The Christmas Quilt

Last Christmas I started a Christmas quilt for my mom (and dad). I spent December 23rd cutting squares and rectangles and strips and sewing them together into this quilt top.

I was able to give it to them on Christmas Eve, however I had to take it back, as it was just a top: no batting, no backing, no quilt.

Fast forward to yesterday, September 23rd- 9 months later. I have been working on many small, quick projects as of late. I realized that, since it was the first full day of fall, maybe my mom would want her quilt soon. After a brief discussion, she decided that she wanted it be a duvet cover for an older quilt that is starting to wear thin. I think the reason I have been putting it off is because I know I can't machine quilt a queen-size quilt on Diva (my Singer with a wicked attitude).

So, I started piecing together the remaining fabric left over from the front to make the back. I did have to run out to JoAnn's for a little extra, but I got it done. Today I sewed the front & back together and did a quick straight stitch all around. I also added a strip of Velcro to the bottom so that the old quilt doesn't fall out. ;)

Phew! It's done! And tomorrow, as we celebrate my son's 6th birthday, my mom (and dad) will finally be in possession of the Christmas (Duvet) Quilt. Yay!!

The Matching Bag

Some women dream of owning a Coach bag. Many women make that dream a reality. (My friend's 5 year old daughter has been saving for one since she was 2.) Others may prefer Vera Bradley, or Dooney & Burke. Me? I prefer a good old Crimson Lily Bag.

You may remember that cute little zippered pouch I made for myself last week. Well, I've had this cute Moda fabric for a while now and it's been waiting for me to make it into a bag. So I did.

Last week I pulled out my sometimes-trusty walking foot and quilted the outer bag pieces in the style of one of my fave bloggers from Film in the Fridge. I then made one pleat in the center top of each.Today I decided it was time to turn this baby into something cool. I used some vintagey fabric that I think belonged to my great-grandmother for the lining, added inside pockets and a zipper, as well as hot pink leather-like handles and a key/wallet clip. Also, instead of doing the usual squared bottom, I sewed a crescent shape on each bottom corner for a funky look. It also helps it stand a little better and poofs out more.

I am so excited for this bag! I'm not usually a big bag kinda gal, but I was inspired by, you guessed it, a Coach bag...

Pouches & Domesticity

I made another zippered pouch yesterday for my sister. She's 16 and likes yellow & purple as well as funky designs. She often watches the kids for me, so I owe her big time. I should probably make her about 12 more of these.

On another note, I have been incredibly domestic lately. My neighbor/landlord/best friend's mom is very much into organic and natural living. She had a wonderful bounty of tomatoes, cucumbers, and cabbage this season, as well as garlic, onions, and swiss chard. Since my aunt & uncle own a farm and Bobby & I often work for them, we have access to tons (literally) of fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, and herbs. Jeanne (the neighbor) and I have been very busy making tomato sauce, pickles, and jams for the fridge & freezer. We have had to buy only a handful of ingredients (sugar, some spices, extra onions, pectin). It feels awesome to know that we are making the food that will help sustain our families throughout the winter.
This afternoon I will be shredding zucchini and cabbage for the freezer for future zucchini breads, cole slaws, and who knows what else.
Tomorrow, more pickles (refrigerator bread & butter pickles...Mmmmmm!).
We have been desperately trying to make our own tomato paste, to no avail. Today, it became chili sauce.
Oh! And Jeanne and her friend made homemade mozzarella cheese on Monday in 30 minutes. With the leftover whey, Jeanne made yummy bread today and we had tomato & cucumber sandwiches on fresh, warm, whey bread. Delish!
And now, I'm off to check on the pumpkin seeds I have roasting in the oven. I love this time of year!

What's My Title?

As I sit here reading my ever-growing list of sewing blogs, I can't help but wonder what to call myself. What exactly does one who sews call herself anyway?

• A Seamstress? - well yes and no. I'm not really one to make clothing, or even alter clothing for that matter. Yet my friend and neighbor seems to think that is what I am.
• A Sewist? - ummmm, not really. This would imply that I am a great artiste. I get my inspiration and ideas from other people, therefore I feel that I need to give them the credit for being the artist.
• A Sewer - NO. That's just wrong.
• A Quilter - again, yes and no. I like to make quilts. I like to quilt fabric to make things that are not quilts. Yet I still have not finished the two major quilts that are sitting in my sewing closet.
• A Purse-Maker/Designer - yes. I think this fits me the best. However, it doesn't sound all fancy and romanticized. I need more flair than that.

So I am still stuck. I guess for now I'll just be Missie-the girl who likes to make things with her sewing machine. Wait. Did I just call myself a girl? Shouldn't I be a lady? Or a woman? Geez, this is a never-ending cycle...

Chasing Cottons Blog Giveaway

I discovered Chasing Cottons a few weeks ago when Rebecca commented on one of my blog posts. I love her modern quilting style and designer's eye for color. She truly has inspired me as I browse through her blog.
Rebecca is giving away one of her new quilt patterns, Rolling Meadows, as well as some of the fabric with which to make this quilt. Since I never win anything (lol!) I entered her blog contest in hopes that this might be my lucky week! Keeping my fingers crossed!

Zippered Pouch

I am an avid sewing blog reader. I find it inspirational to see what other extremely talented women around the world create on a daily basis. One of the blogs I frequent is Pink Penguin. Ayumi has a great technique for sewing zippers on pouches & bags, so I thought I'd try it out today. I used her Patchwork Wristlet Tutorial to make this awesome little pouch.
The outer bag is quilted with straight lines, alternating single & double lines, in both directions. I am so happy with it, and the technique, that I plan to make some as gifts in the near future. I also have a purse in the works to match it. It's actually going to be a small tote bag by the time I finish with it, but that's ok. I'm sure I'll find plenty of things with which to fill it ;)