Butterflies and Recycling

Okay, just ignore the title. I'm a little off today.This past week, I've been working on this quilt. I don't know why I put such a rush on it, it's not like it has a home. I'm really pleased with how it came out. So pleased, I started another one using the same block layout in different colors. That one isn't finished, yet.I picked up a couple skirts from the thrift shop, intending to convert them into a bag. I've finally gotten around to that particular project.Re-purpose, upcycle, recycle, whatever you call it, it still ends up being a useful bag.

Winter Lord Strikes Again

Welcome to the Montana winter.It started snowing on Friday night. It stopped sometime last night. Here are some pictures of the gift from the Winter Lord.Thank goodness this isn't my only egress.
I had to shovel my way to the front door. I would have been using the storm door to shovel if I'd tried to come out through that door.I guess the snow plow guy does know where my street is. He wasn't doing all that great a job of plowing.
This guy is great! The picture is horrible, though.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite quilt name. I found that you can do polls with blogger. Cool! (The gadget is at the top in the right side-bar.)

Name this quilt

I've finally finished the purples quilt. Now, it needs a name. If you have an idea for a name for this quilt, I'd love to hear it. Comments are encouraged.On Monday, I got a wonderful package delivered. I love surprises (well, mostly) and this was a great one. I ordered three remnant packs from Fabric.com.
Here they are, all laid out. Look at all that wonderful fabric.

Now, I have to get to work on some more quilts. Winter is the time for quilting after all.

The neverending quilt

Finally some pictures of this mysterious quilt that I've been working on.
Here is an up-close view of a few of the blocks.
Here it is all laid out and ready for pinning. I did manage to get it quilted yesterday. I also managed to attach the binding. Now it is just down to the finishing of the binding. Good time to catch up on my television.

Ladies Saturday

Yesterday the ladies got together for some warm chili, crafting and sparkling conversation.
JB made up this cute little bag using Moda Fabrics from the Boutique collection. She picked up two of the charm packs and picked them apart to make two very different bags. This one uses the greens, reds and golds, the other bag (not pictured) uses the pinks and blues. JR put together this simple, but wonderfully snuggly blanket using some Minke. You may not be able to see it in the picture, but the brown fabric is embossed with cute little hearts.

What did I accomplish? Well, I picked apart two thrift store skirts that are destined to become a bag.

I should get back to work on that quilt.

Even the leftovers are pretty

I don't have anything to show for the last couple days of sewing. This quilt has been more work than I thought it would be. The top is nearly done. A trip to the fabric store was a major distraction. I now have everything to finish this monster of a quilt.
I thought the leftovers were pretty piled up on the corner of the counter and wanted to share.

A Face Only a Monster Could Love

Yesterday, I got stuck doing all the mundane things one must do. Laundry, check. Dishes, check. Post Office, check. Groceries, check.
I felt I hadn't accomplished much, so I made up for it with this wonderful little guy. Sure it's a silly stuffed monster. But isn't it cute!
Today, I'm continuing with my quilting craziness. Here are the fabrics I've picked for my next adventure. I'm still not sure what pattern I'm going with, I may have to think on it a little while.
Or, I'll just grab the rotary cutter and set off without a plan. It won't be the first time the fabric told me what to do. (Forgive the flash for that most forward fabric, it really is a purple and not a washed out blue.)

Shipping Day

Yesterday I spent some time finishing up small things and getting them ready to ship out. I lost track of my day and didn't get everything boxed up until this morning.
I didn't have a model for the ear-flap hat I knit up for my little guy (not so little any more), so the pumpkin got volunteered to sit still for a picture.I made this quilt a while ago, but was waiting for the particulars on the intended recipient. Who says I can't draw simple things? Okay, so it isn't great, but it made a nice addition to the quilt label.There are a few more boxes in there than there are pictures. You'll just have to use your imagination.

Montana Winter

Sometimes, a quilt will sneak up on you.I picked up some interesting fabric a couple months ago. I don't remember who made it. It was called "running-eighths" and had eight different prints on the width of fabric. I picked up two yards on the speculation that I'd find something to go with it.Add a yard of red flower print, some black-on-black, some red thread, batting and wonderful red flannel for the backing and you have Montana Winter.Mmm... warm.

Details: Yes, the 5" square has again reared it's head. Mostly because it was the easiest block to cut from the fabric. The borders are cut at 3" wide.

Ladies Saturday

This Saturday three of us ladies got together. It was really relaxed, with some wonderful soup and conversation.
On the list of accomplishments, we have this wonderful composition book cover. If you haven't added any Moda fabrics to your collection, you aren't trying.

I managed to chop up some fabric squares for a quilt. I'll take a picture of more than two blocks sewn together when I get a chance. This is about as far as I got on Saturday, though.

Last, we have the early entry from our Mommy-to-be. She wanted a secure cover for the newest one that also matched all the other baby goodies. She came up with this cover, complete with a little window so you can check on baby without subjecting them to the horrible chill that is our local winter.

Bags, bags, bags everywhere!

This time I grabbed a charm pack of Moda Fabrics called "eva" and put together a couple more bags. I really like the colors in this collection.Two bags from one charm pack is great. I didn't over think the placement of colors, but I think it adds to the charm.
This last one was made using five fat quarters, three for the outside of the bag and the straps, two for the lining.

Keep 'em Coming

The 5" square continues to take up time. The good news is that the resulting bags are really cute and handy.
I've been trying to develop a printed pattern based on this bag. I think it could be done in a single afternoon, too. A great weekend project.If you want to try to make the bag without having to invest in a rotary cutter, they can easily be made with the fabric charm-packs you can pick up from Moda Fabrics. The two bags above were created from one charm pack and one yard of fabric. You can find out more about these fabrics, and others, at The Fatquarter Shop.
This pattern uses very little fabric and can be completed if you have basic sewing skills.