Friday, February 26, 2016

Carry-All Pincushion :: Pattern by Noodlehead's Anna Graham



I was so happy to finally make one of the great projects from Anna Graham's "Handmade Style" book. I've wanted one of the Carry-All Pincushions since I got the book and finally took the time to sew one for myself.



It is so cute and so handy. Although I cut up some fat quarters this time, I really like that it lends itself to scrap busting.



The pattern recommends using crushed walnut shells in the stuffing, which help keep your pins sharp. It also lends some weight to the pincushion. I found a good-sized bag at Petco for around $8 and, since I do like making pincushions, I know it'll go far.



I opted to make a separate little bag to hold the crushed walnut shells. This last photo shows it before inserting the bag and stuffing with polyfill.



Love it, Anna ... great pattern, great book!

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Holy Bat-mania Baby Quilt



There is nothing like a new baby in the family to spark your creativity. To celebrate my new Great-Nephew who arrived at the end of December, a Batman-themed quilt was the only way to go.



The darling, colorful superhero words fabric from Joann's was a great beginning, offering up many colors to include. And, of course, a bat symbol applique had to be center stage.



I like to embroider the baby's name and birth year on their quilts. The year had already been embroidered on this quilt top when he finally made an appearance a week beyond his due date on the 29th. (Tommy, come out of the bat cave!) By then I had decided if he waited until 2016, the 5 was going to be X'd out and a 6 embroidered next to it.



Welcome to the world, sweet baby boy, Thomas Maverick. Aunt Janie loves you!