Good morning and happy Thursday! I'm joining in with "I Like Thursday," hosted by LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color.
It was my turn to get some happy mail this week! I was a lucky winner in Roseanne and Sue's Home Sewn by Us blog anniversary giveaway a couple weeks ago. They sent me these sweet wooden buttons and tiny scissors, plus a lovely note. Thank you, Roseanne and Sue!
The buttons say "handmade for you!" I'm going to enjoy sewing them on some of my quilted gifts. The scissors will be a great addition to my hand stitching pouch.
Also in the mail recently, I ordered a magnetic seam guide that Jo of Jo's Country Junction reviewed and liked. Click the link to read her review (and I think you can see it better in her photos) - I ordered a different brand than she did, but it looks and works exactly the same. I've struggled with a consistent 1/4 inch seam allowance forever, and this really does help.
In the "simple things can be a boost" category, I treated myself to a new cutting board yesterday. With a cleaned off (and dusted!) cutting table, plus the new board, things are looking good!
I think my inner squirrel must have taken over yesterday, because I had a sudden desire to sew a carrot... So I googled that, and came across this fun link: 10 Carrot Quilt Patterns and Projects. In that list, I found a post from Sally at The Objects of Design (who always has creative ideas for quilt blocks!) for a carrot block that I decided to make. Sally's tutorial has you piece the top traditionally, and paper piece the carrot. I drew out the paper pattern on some graph paper first, then made the carrot top.
And here's my carrot!
The whole thing took me about an hour. This could become my mom's Easter mug rug - not sure about that yet - but it was a fun squirrel!
Hope you're having a great week!
You did get some fun mail last week. That carrot block is a lot of fun, it will make a great mug rug if you go that path. The Ruth Galloway series is a lot of fun. I've not read the most recent release, but I've read the rest of the series.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting to worry about you - an urge to sew a carrot ... really? Kinda cute, though.
ReplyDeleteI am LOL at Libby's comment! That really is a cute carrot, looks like you did a perfect job on the piecing. Thanks for the link to the seam guide. I have a terrible time with my 1/4-inch seams. OK I've added the Griffiths book to my must-read list - you never steer me wrong.
ReplyDeleteThe carrot is cute. Um I had that same desire with a bunny a few weeks ago. Great gifties for the win. The books are pretty good. I finished all of them, but there is a new one that is supposed to be out later this year. I have tried seam guides but they sometimes get in the way. Great likes as usual.
ReplyDeleteI had to smile at "the urge to sew a carrot" - haha! I love that. Thanks for the seam guide info and the book recommendation, too. Cute buttons from Roseanne and Sue!
ReplyDeleteOh! It's good to hear that you like the seam guide. I saw the one Jo was recommending too. I wondered about magnets and my sewing machine getting along? A local friend thought it would be safe. I will have to order one. I struggle too and have tried every tip I have ever read. Love your carrot block! Photo against the green background is cool.It would make a cute mug rug.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting quite a list of books to try from you and Collette.
Have a good week.
I have read some or all of Elly Griffiths's books, and enjoyed them. I'm guessing you have read or heard of Jacqueline Winspear's really good series with Maisie Dobbs as main character. Have you heard of or read Iona Whishaw? Her main character is Lane Winslow. I accidentally discovered her, and I don't know why Wishaw's name is not listed on every list pf 'if you like Jacqueline Winspear, you will love Iona Wishaw'.
ReplyDeletenice win! I have so many tiny pairs of scissors I need to find something to put them in as they are all over the place. I will look and see what that book is about. Almost that time of year for sitting on the porch reading and enjoying the sun. I tried a magnets for the machine but it didn't work well I'm mine I will look at her link and what she uses.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI really like new scissors...I'm always looking for little scissors, I have trouble holding a big pair. Cute buttons! Really cute Carrot block, it will make a great mug rug. I checked out your book, The Crossing Places...sounds really great...I've ordered a copy to read. Have a great day!
I have to LOL at the carrot because I am planning to make carrots today! Mine will be of the 3 dimensional kind! But I must say some of those block patterns are calling to me.
ReplyDeleteomgosh the carrot block with bunnies is so adorable. Thanks for the link, when things are quiet I will go wallow in free patterns! A new cutting mat, is a terrific like! Now I have to go check out that book
ReplyDeleteL.
What fun goodies! an interesting seam guide. One of my machines has a screw-in guide, but that looks more flexible. Really cute carrot!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute carrot! Leave it to Sally to design something whimsical like that! I love the Ruth Galloway series by Ellie Griffiths and have read the first five or so. I should get back to them!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thursday, Diann. Well your inner squirrel led you into the right project. Super cute carrot block. How fun. Have a wonderful weekend. Happy quilting.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Diann. Love the links and I will be chasing them down. My Singer has a built in quarter inch in the pressure foot or at least I've thought it is. That is one good looking carrot block there! And it sounds like a happy experience with looking and sewing. I need a new mat too. You two have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteHandy little scissor win! LOL on the carrot--I have one planned to make soon, too. I love yours so far!!! I need a round tuit!?!
ReplyDeleteBravo for taking the plunge and replacing your cutting mat. We put up with using a worn one for so long because they cost a good penny, but if you prorate it by how many hours they are used, it's worth the cost. Cute carrot block.
ReplyDeletePat