Here we are, folks, it’s January! Where did it go? In the blink of an eye, another year has passed. I’m ready for the new year, how about you? Are you feeling the same?
Before Pati, Darci and I jump in with new projects for 2017, we thought it would be fun to share with you some of the projects we worked on during 2016. You will be correct if you quickly notice a theme running through my projects. I suppose it was inevitable that when I learned there would be TWO grandbabies arriving in 2017, I would quickly begin making projects for their arrival. Not twins, in case you are wondering, but instead, both daughters are expecting . . . one in March and the other in June.
In no particular order, here are some of my projects. Interesting to note that only a few are quilting related. Looks like I did more knitting in 2016. Hmm, obviously I enjoy both.
I used a Baby Cashmerino yarn by Debbie Bliss for this knitted blanket. I modified the free Treasured Heirloom Baby blanket a pattern by Lion Brand Yarn. Since baby’s last name will be Berry I couldn’t resist making a strawberry cap using the “Kids Fruit Cap” pattern by Ann Norling.
If you are looking for a super quick and easy project for a baby gift, this Stretchy Carseat Cover by seekatesew.com is the perfect choice. A free downloadable pattern is found on the website. I used jersey knit fabric and since it was extra wide, I was able to make two covers. Not only are these covers, adorable fun to make, they also double as nursing aprons. Note: You can use either one or two fabrics, as I have done in my sample.
When my girls were young, I bought large pieces of foam, cut them into different shapes and then covered them with brightly colored corduroy fabrics. They played with them for years, stacking, jumping, making forts and just using to rest against while watching movies. This Christmas I decided to make a similar set for two of my favorite little guys. As you can see, they seem to be having a great time playing with them.
All four of my regular classes has an end of the year party. We each bring a yard of wrapped fabric for an exchange. Actually, it’s more like a stealing game as we pass the fabrics around trying to end up with our favorite one. This year I fell in love with these Darling Little Dickens Sheep fabrics by Lydia Nelson for Moda Fabrics. Unfortunately, I was not the lucky winner of the bundle, so I marched myself to my local shop the next day to purchase enough to make a small quilt. I’ll be sure to share photos as soon as it returns from the quilter.
Here’s a sneak peek at the baby quilt I am working on. I am using both hand and machine piecing techniques, and thoroughly enjoying the process. In my next post, I would like to share with you some tips for drafting, cutting and piecing the shapes for this quilt.
Finally, in an attempt to purge some of the way-too-many fabrics taking up space in my stash, I am offering a giveaway to three lucky readers. Note that there are three groups of fabric – left is French General, center is batiks and right is a collection of prints by Benartex fabrics. If you are interested in receiving one, simply leave me a comment by end of day January 15th, telling me which collection you prefer. The winners will be announced in the next post.
Until next time,
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