The Quilt and Plans for a Homemade Christmas

Last year we had a semi-homemade Christmas. This year I'm committed to making the majority of my gifts. *insert nervous laugh* I'm a little freaked out that it's almost November and I've barely started, but I'm trying to just ignore the calendar and just get down to business. My gift to-do list is almost complete and I've assembled most of the materials that I'll need to make this happen (I'm hoping that will motivate me to actually DO it.)

Over the last year I've been bookmarking and saving tutorials and ideas like a crazy person. Seriously, it's a problem. I'm working on sorting through all my saved projects and putting together some Christmas gift idea posts based on recipient.

Oh! Guess what I finally started? *Squeal*

Somewhere inbetween all this Christmas crafting, I need to squeeze in finishing this quilt and making matching curtains and bed linens for the big bed switcheroo. It needs to happen soon, people. We're ready, she's ready. Anyway.

I'm almost finished piecing the top and simultaneously working on a pretty awesome pieced strip for the backing. I'm still terrified to actually *quilt* something this size, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Molly

Work in progress...

Although I've taking a bit of a bloggy break over the summer, I haven't been completely idle in the crafting department.

Have I ever mentioned that I have a (very) short attention span? Projects that require more than a nap or two's worth of time, which in our house amounts to about 5 hours, start to bore me. So I end up with a bunch of unfinished projects. These are ones that I actually *do* plan on completing. The last project, and consequently the one I'm the most proud of, is requiring a LOT more effort and time than I normally put into things I make, but I think it'll be worth it. ;)

A sweater for my nephew for Christmas...

Some new hats for the shop...

Madeline's big girl quilt - still in the cutting phase...

My big sister's birthday gift (only a month late!)...
And my biggest work in progress....

This one won't be done until the end of February... :)

Molly

My new baby

No, not *that* kind of baby.

This kind.

I ditched my little not-so-trusty Singer for an upgrade. It's not a huge upgrade, but enough of one that it's making a huge difference in my sewing time. A local sewing shop is going out of business and I got it for a song.

It's first night home I pulled out some of my new fabric and made a little dress for Madeline. I think this one might be one of my favorites to date. It was fast and easy, but still super cute. If there is any interest, I may do a tutorial.

I love this fabric. It's "Fresh" by Deb Strain.

I know I've been a little scarce, but this new machine is just the kick in the pants I needed to get back to sewing. I just finished up a doll quilt that I'll share soon, I'm slowing honing those quilting skills!

Just call me the bag lady...

Through a series of events too complex and detailed to list, I ended up at a flea market this past Saturday. I brought a handful of bags and hats that I had made and sat in the drizzle for about 4 hours. I sold one item and finally called it a day.

I'm going to call it a learning experience, since I'd rather not admit that I wasted a Saturday.

I did have fun making the bags, though! Most of the bags were made with Premier Prints outer fabric and some fun cotton interior prints.

This one has a Joel Dewberry lining that I adore.

See the deer?

This one is my favorite. Since it didn't sell, it's now my new library bag.

Isn't this little clutch just the cutest? It's from this tutorial. Don't let the size fool you, though. It took me twice as long as the full size bags!

Same fabric as my currect favorite bag. I love it so much. Mmmmm, green!

Another shoulder bag. Lined with Nicey Jane. Another fabric line I can't ever get enough of.

I bought this material ages ago at Hancock to make draperies for my living room. Then I changed my mind. (What? You can't change your mind when after you buy 4 yards of expensive Waverly fabic? Shut up.) I think it works pretty well as a bag though - this one would be perfect for fall.

This one went to the beach with me on Memorial Day. Yes Siree. Lined in Nicey Jane...again.

There's a couple more that I forgot to take pictures of, but you can sort of see them in the first picture of my table, I really, really love the orange one too.

Just call me the bag lady.

Up next...a doll quilt and pillow for Madeline's baby. Got to get some practice in before I get started on the real deal!

Molly

EIGHT

After my mother's day post, a few people have asked to see close ups of the filmstrip I posted of my sisters and I.

So, since I love you, I love my sisters and I love these photos...

Here we are. All eight of us.

I pretty much have the best sisters ever.

Molly