Sunday, December 31, 2017

2018 quilting plans

 I have a couple of things I want to work on this year, related to quilting. 1 is to get better at quilting and the other is to finish the projects I have started.

The only way I know of to get better at doing something is a "p" word repeated several times. That word is PRACTICE.  Now to practice, you need some projects. Believe me when I say there are no shortages of projects in my sewing room.  By the time I get those projects quilted, I should be pretty darned good.

What I need to do is take inventory of what I have, make a list and include whow the quilt is for. I know I have quilts for my kids that should have been done for weddings, quilts for friends that were meant for weddings and quilts planned for grandkids.

Knowing this, I probably should not start new quilts. But I love to test quilt patterns for designers. So, I will probably do some testing, but learn to not do every test I see.

As I get quilts done, I will definitely share here on my blog. As I quickly count on my fingers, I have at least 12 waiting for me. I get easily distracted. I see something new I want to try.

This year, I am going to make a plan. I am going to focus on the task at hand and I am going to set aside blocks of time for working on my projects.  I also need to plan menus ahead of time, so that I can allow myself more time for projects.

So, with all that being said, I want to wish you a happy 2018, and I need to go down and get a quilt started. I have a granddaughter due on Jan. 2nd, and of all the quilts in my sewing room, none of them are for a little girl.

What fun things are you working on? I love comments.
2018 Planning Party  
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My sewing goals and challenges for 2018

I love to learn and improve and i love challenges. So, for 2018 I have decided to do just that.   I have found some fun challenges that i think will help me to learn and grow as a seamstress.

The first challenge is a 52 week sewing challenge.  For this one, we have a different challenge each week. This will be fun. I will be making things for my kids, grandkids and myself.  So for week 1, we sew something warm. Thinking I will go with a fleece jacket for some grandkids.

The next one I am doing is a monthly sew a long challenge. For this one they give us a monthly theme and we sew whatever fits into that theme. So for January it is a coat, jacket, or poncho. I already have ideas for this.  The think with this one, is having a whole month, so if I want to tackle a coat or suit jacket, I feel like it is doable.

The next challenge is the "who made it best?" Challenge. For this one, we have quite a few and have shared what types of things we would like to do, then we team up with each other. We set our date to be done between each other. I like this one, as we can spread things out if need be.

For learning, but all of the above are learning as well, I am following a book called Design it yourself clothes. This book will take me through the process of drafting clothes, something I have always wanted to learn.

Blog hops.

I have a monthly blog hop that I will be doing. Sometimes it will be something that works from 1 of my challenges, sometimes it will be something different.

I will also be doing additional hops throughout the year.

Testing.
I love testing patterns for designers. I will also be signing up for some of those. Through testing, I can also learn new techniques, because testers are usually in a separate group, and we share techniques with each other.

The Plan
I know I have a lot going on, but I have decided the best way to accomplish these goals is to develop a plan. I will do cutting in advance, probably on a Saturday evening or Sunday evening.  I have put all of my events for January on 2 different calendars in my electronic devices  and will be putting them on a calendar that will be above my sewing machine.

I need to now decide how often I want to blog about these things. I am trying to decide if for the 52 week challenge, I should post weekly showing each newly completed item or if I want to do it at the end of each month.  As a reader, what do you prefer?  Please leave a comment below.

Oh, and future posts will have pictures.

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Saturday, December 30, 2017

CELEBRATE December blog tour

Today is my turn on the Celebrate blog tour hosted by Sewing by Ti blog tours. I am glad I found this group. As I thought about celebrations, I decided to go with  the idea of sharing some of my favorite makes this year.

DISCLAIMER: This post will have both quilting and sewing related items, and there may be some affiliate links. The affiliate links, if you choose to use them, do not affect the cost of what you may buy, but they help me earn a bit of fun money.  Now on to the fun stuff. These are in no particular order.

This is the sweetie dress from Ellie and Mac. I was able to test this pattern and I must say, it fit my granddaughter perfectly  and she loved it. It has the twirl factor that I think all little girls love. You can read my post about this here.   You can buy the pattern by following this link www.ellieandmac.com?aff=183





Next up is the throw pillow and pillow sham that I made when doing a book tour with Christa  @www.christaquilts.com.  My fabric was provided by www.islandbatik.com  and is from the Drizzle collection.   I appreciate them doing this for me.  This was a fun one to do, and I have a quilt underway to match it. If you would like to read more about this quilt, you can do so here.




I love these Lulu Dolman I made for a mommy and me blog hop that was hosted by Lo over at www.seamssewlo.com and you can read about these here. The patterns for these was furnished by www.petitestitchery.com and the cute snowflake fabric is from Elevated Fashion Fabrics.



I had so much fun making these things as well as more. And best thing is next year, there will be even more fabulous makes. I have so many things I want to do. So, I am going to say goodbye for now, but first I want to ask you which of these are your favorites, or what was the favorite thing you made this year?

