Zakka Along 2.0 :: Week 11

Now mid-way through the Patchwork, Please sew along, the routine changes just a tad! Beginning today, you'll find the weekly blogger introductions and link ups right here at A Quilter's Table, so welcome! We've got lots of fun sewing yet to do!

First let's take a quick glance back at last week's Bloom Time Quilt projects!

1. Zakka 2.0 Swedish Flower Quilt, 2. Swedish Bloom Mini, 3. Bloom Time Flower, 4. Swedish Bloom bib, 5. Swedish Bloom-Time Lap Quilt, 6. Swedish Bloom Mini Quilt Top, 7. Swedish Bloom Time Quilt, 8. Bloom pillow, 9. Swedish Flower Doll Quilt Top 

Then there's a couple of winners to announce! For Week 10, congrats to link up #3, Quarter incher!

And the 2nd quarter prize, for projects made in weeks 6 - 10, goes to #12, rozina_d!

Congrats to you both!!

For this week, Tamiko of Patchwork Notes is sharing her You’ve-Got-Mail Wall Pocket! She's loved Ayumi's envelope pattern for ages, so she especially enjoyed showing off this project from the book! The prizes for linking up this week are 1 crib-sized package Legacy™ by Pellon® 100% Bleached Cotton Batting + $20 gift certificate to Pink Chalk Fabrics!

 

To link up your project, click on the frog below and follow the instructions. One entry per person, please.

All Sorts of Random

There's several odds and ends to share from the last week or so, the first being that {Sew} Modern Monday is back! Visit Canoe Ridge Creations each Monday to share your latest modern finish!

There's also a couple of fun bits coming up this fall. First, I was invited to participate in the Sew Lux Design Challenge, and my project will be up towards the end of October. Fabric just arrived, so now . . . what to do??

And in November, A Quilter's Table will be one of the stops on the UR Priceless blog hop. I'm really looking forward to putting my touch on this little pouch! (I hear there are still blog hop openings - if you are interested, contact Katherine at Sew Me Something Good.)

I really appreciated this article by badskirt this week, all about checking the accuracy of your cutting mats and rulers. Really, it's worth checking out!          

It's always a please to see one of FAITH Circle's do.Good Stitches quilts completed, and this week Rachel posted about the finished Scattered Gems quilt we made blocks for in July. The blocks I contributed, made with this tutorial, looked like this:

You can see my blocks in the top and bottom 'rows'.

 
Lastly, I was really pleased to see my Zakka mosaic included in Rashida's wrap-up post on the sew-along! And of course it was pretty cool to see my little Triple-Zip Pouch being listed as one of 4 Favorites 4 Friday on the Sewing Summit blog!    

W.i.P. Wednesday

W.i.P. Wednesday seems to find us where we are, doesn't it? And it finds me barely gearing up again with some new projects. 

Completed projects
Zakka Style Sew-Along project #24: Nested Boxes - This project wrapped up the sew along; there's a full post here about them and a farewell to Zakka here.

FAITH Circle Butterfly blocks and Always Bee Learning New York Beauty blocks - one more bee block for September and I'll share about them all together.

Ongoing projects
Modern Crosses quilt - My curio by basicgrey arrived this week, along with the background and backing fabrics. Just to figure things out, I did get one block made. I'm looking forward to seeing this come together.

Mod Pop Quiltalong - Fabric squares are cut, and templates arrived!

Christmas quilt - nothing to share yet, but I did find inspiration for this one finally and have begun cutting fabric.

Dresden project - same as above - inspiration found and some trimming done, but no real progress.

Upcoming projects
* Modern Blocks Bee Stonehenge block NEW
* nametag for Sewing Summit NEW
* scrappy Metrolink
* another frame purse - another sew-in, or shall I tempt fate with a glue-in?
* use Polaroid blocks NEW
* placemats? NEW
* Binary quilt using blocks from Modern Blocks Bee NEW

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

Goodbye Zakka

You know how you do something on a whim some times and it turns out to be a really cool thing? Well that's what the Zakka Style Sew Along has been for me. Just having finished the final project in the book brings the sew along to a close, and I couldn't help but do a little look back.

