Tax Organizer

I hate to bring up the "t" word, but tax time is upon us.  I usually do mine in February.  That would give you plenty of time to sew up an organizer to brighten up the task!  This one has loads of pockets and can be sewn using your favorite color scheme.  Then you might even enjoy doing paperwork.  Get the pattern here. 

Feline Friday

So I really have been sewing this week, just no pictures to show for it yet.  I've been organizing my stash and planning future projects.  This week's cat is birdseed.  I had fun arranging him in my backyard and then waiting for birds to come.  Unfortunately, I could not stare out the window all day.  I missed the feast.

I don't know if squirrels or birds took apart my cat.  We decided to let Cloud finish the job.  I call it "Rodent's Revenge".

He enjoyed the irony of it.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Here is a tutorial for fabric fortune cookies!  Great for new years and also for Valentine's Day.  I will be sewing some later today for sure.  Actually it is also my birthday today so I always feel like this is my personal new year starting.  I refuse to do any chores today!

Here are some small quilted bags I did a day or two ago.  Slightly larger than

these in this tutorial. 

Feline Friday- Stuffed Cat

I sewed this Color Me Cat close to 10 years ago and I've made a bunch since then as gifts.  This one's ears have seen better days.  It is plain broadcloth or muslin, stuffed, about 18" tall.  I always include Crayola washable markers because they are the most reliable for washing out.  My kids love drawing on their cats and then sending them through the washer so they can do it again!  Color Me Cat is great for 2-10 year olds for playing with and drawing on; then as teenagers they can use permanent markers and get all their friends' autographs.

I sewed Color Me Cat, Jr. this morning.  He is 10" tall.  I made more pronounced ears on him too.  I just free-handed the shape- I think it adds character.  Remember to add seam allowance.  Stitch around twice to reinforce the seam.  Clip the curves to the stitching before turning.  Stuff and sew the opening shut. 

2012 Free Motion Quilting Challenge with SewCalGal

SewCalGal is offering a sew along for Free Motion Quilting (FMQ) here .  There will be monthly practices to do and experts to help you learn and improve your skills.  This is not an actual class, but a very doable challenge.  I'm excited!  Here is my January assignment completed and I am ready for more!

I started with a 12"x12" quilt sandwich of fabric and batting I had on hand.  I was having so much fun, I did another sandwich until my thread ran out.

I found that controlling my speed was difficult at times and that I got the best results when I didn't go too fast or too slow (with my foot pedal and my hand movement).

I used regular sewing thread because it was what I had on hand.  I was inspired by the heart shaped leaves so I cut up my smaller sample and made valentines!