Juicy Bits

231: poor planning, good results

Did you notice I skipped blog post # 231?  Unintentional.  I just forgot to post it sometime at the beginning of the year.  Whoops.  Well, here it is:

I made very few gifts for Christmas again this year.  Honestly, doing so has saved my sanity the last couple of years.  I love homemade stuff and the thought and care that goes into it, but I'm not enough of a planner to get things done early and by the time the holiday season rolls around, who has time to make masterpieces?  So, I've been making small and quick gifts, and just a few.

The main one I did this year is these cute little ipad stands.  These are just the two I made for my kids (yes, we got them mini ipads this year, don't judge).  I made 5 others including one for me. :) Really by sewing them all at once it didn't take much longer than making a couple.  

I started with this pattern that I saw on Pinterest.  Obviously.  What didn't I get from Pinterest lately? There's also this pattern which I referred to.

The major changes I made were I filled it entirely with rice and the lip on the bottom front is a casing with a piece of wooden dowel in it.

Because I used all rice they're very plump to say the least.  And not entirely triangular shaped (especially the tip which is empty so it doesn't always stand up). The reason I did this was the theory that if it was set on a surface not totally flat, it could conform to a curve.  Haven't tested that theory yet, but they are functioning quite well on our countertops.

So, you might be wondering how this project amounts to poor planning (if you ever read the title, that is).  It doesn't.  That project was beautiful.

But I also decided to make ipad mini cases for the kids.  Adorable right?

But you won't ever be seeing a tutorial for them here because they were kind of a pain in the butt to make.  That's because I designed them for their cuteness and functionality and neglected to think about all the aspects of construction.

Here's what I wanted:

-a somewhat fitted pouch case for traveling

-to fit over them when they have their permanent "case" on as seen above

-a hard outside so that if something pokes them in a bag, the screen is protected (this was really the key, because the case they have has no screen protection)

- a hole where the power plug goes so they can be charging in the case

-a pocket for storing power cords and headphones

Here's the problem I encountered when I started sewing my brilliant design: a hard case (pressed illustration board inserted between layers) doesn't bend.  Duh.  So when I went to sew the binding around the top I realized I couldn't get it under my machine.  I was able to do most of the long edges but then I had to very slowly sew around the corners by hand and since it doesn't bend that meant poking it in and pulling out the other side.  Ugh.  Not fun.

Then once I put the ipad in I realized that my fit was so nice that I could barely get the ipad out.  That was solved by adding the little strap.  It is a piece of ribbon that actually goes under the ipad and part way up the other side.  So when you tug on it, it pulls the ipad out part way.  And it doubles as a nice little handle, so I guess necessity is indeed the mother of invention again. :)

But despite the troubles, I love how they came out in all their Japanese cuteness.  And they function well, until we decide we need different permenent cases, then I'll need to make new ones to fit.

JT

228: announcing mid-atlantic mod registration

 

Have you heard the exciting news?  Three Modern Quilt Guilds are getting together to organize an awesome quilting retreat next spring.  The Central Jersey MQG (me!) and DC MQG (Katie Blakesley) and Philadelphia MQG (Andrew Joslyn) have been cooking this up for well over a year now.

 

Here's the lowdown:

Mid-Atlantic Mod - a modern quilting retreat

April 3-6, 2014

Doubletree Resort, Lancaster, PA

www.midatlanticmod.blogspot.com

 

It's a long weekend of fun modern quilting activities including:

-plenty of social sewing time

-mini hands-on workshops

-swaps

-a fun group project

-charity sewing

-virtual and/or local shop hops

-and more 

It's going to be a great time to get together with like-minded modern quilters, get inspired, make new friends, meet some virtual friends in person, learn some new skills, and generally have a blast.  The idea behind this retreat was to make an exciting event like this available in driving distance from those of us on the East coast.  We currently working on developing lots of fun activities and getting amazing sponsors.

Registration for those outside our guild just opened up.  There is a limit of 60 attendees and it's already filling up fast.  The retreat cost is $115 for the weekend and doesn't included meals or hotel.  The hotel rate is $129/night for single or double and attendees are required to stay at the hotel or pay a surcharge.