1. Zakka Style Zigzag Tote, 2. Zakka Style House Pouch, 3. Zakka Style Pincushion, 4. Zakka Style Sewing Kit, 5. Zakka Style Pencil Case, 6. Zakka Style Itty Bitty Quilt Block Magnets, 7. Zakka Style Rain Cloud Mug Rug, 8. Zakka Block Quilt, 9. Zakka Messenger Bag, 10. Zakka Zip Organizer inside, 11. Orchard Path Tweed Pouch, 12. Patchwork Hand Warmers, 13. Patchwork Pot Holders, 14. Water Bottle Holder, 15. Spoon Bookmark, 16. Patchwork Ribbon, 17. Delightful Linen Pouch, 18. Zakka Style Bread Basket, 19. Sweet Sugar Cookie Sack, 20. Little Pocket Pillowcase, 21. Sweet Memories Photo Frame, 22. Pleated Coin Purse, 23. Happy Garland Message Board, 24. Nesting Boxes

Of the 24 projects, 8 have already been gifted. Another 8 I have put to frequent use in my home or office. So another 8 are waiting to be gifted or are just hanging out until they find a new home.

Now I have done oodles of crafts in my day, started sewing in 7th grade, earned a degree in Home Economics, and have been a quilter for two decades. But just look at the list below of 'firsts' that I have experienced by doing this sew along.

• use of linen
• how to correctly measure a gusset
• zipper w/o end tabs
• stamping fabric
• use of specialty machine quilting thread
• use of Quilter's Linen
• use of wool thread
• use of chopstick for pushing out corners
• making a bag with hardware
• use of fabric glue
• use of zip longer than 9" in my crafting
• made buttonholes & sewed on buttons with my newish machine
• made a frame purse(!!)

That in itself has been more than worth it - the deadlines, the inaccuracies, the scramble for supplies, the occasional frustration. Above all, I've been reminded to trust my instincts, and that when something doesn't suit me, to change it up and make it my own. And seriously, don't be afraid to try something new!

Thank you so much to Lindsey and Amy for organizing the sew along, providing fantastic prize incentives, and just plain keeping it fun. Thanks to all my bloggy friends who chattered about the projects as we helped each other through the weeks, oohing and aahing at a new finish. Thanks to friends and family who saw my latest project and said, "Oh I love it!". And thanks to my readers, for letting me share the Zakka journey each week. It's truly been a pleasure.

Zakka Along Week 24 :: Nesting Boxes

It wasn't really easy facing this final project in the Zakka Style Sew Along, as I really didn't want it to be over.  But it needed to be done, so I got down to it. The project, by Patchwork Pottery, was highlighted by Kati of from the blue chair, who made her darling boxes of Christmas fabric. Nice idea, but I brought back some linen prints I'd used in a previous Zakka project, and once again used osnaburg as the 'main' fabric.

As usual, there was alot of chatter on flickr and other blogs about the construction method outlined in the book, but I just didn't have time to rethink that, so forged ahead as written. The only thing that truly confused me was the excess fabric used for the lining pieces. But I just trimmed after sewing each side section and continued on.

I did choose to use fusible interfacing, since that's my choice when it works, and it did fine for me here. I see why some folks chose a heavier interfacing to make the sides sturdier, but mine are totally functional, so I'm fine with them.

Really wanting to quilt through all layers was another reason I stuck with the book's method, doing a basic daisy chain on all the printed linen squares. I was a little wobbly at times, but I just kept going. And it's done.

I added an orange line of machine stitching wherever the book suggest hand-stitching, which honestly, was a lovely idea, but just wasn't going to happen for me this week.

The one part where I totally did not even look at the book was for the binding. Someone had suggested doing double-fold, which is my standard anyway, so I cut 2 1/4" strips and proceeded in normal binding fashion except, not my norm, I folded in, pressed, and stitched down by machine. It just seemed logical for this project.

