Sttich that Stash - June Bee Block

Hi Ladies,

Happy June!! {tomorrow} I am SO ready for some pool time, bbq & just the laid back, slow pace summertime brings!

I have had the hardest time choosing a block for my month. Back in April I was at a quilting retreat and fell in love with Amber's (oneshabbychickhawaii) quilt she made while there. So, after much deliberation, I have chose the Low volume charm plus quilt block. You can find the tutorial here on Rachel's flickr:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wooden_spoon/8584301543/in/set-72157633912755236

Here are my two blocks.

 I'd like both of them to have a mix of the low volume, tone on tone, text, cream or white for the  background. For the PLUS, I'd like one block in a solid color and the other in some sort of print.

The block measures 11 3/4" unfinished. It's super quick to cut out and comes together fast.

I look forward to seeing your blocks!

Coin purse tutorial

I am a visual person, so I tried to take lots of pictures for this tutorial. These are super quick and easy to make, about 30 minutes from your first cut to the finished purse.  (This is NOT my pattern - just the way I make this coin purse)

Materials
1 exterior piece cut 5" x 8"
1 lining piece cut 5" x 8"
Scrap piece of batting cut 4 1/2" x 7 1/2"
8" inch zipper or longer
basting spray (or pins)

*if you want a quilted coin purse, I'd cut all materials an inch wider all around. After you quilt it, cut it down to the correct measurements.














Sandwich your exterior and lining fabric with the batting. Lightly baste with the basting spray. (or pins)

                                                

                                                  Put zipper foot on machine.

With lining side facing up and zipper pull to your left and facing up, line up top of fabric sandwich to edge of zipper & sew.

   
                      Flip sandwich over so that exterior fabric is facing up and zipper pull is to the right.

Now fold over sandwich (lining is facing up again & so is zipper pull) making sure your fabric lines up on the sides. Sew along the zipper.

                                                 Change your foot ( I use my 1/4" foot)

                            Open up zipper & turn purse with exterior side up. Press lightly.

          

                                                    Top stitch on both sides.

Open your zipper about 3/4 the way. Bend over top about 1/2" or so....I eyeball this but you can measure. Sew down both sides using a 1/4" seam allowance and make sure you back stitch at beginning and end. You want to go over zipper several times to secure it.

*To ensure zipper pull is to the right on completed purse, make sure the zipper is closest to you and to the pull is to the right. Does that makes sense? You want it just like above photo.

                           Clip corners, cut off excess fabric & zipper and turn inside out.

                                 With a turning tool or chopstick, poke the corners out.

                                                               

                                                     Voilà! There you go!

                                                       It measures about 4.25" x 4.5"

                                                                 HAPPY SEWING!

The Mad Quilter

Last week I was in the mood to thrift. So John & I headed towards town. We never made it to town. I saw an estate sale sign so we went there. I was thrilled when I saw this furniture & knew it would look perfect in my sewing room.


It's was made in 1976 by Ethan Allen. So you know it's high quality furniture. I LOVE the daffodil yellow color....it's so retro.

Above is actually 3 different pieces. I put them along the wall so I would have more space to move around the room and easier access to my supplies when sewing.

View from the other side.

My cutting station is just to the left of my machine now. So much easier than behind me.

I have plenty of drawer space to hold my fabrics now. I love that I can display my Holly Hobbie dolls (from my childhood) on a shelf instead of in a basket on the floor.

It can still be used as a guest room if needed. But they would hate it when I wake them up at 6 am so I can sew.

I am lovin' my new sewing room. It's so 70's, cozy & inspiring me to get in there and create beautiful things.

John has nicknamed me "The Mad Quilter." So I put the saying on my cork board.

A-line Skirt

I did it! I made my first skirt. An A-Line skirt. I purchased the Amy Butler Barcelona Skirt pattern a few weeks back when I found this adorable fabric store in Southwest Little Rock. The fabric is by Amy Butler as well. I love the greens in the fabric.

It is lined with muslin which makes it a bit heavy. Perfect for fall or spring weather. I think it hangs nicely. I had a bunch of trouble with the stinking invisible zipper! Mine isn't very invisible!!! I tried re-doing it 3 times....but ripping out a zipper is the most frustrating thing! I would rather pull out my hair!


I'm pleased overall with the way it came together. I will wear it with pride!