Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Progress

Yes, I'm happy to report that I have made progress in these first few days of 2011.
First up is this quilt strip. This is the 10th and final quilt strip I needed to send out for a swap. We began last Spring and sent one per month. This one flew all the way to Australia. Now one of my projects for this year is to use the quilt strips sent to me for a cozy comforter for my living room.


Next up is this cute Bow-knot Scarf. While looking online for slipper patterns (my hubby LOVES his slippers!) I came upon this pattern and printed it off to try sometime. A trip to the yarn at Walmart for more black worsted weight and I find this lovely Monet varigated yarn. Well, I couldn't wait to use it and the scarf was just the perfect quick project for instant gratification, so sometime became now and I finished it up in just a few days. I've already started another in a Lion Chenille yarn.








When I tidied up part of my sewing/craft room this past fall, so that I could actually make something in there, I left one spot untouched. And that was my overflowing scrap box. It just was too overwhelming at the time and could easily be ignored if I tried. But for many of the quilt strips I made for the swap, I went looking for scraps in this mess.










So my first project in here for 2011 was to clean up that mess. I spent three days folding, stacking, and tossing out bits of fabric. Now there is no 'yardage' in this box, just pieces big enough for small projects like pincushions, appliques, checkbook covers, etc. I had also been throwing my fat quarters into this pile.
So here they are now, all color sorted, folded and in a 3-drawer container. The small drawer on top holds very small scraps, most left over cuts from patchwork. The medium drawer in the middle holds my fat quarters. And the large drawer on the bottom holds the larger scraps in ziplock bags. And the container fits under my cutting table!







As soon as I had it all organized I was inspired to make something with some of those scraps. I pulled out my pattern for this Coffee Cozy and went to work. It was so easy to see what I had to work with and easy to put it all away when I was done. I quickly cut 10 coffee cozies, pulled rick rack from my trim scraps, and buttons from my button jar. All ready to sit and sew.







I did make a few changes to the tutorial. I added rick-rack along the top edge before stitching the layers together. I continued the rick-rack around one side on this first one but decided to omit it for the rest. Also, using the pattern as is, I stitched a 1/4" seam instead of 1/2" and I used Insul-Bright Insulated Lining instead of quilt batting. Trimming the Insul-Bright close to the stitching helps the seams lie flatter.








I'll keep this one for myself.











I made a few each day and here they are, all 10, complete. Yeah!!!









So, what's next? See my pincushion a few photos back? I think I'll make a few with my favorite bits of fabric.

14 comments:

Nan said...

You were on a roll with those coffee cozies. Good going and spending all that time with the organizing of your fabrics too very good. Now don't you feel better !!

Beedeebabee said...

My goodness, you've been a busy little bee! I love how you organized all those scraps so neat and tidy. It's amazing how a bumbled up box of fabric can be transformed into a lovely little fabric stash!...Your coffee cozies are sooo adorable!...oh, and your bow knot scarf is as well! What a clever pattern and such pretty yarn too! I'd say your time was very well spent indeed! Have a really fun day! :D Paulette

Hearts Turned said...

GOod morning! Wow, you really DID get organized! I'm going to have to start doing that, too...I think we all have a scrap box like that!

Love those cozies--such beautiful fabrics you chose!

Thanks for your sweet visit yesterday, my friend--you're always so kind and thoughtful...

Wishing you a beautiful day today!

Julie

craftyles said...

I love your little cozies-they are so cute. I need to organize and clean my craft room, and after looking at how you organized your fabric -I've been inspired! I've got to get to it. Thanks!

Happy@Home said...

It looks as though your new year is off to a productive start. I love the scarf you made and the colors are so pretty. The coffee cozies are adorable also. The rick rack was a great addition.

very merry vintage style said...

They are just lovely! I admire you for getting organized and then making something right away. So often I get stuck in the organizing and never enjoy the clean room!

Unknown said...

Linda, This is such an inspiring post. On my to do list for this year are some of the things on your list. Making a quilt is definitely one of them. I am fascinated by this strip idea. Buy knitting needles - on the list - I have slippers from won yarn to make. Here January is nearly gone, better get busy! Thank you so very much for your comment left on my tribute post Linda. It has taken me three years to let go of that story. What a burden gone from my shoulders. I wish I had known. Elizabeth

Dru said...

What a wonderful bunch of projects you have going - sounds like me cleaning my space as well. Isn't it funny how clearing and organizing your space brings on a frenzy of creativity!! And then....you have to start all over cleaning and organizing - LOL!! Thank you so much for your visits and such sweet comments - I really enjoy and appreciate them. Hugs, Dru

Sewn With Grace said...

I just love all your creations! I keep meaning to try the scarf and cup cozies and haven't done it. I think I'll give it a try now! Thanks for sharing today. Blessings!

trish said...

Good Morning.
Your cup cozies are so cute!!!
Sincerely, Trish

My Vintage Studio said...

Hi Linda Ruthie.
You won my give away for Valentine's Day gift tags.
Please email me your mailing address. dswideman@comcast.net

Sharon

C said...

Belated Happy New Year Linda Ruthie. I love your little scarf - such pretty colours and it looks so sofe and warm. And as for your coffee cosies - they are great. I love your new organised drawer. Will it last long though!!! Best wishes, Carol :) x

Nancy said...

Hi Linda - I just wanted you to know that I received your absolutely adorable valentine in the mail. I love it....it's cute, cute, cute! Can't wait till I can put this cutie on my blog. I did mine weeks ago but have procrastinated mailing them so they will go out today! thank you sooo much. xoxo Nancy

Laura said...

Wow! You really have been busy. We need to go through our fabric also. The coffee cozys are so cute! We need to get busy and organize our craft supplies and keep up with it so we can find things. LOL's

Laura and Michele