The Baby Crazy Quilt

I used to do a lot of quilting. It kept me sane when my kids were young and I was constantly changing diapers, doing laundry, cooking, etc. At a time when almost all the work I did was temporal, I loved quilting because I was creating something that lasted. As the kids grew up, I started doing alterations and custom wedding gowns. I also worked as a Costumer for nearly 15 years. I sewed all the time, and the quilt fabrics got pushed to the back of the stash. 

Things have finally slowed down a little. Close friends were expecting a child in December. The urge to make a baby quilt was strong- and I had time! I have always loved crazy quilts and their rich variety of colors, textures, and design elements. Our friends have a life that is a lot like a crazy quilt- highly variable, and full of the unexpected. I decided to make them an all cotton crazy quilt of predominantly antique colors.

I started by going through my embroidery designs, choosing those that fit them or us or both. 

Once I had stitched out a dozen or so, I cut four 20" square blocks out of tightly woven cotton sheeting. Each piece would eventually be a large crazy quilt block. I dug out fabrics and lace from the back of the stash and purchased a couple special pieces. The first block was the hardest to make. It is more difficult to create scraps out of whole cloth than you might think. Once I got into the swing of it the process became easier.

I quickly learned that I needed a lot more embroidered pieces. I made them all on my embroidery machine.

After arranging the pieces and pinning them in place, I used the buttonhole and feather stitches on my Bernina to hold everything together decoratively.

After sewing the four blocks together, I added a few three dimensional elements.

The quilt is filled with cotton batting and tied. The backing fabric was folded over to the front for simple self binding. 

I enjoyed making it, looking at it, and gifting it.

Sewing With Kids

I have two nieces who enjoy sewing projects. I don’t get to see them as often as I would like, but when I do see them, we sew. It is a great opportunity to pass on skills, knowledge, and passion. Accomplishment also builds a child’s self esteem in a way nothing else can.  

This time I showed up with a couple simple patterns, a large bag full of scraps, some small pieces of yardage, thread, sewing supplies and my trusty Bernina. 

These two girls like accessories, so we made bags and key chains.They made their own decisions about what to make, as well as style and colors. For the record, they are 9 and 11 years old.

If you are fortunate enough to have young sewing enthusiasts in your care, here are a few things to keep in mind:

-Mistakes are normal. Use them as an opportunity to teach. Most sewing mistakes can be fixed. The sooner they learn that, the better.

-Foster creativity. If the child picks a fabric or a combination of colors you would never use, don’t sweat it. You might be surprised at how well the project turns out.

-Don’t tell them something is too hard. If you think something is beyond their abilities, explain the steps involved without condescension. If the child doesn’t balk, move forward. You might be surprised. Adults often underestimate children.

-Don’t exclude interested boys. Some of the world’s greatest tailors and designers are men. Both of my sons can sew, and one of them won a blue ribbon at the fair.
-Don't do it for them. Teach them how to cut out a project, but let them use the scissors. Teach them how to use a sewing machine, then let them "drive." The same holds true for pins and seam rippers. You might occasionally need to lend a hand, but that should be all.

-Be patient.

-Be flexible.
-Stay positive.

-Praise their efforts.

-Keep it fun- for ALL of you. Don’t stress over imperfections or criticize their choices. Find the balance between teaching correct technique and letting the little things go. Someday they may look back on these moments as some of the best times of their childhood, even if sewing never becomes a major part of their lives. 

So how does the story end? Kayla chose a fabric sample that both surprised me(not what I expected of an 11 year old!) and was too small for the pattern. We cut down the size of the bag to fit the fabric. The material she picked made up into a really nice bag.

Emily decided she wanted the quilt block look. She chose four fabrics, so I made her a cardboard square to trace around. Her bag took longer to complete, but I pointed out to her that she had to make fabric before she made the bag.

They both wanted initials on their bags.

After that we made animal and fabric rose key chains to dangle from their bags. All in all, it was a very satisfactory day.

From Simple to Sassy- A Great New Dress!

Usually I write about my own work, but not today!  Bernina USA is holding a competition called the We All Sew Challenge. The idea is to turn a wedding or bridesmaid's dress into something new and fresh. My friend Katie entered, and I think she did a great job turning a very plain bridesmaid's dress into a fantastic little dress that she can wear for a wide variety of occasions. She is in, and now needs votes. Here is the before picture.

and the first of several after pictures- here is the new the bodice. she recut the shape, then added embroidery.

here is the back. the neck closes with a vintage shoe button & loop.

and finally, the full view.

It turned out great, didn't it?
If you are willing, and I hope you are, you can vote for her here:
Simple to Sassy- Vote here!