Let the cutting begin...

Don't you just like trying out new gadgets?  The Lil' Twister Tool might not be new to many of you, but I got mine only recently and thought of trying it out today.  I decided to try something small to get the feel of it and not attempt to make something fancy or an intricate design yet.  If its a complete failure, I would not mess up too much fabric, or waste too much time...

I used a Lost and Found charm pack from Riley Blake, since it only has 21, 5 inch pieces I thought it would be perfect.  So I got all my pieces sewn together ready to start cutting.

I got some good practice rotary cutting with my left hand, a bit tricky in the beginning but I soon got the hang of it.  This will really be a small quilt, nice to use as a wall hanging maybe...

1st row cut, placed in order

By the way, after my post showing off my sewing room, I decided it was high time that I get a  better camera and stop talking about getting one... so I placed the order yesterday, should be here tomorrow.. cant wait!!  Be warned, picture overload may occur.

Here is something I saw on Facebook the other day, admittedly I laughed and thought it was soooo funny, ........ real or hoax?

I am linking up to WIP Wednesdays @ Freshly Pieced.

Happy quilting

My Sewing Room

Apologies for the poor quality photos, the flash on my camera is just not good enough to take these at night, and during the day the light streaming in from the windows are so bright.  I do hope you can see enough though.

I thought of sharing with you some pictures of my sewing room.  There is quite a few things I would still like to change and add to this space.  The only thing that frustrates me most, is that I have very little 'wall' space, as you can see I have two very large windows in my sewing room.  There is no door entering from the kitchen so I cant close it up to avoid my curious little girl from exploring, so most of everything I have to put up on shelves.  I think that room was originally a patio...

Entering my sewing room from the kitchen
Do you see that cute little face peeking over the couch, that's Kayleigh (21 months)

I had to share this photo, she was so eager to smile at the camera.... HUGS!!!

When we first moved into our house January 2012, my NOW sewing room, used to be a dining room.  That did not last long, once the quilting bug bit me, I quickly started making changes.  The table that was once in our kitchen is now my cutting table/work station.

Cutting table

My husband made this cute little fabric shelf during the Christmas holiday.  It first started out as a box shelf, but by trial and error he ended up with this.  I totally love it, and as you can see, its almost completely full of fat quarters, half yards and little bit and pieces.  I think I need another....

Fabric Shelf for all my smaller pieces of fabric

When you look closely to my sewing table, you will see that the bottom part is a child's desk.  My husband added the table top so its risen just enough to have the surface flush with my sewing machine, which makes quilting a large quilt so much easier, no more drag.  He also made the desk to the left which has a nice and big corner cupboard, and two large drawers.

Sewing table and extra storage/work table (I seriously need to make a thread catcher...although it's not as bad as on some days)

My design wall was made with 'soft board' (not sure if that's really what its called) covered with a large piece of fabric.  The wood has the same density I'd say of a notice board, pinning is really easy.  This is basically the only wall space in this whole room, so I had to make the most of it, adding a few shelves and thread holders on the side.

Sewing table and extra storage/work table (view from the other side of the room)

Here is the view from my sewing room towards a small sitting room.  We hardly use it to sit and relax, which is a pity, its so inviting especially in the winter with the sun streaming in.  I do however do use it whenever I have hand sewing to do....  Yes, I play the piano, not as well as would have liked, but life has a way of taking you into different directions...

Small sitting room

Lastly, this is the view from the window right next to my sewing machine, and since it is summer its sometimes hard to stay indoors.  Usually we would go out after Kayleigh had her noon nap, by then the sun is not as bright, and there is quite a bit of shadow over the pool.  I've already used up 3 bottles of 50spf sunscreen just to avoid getting sunburn.

View from my window... very inviting isn't it?

I hope you liked the tour of my little space.  It is by far my favorite spot in our house.  The only thing I would still like to add is a proper ironing board.  The one I have at the moment is wonky.  I think I will add that to my 'to do' list.... and a better camera of course.

Linking up to:

Happy quilting.

Anything goes, Quilt-'n-Sew #2 - Mug Rugs

I have been so busy these past few weeks with my "Express Your Love" quilt, that I desperately needed to do something else to take my mind off of her.  You can read all about it here.

So I made these cute little mug rugs.  Any excuse to FMQ I suppose.  

