Finally finished...

Finally, it is finished!! 

This is a quilted laptop bag for a friend of mine.   This was a learning experience (as most of my quilting projects are).  I believe designing a quilt and creating it is easier than following the pattern for this totebag. :)


I know the next bag I make will be easier.  With each step taken or stitched you always walk away with new knowledge.

I delivered this to my friend and she was very happy with it, which in turn made me happy. :)

Now it's time to move on the "hearts" quilt, but I have a couple of crocheted aftghan's to do first and a block of the month to keep up with... So maybe by the end of May I will be able to start on the "hearts".   The good news is all the "heart" blocks are done and ready to be pieced into a top, so half the work is done. :)

 

keep stitching,

Sonia

Nothing's perfect...

Like life, sewing is not perfect. :) 

There is always a seam that needs to be ripped out or you will see a mistake after a project is completed.

The other day, I was looking at the quilt I have hanging in my living room.  It's the very first quilt I made.  It is full of what I would now call mistakes, but in the beginning I was proud of my creation, not seeing the flaws. 

I am still proud of it but for different reasons.  Looking at my first quilt reminds me that nothing is perfect and with each quilt I learn something new.  I have also found this true with the handbags and tote bags I make.  That's the fun in creating something with your hands; it's growing, learning and accomplishing new ideas each time you work.

So the next time you have to rip out a seam...

:)  Sonia

Happy Memories

“Hannah…”

Seeing the willow tree carved on Hannah's tombstone brought memories back to her. Fuzzy memories that seemed so many years ago. Memories of playing doll house under the branches that reached so low to the ground. A secret hideaway, she and Hannah use to share.

Best friends for over 50 years Sue and Hannah had been connected at the hip. If not every day, pretty near it they spent time together. They planned each other’s weddings, their children grew up together and their families spent holidays together. When Sue lost her husband, Hannah was there and when Hannah’s husband was losing his battle with cancer Sue was right by her side.

It had only been a year and already the earth was trying to cover up the words on Hannah’s stone. Stooping down Sue wiped the leaves and pine needles away from the stone and laid the carnations she carried down next to it. Getting carnations this time of year was hard to do but she had made a deal with the local florist to make sure she had carnations each February. Carnations were Hannah’s favorite flower. Sue remembered Hannah saying once, “Did you know the first carnation on earth bloomed when Mary wept for Jesus as He carried the cross? It’s true, I learned that as a child when I went to Christian school” nodding her head as she spoke.

Sue smiled at the memory, there were so many happy memories to remember. She decided she would focus on the happy memories as she stood to leave.

Crocheted Handbag

After crocheting 4 scarfs I decided to try something new.  Here is a pic of the my first crocheted handbag.  I will be using through Valentine's day.  :)

My next crochet project will probably be a baby afghan but first I need to finishe the quilted laptop bag. Then of course I have the quilts I have planned on for the this year... maybe I can fit the small afghan in between somewhere.  :)


Until next time.. Keep creating...
Sonia

Flannel and Fleece

Here is a quilt I just finished.   It is made of flannel and fleece.   It's the first time I've sewn a quilt with flannel.  I think I will make another in the future but will make it so that it has chenille type seams and will pair it with demin. :)  If I get it done I will post it.  

I plan to make several quilts this year for different holidays.   My next scheduled quilt is a valentine quilt.  I have the blocks ready, just need to put it all together. :)   But first I have a quilted laptop bag I need to get done for a friend. 

Well I guess that's all for now.   Until next time keep crafting.   Don't forget to share your creations here.

Have a great day!!

Sonia

To crochet or not to crochet....

Hello all... hope this finds you doing well.    Well, I'm now into a new project.   I'm teaching myself how to crochet.   I still need to finish the small quilt I started.. plan to finish it this coming weekend.   Priorities... Priorities....  need to just make a list of gifts I'm going to make for Christmas and get started.  Can you believe it?  We only have nine weeks to go!  Wow... time sure does fly.

Well, I'll sign off for now.  Will post pics of the small quilt and any crocheting I get done.

until next time...
Sonia

Autumn... the beginning of many craft projects to come

Autumn is my favorite season of the year.  It's the time when the creative side of my brain kicks into high gear after running on low during the summer months.   It's when ideas of decorations for the holidays and gifts for family and friends begin to come to life.  







To kick off this season's projects, I made a scarecrow to hang in my cubicle at work.













I have also started a small quilt in black and brights (picture will be posted at completion).


Please share your creations too!!


Happy Autumn and Happy Creating!!!
Sonia