A little something I've been wantin....

To Have.
 
                       To Do.

                                               To Get Done.



VOILA- a new pincushion with detachable ORT bag.



Of course it's also a tool holder that now sets right next to my sewing machine.   So easy to use now and convenient too.  Perfect!

 I found the tutorial for this at Sew Mama Sew which Elizabeth Hartman graciously shared with all.  I only adjusted the pattern just a bit. Specifically, the dimensions and how I assembled the tool holder, the  loop and the pincushion construction by layering the wool on top of my side pieces with an appliqued  top  stitch then catching the other set of parallel sides with a typical seam. 
 I also opted not to make the "loop" but used a hairband instead.  I sewed it just under the pincushion with zig zag stitching.  While doing this I reasoned that the metal clasp would hold up better and be easier to use, thus that section of the hairband is visible when the bag is off yet hidden when it's assembled and in use.
As for the tool holder, I wanted to have the upper pocket have just a  hint of contrast so it would be easier to see the opening.  Of course the stripe fabric I wanted to use  had the wrong orientation stripe  for the size needed so I assenbled that black print so it would be on the inside of my pocket allowing the rest to be the lime stripe.  Recognize any of the fabric?  Quite a few are from Malka  Dubrawsky's line "Stitch In Color" that I fell in love with adding some other pieces I had in.   The bright aqua is a Jenny Beyer and the fly print, I'm not sure but was one I just thought could be fun so grabbed a fat quarter while shopping at Stitched in Williston Vt..

Last spring instead of going to my usual quilting retreat, there were too many things going on at the time and the price was just too much to justify with the income, I decided to stay home.  Feeling so neglected and actually getting into a bit of a pout  I stopped by my Bernina Dealer (Stitched) while DH had his Cardiology appointment in Vermont.  I ordered a specialized foot and base plate to do needle punch on my Bernina 440.   The owner Jenn was more than happy to help me out and mailed the part she had to special order as soon as it came in.  It's been hanging around here just waiting for me to make time to try it out.

 I finally made time to play and it works beautifully.    What do you think? 

The E stands for either Eileen or Emerson, my first and last names.

Recently, I found this blog which has many  inspirations.  Quiltyworthy,  Bags and otherstuff, check it out if you have time.

I have another idea from a different tutorial I found.  Here's a peek of what I'll be fondling  using.   lol

Enjoy your day,  Jane

I think I have finally figured it out.

I have the long lines table runner that has been on my UFO list for quite awhile. I figured out how I wanted to back it and have that completed. Now to layer it and quilt it, bind it and call it done and SCREEEECH! The brakes slammed on really hard a couple of weeks ago.

I am using a black batting for my first time si I can try it out on this runner and I am glad about that. But with the front and back being different sizes I hesitate on continuing. I didn't do like I normally do and make a larger backing and hack it down to the correct size after it's quilted. Since they are both table runners I want to make sure it is placed/lined up correctly and won't be catywumpus and wonky if you know what I mean. ;~)
So an idea came to me today, I'll report on it after I attempt it, but I'm thinking it will work.

Also, I love Leah Day's 365 days of free motion quilting that she is showing and sharing. Initially I had thought of attempting to stitch them out on a gridded fabric that was layered, batted and backed. But when talking with a friend recently I mentioned I thought I would use a new notebook and draw them out. Yep! That's what I'm doing. I am up to Day 23 so far. Here's what it looks like.

I love it and find doing the hand movements almost a zen like quality. With this bound notebook I'll be able to have a reference of each stitch to look up and browse through for any future projects. I did purchase the Clover Self threading needles through her sight besides the suctioned cup magnetic holder for keeping it near my sewing machine. I know many quilter's mention the magnetic field isn't that strong with computerized machines and it's okay to use them on them, but I rather be a little inconvenienced and safe. SO my needle holder is placed on the top front drawer of a thread chest that is near my machine BUT NOT ON IT.

Yesterday PGD#1 and I played in the snow for one hour. We did try a snow man first without any luck. The snow didn't seem to pack that well. So instead we made snow angels, played princess and prince travelling through the forest and then a game she came up with of following each other after a 40 second delay and not peeking, by the tracks made in the snow. Of course we both were tired out and very happy when we got back inside.

She's is an angel in whatever she does and I really love spending so much quality time with her.

Enjoy your day.
Jane

Disappearing Nine patch and their varieties.

Check out this blog. Vic in Australia shows many different D9P quilts.


This quilter has many unusual and unique quilts and links to patterns.

Use a four patch into a nine patch tutorial here.