Looking for a huggable Valentine to sew up for the kids? Check out my post over on Tip Junkie for a round-up of softies from around the web to sew for Valentine’s Day. Pictured above: my recycled heart project from a couple of years ago. I’m thinking of making a miniature version to attach to a keychain for my older daughter this year.
I made this tote bag the other day for my daughter’s friend who is moving away with her family. We took it to a party yesterday so that all the kids could sign their names on it. I basically made a pocket that opens like a book so that the kids could write their name and/or a message, then it is buttoned up to keep the messages inside. This design came from my need to keep things looking neat and tidy, I guess.
The white side of the fold-out pocket is made of two layers of cotton fused together so that the writing wouldn’t bleed through. Otherwise, it’s just a simple tote bag. I thought of it too late, but wish I’d stitched “Bon Voyage” on the flap. I bought the polka dot by Cloud9 Fabrics from Melanie’s shop (no longer in business, sadly) and the linen blend is from Kokka as I recall. This seems to be another version with birds on it. Yes, they “put a bird on it”.
Heart Tea Bag from Martha Stewart.
Shot Through the Heart Arrow Garland from Smile and Wave.
Lace Hearts from Michele Made Me.
Vintage Hankie Pillow Covers from Anna of Noodlehead for Elsie Marley.
Padded Fabric Heart from Twirling Betty.
Felt Heart Barrettes from The Purl Bee.
Valentine Scratch Cards from Bloesem Kids.
Mustache and Lips Lollipop Valentines from Family Fun (photo from Blonde Designs).
I guess I’m going to write about this school auction quilt for the next month, because it’s pretty much what I’m doing with my time right now. I’ve also decided that I’m going to write more about process this year since I’ll be quilting a lot and the finished product doesn’t come so quickly.
I changed the color order, made it into a square (below) and wanted to also show you the actual fabrics and embroidery floss colors (above). The fabrics are Kona cotton solids (donated by Whipstitch). I got started on it today with the kindergarten class and it was fun to watch the kids. Several kids had never seen a needle and thread before, so it was amazing to see some enjoy themselves and get excited about it. Others weren’t as interested, but I think it’s always good to introduce kids to new things. You never know who will be the next Valentino.
There’s my daughter working on it below. This project is going to be sooooo slow, but I think that’s a good thing.
I’ve been string piecing this long strip of scraps to make a throw quilt. Quilting is always a problem for me because there are about 400 choices to make in the process, so I often become overwhelmed with indecision. But I’ve just decided that I’m going to sew now and decide if I like it later. We’ll see where it goes next.
