Friendship Swap Finale

Knowing that school would be back in session before long and that all of the related fall activities would dominate the bulk of my time, I worked to finish up the last two blocks of the Friendship Swap a bit early just to ensure that none of them arrived late.

This is the block I made for Patti. She requested the Greek Cross Block. I really enjoyed how simple and easy this block came together. I think it's probably a great block for a swap, too, because it will mix and match well with a variety of palettes and because it's quick enough to put together that it won't take long to add any additional blocks to either balance colors or increase the size.

And then there was one.

Though Linda's block wasn't due until October, I plowed through and finished hers up, too. She selected the Maple Leaf Block. This was another very quick and straight-forward block, but every time I see it, it causes me to break into "O, Canada." And, since I don't know anymore than "O, Canada," it makes for a pretty lack-luster rendition. :) Now the fabric, well, that's anything but lack-luster. Check out the rich oranges and elegant flourishes. B-eaut-i-ful!

All that's left for this Friendship Swap is for me to receive my blocks, add a few of my own, and assemble. September is "my month" and, after receiving Saturday's mail, I'm super excited. My first block arrived!

Isn't it gorgeous?! Gaila made this block following the pattern I found on Freshly Pieced. I think her fabric selections are perfect. That butterfly in the middle is just a bonus because what Gaila doesn't know is that I have a special fondness for butterflies. I even have one tattooed on my ankle! I can't wait to see how the remaining ladies interpret the pattern and fabrics. If anyone else is interested in adding to my quilt, I would love to include a few more blocks. If you're interested, let me know!

Pee-pee Tee-pee

In February, my friend gave birth to her third son. Not long before, I came across a pattern for Pee-pee Tee-pees, which are just what they sound like; tents for the little wee-wees! After having changed diapers on a girl for two plus years, it was quite a surprise when Connor came along and took every exposure to air as an opportunity to let loose a fountain of urine. I thought these would be the perfect solution!

Aren't they adorable?! I just love them. Little umbrellas to protect against showers, he-he. Well, in theory, they are great. In reality, not terribly effective. My girlfriend was excited to receive these and put them right to use, only to find out that babies are quite the squirmers. Keeping those little tents in place just didn't work out. Oh well, they're still cute...and a great conversation piece. giggle

P.J. Pants Party

My first real exposure to sewing came in 4-H. I remember going to the teacher's home once a week for a few weeks to complete a pillow. It was just a 9-patch block, but I was so proud. We entered it in the fair and I received a blue ribbon. Hm, I wonder what ever happened to that pillow.

A few years later, I watched Dirty Dancing and fell in love with Jennifer Grey, a.k.a. "Baby." I wanted a dress that would spin and twirl just like hers in the final dance sequence. My mother took on the challenge and sewed me a beautiful purple skirt. I adored that skirt. And yet, I have no idea what became of it, either. I can only imagine that I wore it out because I know it was hard to convince me that it needed to come off to be washed!

In high school, I returned to my pillow roots and, with the help of my mother, took two cross-stitch pieces (one made by her, the other, my very first cross-stitch) and sewed them into ruffled pillows. They are memory laden and a staple fixture of my bedroom.

My interest in sewing really bloomed when I was pregnant with my second child. I had attempted to make my daughter a play quilt, but something just wasn't quite right. (For the record, though the quilt wouldn't have won any ribbons from anyone, it was much loved and served as the nap blanket for both of my children during their kindergarten years. So, I guess it couldn't have been all bad.) Nevertheless, I knew that I wanted  to make more blankets and was determined that I learn a thing or two about sewing before trying again.

So, I took a sewing class. I made a sampler quilt top. It is gorgeous. I can't show it, though, because I still have yet to complete the quilting and binding. I've made oodles of projects since, but have never managed to get back to that one. I wonder what the great thinkers would make of this. Anyhow, I did manage to finish a quilt for my second child before his arrival.

The quilt I chose for Connor was nothing especially difficult, but it was the first start-to-finish project I made, creating my own pattern (obviously simple) and diving right into free motion quilting. This, I have not lost track of; my son still uses it on a regular basis. And, my daughter has one to match, in girly colors, of course.

What I have never had interest in is sewing clothing. Which leads me to wonder how I ended up making p.j. pants for myself and children. Well, it all started with a group sewing project to make sample p.j. pants for a themed event at the quilt store. Having succeeded in a pair for myself, though recognizing that there was significant room for improvement, I decided to try again.

Gracie's Pants

 

And because my kids are goofy, here she is having some fun.

Connor, too!

Not to be outdone....

And though Mom could still get in on all the silliness, I would hate to distract from my cutie-pa-tooties, and let's face it, if I got all crazy, my big o' butt would steal the show. So, just a glimpse of my pants.

I thought for sure that this would be the end of clothing for me. However, it's been about a month since I made these and I am itching to find a pattern for some winter nighties for Gracie. Perhaps even a skirt that twirls, too.  :)  Who would've thunk?!