To register fill out the form at the following link and instructions on how to pay will be sent to you:

 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11kWcE_qjxXIr74m4kFIRSdl1abo9hdlK1CY6N6B4FGI/viewform 

Hope you can join us!  It's going to be LEGEND- wait for it -ARY.

Jess

227: pixel pop in print

Although it's not late breaking news, I need to make a hoopla nonetheless. :)

My first quilt pattern is officially in print!

I've shown you Pixel Pop before, but now you can make one for yourself.  I've partnered with Shea at Empty Bobbin Sewing Studio to bring you this and 2 other patterns coming soon.  If you've never sewn an Empty Bobbin pattern before, you really must.  Shea is an amazingly detailed and organized designer and the design and printing is beautiful and a pleasure to sew from.

 

And just look at the other samples.  I'm really excited about how different the quilts can be.  

 And it comes with a pieced backing option:

 

If you'd like to pick up a copy, I know they're available online right now at Pink Chalk Fabrics.  If you're a shop and you want to carry it, check out the Empty Bobbin website.

If you make one, please send me a picture!

JT

P.S. I posted the giveway winner on the last post.

226: set the table giveaway

Ah, summer.  My favorite season.  And it's just slipping by again. I know many of your children are already back to school but mine still have a precious 2 weeks at home. I'm torn between cramming in as much fun as humanly possible and just chillin' and enjoying the leasure before the flurry of school activities starts back up.

Of course the busy season has meant I haven't been showing you what I'm up to.

In July the book, Set the Table was realeased by Martingale and those are 2 of my projects on the cover!  It's a great compliation of table runners by some amazing designers (Angela Walters, Heather Jones, Amy Ellis, Jennifer Dick, Thomas Knauer, Natalie Barnes, Audrie Bidwell, Jose Carrier, and Candi Weinrick).  The styles are so varied that ther is something for everyone.

The first one, Slices of Sunshine, is a cheery piece of summer to enjoy all year long.  Of course it could be done in any colors you'd like...

The second, Chain Links, is really long and skinny with a fun graphic look.  I like that it can hang over the ends of a table or buffet.

Let me say, if you're a quilt maker and you haven't made a table runner in a while, do it!  It so fun to sew something that small.  Even the quilting is a breeze.  And then you have something that can be displayed daily.  I'm thinking I need to make a whole collection to swap out on whim. :)

The book is available online and at your local quilt shops. If you sew one (or a dozen!) up, please share pics.

To celebrate the release, I'm giving away a copy for a lucky reader to enjoy.  Just leave a comment here and tell me what you love about summer.  I will leave the contest open until labor day - the end of summer. :(

Enjoy the rest of your summer.

JT 

**UPDATE: I drew a name and the lucky winner was DebbyJ!**

225: happy news

So, you know how I promised you I would be coming out with a few quilt patterns?  Well, they're still coming attractions, but I can now announce that I'm partnering with the amazing Shea Henderson of Empty Bobbin Sewing Studio to do so.

Shea is a good friend and she is pretty much great at everything that I'm not (organization, marketing etc.), so it's a perfect partnership.  And, well, our styles are so similar it's eerie.  

If you've never bought one before, her patterns are top quality - full color gorgeous instructions and fully tested.  You can check out her post here about me and the other licensed designers she's bringing in.  I'm in seriously good company. ;)

You can expect the patterns very soon...

JT 

224: planned improv

Hi there.  Have you been wondering if I'm on the internet at all lately?  I know my blogging is spotty at best.  I have been around, just not on the blogs too much.  I am on Instagram most days though.  Want to follow me? jtlevitt

Anway, I wanted to share some pictures of my current favorite type of piecing - planned inprov.  Basically it means sketching out a design first and even choosing some or all of the fabrics, but not actually measuring much.

This is a quilt top I made out of 3 such blocks.  It's probably destined to reamin in my UFOs for a while.  I have this crazy notion of actually buying a long-arm.  So I no longer want to quilt anything since I'll want to practice if/when I get one. :)

A few months ago I taught a class on planned improv to the Bayside Quilters in MD.  It was great fun.  These are just a few examples of their work.  I love how different they all are. I had a blast.  I really love teaching.

