Weekly Wip Update

Let’s start off with the fun fact that this is my 200th post. That is sort of cool. 🙂

The last week didn’t include as much sewing time as I would have liked. I lost a couple of days because I was down with a bug. I managed to watch a few episodes of Downton Abbey though so it wasn’t a total loss. (I just discovered the show a few months ago and luckily, Amazon streams it. I have been devouring this soap opera lately, with the Dowager Countess being my favorite character.)

The days that I was able to spend time sewing were mostly productive. I made a few new French Press cozies for my Etsy shop. Beyond that, I started quilting my black and white Stepping Stones quilt. So far, I am quilting along the diagonal, following the black and white squares. I have not touched the tiny HST’s or the blue strips. My thought is to finish the black and white charms and then decide what, if anything, to do with the other smaller parts.

I am using white thread and the quilting is coming along nicely. However, the white stitching doesn’t show up well for pictures.

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I have been alternating quilting a large spiral and then in the next square quilting a loopy design.

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I have quilted about 1/3 so far. Other projects beckoned though and I set this aside for a few days.

I have been having a blast working on my sewalong with Tami of Sew Much for Free Time. Every time I make another friend via this blog, I am just blown away by the ease of the relationship. By now we have been emailing back and forth with progress pictures and ideas. It is so much fun. Our 241 Totebags are swiftly moving toward completion! Working with a friend has kept both of us on track and has somehow made the project seem to come together quickly.  This is my second project using a Noodlehead pattern or tutorial and the directions are just wonderful. So far, I have constructed the entire outer bag and have been working on prepping the inside portion.

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These prints are bright, fun and maybe a little wild but I think they are perfect for the intended recipient.

For the inside, I added one of my Needle and Foot labels. I have just a few left as I normally put these on product that goes into my Etsy shop.

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There are options for zipper pockets on the outer portion but I politely declined the option. (Read, I was too lazy to fuss with a zipper.) I did add a square of Velcro to the patch pocket on the inside (I was feeling guilty.)

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Finally, I made a little attachment to hang a  key chain holder. I love these little guys; saves so much time not having to hunt to the bottom of your bag to find your keys. There is a coordinating key fob in the works.

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Because there will be a bit of tugging each time the keys are hooked and unhooked, I fused some stabilizer to the back for support.

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The lining portion of the purse and the shoulder strap should go together quickly. I’m pretty excited about the whole thing and have a feeling I will make another one for myself.

Yesterday I posted a progress picture on Instagram and guess who commented? Um, Anna Graham, from Noodlehead. Looks like we are sewing buddies now. 😉

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.What a great project this has been. I am going to have to find another fun sewalong/quiltalong type of activity after this. If you have a minute, check out Tami’s progress. Seeing the same pattern come together in two very different colorways is very interesting. They each look very unique.

Linking to Linky Tuesday, Let’s Bee Social and Sew Cute Tuesday! All links are found as always, at the top of the page, under Link Ups.

Craftsy Update:  In celebration of their 5th anniversary, Craftsy will hold a great sale of kits and supplies running May 12th through the 15th. Check it out here!

may craftsy

(I am a Craftsy affiliate and will receive a small payment for any sales that occur via my blog.)

9 thoughts on “Weekly Wip Update

  1. Kate Heads

    Sounds like your bag is coming along great. I love bags with key fobs, that’s why I love Kipling so much, that and the lovely colours and styles and that they are light and don’t pull my shoulder down, and they go in the washing machine………. My husband got me a set of Downton for Christmas, everyone except the last one, love it. Hope you’re over your bug now.

    Reply
  2. Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl

    Congratulations on your 200th post! I’m glad you are feeling better, and I really like the quilting progress you have made so far. 🙂 And isn’t it fun to have designers see and leave feedback on your work??? <3

    Reply
  3. Christine Slaughter

    Yay for 200 posts! Congrats! I’m sorry you had a bug this week. I do love all of your swirls on your Stepping Stones quilt. I really like the thought of doing the HSTs and the narrow parts of the block separately. I wish I didn’t have to get these quilts done so quickly so I could have come up with a plan for those areas. I think you’ll really give some great movement to the quilt with your plan.

    Loving that 241 Tote too! Those fabrics are great, and what a fun surprise to have Anna stop by and comment! Very exciting!

    Reply
  4. Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow

    Glad that you are feeling better. Lots of fun projects going on here! I loved Downton Abbey…discovered it around the 3rd season or so and ordered the DVDs at the time ( no cable TV here )

    Bernie I answered on my blog but will do so here as well. The plastic forks were a tip I found on the Net and they work somewhat. Connie from Freemotion at the River feeds her squirrels peanuts as I do, and just posted about this on Mother’s Day. She puts some rocks, found at the river, in her planters. Probably more attractive than forks, ha ha! This way they decide to leave the pots and planters alone and go dig somewhere else.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Thanks! I will definitely give it a try. We have zillions of squirrels and while they are cute, they can wreak havoc on my deck! I don’t feed them though, they seem to find plenty on their own!

      Reply

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