Elsa & Tour Tag

I have looked forward to writing this post for two reasons.

Finally, being able to post photos of the finished royal gown Halloween costume for a five-year-old "Elsa" ice princess. These photos are a bit hurried as the getting-to-the-party became rushed.  Perhaps, later I can post a better photo of the gown costume as the combination of all the pretty fabrics came together nicely.

The other reason that I looked forward to writing this post is to 'tag' two favorite quilting blog websites:  Blooming in Chintz and The Attic Window Quilt Shop.

Rahna, who is Blooming in Chintz, graciously shares her love of quilts and a passion of creating.  If roses and shabby florals call to you, a treat awaits when you visit this ever-so-pretty blog.

Caroll is a busy quilter who not only hosts The Attic Window Quilt Shop for the owner, she also is a  quilt teacher and pattern tester all while generously encouraging others in their quilting projects.  If only she wasn't 2.5 hours away.

Both sites are welcoming and a pleasure to visit!  You may also come away learning something new while being inspired.  Rahna and Caroll have outdone themselves in preparation of their Tour.

Here is my own side comment:  Participating in the Around the World Blog Tour did involve extra time posting, however, it has been fun, educational and inspiring.  I do not know who, when or how it started, but I am enjoying the Tour and learning about fellow quilt bloggers.

Around the World Blog Tour

Last week I was asked to be tagged for the Around the World Blog Tour by a favorite blogger and quilter, Teresa at Fabric Therapy!  I was delighted to accept her request.  To be so organized, as she, is on my dream list.

My tour has more photos than verbiage as there was a last minute decision this past weekend to hop in the car to view the fall colors in "Up North" Michigan. The weather was warm, with sunny blue skies and leaf color at peak in the Gaylord area.

Ostego Lake State Park, Gaylord, Michigan

Obviously, the family-run motel that we stayed at had a sense of humor per the Bates Motel signage which I was unaware of when we made the reservation. We did make it through the night, but now I am digressing....

What am I currently working on?  As with most quilters, more than one project is in the works. Writing this post makes me realize that I have too many projects.

I have been sewing in snippets of found time on my first foundation-pieced quilt. Fabrics are by Kaffe Fassett.  They are being pieced on a new-to-me Featherweight.  Now I know why this sewing machine wonder is popular with quilters.  The extended arm bed is perfect for foundation piecing.

An I Spy quilt is in the precut stage. These novelty prints are cut into squares instead of hexies. The sashing will be made with various primary-color solids. I am hoping the squares will be more easily "spied" with little eyes.

Projects waiting to be started include: an appliqué quilt pattern designed by Kim McLean.

A cloth handbag which I saw completed at a quilt show and swooned.

Machine quilted placemats out of the following fabrics.

A Cuddle quilt from a kit.  Sometimes called Minky quilt.

Repair a hole in yellow hexie quilt that was recent find at a local antique shop.

The top priority is an Elsa costume which is only awaiting a final fitting prior to hemming.

How does my work differ from others?  After reading quilt and sewing blogs, I think my work is not as focused as others.  It takes me a long time to finish a project unless there is a deadline (Elsa costume).  Many participate in quilt alongs.  With so many ideas, projects, kits, patterns on my wish list, I realize that I would never be able to keep up.

Why do I create?   I have often wondered why I create/make what I do. Honestly, I don't know why other than I desire to do so!

How do I work?   My work seems to be done in bits and pieces of time.  I have noticed that I work best alone as that is how I concentrate.  It doesn't matter if I am doing hand work or sewing on a machine.  I learn well in classes, but I do not work at the same speed as others.  I envy those who can emerge from a workshop with a completed project.

I have a sewing space (definitely not a studio) in our semi-finished basement.  I try keep it reasonably neat as I work best with some order.  This is a struggle as I would rather sew than straighten.  Do you share the same challenge?

For next Monday's (October 19, 2014) Around the World Blog Tour, it is a pleasure to introduce Rahna from Blooming in Chintz (love those names) whom I have been following for approximately six months.  Her blog is attractive and inviting.  Rahna's simple, yet breathtaking choice of fabrics and colors in her quilt making have a timeless vintage appeal.  Soft enough to wrap up in one and cuddle.  Please check out her posts on cable stitching and orange peel quilting all done on her home sewing machine with a walking foot. Amazing! Rahna also shares photos from quilt shows.  I love seeing photos from shows that I cannot attend.  I also enjoy peeking at the blogs that Blooming in Chintz follows.

