Book bag for 2011

So I got more than one cool gift this year! Along with my sewing machine I also got a Kindle. And although I got a nice hardback green case for it, I started thinking about ways to protect it. And as I realized how often I was going to want it with me, I began to think that a carrying bag was a good idea. I also got myself a planner (purple!) and a journal (orange) for the new year, both in the same size as my Kindle.

So the logical conclusion was to design a bag that could hold all three...and of couse one custom made to match the books I would be putting into it!!

So I just went through the scraps I had in my leftovers bag. And sure enough, I had some great options. So I quickly put together the exterior.

But I did not want to just have a thin cloth bag. I wanted a little more strength and lining. so I decided to line it in jean fabric and to add two pockets by using the back pockets of the jeans I used. So inside the bag I have two very sturdy pockets that were totally pre-made. Talk about up-cycling! It turned out so cool on the inside. I keep a pen and pencil in the pocket, and I have not had them fall out yet.

I then sewed a button at the top and sewed a hair band into the other side. To close it I just loop the band around the button. Works great.

So I have been carrying my journal, planner and Kindle in this bag. And I really like it. Matchy Matchy-ness makes me happy. :) I think it is great. If you want one, let me know and I will make you one...in whatever colors you need for your books.

New machine, new quilt, just for my Mom Rani

I have so many quilts to blog about from the past 6 months! but due to the limitations of what pics I have available, I am going to start with the most recent and work backward!

So for Christmas this year I got a beautiful new sewing machine! Oh, how technology has changed in the 12-15 years since I got my reliable little White (pictured)! The machine needs a post of its own, but I wanted to show the first quilt that I have made on it, from piecing to quilting to binding.

The machine was a gift from my Mom in law, and she let me pick it out, which was so fun. I have never done so much research! So I wanted my first project to be for her.

Funny enough, my mom Betsy gave me most of the fabrics I used. I just did every square different, but in complementary colors. It was fun being creative.

I was able to use multiple new functions on my new machine. I used embroidery stitches on several of the blocks, which added just a pretty little detail that I never got to add before. I also used a free flowing stitch to quilt the whole thing. It took a while to get used to, so it was far from perfect, but my steadiness improved and I look forward to working with it more. I didn't get a picture of the quilted and binded final project, but I will try to add that. I also found a great backing fabric, even though I was at the store without any of my blocks to match to. I was relieved that it worked!!

My mom Rani was surprised that I got it done so fast, but it was easy with the new machine. And so much fun. I think people are probably tired of getting quilts from me, but I so enjoy making them that I don't foresee stopping any time soon!

My sister in law makes good...

Good quilts that is! She is a natural! a savant! But seriously, her work is so lovely. So I am posting some pictures here of what she made for my brother's birthday this year. She really went through the whole process. It began with one good fabric. I love quilts that start that way. You find something you love, or something that speaks to you, or something that means something to someone. That latter is what happened for her. She found a great fabric that would be perfect for my brother, but then what? Well, you have to find a pattern and other fabrics to go with it.

So she came to visit me with her fabric packed secretly away, and asked me what to do next. She we took a trip to the Quilting Frame. We looked through all kinds of colors. I recommended a square based pattern, like an Irish Chain. That was my first pattern, and it was easy, yet beautiful. I love that pattern. When I do yoga moves that require balance, now, I focus on the Irish chain, letting it wind through my mind as I try to keep one leg up and one down.

So she decided on the Irish Chain and picked some beautiful fabrics. We slipped into my work room before she left and used my cutters to get her pieces cut and ready for her to take home and sew. Which she did. She sewed and would call me and we would chat about the process. It was fun. And in the end, she created a beautiful quilt. 

This was so wonderful to me. I did have tears in my eyes when I saw her beautiful work. And she created something that will last, that will warm her family, and will give comfort. And it will be like a story, a memory, of how it is made and what it means. There is love in that quilt. And I love that.

Inspirations...

I was looking through some photos this week and thinking about inspiration.

So many things can bring inspiration. It may be a color, or a contrast between two colors. Also, the way colors fall together or balance each other. Shades and shadow are so important too.

It may be a pattern, or a line. Sometimes it is the small  pattern of a block, or the larger pattern of the way the blocks look when put together. Quilts, like flowers, can be extremely complex, but sometimes it is the most simple pattern or color that gives the longest lasting impression of beauty.

Sometimes we don't even see the beauty right in front of us, and sometimes we stand too close, or too far away to see it. Anything can inspire if our eyes are open.

I know this post isn't extremely earth shattering, just a gentle reminder and a chance for me to post some pretty pics.

Aaah the joy....

I had a cook say to me this week that the greatest joy for her when she cooks is seeing someone truly enjoy the meal she has prepared. And this got me to thinking about my quilts. I have to agree with her. I love to see someone gaining warmth from my quilts, and there is nothing better than knowing that someone got comfort out of them. I mean, I would feel proud if someone told me they hung my quilt on the wall for all to see. But I would rather that they said they wrapped up in it while watching a favorite movie or put it out for guests to use.

So this week I got a real treat when I heard that the new owner of my dear Scrappy Lappy is truly loving it. According to his mother's reports, he cries for it and has been sleeping in his own bed since he has it to wrap up in (that may be unrelated, but I like to think he feel safe with Scrappy at his side).  And the name Scrappy Lappy has totally stuck. I laugh to think that one day, when scrappy Lappy is looking more scrappy than lappy,  he will say to his mom, "Mom, why do we call this blanket Scrappy Lappy?" and maybe she will be able to show him the ancient archives that will be this blog and he will know why.

Finishing touches on the Flag of India

SO I posted about this quilt a while back, when I took the sampler class where I made it. But I FINALLY finished it over the last snowy weekend, but I never posted the final pics. So here it is. I love the fabric of the back of this quilt. I feels it goes so well with the chickees on the front.

A holiday turned snow day

I don't know what it is, but there is something about snow days and quilting that goes hand in hand. Maybe it is some internal drive that says, you better make something warm so that you don't have to be cold in this snowy weather! or maybe it is just the boredom of being stuck inside all day. Whatever the reason, I felt inspired again yesterday. And as all my half done projects got finished last weekend, I am onto new projects.

Last week I got a couple of these pink and turquoise colored fat quarters at a local fabric shop. The store is called Stitcher's Garden, and it is the most incredible collection of fabric I have ever seen. I didn't even know it was there until recently and decided I had better check this little place out. I would much rather buy from a local business than a big JoAnn's if I can. I have also been buying a lot online, so this would save shipping costs. So I must have gone in just after a new shipment arrived, as there were boxes and bolts everywhere. But it was really inspiring to see it all. And the lady behind the counter showed me her latest creation from a pattern called "Oh My Gosh!" This picture came from an online quilter's gallery, but doesn't it just make you want to say "OH MY GOSH!! How did you do it?!?!" In person it is really something to see.

So after I made some of my main blocks I was try to figure out how to make this quilt special. Then I remembered some old jeans that have been laying around for a while waiting for use. I think they will look really cool with the color pallet of the quilt. Plus the texture will be a cool addition to the quilt. I am really excited to see how it all turns out. Can't wait for another snow day so that I can get it finished!! :)