 

221: somewhere under

QuiltCon is this week.  If you don't know, it's the first quilters' conference put on by the Modern Quilt Guild.  A weekend of workshops, lectures, a juried quilt show, shopping, and partying like it's 1985.  Woo hoo!

I have two quilts in the show.  This one is titled Somewhere Under and I've been waiting to show it for a while now.  Not to be all braggy, but I'm in love with it.  :)  The combination of the slightly off-beat vivid colors and the simple, graphic design that's just a little askew for added quirkiness, really does it for me.

This is the second quilt I've done entirely of solids. (Actually I added a couple of prints to the back...shhh...)

The quilting is my graphic version of clouds.  Maybe I'll do a little tutorial on it if there's enough interest.

And it's kinda 2-sided with a large version of the block on the back.

When it came to binding I decided using anything but white would box it in too much, but I wanted some definition so I added a flange.  It's mostly green with a couple of little pieced spots.

I'm working on a pattern for this and you can expect to see something in the Spring.

JT

218: getting and giving

My Modern Quilt Guild had a gift exchange this holiday season.  We made it in January so as to not add to anyone's handmade gift stress. :)

The idea was a swap of a smallish handmade gift.  We had members fill out a little survey about their style and favorite colors and fabric etc.  We chose names randomly so you knew who you were making it for but not who was making yours (you know... secret santa style).

In the end, one person dropped out but I had already given their name out so I made 2 and got 2 gifts because it was really my goof up.  Plus, more fun for me!

I actually got 2 members that I at least know a little bit so I had fun making the gifts to their tastes.

First, for Kristina I made small bag.  I forgot to mention that I had everyone bring the gifts wrapped and kept them secret so everyone could try to guess who they were fun as we each opened them.  We might skip the guessing part next year, because it was pretty tough.  Anyway, the bag I made for Kristina was from my book which should have been a dead giveaway. (Pardon the pix but I forgot to take any so I snapped some at the meeting.)

She said she loves color so I went for it.  The accents are navy so I feel like it's great to dress up a pair of jeans.

Next I had Robin, who was our sectretary this past year.  I know Robin loves all things Parisian and she asked for any kind of craft sewing so I went for a notebook cover.  I pretty much made up the pattern myself and it was a tight fit but it worked out great.  

And to go with it was some little holiday bunting that reads "joyeux noel" for next year's decorating.

In return I got 2 fab gifts.  Turned out Kristina also got me. :) She made this awesome zippered wallet with lots of pockets and even place for a pen.  Aren't the fabrics so cheerful?

And she made this bag for fabric weights and gave some penny weights she made.  She knows I do enjoy Hello Kitty.  I put the rest of my weights in it and it looks adorable on my shelf.

Then, the other Jess, as I affectionately call her, got my name.  Actually she did, then we had to re-pick because I messed up and she didn't, and then when I let everyone know one member dropped out and they should make something for me, that was who she had so she had me again.  She tells it better than me. 

Anyway, Jess knew I was hoping (OK expecting) an ipad for Xmas so she made me this awesome zippered pouch for it.  I love the scraps with the linen and how she quilted it with random lines.  Jess is my VP of the guild this year as well as maintaining our blog, so the Jesses rule!

It was so much fun, like another Christmas, that I'm sure we'll do it again next year.

JT

217: the Harry Potter trio (and their props)

I mentioned that I didn't sew much in the way of holiday gifts this year, but in the past I've always tried to make some.  True, it did elminate a lot of stress this time around, but look at the cute results when I do make them...

Yes, it's now over a year later, and these may or may not have just been finally completed, but I do love how they turned out.

These pictures actually show my gifts for both Aurora and Theo from last Christmas.  Aurora got the cute Harry, Ron, and Hermione dolls.  Theo got a set of branch blocks that I made from fallen branches from that year's storm.  They are cut in increments of 1 inch so they stack nicely together.  There are a ton more than shown here.  Those were actually complete on Christmas. ;)

The dolls, however, were partially naked.  They all had robes, but Ron and Harry were shirtless and poor Herminone had nothing on under there!  Thankfully they're now ready to make their internet debut fully clothed.

