Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Pickledish Mini

I am so excited to finally share with you the mini I made for a swap with Jessie of Inside The Paper Box.  Advance warning:  there are A LOT of pics in this post. 
I've been wanting to participate in some swaps on Flickr, but they all require prior swap experience and I had none.  I posted a message on instagram and Jessie so kindly volunteered to do a private swap with me to help build up my swappy street cred.  We posted inspiration collages and went from there.  I was so happy to see that one of her picks was Aneela's Pickledish block.  I've had this block bookmarked for a long time but never a reason or the time to actually make it.  And so here was my chance!  Jessie's only direction was that she liked scrappy. 
 
I have a very modest stash so everything I pulled was a favorite.
fabric selection
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The first few arcs were a bit tricky but then I got the hang of it.
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I included all of my favorite text prints for the cornerstones.
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Planning the layout.
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Pinning is crucial with these, but sewing the curves was no problem at all.  I found it very relaxing.
pinning the curves
Before I started any quilting, I sketched the block out and planned how I wanted each space to look.  My quilting was definitely inspired by Angela Walters.  I turned to both of her books and her Craftsy class for guidance.  I had planned to include swirls and circles in the background, but my skills aren't up to par yet.  I kept with the pebbles which was fun and not too difficult for my first time trying them.
quilt doodle
The only lines I actually marked were for the center quilting.
marking my quilting lines
At first I was having major tension issues and getting these weird knotty spots on the back.  Then I posted a pic on instagram asking for tips.  Within minutes I had some great suggestions and after a quick cleaning, needle change, and putting my feed dogs UP, it was smooth sailing!  I love instagram!
tension issues
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Pickledish mini
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Machine stitched binding.
pebbles
A view of the back.
backside view
I really had a great time making this mini.  I hope it is enjoyed in its new home.  Thanks to Jessie for the opportunity.  And thank you for reading!  :^)
Melissa

Linking up to Finish It Up Friday over at Crazy Mom Quilts.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Hospital Maternity Gown and a Pezzy baby quilt

 


Happy New Year everyone!  I hope your year has gotten off to a great start.  I have been a busy bee lately. Lots of sewing has been done in January.  First off, my best friend is expecting a baby boy soon.  As requested I made her a hospital gown so she would look fabulous in those first moment photos.  I used a free pattern found at Lazy Girl Designs here.  Its a great pattern, very easy to follow, and makes a great gift.  Some changes I made were rounding out the neckline and using snaps at the shoulders.
applying snaps
Hospital gown
happy friend

Of course I had to make her a baby quilt.  I found this awesome tutorial at the Moda Bakeshop by Alyssa of Pile O' Fabric.  I had seen the quilt a while ago and loved it, and so this was the perfect opportunity to make one myself. 
Appliques ready to be cut out
I usually like to finish a quilt with hand stitched binding but I did not have the time to do it on this one.  Kelly's video (of Kelby Sews) on using invisible thread to finish the binding was super helpful.  At first I had some issues getting the thread on the bobbin, but after that was done it was smooth sailing.  Normally, I don't like the way my machine sewn binding looks, but this technique is one I will use again in the future.

invisible thread binding
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pezzy baby quilt
The great thing about this quilt is the size, it will definitely be able to be used on a toddler bed instead of just as a baby quilt.  I'm so happy she liked my gifts.  I really enjoy making handmade gifts instead of just going to a store and buying something off a shelf.  She liked the quilt so much she requested a matching pillow which is in the works now. 
 
Thanks for reading!
 
Melissa