Sewing galore

Finally completed a couple of sewing projects I had wanted to get to.  I'll go over a little of my process and thoughts as practice.  I've been sewing since my mom taught me when I was about 10, and try to find time for some fun projects when I can.  Luckily I have a nice "vacation" to get some projects in right now.

First of all, here is my Cockatiel wall-hanging quilt.  It is about 14" x 16".  This was my first-ever attempt at an art quilt.  It was actually a lot of fun!  I felt like a kid again doing somewhat of a color by number project.

I drew the design myself, then figured out where my pieces should be located and where to use what color fabric.  I traced my pieces onto Steam-A-Seam 2 then stuck this to the appropriate fabrics.  The Steam-A-Seam then became the stencil to cut the fabric out.  This was my first experience using Steam-A-Seam and it was amazing because it has a temporary double-stick nature (hence the "2").  This allowed me to move the pieces around during the layout phase to re-align when necessary.  After everything was lined up, all it needed was some quick ironing to fuse everything into place.

I decided to attempt some stitching work to add in detail and nail down the fabric securely.  Unfortunately, my sewing machine is not set up for free-motion so I had to work in mostly straight (or straightish) lines.  Here is a sampling:

I am pretty happy with the way it all turned out considering it was my first project of this kind and would try another if a good idea strikes.



Ok I found this fabric and fell in LOVE.  It is highly adorable and it has birds - what more could I ask for?  I found this free mini-purse pattern called the Buttercup Bag at Made By Rae's Blogger site and thought it was fitting.  Would like to give her props for writing such a cute and very easy-to-follow pattern.

I have a small bag of extra buttons from garments, and found the black button there.  Easy and fun!

I just completed another bag this morning.  This bag is much larger and could probably fit a notebook.  I found this pattern on artsy-crafty babe's blog.  She has a couple free patterns, including the Pleated Tote found in pdf format.  Another wonderfully put together yet easy and quick pattern to make.  I decided to replace the suggested loop closure with a magnetic snap inside.  I'll probably be using this as a shoulder bag and purse for school.

Well I have a few other ideas cooking up.  I will probably make at least one more of the mini-bag with some other cute fabric I have!  Hope you enjoyed the sampling of some sewing things I do.