Sew together bag overload

Those of you who follow me over on IG have already Had Enough of hearing about my efforts this weekend to make a @sewdemented Sew Together bag (called so because it is spacious enough to keep all your sewing bits and bobs together).  I purchased the pattern for this when Crazy Mom showed the version she made a while ago on her blog.  That Amanda Jean has a lot to answer for, you know.  Anyway I loved it and Had To Have It.

But the kick up the bum I needed to get this off my to-do list was the cute little 3" square charm pack of Lizzie House fabric that I won from @queenbeefabrics on Instagram.  *awesome*.  So off I went to Spotlight to get some zippers (because I had forgotten about the pile of them I had in my sewing box - durrr).

This was my plan.  It looks simple, but that's because you didn't spend an hour with me messing around with the charm pack before I realised that I liked the look of it if better if I removed the yellow and green tones.

The pattern has faced a bit of flack on-line for being a bit tricky and lacking in graphics.  Luckily for me, there has been a sew-along held recently over at Quilt Barn.  I had a look through the tutorials they put up, and of course, having seen the pictures, thought it was just fine.  I have made plain zipper purses before too, so I know the basics of zipper installation, which helps.  Overall, I would say don't be scared - you can't go too far wrong if you just get started and do one step at a time.

Although I had the outside fabrics, I felt the need to get some linings.  Those two pink spots are Kaffe Fassett - this is the first time I have used his prints - the photos do not do them justice.  The low volume purse linings were from my stash.  The grey and navy dots are Riley Blake.

Here it is all finished - this is the front.

This is the inside.

And this is the side - with a little label - cause I'm posh, you know.

In terms of tips - I found that Bernie handled the fabric thicknesses just fine, even with a quilting needle.  But if you're on a smaller machine, I think that a thicker needle would help with the parts where you sew the inner and outer together.  I extended my stitch length to 3, which helped too.  I quilted the outside, but used medium fusible interfacing for the internal pouches, which gave it just the right amount of body.  I also used 10" zippers, and trimmed them down, because Spotlight doesn't sell 9" ones (as recommended).  They worked just fine!

So that's it.  If you are keen on making one, have a look at #sewtogetherbag on Instagram for some inspiration.  There are heaps of gorgeous examples.  You won't be able to choose!

Now I have to figure out what to use it for - sitting and admiring it on my table is only useful for so long.  Any family members who want one for Christmas better let me know now - it is a pretty time consuming labour of love!

Super simple baby quilt three - finished

This quilt got started some time ago, in a bit of a rush, when of the girls at work had her baby very, very early.  The baby has done really well, and went home recently.  In the meantime, I handed over a whole pile of the wee man's toys and clothes to him, so the quilt seemed an unnecessary extra.

Super simple baby quilt three - bold and quick

The blocks are 10" unfinished, so it is suitable for a layer cake, and super easy to put together - which is the point of super simple baby quilts!  The sashed blocks are made with a 5" centre square and 3" sashing.  I know there is a tutorial out there in blogland for the block, but I can't find it.  Let me know if you can, and I'll link it up.  The most time consuming part was trying to place the fabric so that it looked artfully scrappy.  I used a fat quarter bundle of "Fox and the Houndstooth", with some Spotlight specials to add extra fabrics.

I started quilting it with stitch in the ditch down the blocks, to hold it in place while I decided exactly how to finish it.  Because I was rushing, I did an absolutely rubbish job basting, with the result that it developed what I described as a mother-pucker on the back.  It was huge and ugly.  Because I couldn't be bothered fixing it, the whole thing sat on the back of the chair in the lounge for ages.

All of a sudden I decided to finish it last weekend. I unpicked the worst of the puckering, and then quilted the whole thing in wavy lines about 2" apart - an idea I stole shamelessly from Megan, who finished her own quilt with this technique just recently.

Attempt at a quilting shot, with the wee man doing what wee men do - racing around, getting into everything.

It was bound today, in orange Riley Blake small spots.  Awesome all purpose fabric.  And now it's done.  Why oh why didn't I just finish it before???  Although I have to say, the wee man trying to help me quilt today wasn't that awesome.  He alternates between trying to thump on the foot pedal (fingers near the needle beware) and attempting to rip out the power cord.  The knee lift for the presser foot has long since been removed because that is an irresistible temptation for little fingers.  We are safety conscious here, I tell you.  It would have been much easier if he just napped.

That is a handsome wee foxy, looking smart.

The back is a DS 2011 check.

Over exposed backing shot, with puckers et al.

Now the quilt is off for a wee trip around the world, with Alison's Mexican orphanage the final destination.  When Alison told me they want quilts in all sizes, because there are babies and toddlers there too, I was heartbroken.  The least I can do is send something special to show that people do care.  If you have a moment to make some quilt blocks to help her out, I'm sure she'd appreciate it.

