Samples, Samples, Samples...

This week and next, I'm busy making samples for The Quilt Shop in Tuam.   They're simple little projects to show what can be done with certain items in the shop. 

Last week, I showed you the little cushion made with a Moda Mini Charm pack and Perle Cotton.



This week, we got a gorgeous bunting panel in and I was so taken with it that I bought one for myself along with taking one to make as a sample!  I think the patterns and colours are very similar to Orla Kielys patterns...I've a little obsession with her bags so that's probably why I like this so much. 

Bunting is very satisfying to make.  It's probably one of the easiest items to sew up and sometimes it's great to have a start to finish project done nice and fast!  

So once I had that panel made up, I pulled out another one I had bought a couple of months ago.  This one is super cute too but it has presented a bigger problem.  I think I'm going to have to redecorate my little boys room because I'm dying to hang it and it doesn't currently match at all!!  I'm easing my husband into the idea! 



So for this week, I have two small samples to make using 2 x 10" square pack each with 10 different colours.  Should be fun! 

 

                                                  

Pouches of fun!

Today was a Storm Day - the country called a Code Red on the weather.  Storm Rachel was heading in and all the schools were advised to close.  Hooray!!!!  Half the morning spent in bed watching movies with the kids and browsing for ideas of something to sew.  I decided on zip pouches because I've been wanting to try them for a while.  They're another thing that everybody said was easy but to me they looked difficult so I started small......... a 4" zip to make a small change purse.

Hmmm, it was easy but I used a metal zip which complicated things slightly.  Still loved it though and took out even bigger scraps to go to town on!



Then of course my boys came in and "needed" one each.  I love that they're interested in what I sew and always want one of their own.  They all picked the fabrics they wanted.  My youngest (by 23mins) is very particular and it had to be green with cows........ thankfully I could manage it.   At least 2 of these pouches are in bed with my boys right now!






 



I have to admit, I really enjoyed making these.  It's the first item I've made that I would gladly make over and over (other than quilts obviously)!   I had made this box pouch earlier in the week.  It's extra plush because it's quilted.  I love the space in it, the design would make a great make-up bag or nail polish bag but I'm using my to carry my perle cotton right now! 



This week I also made a mini charm cushion as a shop sample for The Quilt Shop Tuam.
I used a mini charm pack from Moda called Persimmon.  The pictures don't quite do the fabric justice, the colours are far lovelier in reality!  The complimenting fabric is called "grunge"!  I have yet to fill it with a pillow form that fits so it's a little lack lustre right now but it was a fun little project!

So, go on...........ask!  What has prompted this feverish fit of sewing all of a sudden?  I have been rather quiet lately and then all this?............ Well, it's my new baby Bessie!!  Or rather, my new Juki Sewing Machine!  She's pretty amazing - I had to give her a few test runs!  I'm feeling fairly spoiled with her to be honest, she has all the bells and whistles!!


Expect more from little Bessie soon :)


Just one last picture.............

Doesn't the excitement on his face make the time and effort worthwhile?