Making Christmas - The Finale

Hellooooo.  I hope you all survived the crazy Christmas and New Years period.  Hubby and I had a lovely break in Adelaide, South Australia, with his family but we're now back home and looking forward to a HUGE year ahead, with hopefully lots of sewing, work around the house and, of course, special moments galore with baby girl.  Exciting!!

Before all that, though, I thought I'd better do a final check over my Making Christmas list - just to see how I did.  Admittedly not all was completed but I am rather happy with how I went.

Here's the final summation...

1. Robot Embroidery Library Bag

FINISHED!

Blogged here

As the intended recipient of this book bag was born just 5 days after another bub in the same group of friends, I also thought that I'd better make a second bag for baby #1.

Blog post to come

UPDATE 14/1/14 - Blogged here

Success!  I admit, I am having a bit of a love affair with elephants at the moment so I just couldn't resist.

These bags have both been gifted for Christmas, with some gorgeous board books.

2. Personalised Cushions / Pillows

FINISHED!

Blogged here

Yes, just the one, but considering that this listing was always a maybe-but-probably-won't-happen, I'm pretty happy with that.

3.  Kindle Cover

FINISHED!

Unfortunately I don't have pictures of this finish (yet) as it was a last minute effort the night before my early Christmas celebrations with the family.  I know, I know, that sounds really dodgy but please believe me - I did get it done and the Kindle fits inside nicely and my Mum is happy.  True story!  :)

4.  Bear Paw Quilt

FINISHED!

 Blogged here

5.  Toffee Shards Quilt

FINISHED!

Blogged here

6.  Wonky Stars Quilt

*cough*

Sad face.

7.  Softies for Mirabel

I am terrible, horrible, awful but my Softies for Mirabel project just didn't happen this year.  I know, disgusting.  Sorry kids!  I will have to make it up with extras next year.  :(

8.  Reorganisation of my Sewing Room

Yeah, this didn't happen BUT it will very soon.  We have plans for some new shelving and a new layout.  I am soooooooo excited, it's quite ridiculous.  Stay tuned.

Phew!  Not bad, if I do say so myself.  

Now I'd better catch up on my blog reading - you guys have been busy while I've been away!

E.

I missed the last link up for Making Christmas - but that's ok.  Huge thanks to Janine and Rebecca for hosting this wonderful event.  I love that it kept me accountable and on track!  Thanks lovely ladies!

Another Personalised Cushion

Earlier this year we welcomed our latest niece into the family - which means, of course, I made a quilt (this one) - so when it came to thinking about Christmas gifts I couldn't stop thinking about a personalised cushion to match.

I decided on a rather simple patchwork construction, using all the same fabrics as her quilt.  I wanted it to match without being overly matchy-match.  If that makes sense.  I'm not sure I quite achieved that but fingers crossed it isn't too much when they are paired together.

For the initial, I stuck with a dark pink solid, attached in a raw edge applique style.  I do so love this quick and easy method and, well, it gives me a chance to practise my FMQ.

I also stuck with simple when it came to the quilting - straight lines 1/2" from each seam.  Quick, easy and effective.

The binding is just the same solid used for the initial.  I think it frames the madness of all those prints really nicely.

And, then, for the back I just had to use the adorable print which inspired the whole colour scheme of the original quilt - these owls by Ann Kelle.

So cute and wacky!

As per usual, a zipper finishes it all off.

The final size is a rather large and cuddly 22" square - with a 24" insert used in these photos, as that's what I had on hand (hence the extra puffiness).

And that's it - all ready to travel east next week for the big day.  Hope Miss L likes it!

E.


Linking up to Sew Cute Tuesday at Blossom Heart Quilts.

Also crossing this personalised cushion off of my Making Christmas list.  You can see my latest update post here.
 

AND... I'll be linking up to the party for the Cushion for Christmas Blog Hop at Ms Midge.

Making Christmas - Week 9

As I was playing hostess for week 8 (you saw my post and tutorial for the Lollipop Nose Critters, right?!) I missed the link up - so thought an update was now in order.

Here's how my list is looking, with under a fortnight to go.  Ahh!

1. Robot Embroidery Library Bag

FINISHED!

