Make Mine Modern

My Make Mine Modern Swap package is in the mail.  I've actually had it ready for awhile, but the mail date wasn't til the 10th.  Since BD#2 and I are sharing a car, I didn't actually mail it til Saturday.

The package actually consists of the pillow, done pieced square in a square fashion...

A little zipper pouch, that would be great for holding things like crochet hooks or seam rippers, or maybe even a little travel sewing kit...

A little embroidered hoop...

A pinnie...

And of course, the purpose of the whole swap, 1-1/2 yards of fabric, which in this case is 6 fat quarters of Tula Pink's Prince Charming, purchased from my fave web shop, Westwood Acres.

Partner, I hope you like it!

Make Mine Modern

One of the only swaps I am involved in right now is the Make Mine Modern swap.  I love this swap.  The creativity of the participants just amazes me!  I really can't hold a candle to the other folks who participate in this swap, but I love seeing what everyone comes up with.  Each participant creates one sewing item, one "other" item, and gives their partner 1-1/2 yards of fabric.

This is the second time I've participated, and I always have a hard time deciding what to do.  This time, I only had one of the fabrics on my partner's "list" - Tula Pink's Prince Charming.  I bought a charm pack from Westwood Acres on etsy,  It's nice to be able to purchase just a little bit of these yummy fabrics to play with, especially when funds - and time - are limited right now.

Since I started with a charm pack, my options were limited as far as fussy cutting the center image, but overall, I like it. I used 9 charm squares for this pillow top.  I used a whole charm for the center and 1-1/2 inch pieces for the center motif.  The Kona green was a scrap from another project, but actually matches the green in the center.  The outer square was the rest of the charm squares I used for the center cut in 1-3/4 strips and random lengths.  I'm not really a fan of gray, but I actually like the gray in this.  There isn't much of it, but it really makes the other colors pop.  And I think the white gives it a clean, crisp look.

So, dear partner, I hope you like my creation.  I'm still thinking about what to do for your sewing item.   Hints?

So Far Behind... Big Sewing Weekend Planned

This is the PTS4 pillow I received from Lexiloo in January

Don't forget about my Little Apples giveaway  which ends Saturday at midnight Central time. 

Since BD#1 introduced me to Flickr and swapping last fall, I've been having a great time.  I have had fun making projects for others, and received some awesome things in return.  I have tried things I might never have tried if it hadn't been for the creative challenge of the swap.  My own creativity has been stimulated as I observed what others have done.  It has been a blast.

But, as with so many things in my life, if a little is good, a lot is better.  When I was a kid, my mom would say that my eyes were bigger than my stomach.  I think maybe it's the same principle.

And I didn't expect the distraction of a wedding...  or a second trip to Salt Lake City in less than a month...

And so now I am way behind, and deadlines are looming.

The good news is that I have this weekend to sew, and I am determined to get these projects done on time (the placemat swap is due June 23, but everything else is due July 1). 

Here is my list for the weekend:

1.  Placemat Quilt Swap 6.  This one is new to me and it sounded like so much fun!  My partner keeps sending me teasing emails and even posted a black and white picture of her project, complete with polka dots and stripes, and it has points, similar to a Dresden.  Such a tease!  And I know what I'm going to do - finally - so it's just a matter of sitting down to do it.  Let's just say that I'm thinking "summer"...

2.  Pillow Talk Swap 5.  I loved PTS4, although that was my first "real" swap.  I really struggled with it, and I don't think I would do that project again if I had it to do over, but it was a real learning experience.  I received not one but TWO great pillows from my partner.  Here's the second one...

This is the other pillow I received in PTS4 from my partner, Lexiloo.

3.  Mug Rug Swap Adventure 2.  This is another swap that is new to me, but it sounded like so much fun.  One of my partners from a prior swap is the swap mama.  Mug rugs are amazingly hard for me.  They are so small and look so easy, but their size is deceptive.  But I have an idea for this one too, and just have to execute it in fabric.  For this one, I'm thinking "beach"....

