Back Again!

Hello!  Lovely to see you again!  Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments and warm welcome back.  I must confess though, that I am much like Ruth.  Four AM seems to be wake up time for me.  The eyes just pop open, LOL!  And, like Ruth, I am also ready for bed around 9:00 PM.  I think it may have something to do with the season and body rhythms.  It also seems that I don't need as much sleep as I used to-or something like that. 

I promised you more pictures of completed projects, so here goes.  Do you remember this bag?  Something I picked up at a flea market that was originally a JoAnne's kit?

Well, I liked it so much, I kept the pattern and directions and reapplied them.  If you remember, many years ago all the fabric shops were selling printed pillow panels for 14 inch pillows.  They were so pretty and I, of course, picked up quite a few of them when I found them on sale.  Couldn't resist, you know?  (Of course you do, LOL!)  Since I am not really a throw pillow type, the panels went into my stash until I could find an alternative use for them.  This little bag pattern was the perfect alternative use.  Here's what I made.  The front and back on the first one were different.  I sandwiched the panels and quilted along the lines of the design to give it depth and texture.  I don't think it showed up well in the photos though.

This is a view of the side.  There was enough of the design to cut the bottom and sides.  Worked out quite nicely.

Here is another.  Both sides were the same on this one and the next..

 Side view.

 And the last-so far.

 Side panel.

I still have some panels left but no fabric that will work for the linings yet.  (Yes, the bags are fully lined inside.)  The actual size depends on the size of the front panels, but the side panels are cut at 4-1/2 inches wide.  If anyone is interested, I would be more than happy to share the pattern and instructions with you.  Once you get the hang of putting these little bags together, you can adjust the directions to just about any size you wish.  They were fun to make and I will use them as gifts, IF I can bear to part with them, LOL.

Love from Liri

HI, I'M STILL HERE!

Yes, still here, just not HERE!  Things have been a little tough since going back to work.  The adjustment has been a bit difficult because as much as I already knew what I was doing, I did not anticipate all the writing.  This company wants everything put down on paper and it has been exhausting.  Sometimes, once I get home, all I can manage is dinner.  All the summer heat doesn't help either 'cause I don't handle heat and humidity well.  It drains my energy.  Much of my time has been spent trying to figure out how to work in some machine time.  I never stopped the handwork, but that has slowed too.  It is hard to stitch when your eyes are closing of their own accord, LOL. 

But I have solved this little dilemma and quite simply.  I just get up an hour earlier for work-at 4:00 instead of 5:00.  I am really at my best in the morning.  I am usually ready to leave my house at 6:00 (breakfasted, dressed, etc.), so I spend the last hour sewing.  One hour every morning equals 5 hours by Friday.  Saturday and Sunday are spent in finishing and preparation for the next week.  Don't know why I didn't figure this out earlier!  It's been working out really well! 

So, here are some finishes.  I have alot of pictures of handwork and other sewing projects so I will have to split this post up.  So, let's start with the handwork.

I am sure you remember this one.  Started it in one corner many years ago and it is finally finshed.  I have a number of other large crewel projects to finish but will probably not start on any more until the weather cools because they are worked in wool thread.  It measures 20" by 18".

This next one was picked up at a flea market.  It was about 3/4 done and all the threads and instructions were with it.  It is a Jacobean design, a favored subject for me.  The kit was for a 14 x14 pillow so it will fit in with the other pillow tops I have.

Here is a really tiny one worked in thread.  It measures 6"x5".  The colors and stitches were my choice.

I don't know if you remember the Poodle transfers but I finally got those finished.  They are intended for a purple/pink quilt for my niece's little girl.  I think they turned out rather cute and I see them as pictures in a frame.  I am still mulling over the settings.

Ok, so that finishes up the handwork.  Next post I will show you a few smaller sewing projects. 

Love from Liri