Still figuring it all out...

I feel like I have a much better understanding of paper piecing and quilting basics.  I just need to figure out how to get all my seams to match up in the end.  Practice makes perfect...

This is a Star quilt block pattern from Fresh Lemon Quilts.  After I pieced a 1/4 section, I decided to work more assembly line style- I'm blaming the janky  center on that.

Sewing Machine Cover Upgrade!

Here is my sewing machine cover before...

 Yes, that is a Half Price books bag.

Then I found this tutorial over at Sew Delicious and had a Moda "Social" Charm pack that was just waiting for the right project.  This is actually one of the few things I've sewn for myself!

Definite upgrade right?   So proud!

Made my own paper piecing pattern!

I wanted to make a Sugar Skull quilt square for a friend.  I couldn't find a pattern that didn't look like a minecraft skull so I decided to make my own!  (crazy right?!?)

Here is what I started with:

A coloring page.

Then I divided it into strips..

Tada!  Even the back doesn't look too shabby!

I appliqued the eyes and nose so they would stand out.

I then made a throw pillow!

This was the first time I added a (gigantic) handmade tag!

Best part is that my friend LOVED it!

One Block at a Time...

As you can see, I have been practicing my quilt squares.  I have learned that starch helps, cutting exactly really helps, the seam ripper is my friend,  and there really is a BIG difference when it comes to sewing with quality fabrics!

Pinwheel tutorial at SewMamaSew

Super Card Trick tutorial and pattern at Craft Sew Create

Mug Rugs and Paper Piecing!

I've decided that piecing and making quilt squares for mug rugs and such is way more doable than a big ol quilt!  So now I've started teaching myself techniques one quilt square at a time!  I have been watch tons of craftsy videos, but it has also been fun just to try some stuff on my own.

 Didn't these turn out great?  The tutorial at Not-so-plain-Jane really was a great one to follow.  Then I decided to piece the trees on my own!  Great volunteer and teacher gifts!

 Paper piecing has become my new obsession and this LOVE pattern was freebie that I have had so much fun making big and small!

Surprised my Husband with a Wooby for his birthday!

So I had tried a quilt before and it was hard.  I also did not sandwich it or do the actual quilting.   It turned out ok, but I wanted to complete a throw quilt from start to finish for my husband's birthday.

I fell in love with the Moda fabric called Table for Two and even though it isn't super manly, I was able to make it work!

I also started sewing with friends this year and one them has an awesome wall of felt to piece your projects together, so you can see I borrowed that idea for this project!  I backed and binded it with grey tones so it turned out just like I wanted!

Reading Pillows!

I have been so busy with life but still mixing in learning in my sewing room. Here are some of my accomplishments since school has started:


These are Reading Pillows.  I've had a blast learning how to mix and match colors AND work with piping!  I owe some major credit to this amazing tutorial at the Polka Dot Chair. They make great personalized gifts.