The dolls were made from the Pocket Pixies pattern by Ginger Melon.  Hers are not Harry Potter themed, that was my own addition.  I wish I could say I highly recommend the pattern, but I was pretty unimpressed.  Yes, the design is just darling, but I felt the pattern really lacked detail and instruction that I expected especially because I paid $15 for it (I think it's less now).  It was mostly the outline of the dolls that you were paying for.  I did learn how she attached the arms which was useful information.  Some stiches etc were included but if I remember correctly it didn't tell you what stitch to use for every step and it certainly didn't tell you the number of strands to use etc.  Shelly herself was very helpful and responded to my question I emailed her about which color felt to use.  Her style is so great, but I just felt the pattern was too basic for what I paid.

Anyway, the clothes were a pain to sew. SO tiny.  I had trouble getting the hood to look right.  It ended up being skinny and way to small to put on their heads but looked right with the bodies.

They did have shoes, but they didn't last long.  Probably should have sewn them right on.  And Harry's glasses are a little bent in these pictures but I'm too lazy to retake them.  Picture him just a touch cuter.

I'd say it's about time for us to start reading the 6th book.

JT

 

214: modern quilt composition

This month at the regular Central Jersey Modern Quilt Guild meeting we discussed composition in modern quilts.  Specifically ways to use the improv blocks we made for our challenge last month.

I gave a little talk with some examples and touched on some of the major elements of composition.  It was by no means a comprehensive class, but rather meant to spark some ideas for the members on how to use their blocks and perhaps try something a little different than they're used to.  So for this month the challenge was to use the improv blocks in any modern composition.

I decided I wasn't ready to use my blocks because what I have in mind requires more blocks.  So I took a 3 of the blocks made for charity and used those to make a top to be donated.

I'm LOVING how it came out.  Some color decisions were based just on what I had available but it worked out perfectly with only a very small scrap of the background fabric left over.

I approached the design with the same planned improv method as I mentioned before - kinda like one giant block.  I didn't really measure anything but sketched a general idea and with some layout on the design wall, adapted it until I got what I wanted.  

As I mentioned I didn't make the 3 large blocks, but I made the mini blocks on the left to balance it out a bit.

I almost never repeat myself, but since I'm going to give this away, I may make another just like it for me.  It only took me 2 evenings to complete the top, so it's totally doable. :)

This week I'm off to Quilt Market!  Excited to get lots of inspiration and socialize with some really fun folks.  I will take pictures, but I promise no comprehensive blog coverage.

JT

211: stuff you don't see

I've been a bad blogger.  I'm not talking about the post-so-infrequently-that-all-my readers-have-probably-gotten-bored-and-abandoned-me kind (which, let's face it, is most likely the case).  I'm talking about the not-doing-a good-job-of-documenting-my-crafts/life kind.  And that's what's frustrating me right now.

Life has been so hectic lately (totally my own fault for doing too much and never catching up on the regular stuff) and I haven't shown you what I've been up to.  And that means I haven't been documenting it so I can look back on it.

So.... One of the events I haven't mentioned yet is that I did Denyse Schmidt's Improvisational Patchwork workshop.  The Philly Modern Quilt Guild and my guild, The Central Jersey Modern Quilt Guild, brought her to the area for a lecture (which was awesome) and workshops.

 

It's was a such a fun day and so against my over-planning nature.  Just letting loose and sewing without planning.  I had hard time playing by the rules and using whatever fabric I pulled out of the bag.  Honestly, I don't know what, if anything, I will do with my blocks.  Here are some of them:

I'm not a hug fan of the randomness and wasn't crazy about using fabrics I don't like, but as a whole, they really do have a amazing quality that couldn't be created any other way.

Then, as a spin-off, the CJMQG did an improv challenge.  We swapped scraps (in part so there would be some overlap in our stashes) and each got a fat quarter of Kona Cotton in Sage.  The challenge was to make improv blocks of any kind using scraps and the Sage fabric.  We kept some, swapped some, and donated some to be made into charity quilts.

