Best-Laid Plans and All That...

Two years ago, I purchased some fabric.  Wait! What?  ~grin~ Okay...just read on.  It is called Doglandia and it is - yes, of course it is - dog-themed. Here is the post I wrote when I purchased it...in August of 2013. Big plans for it, as you will see.  Click here.    

Since then, I have acquired more fabric and made more plans for those fabrics and, well, you know how that goes. So, a few months ago, I decided that I was never going to follow through with the plans I had for the Doglandia fabrics.  That is when I made Kim a few pillows with it...

Then, as I was organizing my new sewing room these last few weeks, I came across the rest of this fabric. I set it aside, because I knew I needed to do more with it.  Like...make a pillow or two for myself. And, then...I decided that I should make some napkins.  So, that's what Naomi Janome and I were up to yesterday...sewing cloth napkins.

How fun are these?  

I actually made two of the brown ones...and there is enough fabric left to make a few pillow covers.

Have a great weekend!




"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Linen Love...and More...

The majority of my sewing life has been spent sewing articles of clothing.  Yet, I still receive a huge amount of satisfaction when something I've made turns out to be exactly how I envisioned it on the person it was made for.  Ya know?

I saw a pattern for a tunic top over at Purl Soho and knew it would be a perfect top for my friend, Kim.  She agreed.  It was quick and easy, and I love top-stitching, so it was a fun sewing experience for me.

Details:
One yard of handkerchief linen in the color driftwood (purchased here).  
Free pattern at Purl Soho found here.
Cording.
Ivory cotton thread.

I have only worked with the medium weight linens, so working with this lighter weight linen was a new experience for me.  A very pleasant one, as it was a dream to work with!

The tunic top fits Kim perfectly!

photobombed by Tahoe!

I have a few ideas for some modifications...we shall see how they work out when next I make one of these. Though the measurements are given for only 5 sizes, it would be super easy to adjust them to make any size needed.

This is one of the two projects I mentioned in my previous post that needed to be done.  The other project is finished, but I am waiting for it to be delivered before I show it.  

I actually made a few small things this week.  Sometimes, simple straight sewing is just what I need to be doing.  A lot of that going on around here, lately.  But, that's okay.

Here are a few more zippy pouches and kleenex cozies (I know...not too exciting!)

I made these ~5x6, so a cell phone could easily fit into them.

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Tag continues to hold his own.  Nothing new.

Have a good day!


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

A Big Finish...

Woohoo!! 

I finished the patio chair cushion covers for Kim!  Click here to read what I had to say about it back in the beginning...when only one set of the four was finished.

I am so, so pleased at how they turned out...exactly how I wanted them to!  The most important thing, though, is that Kim and Brett are happy with them.

I had a bit of fabric left over, so I made covers for 2 little pillows (measuring 10x20 inches) that Kim keeps on other outside chairs.  I made simple envelope backed pillow covers, but I put the opening at the very end - instead of in the middle - of the pillow.  That way, the pillow has no real front or back...either side can be showing.

I must consult my list to see what's up next...stay tuned!



"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Tis the Season...

Apparently, it is the season.  The season for new patio chair cushions!  Donna did it...click here, and Nicole did it...click here.  

And, now...I am in the process of doing it.  My friend, Kim, commissioned me to make patio chair cushions for 4 chairs.  She wants them to be removable so she is able to launder them.  She purchased eight 36" zippers, and 7 yards of outdoor canvas fabric and sent me on my way!  I have the first set (seat and back) completed.

Before...

After...

I knew how I wanted to put them together, and knew it wouldn't be difficult.  But, I was working it all out as I went along, which is much more time-consuming than working with a pattern.  I placed zippers on the back edge of the seat cushion (on the back cushion, that would be the bottom edge) and extended them down the sides for easy on/off. 

The main piece of fabric covers the cushion from the back (or bottom) edge, wraps around the front edge, and covers the other side of the cushion to the other side of the back (or bottom) edge.  The corners all turned out nicely...

All seams were double-stitched and all raw edges were overcast.  Working my way through the first cover took a good amount of time.  Although the measurements were different (the back is thinner and not square), the second piece was easier and I got it done much more quickly.  Now that I know it all worked out...they fit like a glove!...and the numbers are all written down, it should be a snap to complete the other 6 pieces.  I imagine by the time I get to the 8th cover, it should take but a few minutes to complete!  ~grin~

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And, for today's dog fix, here's a photo of Kim's dog, pretty girl Tahoe...

 Have a great rest of today!


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

The Week That Was...

What a week this has been!

I have spent hours and hours on the phone each day...wasn't sure I would get anything accomplished in the way of sewing.  Not that I need to...but, well...yeah, I need to.  You know?

I was so looking forward to using the prints I had collected...Vintage Happy and Bake Sale by Lori Holt of Bee In My Bonnet, along with some basics by Michael Miller.  Let me tell you, I was not disappointed.  These are lovely fabrics...and they all played well together.  Here's what I did with them...

I made the first block last Saturday...and then there were several days when I did nothing on it.  But, I managed to get the blocks done one by one.  Not that it took much time at all to put together a block, mind you.  These blocks are so much fun...rather addicting, for sure!

I spent a bit of time yesterday and today working on the layout and sewing it all together.  I think I like it!  Sixteen large granny square blocks with sashing.  I need to add a small border, yet.

I had mentioned to Sharon (you really ought to visit her blog to see the summer block of the week she is doing with Temecula Quilt Company) that this was the second to last quilt I was making and I think she about fell off her chair laughing...in fact, she may have gone into hysterics.  I just meant until I got all those flimsies quilted!  (see my sidebar)  Since then, I had another shot of inspiration.  Yeah, where is it when I want it and why is it overwhelming me when I have a bazillion other things to do?  ~sigh~  It has to do with this bundle of fabric...

