Angela is a relatively new member who volunteered to make one of the 2-in-1 cases for the officers. She did a really wonderful job!
The colors are really great. I think the binding picks up and enhances the purple in the dragonfly print really well.
I love the fussy cutting she did, though she claims it was a happy accident. The cover really looks like the dragonflies were placed intentionally.
AngelaB’s 2-in-1 Case – interior
The inside mimics the outside, but uses a lighter print to still allow the owner to see what is inside.
She really matched the interior print and the zippers well.
AngelaB’s 2-in-1 Case – interior detail
Angela’s zippers also went in beautifully.
I am completely impressed with this version of the case. You can see the other completed 2-in-1 Cases in a previous post and my, second, in process case in a post from earlier this week.
I realized I needed one more 2-in-1 Case for the officer gifts so I decided to make a Tula version.
This is a really singular print and I wouldn’t normally choose it for a gift, but it kept calling to me for this project. I really hope one of the officers is a Tula fan!
I carefully fussy cut the image of the woman so that it would show up on the front.
Tula 2-in-1 Case interior in process
I also made the inside first so that any seam allowance problems, as mentioned when I made the last case, could be dealt with by cutting the exterior a different size.
This version is really coming together quite quickly. I am surprised at how easy it is compared to how difficult the directions seem.
Tula 2-in-1 Case-sew in magnetic snap + tab
This time I am also using one of the sew-in magnetic snaps. I used the edge of the square-ish zipper foot to sew around the magnet part and it worked pretty well. I can sort of see the stitching on the outside, which I am not thrilled about, but am leaving and hoping for the best.
I have been thinking a lot about what I want to sew this year. Yes, I need to continue the 26 Projects project, but it is less important now that I have completed so much and many fewer UFOs. I have been going back and forth between a lot of different ideas. I am not sure if I have settled on one yet.
One idea is to continue as I did last year. You can see what I made by reading the Year in Review post. I made a lot of gifts, made a few donation tops, made a few quilts. While the gifts gave me some direction, I felt like, overall, I was a little directionless.
Poppins Bag Supplies
I have some goals, but I never attach a date to my goals. I don’t want to add to the guilt I already feel at not getting enough done. One goal is to replace the Ultimate Carry All Bag. It had a good run and has some good qualities, but it is not the ideal bag for going to Sew Day or on Retreat.
I am still looking for the perfect bag pattern. The other day, I was reminded of the Poppins Bag. I bought the pattern and the frames in 2019 at PIQF, though I have more of a description of the bag from 2018 (when I didn’t buy it-LOL!). I haven’t made it yet, though I did look at it last year and felt a bit daunted, but, perhaps, with the start of the year I might be more up for the challenge. It might be a good replacement for the UCAB. It is, however, a daunting pattern.
One is idea is just to think about what I feel like doing and sewing in that way. Part of that idea is not to make any gifts, or many fewer. I don’t know if that will work as I have a couple of ideas I want to try. I think that idea is to put less stress on myself in terms of deadlines.
As usual, I want to use up as much fabric as possible. I didn’t make my 100 yard (net) goal last year. Not going to Portland with its tempting quilt shops in January will help with that goal. It does mean a lot of sewing, though.
I decided I needed to be diligent about the Pantone Project blocks. I put my nose to the machine and started working hard on them. I want to have another group to give to Julie on Sew Day. I don’t know that I will be able to make them all. I can try.
Pantone: Peaky & Spike
Pantone: Peaky & Spike
Pantone: Wingy Things
Pantone: Sliver Right
Pantone: Sliver Right
New Year’s Pantone selection
I am in the process of making a second batch. On New Year’s Day, I got all the postcards together and selected fabrics for each of the cards, then, interspersed with sashing the Grey Strip donation top, I started making blocks. I did change out the light blue, Pantone 9044, in the middle on the left. You can see the replacement fabric above in the Peaky & Spike block.
I am selecting blocks to make based what I have already made. I have a sort of plan in mind for the final quilt that requires even numbers of blocks.
This is the bag that I made for Friend Julie for Christmas.
Purple Couch Hackney
I finished this quickly back in October, which was fortunate, because I didn’t have much sewing time in October and November and December quickly became busy. When I was ready to sew, I surprisingly, found all the pieces already cut out. I don’t remember cutting them all out, but I must have at some point. 😉 It was like magic and reminded me that the prep for bags takes the longest time in terms of making the bag.
This bag matches the Mini-Maker Case I made for Friend Julie back when the mini Oliso came out. That was during the pandemic as I remember opening our gifts for each other in a parking lot! LOL!
