Moody Making

Having seemed to misplace sew-jo, I thought that perhaps a couple small projects would get me going again... at least get me to sit at my sewing machine. So, using several QuiltCon purchases, I've been making myself sew. 

Last Sunday I made another (my fourth) Cielo top using this ice cream cone print bought from a QC vendor. Having worked out the size that fits me best, it's probably time to use a different pattern. Ha! But there's also satisfaction in knowing something's gonna fit and sew-up in an afternoon.

I'll be ready for opening day of Twistee Treat (ice cream stand) whenever that may be. Since I'm not seeing much exterior building progress, I'm hoping things are happening inside the stand.

Using fabric and cork also purchased at QC, I'm making my second Sunshine Crossbody Pouch, a free pattern from @bagstockdesigns. The bag size is perfect for what I need to carry.

However, I learned a couple things since making the first bag. Primarily: I do not like patterns that position D-rings within a side seam. What happens is that when the bag is carried, those rings pull upward on the sides making the bag bow in the middle. To rectify that, I'm positioning a D-ring at the top left end of the front, and the back.

Also, it's proven convenient to add a clear vinyl exterior pocket/window to hold the ID card I show each time I attend a recreation center activity. I've observed that if the attendant scanning my card is a woman, she'll often comment about it being handy, or a good idea. Men never comment.

😀

Beige cork is from Sally Tomato. 

I pieced orange selvedges to make the bag's sides, and on one side used "Quilt Tattoo" Ransom Letters, from Salty Hippo Studio, to make text that's a bible verse from Psalms - Let All That I Am Praise The LORD.

As for my paint chip challenge/bias tape project, that was going nowhere. I was feeling very discouraged about it until my good friend Karen (a talented quilt maker) gave me some positive encouragement (much needed!) and a couple suggestions. Determined to move forward, I auditioned her suggestions that prompted one of those "light bulb moments."

💡

Even though I like the fuchsia-colored bias tape (see previous blog post), this black and white stripe is much more "me."

I'm making tape in three different widths and gluing them into place to later edge-sew. I also plan to audition appliqué circles in strategic locations. Thanks to Karen, I finally feel like I'm making progress!

I also completed round loom knitting the first half of a poncho. 

The yarn-fabric is super-soft and stretchy, with a pretty seed stitch pattern. Here's the free pattern by Loomahat: Seed Stitch Poncho. 

I've picked up some new-to-me dish cloth patterns from a friend who had an old Leisure Arts booklet, Nifty Knit Dishcloths. Thanks Selena!

The Simple Weave dishcloth on the left is from the book. The dishcloth on the right is a freebie: Waffle Knit Dishcloth. 

I guess I'll just keep working on whatever suits my mood. Linda