Some of That Secret Sewing

Why in the world I had a yard of aqua Essex linen in my stash, I have no idea. But last night, it was the most perfect discovery. I'd decided nearly last minute that some holiday napkins would be a perfect gift, and Katarina Roccella's Fairisle Hearts (which remind me of snowflakes) the perfect fabric. And since I had no white linen on hand, what could be better but the aqua. Isn't it great when that happens?

I saw Diane/Random Thoughts...do or "di" [ylmommyx4] show off some beautiful linen dinner napkins she had just made, and they reminded me that daughter dear [snippetsofsweetness] had made me some with that very pattern, Linen [Thanksgiving] Napkins by Purl Soho. I followed Rachel's lead, and made mine cocktail size (10" linen squares + 12" cotton squares). They went together perfectly, and I was able to make a set of six in just under an hour. Dare I say, I kinda love them?

Another little gift I made and gifted recently was a That Red Cup mug rug, a clever little pattern by Tessa/Half Square Quilts [tessaraewilliams]. It measured 6x9" when done, and hopefully gives my Starbucks-loving friend a smile.

So that's all I can show till Christmas is over. And I'm officially calling the frantic Christmas sewing DONE. Now to just enjoy, and take it all in.

And that's not all!

By last night I knew another random post was in order, like now. I must have a second sense for cloth napkins lately, as I came across these Handmade Napkins with Mitered Corners by whipstitch, which also comes with a helpful size chart . . .

 

And these delightful and surprising Mind Your Manners Napkins from Gingercake, which give me such a smile.

On the topic of quilt labels, I realized the shop where I got mine isn't accepting new orders, but the following shops were recommended on Ig. 

• Jennifer's Jewels
• Worldwide Labels
• Tagtopia
• Eyluldesigns

Another option mentioned was that of printing your own on Spoonflower. If you go that route, here's a two-part tutorial by Jaybird Quilts (one/two). I'll update this list as I hear back from a few feelers I have out.

And seeing the new January 2014 issue of American Quilter magazine yesterday made my ho-hum day (read: carpet delay) into a much more fun one.

I knew it was coming, but still, seeing Common Affection in print along with the other modern quilt challenge winners from AQS QuiltWeek Des Moines really gave me a thrill. I think I'll ride on that for a while.

All Randomy

So I transferred all my purse stuff into my new bag yesterday and loved it! I also loved my coworker's response when I asked how she liked the purse I'd just made. "YOU DID NOT!" I guess you can say I enjoy how non-sewists are so impressed with what we do. And can I just say how glad I am that I do sew? Thanks to my grandma who taught me the basics on her old black Singer. Thanks to 7th grade Home Ec back when it was mandatory, and where I was exposed to more tools and techniques of the trade. And thanks to my parents who fueled my passion by investing in a great machine that served me for the next 30 years. OK, that was a nice deja vu moment wasn't it? haha

But echoing that thought was Malka Dubrawsky/stitchindye's comment on this photo . . .

"I'm sure glad someone invented quilting." Me too.

Anyway, it was pretty gratifying when a copy of Quilt-it...today landed in my mailbox Tuesday, and there was FAITH circle's February 2013 quilt which I had organized and finished as quilter that month.

I thought it was a nice article about do.Good Stitches. And yeah, I'm honored my photo was included. Click here if you'd like to read more about the quilt, HST Love.

Sometime this week I happened on an Instagram photo of someone mass-quilting potholders out of orphan quilt blocks. Several blocks were on one big piece of batt, and she was quilting one after another. You think I could find it again to share with you? Not. I do know whoever it was said she got the idea from Quilting is more fun than housework... But in looking for it again, I did come across some other very cool potholders, check out these mighty fine potentials here at cat&vee (here's one of my faves all finished!), and then some similarly quilted trivets at the colorful My Poppet. Sorry I didn't find shareable pics, but it's worth a click through, and if anyone remembers the original post I'm talking about, let me know, ok?!

Also on Ig I was reminded about the cloth napkin tutorial by Made with Moxie. I've always wondered how these wash up, made with quilter's cotton and all, so I chatted with Jill to find out more. She assured me they do just fine, so I definitely want to give these a try. Two fat quarters = two napkins. Sounds like a deal, huh?


Did you see Diane/random thoughts...do or "di"'s sweet hst framed clutch this week? I loved it!

The basic pattern is in her Craftsy shop, and a tutorial for the hsts are in her blog post.

Pat Sloan posted on facebook recently: "BIG STITCH - Do you do big stitch quilting? I love how [she] is using thread color to match the chevron, clever and effective! Tell me ..have you tried big stitch quilting? want to? I have an idea in mind for a little sew along.. leave me a comment if YOU want to try big stitch quilting. I generally use Aurifil Quilt Patchwork and Embroidery Threads 12 wt for my big stitching." (The photo shown wasn't shareable either, so here's a fine example from Ariane/arianecrafts.) 

Anyway, I'm curious what Pat has up her sleeve! Considering my hand quilting always looked "big stitch" to me, I'd probably be a natural!

And I'm wondering about quilt labels - do you use them? Here's what mine look like (my name is on the flip-side). 

I'm running low and am considering trying something new. I'd love to hear/see what you use, especially pre-printed ones like this.

OK, I'm randomed out, so I think I'll stop here and . . . link up with Random Thursday . . . Have a good day!