Couch Hackney corner view
This is one of the best Hackneys that I have made. It stands up very well. I filled it with almost all of the Christmas gifts I bought for her. It is amazing how much it holds.
I am not sure this is exactly the right color zipper, but it goes pretty well with the bag, overall. I don’t think the regular purple zipper available would match any better.
Couch Hackney – interior
The interior is a completely different purple, actually more of a lavender.
In this version of the Hackney, I put a glitter vinyl pocket. It will be good for flat items, but does not stretch at all, like the mesh pocket and, thus, I think items might slip out. I hope not, but I thought of that later.
Couch Hackney interior – labels
I am still working on making sure I put a label in each bag that I make. I was able to add two to this one.
My goal is to always put one of my AQ labels inside. I am also, every now and again, adding one of the labels that Julie gave me as part of the 2022 Advent calendar. I really like those labels. That was a great gift.
As I said, I am pleased with how this bag came out and the more I look at it, the more I want to make a Hackney for myself.
I am sure I have said this before. One of the things I love about my cell phone is always having a camera handy. I don’t think I say it enough, however, because it is a fabulous tool for inspiration.
Lettuce?
Cabbage?
I saw these plants (cabbages?) while I was traveling and thought of Philip Jacobs and his fabric designs. Philip included these particular designs in the Brassica collection. Free Spirit categorizes these as classics, which, I hope, means they will always be in print. Fingers crossed!
I am so appreciative of how generous people were to me for the Christmas holidays. You saw the gifts I made. I was equally bestowed with beautiful items.
Gifts from Carrie and SueG
I received these lovely things when we went out to our, now annual, I think, Holiday Lunch.
Carrie made the scissor cozy and I have been using it a lot. It is perfect for my To Go bag. I can always find a sharp pair of fabric scissor a convenient pair of paper (and other non-fabric) scissors. Additionally, the non-fabric scissors are turquoise! That is a totally added bonus.
Scissor Cozy from Carrie – detail
I have several pair of my own scissors, but the new Ginghers fit nicely into the cozy. I might need to make some of those cozies. I also have to get Carrie to show me her KamSnap technique. That KamSnap is securely attached to the fabric in a way I have never been able to achieve with my KamSnap device**. I prefer the SnapSetter. However, since I have the thing, I want to be able to use it. Carrie doesn’t know it yet, but she and I are going to have session at some point.
Tilda fabric gift from SueG
SueG also gave some lovely things. One is a fat quarter pack of Tilda fabrics. I always look at these fabrics, but never buy them. This little pack is a nice treat. I like the colors a lot. No, I don’t know yet what I will do them, but bag linings keep flashing into my mind. This is a ridiculous notion as you know I like my bag linings to be light colored. We’ll see.
Gifts from Gerre – tea towels, ornament
I received a small package a few days before Christmas from Gerre who sent me the most adorable ornament as well as two tea towels.
The tea towels fit with the color scheme of my kitchen and I like the design. They look slightly in the Pennsylvania Dutch style. I like the simple design and by simple I mean that there is only one design on each towel.
Gifts from Cyndi – 2023
I received a fat quarter and a ironing ruler as well. This is something that I can really use as many bag patterns say to iron a seam over by a certain measurement.
I don’t think I knew this type of tool existed, but I am certainly happy with it.
The fat quarter is a print that is one of my favorites. I love those large poppies. I might use it to make a Hackney for myself. I used it for an Andalusian pouch for Megan. I don’t need more fabric, but I can always use it. 😉
Christmas quilt related gifts
DH and I only bought a few gifts for each other, because we bought a couple of large gifts for the house recently.
I actually received two of the Scrappiness is Happiness** books. I think I will finally have enough WonderClips**! I still haven’t received my order of rotary blades from LP Sharp. There was a problem with my order, so I am glad to have received a new replacement pack of 45mm blades**.
Christmas 2023 gifts from Julie
Finally, Friend Julie and I had our annual NYE dinner where we exchanged Christmas gifts.
She was reading my mind. I really wanted the Sew Tites EPP Palette and she got me one. I can’t wait to try it out!
The foot pedal mat is already in use. For the first time in YEARS, my sewing machine foot pedal is staying put.
I also really want to read about how the New Deal affected quiltmaking, so A New Deal for Quilts** is a welcome addition to my library.
Gifts from Amanda
Last but not at all least is a gift from Amanda. I know the pie cookbook isn’t exactly quilt related, but quiltmaking goes so much better with pie. The fabric is wonderful and I have to think of something awesome to do with it.
I feel so fortunate to have such lovely family and friends give me such lovely gifts.