Citrus Sweet Love and a finished cushion

Hello people.  How are you?  I am having a break from stitching tonight, so it seemed a good chance to catch up with you.  One of the reasons for needing a break is that I have been working on my Citrus Sweet Love blocks, which are tremendously time consuming.  I finished the February block ages ago, and I can't remember if I have shown it to you - so here it is.  Can you see the chocolate stain?

But more importantly, this is March's block.  It took me suuuuuch a long time.  I hand pieced all the curves, and then machine pieced the straight lines.  The centre circle was appliquéd on with the method in Sarah Fielke's Craftsy course, and fitted pretty well.  I love the two teeny little bits of liberty in the arrow heads.  I am pleased I took my time though, because I would have been gutted if I had stuffed it up.  There is only one main block to go now next month, although I have the appliqué blocks to finish.

The lesson I really learned was that it is time for me to try machine piecing curves though.  I say it every month!  But I am determined to give it a go. 

Sorry about the rubbish night time photo.  But you can still see the matching points okay. *smug*

In addition, I have finished my little birthday cushion.  Despite my plans to bind it in blue or turquoise, somehow it ended up being a solid persimmon.  Hubby approves - orange is his favourite colour.  The orange really shows off those little umbrellas!

This is the back, with Hydeeann's gorgeous English Paper Pieced block.  I echoed the hexagon shape in the straight line quilting.

What have you been up to?  Having fun sewing?  In other news, I have recently acquired an overlocker, so there may be pretty dresses and skirts in the near future.  For Princess, not me!

Linking up to Needle and Thread Thursday and Show and Tell.  Howdy visitors!

Hello, hello

How are you my lovely quilty friends?  I have missed you!  Life has been a little bit busy here recently, and unfortunately blogging has ended up at the bottom of the list of things to do.  However I had a stinking headache this morning so have packed in work for the day in favour of a decent sleep and trying to get rid of a runny nose (is that too much information? - heh).

I have heaps to tell you, which means I don't know where to start.  So I'll start with the most recent thing I have been doing - a little memory cushion.  I have been spoiled rotten for my birthday, and wanted to do something with all the special bits of fabric I have received from all over the world.  I have been terrified of losing them, and have been umming and ahhing about the best way to show everything off.  In my usual way, I have given up thinking and just starting sewing.  This is what happened ...

It couldn't be simpler - a little 12" cushion top for the bed.  This is the front.  It includes handmade lace from Tiina's mother in Finland, Hydeeann's special little rain showers fabric from the States, Deborah's gorgeous royal blue print from Indonesia and a mix of low volume fabrics from here in Auckland.  The squares are 3" finished - I was going to make them smaller, but in the end didn't want to cut up the lace - I was scared it would fray, and I would lose the effect of the pattern.  It is also a good size to get a decent selection of those little umbrellas.

You can see I have fussy cut some of the text print.  I am pleased that everything is safe in one place now!  It has been straight-line quilted in one direction.

And this - tah dah - will be the back.  Hydeeann sent me one of her EPP blocks as well.  I feel very privileged.  So I will appliqué this on to some of the low volume prints and then quilt.  It might be a good opportunity to try hand-quilting.  Eeeeep.

I think I will pipe the cushion once it's finished.  I'm not sure whether to go with dark blue or aqua.  What do you think?  I am an aqua fiend ...

Aren't I spoiled?  And because I haven't forgotten to share the love, the winners of my two 40th birthday extravaganza giveaways are:

• for the cushion - Megan! - yay ...
• for the charm pack - Schulz Family! - woo hoo ...

Send me an email with your address details, and I will do my best to remember to post your prizes before the end of the month.  It will get there, I promise!

And because I have been spoiled with Hydeeann's EPP, I have a wonderful excuse to link up to her In Hand EPP party.  Howdy visitors!

A little finish for Friday

So I have been doing some little bits of sewing - here is one finish.

One finished zipper pouch

One of the girls at work did me a favour, so I thought I would make her a wee thank you gift. Hubby found some lovely treats to go with it. I suspect they have come from my yummy bath treats stash in the spare bathroom, which will be frustrating when my body wash runs out. So if I start to smell bad, blame him. 

I used the measurements from the Noodlehead zipper pouch tutorial, but inserted the zip using this tutorial. I like being able to use a little snippet of something cute by the zip, but next time would have a fabric with more contrast.  I like how tidy the zip is this way, so I'm pretty sure I'll do it again.

Ahoy there me hearties

I took the photo at the top, but realised I needed more on the way to work. The others were taken in the rush hour crawl to the traffic lights. Here is my little tag, which I have recently had printed at this Etsy shop. It has washing instructions on the back, so I can use them for quilts.

Belle & Boo fabric from Spotlight

The navy spots are from Riley Blake, but the other two fabrics are from Spotlight, and I thought were surprisingly good quality for them. I think this little couple are pretty cute!  The lining is a pale blue with other cute bits and pieces on it. 

Hugs in the woods.  Something Princess will not be allowed to do.

