Stroll Down the Garden Path - Quilt Top Complete!

Even though I have several projects on the go (a few with deadlines coming soon...) I wanted to get this one out of the way.  I'd had it cut and sitting in piles since the beginning of July, and wanted to clear the space it was taking on my desk.

I was inspired by this pattern by Red Pepper Quilts.  I used a combination of vintage sheets, vintage fabric, and a few new fabrics.

It was a windy day when I was trying to take these pictures, and they're a little washed out from the sun.  I'll make sure I get better pictures when I've completed it!

Contents of Package

Sorry to keep you in suspense about my package that arrived a few days ago.  I was excited to open it and find my Basic Grey Sampler I won a few weeks ago!!

It came with several cute buttons and a pretty pink flower.  Once I finish off a few WIPs I'll try my hand at completing this!

Package

This package came for me the other day. What could be inside?   Check back in a few days (when I have more time to take photos and do a proper blog post) and see!

Jump Start on Christmas

I thought I'd get a jump start on some stocking stuffers for Christmas.  I planned on buying some inexpensive towels and adding some details.  I went to Walmart to see what they had.  Their selection was limited but I picked up some feed sack towels thinking they'd do the trick.  I got home and opened the package and was disappointed with how thin and un-square they were.  I still went ahead and created a prototype which looked ok.

I figured if I'm going to go to all the work of making the towels, I want them to last and look nice.  I hopped in my car and went to my local Bed Bath & Beyond and bought some better quality towels.  Now I just need to find some time to work on them...

Current Project

Check out what I've been working on lately:

I should have this quilt top completed soon.  Keep your eyes peeled for a post in the next few days!!

Rainbow Mug Rug

I made a little mug rug.  I can't say who it's for because she reads my blog.  Sorry, Mom, it's not for you...

I discovered the quilting guide that attaches to my machine!  Look at those nice, somewhat even lines!  I don't know why I haven't used it before!  I also tried machine binding.  Normally I like to do my binding by hand, but I wanted to try a new technique.  I can't remember whose blog had the tutorial, but all you do is sew the binding to the front like usual, then pin the back in place and sew in the ditch along the front.  It worked really well for the most part, but there is one place (top of the left side) where things went a bit wonky.

It was a hot day when I was taking these photos.  Cleo was outside, and when she saw my shadow she immediately flopped down in it, glad for the cooler shade.

Pretty Kitty

Mr.  Mouse and I have decided to try and have people over for dinner once a week.  Sometimes our lives get so busy and we can go for months without seeing friends.  When Cleo learned of our plans she requested some new party dresses.  She wants to look her best for company!

I started by taking an old Christmas dress that was too small for her...

...and cutting it up.

I then traced the pieces and added some extra room to make a new pattern.  Mom came over on Monday evening and we started working on some new outfits.  Here's the first one we completed:

I think it fits her quite well!

Maybe I'll add a collar and some embellishments to the next one.