{Sam's} Quilt

Here it is - my first-ever quilt (and pillow)!!!  I am so unbelievably excited about and proud of this project, I was tempted to keep it for myself.  Alas, I was afraid that would leave its intended recipient cold come winter, so I wrapped it up and passed it along.

I made this, my first-ever quilt, for some friends who are expecting their first child in July.  I decided a little late that I wanted to make them something, so I was afraid knitting or crocheting an afghan would take too long.  After my daily perusal of Purl Bee, I came across this pattern for a Broken Dishes quilt.  I figured that it looked simple enough for my first quilting attempt, but still interesting and intricate enough to hold my attention.  As I headed to JoAnn for fabric, I had the brilliant idea to try to get some colors and patterns that would go well with the bundle I picked up from Purl Soho in March.  After way too long going back and forth along the same four aisles, I settled upon four fabrics - dinosaurs, blue circles, and blue and white solids.  I also purchased two yards of a green, patterned flannel to use for the backing to give the quilt some added softness and warmth.  At home, I was pleased to see how well my choices went with the bundle.  From that, I selected two contrasting polka dot patterns and the solid block.  The next day, I was doing some calculations in my head, and decided that I didn't have enough fabric, so I went back to JoAnn and bought three more - solid yellow, blue stripes, and green animals (elephants and owls!).

Farbics, with backing

I spent the entirety of the next day cutting (after having pre-washed and pressed my fabrics).  I cut each of the quilt top fabrics into 5 1/2 inch squares, and then cut these in half to form the triangles.  After cutting, I realized that I'm terrible at math (well, really reaffirmed this knowledge) because I had enough triangles for two, if not three, quilts! (After some calculations and planning, I think it's enough for half of another quilt.  I'm sort of limited in what I can do since the pieces are already cut, but I have a plan now, so stay tuned to see what I make).

Cut fabrics

Since this was my first quilt, I wanted to lay everything out to see how it would look rather than just diving in and sewing pieces together randomly.  After laying out all this stuff on my bed, I realized I should probably make one of these (especially since I'm now semi-addicted to quilting, or at least thinking about quilting).

Laid out but unsewn

I then paired triangles, pinned them, and organized each column so that I would be ready to begin sewing.

Triangle sections

Because I was so excited about it, this entire project came together much more quickly than I expected.  After just a week, I had everything pieced, basted, and quilted.  I even made a pillow case to match because I had so much extra fabric.  Because it was my first time quilting, I just did a simple square pattern, stitching in the ditch.  I thought about doing the triangles, but more of my corners than I'd like to admit were off, so I would have ended up with some pretty wonky lines on the back.  Squares were a much neater option.

Completed quilt with view of back

Quilt and pillow (with my adorable kitten Cashmere in the back)

Things I've learned while and since making this quilt:
1) Measuring pieces during the sewing process will help keep everything the same size and better ensure that corners will line up properly.
2) I didn't attach the binding correctly.  I still like the look, and it will work well and keep it bound, but in the future I'll use the sew one side and then hand sew the other method (see this tutorial).
3) On the next one, I might try pressing my seem allowances open rather than both in one direction, but we shall see.  I think it depends on the design and how I want to quilt it...

Overall, I'm very pleased with the outcome of this project.  The expectant parents seemed to like it as well.  When our friend pulled it out of the bag, she asked me where I bought it!

Braided Handle Tote Bag

In the last few weeks, I have been completed addicted to my sewing machine.  It started when I dusted off the cobwebs to make the Inside Out Tote Bag and has continued with this second bag made from canvas.  After working with this material twice, I really like it.  It comes in such bright, vibrant colors and the end product is both professional and practical (read: durable).  I found the pattern for this bag on (you guessed it!)...Purl Bee!  I was immediately drawn to the clean lines and rounded bottom (a bit more unique than the standard square tote).  As with the previous tote, I just needed to an occasion/excuse to make it.  Again, I had a friend with a birthday coming up, so off I went to JoAnn, coupons in hand.  After about 5 seconds, I settled on these shades of blue.  Normally picking fabrics takes me hours, so it was nice to be able to make such a quick, easy decision.

I changed it up just a bit by using two strands of the accent shade and one of the main bag color in the handle, rather than 2 of the main color and one of the accent as the pattern directs.  First, I thought doing this would add a little more brightness and fun to the finished product, which it did.  Second, I was able to buy 1/4 yard less fabric than recommended, which means fewer scraps to add to my every growing collection!

I wasn't sure if I was going to add the snaps, but in the end I'm glad I did.  They really do provide a nice shape to the bag, and also act as a closure of sorts.

I think that my friend will really like it.  Hopefully it's professional enough for her to take to her new job, but if not, it will still look great walking around town on the weekends!