Small Purse

I needed a smaller purse to carry just essentials - it measures about 8x9 inches. I used all fabrics and notions from my stash. The handles and flaps are actually black - not sure what happened with the photo.

Front & Back

Trapper Hat

I wish I could link to the book where I got this pattern, but I returned the book to the library and have totally forgotten the name. But I will look for it when I'm at the library next so I can give the author credit. The pattern called for faux fur on the inside, but I made mine with thick fleece. This will be perfect for snow shoveling, not that I look forward to any of that this year!

Art catch-up

Latest growler bags - made with upholstery fabric

I've been sewing infinity scarves for Christmas presents

This one is mine

My mother is nearly finished quilting my Dresden plate quilt

Here are the blocks early on before being sewn together

I had some hoarded dominoes 

I glued them together to make coasters!

The holder is paper-mâché

Birds for Sale

I completed my 12 small Christmas birds and they are packed in a shipping container for traveling.

I also made another dark bird to take to the sale along with five other birds that are needing new homes.

Please come to the twelfth annual Indy Cloth Dollmakers show and sale at the Irvington branch library from 10AM till 5PM on Nov 22nd.

Birds and Bag

The Christmas birds are coming along. I have eight completed and four more cut out.

I'm also try to make some more growler coolers to sell. Here's one made with cute skull fabric. I tried out clear vinyl on the inside of this one and it was easier to sew than the tablecloth vinyl.

Christmas Birds

I'm making small Christmas birds to sell at the Indy Cloth Dollmakers 12th Annual Show and Sale. The show will be at the Irvington branch library on Nov 22nd from 10AM till 5PM. In addition to sale items, there will be a display of challange creations. This year's theme is Fae Folk in their Habitat.

Autumn

My first cloth doll completed! I have named her Autumn.

Doll Update

She's coming along! Just have to sew on a few more embellishments and make her hair. This is a sneak peek from the back. Come back to see her from the front in 3 or 4 days.

I used a pattern and ideas from Jan Horrox's book, Introduction to Making Cloth Dolls.

Bird * Bag * Doll * Creations

Another baby bird stitched up last week. I did some free motion quilting on the fabric before cutting out the parts.

I also finished up the last bag (of this set) to be sold at Gallery 116. This one is made from some lovely pear fabric that I found at the thrift store.

This will be my first completed doll - hopefully I can finish her up before my doll club meeting next Saturday!

Two More Purses Complete

I have been sewing almost daily and have two more purses completed. These are made from one of my favorite fabrics - previously used on a piece-quilted purse and a few birds.

These two are almost the same, although one is an inch smaller and has turquoise accents on the inside.

All ready to go to Gallery 116 - just want one more before making the trip to Fishers.

New Purse Design

I created a new pattern for making purses. This one has a zipper closure to keep contents safely inside. I have two more cut out and ready to sew. My goal is to complete four purses to take up to Gallery 116 and hopefully sell.

Coolers!

I have completed three of these custom coolers that are made to hold one beer growler. They are made with tablecloth vinyl and insulated lining (Insul-Bright made by The Warm Company.)

The first test carrying full growlers went well - just not sure if the vinyl will hold up with repeated use.

Distelfink and a Doll Head

I made another distelfink - this one in non-traditional colors. My friend gave me some vintage fabric printed with little distelfinks and I used it on the wings and head.

I'm trying out doll-making, too. This is a practice head that did not come out too well. I put the back of the head on upside down and her nose did not fill out properly. The ears are supposed to be elf ears LOL. And next time I will make the eyes and mouth larger.

Next I'm going to practice hands and feet - that should be fun! Arms and legs are also something I've never done, but the body should be a breeze.

Great Weekend!

I joined a doll making group this weekend whose members are both talented and interesting. Check out their blog at Indy Cloth Doll Makers. We had a fun group meeting and there was a lot of lovely show and tell. Afterwards we had lunch at Jokamo's Pizza with more lively conversation.

When I got home, my new sewing machine extension table had arrived. This will make a flat surface for free motion quilting and I really love it. Check out buying one for your machine at All Brands.

The members of my new doll making group wear pin doll/name tags to the meetings. Don't laugh, this is the first doll I've ever made (not counting the corn husk doll at day camp LOL.) She's about 5" tall - the fancy clip on her belly is for hanging the pins I'll receive for bringing completed dolls to the group meetings.

Baby Birds

Two Baby Dark Birds

I made these two birds for my mom's birthday gift. I did a little free motion quilting with shiny thread on the fabric before cutting out the pieces. I sort of followed the batik pattern - or at least started off that way.

Dark Bird

This is a bird for my son - thought I would make it in dark colors for a more masculine look. And I cut out two more that I can sew up for sale.

FMQ Baby Bird

This is a baby bird from the same pre-quilted fabric as in my previous post.

They look cute together and I listed them on Etsy today - wish me luck!

Another FMQ bird

This is a piece of marbled fabric - it's subtle, but it's a "stone" pattern. I wanted to enhance the design, so I used circles for the free motion quilting.

From quilting to bird took about a week and a half. I prefer to take my time and not rush a project!

Summer Purse

This purse is for someone who loves the bright colors of summer! I will be posting it in my Etsy shop.

Two roomy interior pockets

Duck Duck

Another duck made by request.

I used a layered and ripped technique on the wings.

FMQ Small Birdie

My free motion quilting adventure continues. For this bird I tried to do wiggly pasta - mine is more wobbly - LOL

Here is the fabric - or the end that I used for the bird - there's enough more to make another small bird.

Luckily my beginner's stitching efforts do not effect the cuteness of the finished bird. This little guy stands about 3 inches tall.

Free Motion Bird

I have been wanting to try free motion quilting for years, so when I wanted a technique to add interest to my bird bodies, I decided to give it a try. I found a wonderful blog by Leah Day with great instructional videos: The Free Motion Quilting Project.

Of course I'm not making quilts, so I really didn't want a quilt sandwich, but also wasn't sure if a single piece of cotton fabric would have enough body to take a lot of stitching. First I tried a piece of cotton with a piece of thin cotton batting - that worked okay, but I wasn't sure I'd be able to sew and turn the bird. Next I tried a piece of cotton with a lightweight non-iron on interfacing.

I stitched up a 10x10 square with a pattern of elongated e's. I didn't think to take a picture - I was too excited to get to the bird making part!

Finished Bird

Close up

Green Bird

I need to get some more birds ready for sale, but best case, they take 3 days to complete. This is due to the 9 hour hole in my day spent earning a living - LOL - it's all good.

This crazy bird has been half made for a while, so I wanted to give her life. I tried something new on the feet. They're painted and varnished after wrapping with white floral tape.