These were some of my blocks:

I also did one not so random with a method I call "planned improv".  Love it!

In general I think I like these more than the ones from the workshop, probably because I used a lot of my own fabrics and I wasn't afraid to break the rules and make some more design decisions. :)

These were most of the guild ones:

As for other goings ons...here's a gratuitous first-day-of-school shot for the grandparents and such:

Sad that summer is over...

JT 

209: un-paper towels

In the midst of one of those many hours spent surfing around Pinterest, I stumbled on someone selling "un-paper towels" on etsy.  A very cute notion indeed.  

I liked the idea of us using a lot less paper towels (haven't 100% eliminated them yet) and I have a bunch of cute novelty fabrics that I never can figure out how to use.  

So the towels (napkins, cloths, whatever you want to call them) are terry cloth on one side and quilter's cotton on the other.  They are simply serged around the edges.  This is what I saw several people doing on etsy.  Many of theirs have plastic snaps so you can actually roll them up on a paper towel dispenser, but that seem an unnecessary step I didn't want to add.

I pre-washed all the fabric and really the trickiest part was figuring out how to turn outside corners with a serger.  But, let's face it, they didn't need to be perfect.  I did dab a little fray check on the thread ends to stop unraveling.  I made a whole bunch more than I show here, but I'll probably make more because lots are always in the wash.

I started using mostly fruit and veggie prints because that seemed appropriate in the kitchen but I think anything that makes you smile is perfect.  It's a bit like my vintage drinking glasses...just a mini pick-me-up every time I use them.

It is a little weird to get over the potential for staining them (TOTALLY happens and that's the point) and use them like a regular paper towel.  But the kids are getting used to them and even have specific prints that they want at each meal.

Made anything quick and fun lately?

JT

 

208: easter sweetness

A little behind as usual, I'm finally sharing our Easter portraits. 

I did make Aurora's dress this year (actually I made it for a wedding before easter), but I tried to just follow a pattern.  Honestly, I really tried.

The pattern is Kyoko by Patti Young.  I've had it for quite some time and been meaning to make one.  Aurora actually picked the main fabric herself about a year ago.  I think she like how it looked golden.  It's Innocent Crush by Anna Maria Horner.

I'll start by saying I love the look of this dress.  It's darling.  The only significant change I made was I didn't make the skirt in alternating panels.  I put one contrast panel in the front and then two sides of the main fabric.  The biggest challenge was cutting because I didn't have a lot of excess and I wanted to match up the pattern and make it symmetrical.  I was a little disappointed in the list of fabric requirements because it just said 1 1/6 yard of fabric, but since it is shown sewn out of 2 different fabrics, it should have said how much for each.  But I think she's fixed it on later versions and it now seems to call for a lot more fabric so I don't feel bad that I definitely needed more than I originally bought.  However, it did claim that you needed 1 yard of fabric to make your own bias tape which was way, way, too much.  

Once I got over these minor issues, the sewing was quite easy.  Diagrams and photos are very clear and really, because I have experience in garment sewing, I didn't have to more than glance at them.

I think it turned out great.  I had to do the hair in two buns cause it's just so stinkin' cute with the dress.  I do wish it was about 3-4" longer.  Aurora is barely a size 7 and that's what I made, but I think it being shorter makes it less formal.  I was going to add length but I didn't have enough fabric anyway.

For Theo I made a tie from my Kingdom fabric that matches the bow on her dress. He was clear he wanted blue even though I wanted something golden like her dress.

And here is the whole happy family.  My husband gets frustrated that I make everyone stand through the portraits, but I'm always so glad I did when I have one like this where we all look our best.  Are they better than spontaneous fun pictures?  No, but nice nonetheless.  

After brunch, we went to a carosel.  How appropriate that Theo chose the bunny. 

And I love this action shot of Aurora.

Hope you've enjoyed your spring and are ready for summer.  I know I am!

