Little Quilted Bags And Other Sewing Projects

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I have been making these little quilted bags from the tutorial found on the PS I quilt blog HERE. Aren't they cute?

This is the original version which turns out to be 5 inches deep by 7 inches wide.



The larger version is 6 1/2 inches deep by 11 inches wide.



These aren't really quilt related, but when not quilting, I also make clothespin bags, which are for sale in my Etsy Shop.

Here are a few:





And a fabric bag:

MY FIRST QUILT FINISH OF 2010!

"EARLY AUTUMN"


The plans for this quilt were first born in my mind well over a year ago when I posted about my plans for the cozy cabins pattern found in the January, 2009 issue of Quick Quilts in these posts: HERE,HERE and HERE.

The year 2009 for me was a year of learning new quilt making techniques, especially free motion machine quilting. I really love this quilting method and am so happy that I am able to free motion quilt on my vintage Singer sewing machine SHOWN HERE. I hope to improve my machine quilting skills this year and to learn to "draw with thread" other patterns in addition to the meandering style of this quilt.







Now that this quilt is finished, I have many plans and dreams for more quilting in 2010. I plan to continue on with completing the quilts I have in progress as well as starting some new projects. I really would like to make a table runner, which should be a quick project.

I'm Free Motion Quilting a Queen Size Quilt!

I was scared to try it, but its working!!!!!

Free Motion Quilting a large quilt:



The Set Up:



I put the ironing board in front of the sewing machine at the same height as the sewing machine and a tv tray on the left hand side. This is essential to keep the quilt from hanging over the side and back.

I quilted about 1/3 of the quilt this past weekend and hope to finish it in a week or so.

The Quilts in Progress waiting patiently until after Christmas.....

A project in its beginning stages. I have the squares for three rows of the quilt pinned in stacks...



Two quilts ready to be quilted.....



I'm ready to be in my sewing room, happily and contentedly working on my quilts. November and December are too busy for much quilting. But never fear! January, February and March are perfect for "getting lost in the fabric"!

In 2010, I am planning to make some baby quilts to be listed for sale in my Etsy Shop. I also look forward to posting more regularly on this quilting blog in 2010!

Stay tuned!




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A Christmas Throw Quilt

I've used this quilt for many different purposes over the years. One year it hung over the banister overlooking the living room. One year it served as a tree skirt. Other years it hung over the back of a love seat.

This year I thought it went well with the blue recliner and this little "Friends are the Best Presents" pillow.

I think a larger Christmas quilt would be fun to make! But, do I really need to add another Quilt to my "To Do List"?????? One more won't hurt, I supposed.... :o)

Quilt Labels, Past and Future

I recently completed two quilts and made these two quilt labels:





My sister gave me this book of "iron on" quilt labels. I am excited to try one of these out! The directions say to color the labels with crayons and markers. I'm not too sure about using crayons.... but I think an ironed on label in plain black and white would be nice. I could then fill in the blanks with my black permanent fabric pen. At some point, I may do a trial label using crayons and/or markers to see how it turns out before sewing it on an actual quilt.

The book of iron on quilt label transfers:





Have any of you ever used these type labels? How did they work?

A Sweet Finish - Sweet Savannah

As promised in Friday's post, I worked diligently on this quilt in my spare moments over the weekend and am happy to report that it has been finished and delivered to my friend who will be presenting it to Sweet Savannah's Mama-to-be on Saturday at a baby shower.



Here's the quilt being free motion machine quilted. This is the second quilt that I've attempted this type of quilting on and it went very well.



I put my ironing board at a lowered position behind my sewing machine to make a surface for the quilt to lay on, so that it wouldn't hang over the back. This helps the quilting process immensely.



This is the back of the quilt. This is the first time I've incorporated some blocks into the backing fabric and I love how it turned out!



The label on the back:



A couple of more views:





My camera doesn't take very good close up pictures, but if you look closely, you'll see a tiny heart in the meandering quilting.



I have a queen size quilt that is basted and ready to quilt. I think I'm ready to tackle free motion quilting it! Its very hard work, but so worth it when you get done.