Friday, August 15, 2014

Finally! A Friday Finish

The last time I posted a "finish" was July 25. Must be summertime, huh?

Today I have two finishes -- both are bags.

First up, I finally made a Sew Together bag! Friend Mary taught two classes at Ruth's Stitchery for the Sew Together bag. I have to say, it's not difficult -- but it's a lot easier when someone who has made a dozen or more of the STBs is looking over your shoulder.

Here's mine:

Yes, that's Cotton + Steel 2.5" squares. No, they're not available for retail sale. A friend brought them back to me from Spring Market. The "Cotton + Steel" tape was wrapped around the fat quarter bundle I bought to make the inside:


Megan recommends inserting the zippers with one zipping the opposite direction. It helps reduce bulk.

Susie (not of Magic Binding fame) made this lovely winter STB, and let me photograph it to share with you.

Here's the interior of Susie's bag:


I can't wait to start another one!

While hiding out at Mary's cabin last weekend, I got a good start on a "Beatle Bag" from Abbey Lane Quilts.


I finished it up this morning by hand-stitching down the binding and adding some unique goodies to the interior plastic zip bags.


I love that the pincushion is attached with Velcro, so it can be taken out of the bag when needed elsewhere.


The hardest part for both Mary and for me was finding a ring large enough for the unique closure method.


The longer outside strap wraps around the bag, through the ring and fastens with Velcro on the back:


[Oh yeah, see how well my hand is healing?]

Of course, I had to include one of my new pink "PeaceLoveandHappiness" labels.


Stay tuned for another Sunday De-Stash this weekend!


From the desk of your auntmartisignature

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Back to the WIP Wednesday

Yes, it's been 10 days since my last post! I hate when people say "did you miss me?" (umm, no.) so I won't. I've been "camping" at friend Mary's cabin -- no internet, but gorgeous Colorado Scenery!



A lovely place for some morning stitching:



 And the huge windows face the Colorado sunset:


We spent most of our time working on Abbey Lane's "Beatle Bag." Details to follow!


Once I returned home, I went straight to work on my August UFO challenge. It's the Ryokan quilt, begun two years ago at a block party at Ruth's Stitchery. I've decided to "biggie-size" it to make it fit a full-size bed. Which means eight more blocks.

Ryokan

I'm using Judy Hopkin's "501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks" to choose and sew the additional 6.5" blocks.


501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks

So far I have five completed. You'd think, after 111 size 6.5" blocks for the Farmer's Wife quilt, I'd never want to make "little" blocks again. Especially when I choose "Chinook," which has 75 pieces!


I haven't sewn the "quilt blocks" to the "houses" yet, in case I decide to shift them around a bit.


The sashing is 1.5" squares set in two-patches. I'm using it as my "Leaders and Enders" project. A great way to finish a boring part of the quilt!

WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced

Linking up to WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.

I hope to have a finished "Beatle Bag" to show you on Friday. Come back and see!



From the desk of your auntmartisignature