Archive for the ‘sew it’ Category

My New Year’s Resolution:  Don’t buy fabric unless I KNOW what I’m using for and how much I’ll need.  It hasn’t taken long, and I’ve kind of broken that resolution already.

I stole a piece of this floral fabric (Karen Snyder from Timeless Treasures) from my mom last month for a few projects.  I loved it so much that when I spotted it at Material Girls Quilts during a sale, I snapped it up.  I just had to pick up the tiny polka dot (Bonnie and Camille from Moda) and what might be the world’s most perfect red gingham (Lecein- I think) to go with it. (I should really pick up more of the gingham since it could make it’s way into many, many projects.)

I picked up these Civil War Fabrics yesterday at American Quilting and they are for a quilt I’m working on now.   I also can’t get over the idea that I should make a Civil War quilt, this being the 150th Anniversary.  If I settle on something, I’m pretty sure there will be enough for these fabrics to make their way in to that quilt too.

Yes, I did.  I bought wood grain fabric.  It’s for either the world’s worst project idea or something really funny and good.  I’ll be sure to let you know.

I also FINALLY bought an organizer box for my embroidery floss.  It arrived on my doorstep this week and my girls have been wrapping and wrapping.  I realized I really don’t have that much floss.  It just feels like a lot when it’s a mess.

And here’s my potato chip scarf in progress.  I’ve only been able to knit a few rows here and there, so it’s taking longer than it should.  On the bright side, I get to go the DMV this week, so there might even be hope of finishing it this week after all.

Last week I received a lovely surprise in the mail.  It was a copy of the new book by Free Spirit fabric designer, Tanya Whelan.

Sew What You Love: The Easiest, Prettiest Projects Ever

I love Tanya’s fabrics so I couldn’t wait to read through her book.

There are 30 projects ranging from wonderful bag designs, projects for babies and kids, clothing and projects for the home.

I’ll be making this Amelie Bag soon- I love the style, shape and roominess of the bag.  I really love that the templates for each project are in a pocket at the back of the book.  (Books that make me enlarge templates at the copy store are such a pain.)

How wonderful would this be as a top made with one of the cute cotton knit fabrics out on the market right now?  Each pattern includes clear diagrams and tips.

Apple Pie Ottomans?  Yes please!  I would love a few of these pretty ottomans stacked in the corner of my family room.

Tanya even gives tips for using scrap fabric to make your ottoman.  Which brings up another point I loved about this book.  It includes good advice for how to use scraps and for reusing and recycling items.

I made my first little project from the book over the weekend.  It only took a few minutes to whip up this wonderful, pieced pincushion. I made it to sit at the end of my ironing board… and because a girl can never have too many stylish pincushions.

Tanya is sharing a free pattern for Travel Checkers from her book for the readers of Make it Do.  If you’d like to download the pattern click here.

She is also giving away a bag pattern to anyone who twitters or mentions her book on Facebook.  All you need to do is provide a link to the  Sew What You Love page on Amazon.

And last but not least, today on Make it Do, you can enter to win your very own copy of Tanya’s book.

To enter leave a comment on this post answering:  “What projects are you most inspired to make right now?”  Are you focused on quilting, projects for your home, sewing for the little ones in your life, clothing or bags….  or if you’d like, just say hi!

The Rules:

• Contest closes on Thursday, January 26, 2012 10:00 MDT

• Only one comment per person please.

• Random winners will be announced on Friday, January 27, 2012