Drop Everything 2017

For the last few years, I have tried to take the twenty minute challenge for the month of February. How hard can it be, spending at least 20 minutes every day for 28 days doing something I love? Sadly, I think we all tend to put ourselves last, so, maybe for February at least, I can try to give myself this treat.

So, for I think the fifth year in a row, here is my pledge:

I, Kate, an easily distracted sewist and quilter (squirrel),  pledge to quilt or sew for at least 20 minutes  every day of the month of February, 2017. In doing so, I hope to get something (really anything ) DONE, reducing the amount that my family will have to dispose of later. I will also endeavor,  as far as possible, to use the supplies I already have on hand, to complete my projects.  In this way, I hope to further reduce my materials at hand.

Last year I completed this bag. And it was entirely from my stash.

I obviously need a new handbag, this one is so last year.

I need to get a couple of tote bag samples finished, and today, I got off to a good start for the month.

I cut the fabric for the back of the first bag, cut some batting and did some quilting. I was looking through my thread stash and found the perfect thread. I think it followed me home from a quilt show a few years ago.

Doesn't everyone have a spool of thread in shades of hot pink, turquoise, purple, and royal blue?

It disappears on the Laurel Burch fabric.

The back of the bag is a solid piece of fabric, and I think I might have some fun and quilt the whole thing with this.

Progress - Drop Everything Day 11

My journal says that I have been pretty consistent at working on something every day. Some days I sew for 2 hours, other days, I read patterns for 20 minutes. My challenge, my rules, so it all counts!

I received the pattern for the February bag for the Bag of the Month club. It is called the Window Shopper Tote, and it is huge! I expect it will make a great travel bag. You can see samples of it here.

Meanwhile, I am making progress on my January bag.

The outer shell of the bag is finished. Like a recipe I have never done before, I am following the instructions pretty much as given.  Looking at it, I see things I would change if I ever make it again. I think I would make it a bit smaller, to begin with. The bag is much larger then my usual purse. However, there is room for my knitting project bag along with my usual stuff.

The outer pockets don't sit quite the way I would like. I think if I do it again, I would add some fleece to the outer pocket. The pattern calls for just one layer of interfacing. Since the outer pockets have magnetic snaps, I think a stiffer pocket would be more to my liking. I also think I would skip the back pocket (which is the same as the front) and put in a zippered pocket at the back, for my keys and phone.

Finally, I think I would replace the twist lock with an inset zipper.

While the twist lock looks fabulous, very professional, it is really hard to install, requiring assistance from the resident brawn, as well as a punch to make the holes. It looks lovely and shiny, now that it is in. You can see the camera reflected in the plate around it.




Next up is a zippered pocket in the lining.

My initial plan was to use the purple zipper (of course), but I am going to line the pocket in hot pink, so I am thinking the blue might be better.

The white, which goes with both fabrics will just be lost, I think. Although, looking at the picture, maybe it is the right choice.



In my spare time, I have been continuing work on my lace socks.  The heel is turned, and the foot is nearly half done.

I used an "Eye of Partridge" heel, and I think it suits the sock, nicely. The yarn is a bright white, with a sparkle in it, but I took the picture late last night, so it looks ecru.

Hint of the Week (thanks, Michelle): My machine started making a loud clunking noise, so I cleaned under the bobbin. Now it is nice and quiet, again. When was the last time you cleaned the lint out of the bobbin area?

Happy Groundhog Day!

I learned today that another name for a groundhog is a whistlepig. One should never stop learning!

I love buying pots of flowering bulbs in February, and this week, I have a pot of purple hyacinth.

I was surprised and pleased that I have some people joining me, on my 29 day effort to spend at least 20 minutes a day on projects they wish to finish. Some are knitting and some are sewing. Welcome all, I enjoy company.

Today, I spent about 2 hours in my sewing room. Of course, much of it was spent cleaning up my teabag wallet marathon, and the scraps from 2 quilts I have put bindings on over the last 2 weeks. I also need to figure out where I had left off on my Backgammon Bag.

