Fabric Organization

Well, last year I tried to organize my fabric, but getting a new sewing space meant more organization.  I went from a regular single closet to tons of boxes and bags to now a little bit of great storage (but still lots of boxes and bags to go).  Sorting and putting away fabric in its new space will take time, but here is what I've done so far.

I'm wrapping the fabric on comic book backer boards that I bought on Amazon.  I'm organizing by 1yd pieces, 1/2 yd pieces, and 1+ yard pieces.  What's on there is all just cotton quilting fabric.  Right now there is a cubbie for my precuts (there aren't many of those), a cubbie for yarn (which will later reside on top of another storage unit), and other cubbies that are just temporarily holding their contents.  (Some) fat quarters and holiday fabric are in the metal locker bins, but they will probably get moved onto shelves eventually.  My guess is I'll need a unit with just plain shelves for my flannel, fleece, and apparel fabrics, as well as my project boxes and boxes of craft paints, ribbon, etc.  One step at a time. 

The glass jars on top are holding (some of) my scraps.  I got the chalkboard vinyl decals on Etsy and the jars from Wal-Mart and Target.  I still need more jars, but I'm going slow since we're on a budget these days.

A little along and I'll have a great sewing/craft room one of these days!

Kiddie Artwork

I got this idea from Sara who found out about Messy Masterpieces here.  This is what we came up with as idea for my little one's auntie, a fellow Hokie. 

Sam really enjoyed the painting, so I think we'll have to do some more for other family members soon.

Fab Finds

Pun totally intended.

I stopped by one of the local quilt shops on my day off recently, and what did I spy but extremely hard-to-find Heather Ross prints.  The best part?  They were $4.95 a yard.  Not.even.joking.  I had seen a FQ of the tadpoles for $10 online.  I got half a yard of each (and there were more that I didn't get).  Now I can be one of "those people," and you all can be jealous that I got such a great deal.  ;)

I also picked up a quarter yard of this repro print for my Farmer's Wife quilt.  I've started putting together some block fabric combos and am hoping to start making up a block here and there when I need a break from other projects.

And a yard of Michael Miller.  Because.

Clamshell Club - February 2011

I forgot last month - sorry!  All this progress is actually what I was doing in January; there hasn't been much action this month.  But since I forgot, here is where I am now.

You see - I actually started construction!  I'm just lining them up and pinning one at a time and hand-stitching away.  I'm not worried about perfection for this project.  It is about 55" wide since this will be a throw size.  And I realized I didn't have enough greens, so I found some more green fabrics and have just now started cutting them out and basting them so I can get back to piecing.  Let me tell you, it's going faster than I expected, and it's FUN!

This will have to go on the back burner for a bit as I quilt one baby quilt, and piece and quilt another one.  But it's a great TV watching project.

It's Been A While

I haven't had ready access to a computer at home, so even though I've been working on some projects, I haven't been able to blog much.  I'm going to try and schedule some posts while I'm here so my poor blog doesn't look neglected and you, my bloggy friends, don't have information overload from a long post.

The big project I've been working on this past month is a baby quilt for my sorority sister/twin.  Of course, what with my family having the flu, a sinus infection, and pneumonia a couple of weeks ago, it didn't get finished in time for Baby's arrival.  But the top is done, basting is complete, and hopefully I'll be able to actually work on the quilting this week.  I'd really love to get it finished and off to them soon.

My First Attempt at Crochet

Well, my first attempt in a long time, anyways.  I started to learn in middle school, but an unfortunate incident involving a very small crochet hook and my hand ended that right quick.  Mom wouldn't let me near it again.  This time, I used a larger hook (no thread crochet for me right now) and some Lily Sugar & Cream yarn to try a simple dishcloth. 

It's not too bad, and I enjoyed it a lot more than my attempts at knitting.  I think I'll use dishcloths to try some new stitches, and then maybe I'll move onto a scarf, a hat for my Little One and the Hubby (his request), and maybe eventually some fingerless mittens (I've got my eye on several patterns).  This isn't going to take over my quilting and sewing completely, but sometimes it's nice to do something different. 

Dotty Owl

This is the big Christmas project I was working on.  It didn't quite get finished in time, but I sewed the label on this afternoon, and it's ready to go back with my sister to college in Nebraska. 

 Below is a closeup of the friendship star I "hid" on the back.

 The whole thing - it's a little less than 60"x60" because I had to cut down the outer rows (someone cut the backing too small . . .)  It's quilted in loop de loops around each polka dot/flower.

Closeup of the owl (from the Mister Who pattern by Carol Burniston and Barbara Brandenburg). 
My sister loves owls and blues and greens.

 The backing

Finish #1 of 2011