E-reader cover for my sister

My sister received an e-reader from her children as a present for her recent birthday. Se asked me to make a cover for her and I found this pattern by Atkinson Designs and she picked out the fabric. It's a pretty easy pattern using Peltex for support and hairbands are the elastic corners and closure band.

Pattern purchased at Sew Creative, Fairport, NY.
Fabric purchased at Patricia's, East Rochester, NY.

OLD GLORY

OK, so how many of you heard me say - "But I DON'T quilt" Well, I didn't do embroidery either but now I do both! This Old Glory is the best of both - lots of embroidery and no little bitty pieces to put together - just large squares. The design is by Hoop Sisters and I knew as soon as I saw it that I wanted to make it but what to do with it when it was done. I immediately thought of my nephew Patrick who is in the US Army and has done a tour in Iraq and will be sent to Afghanistan next year. Patrick is also an Eagle Scout and I knew that he would really appreciate it. The construction of this flag quilt is all done in the hoop. The stripes are constructed by the flip and stitch method and the words of the Pledge of Allegiance are embroidered on the white stripes. The stars were a lengthy process in the hoop but the results are very very nice.

Patrick has promised a picture of himself with the quilt.











This is another quilt by Hoop Sisters that is in progress. Again, this "Goosetracks" quilt is ALOT of embroidery and large squares to piece together. All done in the hoop. There is a border to be added.

Sewing for Kira

Summer is finally here and even though I have not posted in a few months does not mean that I have not been busy. My Pfaff has been humming away churning out all kinds of good things. The arrival of our beautiful new Granddaughter in March gave way to a many sewing projects. This purple dotted seersucker outfit is a Kwik Sew pattern and I added the daisy embroidery to it. Don't just love the daisy buttons too?

This cute little dress and bloomers is also a Kwik Sew pattern. The bonnet is a Simplicity pattern from the 1940/50's that has been republished. I found the material in my stash and is the real dotted swiss; not the cheap stuff they are selling in the big box sewing stores now. The rose embroidery is from the Martha Pullen English Embroidery collection.

But, my most accomplished item is this beautiful Christening gown. This dress was featured in the Martha Pullen Sew Beautiful magazine and we fell in love with it. This was my first attempt at heirloom sewing and I was a little wary of making it but I found out that I love this type of sewing. I thought that it would be difficult but found it to be very enjoyable. The fabric is Swiss Nelona batiste with fine French cotton laces and satin ribbons. I learned many new techniques like the lace joining which was quite easy to do. I'm currently working on a camisole with lace shaping and will post a picture when it is done.

A not so traditional diaper bag!

Erin did not want the traditional diaper bag with all the cute little baby print on it but something with a little more class. This is the same Butterick pattern # 4583 that I used for Sarah's laptop bag in denim with a few alterations. I added a pocket on the front under the flap for easy access. On the back, I cut another full back and added a zipper to make a very large secure pocket. I also added and inch to the depth for more room. Inside, I added pockets all around with full pockets to hold bottles. This is a messenger style bag with a long strap so it can be cross body. This bag will be so much easier to carry when holding the baby so it doesn't keep slipping off your shoulder like a traditional bag. I'm not sure how Dad is going to like carrying this flowery bag - might have to make a Dad bag!

New sewer in the making . . . .

Kris has taken an interest in sewing and we'll be taking a beginning sewing class next month. In the meantime, Kris made this runner for her table. She did an excellent job!

April Showers....

Spring is finally on it's way after our long winter and the April showers will bring May flowers. This is a banner made with a pattern from http://www.joinedatthehip.com/
Kris has this banner hanging on her front door to welcome Spring.

So you all know that we are counting down the days till our first grandchild arrives. A little girl. So excited! I've been sewing up a storm for our new little cutie. These little sleeper bags are a Kwik Sew pattern and was super easy. The embroidery came with the Pfaff 5D software and is so adorable! Can't wait to start making all the cute little dresses and sun suits for summer.

Baby coming!

My daugthter asked me to embroider these bibs for her soon to be new niece. Cute! These are Kwik Sew patterns that were pretty easy also.

Sarah wanted a messenger style bag for her laptop computer. I found this pattern in my file of old patterns and the denim material was leftovers from jeans I made for myself and the lining was also an old leftover. The embroidery design is from the Pfaff Ornamental Gardens. It is actually 1 design with flowers in the middle. I removed the flowers in 5D and copied, pasted and rotated 5 times to create this border design. I think it looks pretty good and Sarah loves it. My favorite - cost $0.00!!

Santa brought Sarah this e-reader for Christmas - which has barely left her hands - and I made this little padded cover to protect the screen when she throws it in one of the many bags I have made her. Sarah bought the fabric a while ago and we were looking for a project to use it on. She felt the look of the castles had a fairy tale look and made a perfect book cover! Fast and easy.

My sister and sister-in-laws loved these embroidered aprons I made for them for Christmas. I had a lot of fun making all these presents and everyone enjoyed receiving them. Now I have to find new projects since the holidays are over. Oh yeah - first grandchild on the way in March. That should keep me busy.

These are more Christmas presents for my son-in-laws. Towels for my popcorn making/eating Derric and the apron and hot pads for barbecuing Rob. All designs from Embroidery Library.

I love making this octagon table mat. It is so simple and fast. I made 6 matching placemats for the holiday season. These were shipped as a Christmas present for my brother and sister-in-law in Las Vegas.

How cute is this. This snowman is an applique banner from the Hanging on a Star collection at http://www.joinedatthehip.com/ It is a pretty easy banner to stitch.

This is another bag for my knitting daughter made from this great neon on black fabric with a knitting needles design. The fabric for the front pocket which is a holder for knitting needles and supplies is from a cool Spirograph collection. I found this fabric at
Pucky Huddle Delight in Candor, NY. A great quilting shop! The pattern by Wired up Designs is a large bag with a drawstring top that can be folded down inside if you don't want to close the top.