The finishing construction of the boxes was tedious but it did work. Again, I understand why others opted for other methods, but in reality, this one was a viable option. And again, they're done. Sad but true.

Stay tuned for a Zakka wrap-up post, but meanwhile, linking up with LRstitched, little quilt monday, and {sew} Modern Monday.

Zakka Along Week 23 :: Happy Garland Message Board

This week's Zakka project is by Katrien Van Deuren of a bit of pilli pilli, showcased by Maureen Cracknell Handmade. I wanted to do something a bit unique for mine, especially after seeing the hoops recently done by lilybird stitches and the super sweet birds I've come to love by Why Not Sew?

But alas, the time to give it much consideration just wasn't there, so I cheerfully just forged ahead, followed the book, picking out some of my fav little scraps for the bunting. I was a tad concerned about getting that all  done nice and neat, but found that quickly drawing the 'lines' with iron-off marker, and using a bit of fabric glue for each triangle made for a painless, tidy result. Oh, and rather than linen, since my supply of the natural color I wanted to use had been depleted, I used some osnaburg, which gave the texture I wanted, and a similar linen-look.

A little raffia for the third line, along with mini clothespins and a tiny love note, and I was almost there. My favorite chevron twill tape in orange made for a perfect hanger.

And the next-to-last Zakka project is done. snif

Linking up with LRstitched.

W.i.P. Wednesday . . . or Not

Well I am in a bit of a quandary . . . It's W.i.P. Wednesday, to be sure, but I have nothing in the works. I'm at the rare but hopefully brief point in time where my w.i.p.s are caught up and it's time to jump into new projects. Add to the mix a few days sorting Polaroid blocks and a little get-away with hubby, and well, there you go. So I'll share what I've completed of last week's w.i.p.s and just not link up today.

Completed projects
Zakka Style Sew-Along project #22: Pleated Coin Purse - It's crazy that with a hobby you love there are actually projects that strike fear in your heart! (funny, but serious) And this innocent-looking metal frame did in mine. But it needn't have. I chose a couple of fav fabrics, followed the instructions in the Zakka book to a T, and before long I had a darling little purse pre-frame. I did veer off then and take a try at sewing my frame on, since it had sewing holes that were calling to me. Since then, I've heard horror stories about gluing in frames, but undoubtedly, I'll need to try that one of these days too. Cuz let's just end here by saying this won't be my last frame purse. (complete post here)

Improv Log-Cabin Quilt - I feel like I've shared alot about this little quilt (approx. 30" by 36"). You can read  all about it here and here.

Zakka Style Sew-Along project #23: Happy Garland Message Board - This was a quick and easy little project - complete post coming soon!

Upcoming projects
* more Zakka - only one more to go! (sad but true)
* a quilt to coordinate with my Christmas tree skirt
* scrappy Metrolink
* Modern Cross quilt for my sister-in-law
* EZ Dresden Challenge project
* another frame purse NEW
* Mod Pop QAL NEW
* ??

Hopefully more w.i.p.s to show off next week!

Zakka Along Week 22 :: Pleated Coin Purse

Oh, little frame purse, where have you been all my life?

This week's project by Karyn Valino of make something was THE project I wanted to make when I purchased Zakka Style and started the sew along. It's taken twenty-two weeks to get to the project that in this moment seems like the cutest stitched up treasure I've ever made. (Familiar words - could it possibly have anything to do with the fabric choice?)

It started out as a bit of a treasure hunt weeks ago, as I was planning ahead and searching for the purse frame called for in the book. Then it was announced in the flickr group that we really needed a different size frame. Thank goodness Karyn had them in her shop, and shipped some right out to me, arriving just in the nick of time.

I must say I was a bit nervous though. I could not even imagine how something so cute {with metal involved!} could possible come together without major difficulty. Shape Moth shared the absolutely adorable purses she made, though, so that encouraged me on. And my friend Simone shared a link which armed me with back-up galore as far as technique goes.

