thread catcher

Another finished project! I'm a sewing fiend these days.

I really needed something to corral all the loose threads and bits that pile up during sewing. After a look around blogland, I found this tutorial at Sew, Mama, Sew!, and it was designed by Elizabeth from Oh, Fransson!

I chose some fabrics from my stash, and set to work. There were a lot of little pieces (a lot of pieces in general) but I think it turned out great! The tute was easy to follow and had lots of pictures, which is great for us kindergarten teachers, haha.

stacked coins baby quilt (and matching changing pad)

I started this quilt waaaaaaay back in the first week of July, using the Stacked Coins Baby Quilt tutorial on Moda Bake Shop.

I put the quilt top together pretty quickly and got halfway through quilting before my machine got mad and punked out on me. A trip to the sewing machine doctor was in order!

I got her back the first week of August, perfectly tuned and timed, but school has taken up all my time, so I didn't pick the quilt back up until Thursday night.

Did I mention the baby was born July 27th? Oops.

At least she'll get it before she's 2 months old! Because....

it's finished! I am in love with this quilt... I'm going to have a hard time sending it away.

I quilted in straight lines (must get a walking foot for the next quilt!) with purple thread perpendicular to the columns.

This quilt measures 31.5 by 32 inches and is backed in a dark purple and bound in a medium shade. I think it will be a good size for a play mat and tummy time, or to use as a cover in a stroller.

And I added my label to the back.

I made a matching changing pad using this tutorial from Bernina. It was an easy tute to follow and I love the result! I also used a button covering kit for the first time... if I had known it was that easy, I would have done it a long time ago.

I added a pack of wipes and a diaper left over from babysitting a friend's kiddo.

Does anyone else have the problems I do with photographing purple things? They all turn out too blue!

I also made a sweet little card to include. I stitched around the outside with pink thread, and the letters were pre-made with the zig zag stitch.

Overall, I'm really pleased with this gift. Now I just have to get myself to the post office to mail it.

Welcome to the world, Baby A!

making an afghan

This is my first crocheted afghan. Um, no it's not! I totally forgot about the baby afghan I made a friend several years ago. I never heard back from her after I sent it :(, but I hope she liked it.

Tangent #1: Doesn't it make you sad when you give a gift- especially a handmade gift- and don't hear from the recipient? I've always wondered how my friend liked that afghan, or even if she got it. I should have asked her.

So, I guess I should say, this is my first crocheted afghan FOR ME! I didn't really have a plan or pattern when I started, I just gathered up as many little yarn scrap balls as I could find and went to work. I'm using a pretty basic no-brainer granny square pattern with double crochet stitches. I chose mostly acrylics, but I think there's a wool-acrylic mix hiding in there.

Tanget #2: I've been working on it during my knit/crochet group on Tuesdays. I'm really enjoying this group every week... it's a bit of a hike for me to get there but I love the opportunity to sit, crochet, and talk with new friends. Such a stress reliever!

I decided to make a 6x6 afghan... six squares by six squares, that is. It's not going to be a full size afghan, more lap sized, to sit on the couch and cover me when I'm cold this winter. I've finished 17 squares.

Tangent #3: When I do get cold, one of my absolute favorite things to do is turn on our fireplace and toast myself in front of it. Makes me so happy!

I think I'm done with tangents now. :)

So after making 17 squares, I got tired of that and started sewing them together. The only thing I know I'll hate about this project is weaving in all the ends.

I've been weaving some in as I go, but there are lots of tails left. Plus, 19 squares to go!

doily love

I mentioned in my last post how I've begun collecting crocheted doilies during my thrift store hunts. I thought I'd show you the collection I've amassed... I like unusual ones (not just plain white) and there are many out there!

Initially I felt that doilies were too old fashioned for me, but I've found so many lovely ones that I can't help myself now.

Hope your Labor Day has been fun and relaxing!

And congratulations to my friend Nancy on her new baby boy!

thrifting and vintage goodies

I've been hitting up my local thrift stores quite a bit the last several months. I have a game plan when I go into these stores. First, I check out the dishware/china area. I'm on the lookout constantly for cute Pyrex dishes to add to my collection.

Second, I check out the linens section. I'm looking for fun vintage sheets (like the ones I used to make Mia's apron) and lately I've expanded my search to doilies crocheted in unexpected colors (eye popping pink or sunshine yellow). I also look for vintage kitchen towels.

Next, I hit up the luggage area. Currently I'm looking for a vintage train case, by either Samsonite or American Tourister. I've seen a few on Etsy (you can see some here) but they charge way more than I'm willing to pay. I saw one at a thrift store a while back for $4 and I'm still kicking myself for not picking it up. It was sort of a drab shade of blue, but I could have decoupaged something cheery on it.

I also check out the crafty area for vintage sewing notions. Sometimes I'll glance at clothes (skirts, mostly) but that's about it.

Last week I found a set of these lovely crocheted valances. I thought Sweet! I'd love to have these in my living room, and it's so great that some granny crocheted them a zillion years ago. Um, not so much. Right before I washed them I found the tag that said "Dry Clean Only" and "Made in China". Oh well, they're still nice. I'm wondering what my husband will say when he gets home? Plus, since I crochet, people will probably assume I made them. Is that wrong? I'll tell the truth, but only if they ask, haha.

I also picked up a grab bag that included several things for $3 or $4. I saw this through the bag and thought it was ridiculously cute...

so I didn't pay attention to too much else. This is what I found when I opened the bag and started pulling things out:

fun heart shaped bean bags (think I'll use them in my classroom for some kind of game), a fun wicker ball (not pictured), some other piece of junk I threw away, and this...

... pardon my French, but can somebody please tell me what the hell this thing is?!?

It totally cracks me up every time I look at it! It's just so kitschy and country and I think it's hilarous.

Yay for thrifting!