Purple People Pleaser

Meet the Purple People Pleaser!  (the top at least...)

This top was a play on the traditional Rail Fence block like the example in Denyse Schmidt's book Modern Quilts Traditional Inspiration.  Clearly I deviated quite a bit, actually now that I look at it I deviated much much more than I ever intended.  Whoops!

This was a huge break away from my comfort zone by using  1) some of my favorite stash that I've been saving forever (i.e. all the AMH Innocent Crush fabrics) 2) a combination of different collections 3) using my least favorite color - purple!

I waffle between loving it and being unsure of whether I like it.  I think it is mostly because I was aiming for the rail fence layout and in the end abandoned it for what looked right to me.  

However, my opinion is mostly irrelevant as this quilt is not intended for me but for the little people pleaser in my household...and of course her favorite color?  Purple.

And based on this reaction she had once she spied me taking these photos I think the Purple People Pleaser is a hit!  Here she is sneaking in for a closer look...before I knew it she was hugging "her blanket."

Complete with the purple bracelet, necklace, and skirt.  I couldn't have planned it better!

The backing is going to be a lime green.  It will play off of the green in the AMH fabric and yellow bees in Patti Young's fabric in the photo above.  I am thinking straight line quilting possibly using a hot pink thread?  My thought is to create a subtle pattern with the straight line quilting, almost like a plaid.

Is that crazy?

- rebecca lynne

Crayon Purse {and how I almost accomplished monogamy}

{fabric from valori wells' cocoon collection}

My goal this weekend was to practice some project monogamy.  I figured if I can just commit to working on One Thing then I will actually finish something!  Well...I only got so far with that plan...

Project monogamy started out by working on this fold over tote using Lotta Jansdotter's Glimma canvas which I had bought with the express purpose of using to create a tote.  However, I got it in my head to make a fold over tote and I didn't see a pattern that I liked so I decided to create one from scratch.  This is where you should start thinking things like "don't bite off more than you can chew."

  

[Also, the other part of my monogamy plan was that if I worked on the project that pops into my head at the moment it pops into my head then maybe I'll have the steam to complete it right then and there.  Instead what usually happens is I come up with an idea, buy all the supplies, and then never find the time to execute it...anyone else have that problem?]

I got pretty far on my fold over tote and even took sketches, notes, and a template to create a pattern.  But eventually I lost my way when it came to handles so I needed a break.  I plan on a long strap to wear the bag as a crossbody (see the loop on the left side of photo?  that is for the long strap. don't worry there is one on the right too it just isn't in this photo because it and I were having a fight at the time I took the photo...we reconciled early this morning when I sewed it back on) and I want short handles at the opening/on top to carry it by hand.  I am stuck on the short handle part.  Do I use cord, jute, webbing, quilted handles, leather...ugh...I want the bag to be a bit polished so probably not patchwork handles but leather is hard to find the right style/size in so I am considering covered jute now...is there a way to make jute look less industrial?

Anyway - so I said screw it to monogamy and had a quick fling with something else I needed to finish by this Thursday anyway.  :p

Meet the Crayon Purse.

What every little girl needs, a purse for her stickers, crayons, and paper...

As modeled by Miss E.  Don't you love how she oh so nonchalantly holds onto the handles?  Her little pinky doing its own thing!

Did I mention how much I freaking love my Juki???  Seriously, is it possible for a sewing machine to make you more efficient?  Or is it all in my head and I just feel like I am more efficient.  Because, man, this little purse flew by So Quickly.  

Well that was my weekend...how was yours?

- rebecca lynne

July 4, 2013 in Photos

Hope you all had a safe and happy Fourth!

- rebecca lynne