My First Miniature Quilt

Not sure where 5 years went, but I want to try to revive this blog to keep a record of my work. 

I've enjoyed seeing the walls in sewing rooms decorated with mini quilts, I love the look of anything in miniature!  Quilt designers have full-sized and mini-sized patterns now. 

Yesterday I made my first miniature quilt, I wasn't sure how I'd like doing the tiny blocks.  The smallest pieces in this one were 1 1/4 inch, so that wasn't too tiny, I know.  Accuracy is crucial with the small pieces, so it is good practice for me.  The scrap bin didn't go down too much with this one, but every bit counts!!!  It measures  10 inches by 12 inches.  It will go on the wall in my sewing space, and I hope it is joined by many more. 

Valentine mug rug

Here is a Valentine mug rug that I designed.   It's a spin-off from this runner...

Spring time carrot table runner

- just in a cute heart shape, ready for that mug of coffee and muffin or whatever goodie you are having for your Valentine breakfast. 

They both are available on my etsy shop

Frosty's Hat

At my last craft show, my friend Diane Kellogg from Oil Creek Creations suggested I submit an ornament to Create and Decorate magazine.  

It was this one.

Imagine my delight when Beverly, the editor, wanted to publish it on the blog almost immediately.  Great instant gratification!
You can go here to see it, and make some for your tree, or make a big one for a centerpiece!
Thanks to Diane for the inspiration and the photo, to Audrey Ruhlman for the quote idea, and to Create and Decorate for saying yes!  

Latest Craft Show

I've been doing Sugarcreek Festival of Arts and Crafts for maybe... 15 years now?  It is always the weekend after Thanksgiving, and while it does cut into the family time, it's been a fun and worthwhile show.  It is truly enjoyable to see old friends, both vendors and customers,  and it's always a challenge to come up with something new to present to the public.  Without fail, these are some of the finest crafters in the area, and they all come together to offer totally unique items.  Here are some of the things in my booth.

A suitcase full of snowmen.

Vintage thermos hand painted with snowmen!

Flaky Friends!

Jelly Roll Races

What do you get when you take a jelly roll, 10 sewing machines, 10 women and some great snacks? A jelly roll race! At the end of it, you have a completed quilt top, throw size! After having participated, I have to say it was great fun, and wonderfully satisfying to complete a quilt top in an evening, and enjoy the company of others while sewing as fast as you possible can!

Pictured are the sample that Sally made, and my pile of strips lying on the floor waiting to get sewn together!

Jen's Quilt

A long-time friend, Jen, pregnant with her second child, was the recipient of a baby quilt that I made for her. While making it, I was struck by the fact that I have been friends with the women in her family for 4 generations now (as soon as her baby girl is born!)! What a great privilege to know this family.

Quilt was made with light green, lilac, and brown and cream fabric. The pattern is Baby Steps by Sandy Gervais. I had a wonderful time making it, feeling so delighted when the blocks came together! Brown soft cuddle fabric on the back was quilted on the longarm machine at Countryside Quilts by me the Thursday before the shower!

Samantha's Quilt

My niece, Sam and her husband Chris, are having a baby in a few weeks... a girl - Kaiya.

She had a "book" shower, so I was able to make her the "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" quilt. I've had the stash of fabric since Quilt Market in Pittsburgh 2 years ago. I did wonky squares, outlining the blocks with very colorful fabrics, then sashed the blocks in white. A brown and red polka dot was used for the binding. Very fun quilt to do, I was happy to make it for her. I used leftover fabric to create a tote bag, pockets inside and outside.