Recent projects

Here is a look at some projects I've sewn up lately. 
To start, a baby quilt for my new nephew.  I used a few solids from a Bella Solids 'Neutrals' bundle mixed with some high and low volume prints.  The pattern is a simple disappearing nine patch.  It finished at a nice crib size so it can be used for a toddler.

 I used minky for the backing.  It was pretty easy to quilt with.  Not as difficult as I expected it to be from what I read online.   I kept with simple straight line quilting.  I don't know if I would try fancy free motion with minky.

 Next, is another custom maternity gown.  I wasn't too sure of the fabric at first, but once the pink bow went on I loved the whole thing.  I used Spotted in the Crowd in Grace from Anna Maria Horner's Field Study line.

 I made this little pillow for my friend's daughter who turned two.  It was made from scraps I had left over from making her baby quilt before she was born.  I'm told she likes her pillow very much, which makes me smile.  I used Elizabeth Hartman's dogwood quilting tutorial. 

Again I used Svetlana's method for the back.  Just a few adjustments and I got the face to match up perfectly.  I love it!  This Tula Pink Parisville print kills me with how gorgeous it is.

 And that's about it for now.  It's been nice to have time behind the machine even though it means staying up until 2 sometimes 3 in the a.m.  I love the quiet time of the night.  Its great to relax even if I do pay for it in the morning.  Anyone else a night owl sewer? 
I leave you with a sneak peek of what I'm working on now.  It's so sweet and dreamy.

Thanks for reading!
Melissa

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.

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. 

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.

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