They are so quick and simple to make.  They would make really nice gifts, and since it does not take a long time to make, I can start planning my Christmas gifts now.  Too soon?  I think NOT.  Last year I had no hand made gifts, so this year I decided to take a completely different direction.  Something hand made is by far more special than store bought, I think..

Now for the linky party

It's Monday and a new week, so lets all share some of our projects, please link up any current project you've been busy with, anything at all....this link is open for a week and will run every Monday, so remember to come back next week, or follow my blog to get regular updates.

UPDATE 29/01/2013 - Feel free to add any other blog posts you write during the week, since this linky stays open for a full week, I think its a great idea to share and keep sharing...

All I ask is that you either add the 'Anything Goes' blog button to your sidebar or add a text link to your blog post, and comment on a few of the other links too, share the love and make this weekly linky party a fun way to connect.

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Happy quilting

Express Your Love #4

I made very good progress with my Goddess quilt.  During the past week I started stitching all the outlines and this morning she was ready for me to start quilting.

When I started adding the rays, I made a slight mistake when I travel stitched my way back to get to the next ray of light, and went completely off the line.  I hate ripping out, so I tried to travel stitch a few times over that same line to correct my mistake, and it worked out really nicely.  I liked the effect so much, that I did it with all the rays.  It makes them stand out even more.  It did take longer and I used more thread but I think it really looks good.  

I still have to quilt the part in the ocean, and of course add the phrases but I will get to it.

I was so eager to start quilting inside the rays, that I never marked where I should quilt, so when I started quilting the second ray, it was completely the wrong one.  I can't undo this mistake, the stitches are just too small, and with all the travel stitching it would be impossible to rip it out.  So it will have to do.  So I decided to take a break, and to carry on when my mind is clear.  

I really like the mctavishing design, its the first time I've tried it, all I need to try is to make the lines a bit more wiggly but I think the scale looks good.

This might sound silly, but have you ever paid attention to your 'face', especially your mouth while you FMQ?  Today I found myself SMILING as I was busy stitching out the design inside the rays.......  :-) I guess its a way my body and mind wants to show that it approves, he he he

Previous Posts:

Express Your Love #3

Express Your Love #2

Express Your Love #1

I  am linking up to:  FMQ Friday with Leah Day, Find a friend Friday @ Sew Many Ways

 & Lets get acquainted Monday @ Plum and June.

On a SAD note... My parents left this morning after a two week visit, and saying goodbye is always hard.  It felt like yesterday when they arrived, it was so nice having them here... I will miss them so much.  Goodbyes, I HATE them!

Happy quilting

I WON!

During December Ellie from Color my World had a 12 days of Christmas Giveaway, where everyday for 12 days she had sorted bundles of fabric scraps according to colour.  On her 6th Day she had a bundle of dark green scraps up for grabs, and I WON!  My favorite colour by the way - smiles.

Happy day, the parcel arrived.  I was surprised at how much fabric it actually is and the various colours and prints are just beautiful!

Thanks Ellie, I will put these to good use.

*Remember to add your blog to my "Anything Goes" linky party HERE still running for this week.

Happy quilting

Anything goes, Quilt & Sew #1

Don't you just love linky parties?  Well I find them very resourceful, inspiring and a great way to meet other people who love and enjoy quilting and sewing just as much as I do.  

I am getting my 'feet wet' so to speak.  Giving this linky a go.  I would love if you would join in the fun, and share your beautiful projects with me and everyone else.  Please spread the news far and wide, I would really like to make this linky party a great one!!

I have a few rules:

1. Link up ANY post from the past week (or any time that you would really like to share) that features a quilting or sewing project..

2. Somewhere in your post, you must link back here to my blog. (Or grab my 'Anything Goes Quilt ‘n Sew' button for your sidebar.)

3.  Comment on at least a few of the other links. Share your love of quilting and sewing, and make this weekly link up a fun way to connect!

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Happy Quilting

Express Your Love #3

I can not begin to explain how much fun I'm having making this quilt.  At last I'm ready to start quilting.  What made it even more fun, is that my parents are here visiting from the Cape.  It's been a very long stretch since I've seen them in August 2011, over a year ago.  So you can imagine how much fun it is, having my mom here with me while making this quilt top.  Getting her input and having her see what I'm doing makes it even more special.

