Triple-Zip Along

I joined the Triple-Zip Along created by  Debbie at The Quilter's Table.  There are already bunches of the triple zip pouches in the flickr group.  Debbie wrote a tutorial for how to make a triple zip pouch, and Marci Girl wrote an alternative way to finish the pouch here. 

I have made several zippered pouches before and although I was intimidated by the zipper at first, now I love making these little zip pouches!  So quick and easy and the design possibilities are endless!  So much fun and you have a great usable item or gift when you are done.

So when I came across the Triple-Zip Along I decided to go for it!  Of course I chose bright colorful fabrics.

 I made a run to the store for a couple more zippers, and then I got all the pieces ready.

 

 

Here's the finished pouch. I had a bit of trouble finishing the last step, and had to go back and sew further up in order not to have a hole on either end, but after that it turned out fine.

Here you can see the linings  I used the same fabric but oriented it different ways.

This pouch was definitely a bit difficult to complete, but it does make a handy little bag!  I need to order more zippers, then maybe try another. Pop over to the Flickr pool and take a look at everyone else's zips!

Hearts

With Valentine's Day approaching, I felt inspired to make some hearts, so I cut some out from a variety of different fabrics.  A few from some patchwork I did years ago, some from designer fabrics and even one from some old flannel pajamas!  I stitched a few up into stuffed hearts.  That is pretty quick and then I can play with adding embellishments or not, and hand sewing the openings closed.  I like having some hand sewing to do in front of the TV at night sometimes.

Here are a few that are in process - still need the openings stitched up.  I put a bit of trim on the green and purple one. The background is from some freeform patchwork I made a long time ago.  And that red/pink one with the pom pom trim?  That is the first time I have sewn with pom pom trim.  So I am not too unhappy with the results, even though it could be better.  I guess it would be recommended to start out with something straight when learning to sew on trim, but I don't always do things the simple way!

 

 

I have been toying with the idea of making a little quilt with some applique hearts.  I love machine applique and I always love a white background.  I may dig through my stash and plan out a quilt . . .

 

I'm linking up with Fresh Sewing Day  and Small Blog Meet UP at Lily's Quilts.  Buttons/links in my side bar.  Head over to see what everyone has been up to.

Sweet Little Loulouthi Bag

I stumbled across this bag pattern from Craft Apple a while ago and had been wanting to whip one up. Yesterday was the day!  I love this Loulouthi fabric from Anna Maria Horner and love how it looks on this little bag.

I chose where to cut so I could get the front the way I wanted it, but the back (above) turned out OK too.

The lining includes a pocket.  I have to have a pocket in a purse. Don't you?

The handles are bit long for my taste.  I think I would rather have them either a bit shorter and carry the purse on my forearm, or have one strap attached on the sides instead of the front/back so I can carry it over my shoulder.  I may add a velcro closure, too.

But all in all I love this little bag!  All you need are two fat quarters  (my favorite cut of fabric), some fusible interfacing and a small piece of stabilizer for the bottom of the bag.

I usually carry a larger bag, but I am excited to use this one.  Do you have a bag you made that you love?

Flytribe Blog Hop: One Word - TRUE

New drawing in progress

The Flytribe is having a blog hop to get us started out on the right foot for the new year. We are choosing one word to be our guide for the year.  Instead of making resolutions  you choose a word to give you focus.  I know others in blog land have been doing this for a few years now, but this is the first time for me.  It took a few days to discover my word but then last night it appeared!

My word for the year is TRUE.
I want to be TRUE
TRUE to my creative aspirations.
TRUE to what I already have, being thankful and appreciative.
TRUE to myself in terms of not letting the critical, negative self-talk get in the way.
TRUE in terms of being bold enough to step out in faith.
TRUE in being able to set limits with work and make time for the things that really matter to me.

Visit the Flytribe site and see what others have chosen as their word for the year!

February Swaps

Whew!  February was a month with alot of swaps going on.  Lots of sewing, but all of it had to be kept under wraps until things were received by my partners.  There is actually still one swap on it's way to it's new home.

First up - The Potholder Pass 10.  This was my first time to play in this group and it was a wonderful swap.  Here are the potholders I made:

And here are the lovely ones I received from Diane:

Next we have the Mouthy Stitches Zippered Pouch Swap.  Here's what I made for my partner Linda:

Pouch Front

Pouch back

Lining

And here is the beautiful pouch I received from Sheila:

Meanwhile, at Around the Bend and Across the Pond, I added a bit to Sara's starter:

And today I received both Trudi's and Lynz's quilts to add to.

What a busy month!

Love of Art

My art group, Flytribe, is having a Love of Art Blog Hop today and I am linking up!

I love art because it allows me to express myself.  I believe creative expression is good for the soul and I believe in the life-enhancing and healing properties of creating art. Making art is soothing and meditative for me - really gets my mind to another place, and allows me to connect on a deeper level.
The art I'm sharing today is the mini quilt that I made as a valentine for my husband.

The heart is made from my hand painted canvas sewn to a blue background and quilted with black.

A small heart appliqued to the other.

I invite you to check out the blog hop and visit all the other blogs for more art love!

ATCs

My online art group hosts a monthly swap of ATCs (artist trading cards) and since I am being brave and trying to share more of my artwork, I thought I'd give it a try.  I have never made ATCs before, but it was fun to experiment yesterday.  The theme for this month is "Love."

I decided to work with inks and here is what I did.  First a background.  I used heavy, smooth watercolor paper.  I used a brush to wet it with water and then dropped ink from the dropper, let it bleed and run, blotted with a paper towel . . .

Then I used brushes with more ink to create a design and added some pen work to a couple of them.  This is what I ended up with:

  Not sure if I want to add anything else. I need to take a look with fresh eyes later today.


Then I played around with making some fabric ATCs.  Still need to work out the kinks on the fabrication method, but here's a couple of designs I have so far:

So what do you think?  Have you made ATCs before?  What are your favorite media to use?