Zip Pocket Pouch - Love It!

I was really excited when Keyka Lou began posting the prototypes for this wallet.  The little zipper pocket was exactly what I was looking for, so when the pattern came up for purchase...

So here is my first attempt.  It all came together very well, but I had some trouble with zipper.  I scrapped the zipper foot I was using and just used my general sewing foot, which seemed to solve the problem.  I also made a mistake and forgot to insert the lining piece in the zipper pocket, so when you open it you see the wrong side of the focus fabric.  I can live with that for now, but will definitely pay more attention the next time around.

This wallet is petite, just 4.5 inches wide by 3.25 tall.  I couldn't quite slip my i-phone in the main pocket, but if I widened it by just a smidge...That said, the pattern includes three sizes: this smallest version; a tall, narrow one that will surely fit my phone; and a bigger version of this one that I just made.

Some notes on the fabrics, you need two pieces measuring approximately 12" x 12".  These pieces are from my scrap bin, so the only item I sprung for was the zipper.

Blogger's BOM - Vol. 2

See my first post for the deets on my version of the Blogger's BOM quilt-along, as well as the Blogger's BOM button on the sidebar.  This block was designed by Vicki Welsh of Field Trips in Fiber, and the directions for the block can be found here.

Blogger's BOM - Block 2

I liked this block immensely, but I'm not sure about my fabric choices.  If I have time, I might re-do the block with a white background (seriously, who am I kidding?!).

Designer Mystery BOM - Block 2

This was a very unproductive week sewing-wise.  This block was the only thing I managed to complete:

Block 2 - "Promise of Spring"

Pictures don't do these blocks justice in terms of how complicated the design is and how many steps are involved in piecing .This one, in particular, came together so neatly but did take me a while (an entire week) to complete.

See my first post for the deets.

Designer Mystery Block-of-the-Month: Installment One

This is my first ever block-of-the-month program.  It's so exciting when when the kit arrives in the mail each month, like a little surprise, because you don't know what the block will look like or who designed it until it arrives on your doorstep. 

This is Block 1, called "Sweet Pea," designed by Bonnie Olaveson and Camille Roskelley.

I chose this program for the fabric, Strawberry Fields. I absolutely love this line but am kinda bummed that I didn't order the finishing kit right off. As far as I can tell, it's now sold out, as I can't find it on the store website, but I'll keep my eyes out for it. This BOM is offered exclusively by The Fat Quarter Shop, details here.

Getting better at piecing -- my corners are mostly spot-on!

On Habitat and Economy

This is my third Habitat by Brooklyn Tweed.  If it hasn't become apparent by now, I love this pattern.  This time it only took me about a week to knit, although I had to knit it almost twice.  I started with a left-over ball of Princess in a beautiful orange-red -- I had just a little less than one ball, maybe about 130 yards where the pattern calls for 135 yards for the M/L size.  I ran out of yarn with just about half an inch left of the crown.  So I ripped the whole thing out and knit the S/M size.  I had about two yards of yarn left.

I won't say I regret my effort at economy -- after all, I ended up with another hat and absolutely no wasted yarn!  The only downside was I lost about a week's worth of knitting time.

Swoon Blocks 7 & 8

Block 7

Block 8

Not much sewing, but so many options

I've been busy with work the past two weeks so haven't had much time to sew.  I hate it when life gets in the way of sewing!  And it's always when I'm at my busiest that I see all sorts of interesting quilt-alongs getting started.  Here are just some that have piqued my interest...

Sew Bittersweet Design's Vintage Christmas Sampler

Charming Chatter's Studly & The Mrs. Quilt

Sew Sweetness's 12 Days of Christmas Sampler