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Stitch and Swap

So how did everyone do with the Alabama Stitch Swap? The goal was to have it shipped out by yesterday July 30th- so hopefully everyone was able to finish it off. Here is what is heading to Rachael.

This was him last week pre-stuffing. I got a little behind on my blocks for the Common Threads quilting bee since my machine hasn't been working, but I plan to whip off both blocks this weekend.

Who gets the prize?

Well, that would be Rachael Rabbit. Why you ask? Well, not only is she well ahead of our Alabama Stitch Swap deadline of July 30th (I know- it snuck up!) but she also rocked my boring Friday when I opened up the package.



I am sure all you stitchers can admire the fine stitchery. Let me tell you something the photos can't about Mr. Bunny here- he is oh-so soft. The cotton jersey stuffed with batting makes him so squishy and soft.



His face is so precious. But wait...



His little bum is ever cuter.

And there is more... A little stitch book for needles and such. And guess what- it is also super soft. There must be a fine batting inside because it has a bit of pumf to it.





I tell ya though- I am feeling a bit not worthy right now. I also choose to do the bunny project for Rachael (see she likes bunnies!), but my stitches are looking a bit large right now. He is cute still (my bunny for her), but my hand stitching work may not be as fine. He'll be making his appearance next week...

Hand Printed

More hand printed fabric made from my own freezer paper stencil. Printed on salvaged linen. Light blue color with white paint.

I have a slew of wonderful art supplies arriving shortly and I can't wait to start creating.

Gather

Inside my cherished vintage dishes I keep things that I've gathered. I have always been one of those kids with their pockets full of funny shaped rocks and sticks. While I still pick up rocks that catch my eyes, I tend to have buttons and bits of other things these days.



Here is a little link love, because while I may have be slow crafting this summer- it is really just because I am saving all my creativity up for an end of summer fall blast.

• The silky flowers in my dishes were made using a tutorial from the Foundling
• My pre-ordered book on making prints on fabric is on its way to me! Written by Lena Corwin.
• I love this teeny set of camping stamps backed on wood circles.
• I've been on the hunt for buffet like sideboards for the apartment.

Studies in Green

Did you notice how I entirely fell off the bandwagon with Color Week from Curious Bird? Started off with a bang and then nothing, nada. Well I am ready to try again. Maybe one color per week.

Bits

Found these very cool enamel handled glasses over the weekend.

Still experimenting with printing on salvaged linens.





My fussy new "used" sewing machine that I wrote about recently broke the feed gears. I was feeling pretty good about finding replacement parts, but I'll be darned if my father and I can fine tune it correctly. Yup, believe it or not- I may be on the hunt for another used machine. Yet again. Or I just might bite the bullet and pay the $70 to have it serviced.



My progress of the what a bunch of squares quilt isn't bad though. It is all stitched together and just needs a back and some hand stitching to finish her off.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes ya'll!

I hope you fail?

Yup, it just feels so weird writing that. I found this little quote from Laird Hamilton and it makes me feel pretty damned good about trying my hand at some things lately that I am not quite the best at.

"We are each our own greatest inhibitor. People don't want to do new things if they think they're going to be bad at them or people are going to laugh at them.

You have to be willing to subject yourself to failure, to be bad, to fall on your head and do it again, and try stuff that you've never done in order to be the best you can be... In the end if you're still just there, doing it, you win."

So...I hope you fail a little.

Thrilled

I am thrilled. Thrilled the holiday weekend is upon us. Thrilled that it is my birthday this weekend. Thrilled to be taking photos of things, sewing a bit, racing my mountain bike, and of course whittling time into to pat Misty's belly and take her on long walks in the woods.

Up my sleeve

I've been very into fabric printing currently. I started using contact paper for stencils. They only last for a half dozen to a dozen prints, but they do stick nicely to the fabric. I've been using salvaged linen- just pieces I have cut from things. I love that it is both cheap and green to use what you have or can save from the dumpster.



This first print is from Lotta Jansdotter's book on printing. I used a metallic fabric paint from Michael's craft store.



This next one is of my own design. Birch trees on a natural linen color. I used plain black paint for this piece.

I plan to work these fabrics into a quilt. I initially started printing wanting to make a version of What a Bunch of Square quilt by Denyse Schmidt. I still might do that, but the birch fabric has me leaning in a different direction now.

I found this swatch swap online and it looks like a great idea for anyone else interested in printing. My prints are still very experimental right now so I decided to hold off on any swapping.

Break Through

Very pleased that this quilt will be wrapped up shortly. Based off of Denyse Schmidt's What a Bunch of Squares. I used scrap fabrics and what I had to make it. I haven't sewn the blocks together yet so the layout might change slightly.





Of course I had a little animal help with the layout.

"oh, I am sorry. You wanted to take my photo?"



"why, let me come over so that you can see my furry fineness a bit closer."



"I am capable of moving fast, but not today, not during the day at least."



"While I am making my way over here, you should know that you really must clean up this clutter if you are taking photos of me."



"Oh yes, I think this quilt will suit my needs just fine."