WIP Wednesday

So... poor Brutus, my beloved sewing machine, finally decided that a hospital visit was, in fact, necessary (read about our fight here) so I am now left twiddling my thumbs anxiously awaiting his return.  I think he enjoys having such power over me and was just waiting for the perfect time to give up and refuse to sew even one more stitch.  Hmph!

Oh well, let's spend this time reviewing some of the projects I was working on when Brutus rudely decided it was time for a holiday -

CHRISTMAS TABLE RUNNER

I love the look of wonky stars and think they are perfect for the silly season.  I hadn't tried this block before but grabbed some red, white and silver fabric that I'd picked up at Spotlight on sale, and just jumped right in.  It was quite straight-forward as I followed this simple tutorial over at Silly BooDilly (though my stars are only 6.5" unfinished).

Embarassingly, even though this one is still to be basted, quilted and bound, I have already started on another two table runners with the leftover fabric - one a simple stripe design and the other offset stacked coins.  Stop me!

MOD MOSAIC FLOOR PILLOW 

During one of my many random internet searches I came across this gorgeous design by Oh! Fransson and immediately starting sewing.  Like, immediately.  I have now completed three of the suggested nine blocks and I have enjoyed every second. 

These blocks are easy, fun and do not involve one shred of stress.  What a relief.  I love having a project like this to fall back to when the pressure of points or piecing or handsewing etc etc gets a little too overwhelming.

SOFT BABY CUBES

These are nearly finished, with only one out of five left to sew.  That'll teach me to start on other projects before completing a commission.  Thanks for that little life lesson, Brutus.

And, just incase you think I've forgotten something - I leave the little holes til last so that I can try to stuff them all uniformly.  Try being the word.

SERGEANT SEBASTIAN

I am completely and utterly in love with this little guy already - and he's only half-way done.  This design actually started out as a pattern for an astronaut by Rachel of The Two Windmills... but I figured it might work for a little soldier too.

Unfortunately I can't keep him all to myself as he is destined as a present for my nephew, who will also be kitted out with matching pjs. 

Too cute!

So that's what has been keeping me busy of late and still it barely makes a dent in the to-do list.  Ahh!  Hopefully Brutus is home soon, better than ever.

This post has been linked to WIP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced.  Check out what everyone has been up to this week.  You might just be inspired.  Or... better yet... feel free to include your list of works in progress to inspire the rest of us.  ;)

E.

L.A.R.A.

A few months ago, I had a go at making some soft baby cubes for decoration at a friend's baby shower.  To my delight they were an absolute hit with her niece so I decided that Lara deserved a set of her own.  Afterall, it is always a thrill to make things for someone who really appreciates them.

As with my first set, these include applique letters, with a picture on the reverse.  I had particular fun stitching L for Lion and am extremely pleased with the results (unfortunately I need to work on my picture taking skills though - sorry!).  There is also A for Alien, R for Rabbit and A for Apple (hopefully the worm won't gobble it all up before the post arrives).  ;)

The fantastic thing about these cubes is that you can use different materials (cotton, minky, corduroy etc), applique and even tags for a completely different look and feel.  It all depends on you!  These particular ones are made with 100% cotton and are 9x9x9cm.

If you would like me to make some of these for a little friend in your life, please email me the particulars and we can work out a suitable (and affordable) price.  I'm also thinking of working on a tutorial if anyone out there is interested.  Please let me know.

Happy Birthday Lara.  I hope you enjoy these cubes, too.

E.