Make a small tote bag

I found a free tote bag pattern and thought I'd mention it so you could download the pattern.  The pattern is a free download, on the ByAnnie website. You have to log into the website in order to download the pattern.  It's found in a download called ByAnnie Basics.

 The pattern uses 3 fat quarters.  There are videos to help as you sew each step.  The pattern calls for a stable interfacing to help stiffen the fabric.  I bought sew in Pellon Thermalam from JoAnn and it works well. One of the fat quarters is used to make bias tape to cover the raw edges on the inside.

The first step has you quilting the outer fabric, Thermalam and the lining fabric together.  I used 505 temporary spray adhesive to hold my pieces together.  I used a walking foot to do the sewing and the quilted fabric turned out perfect.



The pattern was very easy to follow, I hope you'll try making one!  I needed something to carry my sewing supplies when I travel with my machine.










I had so much fun making the first one I made a second one, and I fussy cut the fabrics for that one.

Facebook Marketplace

I have to share my facebook marketplace story! My ironing board is 40 yrs old so I thought I'd retire it and buy a new one. I always check facebook markeplace for things before I buy new so I did a search for Rowenta ironing boards. They are the cadillac of ironing boards costing $200. They are professional grade, built really well, out of steel, are larger and they don't wobble (!). Low and behold there was one for sale in brand new condition for $30! I drove an hour to pick it up and it was so worth it. The man selling it said it was "in his way" and he had never used it in the 8 yrs he had it. I really found a deal didn't I? The ad was up for 4 months! Why another quilter didn't snatch this up I don't know but I'm sure glad I found it.

In Circa 1880 mode today

I just counted the number of different fabrics I have to complete this quilt and it numbers 128. I think that's plenty to make it scrappy! I am interested in seeing how others organize their pieces as they work. I purchased a 3 tier shelf to keep next to me as I sew and it works pretty well. I have my 1" and 1-1/2" strips at hand.





Starching 128 different fabrics was a task made easier with a foldable drying rack.  I have about 95 done, and have 30+ left to go.







Update:  Saturday, Jan. 18   Here are a few of the 2-1/2" blocks, which will finish at 2" when done.  I'm making a queen size quilt which means I'll need more than 700.

Ode to Sewing Machines #26

Many of you follow my "Ode to the Sewing Machine" posts.  We've all seen the ads on craigslist, ebay and elsewhere.  The clueless sellers give those of us who sew a belly laugh, or two!

No one in their right minds would continue reading, but who says quilters are in their right minds, so here's installment #26...

Some people have too much time and paint on their hands.

Check out that description!

These are my first blocks

I'm on my way!  The Circa 1880 quilt blocks measure 2" finished.  It certainly is a challenge getting the piecing exact.  I'm hoping to find a few people to exchange blocks with to make the quilt look more scrappy!  I've decided to make my quilt larger, a queen size, so there will be over 700 blocks in my quilt when it's finished.

Circa 1880 quilt

It's the start of a new year and I wanted a project to give me a challenge.  I found the Circa 1880 quilt and decided this was it!  I'm starting it a year after it was introduced on Pam Buda's website but it's such a great quilt I just had to start it.  Here's the picture ...

You have to open the picture to see the blocks, they are 2" finished!
Over 500 blocks make up the quilt!
Pam recommends spending an hour a day and doing it that way the quilt is finished within a year.



I'm using liquid starch on my fabrics because they will be cut into 1" and 1-1/2" strips to make the blocks.   I've never used liquid starch before.
This is my first batch of fabrics.  I used Retayne on the reds and blues before starching and I'm glad I did.  I put one red in I thought was sure not to bleed and... !

If you are doing the Circa 1880 quilt please leave me a message?  Pam's suggestion of swapping blocks with another quilter helps make the quilt look scrappy and I'd love to swap blocks with you.

Ode to sewing machines #25

Many of you follow my "Ode to the Sewing Machine" posts.  We've all seen the ads on craigslist, ebay and elsewhere.  The clueless sellers give those of us who sew a belly laugh, or two!

"No charge for the machine" and $350 for what's left!  Update: 3 months later
it's still not sold.  Imagine that?