I began cutting out the pieces of the bag, and discovered that I should have cut the bag front and back before I cut the pocket pieces. I was left without a piece of fabric big enough to make the back of the bag (whoops). Ever resourceful, I did a bit of piecing. The seam will be inside the outer pocket, so I am sure it will be fine.

I have the front and back of the bag and the outside pockets cut.

Next up will be the lining.

I like light coloured linings in my bags, it makes things easier to find. However, the inner pockets will be a surprise, because I can.

Fergus has taken a liking to the TV.

Perhaps he can take me on the cruise he is planning.

Drop Everything and Give Me Twenty Pledge

For the past 3 years, I have taken part in Beth Helfter's blog challenge, to sew or do something sewing related, for at least 20 minutes, every day in February.

This year, her challenge has moved to Facebook. I have nothing against Facebook (well, I have lots of things against it, but I won't go into that here), but I don't DO Facebook.

So, I am going alone this year. I won't be entered to win any prizes, but I don't really care.

So, my pledge:

I, Kate, an easily distracted sewist and quilter (squirrel),  pledge to quilt or sew for at least 20 minutes  every day of the month of February, 2016. In doing so, I hope to get something (really anything ) DONE, reducing the amount that my family will have to dispose of later. I will also endeavor,  as far as possible, to use the supplies I already have on hand, to complete my projects.  In this way, I hope to further reduce my materials at hand.

Last year I manged to complete this clutch, which has gotten lots of compliments since. I figure that is an excellent prize.

So, does anybody want to join me, and get a couple of long running works in progress finished?

Hard at Work

DaGMT 2015 - Day 17

I must admit, throwing myself into my sewing room everyday to sew, is making progress in my project.

Today I made the zippered pocket and attached the card pockets to the base of the clutch.

The side flaps are stitched to the card pockets, so I needed to prop them open to show you.

The zipper pocket is sewn and ready to be attached. I need to do some marking for the stitch lines, first.

I can now see what the finished clutch will look like. I have fabric left over, so I think I will need a matching passport case.

I have found some tools to be essential in getting a good result.

My two basics, Wonder Clips, and my trusty ripper, Jack, have been an important part of this process. The clips hold thick pieces firmly together, so nothing slips. I am sure you know what the ripper is for. I also made liberal use of double sided tape, to hold things in place while I sew.

I think if I spend about one more hour on this, I will have it finished.

DaGMT 2015 - Day 16

I made the card holder pockets for my clutch wallet, today. It is amazing how long these things can take.

It looks like the picture in the pattern, so that is a good thing.

The text fabric is strings of nonsense.

I thought it would make the inside of the wallet interesting, without being overly busy.

And speaking of nonsense, Amazon sent me some craft books they thought I would be interested in.

If you enlarge the picture you will see that the third book down is Advances in Equine Respiratory Surgery. That wasn't a hobby I was planning on trying.

DaGMT 2015 - Day 15 and Flag Day

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Maple Leaf flag. There has been a movement for awhile to make Feb. 15, a national holiday, but so far, it is celebrated in some provinces as "Family Day". Since it is -20C with a stiff breeze today, I imagine there will be a lot of families hiding in their houses.

I feel like there should be snow in that picture.

Meanwhile, I have been busy in my sewing room. I am working on the Necessary Clutch from Emmaline Bags.

There are a lot of steps, and I am trying to manage one per day. Yesterday, I made the flap.

The fabric is dark purple and the lighting isn't very good. The tough part of this is the turn lock. I am not sure I have it perfectly straight, but I guess I can live with it.

Today, I worked on the body. If you look at the fish in the middle at the bottom, you can see the turn part of the lock.

The sun was out and I adjusted the colour a bit, so you could see the purple. I used an old trick from garment sewing and trimmed the seam allowances with my pinking shears. It turned beautifully and is much easier than clipping the curves.

Here is the lining. It is a soft mauve, another word for purple.

Next up, making the pockets.

Gaston has the right idea on a cold day.

