2012 Finished Projects

Just thought I'd give an overview of all the projects I've completed in 2012.  Or at least the ones I've photographed.  I love doing this at the end of the year.

1. Houndstooth_3, 2. Aviary 2 finished, 3. Saggy Baggy book 1, 4. P!nk Confession Quilt, 5. Farmdale center Swoon Block 9, 6. Short Hours Quilt top, 7. IMG_0231, 8. Charming Chevron Quilt, 9. piecing, 10. Pumkins, 11. Spring Tunic, 12. Toddler Robe

For example, I sadly didn't get a finished photo of the Aviary 2 Quilt (item #9 above) before I shipped it.  And it was my first custom quilt order too.  Duh-me!  

And I don't think I ever showed this finished embroidered pillow I made my sister for her birthday.  Isn't it lovely?  It was so fun to make.  Quick and fairly easy, except those little french knots.  I've got to practice those a bit more.  It was my first time using a transfer pattern.  I used the "Flower of the Month" pattern by Aunt Martha's Colonial Patterns, Inc.  You can purchase them at any Joanne's or Hobby Lobby here in the States.  The pillow is 12"x16" and I framed the linen center using some reproduction print I had on hand.  My use of linen was inspired by Amy of Nana & Co.  She makes the sweetest pretty little things.  Since I didn't find a Flickr group for Aunt Martha's Embroidery I started one.  Please  join in if you have any to share.

Of course you probably already saw this shirt from my last post, but just thought I'd add it to this one to cover all of 2012 as best I can.

Ok sadly, there are a few more I items I didn't photograph, ie: zippered pouches, a couple aprons to name a few.  And a couple unfinished projects that will hopefully get finished in the new year.  One of my new year's resolutions is to take more pictures ;D

Have a Happy New Year!

Lindsay

Success

Well, after a lot of hours, I have successfully made my husband a shirt, which he received on Christmas morning. And he didn't know I made it until I told him. He was so blessed.

I used a navy and light blue plaid from DS Quilts for Fabric Traditions at Joann's.  Unfortunately its a bit big in the mid section.  I probably should have made him a shirt in muslin first.  This is a true men's large.   My hubby has the shoulders and long arms that require a large, but his mid section will never fill this out.  Don't know what to do with it now.  It was the thought that counts...

Today I'm a little under the weather.  So just hanging at home with the little man of the house.  I have been slowly working away at my Red, White, and Blue quilt.   My head is so stuffy its hard to concentrate, but these fabrics seem to lift my spirits.  There are so many of my favorites in here.

Hope you had a good Christmas.

xo,

Lindsay

Second Attempt

Today I'm sewing a shirt for my husband for Christmas.  You may remember the last one.   He didn't love the linen fabric I chose, so here is my second go at it.

 

 

I'm using this McCalls pattern 6613 view B.  So far so good.  I'm opting out of using interfacing. I've used it in the past, but hate how it washes.  The collars always seam wrinkly to me even after pressing.  I don't think most shirts I buy him have any lining anyway.

And I finally got the idea of using the cork board above my machine for pinning directions.  Maybe when I'm done sewing I'll actually mount it to the wall.

Hope you all have finished you Christmas sewing/crafts by now and aren't rushing last minute like me.

Happy Merry CHRISTmas!

P.S.  This is my 100th post!  Can't believe I have this much to share, and so much more to come...

What About the Amish?

I do realize I haven't talked much about the Amish here.  However, if you spent time with me daily, you'd be annoyed by my constant chatter.  Okay at least if you were in my head.  You may even go as far to say, 'Obsess Much?'  Yes, yes I do obsess.  Truth is, my fascination is growing.

Okay, so since I live no where near an Amish community, I do depend on the internet and books from my local library to fan the flame of this new found fetish.  I'm pinning on Pinterest and hearting on Etsy Amish everything.  Just to clarify, I don't want to be Amish.  I'm drawn to their simple ways that reflect a strong foundation, security, a richness in life and faith.  

I do a lot of Amish stalking.  I, like most women who get caught up in the G-rated Amish novels, who want to know more about the people and why they do the things they do?  I've read a few short novels of mystery, murder, shunning and faith building.  I loved them all!  But... this wasn't fulfilling my desire to glean from them.   How do I apply some of their simple life-style in my life? 

