WIP Wednesday

This week I'm working on a few custom orders, a pattern review for a PDF pattern designer (which will include some great pics of something I made ON a kiddo - wahoo!), stock for my Etsy shop, and trying out a few patterns I have had for a while and have never sewn up.

Oh..... and Project Quilting!  Guess I should get to work! ;-)

This morning I worked on sewing up six adorable dresses - one for a custom order, the rest for shop stock.

I got them partially constructed..... but I still have a bit of sewing to do tonight!

I posted this picture on my Facebook Page and many people thought the wider chevron was brown / white.  Obviously my computer didn't do a good job of representing those colors (even with an attempt at editing) - it's gray & white!

Sleeves!

I'm considering resetting my expectations for what size project I should / will complete for this week's Project Quilting challenge.  We'll see.  If I don't make a quilt, my plan is to do a quilted throw pillowcase.  Both will be made eventually..... and I guess I'll know better by the end of the week which order they'll be made in! :)

Happy Hump Day (both of our boys LOVE to YELL "hump daaaaaaaaaaaay")

Linking up with WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced - can't wait to see what others are working on!

Confessions of a fabricaholic.....

On January 2nd I accidentally joined a crafter challenge.  I say accidentally because a friend of mine, Alyssa (of Keep Calm and Carrion), knows how much I love fabric and commented that she had added me to "a really awesome group!" in an online thread about fabric / sewing / etc.  I was excited!

I clicked over.... and saw the group was called "Creating 100 items or more" - - - cool!  I'd love to see how long it took me to make 100 items!  I even commented in the group to that effect.  And then I read the "fine print" {it was NOT hidden..... I just hadn't gotten that far yet....}

This was a CHALLENGE.  To NOT buy fabric until I made 100 items from supplies I had on hand.

Wait.... what?!

No buying fabric?

Help!  Get me outta here!  No way!  Shoot - can I delete that post about being "so excited about this group!" quickly before anyone saw it?!  Were all things that rapidly ran through my mind.

But no way.  I had committed {even if I didn't realize it} - - - and I was determined to see this challenge through!

100 items - that's no big deal, right?!  Ha.

There were a few caveats - for those of us who sew & sell, we COULD order / purchase fabric if it was ABSOLUTELY necessary for a paid custom order (but no adding to the order just "because" or to hit free shipping minimums, etc.).  We could also buy batting, etc. if there was a project it was needed for - things that would finish a project created from supplies on hand.

I joined the challenge January 2nd.  I completed my 100th items EARLY in the morning on March 10th (before the kiddos were awake).  67 days.  Though 9 of those days were were on a vacation out of state / away from my usual sewing environment {but I DID end up completing my Project Quilting Challenge 4 quilt there!}.  So 58 days for 100 items?!  Not too shabby!

During that time I only placed 3 small fabric orders - for custom orders - and purchased fabric to sew my PQ challenge 4 piece (as we were on vacation, away from all my fabric).  Woohoo!

It was a definite challenge.... but it definitely taught me a bunch.  I was more focused (I wasn't doing as much online shopping / browsing in my "down" time), I looked at my stash through a different lens (and have some de-stashing to do soon - - - - if I didn't even consider sewing with a fabric during that time, when I couldn't buy anything else, I probably don't NEED the fabric.... right?!), and I was much more profitable!  (money coming in, but not going out in the form of purchasing fabric!)

So.... what does a gal who is a self-professed fabricaholic do when she completes a challenge like this?!

She goes shopping..... of COURSE!!! :)

I did some online shopping - and spent an hour or so at Jo-Ann Fabrics by myself - coming home with a nice stack of fabric.

Here's some of what I picked up (though it isn't all here yet.... some is still in the mail!) :)

Bluebird Park Bicycle (in "Tangerine" and "Lamp Post") and Magnolia (in "Grass") - from Southern Fabric

A fat quarter bundle of Art Gallery Fabric's "Chromatics" - from Stash Fabrics 

A couple yards of this adorably retro scooter fabric {I got a small piece of the pink one for free with an order a while back.... and loved it.  I made a few bibs and wished I had more!} - from a member of Fabric Crafters U Bid It Destash (a group on Facebook - feel free to request to join - I'm one of the admins and will help get you added quickly!)