I needed to shade his face, so it could be seen in the bright sunlight. Right after I took the picture he gave me a look that said"Get out of My Sunbeam!"

DaGMT 2015 - Day 13

Or Day 4 in my case, since I got lost in the snow for a few days.

I actually got back to my sewing room yesterday.

I spent some time fusing the interfacing onto the pieces for the clutch purse I am making. How can you lose a  1.5" square of Peltex. I am sure I had it on the table, I know I had it when I started. However, when I went to fuse it to the fabric, it was gone. I am sure it will turn up, as soon as I finish the bag.

Meanwhile, I spent some more time on my cat treat bag. I went back to that, today and now it is FINISHED!

I must admit, it was way more work than I thought it would be.  I used scraps of binding, I found when doing some tidying, which saved a bit of effort.

It is far from perfect. The plastic packages are not nearly as flexible as fabric is. However, it is fun and funky and I think it works as a lunch bag.

DAGMT 2015 - Is it February, Already?

I committed to working on a sewing project for at least 20 minutes, everyday this month, and so far, so good. Of course, we are only at Groundhog Day!

Yesterday, when I realized I needed to get started, I took the easy route and went to work on my cat treat bag. While tidying the other day I found a bunch of bits of binding, left over from past projects, so, I put them to use in this one.

I also did some sewing on the side pieces, until my bobbin ran out. I took that to be a sign that it was time to stop!

Today, I started looking for UFO's that I could finish and get off my pile, with a minimum of work.

I have a Necessary Clutch, with the pieces all cut out, just in need of sewing.

It is hard to see, but the fabric is PURPLE!

I have a Trail Tote, which is about 60% finished.

See, it already has its front pocket, with a zipper even.

And I found this pieced top.

It needs a press, then it needs quilting and a binding. And look! I have the binding, already cut and sewn.

Isn't the fabric gorgeous! Doesn't it deserve to get out of my UFO pile!

So, by the end of February, I am going to try to have these 4 projects DONE!

DAGMT 2015 and Other Commitments

For the last two years I have try to commit to sewing for 20 minutes every day for the month of February as part of Eve Paige Quilt Designs' "Drop and Give Me Twenty". This year she has added a Facebook component, however, you won't see me there, since I don't "do" Facebook.

So, here is my commitment:

I, Kate, an easily distracted sewist and quilter (squirrel), am joining Quilting Hottie Haven's fourth annual DaGMT event, and pledge to quilt or sew for at least 20 minutes  every day of the month of February, 2015. In doing so, I hope to get something (really anything ) DONE, reducing the amount that my family will have to dispose of later. I truly think Beth Helfter is brilliant for coming up with this concept and inspiring me to join.

I will also endeavor to use only the supplies I already own, though no promises. Just an honest intention.

My friend, Cheryl, over at the Kingdom of Coco, is holding a contest. She wants everyone to design and make a pin cushion. The details are here.  I am going to join, and I hope you will, too.

I have also been commissioned to knit a baby blanket. I started it a couple of weeks ago, and it is coming nicely.

There are four sets of trees in each repeat, and a total of three repeats. I have the first set of trees finished.  If all goes well, I will have the blanket done by the end of February, as well. the biggest challenge seems to be keeping the Doug hair, which is black, out of the white blanket.

DaMGT Day 18 - Posies Complete

Due to my actually sewing for at least 20 minutes per day, I have completed all 24 sections of my table runner and the top is now complete.

I have about half the papers out. A bit more picking and it should be ready to quilt. I think I will work on another project today.

DaGMT - Day 9 One Down

I have managed to sew everyday, except yesterday. Not bad!
Here is the result of this weeks effort. Each section takes about 15 minutes to complete, so I am averaging 2 per day.

Polly's Posie in Purple. I am hoping that it will look a bit better, once the paper is out (yes, that papers are still in it, until I sew on the corner blocks.) It is really hard to sew through the centre with all the paper in place.

Meanwhile, the Olympics give me lots of opportunity to knit.
I finished my Pussy Willow Socks.

