Quick Quilting

Christmas time - you're looking for a quick DIY gift for some loved ones. Head to Joann's, grab some quarter yard cuts of 4-7 coordinating fabrics. Cut strips of various widths, keeping in mind any directional fabrics (I wanted the superhero eyes looking out vs. upside down). 


I made one for both my niece (girly florals) and nephew (superhero). 

Backed with flannel, these cozies were easy to quilt. I simply stitched-in-the-ditch and used a pre-made bias tape. Donezo!

Fabric Origami

Have you ever stumbled upon a quilt barn? Those random country studios where local ladies gather to quilt, gab, and sell some goods? 

I ran into one such quilt barn hosting a sale and came across a pair of asian-styled panels that were just begging to be turned into something pretty. Paired with some similarly themed fabrics I had on hand - BOOM, project!

They made me think of a pal of mine who is into origami so I decided to make a wall hanging inspired by the ancient craft. Keeping the lines simple, I ran with an idea to create twisted 3D fabric origami elements for a unique detail. Risky, right?

  

It was worth it.  

Stitches of love

I took on a new quilt project after my Liquid Stitch endeavour. I wanted to use a more complex pattern in some fun fabrics. I found this Disney Princess toile fabric - could it be any more adorable?

With a bunch of other coordinating fabrics - including a soft blue Minky knit - I pulled together a quick design chalk full of straight lines! Two favorite design elements: 

- The black and white gingham accent, gives it a pop of modern. 

- The white ruffle fabric used for the border ups the ante a bit!

All in all - I used "guesstimate" measurements, made my own binding, and hand-tied the layers together so the Minky fabric kept its characteristic nubby texture. 

This was given to my niece near her first birthday. I hope she comes to cherish it for each stitch of love.

Liquid Stitch Reveal

My my charity: water campaign, titled Liquid Stitch, wrapped up at the end of March. The fact that I'm just posting this displays my inability to slow down and blog frequently. However, I thought it important to note the close of this story.

Finishing this quilt was a challenge that I eagerly accepted as the temptation to draw a winner from the hat weighed on me. Though I completed most of the quilt by sewing machine, I did hand quilt it for that special touch. I was very pleased with the outcome of my first quilt attempt. 

I finally drew a name: Lynnette Shaw, of Republic of Jam in Carlton, Oregon. I interviewed with her and her partner, Amy, once for a position. The interview process gave me the opportunity to meet this exception couple and we've been bumping into each other around town since. I wanted to hand-off to be special so I boxed 'er up, tied a pretty bow and drove to the jam store. Lynnette was kind enough to take a photo with me and her prize. She was so kind in her praise for the quilt and supportive of my campaign, she posted about it here. 

Overall, it was a great campaign. I want to thank @charity:water for inspiring me to try something new to raise funds for clean drinking water. The $1,050 that were raised during the eighty days was combined with several other campaigns and sent to Mali. Pictures of the funded water project, along with GPS coordinates, are scheduled to arrive Winter 2016. Follow the project at https://my.charitywater.org/liquid-stitch. 

Thanks again to everyone who took a moment to spread some love, share the wealth we so easily take for granted, and share in the passion for charity: water.