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!

A bit of this and that...

Recently I taught a class on the Super Tote bag by Noodlehead. I love this bag and was excited to show others how to make it. Class went well, but none of them finished during class time, so I offered to meet with them to finish it this past Tuesday night.

Before that happened, Pat finished it on her own and brought it to show me last Saturday. Isn't it gorgeous?

As luck would have it, we had a snowstorm Tuesday, so Linda was the only one that could came to finish hers, but finish it she did, even when her machine wouldn't co-operate!

 I like the contrast of the striped and floral fabrics with the floral piping trim on the front pocked.

 Last Saturday several quilters made their own Modern Cathedral Window Pillows. They seemed surprised at how easy they were to make. My sister, Sharon, stopped in and loved them so much, that she decided she was going to make one at our upcoming Family Sewing-In this Saturday. I gave her the supply list and she was asking a few questions about it, including could she do some precutting so she would get more finished on Sat. So I gave her the pattern.

She kept sending me updates on the cutting and by Monday had one sewn together. (smile) She told me she is making two, so since I haven't gotten any more pictures, I assume she is waiting until Sat. to make the second one.

Sharon's Modern Cathedral Window Pillow

Or will start another project!

Marta

 Last night was the final night for the My Little Pretties Sampler Club. Only two of the five could come last night, the others will make up later. We were treated to a glorious sight....Marta had sewn her quilt partially together. Since they had one more block to make, she couldn't finish until she made it.

Sheryl

 Sheryl put hers on the design wall too, so different and so pretty. They decided they wanted to meet one more time to finish the quilt, so we will meet next month for that. They also decided that they wanted to make a couple of smaller projects next instead of a quilt. Their first project is going to be the Modern Cathedral Window Pillow! That Club will begin in March.

 That was my week so far...How was yours?

Another Super Tote...love these kitties!

I finished the second Super Tote last week using this cute kitty fabric. I love it as much as the first one.

This bag is larger than most bags I've made, with lots of room inside for storing stuff. This time I just made one gathered inside pocket instead of two and made a flat pocket for the other side.

The inset zippers are fun and easy to make. Plus the bag has closure. There are so many uses for this bag that I think everyone should have at least one! I will be teaching this class at Cut Up and Quilt on Jan. 9.

I've also been working on a new sampler design...I have seven out of the nine main blocks finished. This quilt has a modern touch that I hope my fellow quilters like.

I got bogged down the last couple of nights, so no sewing...but I need to get at least the main blocks finished by Monday. I can do it, I can do it...

Mini Retreat fun

I went on a mini retreat over the weekend to the Retreat Center at Log Cabin Quilting in Exira, IA. A couple of the gals went Friday morning, 2 more came Friday after work and I drove up early Sat. morning. What a great time we had sewing, chatting, sewing.

My first project was to sew a backing together for a quilt top I finished on my last retreat, but haven't quilted yet. That went quickly and I could put a check mark by it! 

 I then went to work on this Super Tote pattern by Noodlehead. I came across the pattern one day and loved the size, the recessed zipper, and the front pocket. I had trouble picking out the fabric for it at Cut Up and Quilt, starting with these gorgeous circles, picking out several others, but then coming back to the circles in the end. I'm so glad I did and wonder...why did I waver? They are perfect!

 It's a fairly large bag with a deep gusset, so it will hold lots of goodies.

 There are large pockets on the inside too, perfect for your smaller treasures. I worked on figuring this out and making it most of the day on Saturday and plan on making another one soon to see how much faster it goes the second time around. I want to teach this pattern in January.

There was lots of creativity going on at the retreat and I'll write more soon with more pictures of my friends' projects as well as my other project. I really enjoyed myself on this retreat even though it was shorter than I'm used to. In some ways it was easier to pack and plan for and I didn't get so tired from all the late nights. No matter the size, retreats are always fun!