Quilt for My Sister

I wanted to give my sister a quilt, so I let her look through my tops and this is the one she picked:

This one wasn't quite finished, which was good since it gave her the opportunity to have input on the colors.  She wanted a less traditional look for the quilt, so chose fabrics in grays for the border, the back and the binding.  Truthfully, I wasn't too sure how that would look, but I really love how it turned out!

 

 

 

 

 

 I had it quilted with dark gray thread on top and white thread on the bottom. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the back

 

 

Another Handbag

I like the blue bag I made recently, but it wasn't exactly what I wanted.  So while I was in the bag making mood, I got to work on another one.  And I'm very happy with how this one turned out.  It's the right size and shape, and I love the colors and all the pockets.






































As with the blue one, I used upholstery samples that were given to me by my niece. I used cream colored suede, brown leather and brown tweed.  For the lining,  I used a piece of medium weight brown cotton that was left over from another project.


I started with this pattern, but changed it quite a bit. 






































I've used this pattern a lot as I like the general shape and size.   My finished bag is 10-1/2" tall and 12" wide.  The bottom panel is 4-3/4" wide and the side narrows down to 2" wide at the top.  I put a zippered pocket on each size on the outside (1 small and 1 large) and 1 small one on the inside.







































I used a plastic jacket zipper for the opening.  I find these work great as they're strong enough, but light-weight and easy to open.  I use split rings as pulls on all the zippers.  These are inexpensive, come in different sizes, easy to grab hold of and they never fall off.




















 
 
 
 
 
 


This was one of those rare projects that goes together quick and easy and turns out as great as you hoped.

Christmas Gifts - Fleece Blankets

I generally sew Christmas gifts for my 9 grandchildren.  Usually it's flannel or fleece pj's - they seem to like those.   This year I decided to make fleece blankets.  I made one for each of my grandchildren, plus one for my husband and a small one for myself.  That's 48 yards of fleece!  I'm probably the only crafter that had never made one of these or even owned one.   Instead of the cut & tie method,  I decided to stitch all the way around the edges and then cut the edges into 1-1/2" wide strips. I didn't tie them,  just left them as fringe.  I think the kids will like them and I'm thrilled that I got them finished early! 

Fall/Winter Handbag

I made a bag for the Pattern Review "Handbag" contest.

This was my inspiration:

 

I used this pattern.  It's a free PDF download.

I wanted a  zippered pocket on the back like this:



























I started with the free Kennedy bag pattern from Sew Sweetness. This is a great pattern.  It prints out good and the instructions are very through.   Her bag's finished size is 11 x 14  with a 5 inch bottom.  That was little bigger than I wanted plus I wanted mine to be more of a square shape, so I made mine 10.5 x 12.5 with a 4.5 inch bottom.  Even though I like a fairly large handbag, this is still a little bigger than I like.

I used 7 different upholstery samples.  These came from a local fabric store and were given to me by my niece that works there. When they replace them and toss the old ones, she passes some of them on to me.

For the lining, I used a medium weight brown cotton piece that was left over from another project.

I added feet to the bottom;  used split rings for the zipper pulls; and a magnetic snap for the closure.

 


I added a large outside zippered pocket on the back
















 
 


Underneath the flap, I added a 5 x 8 inch lined pocket that I use for my cell phone



























There's also an inside zippered pocket.






















Feet on the bottom

Side panel

My new sewing machine - a Bernina 1130

Look what I found at the Goodwill:  a Bernina 1130!

in a Horn cabinet

They were both pretty dirty and musty smelling.  But after cleaning and oiling the machine, and a little tension adjustment, it sews perfectly!  The pneumatic lift system isn't working, I think there's a missing part or two.  Hopefully I'll be able to repair that.  They are both scratched and well-used, but I love it.  And I only paid $38.00!!

The manual was with it, and 15 feet and a few bobbins and needles.   I also found the receipt showing the lady bought it in 1986.

I don't have room for it in my tiny sewing room, but I'm sure I'll find some place for it.

Knit Tops

 

This was an experiment.  I wanted a top with cut-on sleeves, but not so loose as dolman type sleeves.  I started with my often-used altered version of Vogue 1261.  I like how it turned out except I got the end of the sleeves a little too tight.  For contrast,  I used a black knit for the neckband and sleeve bands.

TOP 2

For the 2nd top, out came another often-used pattern, Simplicity 2603.  As per my normal, I used the sleeveless top and added the sleeves from the cardigan.  I made a size medium; added width at the center front and center back to make it loose and drapey; lengthened it by 3 inches; added a pleat to center back; and added 1/4" to the width of the neckband.  I had only a very small piece of the brown and red print that I used for the front, so I used a solid brown knit for the back, sleeves and neckband.  Instead of hemming the sleeves, I added a 1" band.

I believe the fabrics for both of these tops came from WalMart several years ago when they were getting some decent knits.   I like both of my tops and I'm sure I'll wear these a lot.

Kimono - Simplicity 1318

I finished one of the items on my fall sewing list: a silk kimono.  

 

I used a poly shantung that I got on clearance at Joann Fabrics for $3.50 yard.  The 4" fringe also came from Joann's.  I used 2-1/2 yards of fabric and 2 yards of fringe.  Total cost for supplies (including the pattern) was around $20.00.

I made a size medium,  and the only change I made was to leave off the sleeve bands.

Here's the back:

Throw Cushions

I finished one of the items on my list of craft type sewing projects.  These are throw cushions for the couch in my sitting room. This was a really simple project, and I love how they turned out. This pretty fabric came from Joann Fabrics.

More Sewing Plans

I haven't make anything from my last post and already have more plans.

A casual mixed media jacket

A long plaid shirt:

A fringed kimono

Fall Sewing Plans

I'm working up a plan of some things I'd like to sew for fall.  I want to concentrate on basics and things I really wear in my everyday life.  And to sew from my stash.  I think I already have patterns that will work for all of these.
 
I like to wear long sleeve tees because they are so comfortable, but they look too plain and casual.  So I thought I'd make a simple vest similar to this to wear over them.  Although I will probably make it in a print since most of my tees are solids - plus I love prints.

I like this plaid flannel shirt that's a little different due to the bottom cut on the bias.

Since I already have this McCall's pattern, I'll use it.

I'll use my TNT knit top for this black and gray knit top, with lace front overlay.

 A white button up shirt that's a little different.  I'll probably make the sleeves longer.
 I'm not sure how to do the pleats.   I do like the black and white buttons.

Now to get started!