Herd of Christmas Bunnies

Even though I'm no longer a nanny, I still keep my kids for the occasion date night/after work plans.  As I was trying to find a little something for their Christmas, I stumbled upon a small The Velveteen Rabbit book.  I knew they didn't have it, so I decided their little Christmas gift would be the book and little bunny ornaments.

I used this pattern which I found on Pinterest.  I made them in a hurry the evening before I gave them away, and unfortunately forgot to put on their little tails!  Oops!  Oh, well.  Next time! ;)

Hope ya'll had a very merry Christmas!  Here's to a Happy New Year, as well!

Herringbone Baby

One of my dearest friends brought an adorable baby girl into to the world earlier this year.  Naturally, the baby was in need of a quilt from her "Aunt" Kelsie!  My friend isn't a big fan of super baby-looking pink things, so I chose the more classic herringbone quilt pattern with different colors mixed in.

When I stopped in the quilt store the owner had just started a quilt with these fabrics.  They had the perfect colors to coordinate with my friend's nursery, and just begged me to bring them home.

I'm currently quilting my pinwheel quilt, and it's coming along well.  Looking forward to sharing that finished project soon!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Felt Tractor Ornament - Free Pattern

Some of you may remember a couple Christmas' ago when I made this tractor ornament for a little friend of mine.

Well, when I decided I wanted to make a tractor ornament I searched the internet for a pattern...  And was unable to find one.  So I looked at this picture for inspiration and made my own...

I love the way it turned out.  It is very simple, but sweet and perfect for a little boy who loves tractors.  I kept mine plain, but could easily be embellished.   Some embroidery or added details are always a great addition; have a little fun!

Charm Pack Pinwheels

A while ago I got some Happy-Go-Lucky precuts that I wanted to turn into a pinwheel quilt.  Now that my Marmalade Squares quilt is done it was time to actually put them to use!

Not only did I use precuts for the patterned fabric, but I also discovered Bella Solid charm packs at my local quilt store.  Being able to stack the precut squares is making this go together like a dream!  I'm still piecing the top together, but here's a glimpse of the process thus far...

Farmer's Wife Beginning

A couple months ago my sister decided that in 2015 she was going to make a Farmer's Wife quilt.  The idea is that you make a certain number of blocks (depending on how large you want the quilt to be) each week.  When she offered to let me join her, I was thrilled by the prospect!

So far my fabrics are Miss Kate by Bonnie and Camille, with a couple Happy-Go-Lucky prints tucked in.  I look forward to see what else gets mixed in as I go!

I'm planning to make a throw size quilt, so I'm only doing a block or two each week.  I didn't get a chance to post last week, so here are my first 2 weeks of blocks.

Peace & Plenty

Whirlpool

Basket Weave (My current favorite)

Box

This has been so fun already.  I can't wait to see how the rest of my blocks turn out!

Finished Marmalade Squares

Happy 2015, everyone!  One of my goals before the end of 2014 was to finish my Marmalade Squares quilt I started in the summer.  I'm pleased to say that I did!

This is my fourth completed quilting project this year, and it's the first year I've actually done "real" quilting.  In February my Ring of Stars queen sized quilt with my sister, then I collaborated with my sisters to make some wallhangings, and quilted a baby quilt panel.  I really feel I can officially consider myself a quilter!

This was really quite a fun project, and is done 2 months before Baby is expected to be born.  It's so nice to have things ready in advance!

Sometimes It's Just...

…Not right.

I have been trying to do some stash busting this year.  I wanted more space in my closet for things like clothes, and less space taken up by things like half finished sewing projects from my high school years.  I used these drawers for most of my quilting fabrics/notions, and now that a lot of the crafting supplies I actually use aren't in the closet anymore I'm ready to get some of those 3+ year old projects gone!

Most of the projects I no longer care for and don't see a need to complete as intended.  Why bother finishing a vintage dress I will never wear?  So when one of the fashion bloggers I follow - M Loves M - posted this outfit:

http://www.mlovesmblog.com/2014/01/a-sunny-new-year.html

...I thought "why don't I turn that bright blue dress that I don't want into a beautiful, bright colored, pleated skirt?"

I took the skirt pieces, did a little cutting and a lot of measuring, and stitched it together.  Then I held it up to me...

Yep, I just posted a mirror selfie.  Feel free to judge.  :P

Maybe the fabric is too heavy.  Maybe I'm terrible at making up patterns (yep).  Whatever the reason, I'm not planning to finish this project.  Another learning adventure!  Planning and sewing are fun, but they don't always turn out as we intend...