wait a minute...

did i really start a project finish it within a week?

yes!

within two days?

yesss!

i just can't even believe it. i feel like i overcame some kind of demon on this one.



i have been oddly obsessed with my sewing machine lately and decided it was about time i saw a project through from start to finish. i have also decided that i want to create a cute little spring/summer wardrobe for myself this year. tada - look at this lovely little top that i made! i can't wait to wear it with my favorite jean cut offs and my green jelly shoes.

i have also been diligently working on my mini quilt for the doll quilt swap. i am at a bit of a stand still - i can't decide if i like the moss and teal fabrics with the more delicate blue print. they feel heavy - but i kind of like the color play. decisions, decisions...






one last tidbit - i photographed seven bags today to put into my new (& empty) etsy shop. they will be appearing tomorrow - sometime after my tax appointment.

doll quilt swap and other projects.

i recently joined a flickr group called 'doll quilt swap' on a whim, and it just happened that a few days after i joined they announced their 6th group swap. what timing! i joined up and a few days later was given a secret partner who i will be making a doll quilt for. i found so much inspiration in my partners own pictures and favorited pictures, as well as their blog. as i started to wrap my brain around the prject - i found this image which has become my main source of inspiration.



i immediately started digging through my fabric looking for colors and print that would relate to this image but also would suit my partner. i ended up with two solid cottons in moss and teal as well as a raspberry pink print that looks like sprinkles and a new print from jay mccarroll's garden collection.

i have also had my nose buried in kaffe fassett's glorious patchwork and have taught myself how to paper piece. ATTENTION: if you have never tried this method but have the desire to - DO IT NOW! i can't believe how rewarding paper piecing is - and how quick and easy to boot!





flip it over and... tadaaaahhh!...



the above block was my first little test with paper piecing and below is my progress so far with the doll quilt. i hope the colors are right...



i am just a few seams away from finishing the last five blocks, then i will have a better sense of the color situation. i am nervous to rip the paper out, will someone come hold my hand for that step?

snow day, sew day.

i returned late last night from the american craft council show, which was held this past weekend in baltimore. i always love working this show and seeing all of the new and old faces that show up. yes, i should have many more pictures filling this post, but a few of the artists that i approached about taking photos of their work turned me down, so i got a bit discouraged.

tiffany ownbey, a friend, who does papier mache sculpture using sewing patterns and other found treasures :


nicole licht, aka astulabee, who was a part of the altcraft section of the show makes irresistible soft sculptures. nicole was as sweet as could be, i was very happy to meet her and see her work in person.


and hey, why not self promote. here is a shot of our booth. "our" being claudia mills studio, where i work as a production weaver.


now that february and the a.c.c. show are said and done, it is time for me to get back to work. i unfortunately did not meet my february goals, but i had not factored in the measly 28 days that are in february or the fact that my last week of the month would be spend prepping for the a.c.c. show. today i was home because of the snow, though. and i am just a few seams away from finishing my stack of tote bags which will be posted on etsy. for now i will leave you with some teaser pictures...