Lovely year of finishes - February

Hello my little poppets! Made up a whole post for January, only to realize I was a day late for the finish linky. So is life.

Let's see what's under the needle for the month!

First up, one that is already finished. This is what I'm sending my partner for Pretty Little Pouch Swap. She listed the colors she likes, and best yet, the ones she doesn't. I was so thankful she included that or I would have used colors she doesn't care for.

  

Here is one side of it. For the circles I used my new Sizzix cutter. Man oh man is that thing cool! If only the dies were more easily available. I almost returned it in exchange for an Accuquilt, but the dies are all crooked. Sizzix makes it easier to line everything up. 

 

And this is the other side. Is it weird that there is a different layout on each side? Seemed like different designs but the same fabrics would Jazz it up a little. 

 

Here is the inside lining and the simple little pocket. I ordered the orange fabric a while back and wasn't sure what I would ever use it for, but it was perfect for this! Isn't it great when it all works out.

After making this lil lovely what else could I possibly need to finish? Other than the 2398234 different projects in various stages of incomplete, I'm going to go with my Madrona Road challenge.

Fort Worth Modern Quilt Guild, which I haven't been the best member of because of pesky work, joined in on the fun. Our guidelines were to only use this line but could include up to 3 solids, and had to be a quilt of some sort. The deadline is the February meeting so its pretty much a given this has to come together. 

 

Here is part of the top. I drew it all out on some graph paper and made blocks, then rows. Sadly, as it was coming together I would step back and see if it was working and damned if there weren't mistakes throughout! God bless the post it! Some of the goof ups were right smack in the middle. Only a few rips and snips and inset seams, right pieces in the right spots.

 

This is where it is at as of this morning. The back is giving me giant fits! I didn't want one solid piece, especially since I didn't have anything that was big enough. Now its piece piece piece and make something big enough! Thankfully I effed up some HST and could use those as a center. 

Goal for February: Make a backing big enough that doesn't look a hot mess, and quilt this bitch in time for my meeting! 

Now go see what other people are marking off the list!

Since it so happens to be Wednesday I'll even link up with the lovely stitchers over at Freshly Pieced! Go look around at those lovelies too!

More experience = no older projects

I had the best of intentions, honest. But when I sat down to work on the older projects I just wanted to pull my hair out! Let me back up a bit, and tell you a darling story.

Once upon a time, there was a sweet little quilter just starting out. She didn't quite know what she was doing so off she went, consulting the Google at every turn. A list of supplies, blogs, tutorials to read, and a machine - the girl was all set.

Sadly though, her new crafty love was relegated to a small card table in the corner of her bedroom. On this card table sat the cutting mat and sewing machine. They would doe see doe when one was needed. After a while, the girl was having issues with her projects. No matter how many times she checked and rechecked, her strips weren't straight. She was using all the right tools and holding rulers the right way, but nothing came out straight. The girl even tried sewing with out wine! She persevered and made it work.

Then one day she had a realization, a moment of clarity so painful and obvious it could only compare to stepping on a Lego.

The $&@#^ing table was bowed! The weight of the machine and pressing down on the card table had made the damn thing bow in ever so slightly. Realizing the cause of her cutting despair, the girl moved the mat to the floor and never had a problem again.

Let's just say, the birthday fabric pieces were cut pre realization.

Now what did I do with that bottle opener.....

Bring it on 2013!

Day one of a new month, new year. Oh, the possibilities are endless! One thing I definitely plan on doing is finishing what I've started.



See these bins? All various stages of projects. And yes, that's a skirt on top, all wadded up. It was an adorable skirt from goodwill but was about 9 sizes too big. All it needs is the waistband sewn on. I just got tired of looking at it.




This is from a bundle of fabric I got for my birthday in 2011! L is a hair stylist too and has a great eye for coordinating fabrics. (I'm thinking she has an inner crafter begging to come out.) The pattern is from a quilt along on Jaybird Quilts. Not sure how this will turn out, or how big, but I'm at least going to finish piecing the strips that have been cut and go from there. I can tell I've learned to plan ahead with fabric amounts. And to starch all fabric within an inch of its life. Especially bias cuts. Wish I'd realized that a looooong time ago.

Speaking of lessons learned, this is what happens when you don't check your stitch setting before sewing. >_<



Thankfully the needle didn't shatter and take out an eye.

These two little lovelies went to a friend's little girls. Craptastic iPhone pictures are the best i got before going home with them.




This was a zip pie pouch destined to hold Hello Kitty stamps and notepad.