4.  Spicing Up the Kitchen.  I did the first round of this swap and it was a blast. My partner gave some pretty good hints, so I know exactly what I want to do for this one, but my idea seems a little bit challenging, and will require WH's help.  I've been admiring the embroidery hoop clocks - in fact, BD#1 actually received one in a swap and I wanted to swipe it, but restrained myself.  Anyway, I found an awesome tutorial online, and can't wait to try it.  I really struggled with this one last time too, but I'm hoping this time it will go smoothly.

5.  Santa Sack Swap.  This one is not a Flickr swap, but it sounded like so much fun.  You make a large Santa Sack, and two items and send to your partner on July 1st.  Then, 2 items a month until December.  On Christmas Day, your partner gets to open her sack with all her gifts in it.  This one isn't a secret swap, so I'll have to be discrete with the photos and hints.  My partner is Pauline from the UK.  She has already sent me her 1st package, so I really feel like a slacker.

6.  Christmas Fabric Bee.  June was my month for the CF Bee, and I mailed my fabric {almost} on time (it went out June 1st), so that's one I can wait a little bit on.  {The blocks the ladies are making and posting on Flickr are AWESOME!!!  I'm so excited about this quilt.  It is going to be way fun!}  The other QB for June is Julie, and she chose a "village" of trees and houses.  My assignment is a tree block, so that shouldn't be too hard, although she wanted pieced blocks, not appliqued, so that takes a little more thinking maybe.

7.  First Time Bee.  Carol has asked  us to do a black and white block with a pop of color.  I have ideas of what I will do for my two blocks, so it's just a matter of actually doing it.

So, I think that's it.  Over committed?  Undoubtedly.  Insurmountable?  No, I don't think so.

I will say that I have scaled way back for the rest of the summer.  I have a wedding to help organize and a wedding dress to alter, after all.  The good news is that it's too hot to be distracted by ANYTHING that has to do with outside. { It IS Father's Day weekend, and WH probably deserves a bit of attention.  I told him I'd take him to a movie.  And we'll probably do dinner or something easy.}

And I just couldn't resist another round of the Make Mine Modern swap - it was SO much fun last time, but I don't even have my partner for that one yet, so I've got awhile. 

Anyway wish me luck - and a productive weekend.

Happy sewing!

Make Mine Modern

Don't forget to enter my Blogiversary Giveaway.  The Week 3 giveaway is here.

Yesterday was the deadline to mail my items for the Make Mine Modern swap, and I squeaked in just under the wire.  I don't know why I waited until the last minute to finish this up, exactly. This was a long swap - I think it started in January - but it just took me a long time to decide on something I thought my partner would like.  I finally decided on a sewing apron "tool belt" because it seemed like something my partner could use.  I hope she likes it.

This photo was taken before I modified the scissor loops.  Sadly, I didn't take an "after" photo.

The pattern is loosely based on the one in the One Yard Wonders book by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins.  I thought I followed the dimension directions pretty closely, but it doesn't look very much like the one Tracy at Pink Chalk Fabrics has on their blog.  I love that they are reviewing the patterns in the book.  Their reviews and creations are what motivated me to actually buy the book, although it was on my Amazon wish list for maybe about a year.  Anyway, I really like their practical approach, and having the benefit of their experiences as they re-create the patterns in the book.

I modified the pockets somewhat, and added a little pinwheel pin cushion to the front.  I also modified the scissor loops, because they just seemed too big.  My partner said she was pink-deprived, and I think this should satisfy her pink craving.  The back is canvas, so it is very sturdy and should hold up to a lot of use.  Also, the canvas should prevent pins in the pin cushion from stabbing the tender flesh underneath.  I hope.  That was the thought anyway.