Humor me. I'm going to list some links here for safe-keeping, as I sense more frame purses in my future! 
Sew-In Purse Frame Tutorial
Glued-In Purse Frame Tutorial
Making a Tutorial to Match your Frame

So, one night earlier in the week, I started, pulling out some of my very favorite Ruby Star Spring. Before long I had the front and back all pleated up.

 I laid the frame close up, and things looked very hopeful!

Now was the super scary part - attaching that frame! I had even bought glue, E-6000 as suggested by the clerk at the fabric store, since they didn't have Weldbond. But when I realized the frame I had purchased had stitching holes, well I just had to use them!

Considering I only have three colors of Perle Cotton in my stash, I was happy to find a perfect shade of green to coordinate with the Ruby Star and lime Essex Linen lining.

It was a little tricky, yes, but by the second side, it felt pretty good. And boy is that purse snug in its frame.

The project description in Zakka Style reads, "This design brings a crafty classic into modern times. The charming coin purse with a purchased metal frame features sweetly appealing pleating." I couldn't agree more.

Linking up with LRstsitched and TNT Thursday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

Just a last-minute reminder that if you'd like to link up to Tuesday at the {herbal} Table, the deadline is midnight tonight! Any table projects out there? We'd love to see them and you'd have a chance at a great prize! Meanwhile, it's W.i.P. Wednesday, and time to check out what's been going on in the sewing room.

Completed projects
Zakka Style Sew-Along project #21: Sweet Memories Photo Frame - The patchwork was the most enjoyabel part of this little project. That and taking it to the office where it coordinates great with the quilt hanging out there.

Ongoing projects
Improv Log-Cabin Quilt - The process alone has been worth the time spent on this little quilt. I tell ya, the Essex is awesome to quilt. I'll share more about this project when it's time for a wrap-up post. Obviously, now it's time for binding . . .

Zakka Style Sew-Along project #22: Pleated Coin Purse - I've almost got the 'purse' all stitched up & ready to try my hand at attaching the frame. So far so good, but I'm kinda nervous about the last step!

I've also been a little busy dealing with Polaroid blocks, but it's going really well! Can hardly stand the cuteness of some of the blocks!

Upcoming projects
* more Zakka - only two more to go! (sad but true)
* a quilt to coordinate with my Christmas tree skirt
* scrappy Metrolink
* Modern Cross quilt for my sister-in-law
* EZ Dresden Challenge project

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday, where Michelle of City House Studio is hosting!

Zakka Along Week 21 :: Sweet Memories Photo Frame

This week's Zakka project was by Ayumi of Pink Penguin (an awesome blog full of fun ideas by the way!). A sweet patchwork picture frame, it had a little sewing of fabric, but more cutting, securing with needle and thread, and gluing. In fact, I have sticky fingers as I type this post. Got a little carried away, I guess.

I decided to customize my frame, and made a little 'X' and 'O' on one side. Yup, totally remade those twice before I got them small enough to fit on the frame edge. Luckily, I had read The Patchsmith's post so I cut the top and bottom strips 2" instead of 1 1/2". There's no way I would have been able to secure them to the batt and chipboard - an interesting (and frustrating) process even with the extra width.

Ladder-stitching the sides, top, and bottom of the frame was also a tad finicky. And then when it came time for the gluing, I found my glue stick all dried up. Hence the over-use of spray adhesive and the sticky fingers.

But as usual, it all turned out ok in the end. Noodlehead (another inspiring blog!) shared her version, which is so darling. I kind of wanted to personalize mine too, but didn't round up the alphabet stamps to make it happen. Still, I'm rather fond of it, especially once grandgirl's picture was slipped in.

And in case you recognize the fabrics from another of my projects, you are quite right. I purposely made my frame to coordinate with the wonky cross quilt that hangs in my office . . .

Linking up with LRstitched and Fabric Tuesday.

