Quilted Pot Holder

This pot holder project goes with the apron I just made before it.  This was very quick and simple to make.  Literally, it took me about 20 minutes from start to finish including the cutting.  I, of course, used the same dessert fabric again.  Then I backed it with hot pink and made my own bias tape out of the polka dots.  I quilted a wave pattern on it, because I know I am not talented enough to quilt much more than a wave or diamonds.  I think it turned out pretty cute.  My only issue was that I used a quilt batting and I don't think it is thick enough.  It would be better to use a heavier batting piece.


This project was provided by Singer Sewing Company at http://www.singerco.com/.

Bunny Baby

All I can say here is ....  SERIOUSLY?!?!?






This project was provided by Jana P. Nielson at http://www.lolaagain.blogspot.com/ and http://www.gracielous.com/.

Bunny Pocket Pillow

Another pocket pillow?  Why is the crafting world obsessed with creating all these little projects with a pocket?  Do the crafters have all these little trinkets lying around with no place to put them?  And if I don't have that problem...does that mean I am not a true crafter?  Is pocket loving a prerequisite?  I sure hope not, or I am going to have to find a new hobby. 


Anyway, I guess this pillow isn't all that bad.  And by "isn't all that bad"...I mean it would be better without the pocket and the stupid little bunny doll. (Sorry to the creator of this pattern...I just can't get on board with the doll.)  It was very quick and easy to make (except for the bunny...since it is so small, I missed a couple of spots when sewing the front and back together and ended up with a few open seams).  I think I will toss the bunny now that I have the picture I need and just keep the pillow.  I guess I should start working on my trinket collection though...it's only April and I already have a dozen pockets to fill!!!


This project was provided by Missy Ballance at http://www.craftycarnival.com/.

Robot Doll Pocket Pillow

Ugh!!  Another pocket pillow!!  These are cute and all, but what am I going to do with these pocket pillows.  I don't have any idea what to use them for.  No kids...so no need for a tooth fairy pillow (plus, I already have a tooth fairy pillow that I don't need).  I hate giving gift cards, so that won't work.  And these aren't nearly big enough to hold the piles and piles of extra money laying around the house that needs a place to be stored...(don't I wish).  But, I made it anyway.


I made my robot pink and purple, because we all know robots must really be girls.  Aren't robots super smart, organized and focused?  And did I mention super smart?  Plus, if one part of their internal makeup is out of place, they just can't get through the day without a few malfunctions.  GIRL!!!  I think she turned out pretty cute!!  Maybe I will turn her into a Christmas ornament.


This project was provided by Lauren Brandy at http://goodygoody.typepad.com/.

Buried in Projects

AHHHHH!! I cannot believe it has almost been two weeks since my last post. I am getting very, VERY, far behind in this challenge. Are you ready for the excuses??? Here's the deal. "I ran out of gas. I, I had a flat tire. I didn't have enough money for cab fare. My tux didn't come back from the cleaners. An old friend came in from out of town. Someone stole my car. There was an earthquake. A terrible flood. Locusts. It wasn't my fault, I SWEAR TO GOD!!!" Oh wait, maybe that was the Blues Brothers...not me. Seriously, here is the truth. My viewpoint on how quickly I can accomplish something tends to stretch the bounds of reality, almost to a breaking point. In my mind, I am a superstar...I can accomplish ten times the things I can in reality. The biggest problem is that my mind tends to win every time I battle with my reality. Hence, I bite off WAY more than I can chew!!! So, in the midst of my very-busy-never-have-enough-time-to-actually-finish-a-project schedule, I decided my sewing room could not continue to go on in the shape it is in. What shape is that you ask? DISASTER AREA!!

I am a little embarrassed to show you these pictures, because...well...look at them...WHAT A MESS! I swear I am not a slob!!! Anyway, as you can tell...it was time for a room makeover. So, I am in the process of rearranging and reorganizing this room. My sewing room should be my sanctuary, not my downfall. I need it to work with me instead of the other way around. Unfortunately, things had to get worse before they get better...so I won't even let you see how bad it is now while I am working on it. But, in a nut shell, I have very few places I can even walk in the room.

I am very hopeful, however, that by the end of the weekend I will have it looking clean, mean and pristine and I will proudly show off those pictures. Also, and perhaps I am being a little over ambitious...wouldn't be the first time, I hope to be fully caught up by Monday with the sewing challenges. So, keep posted...I should have a lot of new posts over the weekend!! (Keep your fingers crossed!!)

