Recent Projects

I've started a second blog at My Quilt Place. Maybe this one will help me keep the other one up to date. We shall see.

I have been quilting since 2003, on and off, having moved several times through the years and taking time off.  But recently, I've become very interested in quilted bags and totes, along with making clothes.  I have a friend whose business is clothing alterations.  She is thinking about retiring and I think she would like me to take some of her work.  The few pieces that she has given me were fairly easy, but she has not asked me to take anything else in over a week, so I'm beginning to think I didn't do as good a job as she wants.  Oh well.  I'll just keep practicing.

This past week, I made a very adorable frock dress for my step daughter.  The first dress I made for her, I used the pattern size for the clothes we purchase in the stores.  Needless to say, it was way too big!  I then measured her and made the pattern size that actually fit her.  When I finished the dress, DH Pete suggested making a heart shaped pocket on the front of the dress, which I did.  It is so darn cute!  I realized then that I could alter patterns and add to them without needing a pattern to follow.  I always thought I needed a pattern.  I was so wrong!

Other projects I'm working on is a new laptop bag.  I have a pattern that I used to create the first bag (Pete absolutely loves it!), but I think I will make some adjustments to the pattern.  My friend suggested using carpet padding instead of having to purchase crafter's foam (carpet stores give away pieces of padding).  I'm making a bag now, and have found that it is very difficult to sew the fabric around the harder carpet padding.  I will contact a local carpet store for more rubber padding samples to try.  If that does not work, I'll find a good discounted source for the foam.  I think the laptop bags will sell very well at craft shows. 

My first show is July 9, 2011.  I'm getting very nervous about it.  I need to work really hard to make more quilted items, like laptop bags, totes, potholders, and Japanese bags.  If I have time, I might make some bibs or diaper bags.

Well, it's been a very long day.  I'm going to bed...