The Perfect Pair

I finished the Christmas Express Train using a pattern purchased from this year's PIQF. This was my first time making applique with Roxanne's Temporary basting glue. This makes the entire process go so much faster, and it eliminates the need to first trace the pattern onto the backing. Also, I did not have to pin the pieces down one at a time.

These two reminds me of a perfect couple I know.

I hand appliqued the motif and hand stitched around it. This wall hanging was mostly made with scrap fabrics. Scrap fabrics are perfect for applique projects. You just never know when you may need that tiny little square of blue, green, or whatever color the pattern calls for. The candy cane fabric was from my LQS; so perfect for the holiday.

I hope the recipients enjoy it for years to come! Who says holiday prints are only for displaying during the holidays!?

I made the cutest baby booties using Ysolda's Tiny Shoes pattern for a two-month old baby. These little shoes are being blocked; more photos on that soon!

Christmas Express Applique

Thank you for your camera recommendations, especially after having seen many great photos you have taken with these cameras. I will definitely have to check them out.

I purchased the most darling Christmas Express applique pattern from Holly Hill Quilt Designs at PIQF this year.  I modified it for a special recipient in mind. I think they will love it.

Choo Choo!

I used to love applique, but haven't done it in awhile. I used the freezer paper method and tried basting glue for the very first time. And there is no going back! The days with pins will not be missed! I cannot wait to stitch this down onto my new 30's reproduction background fabric from my LQS.

The weather in my area has been outstanding. I hope you are enjoying your weekend doing what you love. Talk soon.

Baby Giraffe Quilt Debut Posting

Here is my first self-designed baby giraffe quilt all finished! The finished size is 36"x36" and each square is about 8". I hand quilted this piece and appliqued the giraffe in the lower right hand corner.

It's so cute! I love it!!!

Giraffe Quilt is Finished!!

The giraffe quilt is finished! I cannot wait to show you pictures. Here are some from working on the binding...

Sunbonnet Sue - Oven Mitts

As I mentioned in my last post, I love collecting Sunbonnet Sue books. The project below was made from one of the Japanese quilting books I have. I hand quilted the oven mitt and used "Insul-Bright Insulation" by Warm and Nature cotton batting. Since this is an oven mitt, I wanted to make sure I don't get burned! 

I also made matching Apron and hot pot holder to go with it!

I used the insulated cotton batting for the hot pot as well. 

I love the ruffly Apron and the chef hat on this Sunbonnet Sue! These were so much fun to make. I made two oven mitts and gave one away as a house warming gift. 

Sunbonnet Sue - Sewing Bag

I LOVE Sunbonnet Sue, and I LOVE collecting magazines and books featuring her. Here is a picture of a little bag I hand quilted with Sunbonnet Sue. The applique was done using the freezer paper technique. Check out this helpful tutorial I found. 

 

I also made a lining to cover the stitches on the zipper inside the bag.

 

The other side... 

This entire bag was made with different types of Japanese Taupe fabrics imported from Japan directly (even the zipper!). I love using this bag to store my sewing tools. It's so perfect for my scissor, needles, thimbles, pencils, etc. when I travel! 

What's your favorite quilting character?

Baby Giraffe Quilt

O I am so excited! I am writing my first post! I am new to blogging, so please be patient with me as I figure things out. 

Here is a picture of the baby giraffe quilt that I am making. I wanted something bright and colorful so I designed this. I really like the colors and the giraffe. I have quilted all three layers and am in the process of making the strips for the binding. I will show you pictures of the fabric I am using for the border next time. 

It was my first time hand quilting a quilt. I am really pleased with the results. I first learned about hand quilting from a great friend and her blog. She was right! Hand quilting is so much fun! 

 Here is a picture of the quilt before I assembled it.