One finished, one just getting started

I recently finished a table runner that I just adore. I think it clashes with the quilt on the wall, but I don't even care. I love how vibrant it is, sunny and happy to look at. And cute with pumpkins.

And then there's this one.

I started this little lap quilt over three years ago, for my sister's wedding. She's now celebrated her third anniversary and had her first child. I thought it was high time I get this done. I made the quilt sandwich and started machine quilting it yesterday. I got through about two blocks' worth, decided it looked crummy, and pulled it out.

Hand quilting it is! Chances of it looking great: 200% better! Probability that it takes about 19 times longer than planned: IT IS CERTAIN. But I love it so far.

Bonsai Bag! Or, first completed Christmas gift!

When I saw this pattern at Made By Rae was going to be available, I knew I had to have it. Such a cute, cute bag! BUT- and this is a big but-- I have three small children and really need a big bag these days. So this went to the bottom of my personal list, but, happily, to the top of my Christmas sewing list! This one is for my mother-in-law, and I have one in the works for my mom as well. Maybe a few more, depending on how things go over the next few weeks. Love it!

At any rate, it was a fairly simple and easy project. The instructions were clear, and included some good tips and great photos. (Note: I realized, while reviewing the instructions, that I've been pinning backwards my whole sewing life. Sad!) The finished bag is a nice size for someone who doesn't have three little mouths and bottoms to pack for. Bravo, Rae!

Confetti Quilt

I'm kicking myself here, because I honestly can't remember where I go this idea. It was on some cool sewing blog about a year and a half ago... I thought it was awesome and I wanted to do it. So I did! Make the squares, that is. And then I shoved them all into a ziploc bag and put them away for many moons. A few weeks ago, I got them out and fit them together into this cutie. It's only about 20" square, and I have it thumbtacked to the wall next to my bed. It's so cute and happy. My favorite bits are the sock monkey and the "flippin' Sue" (sunbonnet Sue).

May the Force be with you

Halloween costumes are one of my favorite things to create. Behold, Princess Leia cinnamon roll hair beanie!

Been way too long...

Ok. I was just reading somewhere that November is "National Blog Posting Month" and I *remembered* that I have one. And I have been doing some awesome sewing lately! So I'm going to try to catch up a bit....

I'll start with this quilt. It's a string quilt, and I only purchased the white kona cotton for the middle strings. Everything else came from my stash, except for a few of the oranges, which were donated by my lovely friend Leigh of Sleepytime Sewing. Thanks, Leigh!

Anyhow, I started this about a year ago. It is twin size and for my daughter, who, unbelievably, is 5 now and has never had her very own full size bed quilt. I can't decide what kind of borders to use. I'm thinking a widish white border, then something colorful for the binding. Ideas?

I have another one started for my boy. It is in darker, more manly colors. :)

This week's blog assignment! Totally! Pumpkin Latte is my favorite!!!

You Are a Pumpkin Latte

You are a total homebody. You love the fall because it gives you an excuse to stay home a little more often and be cozy. Fall is your favorite time to cook a pie, read a good book, or watch your favorite movie. You're the type who prefers handing out candy at Halloween and hosting Thanksgiving at your place. You have a lot of different autumn activities, and they all take place inside the comfort of your home.

What Autumn Drink Are You?

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

I want to be Pioneer Woman when I grow up

We have several fruit trees in our back yard. This is the third year we have lived here, and I was unprepared for the bountiful harvest of apples, plums, and asian pears. You see, the last two years, we have regular squirrel visitors who ate all the fruit before it was ripe. But this summer, we had two large, unstable trees removed from the yard, and apparently the squirrels vacated the property as well. So we are full of fruit that is all ripe at the same time. Last week, I bought a canner and we made plum jam and apple sauce. It is delicious. Today- apple butter and plum butter! I feel so industrius and self-sufficient. Plus my house smells really nice!