Blogged here

Still yet to start (or even think about, to be honest) library bag #2.  It needs to be finished by this Saturday.  Hmm...

 2. Personalised Cushions / Pillows

FINISHED!

Blog post to come.

This will probably the only personalised cushion I finish for Christmas... but I do have a few others planned for the near future.

3.  Kindle Cover

Still no progress on this one.  Sorry Mum.  Again.

4.  Bear Paw Quilt

FINISHED!

 Blogged here

5.  Toffee Shards Quilt

FINISHED!

Blogged here

6.  Wonky Stars Quilt

Um, yeah, this one is still waiting patiently to be basted.

7.  Softies for Mirabel

Still no progress since choosing the pattern (Barthelomew Bunny by Shiny Happy World) and cutting out the pieces.  Sorry kiddies.  :(

8.  Reorganisation of my Sewing Room

No progress, other than dreams.  There has been lots of those.


So how are your makes for Christmas shaping up? Are you feeling on top of it or has the panic started to set in?

E.

Linking up with the lovely Lucy, from last Saturday (yes, I am slightly behind).  Pop by to see her unique cross stitched Christmas ornaments - and maybe even spy one made by yours truly.  ;)

Big Hearted Girl

When I first saw these Awesomeville panels by the uber talented cat & vee I absolutely fell head-over-heels in love with the Big Hearted Girl.  I mean, how could I not?!  When I mentioned to Cat, one of the creators, that I'd definitely be buying her if my bubba turned out to be a girl... she then informed me that they also stocked larger 18" panels for cushion covers.  Well then... SOLD!

When she arrived I may have let out a little squeal - I loved her even more.  She's absolutely gorgeous!  I was desperate to make her into a cushion right then and there but couldn't decide exactly what to do.

In the end, I stayed with simple - to allow her to shine all on her own.  All I added was some cute blue pom pom trim - an idea I stole from Cat herself!

Ahh... swoon!

I am so loving the pom pom trim too!  It was a first for me (but not the last!) so I followed this tutorial for help.  Admittedly it was a bit fiddly and a few pom poms might have not quite made it through unscathed - but it is totally do-able and worth it.  Just remember that slow and steady wins the race.  ;)

For the back I stuck with my usual zip method, and a few bright red prints that I had on hand.

Unfortunately I only had a 16" insert spare - so I'll have to buy a bigger one when I'm next at the shops.  I do so like a plump cushion.

And, because I know you're dying to see, here she is hanging out with the Cutie Scootie Patootie and Haphazard Chevron cushions.

I am loving how they look together!

Now, before I run, I must, must, must direct your attention to Kristy's post here.  She is today's Hostess with the Mostest for the Cushion for Christmas Blog Hop - and is also showcasing some gorgeous panels from cat&vee.  AND... wait for it... she may also have a little cat&vee giveaway in the works.  ;)

For more information on cat&vee check out their etsy shop, website and/or follow them both on IG - hellofromcat (Catherine) and hellofromvee (Vanita).  You won't be sorry!  I should also point out that this post has not been a paid endorsement - I am just a huge fan.  I'll definitely be shopping with them again!

E.

Linking up to Sew Cute Tuesday over at Blossom Heart Quilts.

I'll also be linking up to the party for the Cushion for Christmas Blog Hop (on now!) at Ms Midge when it opens on Saturday 14th December.  Before then, be sure to check out all the fabulous ideas being showcased by some wonderful bloggers - and get working on your own cushions for Christmas!  :)

It's a...

Yes, I've done it again.  I had the best of intentions to link up a project to last month's Le Challenge but, alas, I just didn't get it finished in time.   Typical!  But, seeing as I've had this project in my head ever since I first heard the theme of STRIPES I figure I'll still credit the amazing Lucy and Nat with the inspiration. :)

So, where exactly did I take my stripey-ness?  Well... I went straight (pardon the pun) to the drool-worthy Haphazard Chevron Pillow, from Quilting Happiness by Diane Gilleland and Christina Lane.

I am seriously considering picking up a copy of this book (the reviews are awesome!) but, lucky for me, I didn't have to wait to do this project as it is kindly being offered for free right here.  Thank you CrafterNews!

Regular readers will know that I'm keen to make a few cushions/pillows for bub's room and I thought this would definitely fit the bill.  Problem is - what colour scheme to use???  Pink or blue???  Well, truth be told, we actually now know...