Honestly I struggled with this for a while.  Please, someone help me!  I want to apply my desire to be Eco-friendly, loving and caring for God's creation while spending time in it with the Creator.  I want to slow down, spend quality time with my family, resist temptaion to be hip and trendy all the time, and keep up with my wifely and motherly responsibilities?  I want to spend time making quilts for loved ones, jams, baked goods, and grow things with my own hands.  I want to have a peace that I know only comes from spending time with God.  But how?  How do I do it?  How do I slow down, and still function where I'm at?

Today I found my self caught in a pit of temptation.  I'm constantly busy outside my home or online or in a store. The more I'm out the more susceptible I am to advertisements for things I don't need.  I remember when my husband and I got married we decided not to have Cable TV.  This was mostly because we thought it wise to avoid commercials, negative news, and wasting time.  We wanted to spend time with God, each other, and create or build things.  It worked great for a few years, but then we both got our own laptops for 'research'.  Originally they had specific purpose, work.  But now its odd.  Although we are selective online it has replaced Cable TV by sneaking in advertisements and is a huge time waster!

So how to solve Lindsay's world problem?  Haha... no seriously though.  I really want to change my bad habits and move in my convictions.  I know what I want to do, but how do I start?  Where do I begin?  Well, I've found a stepping stone in my path...

Recently I was blessed to stumbled across this book called Almost Amish: One Woman's Quest for a Slower, Simpler, More Sustainable Life, by Nancy Sleeth.  

Intrigued?  I was.

I loved the title and was instantly drawn to read it.  Wow!!!  Its like she read my mail!  This is exactly what my husband and I have been talking about for years.  But here is a woman of Christian faith that I can actually relate to and who practically implements the same Amish values I so admire into her modern life as an American God Fearing Woman.  Its a must read. 

When I finish this book I'll have a practical plan of my own.  I may not go as far as Nancy Sleeth, but I'll be working towards some of my own goals and spending more time Practicing the Presence of God.  Another great read, by Brother Laurence which has hugely impacted my walk with God. 

I hope to have a good mix of Amish and quilting and cooking here in the future, but I can't make any promises what that will look like or how often I'll share.  Thanks for hanging around to read this far. 

Love,

Lindsay

Aunt Martha's Embroidery

I started my first embroidery last night. 

Its one of Aunt Martha's Iron on Transfers called, Flowers of the Month.  The transfer was easier than I thought it'd be.  I'm using a linen fabric and DMC threads.  I'll give a full listing of color #s when I'm done.  Stay tuned!

This will be for my sister, she is visiting from Oklahoma, and we are celebrating her birthday late, but together this weekend.  Can't wait to see her.  Its so perfect that purple is her favorite color and asters are violet/purple. 

By the way, I started an Aunt Marth's Embroidery Flickr Group, since surprisingly there isn't one already.  Please join the fun if you are stitching away.

Pumpkin Love

If it has the word Pumpkin on it or smell like, tastes like...I usually buy it!  Pumpkin is one of my favorite flavors!

How could I help but indulge in a few things this week.  It all started with these:

I found this sweet tutorial on Pintrest here.  I loved the idea of using velvet and doilies.  So classy and yet it interacts so well with my DS Quilt fabrics.  I totally scored on Saturday when I went to JoAnn's and they had DS fabrics for $3/yd.  Can you believe it?  I' had to get a little of everything they offered at that price. 

Are you addicted to Pintrest yet?  Come, join the fun!  If you haven't been invited yet, leave a comment and I'll send you one. 

I also purchased some super yummy Pumpkin soup from Trader Joe's.  I could basically drink it!  Its like pumpkin pie soup for the soul. 

As I was leaving Trader Joe's yesterday,  a new tea can caught my eye.  It was love at first sight!

 

Rooibos is my go to tea cause its caffeine free and well so yummy.  It doesn't help that my South African friends introduced me to it 8 years ago.  Well maybe it does help, tea is good for you, right?  But Pumpkin flavored,  Have mercy!

Work In Progress

Thought it was time to give you an update on that custom order I mentioned in my last post.  

 

I'm really enjoying working with this line of fabrics.  Probably because they are my favorite colors.  The line is called Aviary 2 and designed by Joel Dewberry.  This colorway is called Lilac.  Its no wonder these prints are so popular.  Those cute little birds, the wood grain, and the damask are all so easy to love.

Piecing has come together rather quickly.  Large pieces always do, though.  

Well the top was completed today.  So, now onto the quilting.  Hope to have this baby done next week.  I'm so thankful for the custom order.

I'm amazed at how well this picture turned out.  And I took it on my iPhone too.  If only I could take good pictures all the time.  I have a lot to learn about photo taking.  

Hope you have a good weekend!

Lindsay