The hoop was a lot of fun.  I knew from the beginning I wanted to do a hoop.  I think I was inspired by all of the wonderful hoops I saw in the {Scrappy} Hoops Swap.  I didn't participate in that one, but my daughter did, and there was such an abundance of creativity in that swap I was blown away.  At the time, I was just being introduced to Flickr and swapping, and all of that genius amazed me.  Still does in fact.  I woke up one morning a couple of Saturdays ago with this quote on my mind.  I have no idea if I have heard it somewhere before, but I couldn't get it out of my mind. If you know where the quote came from, let me know.
 
I showed BD#2 and WH the hoop when I finished it, and both said, "shouldn't it be 'said and done?' and I was like, "That doesn't rhyme.  You just don't get it."

Then I showed my co-worker, who is into needlework, and she immediately said, "Oh, that is SO me," so maybe you have to be into fabrics and stitching to "get it".  Anyway, it was a fun hoop to do, and I hope my partner likes it.  I worked it on Kona (ivory? off white?) and it was such a great fabric to work on.  I will be doing more embroidery on Kona.  It has just enough body to make stitching a breeze. The last embroidery I did was on linen, and that was not a great experience.  The linen kept stretching in odd directions.  So much so that I nearly gave up.

I included a little pinnie

and of course one of my hexie needlebooks, which are so easy and fun I just can't NOT include them.  And the fabric of course.  The ones I sent are some that just make me happy.  I hope they make my partner happy too.

So, there it is.  The swaps seem to be winding down a little.  For the summer maybe?  I still have plenty going on, but somehow I miss the ones that are finished.  I've really been enjoying them.

And now, for my Saturday plans....  BD#2 is making a quilt from an Origins charm pack and some yardage Santa got her for Christmas, and we have a couple of dresses in the works.  I thought she was staying until Monday, but she is leaving in the morning, so we've got to get busy.  She also wants to go pick some strawberries and  make some jam today - she wanted blueberries, but they're not ready yet.  So it should be a busy Saturday.  I love that she's starting to enjoy sewing and quilting.  And that BD#1 enjoys it so much.  It's fun to share these things I love with my girls.

Super Mail Day!!

Be sure to drop in and enter my Blogiversary Giveaway (Week 2) here:

Yesterday morning, about 9:30, I was sitting in the den planning my projects for the day when the mailman pounded on the door.  He had an Express Mail package for me.  I really wasn't expecting anything, especially not Express Mail.

When I opened the package, there were these two delightful GMFG blocks from Laine.  It seems that she had mailed the package on time, and to my address, but in Atlanta.  Oops.  I really had only vaguely thought about the fact that I was missing some blocks, and I certainly didn't expect her to spend a fortune to mail them, but aren't they beautiful?  And they will add so much to my quilt.  I showed it yesterday, but I'm pretty excited about it, so I'll do it again.  Here are all the GMFG blocks I have so far...

And here are all the hexies I have already made that just have to be sewn into blocks...

I'm really starting to get excited about my quilt.

In the afternoon, WH and I took an unplanned lunchbreak (with a coupon, of course - thank you Wanita) and then went to the Navy Exchange.  When I got home, there was another package on my doorstep.  A big one.  It was so cute.  I tore into it before I took a picture, but it had cute stickers on the address label, and I just knew it had to contain something wonderful.

This is what was in it...

Can you believe it?  All this, for ME??  I was blown away.  My partner, Suzettra, had apparently stalked me forever, and she came up with the perfect things.  I told her I didn't think there were enough exclamation points in the universe to describe how excited I was!!!!!

There was a yummy orange, peach and aqua sewing machine cover.  I have been coveting one of these, even to the point of joining another swap that is devoted solely to making sewing machine covers for each other.  (Don't despair, other partner (whoever you are), I have three sewing machines, a serger, and a blind hemmer, so whatever you make me will be put to good use!)

Here is a close up of the center of the block.  I apologize for the wrinkle, Suzettra.  I pressed it, but it doesn't want to come out.  I'm sure it will in a day or two.  Isn't the center motif cute?!

