Birthday Projects Finished...

Brynwood Needleworks - Sweetwater "Love Zipper Bag" and Noodlehead Zippy Wallet

I have more gifts to make toward the end of the month, but the gifts for two special, little girls are finished now. These are on their way to Birthday Girl #2.  You saw the "Love Zippered Bag" in yesterday's post. The little wallet in front was what I made today...in about an hour!

It's a great coin purse made from a tutorial on Noodlehead. Anna shared the whole technique HERE on her blog. I know I'll be making many more.

Brynwood Needleworks - Back of Love Zipper Bag and Zippy Wallet

I got the label on the back of the zippered bag, and then added one to the back of the little wallet right away. They weren't complete without them.

I really believe that everything you make should have some sort of label to "autograph" your work. You can use anything - from the woven labels I'm fond of, to little hand written labels on twill tape - or right onto the fabric - with a permanent pen.

Pristine by Robert Kaufman

When I posted the photos on Facebook, I received compliments on my fabric choices. I though you might like to know which fabrics I used, but I'm not sure whether or not they're still current. "Pristine" was the line I used for the exterior fabric.

Jackie Clark for Benartex

The blue dotted stripe is by Jackie Clark from Benartex. I don't know the name of the line, though, because all I had of it was cut into fat quarters...and this was the only section of selvage with any information on it. Poo!

In case you're wondering what's up next...I have a commission for another clutch wallet in the swimsuit fabric. It's all cut out, interfaced and waiting for me to assemble it. Lunch with friends today and then I'll start putting it together.

The rain stopped long enough for our yard to dry up a bit. We were thinking we'd need farm machinery to bale up the long grass if we didn't get it cut pretty soon. I like riding around on our mower. I have time to just think about what I want to make or do.

Thankfully, we were able to mow yesterday, so our yard is back to looking civilized. I can go to the studio and play again...guilt-free!

Rule Britannia...

It's never difficult to find British-themed fabric or memorabilia, but because it's Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee this summer, vendors are pulling out all the stops! Mum is in England all this month with Dad Burt and she's promised to find a few more goodies to bring home for her British daughter, too! I'm so excited to see what she might find.

Something corgi related would probably be easy to find, as the corgi is the Queen's favorite breed. Or perhaps she'll find sweets in Jubilee-themed tins? I've asked her not to spend too much time looking, and not to spend too much money on me either. After all, it is their vacation and they should savor every minute doing things they enjoy. Even so, I'm looking forward to some little surprise.

I found this Benartex fabric on Etsy from spiceberrycottage and didn't hesitate to purchase a little of four different fabrics. I have three yards total and these will be the foundation of an upcoming project.

I've had my eye on Michelle's "Victory Garden" pattern at Busy Bee Quilt Designs for some time, so I purchased it the same day I bought the Benartex fabrics. I know this will be on my list after I finish my current WIPs.  I'll probably choose more traditional red, white and navy fabrics rather than the fabrics on the cover of Michelle's pattern, but I do love her finished quilts, too.

Created by Troy at Junk Exchange

This is another British item I've been coveting for a long, long time. My blog friend, Troy at Junk Exchange blog makes these. Troy always amazes me with his ability to create beautiful and useful things. If you haven't visited his and Rod's blog, here's the link.

So, there you have it. More ideas. More projects in my future. British inspiration. I hope you have something wonderful planned for your week, whether it's in your creative space or spent with loved ones. It's all good!

Charmed, I'm Sure...

I knew when I got up yesterday morning that I'd start and complete my second quilt top. I thought I'd decided on the fabrics ahead of time, but by morning's light, I'd changed my mind about my choices. I opened the doors on my cabinets and started pulling fabrics. I settled on a collection from Benartex (Called "Charmed") in shades of sweet pinks and yellows.
My second decision was how I wanted to arrange the fabrics, and I decided on pinwheels for the little lady who will receive this finished quilt. I spent the next hour cutting all the fabrics into 5 1/2" squares. From there I joined fabrics and cut them to become assembled squares of half-square triangles. (I'm posting this album to show you the actual steps, in case you're interested.)
I added a sweet plaid sashing to the edges, and entire pieced quilt top measures 40" x 49". I'll quilt this one myself, too, and I'll start that later today.

I had so much fun with both of the quilt tops. The one I shared yesterday I'm calling "Faerie Glen", and this one will be called "Charmed, I'm Sure". I'll quilt them this week, photograph the to share with you, and they'll be on their way to their new homes.