Quilted Mat Sew Along: Part Three

The last step in the sew along was adding the binding ....

I haven't had much success when it comes to using store bought binding, (think wrinkly and wonky), so for this project I decided to make my own. I used the same grey fabric for my binding that I used for the backing.

Now it's still not perfect and I need more practice to get the corners looking nice but it's my best attempt yet and I love how my mat turned out.

It looks great on my sewing table and it just might motivate me to clean up the rest of my space.

Winter Sewing

The nights are starting to get colder and we've had to bring out the hot water bottles.

Hot water bottle covers were one of the first things that I ever made. That was a few years ago now and they were in definite need of replacing.

I decided to use binding on my back pieces as opposed to hemming them and I love the way it looks.

Joining in with My Creative Space and Show & Tell.

Quilted Mat Sew Along: Part Two

One mat, basted and quilted ....

I used a light grey solid for the backing and matching grey thread for the quilting.

Next step, the binding.

Quilted Mat Sew Along: Part One

This week I'm taking part in the Sew Delicious Quilted Mat Sew Along.

I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me to practice some basic quilting techniques before doing any further work on my lap quilt that I currently have on the go.

I find deciding on fabrics and composition is always the hardest part but once I had that sorted it didn't take long to sew the top of the mat together.

I have a terrible time getting my corners to match up and it makes me a little crazy so I usually steer clear of patchwork projects.

I used my walking foot when sewing my strips together and some of my corners actually line up! As for the others they're all pretty close so I'm happy with that. Also I think that the busyness of the prints draws the eye away from any imperfections.

The next step in the sew along is basting and quilting. Hopefully I'll get onto that tomorrow.

20/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013"

You take every opportunity to scooter to and from school. You love seeing how fast you can go and you're very good at stopping and waiting for me to catch up.

Joining in here.

DIY Earrings

I love jewelry, in particular earrings (though I don't get much of a chance to wear anything fancy these days).

I usually leave the jewelry making up to Phil since it can be quite fiddly and my long nails always get in the way. We make a good team really, I tell him what I want and he puts it together.

These earrings are so sweet and simple that I thought I'd give you a wee rundown on how to make them ....

Supplies:

- Ring size memory wire

- Beads

- Small jump rings x2

- Earring hooks x2

- Jewelry making tools for cutting and bending wire

Make 2

1. Cut one round of memory wire with the ends overlapping by about 1/2 inch.

2. Bend one end of the wire to form a small loop.

3. Thread as many beads as you want onto the other end of the ring of wire. Bend that end to create a small loop to match the other side (the loops should overlap).

4. Thread a small jump ring through both loops and add your earring hook. Close the jump ring and your done.

Joining in with Show & Tell.

19/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013"

You made a lovely card for me, at school for Mother's Day, inside it reads ....

To mum

Happy Mother's Day

I Love You

Love from Riley

You are just the sweetest thing

xx

Joining in here.

Hooded Vest

It would seem that Kid's Clothes Week was just what I needed to get my motivation back ....

I finished this project just in time, the mornings have suddenly turned really cold!

I made a size 5-6 using this pattern here. It was really easy to follow with lots of photos to help along the way. There is a little bit of hand sewing involved, which isn't one of my strong points, but if I can do it anyone can.

It's the first time that I've sewn something like this and considering that, I'm pretty happy with the end result. I used fleece and flannelette from my stash and they make the vest extra warm and cozy.

I had a few issues with the zip and it's a bit wonky but that's just part of the handmade look, right?

Joining in with My Creative Space and Show & Tell.