pen, scissors and ripper right where I need them--if I put them back in the pockets.  When you go to sewing group or retreat, the pockets hold your supplies.  You only need to fold it in half and roll it up.  I have yet to make a tie to hold the roll in  place--if I do.

We are checking heifers for the neighbors this week-end.  They are at regional wrestling for their son.   Two new babies yesterday--so cute.  I should have had the camera.  As DH says the first few are always the cutest, after a month you are too tired to notice cute.  lol  It will be about 5 weeks until we'll need to start checking our heifers. 

My New Kindle Cover

I finally got a cover made for my Kindle Fire.  I love how it turned out.  I bought the material at Quilter's Corner in the remnant bin.  When it came time to choose fabric for my cover, I knew this "was it".

This is the front with it's lovely elastic strap.  I can't believe how well centered the word "coffee" turned out!

A full on photo of the entire cover.

It holds my kindle just right for reading and protects it for carrying in my purse.  I based the cover on Terry Atkinson's pattern (borrowed from my cousin, Peggy).  I decided I didn't need a pocket for anything.  It was the first time I've worked with Peltex--it sews up nicely.  The highest praise was when DH told me I could probably make them and sell them for $20.  He usually doesn't say much about my projects.

If you would like a chance or two  to win the new Jennifer Chiaverini's book, Sonoma Rose,  follow this link to Just Ramblin' or this one to Lilac Lane.   Although I have a Kindle Fire, I'm partial to those "hard covers".

It's a beautiful sunny day here today.  It's 40 degrees out, but feels warmer.  We've had such a nice winter, but people are concerned about the lack of winter moisture.   I'm just enjoying it!

Initial Swap

Here are the things I sent to Ruth for the Initial Heart Swap.

I made a pincushion and needle book for Ruth.  I also sent a small scissors, two needles, 2 FQ and chocolate candy.

I made this pin cushion for her Initial item.  I filled it with crushed walnut shells (a first for me).  I really like the weight and the way the pins go into it.  I need to make one for myself!  I used Melissa's tutorial for inspiration.

This is the inside of the needle book I made.  I love those little scissors--can you tell?  I'm always buying them, so I have some on hand for gifts.

Ruth let me know she received them.  My swaps are completed.  In my next post I'll show you what I made for myself.

If you like to swap or would like to try one, check out Cheryll's blog.  She is starting another swap.

Happy Valentine's Day

This beautiful valentine was made for me by Donna of www.donnaslavendarnest.blogspot.com.  I received my lovely heart swap package in the mail last Friday. 

She also sent me this cutie-patootie pin cushion with two decorative pins.

Last but not least-- a Valentine bookmark, Valentine card and a whole bag of Kisses.  Thank you, Donna for the lovely Valentine swap gifts!! 

Accessory Bag Swap

I thought I'd show you what I received and what I made.    My partner was Heather.  She really spoiled me! 

She made this cute little tote bag and filled it with other things.  The bag is interfaced and will hold up well for carrying a little take-with project.  The memo holder on the left is so pretty--brights are my favorite.

Heather included two memo books and a pen.  This little baby went right into my purse!  I'm so looking forward to having a note book when I need it--no more notes on the back of bank deposit slips.  lol  She has inspired me to put this on my list of "things to make for gifts".

This little zipper bag is so sweet.  It is fully line too.  Heather does a great job with zippers (whereas I need more practice.).

Check out this extra special zipper pull!!  Love it!!!  It will pair very nicely with  my little project tote.  I'll show you in a later post how I'm using it.

She also included this really neat FQ.  I'm going to make something special for myself with it.

Thanks so much, Heather.  You were an awesome swap partner. 

Here is what I made for Heather.  First I made this little zipper bag.

I made the bag and then found this perfect button in my stash to complete it.  I used Terry Atkinson's pattern.  I like this pattern, but I really like when the bag is lined like the one Heather made for me.

I decided to make a quilted needle case to include in my package.  I had done FMQing on this fabric for practice.  I used it to make the needle case.

I sent her a pair of fairy scissors.

and a little box decorated with buttons.

I was really wishing I had made the needle case to match the bag.  Heather shared that she loved the needle case fabric, because she had made her daughter a dress from it.  I guess things turn out like they are suppose to.  I also sent her some chocolate.

It was a fun swap.  Thanks again to Heather for all my wonderful things.  I'm finally back to sewing!

Finished Quilt

I'm cheating............but I really did help finish this quilt.  Our group got together and did the binding on our love quilt last week.

A lot of this fabric is still from our member who passed away two years ago today from cancer.  Love  you, Gloria.  I believe the actual pattern for this was in an American Patchwork magazine.  It lends itself to a scrappy quilt very well.  The navy blue background of the stars is the cohesive part of the design.  I missed the night that they tied it.  It didn't take us long to get the binding on with two people on each side.  Someone suggested we start binding all our quilts together.  lol  I really don't mind the binding part of quilting.   It's a large, cuddly quilt.  The last two quilts that we made were given to families who had house fires.  We aren't wishing a house fire on anyone soon.  I'm sure a special time will come for someone needing some extra love and a blanket.  

This is about half of the wonderful women I call quilt friends.  We have so much fun together.   Last year we made 45 pillow cases for the local Healthcare Center.  The pillow cases have been such a blessing to the residents there.  They have asked us to make some more.  We'll be working on those next time.  There is something about homemade items that carry love from one to another.

Catching Up

First:  The winner of the book  Threading the Needle by Marie Bostwick is number 14.

James-LindaJan 30, 2012 08:52 AM

FMQ IS COMING ALONG NICELY!
THIS LOOKS LIKE A NEAT BOOK!
THANKS FOR SHARING!

 I'll get the book in the mail this week.  I hope you enjoy it, Linda.

One of the things I enjoy about deciding to blog is the friends I've made.  I have connected with quilters I would have never met.   I received a belated birthday gift from one of those special friends.  It was such a nice surprise.

She even wrapped it!!  So pretty............

Maria of Life on the Block is a very special lady and blogging friend.  Isn't this mini wall hanging the sweetest thing.  I love redwork.  (Sometimes I think I like it, because I don't have to decide or change colors--just enjoy the embroidery process.)  Red is one of my two favorite colors--purple is the other fav.  I really like the border fabrics that Marie chose.   It's a beautiful piece of work and I'm enjoying it so much!

And she also sent me goodies:   I like Lynette Anderson's designs, but I've never been in a shop that carried them.  This pattern is so nice--embroidery and sewing combination, but quilt related too.   I'm definitely making this set.  You couldn't have picked a nicer pattern to send me.  She included 3 quilt labels for future projects too.   A lovely note and card finished up my surprise.  Thank you so much, Marie!!  The gift of your friendship means a lot to me. 

You can find Maria's blog on my blog list.  I love her cute Wednesday flowers--so creative.  Her projects are always bright and happy.  She does a variety of things.  It's fun to know that our seasons are opposite and so are our time zones.  It's summer there/ winter here and morning here/evening there.  No matter what our differences we share the love of the outdoors, family and fabric.

I've been working on my valentine swap project.  I put the accessory bag in the mail last Friday.  I can't wait to show you what I made.   These little projects have jump-started by creativity.  I'm ready to sew again!