 

I received this wonderful gift of Bali Handpainted Batiks (named Coconut) from Kim over at My Field of Dreams in December of 2010 and thought I knew what I wanted to do with it.  Until today.  I saw a photo of a quilt that totally captivated me and is now what I think the perfect design for these fabrics!  So, perhaps I need to do that one before I put a halt to the ever-growing pile of flimsies! 

I know, I know.

Only time will tell.     

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Lunch and Indispensable...

I had a lovely lunch today with one of my very best friends, Kim. I've known her for over 20 years...we went to tech school together...and worked together at the vet school.  I love her...she and I have several things in common, but to look at us, we are the complete opposites of each other.  She is one of a kind...and the best kind ever!

Today was the first time I was in her new house since they moved in.  I visited several times while it was being built, and it looks much different now with the builders and all their stuff gone.  All cleaned up and furniture in place...it is an absolutely stunning house!  Kim put a lot of herself into it...very well thought out.

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What would I do without these?

I would burn my fingers, for sure!  These are little wooden tongs...to take your bagel or english muffin out of the toaster.  I've had these for a few years, but didn't use them much...mostly cuz I wasn't toasting bagels or english muffins.  Now that I am...well...these tongs are indispensable!

I got these from Pampered Chef...no clue if they still sell them.

They are nicer to use than metal tongs and are the perfect size for my little hands. 

That's all I have for today.  I hope it's warming up where you are...we're supposed to have above freezing temperatures for the next several days.  YAY!


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

An Unexpected Package...

I love getting packages (especially big packages ).  Well, any mail, really.  Except bills.  But, I really don't get many bills in the mail, because I pay them online.  So.  It's either junk or fun stuff!  Today, I received a package that was totally fun stuff!  I was not expecting it.  At all.  From Kim.  From over at My Field of Dreams.  I ran across her blog earlier this year and have gotten to know her...she tells the most interesting stories and I thoroughly enjoy her blog.

Anyway.  Apparently, she felt the need to thank me for a box of rug hooking goodies I had sent to her.  Not necessary (but I'm not sending it back...just sayin').  Unexpected.  Totally appreciated! 

What fun...lookie!

Want a closer look?

Here you go...

Jif Peanut Butter (cuz of this post)

Blueberry Jam made by Kim...

Sweet Relish made by Kim...

AND, as if that wasn't enough...a fat quarter bundle of Hoffman Batiks!!!  ohmygosh, these are so gorgeous.  The name of this bundle is 'coconut'...simply luscious...seriously PERFECT!  I LOVE it! 

I love everything she sent!  What a wonderful and thoughtful woman she is.  Thank you so much, Kim!  I am so blessed to count you as a friend.  Thank you for being you.

   

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Tonight is Friday Night Sew-in!

Sure wish I could tear into that fat quarter bundle...

but, I must work on Christmas gifts.

 

Go here to sign up for tonight.

Bye for now...

must get sewin'!

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might. - Ecclesiastes 9:10

I am on VACATION!

I'm on VACATION!!!! YIPPEEEEEEEE!!!! 10 days with no work!!!! I have lots & lots of stuff to do...my list is about a mile long, but I don't have to leave the house until Thursday! I am hoping to get LOTS done.

The most important thing on my list is to prepare for the online course that I teach for MATC (tech school). The course begins on Thursday with a mandatory meeting and I've got much to do before then. I taught it last spring and it went well, but I have some changes I need to make.




Here's one thing that I am really wanting to finish before I go back to work...this sampler rug for Kim. I'm making it as a 'thank you' for all that she does for me. This is a design by Kelley Belfast that I "tweaked"...I took out the cats that were on the original pattern and put in dogs (like that would surprise you?) and made a few other changes. So far, I think it's going okay. The big flower is not that pink...more orangey/red.


I got a new chair today! New to me, that is...YAY! A cast-off of Kim's, it goes with the sofa she gave me when I moved last summer. WOW...it's so BIG! and COMFY!!! Lovin' it!




Kim is re-doing her living room, dining room and 3rd bedroom...what fun! Hopefully, she'll get a little help from Nate Berkus...well, from his book, anyway!

That's it for now...gotta work on the list. It'll be interesting to see what I actually accomplish this week!

Mom's Visit continued...

Another day with me Mum. Another pleasant day with her, I might add! We didn't do too much today. Had planned to shop/tour downtown Stoughton, but it was so hot and humid that we went to Wal-Mart, instead. PLUS, there are wayyyy too many mosquitoes out...ouch!

After we spent a bit of time in there (buying nothing of interest), we headed home and each had a Dove bar...

We played cards (oops, forgot to mention yesterday that we were playing with Mom's 'Jeff Gordon' playing cards...ohhlala!) and I won quite a bit. Even more fun when one is winning!

Kim came for supper...we made pork chops and escalloped potatoes! ohmy...this has always been a favorite of mine...YUMMY! Kim absolutely loved the meal.

Mom and I played cards again and then it was bedtime. {yawn}

She leaves tomorrow after lunch...:(

Another One Bites the Dust...

I finished the Stretch Golden rug that I showed a while back. I dyed natural wool yarn to match the browns of the background/border and whipped the edges...it turned out better than I expected! YAY!!! I gave it to Kim, as a small token of my appreciation for all the help she gave me in moving. Yes, it was planned for her all along. She really liked it...and I heard that Brett does, too! It was fun to hook in other than 'real' colors! Here it is...

I chose browns and red to match their new leather sofa. Kim said she will put it on the table that shows in the photo below.

Still working on my 2sheep rug...