Pinwheels for Anna Bella

This sweet little top is from Kari Mecca's pre-day class at Martha Pullen's School of Art Fashion. I just love the pinwheel toy embellishments with twisted rickrack and the little rickrack daisies. It has little blue linen capri's to go with it, but because I changed some of the trims, they are not quite finished yet. This was a really fun class and I love Kari's techniques for embellishment. There is also whimsy ribbon trim and twisted rickrack along the yoke under the pinwheels. Anna won't be able to wear it for another year at least, but it will be so much cuter with her in it!!

Christmas bibs for Anna

One of the really fun things about having a granddaughter is sewing for her. I get to use all these cute little designs I've been saving. These are the cutest embroidered appliques. They are designed by Jennilee at www.digistitches.com. They'll be on the way to Anna right after I sew a bow onto the top of the tree and package them up!!

The Dreaded T-Shirt Quilt

Okay, I know I said I would never do a T-shirt quilt. I made this for my friend Glenda's son's 30th birthday. He's played baseball since he was a little guy...little league, played for McEachern High School and Southern Poly. So Glenda gathered all his shirts from over the years and I had a tremendous learning experience. Whew what a job! He's also a Georgia Tech fan, so I used GT fabric for the backing and also made 2 pillow cases. I had the baseball fabric in my stash (resource center--thank you, Nancy Zeiman!) from many long years ago...I think I was going to make Randy a pair of shorts or something...

I'm really pleased with how the quilt turned out. Glenda picks it up tomorrow--I hope she is pleased also.

HoopSisters TNT

HoopSisters TNT--Textures and New Techniques--all done in the hoop, piecing, quilting, and decorative stitches. Its going to be pretty small, more like a wall-hanging. I think there's only one more row to go all the way around, but I think I am going to do the optional stipple border.
Next month we add texture. I'm going to use jumbo rick rack in a plum color. Stay tuned...

Grandma Sewing

That's the best kind, huh? Anyway, here's the projects I've been working on for Anna.
Bumper pads: I love classic Pooh and I found this fabric at JoAnn and bought what was left on the bolt. If the bumper pads look this good wrapped around my coffee table, imagine what they will look like in Anna's crib! Adorable!


Catherine asked for a sling so she could carry Anna around the house and still have her hands free for different tasks. I made two. I'm not too sure how well the purple one will work. It's called the Mei Tai. Anna is so small, she might slide right out the side--maybe better save that one til she's bigger. And the ties are so long, they are a little hard to maneuver and get situated. The fabric sure is beautiful, though!

Black & white polka dots. This sling is more for a newborn and might work better and its very fashionable, also adjustable and without long ties hanging everywhere.
I really wish I had the one I made when my girls were born...it was great...sturdy denim and easy to hold a baby in. It was more like a pack and you could wear it in front or back.

Okay, next up--baby quilts...ABC's, circus babies, 5 little monkeys...I am going to be busy and have a blast making them!!

Anna Bella Celes

Anna Bella has arrived! 17 days early and a little bit of a thing, but she is beautiful!
I have sew many sewing plans. Here's a few of the things I've already made for her.
This is Amy Butler's Nappy Bag pattern. Its got lots of pockets inside, including 2 quilted bottle pockets and a cell phone pocket on the outside. I also made a paci pod (to hold pacifiers) and a paci wipes case. These were both done completely in the hoop.
Here's some bibs and a burp cloth. DigiStitches.com has some great applique designs--all done in the hoop--so fast and easy. Also a hooded bath towel for when she's a little bigger.
I just registered for Kari Mecca's Embellishing School for next February! Anna will be the cutest and best dressed little girl on the block! Check out www.karimeaway.com for Kari's sewing with whimsy items.

Almost Finished Pinwheel Party Quilt

I have sewn all the blocks together with little pinwheel cornerstones and sashing. There is still another border to go around the quilt with little pinwheel blocks in each corner. Then it will be completely finished except for the quilting. But, wouldn't you know, I'm about 1/4 yard short of fabric for the last border. I really liked this when I started it a few months ago, but now I am not too sure. I love the 30's fabrics but there is just too much white background. I've wanted to make a quilt out of 30's fabrics for a long time, but this one isn't it. I will probably just finish it up and try to sell it.

I've got ideas for about 4 baby quilts for little Anna who will be here before we know it! And I need to get on to making a diaper bag, and bumper pads for the crib. So this will get put away for a while...