**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.
2023 fabric used: 58.63 (30% used for Charity) – I can really believe I have made all the items listed below with 25 yards of fabric! It really doesn’t take much fabric to make a quilt.
I seem to be finishing four – six quilt projects per year. Four of the projects below were long time residents of my 26 projects list. I am pleased to have them finished.
As you know, I don’t quilt much and I enjoy the collaborative effort of making a top and allowing someone else to quilt it. Thus, the quilts below are mostly tops, but I have included the finished quilt once someone else finishes it for the group.
I never seem to make as many tops as I think I should. These are pretty nice tops, though, and I am pleased to say that I usually have a donation top, or some blocks, under the needle.
Friendship Star donation top
Pink Strip donation top – finished
Spiky 16 Patch #5 with border
Ends n.15: Leftovers
Ends n.16
Ends n.17 (Plaid) Finished
Blue Strip #3 donation quilt
QST 16 Patch in process
Red Improv donation quilt finished
Orange Improv Donation quilt finished
QST 16 Patch #2
Black Strip donation top with border
It would be great if I was able to make one more donation top before the end of the year. 12 quilt tops = 1 top per month, though I didn’t make all of them this year. Regardless, the blog symmetry is good.
The ‘In Process’ is used to denote projects on which I am actively working or are on the design wall waiting for me to stitch. I am continuing to try not to put away projects, so that they stay off my UFO list. I find putting a project away ensures I never work on them. Out of sight out of mind, I guess.
I decided that some of my quilts are in a different class because they are hand piecing or embroidery or beading. They take longer. Thus I created a new category and have moved some projects here.
La Passacaglia – The rosettes are all assembled. I am working on the border.
Retreat Organizer – another project from the Crafty Gemini Organizer Club, also on my list. I finally started it. I am determined to finish it soon, if for no other reason than to get it off my list.
Rose Petrillo bag – I still have the pieces for this bag cut out, but have not started sewing.
Superbloom tote using Hindsight fabric – Still not started, but higher up on my mental list. The fabric and supplies are still ready to go.
Still UFOs
I still have UFOs. Who doesn’t, after all? A project in the ‘UFO’ category means I am stalled, it hasn’t been worked on in awhile or it is waiting its turn to be worked on. The list is a lot shorter and the projects are newer, for the most part.
I am annoyed that some of these are still WIPs. I just need to work on them!
Handbag Sampler – this is still the forgotten project. I found one block in the not-too-distant past, but otherwise I don’t actually know exactly where the blocks are hiding. I crawled up in the far reaches of my fabric closet to see if I could find them and they weren’t where I thought. I am sort of mystified as to where they could be. I haven’t even found a picture of all the blocks. WTH?
This is quite a few donation blocks (188 at last count)! I am pretty pleased with how many blocks I made this year. I know you saw many of these yesterday. Scroll down to revisit the ones I made earlier this year.
I realize that most of these are black or light grey. This is a result of working through my black, grey and brown scrap bin.
Unfortunately, I was being odd when I first started naming these blocks and so they are all called Dark Grey…. I will probably end up making, at least, two quilts out of the blocks you see. I think I will make a light grey and a black quilt, but it depends on how much light grey I have. The drawer was full when I started and I still have quite a few scraps, though most of the straight strips have been used.
I was able to make so many because I used a strip piecing method and just zoomed them through the machine. I also didn’t have to worry about matching any seams since I trimmed them to the right size once I had a large enough piece.
Our holiday celebrations were a bit topsy turvy this year as the normal hosts, SIL#4 and BIL#4, of our family Christmas Eve party were out of town. As a result, I invited my niece, their oldest daughter and her fiance over for Christmas morning.
This was great as they are delightful guests, but I didn’t have enough stockings. I have enough for the three of us, my parental units and one spare for random visitors. Now I have two spares.
Stocking cut and in process
I had a lot to do over the past few weeks and was busy as work. Though this project was on my mind, I didn’t start making it until Christmas Eve. I put the YM in charge of the dinner and went off to make a stocking.
I found some line art I wanted to use, then I traced one of the stockings, made the motif and sewed the whole thing together. It has been several years since I made stockings, but this one went together pretty well and looked good when finished. My soon-to-be nephew was pleased to be included.
Finished Stocking
I am pleased with the way the stocking came out. I spent, maybe an hour, on the whole project. The ‘pattern’ is relatively simple. I use felt because I don’t have to worry about raw edges, but you could make one quilted and appliqued as well..
I really want to work on embellishing the stockings in general. I may start on that this evening. I plan to put a spine on the holly, but we’ll see when. I try to do a little every year, but don’t always get to it before we put the Christmas decorations way.
