Happy New Year

I haven't been around for a while, but I plan to get back to my blog on a regular basis this year : )  My sewing room is finally getting some attention, and I am making a few things that I will show you soon.  Moving to a new(old) house turned out to take more time than I expected.  And with Thanksgiving and Christmas to prepare for, I just decided not to put any pressure on myself to blog.  But I miss it, so here I am!!

I made a few quilted journals, but I am even out of the habit of taking pictures of my work : (
Here is one that I still have around to show you.

I see many more quilted journals in my future and I will explain how I made them and some great tutorials that are around for you to check out.   They are so easy to make and a great way to use orphan blocks and fabric scraps.   But until then....

piece,

elizabeth

big finish on mini quilt monday

I am so happy with my finish today.  It is a block I made when I joined one of Lily's quilt alongs.  I made this dresden circle and didn't know if it would ever lay flat.  But after the big stitch quilting and binding I am happy to say it is flat and will look nice on my sewing room wall : )

I had several firsts on this Mini Quilt Monday .  I started big stitch quilting, used 505 basting spray, and I also used scrap binding.  All in all, this was a good finish!

I may decide to add more stitching to this mini quilt later, but for now I am going to just enjoy it like it is.  It was a beautiful morning to take pictures and my sweet dog, Sandy, is always nearby in case I need her help.

I have linked this blog to Quilt Story Fabric Tuesday.

piece,

elizabeth

big stitch

I am quilting with a big stitch like I have seen Mary of Molly Flanders use quite often : )   I am trying out the 505 basting spray and so far I really like how it holds the three layers together.

I am also using crochet thread instead of the perle cotton #8 that most quilters are using these days.  I just found more colors in the crochet thread and it is also economical and comes in large amounts.  I hope I am not breaking any rules!

Here is what I have quilted so far:

piece,

elizabeth

from orphan quilt block to mug rug

I decided to work on something quick and easy and there probably isn't anything faster than a mug rug made out of an orphan quilt block!  This is one of the few applique blocks that I have ever attempted.  I used a variety of hand dyed fabrics from my local quilt shop and added some stitching in variegated blue perle cotton.  This quilt block measures 8" square.  I don't know who came up with the mug rug idea, but it sure is a fun name for a little quilt : )

I have linked up with Fabric Tuesday at Quilt Story!
~piece~

elizabeth

another mug rug

I  haven't been blogging over the holidays because I haven't been doing much sewing.  I am in the process of cleaning my sewing room/studio in hopes of having some fun sewing again, without all the messy distractions.  I have found several orphan blocks and I made a quick mug rug out of one of them.  I didn't bind or quilt this one, I just sewed it with batting and backing(right sides together) and left a few inches so I could turn it right side out.  I used a chop stick to push the corners out, ironed it, and then sewed about an eighth inch all the way around, which closed the opening and gave it a finished look.  I may do some big stitch quilting or embroidery later, but I kinda like it already : )   It is a six inch block.

I have always wondered how do you know if you have a sewing room or studio?  ; )
piece,
elizabeth