This was a baby doll bassinet. The pattern was found....somewhere. If anyone is interested in it email me and I'll try to find it again. Definitely want to make more of these but change the pattern. Shattered a needle that almost did take an eye out. Thank god for safety goggles aka reading glasses!

Since its the first of the month, linking up for Fresh Sewing Day and the Small Blog Meetup. Love having new visitors, hope you like what you see and stay a while :)

A year in review - and a winner

Holy smokes! I really didn't think I did Jack Squat all year. There are even a few little goodies that didn't make it in there. High five for me!

Rundown of the year for yours truly: 

- Randomly made purses for myself and others. The urge comes and goes, usually corresponds with exploded pens or spilled drinks.

- Signed up for my first bee, but sadly had to leave due to life getting crazy. That really sucked. I still feel bad about it. 

- Successfully participated in 6 swaps. Got some hella cool stuff from all around the world to boot. 

 - Made baby blankets for 2 different friends and one as a thank you to my aunt for loving my kid. 

- Managed to learn how to embroider and had a blast with it. 

- Started using zippers and quickly fell in love with them all over again 

 - Tried curved piecing and fell madly in love with it. Can't wait to do more of that. 

-FMQ an entire (baby) quilt and didn't throw it in the trash. Larger ones will not be done any time soon. 

Life away from the thread was......ok. Certainly not the best year, but very far from the worst.  Can't wait to see what 2013 brings for everyone.


Also, the winner of the giveaway is  Liz DandelionD. I'll be emailing you shortly for your info :)

Giveaway goodness!

So while browsing through the blog reader, I found this awesome linky party!! Since I'm already doing a small giveaway I thought I might as well combine them.




Having helped with the Sailor Mouth Swap via Flickr, I'll stitch up something with your favorite naughty word. It will be a complete surprise but I'm sure you'll snicker. Since not everyone has potty mouth, I'll be glad to make something with a rated G word too.

But wait! There's more! If more than 30 comments I'll even throw in a charm pack of Little Apples.





Leave a comment telling me your most interesting Christmas gift experience. Think Ralphie and his pink bunny suit. If you follow me on my blogging adventure, you get another entry.

Entries will be open until December 22nd. If you're a no reply blogger leave me an email address.

Go check out the other awesome goodies too!

WARNING! NAUGHTY WORDS! and a small giveaway :)

Before I fell off the face of the earth, I had said something about our Sailor Mouth Swap. It was a blast! After the 1st of the year round 2 should start up. I was a nervous wreck sewing for the lovely Sarah of Narcoleptic in a Cupboard. She is just awesome. Love the stuff she makes and her silly wit. I kind of want to steal her cat and love it all day. She's so fluffy! From yours truly she received a pillow cover, a hoop and bag.

 

This bag was a bit of an after thought. I went back and reread her survey and she wanted a bag! There's nothing spectacular or sweary on it. Its just kind  of spiffy. Perfect size! Fits all your junk and an Ipad.

 

Here's the hoop. It was my first hoop ever, so I hope I made it right. This was inspired by a conversation about comfort zone needed for "doing paperwork". It's even been pinned on Pinterest!! That put some pep in my step.
 

This was the pillow cover. Hehehe! I tried to make the writing look as swirly girlie as possible
.

 As per most swaps,the envelope was obnoxiously decorated. (Photo from Sarah's flickr.)

I got THE BEST goodies sent to me. Amy of [Amy's] Crafty Shenanigans sent me the coolest stuff. I'm an ass and didn't take pictures of it all perfect and pretty. Now it's all being used and loved so here are the pictures she took when everything was perfect and crisp.

Borrowed from Amy's flickr.

LOVE the fabric! One of my favorite prints. And we had just used some for a block for FWMQG. I was so confused as to the pouch though. Whale oil beef hooked? At first I thought it was saucy Jack Speak but instead you say it fast and it sounds like something else. Of course, having a twangy Texan accent so it didn't click right away. Duh!!! Once it did, I almost peed my pants laughing. There was even some heavenly British candies in the pouch. So tasty!

So, the giveaway? I'll pick one comment, assuming there is more than one, and make something from a naughty word of your choice and mail it to you. Won't tell you when or what it is but it will be a swearing surprise :) Hell, I'll even ship it out of good ol "Merica.

Well hello, we meet again.

Good lord, the last time I posted on this thing was July?? Wow. Quick recap of real life events.

