Giving Quilting a stitch....

I'm taking advantage of my "free" time during summer (between classes and taking Tori places) and giving quilting ago. My dad and sister traveled to Texas to the Neeley family reunion.  I have always admired my cousin Lonette's quilting and finally got the courage to try one myself.  Since I wasn't going to be at the reunion, I felt a little safe concerning possible scrutiny.  Anyway, I already had 4 quilt squares put away for a later project. I got those out and decided to embroider some Texas graphics on 5 more squares.  Rag quilts are easier to put together and likeable. I also cheated by using the stippling pattern on my embroidery machine.  I've got to practice a little more with that.

While they were gone to Texas, I used a few more of the Texas fabric scraps and made a 16" Sprocket pillow. I think it is pretty cute but I will definitely line 
the next one I make. The  tutorial is on the Cluck Cluck Sew website.

My next project is called the Colorful Coins Quilt.  I saw this tutorial also on Cluck Cluck Sew!  It's a great website!  Now I just need to figure out the backing.  I'm thinking of a nice baby flannel.  Then it will top quilting time.  I hope I can do it!  Wish me luck.

A few firsts in my sewing room

I made my first ticker-tape wristlet following the wonderful tutorial of Mandy at Sugar Bee Crafts.  It wasn't so difficult, but I can tell that I need quite a bit more practice.  Anyway, it will suit its purpose.  I needed a little bag for ink pens and my GC ID card for my college courses.

I also made a hooded baby towel for a special little friend.  Easton was born a few weeks ago and I meant to give this to him at the hospital but mom went home too fast.  Oh, well.  He will get it soon.

I entered a Swap-bot challenge to make a potholder for a partner.  I tried to follow some of the neat ideas I had seen through the internet.  This potholder is a little bigger than the norm.  Partly because I embroidered a cute little pig driving a corn-on-the-cob race car on the off-white quilted fabric.  Above the piggy is veggie material formed in a 2" pleat.  Red binding completes the potholder.