bear paw

15 Tuesday Jan 2013

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Here is my last finish of 2012.

A twin size bear paw made at my brother’s request to be given as a Christmas gift.

The only direction I was given was to use fabrics that a little old lady would like. I chose mostly reproduction prints from various Windham collections. I love repro prints for their intricate patterns and details. I like making quilts that can be appreciated from a distance, and then with a closer look you get a chance to admire the more delicate aspects of the print. Most of all, I love mixing all those intricate prints together.

The back is a large star inspired by one of Jeni’s tutorials. I based the size of my star on the smallest piece of fabric I was using, so it’s smaller than the tutorial, but I think it has impact and is a great surprise for a quilt back.

I’m in the middle of three quilt tops now, so with any luck I will be back soon with my first finish of 2013.

his helicopter quilt

20 Tuesday Nov 2012

Posted by mybricole in sewing

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camera, helicopter, improv quilting, quilt, quilting, school bus

My sewing machine (Pearl) sits behind our front door. I realize this sounds crazy, but generally, the only people who come to our front door are the types who want to talk politics, or sell me cookies so it isn’t as much of a pain as it sounds.

So I have my little corner of the cottage to set up my ironing board next to my machine and stitch. Sometimes when Cj is bored, because he’s used up all of his computer time, he comes and sits across from me and asks things like…

“Hey Mom, how’s Pearl doing?”

“What are you making today?”

“Who is it for?”

“What’s for supper?”

“When are you going to make my quilt?”

Almost two years ago now, he sat down with me at the computer to pick out fabric for bed quilt. He loves helicopters and cameras so this echino line was the perfect place to start. He asked for school busses too and I had to add the frames because he has a sneaky habit of watching his reflection in people’s glasses.

A year ago, I pieced the top. It’s made up of 30 wonky improve court house step blocks and framed with grey sashing. But then I was distracted by life and even with the occasional reminder of “when are you going to make my quilt?”, it sat in a pile.

Finally this October I got my act together and here it is.

I love it and even more important, he loves it!

It is quilted with grey lines 1 inch apart through the print blocks on the vertical and with accents of orange quilting on the horizontals.

The back is pieces with a mix of solids and some bits of left over echino.

He is thrilled to finally have his very own handmade by Mom quilt on his bed. I’m left with feelings of satisfaction until the question “what’s for supper?” pops up again.

basic drawstring bag

22 Monday Oct 2012

Posted by mybricole in sewing

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drawstring, gift, gift bag, present, ribbon, tote

I use these little bags for all sorts of things. They are great for travel, keeping dresser drawers organized, but most often I use them as gift bags. The only thing better than a wrapped present is when the wrapping is part of the present too. They are quick and easy to make, especially when you assembly line the process to make multiple bags.

These bags use two different fabrics, one for the main panel and one for the accent band.

For the main panels cut a rectangle that is 9 1/2″ by 14″. Cut that in half for two pieces that are 9 1/2″ by 7″.

For the accent band, start with a 9 1/2″ by 6″ rectangle and cut in half to get two 9 1/2″ by 3″ strips.

Attach the accent strips right sides together to the main panel with a 1/4″ seam. I serged the raw edges, but it’s not necessary. They could be zig-zagged, pinked, or left raw. After stitching, press the seam allowance towards the main panel.

With right sides together, stitch the two pieced panels together, keeping in mind how you will insert the drawstring. You could stitch it and then pick the stitches out for the ribbon. I usually leave an opening in my stitched seam. Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, I stitch 2″ down, back stitch to reinforce, leave a 1/2″ space before I continue the seam around the rest of the bag.

To finish the top, fold over and press, 1/4″ of the accent strip to the wrong side

Fold over the accent strip again to cover the accent seam. Be sure to cover the seam completely because the stitching will go on the main panel side of the seam.

To create the channel for the drawstring, stitch 1/4″ below the seam where the accent band and main panel meet. Top stitch 3/4″ from the top of the accent band.