sewtakeahike

Ringing in the new year

 

It's really amazing how much you can get accomplished when you don't have to go to work! Our office typically closes the week between Christmas and New Years and I've been able to spend some quality time in my sewing room. Here's a few of the projects I've been wanting to do, and finally had the time:

 

(Ayumi's patchwork cat mat out of the Spring/Summer 2011 Stitch)

 

 

(another pair of slippers, but this time for L-man. Using Ayumi's pattern once again)

 

 

(Corey's block for Ringo Pie. Her theme is "quilts on a line". So I made a patchwork forest to hang the quilt on)

 

(Camera Man. Amy's Ringo Pie block. She chose the theme of "camera shop". The camera man is based on a man in an illustration by Matte Stephens.)

Matte wanted me to give everyone a friendly reminder that if you use someone else's work, to make sure and ask first. I didn't even think of that in this case, but emailed him after the fact to show him what I had done based off his painting, and he was very encouraging and kind. Thank you Matte for that!!

 

And lastly,

 

(the blue specs pillow. I made this block for inclusion in the book Modern Quilt Blocks, so if you're interested in the pattern, you can find it in the book.)

 

I hope you are having an awesomely fun and productive end of the year. We're ringing in the new year with a party at our home tonight with some friends. Do you have any special plans?

 

Off I go to finish a few things!

~Penny

slippers

 

 

Just another quickie post this evening, sharing the dusktime view out my kitchen door. There is something so comforting about having the soft glow of twinkle lights outside the house.

 

And what home is complete without a new pair of slippers?

 

 

I made them using Ayumi's pattern out of the Summer 2011 Stitch magazine. I beefed up the sole by using a layer of peltex and an extra layer of batting in the sole and upper. I also sewed the binding down by machine. I needed them to be a little more sturdy because I'm using them to wear out on the deck to get in the hot tub! L-man even wants a pair!

Thank you Ayumi for such an awesome pattern!!

And to all of you who celebrate Christmas, I pray your Christmas is filled with joy and peace!!

~Penny

 

keychains and other important things..

 

Have you guys seen these? Leila has come up with the cutest little keychain fob design imo.

If you'd like, you can purchase one that's she's made from her etsy, or, for those of you who want to make one or two or three of your own, she's working diligently to have a pattern available in her etsy after the first of the year!

 

 

And then would you just look at this sweet little coin purse that Kerry sent? I am blown away with her thoughtfulness. She even put a little "P" tag on it for me! I just want to squeeze it everytime I look at it!

She also sent along this text tea towel (hint, under my new fruit bowl). Thank you so much, Kerry for your thoughtfulness!

 

One last thing before I head off this morning. This is L-man's birthday weekend, so I started the weekend with making these cake batter blondies for him.

 

 

He's not a big chocolate lover, so these were perfect for him! I'm serious guys, you need to RUN and get what you need to make them. They really are that good! In fact, L-man ate so many of them that he got a tummy ache. Awwwww! So just don't do what he did and eat 1/4 of the pan and you should be fine and very happy!

 

I hope your day is filled with peace and joy!!

~Penny

the "squeeze"

 

 

The weekend before we moved into our new home, I attended AmandaJean's weekend workshop here in Colorado. She showed us her new QAYG method. This is the quilt I made from her method. Since nearly everything I've gone through since I started this quilt has squeezed me in one way or another, I'm calling it "squeeze".

 

 

The finished size is: approximately 68X85.

I love, love, love the size and how comfy cozy it is!! Thank you so much AJ for teaching us your QAYG method!!

One more quick thing I HAVE to show you!!!

 

 

For our Christmas party at the office, our boss and our wife took us all to a ceramics place and we painted pottery! I painted this bowl with a Cathrineholm design. LOVE!!!

Hope you have a wonderful Friday everyone!

~Penny

favorite things winner

I just have to say, I laughed, I cried, and my heart grew 10 sizes reading all your comments for the "favorite things" post. Thank you, thank you! You have blessed me by taking the time to tell me your favorite memories from times spent with your fathers. I really wish I could respond to each and every one of you personally, alas, time does not permit.

Now for the winner:

commentor #8, Susan, who's comment begins with, "I always used to help my Dad with fix it chores around the house. I loved going with him to the local electrician's shop, getting what we needed, and then going out with my Dad and the electrician to a nearby Kresge's (what was called a 5 and 10 cent store in those days) for a coke at the lunch counter."

Susan, please email me with your mailing address and I'll get your package mailed out to you!

~Penny