The Sewing Mom

I have actually finished some sewing in recent weeks, in between all the chaos that seems to be our current schedule! I saw this fabric when I was in Paducah, KY in April and knew I just had to make a purse from it.

I cut 52 2 1/2″ squares of 100% quilt quality cotton fabric and machine pieced them all together to form the front, back and sides of this purse. The bottom is crafted from the same fabric as the lining and straps, while the pockets coordinate with the top band of fabric. I machine quilted the bag with a layer of soft cotton batting which provides excellent support for the bag. There are multiple interior pockets, including one with a flap to keep thing extra secure.  For even more security, I added a coordinating button and closure.

This fabric purse measure approximately 10″ tall x 10″ wide (at the bottom) and 4″ deep. I am selling this bag for $45, plus $5 shipping anywhere in the US.

SALE!! $20 plus FREE SHIPPING (to U.S. and Canada only)

Thinking of Valentine’s Day? That’s exactly what this fun fabric makes me think of every time I see it! This small sized tote measuring, approximately 9 1/2″h x 10″w x 5″, is perfect for carrying a lunch or a few items to the gym. I’ve even used this type of tote as a gift bag filled with tissue paper and items for a special someone.

The bag is made from %100 cotton quilt quality fabric inside and out. The inner lining is a polyester batting and the entire bag has been machine quilted. The straps have also been inner lined with batting for added support and comfort. It is machine washable on a gentle cycle.

Because we are getting close to Valentine’s Day, I am offering this bag for only $20 with FREE shipping to anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. If you are outside of the U.S. and Canada, we can discuss a reduced fee.

I showed you the completed quilted Christmas tabletopper that my mom made and then gave to me so I thought I’d show you my sisters and mom with their creations. A few months ago they were all together and created table toppers. This picture shows (left to right) my mom Myrna and my sisters Karen and Grace, all with the toppers they each made before the backs and bindings were attached and before they were quilted.

We all live in different states, although my my summers in the same town as Karen, so it’s difficult for us to always get together. When we do though, we tend to bring our sewing machines and try to work on some project together. We all love fabric and pretty quilts, so it’s only natural that this is how we spend our time together. I only wish we could do it more often!

I woke up today not overly enthused and really felt like staying in my pajamas the entire day.  The only thing on my agenda was a follow up doctor’s appointment and that wasn’t until after lunch, so, I figured what the heck and sat down at the computer to do some sewing supply shopping.  Oh what a happy day this turned out to be and for you guys who are reading this, equate this to something like finding the elusive but high quality Volvo Parts or something along those lines!

I have become completely hooked on Nancy Halverson’s designs.  I am currently working on a block of the month quilt called “Beattitudes” and I also made the “Countdown to Christmas” which she designed.  I recently purchased her latest book, “Cider Mill Road” and have several items I’d like to make.  I’ve been purchasing fabric and have been hunting down the cutest buttons she uses in her designs.  Noone around here seems to have them, so this morning I started looking online.  I went to the website of the button manufacturer and clicked on a link that took me to retailers in my area and I couldn’t believe it, but there was a quilt shop I’d never seen or heard of and it was only 13 miles from my house!

Well, I have to tell you, I was so excited I hopped right into the shower and got myself spiffied up so that I could head out.  I grabbed my GPS and headed on down the road.  In about 25 minutes after leaving my house I was standing in the middle of fabric heaven, aka located in historic downtown Garland, TX.

This store was filled with so many fabrics it was difficult to contain myself! I loved all of the colors and selections, they even have one whole section dedicated to Civil War era fabrics and they are beautiful. They also had an entire section with nothing but sewing and quilting supplies, just about anything you could possibly need was there. I ran across a few fabrics I had been looking for from my Christmas collection and I did buy those as well as some quilt inspired notecards. Sadly, the buttons I was searching for they did not have so I will probably order them online tomorrow.

Besides all the fabrics and supplies, they have a full schedule of classes that they offer. I am currently considering one for next Saturday, but, as it turns out, my husband may need to have knee surgery next Friday, so my class may have to wait. I am certainly looking forward to the next time my Mom comes to visit as I know she will also enjoy this shop.

This is not the best photograph, but I wanted to showcase this beautiful table topper. I did not create this, it was a gift from my Mom. She made this quilted table topper at a gathering with my 2 sisters. They were all very busy buying fabric, sewing and creating beautiful projects, all while I was stuck at home, unable to participate.

My Mom stopped by on her way from Indiana to Arizona a few weeks ago and left this beautiful quilted Christmas table topper on my counter for me. The fabrics are all so pretty and many have flecks of gold in them. She quilted it using a metallic gold thread making it sparkle even more. I absolutely love it and am so happy she chose to give it to me.