The biggest test was the outside curves and the sharp points, but I got it done.  I am very happy with the result.  I like the effect after changing the design of her hair, and I think it gives her a totally different look.  I had hoped when I went fabric shopping for her hair on Friday, that I could have found  vibrant different shades of blue, but when I put these browns and yellow together, I liked it very much.  

I also decided to add a border, a narrow inner purple- and a wider black border.   Then she will be ready to start quilting.  To imagine, there is so far not one single stitch sewn.  I really like the 'No sewing until you quilt it' technique, it makes this art quilt really simple to piece and it opens up so many possibilities.  The sky is the limit, and I love it!

After seeing Leah's tutorials on quilt painting, I would love to try it too, maybe not on this quilt, but  I would definitely give it a go in the future.  It makes the lines look so precise and the colours are really vibrant.

I am linking up to:  UFO Sunday on the Free Motion Quilting Project & Sew Darn Crafty @ Sew Many Ways

Previous Posts:
Express Your Love #2
Express Your Love #1

Update 23/01/2013 - I have started my very own linky party called "Anything Goes - Quilt 'n Sew" which will run every Monday, check it out HERE

Happy quilting.

Express Your Love #2

I am having so much fun making this quilt top.  I think she is coming along very nicely and that I am making good progress.  With regards to the problem I had with the background seam allowance showing through the coloured fabric, I simply cut the seam allowance of the background a bit smaller and it makes a huge difference.  I am hoping where it still shows up a bit, that the quilting will cover it up.

I do however find it much easier to work at night, this summer -especially these past weeks, have been very hot.  The other day we had some chocolate bars, and they where almost completely melted, the kids had fun eating them, I guess I did too, licking out the wrapper made me feel like a kid again.  

Anyway, so far I am happy with my Goddess quilt, I still have quite a lot to do.  At least I already know what she'll be saying...

Previous posts:

Express Your Love #1

I am linking up to:  WIP Wednesday @ Freshly Pieced

Happy quilting.

Express Your Love #1

I decided it was high time I started on my Goddess quilt - Express Your Love.  A quilt many of us are making following along with Leah Day's Free Motion Quilting Project.  

When she came up with the idea that all of us will be working on this quilt together, I thought it would be great to at last learn the 'no sewing until you quilt it' technique.  

Its nice how things come together.  I bought the "No Sewing Until You Quilt It - Super Combo" book, that includes a DVD and 1 yard (big enough for this quilt) of french fuse from her quilt shop Day Styles Designs just before Christmas.  So I had everything I needed to carry on with this project. 

Except experience of course, this will be my 1st try at this technique, and so far it is much easier than first anticipated.

I did however make some changes to the design and that's her hair.  I am having the background all black instead of two colours, I will just quilt in those lines later.

As you can see from the picture below, the curves on this piece is not as smooth as I would have liked it to be.  I just cant get the outside curves right.  I wonder if I should try and needle turn applique those parts instead of gluing them down...  

There is one thing that bothers me about the piecing.  I fused the background colour which is black down first.  But the coloured fabric that goes on top is quite transparent, and you can see the seam allowance through the fabric.  To take this whole quilt apart would mean I will have to start all over.  And I'm more than half way.  I'm also wondering if the quilting itself wont cover it enough to not be so visible...  What would you do?

Another question, to those who also live in South Africa - I have inquired quite a few local online quilt shops, and non of them have french fuse, do any of you know if we have this product available here in South Africa and where I could buy it, or at least a substitute?

I am linking up to:  Leah Day's FMQ Project - UFO Sunday & Flamingo Toes - Think Pink Sundays

Happy quilting.

FMQ Friday

The kids went back to school on Wednesday after having a holiday that lasted over a month.  So my week started out very busy, driving around all day, buying school supplies and sorting out paper work at their schools.  

I'm glad its all over and done with!  One thing that really annoys me is when either of them come to me late in afternoons with "Mom I still need....." or "Mom, can you please take me......".  Oh well, it's all part of being a mother :-)  I am very happy that I don't have a full time job to go to, otherwise I would not have time for any of what I'm doing now - no wait - this IS a full time job!

In between all of that I still had time to free motion quilt.  As I'm still busy with the quilt I posted last week (here), I cant yet share any pictures of the front, not until the birthday is all over with anyway.  

So I thought I'd share some of the free motion quilting I have done.  