JT

 

 

207: we *heart* teachers

If you have school-age children, you know that teacher appreciation week just went by.  I'm class mom for Aurora's second grade class this year and we just love her teacher.  Really we've been so lucky to have great teachers for both kids so far.  And we do truly appreciate them.  

This year Aurora's teacher is pregnant and due this summer.  When her class decided to throw a baby shower for her, I knew I wanted to make her a baby quilt.

I always think to myself how easy it will be.  I'll keep it simple.  Yeah, right.  Inevitably, I get carried away.  This is the pretty quilt I came up with:

 

Actually, it's not super-complicated or anything.  I've been doing a ton of half square triangles lately.  And all I had to go on were that she likes bright colors, her favorite color is turquoise, and she's having a girl.  But I did add some time-consuming details, that, I hope, made it really special for her.  

I had each of the kids in her class write their name.  Then I traced them and stitched them (by machine) into rectangles around the border.  I wanted their personalities to be there in some small way (without becoming too childish or overwhemling), so it's neat to have the names in their own handwriting.

I also couldn't stick to simple straight-line quilting (yes, there's a pattern developing here) so I came up with a flower motif for in each star.

As you can see, she really loved it and I know she can treasure it and know that she's made a difference to every child in her class.

JT

199: bean bag checkers tutorial

This was a Christmas gift I made last year for my then 3-year-old son.  Bean bag checkers!  So simple, and yet I knew he would love them. 

I didn't take a ton of pictures as I went along so this is a more basic tutorial intended for those who already sew/quilt.  If you're a total newbie, it's really not an advanced project at all, but you may need to look up instructions for things like binding etc.

Materials:

 The fabric I used was from the Hooty Hoot collection, designed by Shari Butler of Doohickey Designs for Riley Blake.  As far as I know it's no longer available.  But you can use any fabric (doesn't all have to be from the same collection) that has small creatures or motifs on it.  Check out some of Shari's other collections for cute animals.

1/4 yd each of two contrasting board fabrics (also used for the back of the pieces)

16x 16 piece of backing fabric (or 1 fat quarter)

1/4 yd of binding fabric

1/4 yd of pocket fabric

Enough of the fabric for pieces to cut out 12 of each motif (you need two different motifs that are about 1 1/2"-1 3/4" square)

12 1/2" piece of Velcro

Grain for the "bean" bag pieces

 

The basic rundown of the project is as follows:

            1. Make a mini patchwork quilt board.

            2. Add pocket on back and then bind the whole thing.

            3. Sew little beanbag pieces.

 

Use 1/4" seams unless otherwise noted.

 

The Board:

Cutting:

2 strips , 2 3/8" x WOF, of each of the board fabrics

Construction:

Sew the 4 strips, right sides together, alternating colors, along their long edges.  Press seams in one direction.  Crosscut this strip set in half perpendicular to the seams.  Sew the 2 smaller sets together so that you have 8 alternating stripes.  Press the seam in the direction of the others.

Crosscut this strip set into 8 rows 2 3/8" tall.  Sew these rows together along their long edge, flipping every other row to create the checkerboard pattern.  Press seams to one side.  You will have a board top 8 squares x 8 squares that is about 15 1/2" x 15 1/2"

Sandwich the backing, batting and front and quilt through the layers.  I simply used a straight line on the diagonal through the darker blocks.  Baste around the edges, 1/8" from the edges on the front.  Trim the batting and backing close to the edge of the front.

 

The Pocket:

Cutting:

2 rectangles 5 1/2" x 15 1/2" (you might want to measure your board top and cut these pieces a little wider if needed) (for the pocket pieces I used 2 different fabrics, but you can use just 1)

2 rectangles 2 3/4" x 14 1/2" (for pocket flap)

Construction:

Sew the pocket pieces with right sides together along the top and bottom long edges.  Leave the sides open.  Turn right side out through a side opening and press.

Sew the flap pieces with right sides together along each side and the long bottom edge, leaving the top long edges open.  Clip corners, turn right side out and press.

Center the Velcro strips on the top outside edge of the pocket piece and the bottom inside edge of the flap piece.  Sew them in place about 1/4" from each edge.