Some yardage of this beautiful print from the Ashbury Heights line by Doohikey Designs for Riley Blake (again, from a Fabric Crafters U Bid It Destash member)

I also have a Rolie Polie of this line on its way to me from Fabric Fly Shop!

And I couldn't resist these cute lil' trees and woodland creatures - from Aneela Hooey's Little Apples line - found on clearance for a STEAL at Southern Fabric

We also stopped by a little local shop we had NO idea existed until just a week or two ago - they sell little bits of crafts, knickknacks, and some fabric!  I snagged these because I thought they were really pretty together - during their 2 year anniversary sale (yay for discounted fabric!)

Like I said.... I have a bit more on its way to me (yes, I went *just a little bit* overboard!) - and bought some pretty fabric at Jo-Ann Fabrics, too.  

But..... now I'm done buying (yah, right you say!).  How do I know this?!  Alyssa and I have committed to another challenge (just between us).  We won't be buying more until we make another 50 items - and we plan on continuing the "50 item then small splurge" challenge the rest of the YEAR.  Yep, all of 2014!

So..... you'd better hold us to that, right?!

:)

Guess we'd better get sewing!  I'm 3 items into the new challenge - 105 items total (which started on March 14th - yes, I did all this damage shopping in 3.5 days!)

Triangles!

I am so sad that this week marks the last regular season Project Quilting challenge for Season 5 - - - I have had SO much fun creating, learning, and being inspired by the challenges, the quilters participating, the Facebook group, and personal challenges I have made for myself.

BUT....

I'm loving the last challenge / inspiration!  Triangles!  Read more about the challenge HERE - over at Persimon Dreams.

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Since I had a few charm packs sitting on my shelf (for over a year?!) - one of which I won during last season of Project Quilting - and more pre-cuts on their way to me {thanks to reaching my 100 item goal and getting to do a "little bit" of fabric shopping!} - I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to sew with them!  I'll combine them with some white-on-whites, and add in fabric from my stash if need be!

Boho by Urban Chiks for Moda // Juggling Summer by Zen Chic for Moda

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Of course, as soon as the challenge posted, I ran over to Pinterest and started looking for inspiration, designs, color schemes, etc.

Here are a few faves I found:



"Lava Meets Sea" - using HSTs - by Coopcrafts



Bliss Quilt - Michelle @ I Like Orange - more HST's with strings
(I have seen this design, or similar, done with LOTS of variations - and with the design offset on all the sides, or centered, etc. - love it each and every time I see it..... so even if I don't do this one this week, it WILL be sewn at some point!)

One of many HST layouts over at Making More With Less

Bev's 60 degree triangle quilt - more strings!

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So many triangles.... so many ideas!

I think I will be working with half square triangles... and the plan is just to start making some HSTs and see where the fabrics take me as far as design!

..... But I have some work sewing that must happen before I do more work on this one (though I do have the 5" white-on-white squares cut!

I'd love to get a pretty good sized throw quilt made..... but if all else fails, I'll scale things back and do a quilted pillow cover! :)

My challenge to you - PARTICIPATE in this week's Project Quilting challenge.  You don't have to be a master quilter (I am FAR from that!).  You don't even have to make a traditional quilt!  You just have to be inspired {and yes, follow the couple rules set out in the challenge post!}

A few fun & quick items you could sew up that would qualify (as long as you did a little bit of patchwork, or used 3 layers, or applique!):
- coffee sleeve
- mug rug
- trivet / hot pad
- wall hanging
- tote bag / purse
- table runner
- table topper
- doll quilt
- "security" sized blanket
- pillow / pillow cover
- headband

Happy Sewing!

Zoe's Quilt - a FINISH! {pic heavy}

Well.... it was a very productive weekend!  When I last left you, I had most of the rows of Zoe's onesie quilt sewn up.

This weekend - I FINISHED the quilt!

I sewed up the rest of the rows and the quilt top was done.  Then I pieced together the backing fabric - using an adorable mini flower fabric in greens & pinks - as well as a few "extra" squares that didn't make it into the front - and some pink & white polka dots, of course!

Then I made a "quilt sandwich" - - - backing, batting, top - - - and spray / pin basted it.

