First- Last? Backpack

Any idea how hard it is to see/sew black fabric with black thread?   Hard enough that after I got the bag done, I decided to leave the thread trimming to the recipient!!  lol

Hard to see but I made several inside pockets out of the left over fabric.

 This fabric is so beautiful!  I started teaching a quilt class at the Marionville,  MO library, 1st Tuesdays at 1pm.   After class I asked if there was anything special anyone wanted to learn.-  You guessed it- backpacks!  Think of all the possibilities to use up scraps/ties/doubleknit/etc...


Hardware was salvaged from used purses-  another excuse to hit the thrift shops!!

No pattern, just fold and sew till it looked like a backpack.   Note to self, use a heavy duty needle and remember to bring extras.  Doesn't hurt to have a full spool of thread either--lol

Pre-Got-Ya Shower

I love to 'shop' at our local thrift store.  Many times I pick up items for future use.  Our niece is in the process of adopting her son.  Our church family threw together a toddler shower.  I normally would make a quilt, but this time I decided to 'run' with the transportation theme and see what I could do.

Play rug purchase 6 mo ago $5.00

Old blue toy box picked up last week for $5.oo!  Paint, fabric panels and new hinges-  Love it!!

Close up of top, love this print.

Closer look at the front side.

Book case was bought several years ago. Paint and a couple of packets of stickers, it looks new!  I also added  boards across the shelves to keep the books from falling through the back.  I glued felt down the back of all wood that would touch the walls

Ready to fill up with new books!

Play table was another neat thrift shop find.  I have re-gifted several over the years.  Paint and tighten up the screws was all this one needed.  Perfect size for a little one to play  with his cars.

 I enjoyed working on this play set--not pictured are the bean bags (rice)  I sewed using up scrap car/truck prints.  Hope the little one enjoys all his shower gifts.  It was a fun shower- so much so I didn't think to pick up my camera and click some pics.  Church family, aunts, uncles and cousins, young and old coming together to celebrate a new family.  God is good!

wedding quilt spinning stars

Many thanks to the ladies who sewed sections.  This top for Austin and Nichole is really coming together.  Possibly even done before the shower March 12th!!  Let's all hold our breath--just kidding.

I have really enjoyed seeing the different ways this pattern can look.  Quilt group will be working on a few more variations this year.  If you want to get in on the fun let me know.  Quilting will be on 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings starting around 6.00.,  Additional help/catch up/etc... will be Wednesday after Bible class (11:00 ish)

We will be working on 5 graduation quilts in March along with our first couple of steps in our personal Spinning Stars projects.  Fingers crossed we get our tops done to show off at the Ladies Night this Fall.

Spinning Star, die cut using scraps (works well with fat quarters)

Part way done!!

Had to show off, Sarah's king size top.  This is a Hole in the Barn Door variation using blues/light scraps.  Very proud that my daughter shares my love of sewing/quilting!

2016 slow starts but starts- now to finish something!

Wedding quilt die cut out and bagged!  All were picked up and several have been returned already.

Interlocking star will be pieced after all the sub-units are returned.

I love greens~

Another small top for the nursing home.  I am looking forward to when the grandkids can run the machine and quilt these for me.  Nice practice size!

Wedding quilt pinned in ready to get hearts and bells.  Bride to be had this top from a family member.  Honor to quilt it for her upcoming event!

Thrift store find.  Had a 'house' applique pinned on.  Think I might want to do something different in the center.  Maybe butterflies or a Dresden plate or ......any suggestions?

The pattern was attached, instructions were for individual embroidery in each yellow spot.  No thanks- passing on that!!

thrift shop find 6 good sheets for future quilt backs!!

This rack is all tops and/or backs for future kids size projects

My back sheet inventory is getting smaller!!

On the left are the last 6 Christmas quilts for the grand kids.  On the right are the 8 quilts I was supposed to get done for Karlee's b-day party in Jan. --this project is being moved to an end of the school year slumber party TO DO!

Tops from my personal collection that need quilted.

Looks like I have a few things to work on this month!

Christmas quilts for BLDCD

Barry/Lawrence Development Center in MOnett works with children birth to 5 yrs old.  Friends busted stash and made 17 small quilts for the kids.  Two pieces of fabric sewn on batting and tied with string.  I can only hope the children enjoy these as much as we did making them.

Debbie H- STAR-ted it

Deb asked me if I could die cut the shapes for this new keepsake for her grandson James.  Of course I had to try.
Several other friends want to try their hand at the interlocking stars, Bet we see a few more lovely quilts come spring!

Wonky star part 3 getting close

Star-ting to add the outer borders.  Simple spinning star made with chisels and triangles and a rectangle.  Most of these were pre-cut left over from a different project.

I was considering adding a border of these tiny stars,  Four units in I decided I wasn't that committed to this idea!