For Christmas this year, I made quilts for my brother and sisters. It was a big project to undertake, but I was so happy to be able to make something for each of them. Due to time constraints, I went with making them lap/throw size quilts. Here is the one I made for my brother.

This is my first improvised quilt. I wanted something that would be graphic and masculine. I decided to use solids instead of prints and knew that I couldn’t go wrong with navy and orange (Chicago Bears colors) with a white background. I mitered those corners, a first for me. Pretty pleased with how they turned out. I backed the quilt with a navy minky fabric (super soft fuzzy fleece) which was another first for me. I gave the quilt a great weight to it and was super snuggly, however what a pain to quilt with my dinky machine. I bound it with a dark grey solid.

There is something about September when the air starts to get crisp that makes me want to pack away the sewing machine and pick up the knitting needles. I’ve been planning out my projects and have already started a few. Some on the list: hats, mittens, and sweaters for Joseph, a cowl and a pair of socks for myself, and a scarf and new winter hat for the hubby. There are also Christmas gifts I want to get started and I am also dreaming of a sweater for myself. Now I just have to find the time to work on them!

Another baby quilt! My dear friend is having her second child and this time its a boy. I made a quilt for their daughter, Lola, and I wanted to make one for this little guy as well. I used the same pattern as I did for Lucille Rose. I purchased all the fabrics from Joann’s. Isn’t the dinosaur focas print cute? I prefer the bright colors instead of going the pastel route. That way the quilt will be able to grow with James.

I’m a little miffed at myself because I accidentally made a mistake and flipped on of the rows and didn’t notice it until I had quilted the whole thing and was applying the binding. Remember to check your work, Samantha! Oh well, I don’t think that its too noticeable and it just adds more character, right?

 I hope he’ll come to like the dinorsaurs. Joe was enthralled with the colors and patterns. Welcome to the world, James and congratulations Christi, Dave and Lola!

I’ve been contemplating replacing the Bro for a while now. I was doing some online research online and came across this beauty. Wow. This gorgeous thing is Alto sewing machine. Created by Sarah Dickins, who wants to bring “make do and mend” back into fashion. Her Alto sewing machine, a contender for the 2012 James Dyson Award, combines sleek, vintage-inspired lines with beginner-friendly controls to encourage display and invite frequent use.

The Alto is a sewing machine that not only demands to be placed in full view, but simplifies manipulation for novices. A metal guide that runs from reel to needle, for instance, makes threading a cinch, while pressure sensors along the needle plate and in the rubber foot allow the beginner to control the machine’s speed in a manner that’s natural and intuitive. A flexible drive shaft replaces the traditional pulley system to create Alto’s distinctive arch, increasing room for fabric and improving workspace visibility.

Feedback from the Alto prototype’s trial run has been overwhelmingly positive. Volunteers described the experience as “very natural,” agreeing that “you automatically know how to use it.”  The Bro might have to work a while longer until the Alto goes into production.

Shawn’s co-worker and friend will be having a little girl any second. I was racing to get this done before she went into labor and was able to give it to her over the weekend. I told her, “Now you are allowed to have that baby!”

I have to admit that this was a difficult one to let go, I really fell in love with the pattern and color palette. I love doing quilts for baby girls that are in feminine, but not “baby,” colors.  All of the fabrics are from Joann’s and I found half of them in the clearance bin. Crazy, huh? That floral focal fabric is amazing. I wish that I had more of it, but I was lucky to get the last yard and a half off the bolt.

I hand-tied the quilting again. I thought that it would soften up the look and be a nice contrast with the “adult” print and color palette. I purchased some curved quilting needles and this made the process so much easier. No struggling to get through the fabric or pricked fingers.

Good luck to Suzy and Jake, I hope that little Lucy makes her appearance soon!

I very special little girl will be turning seven next week, so I wanted to make her something for her birthday. I’ve been wanting to try out this pattern from The Purl Bee for a while now and thought this was the perfect occasion. The pattern was fairly simple to follow, however I made a few minor changes to the dress. I hope she likes it.