Pickle Dish Quilt

I gave myself a challenge on December 18, 2016, to make a Pickle Dish quilt.  I first saw this creation in Quilt Romance by Kaffe Fasset.  My initial reaction was, I want that, followed by, I'm sure I can't ever make that in my lifetime.

Then it began nagging at me.  I bought some jelly rolls.  They were calling to me.  I joined the Kaffe Fasset Collective Facebook page....so much inspiration.  Then I decided to "just begin".

All was going along just fine, 

fun even, until I started to  join the sort of semi-circle pieces to the ovals and then, heaven help me, add the squares and make them into dishes.

 I read the directions...about eight times.  Made some terrible blocks, nothing matched up.  Watched some youtube videos.  Decided to give up and throw it all away...quickly undecided.  Then looked at the directions one more time. It finally clicked.  The trick was to add the oval to one side of the dish and then add the two squares to the other side.  Then it would all go together in one easy seam.   Once I got my head around it, it was so easy.  I must remember to never give up, that was kind of scary.

So on June 26 while binge watching Downton Abby, I put in the final stitches on the binding.  I feel like I have reached a mountain peak and can see all the world below me.  What an accomplishment.  Along the way, I discovered New York Beauty Quilts.  This will be my next challenge.  It's like taking my notch up a notch.  No fear this time, just reckless abandoned.

 Finished size is 72" x 72"

I chose three borders.  The first is a little 1" black to give it some definition.  Then an irresistible mushy black polka dot on white and the final is a mottled orange batik.  The silver polka dot on black binding completes the picture.  I think this is my signature finish.  I hope I'm not falling into a rut but I really love this on the edge.

 A little sparkle on the back from the crumbs left over from paper piecing.

Machine quilted.  Though not my favorite task, it wasn't too bad.  I kept it simple, just enough to get the job done.  Some in the ditch and some outlining.  This all took about 20 hours..wonder why I don't love that part.  

Tinkerbell's crown

Today's craft was a quick one.  I need to make a headpiece for Tinkerbell for a production of Peter Pan.  I've made tons of fairies, pirates and lost boys, but Tinkerbell was by far the most fun.  Here is her little crown.  I think I want one for myself.

National Craft Week begins!

Well, here it is, March, National Craft Month.  Can you stand it?    I like to challenge myself to a different craft every day of the month.  I must admit, most of my crafts will have some form of sewing involved but I try to stretch my abilities and branch out into new territory.

On Monday I made a tiny teddy bear using Kaffe Fasset Collective fabrics.  The biggest scrap was about 3 1/2" by 2 1/2".  I used a pattern in a book that I got over 25 years ago.  Yes, I hoard books.  I like to call it my library.  Making teddy bears is a truly delightful sport.  Any fabric works.  Really, anything.  All bears are lovely.

 Hand stitching because the machine would eat these tiny pieces.

 Just a dab of stuffing.  Hardly nothing.

 This little charmer needs a name.  I think "Flower" because of his fussy-cut nose.

The inspiration.  This book is full of bear patterns.  I think I have tried them all.

So, on Tuesday I made a tutu for Tinkerbell for a play that I'm costuming.  I think I would be happy making fairies all day every day.  This is just delightful.  I could embellish this for hours but alas I have other fairies who need birthing.

Every girl needs a tutu.  I wish that I could wear this.  It has magic in it.

Today is Wednesday.  Time to complete something that has been in the unfinished pile for a while.  Several years ago a client brought me two chairs.  They had the most exquisite leather seats....which she hated.  I recovered them for her and she didn't want the leather.  Crazy!!!!

So I have kept this leather in my stash just waiting for inspiration.  Now the chairs will spend their life into eternity as a very handsome bag.  I shall carry it everywhere for the rest of my life.  I had to put a zippered pocket on the outside for my phone or I will spend eternity searching for the darn thing.

LION KING, Jr.

Been busy making stuff!
I just wrapped up costumes for Lion King, Jr.  Just before that, I did all of Pride and Prejudice, dresses, dresses, dresses.  Now it is on to Peter Pan.  NO TIME TO POST!

Below are way too many pictures of Lion King, Jr.  There will be more soon.  When I'm not up to my eyeballs in sequins and sparkles, I will add descriptions and happy stories about these.  For now, I have fairies and pirates to give birth to.  So back to the Lab for now.