WIP Wednesday

Well it has been another busy week in the sewing room.  I am getting through some of the projects I've got laying around which is nice.

I started a Chevron quilt quite a few months ago.  I made all the HSTs which you can see here but that was as far as I got.  The other day I was forced to try HSTs again in Amy Gibson's 2012 BOM from Craftsy.  After watching her video and giving it a try, it really wasn't as hard as I remember.  So it got me thinking about the Chevron quilt again and all those HSTs sitting in the box.  I grabbed the box and within 4 hours I had this...

In order from top to bottom the colours are Kona Orange, Corn Yellow, Citrus, Sour Apple, Fern, Jade Green and Bahama Blue.

I was happy with the way my seams all came together as well.  They aren't perfect but good enough that I'm happy with them (which I tell myself is the main thing).

My other work in progress that got some attention this week was the 2012 BOM from Craftsy.  I am really enjoying these blocks.  You can see 2 other blocks here which are also from Joel Dewberry's Notting Hill collection.


Firstly February's BOMs

 Balkan Puzzle

Chunky Chevron

I then jumped to June so I could create some extra scraps and then I'll go back to March.

Octagon

Greek Cross

And lastly here are the 6 blocks all together.

And for one last project I started this Lazy Suzy Throw at my sewing class with Sew This & That.  We used a Charm Pack and Jelly Roll to make these easy blocks.  I've used Posy by Aneela Hoey.

In 2 weeks we'll be back at sewing class to do the borders for this front.

Sorry for all the photos this week but there was a lot happening.

I am linking to WIP Wednesday and Fabric Tuesday.

Pillowcase Dress

I have had this pattern for a Pillowcase Dress for quite a while now and never got around to making one.  On the weekend we had visitors who have a sweet little girl so Saturday morning I decided to whip one up for her.  I am so glad it was a simple pattern and was very easy to read.  I found the pattern at Viola Lee Patterns.

The fabrics were all my stash which was fantastic.  Normally I end up buying at least one new fabric each time I make something so I was happy not to need to visit the shops.

I am linking to Fabric Tuesday.

Finished in time...

Over the past few weeks I have been working on this quilt for a friends 50th birthday.  You can see previous posts about design and fabrics here and here.  This past weekend I needed to make sure I got this beautiful Bella quilt basted while my husband was home to help out, which he did so wonderfully.  It is so much easier when you have two pairs of hands!!

I've found that once I've basted a quilt I'm so eager to get back to the machine and complete the quilting which I did on Sunday.

I love the way the colours work together and how the yellow really pops.

I back was pieced from leftover squares and white along with the grey.

The additional yellow border was a variation from the original pattern from Stitchery Dickory Dock which I'm quite happy with.

I kept the quilting simple with random curvy lines through the white sashing.  Now that the quilt is finished and I'm so happy with it, I am much more comfortable that my friend is going to love it.

And on a fun note, we have added to the menagerie!!  My husband has taken to buying these recycled metal barnyard animals each time he is home.  They are just so cute!!

I am linking to Fabric Tuesday.

Holiday Tutorial on Quilt Story - Scented Pillows

I was lucky enough to have a guest post featured on Quilt Story as part of their Holiday Tutorials series.  Each Thursday through to December you'll find a new tutorial by a range of great bloggers.

The Holiday Tutorials at Quilt Story are not to be missed! 

October 4th: Kerry from verrykerryberry (Hexagon Handle Holder)

October 11th: Amber from A Little Bit Biased (Holly Berry Pillow Cover)

October 18th: Darlene from Sew Cal Gal (12 Pocket Bag)

October 25th: Kirsty from Handmade by Kirsty (Scented Pillows)

November 1st: Jesse from Messy Jesse

November 8th: Tabatha from Bending Pins

November 15th: Ali from a.squared.w

November 22nd: Happy Thanksgiving!

November 29th: Karen from Sew Well Maide

December 6th: Pennie from Tuppence Ha'Penny Quilts


My tutorial is for scented pillows which are very easy and a quick stocking filler.  These are great for putting in drawers or if you scent it with lavender they can assist with sleep and relaxation.

Materials:
Fabric Scraps
Ribbon (if you want to make a ribbon pillow)
Coordinating Thread
Water Soluble Pen (optional)
1 lb or 450g Rice (uncooked)
Essential Oils

For the pillow:
Cut 2 pieces of fabric 51/2"x31/2"

For patchwork:  Cut 4 pieces 11/4"x11/2"  (or if you are making a few pillows, cut strips of 11/4" wide)

For stripes:  Cut 2 pieces 11/2"x31/2"

For ribbon:  Cut 2 lengths at 31/2"

Step 1:  Mix uncooked rice with 15 drops of essential oils in a zip lock bag.  Allow the rice to sit for a couple of hours to dry.

Step 2. Sew patchwork or stripes together.  For patchwork sew the 11/2" edges together and press seams.  For stripes sew 31/2" edges together and press seams. (seam allowance is 1/4" throughout)

Step 3.  With your pen mark each long side 1/4" in from edge and press along that line.

Step 4.  With one piece of pillow fabric, right side up, pin patchwork 21/4" in from the left side and top stitch along each side. Or for the stripes, pin 2" in from the left side and top stitch along each side.

For the ribbon I placed the first strip 11/2" in from the left edge and allowed 1/4" gap in between.

Step 5.  Pin pillow fabric, good sides together, and mark 3/4" in from each edge on one short end.  This will be your guide on where to start and end stitching.  Sew from top right corner around to your other pin.

Step 6.  Trim corners off and turn out the right way.  You can use a stuffing tool or a chopstick as I do to push your corners out.

Step 7.  Press pillow, making sure the opening is pressed inwards.

Step 8.  Add scented rice to the pillow.  I used approx 1/4 cup.

 

Step 9.  Lastly, top stitch around the outside of the bag, ensure that the opening is caught in the top stitch to seal the pillow.  When you reach each corner give the pillow a shake and move the rice to the opposite corner.

Then all that's left to do is wrap your pillows.

Quilt Story Holiday Tutorial - Scented Pillows

Today I am lucky enough to have a guest post featured on Quilt Story as part of their Holiday Tutorials series.  Each Thursday through to December you'll find a new tutorial by a range of great bloggers.


Please take time to have a look!

My tutorial is for these cute scented pillows.  Great for stocking fillers.

The Holiday Tutorials at Quilt Story are not to be missed! 

October 4th: Kerry from verrykerryberry (Hexagon Handle Holder)

October 11th: Amber from A Little Bit Biased (Holly Berry Pillow Cover)

October 18th: Darlene from Sew Cal Gal (12 Pocket Bag)

October 25th: Kirsty from Handmade by Kirsty (Scented Pillows)

November 1st: Jesse from Messy Jesse

November 8th: Tabatha from Bending Pins

November 15th: Ali from a.squared.w

November 22nd: Happy Thanksgiving!

November 29th: Karen from Sew Well Maide

December 6th: Pennie from Tuppence Ha'Penny Quilts