Now, to get sewing. I have clothes and quilts to make. Grandbaby 6 is due on January 2nd, and that will give us 3 of each.




December 1st Sewing By Ti (intro), Octaves of Color

Sunday December 3rd, Me Made
4th: Sew Sophie Lynn
5th: Hazelnut Handmade
6th: Tales from a Southern Mom

Monday December 11th, Tenille's Thread
12th: MNW Sews
13th: Mahlica Designs
14th: Very Blissful
15th: Stitched by Jennie

Monday December 18th, Kate Will Knit
19th: Sewing by Ti
20th: Vicky Myers Creations
21st: Margarita on the Ross
22nd: Auschick Sews
23rd: Shalini's Blog

Tuesday December 26th: Seams Sew Low
27th: EYMM
28th: Sew Like a Sloth
29th: Sewing By Ti
30th: Kathys Kwilts and More
31st: Embrace Everyday
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Thursday, December 28, 2017

TGIFF - December 29. 2017

Today is my turn to host TGIFF. If you are new to TGIFF it stands for Thank goodness its finally finished. Today I am featuring a quilt that I did the quilting on for a co-worker. She had a grandbaby born in August, and she appliqued this darling quilt and asked me to quilt it.
In keeping with her applique of golf items, I free hand quilted golf clubs, flags, and balls. She was so excited the day I took it to her at work. She said all of her family loved this quilt.
I had fun doing it.




What are some of your recent Finishes?  Please link up below. 
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New Year New Sew- sewing by Ti blog hop - Tie Dye Diva East Coast cardi

Today is my turn on the New Year New Sew sewing by Ti blog hop. It was suggested that we sew something we had never sewn before.




I chose this cute bolero by Tie Dye Diva designs. The pattern is East Coast Cardi and the fabric is a piece of t-shirt knit from my stash.   This pattern is done so that you can put buttons or snaps on, a ribbon tie, or a little knot tie at the bottom. Or you can do as I did and not add ties or buttons.



I wanted to have my granddaughter model this, but they went on vacation and got stuck due to car problems.  Good thing my son in law works from home, and they homeschool because they couldn't make it home.

This is a very easy pattern, and quick to sew. I want to do one with stretch velvet.


Also, you will want to follow my blog, if you enjoy sewing and seeing what I am sharing. I became a grandma for the 6th time yesterday and it is a 3rd granddaughter,  so I will be making a lot of cute things with ruffles and lace.

Please check out these bloggers and see what they are doing. Lots of great New Sews for a new year.
Monday, January 1st: Introduction- Sewing by Ti
4th Kathys Kwilts and More You are here. 😀
Sunday, January 7th: Minn's Things
Sunday, January 14th: Sew Like a Sloth
19th Ma Moose

Sunday January 21st: Flaxfield Sewing
Sunday January 28th: Sew Haute Blog

Monday, January 1st: Introduction- Sewing by Ti *** You are here. 😀
Sunday, January 7th: Minn's Things
Sunday, January 14th: Sew Like a Sloth
19th Ma Moose

Sunday January 21st: Flaxfield Sewing
Sunday January 28th: Sew Haute Blog

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New Year New Sew- simply by Ti blog tour


I am back for another day with the Sewing by Ti blog hop.  Originally I was going to do that Valentina coat by Violette Field Threads,  but ran out of time, so that will come later.

So what to share?  I am in a lot of groups on facebook and I am noticing a surge of new sewers. I thought I would share a bit of how I got started and then share some tips for sewing knits.

I started sewing around age 9. I grew up watching my mom sew for us, as well as my aunt.
This is the machine I learned to sew on. 


My aunt was  awesome, and I loved the hand me downs from my cousin. My aunt alsof made the most awesome Barbie clothes. Unfortunately,  I don't have the clothes or pictures.

So, I started with sewing in 4h. It was thrilling to go to the county and state fairs and see blue ribbons. I had a great record book and in my last move it got lost with my pictures.  BIG HINT HERE:  TAKE OODLES OF PICTURES AND SAVE THEM.  Most of mine were at the time on an instamatic 110, using the rolls of film. Now I try to make sure when I take pictures, they are backed up, on my laptop, a flash drive, and anywhere else I can think of.

Then in Jr high and high school I took home economics classes. I loved sewing.

In 1985 I became a mom and decided I would like to sew for my baby. I made cute outfits for him and really had fun. Since then, I have sewn a wide variety of things.

I enjoy sewing. It makes me happy to make things for my children and grandchildren.

Here are just a few pictures of things I have made.

Hand smocked blessing dress for a granddaughter. The embroidery is known as shadow work.  You do this from the wrong side. 

A Cinderella dress I made for my daughter.


A tricot nightgown for a granddaughter

So, here are some hints for sewing with knits. This is what works for me and the way I do it.


*  I use just regular all purpose thread on my machine. I sew on a Viking Lily 550.