Patchwork Drawstring Bag

Anytime I approach a project, I like to have a use in mind before picking out my fabrics. My first thought on this bag was that it would be big enough to stick a few pairs of flip flops in and toss it in my suitcase when traveling. So, I started picking out fabrics that would match my suitcases. Then, once I actually read the project sheet, I realized the only shoes this bag would hold would be doll shoes. Finished, this drawstring bag is 8" x 8". My feet aren't nearly that small. So, I put the brown and turquoise fabrics back and started over. What could I possibly do with such a small bag? I finally realized this bag would be the perfect size to carry all my computer cords. Perfect!! Hopefully I won't have the frustration of all these cords in my tote bag that unravel and get in the way every time I take the laptop out or try to put the laptop back. Now the power cord, the camera cord, the iPod cord and the phone cord will be tucked away in this cute little bag. It was very easy to make. In fact, the most time consuming steps where cutting out the fabrics and patchworking the front and back. The actual bag itself took about 20 minutes to put together. I might have to make one to match each one of my totebags.

This project was provided by Ayumi Takahashi, Pink Penguin at http://www.ayumills.blogspot.com/.

Heartfelt Quilt Card

My Valentine from George

I'll be honest...when I first saw this project, I thought it seemed a little ridiculous. Then, on Monday, I was at my brother's house and my adorable 3 year old nephew George handed me a homemade Valentine card. So sweet!! I thought if George can make me a heartfelt card, then I can make George a heartfelt card. So, I did. I kept him in mind while picking my fabrics to quilt. Of course, when I say quilt I really mean patchwork because as we learned in the course of making the first project...a quilter, I am not. This actually turned out to be a fun project. Obviously you could stitch any design, not just a heart...so the possibilities are endless. Plus, it turned out pretty cute...if I do say so myself. I sure hope George likes it as much as I did.

This project was provided by Marie Ann Tenny at http://www.diynamite.com/. (Update: This website is no longer running.)

Matyroshka Doll Pocket Pillow

This was a fun little project to do. I can't think of a single reason anyone would need to make one of these, but they are fun to be able to give out as little gifts. This doll would be a great gift for a baby as a small stuffed toy and would also work great for teens and adults as a unique way to present a small gift or gift card. And lets not forget about all the little ones who need a place to store the tooth they just lost...you know, so the tooth fairy can find it easily and she will know right where to leave the money. I was just going to make one (the brown and blue one), but I had two different KU fabric choices and just couldn't resist making myself a Jayhawk Matyroshka Doll. Every super fan should have one of these...except the MU fans! Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!

This project was provided by Lauren Brandy, goody-goody at www.laurenbrandy.com.

Mini Oven Mitt

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it is the perfect time to get the flour and sugar out and bake cookies with all your little helpers. This adorable mini oven mitt is just the accessory you need to help the kids feel like they are included in every step of the way. This pattern was very quick and easy to put together. Pair it with a matching or coordinating apron and all that will be left to do is bake, bake, bake...and of course ice the cookies!! The oven mitt is not to be used for handling hot trays or dishes, it is for play purposes only.

This project was provided by Crystal Butler at www.mylongestyear.com.

Pinwheel Quilted Coasters

As I am sure you have figured out, my calendar does actually start on January 1st and since today is January 15th...I am already two weeks behind (story of my life)!! So, my goal is to be on schedule with the projects by the end of January. Let's all keep our fingers crossed.





I was so excited when I opened the calendar to see this first project. I felt relieved because I thought these coasters wouldn't pose much of a challenge for me. Boy, was I wrong!! I haven't done much quilting, but I always thought if I wanted to I could and it wouldn't be a big deal. But it is. And I couldn't...not very well, anyway. I made two attempts at these coasters and while I like the way they look from afar...they are a hot mess up close. Quilting is HARD!!! So, to all you quilters out there...Cheers!! Y'all are amazing!



These coasters are supposed to be quilted along each seam within the pinwheel. My seams don't line up evenly, so I topstitched around the edge only. I am sure I will be able to put these coasters to good use, but I need to improve my technique before I try to make these as a gift.

This project was provided by Ellen Luckett Baker at http://www.thelongthread.com/.

My next project will be a yoga mat bag, so be sure to check bag and see how it turns out.