As you can see, I haven't managed to sew in the ends yet. My camera was also insisting that the yarn is blue, when it is actually Lilac. The second picture shows it better.

With the Olympics coming and a scheduled doctor's appointment, I cast on a new pair of socks on Monday. I am making good progress, thanks in part to the 50 minute wait at the doctor's, and my enjoyment of skiing and snowboarding.

A simple K6 P2 rib in a yarn that is purple, navy and dark teal. The picture just can't capture the colour. I am nearly finished the heel, so I should have it done by the end of the week.

DaGMT 14 - 4 Test Pattern

I like the results from paper piecing, but I don't do it often. So, whenever I do paper piece, I have to try to remember how it is done. I find it best if I make a test block, just to see if I really know what I am doing.

My twenty minutes today was closer to 90, as I tidied my sewing room a bit, ironed fabric, cut some strips to try the block and challenged my brain on how this is done.

Tada! I even think the colours work together, although I will leave it where I can look at it for a day or so, before I commit to the whole table runner. Just 23 more to go!

After I finished my project bag on Sunday, I was picking up the scraps and found myself playing with them and my machine. Heather, over at Books and Quilts, inspired me to make this.

I am sending it to my orange grandkittens, in the East.

I am linking to Needlework Tuesday and Needle and Thread Network.

DaGMT 2014 - Day 1

I am off to a fine start. I went into my sewing room to play and managed to get most of this knitting project bag finished.

Don't you just love those cats? I used another couple of fat quarters from my stash, and a zipper from my zipper stash.

Meet my new helper.

It is really hard to get a good picture of a black cat! It was a sunny morning so the image is a bit washed out.  His name is listed as Haldir, a character from Lord of the Rings, but we are calling him Hal (a character from the movie 2001). He is as sweet as he looks and he likes to sleep on my batting.

DaGMT 2014

Beth over at Quilting Haven Hottie has again issued that challenge, and I am taking it again this winter.

I, owner of too many UFOs and/or more fabric than I can hope to use up in my lifetime, am joining Quilting Hottie Haven's third annual DaGMT event, and pledge to quilt for at least 20 minutes,  every day of the month of February, 2014. In doing so I hope to  ensure my children don't someday have to sort through 89 UFOs and then sell them for $5 each at a yard sale and I think Beth Helfter is brilliant for coming up with this concept and inspiring me to join.

Click on the link to the right, and join me!

DaGMT - Day 20

On Monday, I showed some pieces of crazy patch, that I was working on. None of the guesses for what I was making were close. Hard to tell from a couple of scraps of cloth.
I have been working away at them, and they are more recognizable now.

The pieces for the left

The pieces for the right

By now, I think there may be one reader starting to get the idea. (at least I hope she is!)
Here another piece of the project.

I found this in my UFO collection and there is a second one to match. Sometime in the 90's, I bought this pattern.

I did all the knitting, but I guess because I wasn't a quilter at the time, I chickened out on the quilting part.
Though I didn't know it at the time, the pattern is by my friend Cheryl over at the Kingdom of Coco.  I have made some modifications to the pattern, and I hope she will forgive me. I have backed the quilted pieces with polar fleece to make them nice and cozy. All I have left to do is to add the binding to the pieces and sew them into the mitten bases. I wonder why I waited about 20 years to do it.
Although I don't see the pattern for sale on Cheryl's blog at the moment, maybe if you drop her a line, she will find a copy for you.

DaGMT - Day 18

I am falling behind in my posting.

I finished the first fingerless glove.

Still need to weave in the ends, mind you. I took some time out after looking at the picture to redo my nails, since the chips were really showing. (Does that count as needlework?)

I spent some time quilting a vest panel I am making up for a friend. Then I spent even more time picking out the quilting on the vest panel. Note to self: always put the walking foot on, before putting anything with batting in it under the machine.
I have requilted it, but no pictures until I get it finished, since there isn't much to show yet.

Meanwhile, I came across an ancient ufo today, and was inspired to finish it. This is my progress so far.

I like what I have done so far, but you will have to wait to see what it becomes. Of course, you are welcome to guess.