Friday, November 22, 2013

JOY-ful Bunting


I found a great embroidery design shop on Etsy.
The shop name is BigDreamsEmbroidery.
 
 
I adore the mason jar applique design.
So versatile and can be used year-round.


 
I opened the design file in my embroidery software.
Then I added lettering to spell out JOY.
Lastly, I chose thread colors to match my fabric choice.
 
 
 
My embroidery machine did the rest.
 

 
The fabric is by Anna Griffin.
The thread is OESD.
 
 "Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men,
for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
-~ Psalm 107:8-9 ~
 
 


Saturday, November 16, 2013

Quilted Home Dec Pillow



I've veered onto a quilting path as of late.
I am winding my way through new projects to spruce up my home.
 
 
 
This new quilted pillow features a machine embroidered medallion front and center.
The embroidery file and the pillow instructions are included in the Craftsy
Elegant Embroidery class taught by Amanda Murphy.
 

 
The fabric is French General's Josephine line.
A solid kona cotton is thrown in for contrast
and to 'ground' all those prints.
North Star is the name of the pillow and embroidery design.
 
 
 
Feather quilting enhances the border stips.
 

 
A button closure on the back allows for easy removal for washing
or switching out for the seasons.
 
 
 
Simple buttons from my stash worked nicely and didn't cost me anything.  :)
 

 
Moving along on my quilting path,
here are the pieces for my quilt,
all cut and ready to sew.
 
Have you taken any Craftsy classes?
IMO, Amanda Murphy's class is top notch.
She is a terrific teacher and talented designer.
Not only do you get multiple quilt, table runner, and pillow patterns
along with video instructions - she also includes
the digitized embroidery files.
Love that.
 
 
Happy Sewing



Thursday, November 7, 2013

Diaper Carrier and Hoop Wall Hanging


Yep, it's another Diapers to Go diaper and wipe carrier baby gift.
This is by far, my all-time favorite gift to sew for new mommys.
The lovely recipient of this one already has a girl version that I made for her several years ago.
She is expecting a little boy this time, so I chose the gray, yellow, and black theme.
I also added a cute little embroidery hoop wall hanging embellished with her new son's initials. 
He is REW III, that's why I added the three little hearts after his initials.

 

Some shell stitch crochet around a wooden embroidery hoop adds a sweet frame to the hooped fabric.



The raw edges of the hooped fabric on the back side are completely covered.
Hug Snug rayon seam binding was the perfect finishing touch.

 

The walking foot was perfect for quilting straight lines across the outer shell of the diaper carrier.  But when it came to the inner pockets . . .



I decided to experiment with some quilting.
The left polka dot pocket panel has a square grid quilted on it.
The right side is quilted with a feather pattern.
Hmmmmm, no synergy between the geometric grid quilting and the feather quilting.
I opted to quilt both sides with the square grid pattern.
That's better.



If you're looking for a fun, quick, and very much appreciated baby gift, this one fits the bill.
Before this young mom knew I would be making a second one for her, she actually asked if she could purchase one from me.
I reassured her that I already planned to gift her with a new one.
It's nice to know she really liked the first one.
 
I have a new home dec item to share with you as soon as I get it photographed.  Until then . . .
 
"Love one another, just as Christ has loved you."  (John 13:34, paraphrased by me)

- Pam -