Apple Hot Pad

I love making hot pads for a quick project in between bigger ones.  I saw this pattern, by Charise of Charise Creates and wanted to try it out.

I love that it has pockets to make holding it and hot things easier.  

The back is my favorite part.  I love that fabric from Ayumi.  Sewing on the binding was a little tricky around those curves, and I lost some of the apple definition at the bottom, but I think it turned out just fine.  I cannot wait to try another one.  (There's also a pear pattern).

Insul-Bright is a MUST in hot pads, it's wonderful, keeps hands safe from heat and is easy to sew with. 

potholder

The holidays are long gone, but I still wanted to share some of the potholders I made to give away to friends and neighbors and teachers this year.  I told myself I wasn't going to make things to give away this year--I'm not sure why I thought that was a good plan, I'd rather spend time at my sewing machine than cooking and shopping.(Most of the time anyway).  

I used a couple blocks from Lori Holts book, Quilty Fun (such a great book), and then did a plus pattern.  I can't pick a favorite.

I'm not sure how many I ended up making, but there were several times I swore this batch (I make them in batches of 4-5) would be the last, and then I needed just one more...so I'd make another batch.

 finished size is about 8.5x10.5

christmas projects

I cannot believe it is already December 20th.  My kids are getting so excited and we are enjoying the break from school.  I decided to make some more pot holders this year to give away.  I really enjoy potholders.  They are such a fast project, instant results (almost).

 I decided to try my hand at paper-piecing, I'm definitely no pro, but I enjoyed it.  See look at my apple, it got chopped on the side a bit.

I'm loving the black and white binding!

I also put together some ornaments.  These are great because you can easily slip them into your christmas cards.

 

I purchased the candy cane pattern here.  I shrunk it down to make the ornament, which was a very bad idea, the pieces were so small.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Season!

projects

it's already a new year!!! can you believe it, so far this year is just flying by.  I spent the first 2 weeks sick.  it was awful, I felt like I was pregnant again (which I'm not).  Even being sick, I managed to still do some sewing.

I made a whole slew of bibs (again).  I just love them, i've had several requests for them, and it's almost as easy to make 1 as it is to make 10.  plus, these are great to have around for a simple baby gift.  I've listed them in my shop.
*bib pattern found here.

 I even used some of my sherbet pips scraps.

 I also made some more potholders, i do love these potholders.  they are big, and cute.  These are also great to have around to give away. tutorial here.

and I made yet another zigzag quilt.  this is exactly like the first one I made.  I received an email asking if I could duplicate this quilt.  I was lucky enough to find all the fabrics...many of them are out of print. I used this tutorial, and LOVE this quilt.  I don't tire of zig zags.  

 Turns out, my first finish of 2011 is a duplicate.  that's okay right?  it's all about the process.

my first one here, and 2nd here.

Oh, and I also ordered a Blythe doll.  I just adore all the cuteness that I see!  I'm also a little scared to admit I bought a doll.  At least I have a daughter to blame it on.

potholders

I have been making potholders lately!  My first attempt at potholders, and they are FUN!  I used this tutorial, because they are just too cute.  I love the houses, and I love the rounded-ness of them.

These will go to friends and neighbors and teachers for Christmas, and I'm trying to convince myself that I don't have to include goodies with them.  This is enough right??  Every year I tell myself I want to give something besides sweets, there's just so much of it at this time of year, but every year it just seems so necessary!

In her tutorial, nanette suggests making dozens of them...and I am! I may be over-doing it, but I keep thinking of someone else that I want to give something to. Plus I want some left over for myself!