If it's cute, are you more likely to use it?

I made these little pocket journals for the young women I work with at church. There are only four of them in the 14-15 age group right now, so it's easy to sew for them. But I would like to come up with a way to encourage them to sew or create something. So I thought I would start with these little books. They are small enough to carry around, so ideas can be jotted down as they come.

These covers are so easy to make, I want to cover all my books. Hopefully the girls will like them as well. The fabric is Chocolate Lollipop by Anna Maria Horner.

Pink and Green

I love making baby quilts, they are so fast and so snuggly. For this quilt I used Lakehouse fabrics in pink and green from various collections.

I drew out what I had in mind on and went for it. I really like the way it turned out. I have been really wanting to do something with the pink and green polka dot on the pale pink background for a couple of years now. I have been trying to destash a bit, so I have held off buying any. This project gave me the perfect excuse to get a little extra-shhhh.

I quilted with a meandering stitch and incorporated lazy daisies every few inches. I took this quilt to show and tell at the store where I bought the fabric and she thought my machine must have a stitch regulator because the stitches are consistent. It doesn't, so I was really flattered. I really love quilting, it's funny, because I am no great artist, but something about "drawing" on the fabric really excites me, I love it!

The mom-to-be really liked it! Hope baby Audrey does as well!

This is how it begins...

Bella decided she wanted to make some clothes for her Ariel paper doll. The paper doll kit came with some fabric, which she happily ignored for about a year. But something has sparked her interest. She asked when I would teach her to sew. Honestly, I am so thrilled it was hard to contain myself. I would love to spend time sewing with her!

When I was little I made clothes for my Barbies from felt. She hasn't really got any Barbies, but we have all sorts of baby dolls and stuffed animals that could use some creative clothes, and I bet she would love to make her very own pillow case!

Flannel Jumper

I wanted to make Sophie a warm, cozy outfit for this winter. Usually it is quite cold here and a lot of her dresses seem to be thin. I bought this flannel at Jo-Annes a few months ago. I really loved the polka dot-no surprise-so I used it for the jumper. The bodice is lined with the floral. The pants have elastic around the ankles and are edged with ric rac. The jumper is edged with ric rac as well.

I tried this on her and it is a bit big-but I haven't washed it yet and all she does is grow, so I am not too concerned about it. She wouldn't hold still for a single second, I took a dozen pictures and this was the clearest. The shirt is from Naartje.

Quilt for Q.T.

I had such good intentions to get this quilt to the expectant mother before she had her baby. But then we tore out the floor, and that was that. So it didn't get sent out until a week and a half ago. The vibrant and fun colors reminded me a lot of her mom, and I am sure Q.T. will be much like her. The finished size is about 42" square. The fabric is a mish mash of companies. The backing is Lakehouse. The pattern is a modified simple sadie. I did loopy meandering quilting in the center, and stitched in the ditch along the borders.

I must be getting into the Spirit of things

I know it seems natural to be doing Christmas projects during this time of year. But it isn't usual for me. Especially Christmas decor. I am not great at decorating for the season. I think in Nate and I's past twelve Christmas's we have had two trees total. Pathetic, I know. And I don't see a tree happening this year either. I think I am just too lazy to bother-sad and pathetic. But don't worry, my children aren't deprived, the do the whole hunt in the woods for the tree with grandma and grandpa. And really, that is way more fun and fulfilling than hunting for the tree at the lot down the street.

Anyway, I saw this pillow last year and just loved it. We are big Dr. Seuss fans here and this is one of my favorite quotes. The fabric is from Moda's Holly Jolly line. The pillow measures 15 x 20. Now I just need a cozy chair to set it in.

Table Runner

This is made with Moda fabric. Size is about 22" by 45". Pattern by me. I did some meandering quilting on the side borders and did Fir trees on the short borders. The middle is stitch in the ditch.

The back is this ornament fabric. You can kind of see the tree quilting in this blurry shot. Whenever I get out the camera, a kid want to climb on me, so I am never still.