I had to move my sewing machine to the dining room table - to give me LOTS of room to work while quilting!  I used simple straight line quilting about 1/2" on either side of each horizontal seam.

When all the quilting was done, I basted around the whole quilt as close to the edge as I could - just so it didn't wiggle while I was trimming / binding.  This was my view for a few hours Saturday night after the kiddos went to bed {the hubby liked that I was busy - it meant video game time for him!}

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE the dual-feed foot on my Janome Horizon 7700???  Love it.  

Next, I trimmed it up and it was ready for binding!  Isn't the back adorable?!

{don't mind the front-loader photobomb!}

Originally I had a different fabric in mind for the binding.... but then I realized I didn't have anywhere near as much as I needed.  So I auditioned a few fabrics - and even got the hubby's input.  I think he made a good choice, don't you!?

Then I got back behind the machine and stitched the binding on.  LOVE using the foot of my table extension to hold onto that pretty roll of binding - perfect!  (I learned that trick from Maureen Cracknell Handmade - - - and honestly I geek out a little each time I do it because I am SO in awe of her work and I can't help but think "I'm quilting like Maureen!" - yep.... now you know how much of a nerd I am!)

And soon enough...... the quilt was DONE!

{It measures about 50" x 60"}

A big thank-you to the hubby who helped take pictures - even though it was POURING down rain! :)

How fun are those stripes?!  And the flowers?  Polka dots?!  So much girly fun in one quilt!

Then there are all the fun little details that I just LOVE!

Like a First Christmas onesie, little puffs of tulle on some adorable flip-flops....

Bows, ruffles, fan gear....

A special 1st birthday onesie...

Pockets!  LOVE the little pockets (there are a few on the front AND back!)

Each time they wash this, it will get softer and softer.

I hope Zoe and her family LOVE snuggling up under this blanket - and reminiscing about all the memories created wearing all these adorable clothes!

Today I boxed it up and put it on the porch - - - it will be home with their family later this week!

I am so honored to have been asked to work on such a special project - it was truly a joy to make!

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Want to read more about Zoe's quilt {this one took a while, for sure!}

Sort & Design

Cutting & Piecing

March ALYOF goal

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Linking up with A Lovely Year of Finishes - - as this was my March goal {finished well before the end of the month, SWEET!} - I'm entry #21 this month - can't wait to see what others have finished up!

Sharing on "Show Off Saturday" as well! :)

Etsy Feature Friday {AND giveaway!!!}

Happy Friday all!

This week I'm featuring one of the items I use every.single.day - - - yes, something I have actually, purposefully sewn for MYSELF!  {do I have your attention yet?!  If not.... maybe you're reading because you saw that word - giveaway - in the title of this blog post?!}

My hanging kitchen towels are a MUST in this house!

Yellow Utensils Kitchen Towels - Eggo in the Oven

Why do I love them so much?!  Well... with two kiddos who LOVE to "help" us cook / are always underfoot, these towels do.not.disappear!  They stay nice and secure - always there and ready to dry off my hands - or a small dish / cup.  They also don't fall off when I open the oven!

Brown and Blue Coffee Time Kitchen Towels - Eggo in the Oven

Yep.... LOVE!  There are just two sets left in my Etsy shop - guess it's time for me to sew up some more!

Oh... and they make awesome host / hostess gifts - or housewarming gifts.  They'll snap around anything - fridge handle, oven handle, cabinet pull.... I just can't say enough about how great they are!

Okay, okay - enough chitter chatter.  I know you are wondering how you can WIN a set of these oh-so-awesome creations?! :)

Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter yourself to win a CUSTOM set (yep, you choose the fabric!)

You have the opportunity to earn FOUR entries!

1. Comment on this blog post  - which in-stock fabric would you LOVE your towel set to be made from - in-stock fabric is pictured HERE {mandatory}

2. Like my Facebook business page {optional}

3. Follow Sew & Tell on Bloglovin {optional}

4. SHARE about this giveaway - pin, tweet, facebook, blog - however you'd like! {optional}

Wahoo!  Have fun - and good luck!

Giveaway will close at 12:00AM PST on Monday 3/17 - I will announce the winner here in this blog post, and contact them by email, on 3/17.  Giveaway is open to Residents of the US and Canada ONLY.

