My Patchwork Life

Quilting is becoming an increasingly important and integral part of my life. My creative outlet changes how I view the world around me, influences the activities I pursue with my family, and introduces me to new people whose life paths wouldn't ordinarily intersect mine. My life is much like my favorite types of quilts - scrappy and unconventional, full of interest and surprises, and with an underlying current of making do (and making something beautiful!) with what I have.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Holiday sewing

Ack! Nearly another month has passed between posts! When people say you work harder when you have your own business than when you work for someone else, they aren't lying! But it is so rewarding, it is worth the extra time and effort. What that means, however, is that I haven't had many opportunities to sew for me. Most of what I've made these days are samples for classes at the shop. But Christmas is coming, and while the business is doing well, money is tight, so I am extra motivated to make as many gifts as possible this year. I know the holidays are right around the corner, but I'm doing pretty well so far.

I knit a face cloth/dish cloth for a friend. I'm pairing it with some wonderful handmade Herbal Oatmeal Goat's Milk Soap from my shop.

I now know that a solid is a better choice when incorporating a design (can you see the Christmas Tree?) but this is all that I had on hand. I don't have a yarn stash. Yet.

I made some double potholders for a family member.

These were actually a sample for a class, but I love them so much, I'm giving them as a gift.

I made a set of two single potholders with hand pockets on the back for another family member. The third one (without the hanging loop) is a gift for a sewing friend. These three blocks were orphans that have been hanging out on my design wall for years now. I'm glad they now have a purpose.

The loops came out kind of wonky, but I don't care. I wish you could see how the machine quilting I did makes the stars pop!

I'm almost done knitting a hat for another family member.

Oops! Left the double points at the shop, so I'll have to hold off on finishing this.

I've made a Union Jack block for a family member who asked for "anything British" for Christmas. Now, I'm trying to decide what to make with it. I was thinking another potholder since she likes to cook, but I'm thinking now maybe a bag or a composition book cover. Right now it is just 9" square, so that's a bit small for a pillow, although I could frame it with some of the red and blue, I guess. Any ideas out there?