The Sewing Mom

Thirteen steps I took to create this quilt top:

1.  Choose fabrics, 1 “focus” fabric that will be used in between the pieced strips, 5 coordinating fabrics to use for pieced strips and 1 background fabric.
2. Cut all pieces except focus fabric and store in labeled baggies.
3. Draw diagonal lines on 18 background squares and 36 color squares for use on bow ties and flying geese.
4. Stitch together piano keys (2nd multi-colored row in picture)
5. Stitch together the confetti stripe.  The directions say to stitch to long rows and then seam them together.  I chose to piece together smaller blocks and then piece the blocks together.  The end result is the same, but I found it easier to match the seams.  (4th multi-colored strip in photo)
6. Piece and stitch together the 9-patch blocks.  This was done by first piecing strips together and then cutting them in to 2 1/2 inch segments.   3 of the smaller segments were then pieced together to form each block.  (top multi-colored strip in photo)
7. Using the squares that have diagonal lines on the (drawn earlier) piece together the bow tie blocks.  Piece each block together.  (bottom multi-colored strip in photo)
8. using rectangles and squares, piece together the flying geese.  This was probably the most interesting because it requires using squares to make triangles.  I did enjoy this one the most.
9. Stitch all of the geese together making sure not to cut off their noses.   (middle mult-colored row in photo)
10. measure all multi-colored rows and add or take away to make them the same length.  I did add one piano key.  Pressing the rest made them all pretty equal.
11. Cut focus fabric to same length as all multi-colored strips
12. Cut 6 strips of focus fabric to be 6 1/2″ x width of fabric (determined in previous step)
13. Sew alternating strips together to get a finished quilt top.

I have purchased a new project that I really would like to get started on. The problem is, I have other things and responsibilities to get done before I can really go into my sewing room and have fun with my new project. So, to help me get a handle on what I need to do and feel better organized, I decided to make a list.These are my 13 things I need to do before I can hide out in my sewing room to work on my new project.

1. Get started on the two load of laundry that need to be done today.
2. Submit husband’s rebate form online to Staples
3. Gather and mail copies of utility bills for online survey ($5)
4. Make my bed
5. Clean kitchen counters
6. Dust and vacuum family room
7. Fill out forms for junior high to turn in at Expectations Night tonight
8. Water potted plants
9. Clean off desk - again
10. Balance checkbook - again
11. Vacuum t.v. room
12. Do exercises on Wii Fit (I’m 3 days behind)
13. SEW!!

I have been feeling extremely under the weather with a sever sinus headache that, even with prescription medications, I’m having a terrible time getting rid of. With that in mind, you’ll understand why it took me over a week to create this bag, something that probably shouldn’t have taken longer than 2 days! It is finished though and I even have the second, smaller bag started. I’m very pleased with how this bag turned out. The high quality cotton fabric is from Moda. It is approximately 12″h x 15″w, is fully lined with 2 interior pockets, and a spring tension rod closure which keeps it “snapped” shut until you pull it open. I am selling this fabulous bag for $40. Today’s Thursday Thirteen is the steps I took to make this wonderful bag.

1. Cut the fabric for the outside, lining, pockets and handles.
2. Cut fusible fleece.
3. Iron fusible fleece to outside fabric. This provides added support to the bag.
4. Sew pocket fabric to pocket lining, press.
5. Place and sew pockets to lining fabric
6. Stitch side and bottom seams of bag fabric and then do the same with the lining fabric.
7. Sew lining to bag.
8. Turn top of bag to the outside and stitch in place.
9. Sew straps, then insert double layer of fleece for shoulder padding.
10. Sew trim to straps.
11. Sew straps to bag.
12. Sew trim around the folded edge of casing.
13. Insert spring tension metal frame.

Enjoy the bag! The hardest part of making this bag was inserting the metal frame. It took more than two hands to get the post inserted into the metal frames, so my husband helped with that step, along with a strong pair of pliers.

 I have really been enjoying my mom being here this week, although, as usual, the time is going by way too quickly. She was wanting to head on to Indiana today, but I think she may be staying a day or so longer. At least I’m hoping that’s the case!
This leads me to this weeks Thursday Thirteen, 13 things my mom & I have done since Monday.

1. We discovered a new quilt shop, (new to us anyway!) in Rockwall, TX. We visited the shop on Monday and each bought some very pretty fabrics.
2. We’ve worked on updating some of the programs on my mom’s computer. She has a laptop that she travels with and she hesitates whenever those popups come up that say “there is an upgrade available”.
3. I managed to get my 2nd quilt block-of-the-month sewn together and the applique cut and ironed on to the block under her supervision. (this is my first quilt project!)
4. We spent a morning at Joann’s Fabrics purchasing fleece and lace to make more baby cuddle blankets. She loved what I had made all ready and wants me to make more. She also found some very cute printed fleece that she is working with.
5. I found some very inexpensive, plain white washcloths to embroider on, I can’t wait to show what I’ve done with those!
6. Watched my daughter in her first pre-season softball game of the season.
7. Possibly purchased a new serger machine. They are attempting to track one down for me, it’s a discontinued model at a very good price. I’m waiting to hear back.
8. Went antique shopping in old town McKinney. I just wish the shops stayed open a little longer!
9. We both managed to get our hair cut and we both feel human again!
10. Stocked up on dog food and treats for both our dogs.
11. Taught my mom how to sew the lace on the fleece using an edge joining foot and a bridging stitch. It’s so very simple and actually fun!
12. I finished embroidery work on 6 washcloths, they’re so cute! I’ll have a picture later.
13. Managed to relax quite a bit, enjoying each other’s company and hopefully will hunt down another quilt shop today!

Thirteen Things about sewing, that I enjoy

1…. I love fabric stores! There are so many beautiful fabrics, it can be overwhelming, but I like finding a fabric that I can create something special out of, knowing it’s a one of a kind item.

2…. I love fabric! Ditto what I said before, just can’t have enough fabric!

3…. I love to sew with my sisters and my mom. We get together with our sewing machines when we can and we just create. It’s fun because we all help each other out when we’re trying something new.

4…. I love taking sewing classes to learn new things. It’s a great way to learn new sewing techniques.

5…. I love meeting people that love to sew.

6…. I love buying thread. Have you SEEN how many colors of thread are available?!

7…. I love sewing supplies. If you can think of it, it probably exists.

8…. I love my sewing machine. I do wish it had a few more decorative stitches, but hey, it does embroider, so I’m not complaining!

9…. I love carrying a bag I’ve made and having someone ask me where I bought it.

10… I love that my daughter likes me to make her Halloween costumes, they’re more original and they look better than those cheapy ones at the store. She likes picking out the fabrics for those too.

11… I love showing my daughter how to do things on my machine.

12… I love that I’m finally learning to make a quilt. My mom is an avid, and excellent, quilter. I have not followed in those footsteps, but I am learning a little bit at a time, and who knows, maybe I’ll be able to work on a quilt with her someday!

13… Finally, I love that my machine embroiders. I program it, turn it on, and let it run. I’m typing this as my machine is embroidering a t-shirt now.

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