The Splendid Sampler Update - I am behind!

It's difficult to do 2 blocks every week. It sounds easy, but it really isn't. So...now I am 4 blocks behind. I decided to just cut the fabrics needed, and then they are ready for me to sew, when I get a chance.

I am going to start with the newest block, and work my way backwards...

Pat Sloans "Checkerboard" block

"Crocheted Thoughts" by Alyssa Thomas:

Sherri McConnell: "Iowa" - I really like this one :)

...and "Local Quilt Shop" by Jane Davidson

Now I just need some time to sew!!

My 11 year old hair stylist and an early birthday present

Next Monday is my sons 9th birthday, I made him a floor cushion - and I just couldn't wait, so I gave it to him today! 

I pieced blue strips from my bigger scraps, and quilted with a loopy pattern. The pillow is 65 cm square, so it is big enough for him to sit on, while playing games or watching tv - or building LEGOs or whatever else he does. 

My feet are in the pictures for scale - because you all know how big my feet are, right? :)

The pillow is fully lined, and with its really big zipper, it is easy to just throw this pillow case in the wash.

In other news, I really desperately needed a haircut. So I asked my daugther, if she would do it, she reluctantly agreed. Yesterday she cut 4-5 inches off the length, aaaaah. But, I really wanted bangs....so today, she cut those too. 

Yay. I am really happy with the result. And really proud of my very brave 11 year old hair stylist daugther!

Dressmaking, Part 1 (....of who knows how many!)

I have made some clothes before, but I try to stick with the not too complicated patterns. I am ok (sort of) with zippers, but no lining or stiff interface-heavy collars for me.... Oh...and buttons are not my favorite either.

Anyway...the dress. The kids have this week off, so I will be taking them on day trips - and not have much time left for my sewing project. But a little each day will make a difference. So today: tracing the pattern!

I had forgotten the crazy look of the pattern sheets in Burda magazines :-) Oh well, I got it done. The pattern is traced, cut out and ready to go! But then it was time to cook dinner, and play a board game and bed for the kiddos. So...I will make more progress tomorrow. I hope.

New Potholders

I needed a quick and easy project - and new potholders! 

I decided to do HSTs, so they came together pretty quick. That made me think I could spend a little more time on the quilting...

I do love straight line quilting, but it takes such a long time....

I am happy with the result, though!

New potholders, a finished project, and it didn't take too long. What's not to love about that?!

Itty Bitty Pin Cushions...

Pin cushions! I have been meaning to make some for the longest time, but just never sat down and did it. I have looked at Amanda Jean's pin cushions, all the pretties under #thepincushionproject on Instagram, and today I finally pulled some scraps

The top for this is 3'' sq before sewing it to the backing, making the finished pin cushion app 2.5'' sq. So it really is just a small little thing. Perfect for a travel project. Or just because....

.......because it's impossible to just make one!

The Splendid Sampler, Block 8 "Friends Around the Square"

I seem to always be a block or 2 behind everyone else :) 

Today I made block 8, it was a fast and fun block, designed by Julie Karasek.

I am downloading the patterns from The Splendid Samplers website when they are published, then when I have time, I am ready to go. I hope I'll keep doing this - also when I am 8 - 10 or even 20 blocks behind :)

I dream of sewing dresses....

I love wearing dresses. Especially in summer. I haven't had much luck sewing my own - but surely, that must be possible?!

This afternoon, I bought a burda style magazine, and I took a coffee break and read it. There are so many cute dresses and skirts in this one. 

Just look at this dress on the cover. I have to give it a try! If you have a favorite dress to sew, please share :)