Recent projects & retreat

Stitching Oasis Sewing Machine Apron

I'm so behind on posting it's just sad. I recently finished some smaller projects that I want to share!
My annual retreat was 2 weeks ago, but before I went we had a couple of snow days at work. So I was able to get a head start on my retreat projects, and finish them while on retreat.

I've wanted to make a sewing machine apron for awhile now, so took advantage of a snow day from school to figure out my design. I wanted a random pieced patchwork in fun colors, so started cutting strips. After some minimal quilting to hold the layers together, I added an ironing pad and pockets to hold all of my sewing supplies that I need to keep near, but always end up on the floor. How does that always happen? I made a pincushion that fits in a pocket and is attached to the mat (that sucker isn't going to end up on the floor either!)

I'm excited about it and plan to teach a class on how to make it in April at Cut Up and Quilt.

Next on my list was this cool Poolside Tote, pattern by Noodlehead. I loved making her Super Tote pattern and this one was just as much fun, but much easier and faster. It's basically for carrying beachy, picnic or quilty items. There is a handy key fob inside and zipper pocket outside (also smart and easy to install). 

 Since I used a quilting cotton, I used a heavy interfacing for the body of the bag to give it form.

 Loved it so much that I made another one out of leftover fabrics and an added coral for the handles. This time I made the zipper pocket out of coordinating fabric instead of matching to the bag. I love this look too and wish I would've added a pocket to the other side too!

 Lining is made from two different fabrics. I will be teaching a class on how to make this awesome bag on March 5 at Cut Up and Quilt.

 I took fabric along on the retreat to make another Stitching Oasis to test my rough draft pattern and see how long it took. I have been collecting fabric with words and incorporating them into projects as they fit. This apron isn't as busy as the other one, but I like it as well.

Loaded up and ready to go!

You know I have a fascination with making Boxy Corner Pouches and have made many. My sister made some of these cute Retro Duffel Bags, so I had to make one too. (it's a requirement when something is so darned cute!) I used prequilted outerwear fabric and made handles with newsprint fabric. I know white probably isn't the best choice for handles, but it looked so good, I had to use it!

Then I made two Boxy Corner Bags from the leftover fabric and used lace zippers. So I have a matching set for the next travel opportunity.

I found this cute fabric while shop hopping in Denison on retreat, so made a new pillowcase. Now I get to see it every night. Sweet dreams!

I also finished the Super Tote#3 that I had started for a class model, to show the pieces and process during class. The interfacing was already ironed on, so it was a matter of putting everything together. I used the same fabric on the outside as I had for the original tote,  I love the mod dots!

 Inside and outside ready for the gussets!

Birthing the bag!

Birthing the bag. Yes, it's a real thing!

Ready to press, close the opening and topstitch.

Another happy Super Tote! My retreat was fun, chatty and successful. Everyone got lots accomplished, we had great food and lots of laughs. Can't wait to go again!

It's been a busy week with class last Saturday and several night classes, but hoping to get some quilting in this weekend....somewhere! Happy Saturday!

Great Weekend!

I had a great looooooong weekend. Spent some time doing some prep for classes, a little sewing and lots of celebrating! Easter Sunday usually includes my Dad's birthday cake too, as his birthday is April 9. So we had a great family day with all that could come and celebrate Easter and the birthday. One of his great grandchildren was waiting patiently to "help" grandpa eat his cake!

My Dad was a farmer his whole life, grew up on a farm and raised us on the farm. He always drove Farmall tractors, so when I saw this fabric I had to get it. You see John Deere fabric everywhere, but not Farmall. I made this pillowcase for his birthday and added some of his favorite caramels. 

My newest great-nephew came for the celebration too, so I gave him his new quilt. I've had it finished for awhile, just haven't seen him since it was finished. He is a sweetie and seemed to love his quilt!

 I spent some time yesterday getting ready for my trunk show for the Omaha Modern Quilt Guild's meeting tonight. It was difficult to decide what to take and what not to take, so hopefully I have chosen well. It's really hard to know just how much time it will take to show with some talking in between, so we'll see how well I planned tonight.  Happy Tuesday...it's back to work for me today.

More retreat pix

 As I look through the pix I took, I realize we got lots accomplished! Not that I doubted it, but you really see it when you  look at the quilts. Above is Cindy's disappearing nine patch. Such playful fabrics.

 Rose worked on a twister flag. Love twister quilts!

Rose also finished her version of the Spiraling Out Sampler. She was worried about the alternate block colors, but we thought it was awesome!

 Here it is all finished. Pat also worked on her purple Twister....

 Also finished!

 Dianne liked Cindy's disappearing nine patch so much, she started one of her own!

 Kim worked on this cute snowman out of some of the fabrics in her new shop. Tell her hi and "like" her facebook page. They will have online shopping eventually as well.

 Cindy started a kitty Turning Twenty on the last day. The fabrics are so pretty!

 She also made a Twister, but I forgot to take a before picture.

 Dianne was having trouble getting her butterflies to fly right, but they turned out pretty too. Our seventh friend came Friday afternoon, and I didn't get very good pix of her.

She is admiring Dianne's quilt here, lovely ponytail. Below she is hiding behind her hand....she really isn't all that bashful! I have another picture of her with the quilt she worked on, but I can't post it as it is a gift. 

 I worked on a new version of the Circle and Spin too. I didn't have the border fabric yet, so couldn't finish the top...but I got it yesterday and finished it so I will post pix tomorrow.

I made these cute potholders that I had cut out another day out of fabric leftovers. 

 This is another beautiful snowman quilt that Kim made. It is much prettier in person, soft blues and browns.

 We stopped at a cute gift/fabric shop in Atlantic, Something for You,  and I had to have this fabric! Since I didn't know what I would use it for, I just got enough to make a pillow case. I will get to enjoy it more that way than waiting for a project to use it in. So I made it... just to make sure I got it finished! I also got a book that intrigued me.

I started a new Sampler quilt on the retreat, not ready to post pictures of that yet.

Yesterday I went to the store and hung some models, then finished the Circle and Spin quilt. I have lots planned for today, as I have more paperwork to get ready so that I can post more fall classes. Plus I still have 2 patterns to write...they don't just write themselves, unfortunately. And let's not forget the Twister quilt...it's still up there on the quilting machine waiting for me to finish it. Guess I'd better go get busy!