a few quick projects

After a long hiatus, I have been working on a few baby inspired projects....

I’m in the process of making a stuffed robot softie (a rip-off of this). I know I could have shelled out $30 bucks to buy it, but it was so simple I felt guilty not making one myself. Plus, I’ve got tons of fleece left from a failed pajama project that I need to use up and it was an excuse to use some of the fancy decorative stitches on my machine.







I also whipped up a few wonky star pillows from fleece and microfiber (inspired by these). I watched a few YouTube videos on creating a decent star shape without math, then drew out a pattern on newspaper in the approximate size I was looking for. It took me about an hour to cut and assemble both, with a bit longer the next night to sew up the opening I left for turning and stuffing. Kaylee has already claimed them as her own. She drags them around the house, takes them to bed with her, she even smuggled one in to daycare the other day. Looks like I’ll be making another set.



We’re going with a mod space/robot theme for the nursery and I bought four yards of fabric from Fabricworm  (it’s Birch Fabrics SPACE from the Circa 52 collection by Monaluna, organic cotton – swanky). Although, I’m not positive what exactly I’m going to do with it yet…a quilt, a crib skirt, a changing pad cover, curtains? Choices, choices…



more on the guest room/nursery makeover here

Did I NEED another tote bag?

Of course not! But I saw this pattern and medley in Keepsake Quilting and just had to do it.  It called for Pellon Fusible Fleece, which I had never used before. It's like a light batting that can be ironed on. The pattern backed everything with it - the outside, the handles, and the lining. Oh, the pocket inside, too. I opted to do only the outside and am happy with the choice. It went a lot faster and it has body but isn't super stiff. If anyone wants to make one, I have Fusible Fleece left to share.

Soft and Toasty

This week I finished baby flannel blankets for our friend who has twins on the way.  I had left over material to make matching burp cloths too.  These blankets are the perfect gift for new moms.  My mom made me some for Sophia.  I love them!  The more you wash them the softer they get.  The pattern is VERY easy and goes quick.

I also finished small piecing my spring wall hanging.  I have to go around the appliqué pieces, sew block pieces, etc.  I couldn't resist showing if off.  This is the first time that I have attempted block pieces this small- with triangles no less!  I took the patterns advise and purchase an angle companion.  DO IT!  I almost believe that I can take on any angle now!  Easy to use!  Perfect piecing!  YES!
I also created a 'design wall'.  I made mine out of quilt batting and just pinned to wall first to see if I would like it before I make it permanent.   I'm loving it and now will have to figure out which way to make it permanent.  The idea of not crawling around on a floor laying things out? Fantastic!