Welcome Sew Mama Sew Visitors

I'd like to extend a special welcome to anyone who might be visiting my blog today from Sew Mama Sew, and is looking for my binding tutorial. This binding method - around here it's also called "No Tails Binding" - is my hands-down favorite method, because it's easier... and so different than the way most quilters sew binding to their quilts. I encourage everyone to give it a try. And, if you happen to be in my area, I'm offering a workshop on it, Sunday, March 8, 2015. Click the "Schedule" tab above for more information.

Here's the link to Sew Mama Sew's "17 Best Binding Tutorials." Good information here!

Have you been sewing for Christmas? I have made only a few things, and find that since we aren't decorating - no tree because no one's coming to visit, nor are we going to visit anyone (after all, we moved south to get out of winter weather!) - I've been playing catch-up on an untold number of projects. Here are a few finishes.

This patchwork Scottie dog is for grandson LJ. It was easy to make with 2-1/2" unfinished squares, as I keep a big stack of precut squares ready for a variety of scrappy projects. I made sure a few novelty prints were included, so he can identify them as he gets older.

The other side.

Then, I set up my sewing machines like this, so it was nice and easy to swivel between the serger and the sewing machine to make some clothes.

For Austin, I made these flannel Angry Birds jammies. To make it a set, I bought a long-sleeved thermal shirt. It's fun and easy to sew short (or long) pants with this Kid Shorts Pattern from Dana Made It. It's a purchased download that comes in sizes 12 months to 10 years - a good investment. I have some more fun novelty prints to sew into shorts.

Then, I made myself a top. This is a newer pattern by Jennifer Paganelli of SisBoom, called "Tortola." Another purchased download. Have you noticed how much I like to shop from home?

The top is cut on the bias so it takes a lot of fabric. Made with voile, I like how it's really flowy. The pattern calls for two yards, even for a small, but next time 1-2/3 yard should be enough. I sure like how it turned out though I can't wear it yet because the weather is a little cool for a tank top. But, I plan to make a bunch of them.

And, I made "Iris" shorts from a purchased download Colette pattern. These appeal to me because of the no-button waistband, the side invisible zipper (love my new Bernina invisible zipper foot!), and front inset pockets that are not in the side seam.

I'm pretty sure this pattern will make a repeat appearance.

Since this spurt of clothes-sewing, I've returned to free motion quilting in an effort to get caught up with projects before January. I recently learned that First Time Quiltmaking, scheduled to begin January 5, is full with 20 students. So we - the Lifelong Learning College and me - added another class... and already 14 students have registered! Looks like 2015 is shaping up to be busy! Linda