- August was my last month of working for someone else. Trying to get all my ducks in a row so I could try and keep a clientele was hard. Me and the bestie share a small suite in a salon now. It's kind of like having a dorm except neither of us went off to university. It's a much happier atmosphere, I work with all my friends and the hours are more forgiving. One of my coworkers is amazing in that she used to teach quilting classes! She is a fountain of knowledge for me. I love the hell out of her. Sadly, the move means no more sit and sew with quilt guild girls.

- My son has started school. He's in the 3 yr old class even though he turned 4in November. We had to switch programs because he had a terrible teacher at his first one. This is the first week at the new school and so far he loves it. It was my first choice for school but they didn't have an opening until now. Perfect timing really. It's hard seeing him get so big. It only speeds up from here.

- I've decided that the plumpy was getting too bad and went on a bit of a diet. Cutting back a lot on carbs/sugars. The first week I was a bitch, plain and simple. My blood sugar went all crazy but now I've adjusted to it. It's nothing extreme, but definitely a necessity. Getting closer to 30 is making me more observant to my bad habits.

-Late October my dad died. He wasn't a good father by any stretch of the imagination. We hadn't spoken in 7 years. Now its a super fun legal go round with everything because there was no will and I have a lazy older brother. Blarg.

I say all of this to say, life got in the way of fun stuff for me. Other than estate stuff everything is going along swimmingly. I have been busy sewing and swapping though. I want to get back into the bloggy goodness. In the mean time, I've discovered instagram. I'm sosaysthehermit if you want to follow along.

That time I popped out 2 quilts

I FIIINALLY finished an asshole quilt. It was a pain from the get go. Nothing went right, at all. Well I finally showed that beast what's up!

 

I think it looks marvelous now! You can't really see it but I used one of DS fabrics from Joann's for the binding. 

 

The back is a vintage sheet I thrifted ages ago. Its so very soft. Extra snuggly :) 

 

 Then, in record time, I started AND finished a quilt in less than a week. Gasp and amazement! In all fairness, it was a baby quilt. 

 

It's Oh Franson's Mixtape quilt pattern. This is definitely one of my favorite patterns ever! I used Backyard Baby from Michael Miller. I bought 1/2 yard of each print and needed a fat eighth. Looks like Little Man is going to get one of these too. It's sashed in Kona Ash and the binding is Kona Orange, maybe Tangerine? The back is a light brown thrifted sheet. This one goes out tomorrow. Hope momma (and soon baby boy) like it :)

I'll be linking up with a few of you lovely linky ladies this week. Go check them all out. There is some seriously good stuff out there.

Word vomit with a few pretty pictures

I have been a busy little beaver. Allegory and I are hosting a swap over on Flickr

Look! I made this

She's definitely the get people roped in type. I'm more of an OOH! LISTS! organizational freak. Either way, I'm hella excited and people should go join pronto!

Proud nerd moment of the week? Making a banner for this silly little corner of blogville. If you are viewing this in a reader, go feed my excitement and ooh and ahh over the simple little lovelies at the top. I've been trying to make one off and on but I couldn't ever get the damn thing to look right. FINALLY! SUCCESS IS MINE! Bwaahahahaha!


One of the great things about only having one kid in a three bedroom house is that you get a whole bedroom all to your sewing self. Granted, its teeny little bedroom but damn is it perfect for sewing. I'm a bit messy when I'm working. A few weeks ago I thought, "I have no shame. I'll share with the world how bad it is"

 

Here is is before, in all its messy, cell phone picture glory. At least the main part of it. 

 

Here is the whole thing looking about as neat as its going to look.  Sometimes I just open my cabinet and stare. Maybe run my hands along. Sometimes just organizing is soothing. Weird huh? 

 

Here is my block for our Fort Worth Modern Quilt Guild Challenge. We could use up to 3 solids and were all given the same FQ. The results were amazing! There are some seriously talented women (and now 1 man) in there. For mine, I cut the FQ into stripes and used only it for my block, minus that one teeny piece of yellow. Its the first time I'd done a log cabin style block. I thought it look pretty snazzy.

 

Here are the threads I picked out for my new embroidery pattern that I designed all by myself. I was inspired by my bestie doing her hair with the ombre effect. I'd like to eventually turn it into a PDF.

 

Here's what I've got so far. I'll probably turn this one into a pillow as well. It will stay in my sewing room for the sake of the white staying white. Although my dear fluffy kitties knocked over a whole mug of coffee inches from a wall outlet, it may not be safe anywhere. 

I also finished 2 quilts this week, but that will be another day.

