Another String Quilt

 

Yet another string quilt.  I am getting tired of making them, need to find something different to do with my 1 1/2 inch strips.  This one I did a little different - used white as the center strip.  This seems to tie the blocks together better.  Also did a variety of backings, so the quilt is reversible.  Used the QAYG technique again.  The blocks are 9 inches, so the size of the quilt is 6 x 8 blocks, or 54 x 72 inches.  A good size for a single bed.  I have no plans for this quilt yet.  So it will go in the pile of my other quilts that I don't know what to do with.

Baskets

 

Well, I thought I would give making baskets a try.  Was getting tired of doing quilts, so thought a change would be good.  Not only that, it would use up some of my older napkins.  Unfortunately, they didn't turn out like the pictures on Pinterest.  Not pleased at all with the results.  I thought maybe it was just because I used regular batting instead of a firmer one that was recommended in the pattern.  So I tried a second one using a firmer stabilizer.  Didn't turn out any better :(  So I guess my days of making baskets are over.  Will have to come up with some other suggestions for using up the old napkins.  Was thinking of making bags as my next project - hopefully they turn out better and look more like the pics on Pinterest!

One thing I did figure out was how big to make the squares at the bottom of the bags.  For every inch of the sides, use 1/4 inch corner.  So for an 18 inch square, you would make the corners 4 1/2 inches.  But that is only if you want to make a square basket.  You could do whatever size corner you want - LOL.  

  

Oven Mitts

 

Finally made these oven mitts that I have been wanting for a long time.  Not at all pleased with the result.  Cut the long pieces 8 x 24.  Next time would cut a couple of inches longer and maybe an inch less in the width.  The pockets were 8 x 6.5.  Batting was two layers between the long pieces and one between the smaller pieces.  Used binding around the edges.  Was very thick so difficult to put the binding on properly.  Cut the binding 2" and folded.  Directions called to cut the rounded corners and then quilt the long pieces.  Would sew everything together first and then cut the corners, would make it much neater that way.

Overall, not bad for a first try.  Will use it for a while and see if there would be any other changes I would make.

Mondo Bag

 

My first attempt at a Mondo bag.  Other members of our West Kelowna Quilters have made a few of these and was interested in doing one as well.  Had to buy the pattern as I couldn't find just the instructions on line.  The pattern comes with a grid that you lay out your squares on to quilt.  Didn't use it as I already had some 9 patches left over from another project.  I like how the bag is sewn, kind of like a windmill.  But it turned out very big.  Would like to try again but make it smaller.  Uses a 4 x 12 grid of 2.5" squares.  So maybe 3 X 10 next time.  Will see how it works.

Overall, I am happy with the bag though.  Great for a beach bag where you can put big stuff into it.  Used all leftovers that I had so the bag did not cost me anything.  That is always a bonus!

Donation Baby Quilts

 Going through my sewing room and got a bunch of baby quilts tagged with a label and ready to be donated.  Gave 4 to my daughter to find a home for, but still have some left.  Not sure yet where the rest of these will go.  

(Cat not included - lol)

Book Marks

 

To make:

Cut 3 - 4 x 4" squares (one for the back, one for the front, and one that will be folded over.

Cut 2 - 4 x 4" square iron on interfacing.  Cut one in half diagonally, you will only need one half.

Iron interfacing onto one 4x4 square and the other diagonal piece on the fabric that will be folded in half.  Fold the diagonal square and iron flat.

Stack pieces as follows:  front square right side up, triangle right side up, back square wrong side up.  Sew together leaving a gap to turn.  Clip corners and turn right side out and press.  Top stitch around edge, sewing gap closed.  

If fussy cutting the triangle piece, make sure you have the correct side showing.  (I made that mistake.)

Kitchen Towel Hanger

 

My step daughter sent me a picture of on of these and asked if I could make it.  So I did :)  It is crocheted around a hair band.  Then just straight stitches until a good length.  Put a button on it and left a gap for the button.  Here is a picture of them on her stove.  She no longer has to pick up the towels off of the floor.