Needlecase

This needlecase is for Norma for Mother's Day, along with the checkbook cover (below, May 08).  The miniature log cabin block is 1.75 inches.  Each log's finished size is ¼".

Checkbook Cover

This is for Norma for Mother's Day (let's hope she doesn't see this page before Sunday).  I used a pattern from my book, Lively Little Logs.  Even with blocks and pieces so tiny (finished block size, 1.75 inches; finished log width, ¼ inch) (the logs are cut at ¾ inch), the instructions are for regular piecing. 

Knowing that I would achieve far greater accuracy with paper-piecing, I made a block in EQ7 (Electric Quilt 7, quilt design software) and then printed it in triplicate on the newsprint I got from www.dickblick.com. 

I used two layers of light-weight Pellon sew-in interfacing in the pockets, 80-20 Hobbs Heirloom batting in the main cover.  Paper-piecing these little blocks worked like a charm. 

I think I'll make a matching needle case tomorrow!

Disappearing Nine-Patch Mug Rug

Today I decided to join in the Quilt-Along going on in the online Cyber Quilters group.  Several ladies made entire, lovely quilts.  I made an odd little mug rug that's supposed to match this plaid mug.  This will be a Christmas gift for a friend, and I will add packets of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate to the set, and perhaps a chocolate stirring spoon.

Here are the mugs I've collected so far (I need about two dozen more):

Here is the D9P (Disappearing Nine-Patch) block, first step.  

The squares are cut at 4" x 5".

Here it is after the next step -- I cut it apart, then sewed it back together again.  I cut the block one more time horizontally, since it needs to be rectangular, rather than square.

Now to put some fancy stitches on the seams to make it look sort of crazy-quiltish... then some embroidery... then add batting and backing... and, finally, sew on the binding.  I should have used batting with less loft; the rug is too puffy.

Close-up of embroidered teacup

Embroidered teacup close-up

Back

LaVonne's Moss Valance

The valance is done!  It is for a front window that is 108" wide.  The fullness is nearly quadrupled; the two valance sections together measured over 400" before I put the pinch pleats into them.  They are lined with muslin and the top 10" are interfaced with lightweight sew-in pellon.

 

The pictures aren't so great, taken as they were with the valance lying on my sewing table.  Perhaps I'll have an opportunity to take a picture of the valance after it has been hung.

LaVonne's Yellow Curtains

This afternoon I made a couple of curtains for my customer's kitchen door windows.  There will be rods both top and bottom. 

The fabric is cotton/polyester seersucker.

Quilt Labels

Today I am embroidering quilt labels for a customer.  She needs a set of 5.

She wanted them to have a rustic, pioneer look to them.

The label is 4.5" x 3.75".

LaVonne's Valance

This afternoon, I sewed a valance for a customer.  The curtains over which the valance will hang are navy.