The one for Fran

I completely forgot to post the final results of this one.
Turned out smaller than I had wanted, but the borders went well so all is good. Finished it up crazy quick because I used the easy thread needles to hide the end threads from quilting. How did I NOT hear about these til now?! I tried them on another quilt and the thread was from Connecting Threads. Lesson learned: not strong enough to get snapped in to those needles. This one was quilted with a heavier weight thread and I had no problems. Not sure if it was the brand difference or the weight difference.

First embroidery finish!

I FINALLY finished my embroidery project for the bestie's birthday. So what if it was a good 5 weeks late. I say in the world of handmade gifts that isn't too terribly late :)

It started out as this


Then got to here



I asked her if she wanted a pillow or a wall hanging and she opted for a pillow.



This was my first time making an envelope closure and I think I rocked it! The front is some Kona I had. It turned out just like I wanted! I was so amazed. My mom helped me pick out threads and she did way better than me. High five for mom! The best compliment was when she took it to work everyone asked if I sell them and if I would make a custom one for them. I don't think I ever would but hearing that my stuff is good enough to sell is such high praise. Made me turn pink just like tequila does.

I'll be linking up to Fabric Tuesday @ Quilt Story because I've never remembered to post on Tuesdays.

Even technology gets brain farts

I got on my blogger app to make THIS post and saw the last one didn't go through. That's a wee bit annoying.

I had these on my phone and thought I would share




These are from my rainbow charm swap. I'm still waiting on the neutral and solids swap to come in. I swear, I sent off for that forever ago. I'll make some sort of patchwork rainbow goodie it of it. My poor husband was not excited about that one hehe. His favorite one I've made has been black and white.




This is the face of a Camille as she spray bastes. That stuff is uhhhmazing but it gets all over. I have enough chemicals in my lungs from hair products and smoking, I don't need glue too thankyouverymuch. I like to consider this the spray baste bandit look :)

What do you do that makes you look like a crazy person while crafting?

A stitchy affair

I haven't been behind the needle so much lately. I've been doing my first big embroidery project and it's zen as all get out, but it doesn't go very quickly.




Here is what's done so far. I'd say it's actually close to finish. I'm kind of figuring it out as I go, so if there are any huge glaring boo boos, someone please enlighten me.




This is my pouch from the pouch swap I did a few months back. This thing is the perfect freaking size and shape. That's a 6" hoop, but an 8" would fit too. Can't wait til the next round of that one.




Here is the top all pieced together. First time I think I've done borders. And here I've put on two! *gasp* This is going to go to my dear aunt that kept my son while I was working. She'd still be keeping him if my uncle's health hadn't gone kaput. It's made it of a layer cake but I effed it up good and proper and didn't take into account how small the pieces would get. The blocks looked like maxi pads with wings. Good times, good times. I like how it turned out, just wish I hadn't wasted so much in the learning process. I've quilted it and just pinned the binding on tonight. I'll take a jillion more pictures when it's all said and done.




I also made this little purse. It's from a pattern on etsy, can't remember from who at the moment. I altered it a bit and made the handles one piece instead of using the metal hoops (didn't have any) and it has a magnetic snap instead of a flap going over it. It's canvas with cotton on the inside. I didn't use interfacing because I didn't want to fit with it if I wasn't going to like it. I know what I'll change when I make another one. I have some cute chevron that would look cute, but with a stripe to cover where the pieces meet.

Keeping the USPS a float

I've been at the post office a lot lately. I sent off charms for 2different swaps, a bee block and pin cushions.





This is what I made for my partner in FLiPS. She said she likes saturated colors Andy when asked about nerd stuff she may like The Big Bang Theory was on there. Being a Sheldon lover, I was inspired to make the Bazinga. It was the first time I've attempted embroidery and been, I think, somewhat successful. I should improve my penmanship.





This is the May block for Stash Bee. Wonky is really hard for me because I'm too organized for it. Even this has a rhythm to it. It was fun though. I want to make a star quilt like this soon so it was good practice.
Other than that, I've been lazy on the sewing front. I've gotten sucked into the best selling smut romance series Fifty Shades of Grey. I'm the type of reader that reads them nonstop until I finish them. The first book took me 2 evenings and a lunch break. I highly suggest them. Your man friend will appreciate it I'm sure.

Fresh Sewing Day!

If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! I'm Camille and I've been at this quilting thing for a year or two now. I sewed clothes a lot many years (and 25 pounds) ago, but quilts don't make you feel bad about your measurements. Kind of like shoe shopping. If I sew any clothes now, it's more alterations. I post when I remember and try to comment on others more. Feel free to follow along

Ok, so it's the second day versus the first but close enough. No late fees in blogging.


