Scrappy door-mat

A friend of mine, working in a sewing company, gave me four cardboard boxes full with  fabrics, pieces and samples of fabric they had used for their new collection. There are many cut squares - jeans, woollen and cotton.
Somebody could neglect this fact, but I am so happy. I like using different pieces for small projects.
I need a new door mat so, the small squares were perfect for my idea. They were small - 3 or 4 inches.
I decide to collect them random order in stripes and add more if it is necessary for desired size.
Add polyester batting and back fabric and began qiulting.

I thought it would be good for practice some different samples with free motion.
To my regret it has so thick seam allowances that it couldn't go under my darning food.
I made some running stitches by hand to keep all three layers together and binding.
Anyway I like the colors and the scraps' combination.

Ragtime

After finishing my first rag quilt I received many orders from friends to make similar rag quilts for them. All like the quilt. I told them it is not something special - just many hours collecting fabrics, cutting squares, sewing, clipping the seam allowances and fraying.
This time I used a tiny fusible polyester batting. I recommend it to you if decide to make a rag quilt. Sewing is much easier.
And one more thing I made. I used a paper tape when quilting diagonals instead of drawing a line with a pencil.I think it is very helpful because the tape prevent stretching the top fabric when stitch diagonally.

My table is small to order all the pieces, so I used a floor.

The final result.

 And the back

I appliqued a little heart instead of label.

 

Fly little Ladybird

"Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home
Your house is on fire and your children are gone
All except one, and that's Little Anne
For she has crept under the warming pan."

German folk song

I had an order from a friend of mine for an interesting potholder. I know the shape, but what fabrics to choose.
The original idea is butterfly, designed and made by Laurraine from Patchwork Pottery.
Mine is working similar way, but has a little bit different shape.
I was gifted with a fabric with printed lady bird on it.
What an idea. That will be great!
I have no red fabric with black dots, so I had to applique small dots on the red fabric.
Put some heavy batting for insulation.

And the gorgeous back.

In addition I made another potholder in my favorite orange.

Does it look like an insect? Butterfly? I don't believe.
But they are going well together.

The Clown is alive

After some troubles with my internet provider I am in the global net again.
And you can see the clown paper pieced block alive.

 I appliqued the red nose and stitched by hand  with tiny stitches.

Almost done. The pompons on the dress should be made from felt or to sew buttons.
I am going to use it for a baby quilt so don't think the button is a good idea.
I will thinking a little bit more.

Finished French press

Last night I have a great feedback from wonderful Lisaleh from Modern Balabusta 
She has sewn the French press and a cup of coffee on a mug  rug.

You might say "Paper piecing. So common. Nothing new under the sun."
But look at her tribute. She has embroidered the handle of the cup and the steam of the coffee.
She put a cup a little bit higher the the base of French press. As a result we can see well balanced mug rug.
She is so kind to send me a picture of her work.

I am so happy!.
That's why I like designing pattern. I am glad to see individual tribute of each quilter.
Thank you , Lisa.

The circus is here!

Do you remember the childhood when circus was in the town?
We have eaten sugar floss and candy canes asking for more and more.
Unforgettable happy moments.
Here he is - The clown! A smiling, but sad person.

Do you hear the ringing bells on his hat?

This pattern is available in my Craftsy shop.

Cathedral windows taffeta needlecase

I have seen it in wonderful book "QUILTING 140 practical projects" by Isabel Stanley and Jenny Watson.
I love it, I want it.
I had to be very brave when decided to made this needle case.
This is my first cathedral windows project. It is not complicated, but sewing so small cathedral windows from taffeta seem to be very ambitious.
I have scraps left from my curtains.
At the very first beginning it was easy and pleasant to sew. I cut eight squares, folded and attached following instructions. Cut small pieces for the centers and then began the difficulties.
I was on the way to give up after sewing first square. But it would be pity for the lost 3 hours.
I  kept sewing.

The finished needle case looks so gorgeous.
 I forget about the hours spent in sewing.
Do you like it?
 I have written a tutorial with pics.
1. Cut eight  4 in inch squares. I use 3,5 in square freezer paper for easy folding the ends.

2. Fold each corner to the center point, press and pin.

3. Fold each corner to the center point once more. Stitch the corners at the center.

4. Place two patches right side facing and whip stitch.
There is no need to be so perfect like me :). At the end these places will be hidden.

5. Make 4 couples this way.

6. Then join the columns.

7. Measure the fold from one corner to the center point of the patch. Cut 8 squares in another colored taffeta to this size.  Pin each piece diagonally over the seam. Roll the fold over and slip stitch in place. Do the same with all 4 sides.

8. Repeat with others 7 squares.
Make the cathedral window effect on the patches without additional taffeta, too.

 9. Sew a button on the one side and a fabric loop to the other.

10. Cut the lining fabric to fit the case, adding 1/4 in seam allowance. Press under the seam allowances.

Press the corner this way. It will be easier to stitch to the outside part.

11. Slip stitch the lining to the needle case wrong sides facing.

12. Cut the felt to size and pink the edges. I have added 2 sheets.
13. Place the felt pieces in the needlecase and stitch down the centre line.

Enjoy the result.