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9/22/13

A Small Finish

Patchwork Zipper Pouch

Zipper Pouch

Zipper Pouch - Patchwork Detail


After a busy week it feels good to finish a little something. I started working on the patchwork detail for this pouch two weeks ago and it feels good to finally see it finished. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. Specially because I made it for a dear friend. She lives faraway and I don't get to see her often, but every once and a while I like to send her little handmade gifts. I think it so wonderful  to find an unexpected package or a letter in your mailbox  from a friend who lives faraway or that you haven't seen in a while. It really makes your day, don't you agree?  I hope she likes this one.

Have a wonderful week!

XX

Martha.

9/11/13

Patchwork Progress

Patchwork and Linen


Currently on my table... a tiny patchwork (1" squares) project I started last Sunday with  some hand quilting and linen my absolute favorite fabric. 

I hope you are having a lovely week.

*Linking up to WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced*

XX

Martha.

9/8/13

Little Skirt

Ella Skirt
DSC_0737


This weekend I tried my hand at garment sewing. I made this cute little skirt for my  3 year old goddaughter. I was inspired by the skirts shown in the book 1,2,3 Sew. And I used the measurements given on the book for a size 4.  It was such a fun project and I think I would like one for myself.  I love the idea of making my own clothes and one day I would like to have a wardrobe of mostly handmade pieces. Handmade clothes are the best I think. When I was growing up my mom made most of my clothes; she was super talented and  even created her own patterns. So I always I had very unique pieces (and every time I wore them I felt super special). 
I'm currently working on a tutorial for this skirt and I hope to share it with you soon.

Have a great week!

Martha.

9/2/13

Patchwork Frames Quilt: Finished

Patchwork Frames Quilt

Patchwork Frames Quilt

Patchwork Frames Quilt

Patchwork Frames Quilt

Patchwork Frames Quilt
Happy Labor Day! I hope you had a nice weekend and enjoyed the holiday. It was nice to stay home one extra day and catch up on things around the house. I finished my Patchwork Frames Quilt. The pattern is by the very talented Beth @ Plum and June. You can find her tutorial for the block and the quilt pattern here. It is a beautiful pattern and it comes together really easy. And they fussy cut in the center of each block is a great opportunity to showcase pieces of your most treasured fabric pieces. I used some of my beloved Alexander Henry Paris Flea Market. I have been saving it for something special and I thought this was it. Specially because I decided that this quilt was going to be for me. lol.
While the quilt top came together quite fast it felt like it took me a while to finish this quilt. The quilting really took me a long time. I decided to do Free Motion Quilting all over and  I hit a few bumps along the way. One time I forgot to set the stitch length to zero and the thread kept breaking and I had to do a lot of unpicking (not fun). I checked and checked and everything seemed right with my machine, but the thread kept breaking. I was so frustrated (I even cursed my machine a few times), and when I was ready to give up I realized that "little detail" about the stitch length. I felt so silly afterwards. But after that incident the quilting was a smooth sail. And the whole experience made me feel more confident about FMQ.  I really love the way it turned out with lots of crinkles all over. I backed the quilt with flannel. This is my fist time I use flannel for a quilt backing: it feels so soft and cozy! 

Quilt Stats:
Measures: 54.5"X74"
Fabrics: Alexander Henry, Glimma Kite Tail, Glimma Trees, Moda Comma, Kona Steel, Legacy Studio Natural and Joann's Quilter's Showcase.
Quilted by me.

XX

Martha.