Zakka Along Week 20 :: Little Pocket Pillowcase

If this isn't a little Zakka bear, I don't know what is.

Wonky ears, questionable embroidery, and oh, a lesson learned.

It all started with this week's project by elsie marley, aptly shared by Lee of Freshly Pieced. The diamond patchwork was a tad finicky, but fun, and I used quite a variety of purple and blue scraps. (I loved when daughter dear commented that she loved the palette - as if I'd be making this for any other toddler but her own. At 21 months, apparently she already has favorite colors!)

Anyway, so far so good. For the body of the pillowcase, I used BasicGrey Grunge in tan. My favorite part of the construction was the French seam, which I hadn't done since textile classes in college. It was like revisiting an old friend.

In place of the piping, I decided on a flange, trimming my folded length of patchwork to 5/8" from the fold. I was anxious to try the flange, and it seemed a tad easier, though complicated because I now didn't have accurate finishing instructions due to my change of method. So at this point, that seam has a raw edge, which I may go back and enclose. Or zigzag.

So back to little bear. He's stitched from aqua Kona Crush, which I haven't used much, but adore every time I do! (placemats, Zakka mug rug, Zakka water bottle holder) With a cute little patchwork belly button-stitched on, I had high hopes for him. That was before I sewed his pitiful little ears, and before I realized the toddler pillow I'd bought was too big for the case, and before I had the bright idea to unpick the sewing on the pillow to remove some of the stuffing and use it to stuff the bear. {Had I not read *feather* pillow??} Ok, chalk it up to my feather inexperience. They were everywhere! And it didn't help that the house fan was on due to the scorching heat! Thank goodness hubby came to the rescue with the vacuum.

But all turned out well {enough} in the end. Bear has a Zakka style all his own, and seems quite comfy in his little pocket.

Or not!

Linking up with LRstitched. 

W.i.P. Wednesday

It feels like much of my 'sewing' time since last W.i.P. Wednesday was actually spent writing. But I've wanted to do up a tutorial for my Triple-Zip Pouch for a few weeks now, so it's good to have that done!

Completed projects
Triple-Zip Pouch + tutorial - As I explained the other day, it had been just long enough since my first triple-zip that I felt a little fuzzy on all the details. So I made this second one, and you can find the completed tutorial here.

Ongoing projects
Zakka Style Sew-Along project #20: Little Pocket Pillowcase - I certainly hope the most time-consuming part is done! And now that the pocket patchwork is complete, I hope to be able to finish this project soon.

*Picture-Perfect* Polaroid Block Swap - SO close to being done with my blocks! Good think since the deadline to ship blocks is today!

100 Quilts donation quilt - Stitching on the binding, so close to a finish here too.

Improv log-cabin quilt - No progress unfortunately.

Upcoming projects
* more Zakka - only four more to go!
* August do.Good Stitches blocks
* August Always Bee Learning blocks - more improv!
* August Modern Blocks Bee blocks
* a quilt to coordinate with my Christmas tree skirt
* scrappy Metrolink
* Plus quilt for my sister-in-law - I was mistaken; it's really a Modern Cross quilt using Susan Beal's pattern.
* EZ Dresden Challenge project - still hoping - at least I have wedges cut now!

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday, guest hosted by Cindy from Live a Colorful Life.

Zakka Along Week 19 :: Sweet Sugar Cookie Sack

I hope you're sitting down. I.embroidered.

I've avoided it so many times during the Zakka sew-along, and really couldn't see my way out of it this week.

And believe it or not, I found embroidery needles in my sewing kit and look! Even a hoop!

I decided to generalize, and rather than make a 'cookie' bag, I opted for 'treats'. Jen basically gave permission, as she came up with several unique twists with her little sacks.

The body of the bag is white Essex linen, with a teal Marmalade stripe for the label, and the ittsiest bit of Heirloom for the trim.

This pattern by nanaCompany is definitely sweet and satisfying.

Linking up with LRstitched and TNT.