Here is what I've finished, worked on and sent off this last month.

1 - this is a stack of fabrics I cut up while working on my own pattern. I'm hoping to turn it into a pattern for sale someday.
2 - this got sent to the lovely Deborah of Little miss sew unsew. She was my swap buddy in for the love of solids and I was HER swap buddy in Bee a {modern} swap. It's a block/ goodie swap off. She also gave me the Leibster award! Everyone I read has already gotten it so when I find someone new I'll pass it out :)
3 - Spectrum Charm Swap - Brights swap. These are actually getting sent out tomorrow. I got yellow and it was so hard to shop for! I'm not a big yellow person, especially bright yellow. I was going to order some online it I think it was all a bit off. Luckily, there was a living social deal for a local quilt shop. It was really hard finding yellow yellows. Most I found (and liked) we yellow orange.
4 - my house block for April in Stash Bee. Stephanie wanted 2 solids but could only get my hands on one in time. I had this cute house print from Connecting Threads. It popped in my head and kind of fit with me. I lived in the big city for years before moving way out here in the boonies.
5 - this was my March block for the Stash Bee. I was running late with this one. Oops! First tree that came to mind was a palm tree. I was dreaming of vacations with sexy cabana boys and drinks with umbrellas.
6 - neutral and solids charm swap. I can't wait to get all these charms back! I think I'll do a warm/ cool project. I had a really great idea for all these, but not sure if it will work out. Time will tell.
7&8 - pretty {little} pouch swap goodies. I had a blast with this swap! Hopefully I can get back in next round.
9 - started and am almost finished with my curlique quilt top. I've actually only got one big row and the small half row left and I'll be done. Curves are really not that scary after all. Once Lynne sells her latest pattern I think I'll get it. I love that design! I think it would work with prints too. Just have to be veeeeery picky with fabric choices.

Now I just have a couple bee blocks to put together and a pin cushion and I'll be caught up. Until I sign up for a bajillion more things.

Swaperoo!!

I think I've become a swap junkie. I did 2 last year and fell in love. Swaps are perfect because 1 - you get mail that ISN'T a bill and 2 - you have a reason to make goodies :) I sent out my FLOSS ages ago and haven't seen her post anything on the group yet. I reeeeally hope it didn't get lost going across the pond. I signed up for Fab Little Pincushion Swap, Bee a {modern} Swapper, Pretty {little} Pouch Swap Round 4 ,and Rainbow Fabric Charm Swap March 2012. AAAHH!!! It's making me stretch my lazy brain and I love it!

This is what I have for my pretty{little} pouch partner. I reeeeally hope she likes it. This girl can sew! I may try to make another one when I go to Saturday sew. Oddly enough, the zipper rocks, its the lining that I'm not completely pleased with.

I did this right after I signed up for the pouch swap just too see if I could still do zippers. That is made out of a charm square and I kinda love it. These zippers are like quilty crack, except you won't end up like poor Whitney. Too soon?

Then I got sewing ADD. I don't know why I've been so damn flighty and wanting to start 39 different projects.

This was the first clutch I made. I showed the girls at work in hopes I could make some to sell. One of the girls is very Jerseylicious. I have the exact opposite in taste. She wanted neon green outside, neon pink inside and some black somewhere. Have I mentioned I hate neons? Anywho, 3 episodes of Supernatural later, I came out with this.

It looks like an effing piece of mail from Blue's Clues. FML. The new one is appliqued zebra sort of. I think it all looks absolute shit, but I said I would do it. My husband said to make things I like and people will either buy it or not. Every now and then a nugget of wisdom pops out.

This one is going better. I still need to figure out how I want to do the band for the top, pop frame or just a snap. Decisions decisions.....

As if I hadn't committed myself to every possible thing under the sun I said I would help out on this.

A coworker uses Coke tabs and crochets these amazing bags. This is a teeny tiny one she wants a zipper in. How in the hell am I going to do that?! When I would knit all the time I couldn't ever sew any kind of linings on, let alone ones with zippers. I'm pretty sure I have thread coming out my ears and this point.

I did, however make some time for goodies for me. I busted this out finally.

Sewing curves is hella cool. I was pinning them all and got sick of it taking so long so I started free styling it with some tweezers and its waaaay faster. I haven't sewn any rows together yet. I'm a little worried none a few seams might not match up. Either way I really dig it :)

I'll be linking up with the usual suspects again. Go check 'em out and spread some comment love <3