A Sewing Kit

Swaps are a favorite activity of the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild. I had been looking forward to the Miscellaneous Swap last night, but ended up having to miss it when the engine light on my car decided to come on. Bummer. 

Guess, I'll swap with myself and keep the sewing kit that I made!

I had checked out the Moda Bake Shop book, Fresh Fabric Treats, last week from the library.

This  sweet vinyl bag caught my eye right away and I thought it would be the perfect swap project because I had all of the "ingredients" on hand!

I ended up modifying the instructions a little so that the cute zipper I'd been gifted last winter by a blog friend wouldn't be hidden. Next time I make one, I'll add the adorable fabric flower zipper pull shown in the book.

There's not much fabric needed to make the little bag: only 4 strips each 2.5"  by 8". I chose one of my favorites, this sewing-pattern-themed design by Melody Ross called Homespun Chic.

The vinyl is the same that I use for applique patterns. I got mine at JoAnn Etc. several years ago. It might work even better to use a slightly heavier vinyl than I did. If you are looking for good source for #8 pearl cotton thread, check out Erica's which carries several sizes and has lots of colors in stock.

Since I plan to use my bag to store hand quilting supplies, I added this little boiled wool needle case that I made years ago.

 I love that the pretty contents can be seen through the bag without having to unzip it to find out what's inside!

Thanks, Carla. Lolly really likes what she got in the swap last night!

Moda Bake Shop

Today is a big day!

 I'm excited to have you see my debut creation for the Moda Bake Shop, 

 Love Beads.

I hope that you will hop on over to the Moda Bake Shop blog to see the pattern

 and say "hi" in the comments. Pretty please!

 The fabric is Oh, My! by Sanae and Moda Bella solid in butter. It's pretty wild fabric, which works really well for the 1970's inspired idea of love beads which were popular in that decade...(ask me how I know!)

 It  takes two charm packs to make this lap size quilt. The cutting and piecing is easy, making the pattern suitable for a beginner but fun for any quilter.

 I used the leftover beads and some selvage on the backing of my sample quilt. Don't you love that wild large print!

I have two extra Oh, My! charm packs ( enough to make Love Beads) to give away.

If you would like to win these,

 visit the Bake Shop blog and take a look around.

Come on back here and leave me a comment telling me that you saw my quilt.

For a second chance to win, be a follower of Lollyquiltz and tell me so in a separate comment. I'll leave the giveaway open until Saturday. Make sure that I can contact you by email if your name is drawn.

Thanks for stopping by!

Please note: the giveaway is now closed.

Cutting into my Pips

*Warning! This post contains an overload of the color red!

For a few days, I just looked at my Sherbet Pips...or petted them as I walked by......

But, yesterday, I got out the rotary cutter and started cutting into them.  Oh, so fun! First up, I used one FQ to add a circle to the Big Little George pillow top I'm attempting to create with Lynne at Lily's Quilts. I had so much fun paper piecing the curves and points. 

Now for the scary part......sewing the middle circle on.....with the sewing machine!!!

Yikes!

She swears that it's possible, so I'll give it a try........................

 When I turn it over, it LOOKS like it will work. I need more caffeine before I attempt it, I think! But, don't those little people look so cute...they remind me of my grandies!

Tomorrow is the last day for our MOPS table to meet for this year and I wanted to make a little something for each of the young mothers at my table. I've grown so attached to them as their mentor mom and look forward to remaining friends. The Pips are making another appearance in the mug rugs I'm working on for them.....

 Each of the mug rugs is made with the same fabrics, but I'm quilting each a little differently and the backings vary. (I'm hoping none of my young friends are reading this!)

 I adore the girls on swings fabric. There is so much detail.  Just a warning that you will be seeing this fabric in the various color ways here again, I assure you!

Like a kid, I can hardly wait for tomorrow's Moda Bake Shop entry as it will be starring a quilt tutorial by Lollyquiltz! I hope that you will stop by the Bake Shop blog, take a look at "Love Beads" and leave me a comment so I won't feel so nervous! Be sure and stop back by here, as well, because I'm having a Give-Away tomorrow to celebrate becoming a Moda chef! See you soon!