And here's my new cover in its new habitat, ON my machine.  It fits perfectly!

Then, there was this awesome hoop with a quote from (Jane Austen?)  I'll have to find out.  Won't it look wonderful on the almost bare wall in the sewing room.  Too cool!

There was also this cute needlebook and pin cushion.  Check out the cute, cute, cute fabrics.  I LOVE the sewing machine.  And the owls...  And the bicycles...  And the little house...  Oh, such yumminess.

Oh, and did I mention that each one of these little goodies was wrapped individually in tissue paper and tied with selvage ribbon?  How clever is THAT?  And the tape she used had scissors on it.  Is that perfect, or what?

Oh, and ostensibly, the point of the whole exercise is to share fabric, so look at the fabric she sent.  All but one piece is Amy Butler.  Don't I just love AB?  Of course I do.

And as if that wasn't enough, there was a little notebook with the coolest sequined pen, some reference cards, and the most delightful little note.  Turns out she and BD#1 have swapped fabric recently.  I just know that if we lived anywhere close we would have to be good friends.  She hit the nail so totally on the head!

Thank you, Suzettra!  I feel like I just won the lottery.

Progress on the MIAGIA Crazy 9-Patch Quilt Top, Mini QT Received, and Other Updates

These blocks have been haunting my dreams, and yesterday morning I woke up with an urgent need to work on this quilt top. A few days ago, I asked for advice on colors to sash these  blocks made with random donated fabrics.  I got some great comments, both on Flickr and on my blog post.  One wonderful reader actually took my block post and magically (using a new Flickr tool I don't understand quite yet) placed my blocks in various colored sashing so I could see what it looked like.  You can find her photo here.  How cool is that?  I was really drawn to the blue/aqua photo, but I just couldn't quite commit...  Until Mrs. Darling and Sister of the Divide both suggested in my blog comments that I use both.  Aha!  That was the inspiration I was waiting for.

And it's been bugging me ever since.

I have never done cornerstones before and was puzzling it out in my mind when I went to bed night before last (in the middle of a crazy-wild thunderstorm, I might add) and when I woke up, I wanted to sew in the worst way.  Sadly, it had to wait until I got home from work.  I have other projects with deadlines, but this is the one that I chose to work on.  I still have sashing to add to two sides, and then I think it needs some borders to make it a more usable size, although it might make an OK kid's quilt the way it is.  Still, I think I'll add at least one border to tie the whole thing together.  There is still a LOT of that argyle print left.  Doesn't really go with my aqua/orange sashing, but it IS in almost every quilt block.

I've got to get to work on my Make Mine Modern project.  You send your secret partner 1-1/2 yards of fabric you think she'll like plus an item to decorate their sewing room and a handmade item.  I've pretty much known what I wanted  to do for my partner for weeks, but I just can't make myself sit down and do it.  Now I'm wondering why.  Anyway, I'm down to the wire - the deadline to mail is April 15, so I've got to get moving.  And BD #2 will be home next week, and I know I'll be distracted, so I had better get this done.

 In other news, I received my 3-D Mini QT quiltie from my partner, Valery Anne.  It's adorable.  It's stamped, painted, stitched and beaded, with great embellishments, like felt leaves and star buttons, and a cute hand-painted (?) birdie.  Great work!  I have a little wall space in my sewing room and I'm going to make it a home there.

I hope she gets my creation soon, because I'm excited to share.  I think it just might be my most creative work yet.  I showed it to a co-worker, and she commissioned one for herself, so I'm pretty excited about that.

I'm not sure how I managed it, because I really thought I had signed up for the next round, but I must have been delusional, because I actually REMEMBER signing up, but apparently I did not.  So I'm sitting out this round, which is probably OK, since I'm doing several other swaps and I have several quilt tops I want to finish. 

But alas, now it is time to go to work.  TTFN!