Scrap Happy Comfy Cocoa Quilt

A while back, I gathered and cut fabric scraps into usable squares and rectangles. My goal is to start using up these scraps. I’ve started on a “scrap happy” TV-binge-worthy, comfy, cold night for cocoa scrap quilt using 5″ square scraps. I haven’t gotten very far; but am enjoying working with the fabric and color choices.

I’ve got to get crack-a-lackin’ if I want to use it this winter, LOL! Scrap Happy is open to anyone using up scraps of anything and is hosted monthly by Kate and Gun. Check out some of the projects others have created.

Have a good week! — Joanne

The Best Kind of Holiday

One of my favorite parts about Christmas is how my family shares their time and talents with each other. Whether it is sewing, cooking, painting, pottery… it is and will always be treasured. Whatever holiday you celebrate; I hope it was a wonderful time spent with family and friends.

Happy 2020! — Joanne

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Scrap Happy Shoe Sacks

How do you pack shoes when traveling? Not wanting to soil the clothing in my suitcase, I typically reuse plastic grocery bags.  Conscientious reuse of the ubiquitous plastic bag. On my last get-away adventure, a friend tsk-tsked! and gifted me with handmade shoe sacks. Love them! So much that I made a few to gift this Christmas. 

I folded 15 x 15 inch (38 cm) square scraps in half, turned under a top casing, sewed down the side and across the bottom. Easy peasy.

Voilà! Easy to sew, very simple, yet a handy gift. Hope my friends like them. 🙂

Scrap Happy is open to anyone using up scraps of anything to create a new item. It is hosted monthly by Kate and Gun.  Check out some of the creations made this month:

Kate (me!), Gun, Titti, Heléne, Eva, Sue, Nanette, Lynn, Lynda,
Birthe, Turid, Susan, Cathy, Debbierose, Tracy, Jill, Claire, Jan,
Moira, Sandra, Linda, Chris, Nancy, Alys, Kerry, Claire, Jean,
Jon, Hayley, Dawn, Gwen, Connie, Bekki, Pauline and Sue L.

Have a good week! — Joanne

Sewing Room Chaos Conquered

To accommodate a lower table for my sewing machine involved rearranging my tiny sewing craft room – which in turn had me decluttering, tossing and cleaning.

An old dining table was a freebie from a friend. I was using it for as a desk but, it is a perfect fit for my new sewing machine table. The vintage chalkboard followed me home from the school attic. I love it but, it takes up a LOT of wall space. I plan to cover and convert it into a quilt design wall.

The shelves (which reside behind the door) now only hold craft supplies, cleverly disguised in new and vintage baskets. The sewing nook (originally a closet) was tidied up. I keep a Brother Project Runway machine because it can sew over 100 different stitches — not that I use them all. My Juki only straight stitches and there are times I need to zigzig. 😉

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Sewing Room Chaos

I like to stand when sewing so my machine sits atop the counter-height craft table that my wonderful husband built a few years ago. Lately however, my poor foot is telling me to sit down. So, I had to rearrange my tiny sewing craft room in order to accommodate another, lower table for my sewing machine. My room was a dysfunctional mess; which made a supposedly simple task turn into a 3-week revival.

BEFORE IMAGES

It was good to clean out and declutter. In came the FREE sewing table. Out went the old breakfront secretary cabinet and cart. I kept only the items that I will actually use or family pieces I can’t depart with (like my grandmother’s rocks). Up went a pegboard and Kallax cube shelves. Craft supplies, paints, fabrics — now have a proper home. Eventually, I plan to convert the chalkboard into a quilt design wall.

Of course, I needed to add to the chaos and purchased a few more items to stuff into the room. Between coupons , a tackle and bait shop, and an automotive store (yep, you read that right) I purchased supplies for under $10 USD. Quilting notions; what a gimmick!

AFTER IMAGES

I’m pooped. I’m excited. It’s starting to look like a sewing craft room again. Hopefully, by next weekend, I can touch my “stuff,” craft, paint or sew. *happy sigh*

Have a good week!! — Joanne

Favorite 2018 Projects

Over margaritas, quilty friends and I were discussing favorite projects from this past year. I have a few, two of my favorite were an auction package for my school and the Go Teal it on the Mountain. Yesterday, I created a pillow casing from an old feed sack (zipper and all!) and placed a fat feather pillow inside.

Perfect for snuggling up for holiday break TV binge-watching. 🙂 Anyhoo, here are a few of my favorite projects from 2018:

I have two unfinished quilts that I hope to work on next week – didn’t quite get them done in time for 2018. Ah, well. So? I hope to hear about some of your own favorites that you’ve worked on in 2018.

Regardless, Happy 2019! May this year bring you and your’s health and happiness.

Have a good 2019! – – Joanne