Playing with scraps...

 

...when I should be cleaning my sewing room.

 

I found these instructions for the disappearing 9 patch quilt block here and thought I would give them a try.

 

 

If you check out the video, you can see how truly easy these are to make.

 

 

These are just my first two....

 

Hummmm.... I am thinking table runner or lap quilt.

 

Hope your having a wonderful Wednesday.

Team Spirit

 

On occasion Mr. Fisherman likes to hang out in scrubs.

He says they are comfy and cool for our Florida heat.

 

I purchased this pattern a few years ago and he chooses the fabric.

 

 

This pattern only takes about an hour and a half to make and it's so simple.

 

Here's the latest:

 

Go Gators!

 

 

Or should I say "Go Seminoles"?

 

 

Yes, you are seeing correctly.

The front is Florida Gator fabric and the back is FSU Seminoles.

 

Mr. Fisherman is a Gator fan but my father was a HUGE Seminole fan so we always had a bit of rivalry going on during football season each year.

Since my father is no longer with us, Mr. Fisherman decided to honor him with a little FSU fabric.

Of course - the Gators are up front!



 

It did take me a little longer to stitch this one up because I changed from blue to garnet thread for all the top stitching and hemming.

 

 

 

GO........

 

FSU Gators?????

:-)



Linking today to:
http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/
http://www.somewhatsimple.com/
http://www.sewcando.com/
http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.com/
http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/

Yummy Fruit Salad

 

 

I made this quick and easy recipe to take to a party Friday night and thought I would share.

 

 For some reason it doesn't look too appetizing in the green bowl, but believe me - it's yummy.

 

 

Ingredients

 8 oz Cool Whip

 14 oz sweetened condensed milk

 1 cup marshmallows

1/2 cup coconut (optional)

 21 oz cherry pie filling

 20 oz crushed pineapple (drained)

 1 cup chopped pecans

 

Mix all ingredients,except Cool Whip in a large bowl.

After all ingredients are well blended, fold in the Cool Whip.

Chill for one hour before serving.

 



 

Marshmallows, cherries, pecans, Cool Whip....



How could you go wrong?



Friday's Favorites

 

Good morning everyone and happy Friday.

My doctor appointment went well on Monday. I am now able to walk on two feet. Yippee!

Even though I still have another month to wear the boot and a month of therapy - I am just happy to be able to stand on two feet.

I have been so busy this week trying to catch up on things I was not able to do before; I almost forgot my Friday's Favorites.

 

The Edge/Joining foot.

 

 

I originally wanted this foot to join insertion lace, but I have found it to be THE most valuable foot in my collection.

 

You can use a small zig zag or decorative stitch to join the two pieces of lace or fabric together.

Here's a photo of a pillowcase using the Edge/Joining foot to join the different laces together: 

 

  

It also sews perfect topstitching.

 

 Move your needle over a bit to the left and let the little flange run along the edge of your fabric.

 

or
 

position the flange so that it is running in the ditch of the seam and move your needle to the right...

or left of the seam.

 

 Perfect every time.

(If you are wondering about the fly... you can see it here).

******
 

You need to stitch in the ditch?

Just position your needle in the center and the flange in the "ditch".

Can you see why it  just had to be one of my Friday's Favorites?


Linking today to:
http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.com/

 

Friday's favorites

College football!
 

The Florida Gators and FSU.

I am taking a little break from sewing another Alma Blouse right now and working on a little something for Mr. Fisherman.

Can you guess?

~ Going sailing ~

 

 

How I wish....

 

This will have to do until I'm mobile again.

 

 

I think this has been the longest eight weeks of my entire life.

 

I have a doctor's appointment on Monday.

 I am hoping he will let me toss the knee walker and soon I will be able to walk again.

Keeping my fingers crossed...



 

The Alma Blouse

 

My semi-wearable muslin....

 

I say semi-wearable because I have a few fitting issues going on.

 

I measured Madeline (my dress form) and made sure all her measurements matched mine.

According to the pattern, size 12 finished bust size is 41 1/2 inches.

Even though my waist and hip size is smaller than the size 12, I went with the bust measurement thinking I could grade the hip and waist down a bit.

Well..... silly me, I chose the size 12 because it was my EXACT bust measurement.

Yep, EXACT.... no wiggle room. What was I thinking?

In my defense, I did try it on Madeline a few times and didn't seem to have an issue.

It was when I tried it on I realized - WAY to tight at the bust

line.

What in the heck is going on?

Then it hit me....

For some reason these dress forms don't have realistic boobs.

Have you ever noticed that?

The bust is shaped sorta like a man's chest - no real cup size.

 

Here is my solution.

Falsies.

 

 

Yep, I stuffed an old bra and re-measured.

Much better.

 

The Alma blouse size 14 finished bust measurement is 43 inches.

I am hoping the extra inch and a half will help solve this issue...

 

 

I think because the bust is so tight, it is causing the drag lines on the sides.

Even though it does fit a bit better on me - verses Madeline, the bust is still a little too tight.

 

The back seems to fit pretty well.

 

 

I have already purchased fabric for a new one in size 14.

I think it will be much easier to grade down the waist and hips rather than doing a full bust adjustment.

Besides, it will give me a reason to try out my new fancy little ruler. 

 

 

It's back to the drawing board cutting table....

 

See ya soon.



Linking today to:
http://mineforthemaking.blogspot.com/



Friday's Favorites

 

Another handy little tool.

 

The SnapSetter

 

My favorite way to add snaps. 

  

Simply position the snap components and fabric between The SnapSetter layers and hammer into place.

Easy as that!

 

The SnapSetter is fun, easy to use and always sets snaps perfectly!

Sewaholic Alma Blouse

 

After much research and comments from a few blogger buddies, I broke down and ordered two of the Sewaholic patterns.
 

I decided on the Alma blouse and the Renfrew Top.

Iv'e been busy tracing and getting all my pattern pieces ready.



I even found a cute polka dot in my stash for my Alma Blouse.

All I need now is an invisible zipper.
I hope to post my finished Alma soon.
Wish me luck!

Friday's Favorites

 

Fusible Fleece
 

  Fusible fleece is truly one of my favorite things.

 I use fusible fleece so often, I buy it by the bolt taking advantage of my 40% off coupon from Joann Fabrics.

 

Below are a few projects I have made using fusible fleece.

 

Totes and handbags

 

Mug mats

Notebook covers and sleeping masks

Coasters

and much more.....

Happy Friday, everyone!

Embroidered napkins

 

~ A thank you gift for a friend ~

Hope she likes it !