0 small finishes

Somehow, there just was not much sewing action in the last couple of days. I've still been feeling sort of blah from that flu I got about 2 weeks ago and the fact that my kids are taking turns getting sick is definitely not helping.

I did, however, manage to finish the two throw pillows for my mom. This was definitely a push out of my comfort zone as the colors my mom chose are not "my" colors, at all. I like working with cool colors, they are my friends, I feel comfortable around them, but browns, reds, and oranges just don't do it for me. 

Well, this is pillow #1. I went with simple patchwork and I really like the way it turned out. It seems simple patchwork can be sort of deceiving, looking all plain and humble, but in the end it never disappoints.

I especially love the secondary pattern quilting brings in.

I decided to go more complicated with the second pillow. This paper pieced Tallahassee block is probably my most favorite block at the moment. It's not a quick block and takes some precise sewing to get it to look just right, but I think all that extra work is so worth it.

I did my favorite zipper closure for both of these pillows and finished them off by attaching the binding the same way I would for a quilt.

Oh, by the way, a tutorial on how to install a zipper closure is coming up very soon.

How is your Christmas sewing going? Are you working on any presents?

Detail: small finishes

0 back to my routine

After the hustle and bustle of preparation for the craft fair, I'm finally back to my regular sewing routine. And, it feels good. 

I spent quite some time over the last couple of evenings working on these churn dash blocks. They are not "my usual" colors, and that might be the reason why I find them so refreshingly different. I love how these darker colors accentuate the bold, graphic look of the churn dash block. 

 I'm planning on using a 2" sashing in the same off white color to join the blocks, and I really need to start thinking about the back - not my favorite part at all. Any suggestions?

 I also made this pouch for myself. I needed a new one for my credit cards and money as the one I was using was about 2 years old and quite ugly looking by now.

After seeing this wonderful pillow on Flickr I decided to give these Tallahassee blocks a try. Mine are tiny, only about 4" each and I paper pieced them using the free pattern found here.  

I used some of my very favorite fabric by October Afternoon for the flowers and went with this dark linen look alike for the main part of the pouch. I then did some simple hand stitching to outline the blocks and added a yellow zipper and red ribbon for some pop of color.

And, to give credit where credit is due, my pouch was also inspired by this lovely pouch Chase made a while ago. Don't you just love the amazing amount of talent and inspiration all over the blogland?

Linking up to Lee's WIP Wednesday.

Detail: back to my routine