My Way

I’m making some progress on my klosjes. 

This is my first attempt at a tutorial.  Its mostly for Kaaren who wondered how I made my pattern.  There may be better methods out there but this is how I figured it out and its working well for me.

First I sketched my pattern on 1/4” graph paper.  (You can print some here).  Mine finish at 3 inches square.  I decided I wanted my center to be 1 1/4 inches.  I kind of pulled that out of a hat…it just looked good to me. 

I added seam allowance and cut the two main pieces out.  Then I cut a permanent pattern from template plastic. The final template includes the 1/4” seam allowance. 

Can you see the holes in the plastic?  I was puzzled about getting accurate seam lines and borders, so the way I chose to do it was to punch those holes in the template so I could mark the seam line and corners. 

With a fine marker, I trace the template on the wrong side of my fabric and mark dots through the holes for the stitching line.  Maybe you can see the teeny tiny dots on the fabric. 

Marking and cutting the fabric goes pretty quick for me this way. And when I sew the pieces together I just match and sew dot to dot… I figure I can hand sew a straight line freestyle for at least an inch.

And finally I put all the cut and ready pieces into this cute little tin that Teresa gave me for Christmas.  Thanks again Teresa, it is just perfect for this project.  I tuck it into my purse so I can keep my fingers occupied wherever I go. 

I shouldn’t…

But it looks like I will. 

I’ve been watching many of you hand-stitching away on your Klosjes.  So awesome to see them growing into piles of blocks from little scraps.  I just love it!!  I had to try them out.  And they are fun.

“But Annette!  You are already busy working on a hand sewing project…

…so Klosjes are a no-no!” 

Hmmm…but then again, I’m overwhelmed with scraps.  I save them all, even tiny ones.  They are so pretty that I can’t bear to toss them.

 

I think I have more scraps than fabric, actually.  My ‘Stack 0 Scraps’ reaches almost to the ceiling. 

Plus other smaller stashes here and there. Klosjes would be such a beautiful way to use and enjoy them.

So I guess I will succumb.

Klosjes here I come!

Sew in love

We had a great weekend getting together with family.  Busy days and good days.  Monday was going to be slower paced so I took the opportunity to start a new stitchery that I had my eye on.  Once I started, I couldn’t stop.  Much of the day was spent working on this cute design by Mac A Doodles.  I made a few changes so it would fit the little hanger I already had and it was finished just in time for bed last night. 

Mr. Sunshine means the world to me and it was nice to think about our years together (32) while stitching away. 

Pretty Stuff

I learned to sew when I was young and grew up making my own clothes most of the time.   Then I made my children’s clothes through their growing up years.  I still sew a lot but not clothes very much anymore.  However, this week I made a little blessing dress for our granddaughter’s special day. 

 

It was nice to be using 5/8” seams instead of 1/4” for a change.

I’ve also been playing around with beads, making fobs for some of my scissors.  Sewing is enjoyable… and now even more so.

Thanks for a fun day

Anina has an awesome blog called Twiddletails.  She is having a Pinwheel Party and sharing her quilt design with all of us.  This was already such a generous thing to do, but then then last week she had a give-away to boot.  I was the very lucky winner of this Antique Quilt magazine, which arrived today.  I can’t stop looking through it.  Thank you Anina…you brightened my day.

Also in my mailbox today was this book.  Mel has been busy housecleaning her studio and I was able to buy this from her for a  super-duper price.  Thanks Mel.  You know I love miniature quilts and this has my mind swimming with great new ideas. 

And if all that wasn’t enough to make this a fun day…this little munchkin put the icing on the cake with her adorable smile.  Thanks sweetie!

Little Purses

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Janet at Quiltsalott designed the cutest little purses and posted a tutorial for them on her blog.  Her instructions were great.  It didn’t take long at all to stitch up the red purse last night for my daughter.  Then this morning I decided I wanted one too, so I made the blue one for me.  I’m going to use it to hold scissors, thread and thimble, etc. for appliqué on the go, so the tiny silver scissors on the zipper pull were the perfect final touch.

Just Stitching

I’m still here… stitching away… working on Florabunda #3 now and loving the fabrics and soft colors.  I can’t decide which is my favorite block, I have enjoyed them all.

Big and Little

Quite a while ago I set myself a goal to see how far I could go in stitching hexagons. So far I have made 17 pretty hexagon flowers and have several more cut and ready to go.   Now I don’t know when I will stop!

I also stitched up these tiny 1/2 inch hexies and turned them into a little 13 inch quilt…all finished.

I love making hexie flowers!

I was also working on a dresden quilt.  I have the blocks all done and am deciding how to design them into a quilt….sashing and all…you know.

While I’m thinking through that, I took time to sew some sweet 3 inch dresdens for these little projects:

My inspiration came from Virginia, of Galloping Pony.  I love her designs.  She has such a beautiful talent.

Another one for the wall

I’ve made a couple of Ann Hermes small quilt patterns in the past and enjoy her designs.  Here is another one, 23 inches square, with rolling stone blocks, that I finished last night. 

A perfect addition to my ever changing little quilt wall.

Time Well Spent

I’ve been spending a some time on my applique block for Florabunda.

…and bits of time here and there on those addicting Dear Jane blocks.

…but most of my time with these two.

And loving every minute.

Bet you can’t sew just one

I sat down to make a Dear Jane block…or maybe two… but found I just couldn’t stop there.  Before I knew it I had ten blocks finished and several more cut out and ready to go.  I’m loving this project.

She’s here!

Our new little granddaughter is here and she’s such a sweetheart.

We’re all feeling very blessed.