Place the pocket piece on the back of the board so it's top edge (with the Velcro) is about 1 1/4" from one of the board's raw edges.  The pocket's raw side edge should align with the board on 2 sides.  Pin in place and baste 1/8" from the raw edge.  Flip the board and align so the pocket it at the top.  Stitch-in-the-ditch along the bottom of the 3rd row of squares (this should catch the bottom of the pocket all the way across.  If it doesn't work out right, you should move your pocket to make sure this seam will sew it on.

Place the pocket flap so the raw edge is centered on the top raw edge of the board.  Baste 1/8" from that edge.

Next, bind the edges of the board using your preferred method of binding. 

 

The Pieces:

Cutting:

Fussy-cut 12 squares 2 1/4" x 2 1/4" of each of the motif fabrics

12 squares 2 1/4" x 2 1/4" of each of the board fabrics

Construction:

With right sides together, sew the pieces fronts and backs together (one color of the board fabrics should got with all the same motif … like my white/blue owls have a blue backing and the green brown ones have a brown back).  Sew around all sides, leaving a 1" opening in the center of one side for turning.  Trim the corners.  Turn them right side out through the hole.

Make yourself a small paper funnel and use that to stuff the squares with some kind of grain.  I think I used barley because I had it and beans seemed too big.  You could also use rice or really any kind of grain.  I guess in theory this could become a snack for mice depending on where you store it, so keep that in mind…

Sliptstich the openings closed.

You can now store the pieces in the pocket and you're ready to play at any time!

 

I originally thought of including a ribbon or a button elastic closure so it could be stored rolled up.  But in the end I like to simply fold it in half because it's flatter.

Enjoy!  And please do share picture in my flickr pool if you make one...

JT 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

197: Errol and Hermione

It's time for this year's Halloween creations... a continuation of our Harry Potter mania.

I didn't really have to make much for Aurora's Hermione Granger costume, because I had already made most of it for her birthday party.

But, Theo decided to be Errol (The Weasley family's owl. He couldn't be Hedwig because she's a girl.)  That was more of a challenge.

In reality he first wanted to be a Chihuahua, but really?  How exactly does one make that?  I mean I can do pointy ears, but he'd just look like a cat.  So with some mild suggestion he went with owl.  Yay!  So much cute potential.

So, no, I did not use a pattern.  I referenced a hood on a commercial pattern, but that's about it.  I started with this Beenie Babies owl called "Hoot" I have and used it as a model.

The body is made of fleece.  It's lined and stuffed with polyfill and batting.  The tail does stick out a bit and has more stuffing.  Then I added the "feathers".  They are flannels, fleeces, and wools and because I didn't want some to fray more than others I fray checked all the edges.  Yes, I'm psycho like that.

They are sewn on everywhere but around the face (where they are glued).  I also added little pleats in the tops of each one to add volume.

The body is velcroed (is that a word?) at the shoulders, as are the removable wings.  There were even little pockets to keep his hands warm (which was a good idea considering that, indeed, that is snow on the ground).

He was a big hit everywhere we went.  He had two Halloween parades and he was able to go trick-or-treating this year (he was sick last year).

 

Aurora was an adorable Herminone.  I had attempted to make the cloak accurate to the movie, but really did you know they change from movie-to-movie?  So I went with my best interpretation.  The patch was bought.  The tie was made (I even made the striped fabric by sewing on ribbons) because the color of the commercial ones was all wrong.  The sweater was from a thrift store with ribbons sewn at the collar.

I made the wand also, which I will go into on the posts about her party, whenever they are.  Sadly, it was a casualty of the night as it got dropped and ruined.

The funnest (don't care that that's not a word) accessory was the book.  It was an old book, and we didn't bother to change the title or anything.  But what we did do was make it scream when you opened it.  I bought one of those recordable greeting cards and we all yelled really loud and told you to "shut the book, would ya!".  The idea was like it was one of the magical books from the restricted section of the library.  She loved it and enjoyed showing it to all her classmates.  Plus, who is Hermione without a book?

Hope you had a Happy Halloween!

