sewhungryhippie: Summer Sampler Finish and other WIP s

We grew pumpkins! Lil' nugget ones.

The velveteen backed Sari quilt had some repairs this weekend. The seams on these silks were pulling apart in places, so I had to whipstitch them together again. I used DMC floss and made it bold and chunky, as I love that imperfect look. It adds character right? I ~~forced~~ politely asked my husband to hold it up for me in the backyard.

The Summer Sampler Quilt is finally finished...well...sort of.

I chose straight line quilting and my own layout. The batting I used was the end of the roll (I bought 40 yards of Warm and Natural 90" last November). SUPER happy to have used all that within one year, with very little scrap left over.

Anyways, for whatever reason I was struggling.

Puckers.

Wrinkles.

Skipped stitches.

Hours in, I ripped out a ton of stitches and attempted to re-baste.

It was an ugly scene. It was 2 am. After working all day.

I had visions of throwing it on a campfire. But then I remembered:

So, I kept on with what I could. In the end, it's just not worth crying over.

There are some empty spaces left that I just cannot machine quilt without puckers. So--my plan is to hand quilt those with chunky Aurifil 12 weight thread.

A mistake but with an "intentional mistake" look. (I hope.)

I had my husband look at it and asked him to find what was wrong with it.

He--- naturally---- pointed out other mistakes, like my cut off points and seams that aren't perfect.

I told him in the future, that is a rhetorical question that actually doesn't need an answer at all.

Has he learned nothing in all these years together?!

I used Carolyn Friedlander's Doe Trellis in white & graphite for the backing. This is the second time I used Doe but this batch was much rougher than the orange for some reason. It didn't feel as silky, not sure why. You can see the first quilt here.

This Summer Sampler was really enjoyable - I learned a lot, tried new techniques, and met some pretty darn cool people in this group. I was inspired every time somebody would post their pictures on Facebook. I think this is what social media is really about- connection & support.

Here is my layout diagram with measurements:

Next up is my Halloween Quilt this year made with BOO fabrics and Alexander Henry background. The pattern is by my friend Amy at Purple Pineapple Studio. I'm nearly done piecing, so just need to buy some more batting and I'll get her quilted up in time. (I'm saying that as a positive reinforcement to myself. LOL) "You can do it" like

I'm getting in the mood for more of these chunky knit scarves. I'm hoping my Mama will teach me how to make them again. I just can't seem to remember how to start knitting, ever...no matter how many times I make something.

If I stop making it, I forget. It must be a syndrome--maybe crafty amnesia.

I'll be popping 2 or 3 in my Etsy shop really soon!

I made another Isla dress--this time in super sexy SPACE print! HELLO!

Yes dears, I'm shouting. I've always wanted some spacey clothes.

Remember my Galaxy t shirt tutorial?

Well this is better! Slinky, silky feeling, workout knit from Joann Fabrics. It had me at Hello.

To make this Isla, I only needed 1 yard so it cost me $7 since I had a nice 30% off coupon.

Click on Isla for pattern link.

Here Tori is modeling the Pearl Wallet, by Swoon Patterns. I used Boo fabrics again, and soft and stable for interfacing.

It was fun but a little tricky on the very last step- not difficult by any means, but my brain wasn't "going that way" sort of thing, ya know? Then when I got it, I was all "DUH"!
I found later I could've watched the full length tutorial Alicia made--double duh on me right?! Geez.

It happens.
Have some chocolate.

Brainstorming lately on what I'm making for Xmas gifts this year.

I am sticking to a rule of only "buying" ONE gift per person this year, the rest must be hand made.

Should prove interesting.

Not sure if I mean in reaction of the receiver (what did you make me and whyyyyyy?) or the pressure on myself to get things done. BAHAHAHA

Yes, it will be interesting. I love eyeballs. And skeletons.

What are you making for the Holidaze?

On a last note, I've been binge watching Fixer Uppers and have now moved my furniture around 45 times in the last 2 weeks alone. bahahaha
Dang you Joanna Gaines..and Netflix....

Our house has too many walls, too many doors, and too much wood. But i suspect in 15 years I'll like this style more than I do now. She's a good ol' girl at 100 years old.

AND we have Tori, so all is well.