Yep, it's a GIRL!!!

So, I went with  dark and light pink solids with a touch of white for some added punch (thanks Kristy for that oh-so-perfect suggestion).

The pattern was super easy to follow and I even managed to slightly adjust it so that my finished cushion came out at 14", rather than 12".

For the quilting (which isn't part of the pattern but I couldn't resist) I again used the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and give a new-to-me style a shot.  In this case it was concentric circles, as per this tutorial.

Ok, so she's not perfect but I'm happy enough.  Embrace the wonk, I say.  The hardest parts were the smaller centre circles but they aren't totally impossible.  I can definitely see myself giving this style another go at some point in the future.  I do quite like the effect and would love to see it off-centre as well.

The back is just my usual style zip enclosure, using some of the leftover pinks from the top.  It really is nothing special (ok, I forgot to get a pic and it's dark now) - just imagine light pink on top and dark pink on the bottom, with a lovely label slapped on there somewhere.  ;)

Obviously, the binding is just the dark pink.  I must say, I do like binding on cushions.  It really finished them off.

And, just for one more little picture, here she is chilling out with her partner in crime, the Cutie Scootie Patootie cushion.

What a pair!  ;)

So, there is my stripe-inspired project for last month's Le Challenge.  Pop over here to see where others went.  There are some great ideas!  Also, this month's theme (and the last for the year) has now been announced - PRECIOUS - so I must, must, must try a little harder to get something done on time.  A few ideas are already brewing.  What about you?  Planning to play along?


E.

Linking up to Sew Cute Tuesday, over at Blossom Heart Quilts.

Making Christmas 2013

The gorgeous and talented Janine and Becca have joined forces this year to host an inspiring festive blog hop, Making Christmas.

Not only is Making Christmas about sharing fabulous ideas - but it also a great way to keep accountable and to encourage each other to GET IT DONE!  Admittedly, my record of ticking off lists is rather pathetic (please, no one mention my lack of a follow-up post for Q3 of the FAL)... BUT I'll give it a shot and see where it gets me.  ;)

Also, I will be hosting with a cute little project on Saturday 30th November so be sure to pop back then but, before that, check out this post to see the full line up and all the amazing bloggers involved this year.  I am a bit out-classed, to say the least!!

Ok, onto the list...

1. Robot Embroidery Library Bag

I thought I'd start easy and actually give myself an achievable goal - as this one is actually due tomorrow for the Finished Stitches competition over at Shiny Happy World.

 

If you don't know what I'm on about then you can see my original post here.  Stay tuned for the big reveal in the coming days.

2. Personalised Cushions / Pillows

I have a vague idea to whip up some cute little cushions/pillows for a few darling little kidlets in my life.  It's one of those ideas that is still at a maybe-it'll-happen-but-no-biggie-if-it-doesn't stage so will see.  

In the past I have made ones like these... 

... but I'm thinking of changing it up this time.  I also love these ones, recently made by Lucy.  Again, I'm not sure what I'll do so don't hold your breath.  ;)

3. Kindle Cover

As my Mummy had a recent tumble, we bought her an early Christmas present to help pass the time while she's laid up - a Kindle.  I've been trying to talk her into getting one for ages but she just couldn't or wouldn't entertain the idea of not "reading a real book".  I'm now pleased to announce that she is a complete and utter convert - and I am smilling smugly.  :)

Anyway, I've promised to make her a cover so her new best friend stays warm and safe between uses.  It'll more than likely match the library bag I made her last year - but, weirdly, don't seem to have a photo of.  Imagine dark blue with touches of blue and green DS.  Got it?  Good.  :)

4. Bear Paw Quilt

Remember this one?

Don't say it, I know, I know - it should be done already but it's really, really not.  I have, though, finished off the last two blocks so it's only a matter of putting it together, quilting... you know the drill.  The bub this one is intended for is due next month so I need so move my bottom.  A-huh.

5. Toffee Shards Quilt

Another baby quilt that has been languishing and should have been gifted by now.