These are taken from the back of the quilt.  One thing I know is this, I need a lot of practice on travel stitching, I went all over the place!

Lucky Star BOM - Funky Star

Easy Tote Bag Tutorial

In between all the school arrangements and free motion quilting, I still had time to work on my Lucky Star BOM.  

I even made a tote bag, and wrote a FREE pattern that you can find here.

All and all I am quite happy with the time I got to spend behind my sewing machine this week.  Hopefully I can get this quilt I'm working on finished this coming week, so I can start with "Express your Love".  At least I have some fabrics set aside, although I am still undecided about the background.

I am linking up to:  Leah Day's FMQ Fridays, Marcia's crafty sewing & Sew darn crafty party

Happy quilting.

Simple Tote Bag - Tutorial

I bought a few different prints of this beautiful Paris Pastel fabric by Timeless Treasures Fabrics from a local online quilt shop The Quilting Bug just before Christmas, not even knowing what I would make with them.  Since the prints where a bit too big to use on a quilt I thought of making a bag matching it up with a few different pieces of fabric in my stash.  So looking at a lot of pictures and tutorials on the internet for inspiration I made this simple and easy tote bag.

UPDATE (11/01/2013) To download the pattern for FREE, click HERE

Fabric Cutting Instructions (Inches)

Interfacing Cutting Instructions (Inches)

Making the straps

Start of by folding the the strap in half lengthwise and iron to make a crease down the center.  Using a pressing cloth press the interfacing shiny side down on the wrong side of the fabric, both sides of the crease.  Fold over the excess fabric and fold it in half again and iron it in place.  Top stitch 1/8 inch from the outside edges on both sides to make the straps.  Repeat these steps for the 2nd handle.

Front and Back Pocket 

Fold the pocket in half and iron a crease at the top of the pocket.  Insert the interfacing right up to the fold of the fabric, and iron it well to attach the interfacing to the inside of the pocket.  Keep in mind to center the interfacing as it is a 1/4 inch smaller on all sides to avoid having too much bulk at the seams.  You will make 2 of these pockets, for front and back.

Bag Body/Lining

Fold the lining fabric in half as you did with the pocket and iron in a crease at the top, line up the interfacing at the wrong side of the fabric to the creased fold and iron it down using a pressing cloth.  That creased line will be the top of your bag.  Unfold the lining fabric flat on your table.  Place the pocket piece on top (right sides together - interfacing at the back).  Measure ± 6 inches from the sides and mark with a pencil where the straps of the bags will be sewn on, I just eyeballed the center of the strips and placed that over the pencil mark.  You will top stitch over the layers starting at the bottom edge right up to about 1/8 from the crease line of the bag, top stitch across to the other side and then back down to the bottom.  

Adding all your pieces together

You will end up with 2 exact copies, if you want to add a pocket on the inside of the bag, you'll do it before assembling your bag, the pocket will then be sewn onto the blue print fabric, the opening facing up towards the straps.  With right sides facing each other line up the layers so that the strips and pockets flow in a straight line.  Pin your bag together.  Mark a space of about 6 inches, to leave an opening to turn the bag right side out, starting at the 1st mark, sew all around to the other mark.  To avoid the seam from coming apart when you turn your bag right side out, you'll have to back stitch a few times at the start and finish.

Finishing your bag

To shape your bag, match up your side seam to the bottom seam, I stuck my hand in the opening to feel my way around, and flattened it to create a triangle.  Measure from the corner to the inside 2 inches and draw a 4 inch line across.  Sew on the drawn line, back stitch at the start and end to secure that seam.  Do that on all 4 corners, cut off the excess and you're ready to turn the bag right side out.  

Closing up the opening I ironed seam allowance in where the opening was, now I'm NOT very good at slip-stitch so I just used my sewing machine and stitched about 1/8 inch from the one side of the bag lining to the other to close up the opening.

To secure the top of the back, I top stitched an 1/8 inch seam all around the bag.

The finished size is at 9 1/2 high x 13 1/2 (bottom) 17 1/2 (top) wide and 4 inches wide using a 1/4 seam allowance.   

Please note that I made these sizes up as I went along, and that this is my 1st attempt at writing a tutorial.  If you make this bag using my instructions and sizes please let me know if there are any discrepancies.

Happy quilting or in this case - sewing.