Browsing Tag

do. Good Stitches.

finishes

let’s catch up!

Posted on January 13, 2015

Anna Maria Horner Embroidery by Kim Soper/Leland Ave Studios

Oh, hello there! How are you? Can you believe we are already almost two weeks into the New Year? Time seems to be flying by as I am trying to get myself ready for the start of Curves Class with Rachel from Stitched in Color! I’m excited, as it was on my list of resolutions for this year, and my head is already spinning with ideas of things I’ll be able to make with my newfound curvy skilzzzzz!

In order to get myself mentally ready for the class, I’ve been trying to get all of my other obligations and tasks out of the way. The first order of business was to finish the Anna Maria Horner embroidery project that I had started ages ago. It’s the first embroidery project I ever embarked upon, and I had NO idea what I was getting myself into! But I love how it turned out and can say it was definitely worth it in the end!

I also finished my blocks for this month’s do. Good Stitches.

I got a sleeve on this quilt, so that I can package it up and send it off to Austin!

And started the process of teaching myself how to appliqué, as part of my entry for the LIMOD Charm Square Swap Challenge. (Wish me luck!)

The last thing I’ve been doing (which was also on my list of resolutions) is taking an online drawing class. I signed up through Creativebug for Lisa Congdon’s Basic Line Drawing AND her Sketchbook Explorations class (I know, it’s like I have New Year fever!), and I have already learned a ton! (I have tons to learn, trust me! But, here’s a few snaps of my first doodles!

I’ve been watching the two classes in increments with my four year old, who loves to draw, and we’ve really been enjoying it! Obviously he is young to be grasping the technique, but he loves to watch her pen make shapes on paper, and even though he is not able to replicate her designs, he’s still absorbing the knowledge. Plus, it’s fun to snuggle with him while we watch the videos!

Okay, I think that’s pretty much it for now. How’s your year been so far? What are you working on? Are you gearing up for a big project? Already in the midst of a project that you started on the 1st? I’d love to hear what you’re up to, so please, catch me up!

Linking up with Sew Cute Tuesday!

work in progress

WIP Wednesday:

Posted on October 15, 2014

Gypsy Wife by Kim Soper/Leland Ave Studios

Baby steps around here this week. Made some progress on the sewing room/guest room, a few gypsy wife blocks, and my October do. Good Stitches blocks.

(If they look familiar, it’s cuz they are — we made these same blocks in a different color-way back in May).

In between the rain this weekend, we headed down to PA for some apple and pumpkin picking with friends at Frecon Farms.

It’s beginning to feel like fall around here, in spite of the 75 degree days.

The leaves are changing, there is apple sauce in the oven, and the air conditioners are out of the windows. Last night the boys were jokingly singing Christmas carols and I didn’t mind a bit. I’m ready for you, fall!

Getting back to things sewing-related, I finally started to put my Gypsy Wife blocks up on the design board together and I am a bit perplexed.

There’s more white/cream than I remember, and I’m afraid it’s too stark a contrast against the earlier blocks that I made that are darker and more saturated. What do you think? Would you remake any of them? I’m on the fence, hoping I can pull it together and make it feel cohesive but not too matchy-match in the end. I’m all ears for any tips you might have for me going forward!

Hope you are having a fantastic week!

I’m linking up with Freshly Pieced and Sew Fresh Quilts.

work in progress

arkansas traveler.

Posted on August 25, 2014

Well, first, just a big old hello! I had to dust off the old sewing machine, and give her a nice oiling before I could even get started on this month’s do. Good Stitches blocks. I procrastinated big time. I knew these blocks, using Lee’s tutorial, were going to challenge me in lots of ways. And I knew I would struggle. And it’s summer. . . who wants to struggle? So, wait, I did. Until they could be put off no more!

These blocks involved two things I had never done before:

1) 60 degree diamonds. Up until this point I had a dog-ear allergy. But thanks to Lee’s well-written tutorial, and lots of patience (and air conditioning for my profuse sweating), I managed to sew the diamonds together with points in-tact and me high-fiving a million angels.

2) paper piecing. Yup. I am a novice paper-piecer. I messed up. I picked stitches that were as tiny as an ant’s elbow. But I pushed through and ended with only one major glitch. I’m sure you can find it if you study the pic below. But I had no clue how to fix it by the time I discovered it, and so I say, Namaste.

And there you have it folks! Just like that, I’m back! Didja miss me??? I missed you, too! Mwah! I’ll be back again mid-week with pictures to share of my finished Diamonds in the Deep quilt top! Stay tuned! Woo hoo!

work in progress

granny squares.

Posted on April 23, 2014

April’s do. Good Stitches block was a cute granny square on a small-scale printed white background. I used Botanique to make my squares, and I think they are just the happiest little guys ever!

This was the first time I “nested” my seams together rather than pressing the seams open. I got the hang of it by the second block, but my first block is not 100% as accurate as the second. I hope that’s okay!

I had fun seeing these blocks come together easily. Now I’m working on another easy-peasy project to give away for a fundraiser at my son’s preschool. A bright-colored half-square triangle quilt that ‘s perfect for a summer night! More to share soon!

work in progress

wonky pinwheels.

Posted on March 20, 2014

I’m so excited to be the newest member of the HOPE do. good stitches sewing bee circle! I’ve finished my first blocks using this tutorial for wonky pinwheels, and I think they are so cute and fun! I can’t wait to see them mixed in with the blocks created by the other bee members – these wheels have such movement — I’m sure it will make for a stunning quilt! This month’s block called for lots of springtime colors – the full spectrum of blues and greens, with a light gray background. And given that today is the first day of spring, I think that makes for a perfect fit!

Making these blocks was a challenge because there were a lot of pieces and some bulk to the seams, but I am feeling proud that they are completed and in the mail! Woo hoo!

Happy Spring!

do. Good Stitches.

let’s catch up!

WIP Wednesday:

arkansas traveler.

granny squares.

wonky pinwheels.

lelandavestudios