Baby Aoifes Quilt

So I have finally got my sew-jo back but the problem with getting back in the swing of things is that you get a "need" to make so many different things, ideas that were floating around and you were pushing to the back burner.  Once you have the time and energy to sew proeprly again, you really want to make them all!!!  So I have been sewing all sorts of things, not blogging a whole lot in recent months but life has been busy!

Let me show you one of my little projects..... I have lots of blogging to catch up on so stay tuned for more posts of recent sewing exploits!




My lovely friend had a beautiful baby girl a few weeks ago.  I had these gorgeous Scrumptious by Moda Charm packs just waiting for the right project and decided they would make a super pretty quilt.  I went with a simple pattern but embroidered baby Aoifes details on it to make it personal and unique.




I usually have no problem handing over quilts as gifts but this one I'll miss.  I think it's just because of the utter girliness of the fabric.  That's rare in my house full of boys and this made my heart sing while I was working on it!

You really can't beat a red polka dot backing, I use it alot.  It's pretty and it's fun! Oh and I'm finally remembering to add labels to my quilts!  On this one I tried out the Micron acid free pens and made a handwritten lable.  I really prefer them embroidered but others have assured me that handwritten are just as precious! 

Quilts are made to be used and loved, washed and used again until they are threadbare.  Plus it adds some nice colour to the washing line, right?  I can't wait until baby Aoife is big enough to drag this round the floor with her!  

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?