Linking up to Crazy Moms, TGIFF and Confessions of a Fabric Addict. I guess I will pick the prizes for my birthday pressies (see my last posts) on Sunday or Monday, so now is your last chance to share in the Shush birthday love!  I am beginning to get birthday fatigue, because it was hubby's birthday yesterday, and the Wee Man turns one on Monday. But after Monday, we are done for the year, and then we can relax!

Have a lovely weekend!

Another birthday giveaway to share the lush Shush love

Well this has to be a super quick post because I'm at work. I meant to do this yesterday which was my actual birthday, but in between all the lovely things that happened (*awesome) and actual work (*not so awesome) I just didn't have time. 

So here it is. For those of you who aren't interested in a new Shush exclusive cushion (see my last post), I have a a lush Uptown charm pack to give away. It's my way of sharing all the birthday love I have recieved, and again saying thanks for being my quilty friends.  I have met so many lovely people online over the last year and a bit. It is fabulous. Particularly when some of you spoiled me yesterday (you know who you are :-)). 

             

The rules are:

* leave a comment to enter 

* no reply bloggers leave an email address - if I can't contact you you can't win

* followers only 

* international entries welcome. 

PS. I'm going to turn 40 again next year. So far it's been great!

Shush celebrates (and says how we pipe a pillow)

Goodness me it's birthday time - for me on Tuesday it will be number 40.  To celebrate I thought that I would show you how I pipe a pillow.  Are you suitably amazed and overwhelmed?  I mean, what a gift, right?!

At the Modern Modern sewing Saturday I managed to get this finished.  After pretty much everyone voted for turquoise (apart from two renegades), I went and got some cotton corduroy backing and other supplies from Spotlight at Friday lunchtime.  BQF and I have little lunchtime fabric road trips every now and then.  It is very good at breaking up the monotony of lawyering.  As we inevitably have drive through lunch, it is not so good for the waistline.

It's the pillow stack. AKA a stack of pillows.

Anyway - to focus - this is how I piped the cushion.  This method is suitable for a cushion that sits on a couch or a bed (i.e. you don't really see the bottom) and has the zip inserted at the base.  That is because I only pipe three sides of the cushion.  I never would have considered doing this until I realised our existing couch cushions are only piped on three sides and I never noticed.  So clearly, piping all sides is not essential.  You will need:

* finished cushion front
* finished cushion back (same size as the front)
* piping long enough to go around 3 sides
* fabric to cover the piping (I recommend something textured, and that matches the backing for this method - it makes the fact you're only doing three sides unnoticeable.
* zipper

First, make your piping.  I won't give you all the details, because it depends on your cushion and piping size.  I cut 2.25" strips of fabric for mine - long enough to reach around three sides of the cushion (sew strips together if you need to) and sewed it around the binding with my zipper foot, like so.  I also stitched along each end, over the piping, so it wouldn't slip along the casing.

Then pin your piping it to your cushion backing, along the two sides and the top.  The piping faces the centre of the cushion, and the raw edges match the raw edges of your cushion.  The key here is to make sure that your stitching (on the piping) is less than 1/4" from the edge of the cushion back so that it is hidden when you sew your cushion together.  The edge of my piping ended up needing to be over the side of my cushion back, so once I had sewed it on, I trimmed the overhang back to the size of the cushion backing.

All pinned up.  This is the important bit, so don't rush it.

Don't forget to clip your corners.  You can do this before you sew, or as you go.  Then sew the piping to the cushion back, roughly along the line you have already stitched.  Basically, you are basting it together, so it doesn't have to be that tidy, as long as it is hidden within your 1/4' seam allowance.  Pivot at right angles at the corners.  I forgot to take a picture of this, but I have confidence you can visualise a row of stitches.



Then insert your zipper along the bottom.  I use this technique, which is nice and easy - although as you can see, I sew the zipper in from the right side - I think it gives a much tidier finish.  I have found that I need at least 1/2" seam allowance to insert a zip nicely - you may want to take this into account with your cushion size (i.e. make it slightly longer than wide).  Then UNZIP your zipper.

It's not scary - give it a go.

Sew the remaining three sides of your cushion, right sides together, 1/4" from the edge, using your zipper foot and trying to get as close to the piping as you can.

All done.  It's time for the big reveal.

Turn it right side out and admire your awesomeness.  Give those corners a good poke with your finger to pop the piping out.

Oh yeah.  Wow.  High five.

Happy sewing day

Then stuff that baby with a good large inner.  It looks best overstuffed, so that the lack of piping on the bottom doesn't stand out.  

You can see for my backing, I quilted a strip of the fabric from the Bee and Lotus range I used on the front, and then topstitched the corduroy either side of the quilted section.  I liked how this turned out - I think I will do it again!.

Straightish line quilting

So - do you like the finished cushion?

Finished front.

Finished back (hello little label)

If you do (and I mean really do - I want this to go to a loving home, not someone just wanting something for the sake of it) then please put a comment below (followers only - this is to thank you for being part of the Shush family) and I will draw a winner at random next weekend.  Inner not included :-)

Thank you for celebrating my big day with me!  Linking up to TGIFF and Confessions of a Fabric Addict.