Congrats to Emma O. (Entry #4) - winner of the set of kitchen towels!  Thanks to all who entered!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WIP Wednesday

While I've mainly posted about my quilting adventures, I actually spend the majority of my sewing time making custom clothes and other items for my business, Eggo in the Oven.

This weekend I worked my way through some custom orders - finishing up a few dresses, pants, skirts, and onesies.  Included in that list is a sibling set - I always love working on these and having fun mixing & matching to create a great coordinated look.

I'm making a dress, tunic, and necktie for the three cuties.  I was able to get the dress and tunic sewn up - - - just finishing up the tie and a few more items and this order will ship out!

Ruffled Wrap Top - size 8/10

The tunic and dress are patterns I am sewing for the first time - - - and I LOVE how they turned out!

"Blondie" dress - size 4/5

Other items on my sewing list for this week / weekend:

Custom onesie

Birthday shirt

Zoe's keepsake quilt

Linking up with Work in Progress Wednesday with Freshly Pieced - can't wait to see what everyone else is sewing!

{and yes.... it's almost Thursday..... I spent all day with a 1.5 year old on my lap / in my arms - sick kiddos are NO fun!}

PQ Challenge 5 - coffee & chaos

This week's Project Quilting challenge had me drawing a blank.  It was a great challenge - - - and I am loving what everyone was inspired by during their trip to the grocery store.... but for whatever reason I struggled finding direction.

I went to a local produce stand and took some photos - apples with raindrops on them, satsuma oranges... but nope.  No design thoughts.

Then the boys and I took a trip to Walmart.  We currently live in a MUCH smaller town / community than we have ever lived in before.  The town we actually live in has one grocery store - and the selection / produce is........ terrible.  The "bigger" town about 10 minutes away has a couple grocery stores and a Walmart.  The Walmart is going through a major remodel that has made it much bigger - - - and it will include more than just the basic fruits / veggies / frozen foods / milk, eggs, & cheese it has carried up until this point.

To prepare all three of us for our adventure, we swung through the Starbucks drive-thru {a nonfat latte for me.... banana bread for the boys!} - thus, inspiration #1 - the {very necessary} latte.

When we arrived, we were greeted by a store that had DEFINITELY changed (again) since the last time we had visited.  Inspiration #2 - the relative chaos - construction, confused shoppers, empty shelves and random pallets of cereal boxes in the clothing department!  Oh... and the chaos of attempting to get everything on a shopping list with a 3.5 year old and 1.5 year old in tow! :)

We walked past a {really, really big} bin of rubber duckies at one point.  Colby squealed as he recognized a few of the ducks - we gave his Grandma & Grandpa (my mom & dad) a box of duckies for Christmas for the vacation / retirement home they are building - there is a creek near the house and they love sending rubber duckies down it to "race" with the boys!  Inspiration #3 - my mom & dad's home-in-progress that obviously NEEDS lots of handmade goodies ;-)

This week I did my first bit of foundation paper piecing - so I figured this would be a great opportunity to practice that!  I drew up a pattern for a travel coffee cup - inspired by a cup of lemonade block pattern I found on Sew Mama Sew.

Of course, I had to make sure it had a coffee sleeve on it - as I gave my parents a set of coffee sleeves {from the black & red fabric} and reusable cups for Christmas - for coffee dates on their porch!  I added a border, trimmed it up, then worked on the back.

To bring in the "chaos" I did some improv piecing using various red / black / grey / white fabrics for the back.  I used a layer of cotton batting, another layer of insul-brite, and the top / back.  I quilted it a bit - with some zig-zags and straight line quilting.  It is about 8.5" square - and we are back from vacation so I was working in my home studio {in between LOTS of custom order work, life with 2 active boys, and a couple rec basketball games for the hubby's work team!}  In the end - I had a fun little trivet / hot pad - ready for their new home!

I used a fun little loopy built-in quilting stitch on my Janome for the binding!

There will be more coordinating pieces in the future - I bought the red / black coffee print fabric (and a few coordinates) specifically for their house!

Adding my link to the Project Quilting finish post - - - which will open for voting Sunday afternoon!  I'm finished item #18! :)