Despite all the bugs and illnesses that are lurking around these parts, I have managed to finish a project I've been working on for some time and start AND finish some coasters I was asked to make for BFF. I did have quite a temperature at one point and was probably working under a Beecham Flu Plus high but nonetheless, I'm pleased with my progress!
Remember when I was looking after poorly son number 3 a few weeks back and I quilted my way through a few DVD's? Well, here is the finished article:
A quilted purse - its about the size of an ipad mini apparently (I don't have one so I'll have to take someones word for it). I've learnt a lot of new techniques through the making of this and though it's got a couple of slight imperfections, I'm thrilled with the results. The fastening was a bit tricky - I've used ribbon to hook around the button but I'm not totally happy with it. Twice I unpicked it because I had sewn it on as a loop but I wasn't happy with that. I then decided to fasten it on straight with the aid of a couple of buttons but I'm still not sure about it.
I might take it off again and make the ribbon totally straight as it doesn't sit around the button quite right. Still, practise makes perfect and there's always lots to learn from mistakes!
I was asked to make 2 quilted coasters with some leftover Moda Oh Deer fabric so I thought I'd make a couple for myself at the same time.
Again, some new skills here - and lots of mistakes to learn from! I've never made anything like this before and using bias binding around the edge was certainly an experience. My corners need much improvement and I used a wide binding when probably a narrow one would have been better but for a first attempt I'm chuffed with the result.
Towards the end of last week I also managed to finish the extra large carrier bag dispenser I'd been asked to make.
The fabric I used for the heart motifs is from a Tilda collection. Please excuse the random feature of washing machine and iron!
Unfortunately, I have been good for absolutely nothing today which is a shame - it feels like such a waste to have done nothing at all but sometimes you have to give in and rest a bit (in case you are concerned, I will probably survive a cold and a tummy upset!). Still, the weather seems to be brightening up a little so hopefully normal service will be resumed this week. I'm certainly ready for some warmer weather and bright, sunny days for walking the dog. Since the enjoyment of craft and the great outdoors often go hand in hand, you may enjoy http://therealmarleyandme.blogspot.co.uk/ featuring the ever lovable pet of BFF (and Flash gets the odd mention too!).
Lemsip in hand I will now link this post up with Wendy at http://handmadeharbour.blogspot.co.uk/ - have a good week everyone!
Love Natalie
Very nice quilted pieces - just my sort of thing! I am learning with binding too - I watched Craftsy classes on how to make perfect corners and it looks so easy till you try! Your coaster look fine though!
ReplyDeleteAll such beautiful things and I am so pleased with the coasters you made me, they look lovely in my TV room and given me a colour theme to aim for!!! Lets hope Marley doesn't eye them up though and decide they might make a tasty snack!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI've just realised I have called my front room my TV room #WHY?????
ReplyDeleteAww i'm sorry your feeling so poorly... its no fun when you can't get on with all the things you want to be doing is it?! I hope you're feeling lots better soon x
ReplyDeleteStill, you've managed to get a lot done considering you've been under the weather! I especially love your coasters, the fabrics look great and i think you've made a fantastic job of them :) I know from experience that they're not easy!! x
You have my sympathies, I've been frustrated by my body not co-operating too!Let's hope a bit of spring weather will help :)
ReplyDeleteI think you are right, using narrower bias would probably make cornering easier but there are some pretty neat corners there
You have been extremely productive considering you're not well! No wonder you needed a rest day too. Hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeletePoor you. I really hope that you feel much better very soon. Resting may seem very alien but sometimes it is exactly what is needed. I really like the 2 hearts you have put onto the plastic bag holder. They really turn it into something special.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a perfect case for an iPad and I love the monochrome material. Hope you are feeling better soon. xxx
ReplyDeleteLove the iPad case fabric. Really smart.
ReplyDeleteYour quilted purse is so pretty! I really love that fabric. I've always been interested in learning to quilt, but I've just got no space to do it! How I wish I had a craft room!
ReplyDeleteWell done with your sewing. The purse and coasters are very pretty. Hope you're feeling better very soon.
ReplyDeleteThe fabric for the bag is really lovely, that old adage of ' it looks easy when you know how' is so true when crafting, I learn something new every time I sew something new.
ReplyDeleteThe photo with the washing machine and iron is great because it helps show the size of the bag.
Jan x
Ohhhh Natalie, I do hope you're feeling better this week! Love the quilted coasters, they're really cute! I've also got a tip for you about buttons - a small plain hairband. If you sew it inside the top of the bag (next time obviously!) you can then just loop it over the button and as it's stretch, it doesn't matter quite where the button is. Hope you enjoy the sunshine this week. Simmi x
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Thank you for a top tip. For the record, I am feeling much better, and have just had a lovely walk in the sunshine with the dog which was most restorative. Hope you are having a good week yourself x
DeleteWhat gorgeous material. Hope you are feeling much better now. Have a good week.
ReplyDeleteWell done you on all you making when I'm sick its bed for me and nothing else, I love your quilted purse.
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon. Love the fabrics used in your coasters.
ReplyDelete