GIFT CARD

HOLDERS

These were fun and fast. They are also a great way to use up scraps of trim and fabrics. They can also hole cash  and cards as they have a pocket inside. Once I got started I could not stop! I bet I made 20 in just a couple of days. Each of the grandkids got one with cash for Christmas and then I kept the left overs for gifts later on.

As you can see, I used a variety of themes. The Scotty dog one is for my sister. I kept the ones for the grandsons simple and masculine in theme, while trying to make the ones for the girls a little more fancy!

This is my granddaughter, Kenidy, and her handsome best friend, Issac.
I posted this because the bow tie he is wearing I made the morning of the prom as they could not find one that matched her dress. I think it turned out great...although a little small in my opinion.
I used a pattern I downloaded. In fact, I downloaded 2 free patterns and compared them. I used his neck measurement but I think could have had an inch added from the shirt neck measurement because it is lower than where the measurement was taken.
They seemed pleased; but, as usual, this was a learning experience for me in bow tie making.

They are both seniors and have truly been best friends since 4th grade. We thought 5th grade, but at prom their 4th grade teacher said oh no....it started with her class. She witnessed the friendship develop. I truly hope they are friends for life.

And....they are not too bad looking either! :)

I have been able to sew for couple of days this week. I forget what a great stress reliever sewing is for me even when the pattern is challenging or my project.
I made another Quilter's Wallet and it is indeed a challenging pattern. But, I do love the wallet so will continue to make them.
Here is the results. I got the fat quarters I used in Phoenix. It was fun having my sister help me pick fabrics. I ended up with one too many. I can't say it turned out like in my mind, but I am happy to just have a new one at this point.

Next, I completed another month wall hanging. This time I got all the letters! Think my stems are too big, but again, this project has been waiting in the wings to be make for about 3 years, so who cares at this point!I now have June, October and December left to complete all the months. Better get busy and I might get October's made this year!

This fabric was fun to work with. I made this some time ago for my daughter.

I don't think I have posted this purse I made this summer. It is called the Ying Yang pattern. The curved parts were really a challenge to pull out, especially the denim fabric.  I would use quilt fabric for the next purse and not upholstery fabric. Then, I think it would be much easier to make. The pattern has two pockets inside and that is handy. 

Who can you see in the background?   Gigi, the cat, looks on with approval. If she had her way, she would be inside the purse!

Here is a picture of the drapes I finished for my daughter's bedroom.  Love the fabric!

This is a baby quilt for my cousin who is expecting her first son. I had a ball coloring the boys and then free motion sewing the backgrounds for each picture. She had made a few quilts so maybe she can appreciate the work. But....what the heck. It is the process not the product and I really enjoyed the process. Now, I just hope Owen Thomas Milton enjoys the product for years to come. The red marks at the top of the second picture are drawn with the marker that evaporated when ironed over. l found using a stencil and that marker worked great for quilting the repetitive patterns around the borders and blocks.

This is Erik, my sewing buddy, from Boy's Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. His twin brother Derik is in the back.

Ten kids from the ranch joined the Amarillo Chapter of ASG for 2 days of beginner sewing this summer.

We have the last class August 9th.

They made denim book bags and were a ton of fun!!

This is a picture from the Arizona Sew-In held each June. To the left is Carol, my sister's best friend from childhood, and on the right my sister, Sylvia. I am in the middle. We had such fun spending four days of sewing together along with many other friends. There were about 80 attending and everyone one was doing something different and interesting! I can hardly wait until Sew-In 2015!

I often sew for The Muse in Amarillo and today I completed these King Shams.  The silver streaked burlap was accented with this wide trim, enhanced with a thinner trim sewn in the middle and silver tacks. They are prettier in person, but you hopefully get the idea. These will go on coordinating bedding. Since my sewing quarters are so small now, I no longer do the bed skirts or covers. So, I will try to get a picture of the whole bedding ensemble before it is picked up by customer. Always fun to sew what my daughter designs!

Here is what I have been sewing lately. I took a mini-demo class at  the annual Phoenix Sewing Retreat 2013 and just this summer got them made. [Check out the Phoenix Sew-In link for pictures from 2014 event]
 I waited and bought straw place-mats on sale at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Got one of each color since they were so cheap.
The sun hats fit great and I love wearing them. Have four more to make....may be next summer before that happens. Who knows?
Anyway, I hated to throw away the part not used for the hat so started paying around with it and created a purse for my granddaughters. Used left over fabrics from hat for trim and strap, etc. Used Hot Glue to seal the sides after sewing bias trim around the top. Then added strap, closure strip and button. Hope they like them. Now to get them in the mail.

Sun Hats from straw place-mats and little girl purses from the left over part. Sending those to my granddaughters.

Scrap Bag Pattern....Ying/Yang Purse.

Another project that sat for a year from the 2013 Sew-in. I finally got it made after the 2014 Sew-In. Anyway I really like how it turned out. Used scrap fabric and denim.  It has 2 secret pockets inside and holds a lot. The challenge was turning out the loops at the top! Wow! Took patience and faith.

Here is my first rose on the Yellow Rose of Texas bush I planted in honor of Judge George Dowlen from Canyon, TX. He was the brother of a good friend and a district court judge. I think he would have been pleased to see this first bloom.

 Amazing to me how a dry stick I ordered grew in a few weeks into a plant that bloomed!

Well, that is all for now. Thanks for checking out my blog. More sewing to come...still working on projects from Sew-In 2014 I did not get done. Oh, Dear.