I've Been Sewing!

After August's sewing lull, and our eight day trip, I have plunged back into regular activities with a vengeance! 

One of the first things I did was make another scrappy 1½"-wide fabric reel to add to my Filmstrip Quilt. This reel is 40 yards, and used-up about a 1½ yards of scraps.   

As I've been working on this, I know that the larger it gets, the longer it takes to add a new strip along a side. 

Making progress with care, I've been pinning each strip to a side. Then cut the strip at the corner.

After piecing, I step to my ironing table to press open each seam alternately using Niagara Spray Starch and a water-mister. My process is making a positive effect as thus far the 43" X 48" quilt top is completely flat. 

I also pieced the last blocks to complete this quilt top we're making among Big Cypress Quilters.

The design is by my Big Cypress friend, Debbie. She suggested using jelly rolls to make it. But since I've never bought a jelly roll, and didn't want to add to my fabric stash, I pieced each block from individually cut scraps. 

My quilt top is 49" X 61", so I pieced a scrappy 54" X 65" back. I'm ready to sandwich them and get the quilting done... hopefully by next Tuesday, as that's when everyone will be sharing their creations. 

I plan to donate mine to Children's Home Society of Florida when we host our annual baby shower for them in November.

I also finished another Cupcake Skirt Doll using Denise's YouTube video. They're friends!

I've found a home for Pink Skirt Girl (a friend's granddaughter), and I will donate Purple Skirt Girl. But before giving away Purple Skirt Girl, I first have to remove the buttons on her "shoes" - no embellishments permitted for where she's going. I'll replace buttons with some satin-stitching, using yarn. 

As for my poor amigurumi teddy, I'm still working through my crocheting issues with him. Though I received excellent guidance from my friend Winnie - how to properly make a magic ring, and place a marker to count stitches - when we were both at Boomer Loomers last Saturday, the problem that remains is my own - tension. 

These are supposed to be teddy's matching legs. Deformity? Darn. I'll be crocheting another leg and hope it's at least similar to one or the other!

Keep on keepin' on. Linda