Show and Tell

I never did post the finished project that I did in quilt class last spring. This post, Quilt Class, will remind you of it. So here is my star table runner hanging on the dining room wall.

My goal was to get it finished by July 4th because a lot of my family was going to be at the house that week. With so much hand quilting to do it took determined effort but I got it done during the last week of June. I was initially going to paint stars on the wall to save on money but when I went to the local craft store for something else I saw that all stars were 50% off so I bought metal stars and painted them instead of the wall. I love the three-d effect.

Now we have started a new project. I love this class because I learn so much! With this project we are learning how to do foundation paper piecing. It really makes me wish I had learned or understood geometry better. Once I could wrap my brain around all the different layers and how the shapes would flip and lay, I got pretty good at.

Start with shapes and paper patterns.

The shapes are sewn directly to the paper in a numbered order creating 8 triangles which are then sewn into 4 triangles, then 2 half circles. I think I held my breath during this entire sewing process. I was afraid that the points wouldn't be lined up or that I'd get a piece in the wrong place or that my circle would be lopsided but with the paper piecing it all worked out perfectly.


Once they are all sewn the points come together and now I need to choose a background fabric.

This is what I'm leaning towards right now. Why am I always stuck on green or red? By the time I add a flying geese border and the edging it will end up as a square wall hanging, somewhere near 36x36. I'm thinking of hanging it in the stairwell on that big empty wall.


And if you remember this post, Sew Crazy, it was the beginning of a new hobby. Actually, it is a stress reliever for me. My family has no idea that when I am downstairs sewing it is usually a pretty good sign that I'm ignoring something else. I really do not like choosing fabric but I love putting it all together.

I tried to turn my hobby into profit when my sister in law, Jessica, offered to take them to the craft fair in Lava that she had a booth in. It didn't turn into much of a profit but sales did bring in enough to cover all of the fabric I had bought so I guess if I sell more that is where the profit will come in. My problem is that I'm not good at trying to sell them, I like giving them away. I did set up an etsy store but I need to get the pictures and descriptions loaded. I'll get around to it when the mood hits. Then, hopefully, it won't feel like my hobby is turning into a job.

Here are some of the bags I've done this fall. (The flower in some of them was just covering the ugly nail that they were hanging on.)


The first set ready to go to the fair

I liked this one when I got it finished so I kept it for myself. I had just enough fabric for a second one for the craft fair.

I had 2 of these and the same lady bought both of them at the craft fair. Either she was giving one away or didn't want anyone else on earth to have one like hers.

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I touched up the pictures to post this on etsy but when I learned that Kara really liked it, I gave it to her instead. Giving is so much more rewarding than selling!

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My first listing on the esty store. I actually have something listed!

The front . . .


and the back

I gave this one that I gave away as a Bunco gift when I hosted in November

Bunco gift

Bunco gift

Bunco gift

One side . . .

and the other side

This is the one I made for Caytlyn for her birthday. She loves anything orange or with a peace sign so I did both. This is also the one that I was in a hurry to finish and lost part of my finger to. This was also my first sewing machine applique project. Thanks so much for the instructions and personal training Jessica!

One side. . .

and the other side.

Someday I might get this one up on etsy. It was a new pattern that I wanted to try and I really liked it. It was simple to do, is a great size and can be easily changed for a variety of looks.

I did this one simply because I love the fabric. Also for etsy. The picture is lousy so I'll have to have a little photo shoot with it to get the listing ready.

I just gave one to mom for her birthday but I forgot to take pictures. She already had one of the very first ones that I made but since then I have learned to adjust the sizes to be a little more practical and comfortable, I've added pockets (most bags now have 3-6 pockets sewn into the lining), and all of my bags now had a magnetic clasp for privacy. She had requested one in black and white and I loved it so much that I may make one for myself.


I'm sure with a closet like this there will be many more to come.


I even have a few ideas coming together.

If only my bulky, bandaged finger didn't get in the way and throb so much while sewing!