The Attic Window Quilt Shop is another blog that I follow. Chris Brown is the shop owner while Caroll manages the blog sharing what the customers accomplish.  Caroll also teaches classes and runs some of the bees.  What fun.  Great ideas come from this blog.  Actually, this bricks and mortar quilt shop tempts me to get in the car and drive 2.5 hours to visit.  A friendly blog, that makes one feel feel like a part of the group. If I lived closer, I would personally attend.  The Happy Scrappers recently met and had a great time.  Caroll shared their day, and you can too by clicking here.  A free pattern of a whimsical rooster is offered on the the blog.   It is a worthwhile online visit to The Attic Window Quilt Shop in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Elsa Handwork

Today's Slow Sunday Stitching involves hand basting the sleeves onto the Elsa dress.  They have been carefully eased into the arm openings.

The fabric is sheer and a bit slippery on the machine; therefore, I shall baste to hopefully avoid any sleeve puckering (as best I can prior) to machine stitching. Also, I am trying to avoid any possible rip outs or redos.

Reminder to self:  dress is a costume for a five-year old and will not be graded by a home ec teacher.

Hook and eye fastener will be hand sewn for a neat and tidy closure along the neckline. Next step will be a "fitting" prior to hemming.  

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and I hope you find time for Slow Sunday Stitching with others right HERE.  It's fun!

Linky Laundry List

Yikes!  I misplaced last month's goal list so I guess the first priority for October is to find last month's list.  Lol!  I did not accomplish everything, but more than I would have if I had not linked up with Kathi's Monthly Laundry List.  Think about writing a goal list and joining Kathi.  A giveaway is offered.

Since I do not have hard copy of last month's list (lucky I posted it), I shall edit the photo showing what I did get accomplished.  I did not finish nor start everything, but at least half and that is a good thing.

Fuzzy golf covers have been 

a conversation piece on the course.

Kaffe Fabrics which are going into a foundation-pieced quilt.

This is the September list for the month of October 2014 and a photo of one item on the list.  Check out other goal setters at Kathi's Designs Originals by KC by clicking HERE.  Last month I won a very nice giveaway for linking up.

Elsa Costume

A quick sewing update on Elsa costume for Halloween.

It is going well after taking the time for important pre-sewing steps.  The five-year old was measured and matched to the pattern's measurements.  An adjustment was made at the waist and bodice length.  This was a challenge as one does not want the dress to be too tight nor too loose as it is more of a fitted style.  Based on the design, after completion, there is not much room for alterations.  Note the waist has two adjoining fancy fabrics and trim.

Elsa is 2014's most popular character.  The pattern and fabric was purchased eight to six weeks ago. I am using bridal fabric (the satin is the reverse side of a nubbed faux silk).

Fancy blue fabric is flying off the shelves.  Yesterday, I went to buy a blue 12-inch zipper.  Guess what?  They were out-of-stock.  I had to buy the 16-inch zipper and will have to cut down.

There are nine (9) pieces to Simplicity's pattern so I do not consider it a quick costume.  Nor is it inexpensive.  I estimate to be up to $40 for fabric, pattern, zipper, trim, and bias tape. All purchased on sale. Oh, but is it pretty and fun putting it together.

Back to sewing,

Linking with Karen at Sew Many Ways.

A Linky Thank You

My first time receiving a giveaway arrived this week.  It is a brand new awesome cloth tape measure which is retractable ~ works smooth as silk.  A lanyard is attached for hanging on neck.  If that isn't enough, there is a magnet (for dropped pins and needles) on the opposite side of the push button.  How handy dandy is that.

Just who is the generous blogger who offered the giveaway?  None other than Kathi at Designs Originals by KC.  It was part of her Monthly Linky Party in which you write your own Laundry List of goals that you want to set for the following month.  There are a few days in which you can write your list (doesn't have to be long ~ no pressure either) and then link up.

