Taking a Break From the Sewing Machine

We love to go on road trips.  Partly because we love to go new places and see new things, and partly because we love spending time with family members who live far away.  For me, the chance to work on some hand stitching in the car is an added bonus. 

Almost two weeks ago, the Hubby and I took the kids and went to help celebrate a wedding with our cousins.  It was a great weekend.  I took my crosstitching with me, and by the time we made it home, I was beginning to see that the end was in sight!  This was amazing, considering I've been working on this piece intermittently for the past 4 years or so.  Mostly when we go on road trips and during General Conference.  I have no idea how much time went into it - over 100 hours easy.  I love having something to do with my hands - something long term that I can pull out whenever.

Anyway.  When I realized how close I was to being finished I put my cover on my sewing machine (gasp!  Is that what that thing's for?) and packed up the ironing board (gasp! again - empty space in the living room!).  It felt strange to spend my precious nap time sitting on the couch (only after the chores were done, of course), but it is finished!

Here it is!  It's a Christmas scene, but I am sharing it with you now anyway, even though it is April.  I will probably be displaying this proudly from Halloween to Valentines Day every year.   Just gotta find the perfect frame.  :)

Some close ups:

 (Yes, those colors are accurate - the background fabric is a gray/blue/purple - it's pretty, isn't it?)

And just for fun, the back.  It's crazy.  :)

Project Stats:

Started: May(?) 2009

Finished: April 25, 2013

Materials:  All part of a kit (NO WAY did I come up with this or choose all those colors on my own)

The kit is from Dimensions Gold Collection, Kit #8783 Holiday Village

Finished size: About 15 x 11 1/2

Recipient:  ME!

Time to uncover the sewing machine and get that ironing board back out!

More Bibs and Towels

I've been plugging away on the borders for my Storm at Sea lately (lots and lots of paper piecing), but I decided to take a quick break to make a couple fast and functional items.

First up, more bibs.

My boys are outgrowing their current bibs and their increasing desire to spoon feed themselves called for bigger bibs!  I really like the ones that I can throw in the wash after dinner, so this is what I came up with.

First, I wanted to take one more crack at Faux Chenille (like I used on the covers of my quiet books).  I wanted to see how soft it would be if it weren't attached to a stiff book cover.

Back of bib, before washing

My verdict:  Use more high quality flannel.  I was working from my stash, so I was quite limited.  But seriously, I think better flannel would fray better and be even softer.  I'm not telling where I got those blue dots...

Front of bib, after washing

I also snipped the edges with my rag scissors (LOVE THOSE THINGS), but I kind of regret it now.  I'm hoping a few more times through the wash will change my mind.  (EDIT:  It did)

For my second bib, I just pieced together some of my favorites from my rapidly dwindling stash of blue and green.  I cut the back of the bib from a cheap towel I got at Walmart.  I love how it turned out.  Next time I make a bib, I'm doing it this way.  Also, it's the perfect weight and I didn't have to add batting or quilt it. :)

Next ups, more towels.

I've actually made quite a few of these.  They are my go-to gift for bridal showers and wedding receptions.  Unfortunately, I usually finish them the night before they are due and don't get good pictures.  Well, this time I finished a whole day early!

I think these might be my favorites.  Which is a good thing because the cousin that will be receiving them is totally awesome!  That's why they gets two sets instead of just one. ;)

The wedding announcement colors are aqua, yellow, pink, and tan; I incorporated them into the first set of towels.  Don't they look so retro?

For the second set, I went with my gut and used lime green.  I hope the bride likes it!  I personally LOVE the damask print with the lime green.  I think I need more of this green.  I think it's Kona Peapod.
I couldn't decide whether or not to do the whole last name or just the first letter, since the fabric is so busy.  I hope I made the right choice...

I love them anyway!  Such a fun and easy gift!