*  I use just a regular straight stitch. I don't have an issue with seams popping.  I may slightly stretch my fabric, but I don't always think about it.

*  I use a universal or ball point needle.

*  I do use a serger at times and I use just regular Maxi-lock serger thread. They do make a stretch thread, and I just recently bought some, but have not tried it.

*  Probably the most important thing is to try these ideas and other ideas and see what works for you.

I would love to hear what got you started with sewing and what things you enjoy sewing.  Please follow me, as I have more blog tours coming up as well as some finishes that I am going to be sharing here.

And please visit the other bloggers on the tour.

Monday, January 1st: Introduction- Sewing by Ti
4th Kathys Kwilts and More *** You are here. 😀
Sunday, January 7th: Minn's Things
Sunday, January 14th: Sew Like a Sloth
19th Ma Moose

Sunday January 21st: Flaxfield Sewing
Sunday January 28th: Sew Haute Blog

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Wednesday, December 20, 2017

DIY Toy blog tour - Kieran doll dress

We are all excited about our DIY Christmas Toy Blog Tour based on the blog post Best Homemade Toys to Make for Christmas Presents! Please visit all of the wonderful bloggers on our tour to get more toy ideas for your little ones!
  1. December 11th: Intro by Seams Sew Lo
  2. December 12th: Stitched by Jennie
  3. December 13th: Sewing Blue
  4. December 14th: Manning the Machine
  5. December 15th: Threadistry
  6. December 18th: Sew Cucio
  7. December 19th: Oak Blue Designs
  8. December 20th: Kathy's Quilts and More
  9. December 21st: Just Delphine
  10. December 22nd: Sewing by Ti
  11. Decmeber 23rd: Seams Sew Lo
Todays post is being hosted by Lo at  www.seamssewlo.com

Today is my turn on the DIY Toy blog tour.   I love to make doll clothes for the 18 inch dolls.   The pattern I chose to do today is The Kieran doll dress from Ellie and Mac.  This pattern also fits the 15 inch dolls.

This dress is designed for stretch knits and is a really quick sew. I used a variety of different knits from other projects.




I have more dresses from this pattern cut out and ready to sew. If all goes well in the next few days, my sweet granddaughters will have some more doll dresses that will be for Christmas.

The best thing about making doll dresses is that they don't take a whole lot of fabric or time.

Now for the best part. This pattern is available for purchase at www.ellieandmac.com?aff=183  If you use my affiliate link I do earn a small commission. It does not cost you any extra.  Also all patterns are 50% off right now and they have some great New patterns, so go check them out.


I have another dress pattern for dolls from them, that is waiting to be sewn. I would love for you to follow me as I will be blogging about that as well.  What are your favorite toys to make?


Thank you to our Wonderful sponsors Phat Quarters and Seamingly Smitten for the awesome giveaway! Please enter below Seamingly Smitten a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Saturday, December 2, 2017

The Sweetie dress

Anyone who knows me, knows this grandma is all about sewing. I don't need a reason to sew. I love it. And my recipients love it.

I got to test this fun, cute dress pattern for Ellie and Mac.

This dress is the Sweetie dress. I made a size 4 and lengthened to a size 6. I did the plain version of this dress.

I was honestly not sure the striped fabric would work, but I really like it.

I needed to get this to my daughter, who lives in a different city, so I sent it to work with my hubby, and she picked it up and surprised my granddaughter with it. My granddaughter was very excited. She loves it.

I love testing for Ellie and Mac. Lindsey puts a lot of time and effort into making sure the pattern is perfect.

This pattern is on sale through Saturday, December 2nd. If you use this link www.ellieandmac.com? aff=183 I do earn a small commission. And as an added bonus, when you add more patterns to your cart anytime in December, you get 50% off.  That is a great deal. So follow the link and get some patterns.






Thank you for reading my post today. I would love to hear what you are doing for kids or grandkids for Christmas.  Do you sew? I do. I love the joy they show when they open a present and it is something I have made. Well, Mrs. Claus needs to get back to the sewing machine, as there are 5 grandkids to sew for and a 6th coming in early January. Good thing grandma enjoys this, right?

One last time the link is www.ellieandmac.com?aff=183
Teaming up with www.blog.muppin.com for the #31dayblogchallenge
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Friday, December 1, 2017

31 day blog challenge - day 1

Hi, and welcome to December. I have decided to join in on the 31 day blog writing challenge.

I love to share the things I am doing, and I honestly hope to inspire my readers. I love to quilt, sew, crochet and bake. I have several events that I will be participating in throughout this month, and so I will share each day things I am working on with, you, my reader.

So, some of the things I am working on is some pattern testing with Ellie and Mac. I just finished testing this dress, and it will be featured on my blog tomorrow.






So, I will post more tomorrow. Have a great evening.  You can see a full list of other bloggers here www.blog.muppin.com
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