TGIFF = Epic Fail!

Hello.  My name is Erin and I am a complete failure.  Ok, that is admittedly very harsh, but the truth of the matter is - I have nothing complete to show for today's Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday.  Doh!  I am very sorry and completely embarassed as I am this week's Post Host but, as the wise and oh-so-gracious Lucy reminded me, s#*t happens!  Yes, yes it does.

So, without wanting to make a ton of useless excuses, let's just say that my beloved sewing machine, Brutus, is no longer in my good books.  Infact, he probably hasn't really been in them much over the last month or so.

In the interests of "keeping it real" here is what I was working on when Brutus went on strike.  (Ok, I'm really just trying to earn brownie points by proving that I have been doing something.)

WONKY STAR TABLE RUNNER

This was what I had planned on revelling for this post - in all it's finished glory.  But the best laid plans, and all that.  So, instead, here is a shot of it half-quilted (and destined for the ever-growing WIP pile...).  As deadline was looming I just decided to quilt it quite minimally by just following the outline of the stars, on the white fabric only.  It looks ok but I'm not crrrrrazy about it.

MOD MOSAIC FLOOR PILLOW

This may be stretching the meaning of "finished" but I did manage to get the top of this pillow completely pieced.  Yay!  And, I am happy to report that I totally love it!  As promised, it is BIG, with the insert measuring 24".  Ohhh.  Lots of lovely, squishy-ness.  Now I just need to practise FMQ so I can really make this fabulous.  Stay tuned!

SECRET SQUIRREL BUSINESS

I shall finish with a (blurry) sneak-peak of another project I am working on that, thankfully, doesn't need Brutus, at this stage.  Who said that handsewing is the devil?  I can't really reveal the whole design as it is a Christmas gift for a special little man but, can you guess what it is?  I'm loving this one!

So, there you have it.  My not-so Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday.  I anticipate that you haven't let down the team though, like I certainly have, and have something wonderful to show off?  Yes?  YES! 

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.