My little cousin

I have the privilege of having many cousins. Most of them had children before I got the whole quilting thing figure out. I may or may not ever catch up. I hope my cousin and her gorgeous son enjoy this little creation. 

Name:  A quilt for Xandros

Design: My imagination 

Size:  40x44 inches

Quilted by me on my little Brother, with lots of little squares

The quilt design was inspired by my first try at embroidery. I used Crayons to add a little color. 

Only a few more hundred to get all caught up. 

A quilt for Kade

My amazing office manager had a handsome boy last year. I had the privilege of taking a class with Scott along with other members of the Portland Modern Quilt Guild. 

Name: Kade's Shade

Design: Painted Forest

Size: about 55x40 inches 

Quilted by me on my little Brother 

I enjoyed making this little quilt. Next time I would like to use more color for the back ground. I felt like this quilt got a little wonky due to its improvisational nature. I am very inspired by other creations on blue nickel studio too. So much to sew and so little time!

Julia

Oh Supertote!

I have been admiring this pattern by Anna for years. Last fall while I was visiting Greenbaughms (an amazing quilting store in Salem Oregon), I saw the pattern in person and did not hesitate to make the purchase. 

Here's how to do it 

1) Drool over amazing samples in blog land. 

2) Find an inspiring fabric at fabric depot. 

3) Do not get frustrated by cutting out the multitude of fusible interfacing pieces.

3) Make an interesting version of piping at home.

4) Finish the bags insides with a zipper pocket as recommended by others.

5) Admire the finished product! 

I am so happy happy this turned out so well. My last big bag project was an Amy Butler pattern. It did not turn out well and was so frustrating. I imagine two more years of experience and a pattern designed for a non-seamstress helps. 

Here are a few things I will change for next time: add piping to both sides of the bag, and possibly make pockets on both sides too. When adding the inside zipper, make it a little lower so it is easier to access. Use thicker fabric for all the outside pieces so the interfacing behaves better. Possibly make the bag a little smaller for service. Consider making one long handle cross body style for everyday use. I might even consider a laminated version. 

A gathering apron

While visiting fabric depot the other day I was this sweet apron pattern (I love apron patterns). It seemed brilliant to have a large pocket for gathering fruits, eggs, and veggies. 

There was one very confusing part of this pattern. The little double sided triangle in the "v" of the bodice. It looked complicated. I even watched the amazing video tutorial available by the creator online. Instead of following the pattern, I drafted my own pieces. 

I also added two inches to the width to every peice to make the one size fits all pattern a little more plus sized. 

I enjoyed making this pattern with my alterations. I will be making it again for my friend that also gathers good things from her garden. I can't wait until harvest time! 

Julia