2014 a Finish A-Long

I might only have starting sewing recently but I still have a fair few unfinished objects.  In this sentiment I have decided to participate in the q1 finish a long, I was a happy spectator last year but I am diving in this year.

Ok I don't know what's going on with blogger tonight, the iPad app they offer is pretty ropey anyway but it just deleted the entire post I wrote so here we go again! I am being a little ambitious for a first timer!

Number 1 - I just bought this beautiful hide I am waiting to arrive, I have purchased two craftsy patterns for leather bags, not sure which will win out yet.

Number 2 - I just bought this fantastic quilt book and I have started the blocks below in oranges and blacks, I'd like to get a top made this quarter.

Number 3 - I am part of the village haberdashery stash society, I just love the big packet coming through once a month, I would like to use my new rainbow stash to learn paper piecing I just bought some geeky chic patterns my target is to make a cusion from these this quarter, this months delicious yellow selection is below

Number 4 - I have this lovely PUL I bought in Joann's last year that maddi's friend wants a matching swim bag from, that is high on the list!

Number 5 - I love this Kokka fabric it is so much fun, I just bought a camera bag pattern on craftsy that this is waiting for

Number 6 - I have this drawer full of zippers that really scare me! Also, this beautiful purple phone fabric that I want a zippy iPad case from, I will probably make my own pattern but I want to conquer the fear!

Number 7 - I just bought vintage quilt revival and I have some beautiful low volume prints crying out for a cushion from some of the blocks.

I think that does it for the ambition! On a personal note I am setting myself a target to get a guest post or tutorial made somewhere this quarter. Oh and don't forget I want the DSLR back for some good pics!

You can link up your finishes up to tonight here......http://thelittlestthistlecraftshop.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/fal-q1-link-up-end-is-nigh.html

Thanks for stopping by and wish me luck!

Better Late Than Never

Ok, so I'm a few days late but I do have a work in progress, I have created my first pattern, I will get that ready to post very soon.

I did get around to taking pictures of my Christmas tree skirt, it was a huge amount of work and yes I may have picked the best seam to photograph but I was so pleased with how it came out

I love the a Riley Blake chevrons on the back, I was secretly a bit smug a so to how well the join went

The lime green binding I think really sets it off.  Unfortunately the pictures are a bit dark gregs dslr is in for some maintenance so no good photos around here for a few weeks, his standard lens needs a new sensor.  I took some close ups of the quilting 

I tried to keep it simple with the quilting it's the first time I have quilted a big project and I was pleased with my own design, the project came from modern Christmas, a fantastic book.  I cannot link it up on my iPad but will edit on my PC later so you can make one for next Christmas.  The clean lines detracted from some of my very bad point piecing, by the end practice really meant nearly perfect.

In other news my little grown up has her first wobbly tooth! I feel a tooth fairy cushion coming on? Apparently tooth fairies in our area are generous.......maddi's friends have been get $7/£5 per tooth....seems to be a good business!

One last project for today was a quick little peg bag as I am fed up with treading on them or finding them in odd places! I found this somewhere online, it didn't come with a pattern or instructions but I think it's cute and it's very popular wit the household judges!

I got the adorable peg fabric when I was in Interocurse PA last summer and have been looking for the perfect project. I'd like to cover the hanger too, but another thing for another day!

Thanks for stopping by

Alex

New Sewing Day Resolutions

Hello,

I write this as Greg is taking down the Christmas tree; always a big mess when the 13ft tree drops its needles and the lounge seems so empty.

This year we had a particularly beautiful tree; our theme was purple and gold; these aren't the best pictures ever but they show how beautiful it was.

Last night I started on my resolution to learn clothes making; I made Maddi this cute little skirt in pink and black houndstooth.

Doesn't she look cute?! I asked her to pose like a model but i'm not quite sure she got it!

Today, I am linking up to Lilys Quilts with her New Sewing day and Small Blog Meet.  See the buttons on the side bar; Small Blog Meet is for blogs of less than 50 followers to grow.  You can learn more here.

Thanks for stopping by; sewing is 2014 is sew far sew good! Long may it continue when I go back to work.

Happy Sewing.

Happy New Year

Firstly, Happy New Year to everyone; I know we always make new years resolutions with good intentions but there are a few things I want to focus on this year.  Firstly, I want to try to post at least once a month on my blog; I have been making lots but haven't got round to posting much.  I have told myself to write a post a week in January to catch up.

I also want to learn to make clothes; I have tried a few times but I didn't started with easy patterns so I have got frustrated and given up; but this year I am going to take it slow and have a good go.

On a personal note; I want to spend some more effort on my degree to get it finished (so I get more sewing time later on!); I want to spend more Mummy daughter time, now Maddi is older there is more we can do together and I am really looking forward to that.

2013 was a rollercoaster ride for us as a family; but there were still some fantastic times.

We spent a wonderful two weeks in America with my dear friend Denise who made us so welcome and Maddi had an amazing birthday in the US.

I learnt to sew; something I thought I would never beable to do.

We got and lost our dearest puppy Dino (he is having a fantastic new life with his trainer though and is very happy) it was the best decision but a heart breaking one. 

My little baby grew up so much into a fantastic ball of fun and games. (Mines the one on the right)

Maddi has started her new school and is doing well.

And best news of all is I made my first quilt!! I can't wait to show you; it was definately a learning curve; lots of little mistakes; things I need to work on like my piecing precision, binding and pre-washing fabrics so the don't run!  But here is my masterpiece!

I used a V & Co pattern which you can find here; I love the pop of orange; it is going in Greg's study which is doubling as a spare room.  Lots more projects there to come.  I love the bubbly backing 

I am having so much fun sewing things for the house and I am looking forward to a new year and new beginnings.  Not much more I can say now but more to come.  Thank you 2013 for the laughter and the tears but also bringing me my own proper little family, roll on 2014.

Thanks for stopping by.

Mummy and Maddi