Blessing Baskets

I’ve been participating in Temecula’s Blessing Baskets quilt along.  Four blocks done and looking forward to what comes next.

My Sewing Space

Thelma, Nicole, and Carrie all posted about what they keep around their sewing work spaces.  I thought that was fun so here’s mine too: 

First off, the side of my machine.  I love my small yellow colander for trimmings and threads.

One of the 3-M hooks attached to the side of my machine keeps this very old and well used tool handy.

The work table / ironing table right next to the sewing machine space.

My daughter gave me this ceramic bowl which is perfect for trimmings and scraps at my work table.

And then I got on the homemade pedestal dish trend and made this to keep my current supplies where I can find them.  I used to always have to hunt through my project looking for the tool I set down a minute ago and now can’t find.  Now I automatically plunk them here and that problem is solved.

I am very fortunate to have drawers under my sewing machine cabinet (an old desk) to keep most of my notions.  (Oh man!  what am I going to do for collages when Picnik shuts down?)

 

On the other side of the machine I keep scraps for leaders and enders in this pretty little cup.

The buttons for the lamp and the iron are right handy and at arms reach from my machine.  When I’m almost done sewing I just hit the button and the irons hot and ready to start pressing away.  I love it!

 

And speaking of my lamp, I have a magnet on the base that keeps needles safe until I have time to store them away….looks like its time.

If there is any thread left on the needle after hand sewing, I stick it here out of the way at the end of the work table.  When I need to sew a quick button or repair, I often find I have the right color needle all ready threaded.

Last, but not least, I have another yellow colander on my cutting table to keep my cutters together.  I seem to like cute little yellow colanders and if I’m not careful I could become a collector.

It sits below my ruler holder…really an office paper sorter..which has been ideal, I think I couldn’t live with out it.  I blogged about it here.

My room is just a little one (about 10 x 10) but then most everything is within close reach. Its been a fun challenge getting things to work in here.

And just when Mr. Sunshine says nothing more will fit in this room….I find a way to do it.

Play Time

 

Sewing on my house blocks reminded me of my daughters’ dollhouse furniture, stored away for many years now.  So I got them out and decided it’s time for their little girls to play with them.  

There was some minor fix ups to be done…reupholstering a worn out chair, making new miniature blankets, a little soap and water and a new hairdo for the doll, etc.

 

I don’t have a dollhouse, so I’m turning this little cabinet into a doll condo for a while.  I think it will work pretty good for little girls with lots of imagination.

 

Besides, it makes a nice place to store some wonderful memories of my daughter’s when they were tots.

Its been fun “playing house” for an afternoon.

Now back to playing with my other houses…the fabric ones.

Just one more thing….

Columbo has always been a favorite of mine.   Lately, he’s been keeping me company by my machine while I sew little houses.

 

I can finish three houses during one episode…

 

plus almost three more!

 

I took a short break when Mr. Sunshine popped into my sewing room to visit.  Looking at my latest houses, he guessed this little fellow was an elephant!  Huh?

These windows are so tiny…about 3/4 inch square.

So funny…he really needed to be wearing his glasses for that size.

Housing report for February

I’ve been busily working in the fabric housing department and loving every moment of it.   That’s how I work on them…a moment here and  a moment there.

 

Then I sew my little houses together into 9 patch blocks. 

 

92 houses so far.  It’s starting to look like a quilt!

Time for a new bag

Today I poked around in my sewing room a bit and then decided I needed to sew a new bag.  My all time favorite go-to bag is the Buttercup Bag pattern (by Rae).  It always holds my stuff just right and is fun to make.  I enlarged it a bit this time and put a flap on it.

 

 

I notice this is only my second post for February and the month is nearly over.  Not that I lack any projects to work on, I’ve just been preoccupied for a bit. 

I did manage to keep “building” more little houses.  They are great for working on… a minute here… and a minute there.  And that’s all the time I’ve had is minutes.

I have my fingers crossed for much more sewing time in March.

January

My January total! 

…and I even had the flu for two weeks.  This gives me hope for the months to come.  I really want to succeed in this project.

I’m a little ahead, so come what may, February should be no sweat.

Small projects

I’ve been thinking I needed a new pincushion but wanted something interesting to work with.  When I came across this candle holder, I knew right away I had found what I was looking for.  It was a fun, quick project and turned out just the way I wanted.

And today I brought out these pretty little pieces of Jo Morton fabric that I bought way last year.  I want to use them for a small project. 

Right now I’m in the mood for a few small and simple projects.

Doing pretty good so far…

At this rate, I’ve averaged three a day instead of one.  Can you tell I’m taking advantage of my enthusiasm right now. It feels good to have a head start.  I love making these tiny houses…they are 3” of sweetness!

I lay out the little blocks and my granddaughter likes looking at them and finding all the things in the windows.  We’re both having fun with them.

2011 was a good year

     

I’ve been admiring all the year end posts that summarize 2011’s work.  It’s just awesome what has been accomplished. 

Then I wondered what I had done and I have to tell you, when I checked it out, I was totally surprised.  What a fun year it’s been! 

And here’s hoping for another one just like it in 2012.

Happy New Year everyone…thanks for all your inspiration!

Ready to start building houses

I am so excited to be joining in on Jeaneke’s “Building Houses From Scraps” challenge.  The goal is 365 little 3” houses throughout the year… one for each day of 2012.  This will be a test of my “stick-to-it-ive-ness” abilities for sure.

So I sat down and prepared myself to succeed.  I rummaged through my tiniest scraps, cut them into appropriate sizes and sorted them into their own little quarters.  Now when I want to sew up a house, I just need to grab the pieces and go right to work at the sewing machine.

  

It seemed pretty simple so I gave the system a few test runs and so far it working pretty good for me.  Now I’m ready to start in January.

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BTW..I’m paper piecing my houses and adding scrappy black borders on the blocks instead of sashings and cornerstones.  And I’m trying to have something or someone peeking out of every window.

It’s going to be a fun 2012! 

I’m hoping it will be a great New Year for all of us.

Best Wishes to You

 

Three of my favorite little elves and I want to wish you all a wonderful Christmas.  We are having lots of fun with the holiday and are so excited for Santa’s visit… 

 

…really, we are ☺