Craig is seriously on my back about this one so I'm sure I'll be pressured to finish it off soon. You know, before the little man turns 18. Maybe.  ;)

6. Wonky Stars Quilt

Yep, another quilt for another gorgeous boy who has only recently arrived into our world.  I've pulled the fabric for this one - blues and greens - and am thinking of something like this.  Time to get a-cutting.

 7. Softies for Mirabel

It's on again so, like the previous two years, I plan to make a softie or two for disadvantaged Australian kids.

I'll write more on this soon - when I dedicate a whole post to this wonderful cause.  I really just need to decide what to make.  Last year I sent in... DONKEYS!

Well, that's my list.  I'm laughing even just imagining getting all that done before Christmas but one can only try.  Wish me luck!  ;)

So, what are you planning for Christmas?  Write a list and play along - we'll be your cheer squad!  And don't forget to check out the fabulously inspiring posts each week.  I can't wait!

E.

Cutie Scootie Patootie

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to spend a glorious month exploring Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia with my brand-spanking new husband... so... when Fiona announced the Holiday Memories Mini Quilt Competition I just had to enter.

Much to my mother's horror, I've always been fascinated by motor bikes and the like.  Even as a little girl I was known to wind down my window at traffic lights to tell the black-leather-clad, bearded bikie next to us that I liked his bike.  So, needless to say, the craziness of the streets of Vietnam and - ALL THOSE SCOOTERS - was rather exciting for me.

I mean, they are EVERYWHERE.  Watching it, it looks like total chaos but somehow they make it work, without too much hostility.  Oh, and the amount of people and/or objects they can fit onto one, itty-bitty bike is truly impressive.  Everyday we would see a new sight that would make us giggle and exclaim in awe.

Of course, I was super dooper keen to have a ride but, after the Bali Scooter Incident of 2012 (that's another story but let's just say that I was in trouble when I came home with a few scrapes and bruises), I had promised my Mum not to ride/hire/drive/play on/touch any scooters or motor bikes.  BOO!

Bali 2012.  Riding a pink scooter!  :)

This time, I was a good daughter and obeyed the rules (well, actually, my husband had also been threatened so he kept me in line) but I couldn't resist being a little cheeky and sending this photo to Mum, after just a couple of days into the trip.  ;)

She wasn't impressed.  ;)

Anyway, regardless of the lack of a ride (again... BOO!), the image of the scooters and the craziness of the Vietnam roads has really stuck with me.  Therefore, for my Holiday Memories entry, please let me introduce the Cutie Scootie Patootie cushion / pillow.

This baby measures a generous 20" x 20" and will become a floor cushion for my soon-to-be girl (that could actually be a boy but oh well...).  Regular readers will have no doubt noticed the same colour scheme that I am using for these blocks because, as my energy is severely depleted at the moment, I couldn't help but kill two birds with one stone.

The scooter itself is paper pieced, using this fabulous pattern by Shape Moth.  I then got brave and tried some FMQ pebbles.  This was a totally new thing for me so they are far, far, far from perfect but, as it will be staying within this house and will be hopefully be much loved by a littlie, I figured it was the perfect opportunity to let-go and give free motion quilting a shot.

In the interests of keeping it real, here's a close up.  Feel free to skip over this photo as quickly as possible.  ;)

Oh well, we all have to start somewhere.

The log cabins were then added in a QAYG style - a method I've been meaning to try ever since watching the first few lessons of the Quilt-As-You-Go Patchwork Bags class on Craftsy.  It was fun, easy and very quick!

After that is was just a simple matter of whipping up a back (with a zip for ease of washing), sew on a label and add the binding.

And VOILA!!

I love, love, love it.  It is so bright and fun and scooter-licious!  And look how perfectly it goes with the crocheted blanket my Aunty made me when I was a bub!

Only thing that concerns me - if my daughter (ok, ok or pink-loving son!) ever gets a bike license I may have to face the wrath of one very angry Nanna.  Or two?!  ;)

E.

For more details on the Holiday Memories Mini Quilt Competition, and to link up your finished projects, see this post.  Be quick, though, as the linky party closes very, very soon! 

 

Also linking up to this week's Paper Piecing Party over at Kristy's house.

 

AND... also linking up to TGIFF, hosted this week by Laura of Quokka Quilts.  That also means that this cushion is entered into OctoberQuest - a month long challenge.  Four birds, one stone???