The list is assisting me in staying focused on my projects.  May you consider setting a couple of goals and then link up with Kathi at the end of September with your October's Laundry List.  There is no pressure to finish and it is fun!  If I meet half my goals, I'll still be ahead.

Knitted golf covers are completed.  Been practicing applique and working on my Kaffe quilt.  This week I must get going on the Elsa costume which is a character from Disney's Frozen movie.  Tape measure will be handy for costume fitting.  :-)

Even without winnning a pretty and functional giveway, I am finding the laundry list process to be enjoyable and beneficial.  Not only does Kathi have her own blog, she is a contributing writer for Celebrate Hand Quilting.  AND she is in the process of making a special and personal quilt for a family member.  She has designed it herself and is focused on completing it!  Click here to see the quilt and her progress.  Thanks Kathi!

Applique Practice

This past week, in order to get together with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching friends, I made slow steady progress on my applique practice orange peel/melon seed block.

1.  Fabrics were chosen from my Kaffe collection.

2.  Watched a few youtube videos on needle turn applique presented by Becky Goldsmith of Piece O Cake Designs.  These informative clips supplement their books very nicely.  Thanks Becky!

3.  Unearthed from my sewing stash a box of vintage unused Zwicky thread that was an estate sale purchase. I gather from my quick online research that Zwicky is now part of Guttermann.

4.  Ready, set, sew!

Applique Practice Not

My participation with others at Slow Sunday Stitching consists of choosing fabric to practice applique work. I was going to start with a heart, but I am really liking Kathy's seed blocks and a seed/melon/orange peel would be easier to practice on before attempting the heart shape. Eventually, I would like to make Flower Pots, an applique quilt, by Kim McLean.

Above is what I chose to hand sew today, but I was sidetracked.  Uh....it is not the first time.  This morning I browsed a nearby outdoor antique show.

Found bits of pretty lace for a future crazy quilting project.  Do not yet know what I'll do with the vintage black buttons encrusted with rhinestones, but the price was right.  All this for $4!

In the afternoon I had an opportunity to watch the Blue Angels fly at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.  The weather was perfect for an air show.  Clear blue skies with low humidity.  My family was able to see the show off the base (to avoid the crowds) yet, close enough to experience a flyover.  It was awesome and a thrill to watch them perform.

It was worth being sidetracked from my hand sewing on a beautiful day seeing special things.

A Knitted Finish

The knitted golf club covers are completed.

They have been washed in hot water for felting purposes.  I then put them in the dryer.  Perhaps, I shouldn't have as the ends of the eyelash yarn have a bit more mashed look.  Not as light and fluffy before laundering.

It's okay as they are just golf club covers and it doesn't matter.  Overall, they still look good, they match my bag, and they are finished!

Now it is obvious why I choose brightly colored yarn.  I have been told that with this bag, I can be spotted several fairways away, which I means I must be on my best behavior ;-)

As mentioned on previous posts, this was a free pattern from Chris Knits in Niagara.

A note to non-golfers:  the numbered black flat covers are commercially made and are for the clubs called "irons."  Thanks to my dear blogger friends who encouraged me to finish knitting the covers.

Almost Done

This past week I finished knitting my main golf club covers:  the driver, the 3-wood and the 5-wood.  After checking my golf bag, I decided I needed one more cover for my 6-hybrid.

Thankfully, Chris Knits in Niagara has a free knitting pattern on her blog.  Val an Ravelry member (no blog) has kindly shared her directions for adding stripes to the "socks" (bottom part of cover).  Today, with others doing handwork at Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching, I shall finish knitting my last golf club cover.  As you can see, it is almost done. Yay! I will look forward to starting other needlework projects.

A note to other knitters in regards to these covers.  The original directions are for knitting in the round.  I was clumsy uncomfortable with holding more than two knitting needles.  Therefore, I opted to knit them flat and join the seams by hand.  It has worked out well.

The "hoods" (top part of cover) are knitted with eyelash yarn and wool that is to be felted for a tighter and more protective cover.  After I finish the last cover, I shall be washing these in hot water in order for the wool to become felted.  That will be a new experience, and I hope it works.

Also, having fun linking up with Karen at Sew Many Ways.  May the U.S. and Canadian viewers have a safe and care-free Labor Day!