Progress on the Beginning of Christmas

I finally got a bit of sewing done Monday and Tuesday!!

I cut my 5.75 yards of fabric strips for the pink/apricot/purple crazy patch quilt. Sewed them together. And have cut them into 37 twelve inch squares, and taken the pieces left over and sewn them into six medium to large pieces of crazy patch.

I grouped the squares into 5 - 6 stacks, and cross cut for the first crazy patch match. I must sew these together, then cross cut again to keep the crazy patch theme going. Once that is done, they will be cut into same size squares, and sewn into the top of the quilt.

I am thinking now that I might actually have enough for two projects out of this group.

I'll post photos as I make more progress. The combination sounds like a mess, but it is actually bright and lively.

Thinking About Christmas

I have continued my lack of sewing for the past week - again. I just can't get motivated.

But I have been thinking about Christmas. I know these things are on my list:

- Carpenter's Wheel Quilt for brother;
- Pink/Peach crazy square quilt for d-i-law;
- four total flannel p.j.'s for the boys;
- four total satin kimono style housecoats for the nieces and s-i-law(I got the fabric in later spring from http://www.fabric.com when it was on sale for $1.99 a yard);
- four shirts for dh;
- what to make for son, mother, aunt and friends?

Help Me Decide

CLICK TO INCREASE SIZE

I want to make my brother a quilt for Christmas (2008 or 2009??) using the Carpenter's Wheel design. (see a sample pattern at http://www.quilterscache.com/C/CarpentersWheelBlock.html). I've collected eight different wood print fabrics to make this.

In trying to plan the design, I photocopied the fabrics, cut them up into 2 inch squares, and taped together three different blocks (above). The only color that really did not translate in the photos is the cream/yellow wood grain that looks plain white in the photos.

I am undecided about which looks best. I tend to like the first on the left. I like the second as well, but the third looks too busy. What do you think? Leave your comment and help me decice.

101 in 1001

Have you seen the latest thing going around the internet? A list of 101 goals to be accomplished in 1001 days - roughly three years.

This is interesting to me. I guess I am at stage of life where I've been there, done that for so many things. AND it is so easy to loose sight of what you set out to accomplish, with varying demands from work to grandchildren to husbands. I'd like to lose weight, get back to pottery, remember birthdays, etc.

The list is an interesting way to think about what you want to do. I started a list, just to see if I could generate 101 ideas - well I am at 35, many of which are multiple step. Giving it some more thought, I am sure I can get close.

Right now this is just an exercise, but I might consider really doing something with it.

Islander Method Pants - Sometimes I wonder about myself!

Sorry - no photo of this. I used my personally fitted and drafted pants pattern yesterday. I was looking for fabric to use as a muslin, and picked up a crinkled rayon I've had for dogs years - I think mid-80's! Anyway, I transferred the pattern, cut the pattern out, and basted the pants together.

At some point, I realized that the fabric I picked was stretchy. Much stretchier than I thought originally.

The upshot - the pants are really too big to be able to judge fit. However, the crotch length seems to be good, the length is great and the width and fit of the legs seems good.

SOOOOO...I cut out a second pair, in a NON-STRETCH rayon/cotton woven. I haven't put them together as yet, as I need to get a zipper, but I'm hopeful the pants will be a good fit.

I am going to take the big and stretchy, and add an elasticized waistband. They would be great for at-home (NOT even a walk to the mail-box) pair to clean in, paint, or whatever.

It also occured to me that it would be very simple to use the exact same measurements to create a skirt template. No worrying about crotch length, etc., just using the correct . . . ummmmm, dimensions! Once I get the pants down, I may give that a try as well.

Info on the Island method is available at http://www.islandersewing.com./ I am going to investigate this further, as these methods of construction claim to:

• double your sewing speed!
• elevate your personal sewing skills
• create the clean, ready-to-wear finishes in your garmets
• teach construction methods that are the equivalent of the best designers.

All quite noble and interesting claims. As I progress with this pant thing, I'll let you know what I think. There is a three day class offered in the methods, with a four day class to become a certified instructor. Take a look at the website and let me know what you think!