JT

 

 

196: winner

It may have taken me a while to draw a name, but the winner of the Modern Mix Blog Tour giveaway is:

Carolyn who said "I love the camera case! That's the scale of project I can handle, LOL. But I love your fabric collection, and I'm thinking that I would use the prize to make some quilted holiday ornaments. That is the gift I'm giving out this holiday, and I've been using holiday prints. But the purples and blues of your fabrics would be really pretty as well."

She has already been notified via email.

Thanx to everyone who played along.  All winners were notified via email by the author of the blog on which they won.  If you didn't win, fear not!  Just put it on your Amazon wish list for the holiday season. :)

JT

 

192: it starts tomorrow

The blog tour for Modern Mix starts tomorrow!  Hoo-ray!

Now, I know at this point you've probably been to a ton of blog tours, but I promise it will be fun.  You'll find out some interesting stuff about lil' ol' me and have 16 chances to win a copy of the book.  There will also be a free pattern from the book available and at the last stop I'll give some of my Kingdom fabric away. Plus if you don't already read all these blogs, you'll be in for a treat.

So here's the schedule:

10/6/11 - Sew Mama Sew

10/7/11 - Jaybird Quilts

10/8/11 - Blue Nickel Studios

10/9/11 - Handmade by Alissa

10/10/11- Stop Staring and... Start Sewing

10/11/11 - Quilting is My Therapy

10/12/11 - Stitch Magazine Blog

10/13/11 - Oh Fransson

10/14/11 - Gen Q Magazine

10/15/11 - Quilt Dad

10/16/11 - Confessions of a Craft Addict

10/17/11 - Amy's Creative Side

10/18/11 - Pink Chalk Studio

10/19/11 - Connecting Threads Blog

10/20/11 - Keepsake Quilting Blog

10/21/11 - Juicy Bits

And we're off....

JT

 

 

191: I will blog tonight

I've been telling myself that all day, and while it's technically now tomorrow, I'm on it.  Obviously.

A while back I promised to share the results of all serger-sewing-fun I had this summer.  These dresses are my favorite.

One is for Aurora and the other for her best friend who just happened to move half-way around the world this summer.

They are made from recycled t-shirts that I mostly got at the Salvation Army Thrift Store.  A few pieces are old dresses or t-shirts that Aurora used to own and probably had  stain or something on them.  One is even from old PJ pants of mine.

I knew I was going to do very piece-y stuff in bright colors and I found this etsy seller for inspiration.  The patterns are my own, and obviously that took the longest time.  The actual sewing of the dresses is quite quick.

 I got very addicted to shopping at the thrift store.  I went there at least 3 times and spent more than $30 on t-shirts, most of which only cost $.99 each.  You do the math.  I now have big bins of t-shirt scraps to work with.  Luckily I feel pretty certain I'll make more.  She loves the style and wearability of the dress.  I've also made her another and Theo a couple of pieced t-shirts.  I'll try to get pictures of those.  I love Theo's t-shirts because boys clothes often bore me.  And I might want to try some adult sizes, but it's harder to come by big enough pieces.

 

And now I frequent the thrift store on half-off day.  I just can't get over buying Gap jeans for the kids for $.99.  They both now have several pairs of jeans in too big sizes.  I have to scour the racks, but I always find some good stuff.  And I did get quite a few props for her Harry Potter party.  By the way, it's over (thank goodness) and it was a smashing success.  Whenever I have the photos edited, I promise to share.

JT

190: in my hot little hands

Yes, I've got my advance copy of my book.  It's super, fantastic, gorgeous, amazing, incredible, marvelous, brilliant, and just oh-so-pretty.  No, I'm not at all biased.

But really I'm mostly talking about the look and "feel" of it.  I know that the rush of happiness is largely because of the reality of holding a real, live book that I wrote myself.  But, I am feeling so thrilled with how stylish it came out.  It really fits my own aesthetic, right down the matte finish on the cover.

These pix are just a quick preview.  There's much more juicy-goodness inside...

It's available in September, so hurry to your local quilt shop to get a copy!

JT

P.S. See I'm an REAL author. :)