Tote-ally Tote-able Tote

This was my project last weekend.  It is Anita Goodesign's "Tote-ally Tote-able" Tote.  I just love the way this project turned out.  Don't you love those leather handles with the leather flowers and buttons.  I purchased the handles at the Arizona Quilt Guild Show in March.  I knew I'd find a place to use them and they were perfect for this project.

 

Here is a close up of the fabrics and the embroidery design on each block.  The entire tote is made in the hoop of the embroidery machine.  The fabric is from Granny's Attic.  I purchased it when Karen had her shop in Campbellsville, Kentucky but now she has an online shop.  The ribbon was also purchased from Granny's.  The instructions don't call for a lining in the tote but I wanted a lining and pockets.  So I designed and constructed a lining with pockets.  Now it's perfect.  Now I working on an embroidered pillow top in bright colors.

Honorable Mention Arizona Quilt Guild 2014

I recently entered my quilt in the 2014 Arizona Quilt Show.  This was the first time I had entered a quilt in competition.  Imagine my surprise when I received a call that my quilt had won an award.  I was invited to bring a friend to the awards ceremony prior to the opening of the show.  How exciting!

I won Honorable Mention in the Embroidery Category.  I posted about this quilt previously.  The design is Anita Goodesign's Great Outdoors.  Borders are Mix and Match Quilting.  Also by Anita Goodesigns.  I'm considering entering the quilt in another show this summer but haven't decided yet.

It was nice to see that other's appreciate the work I do.  My sister has told me for years that I should enter my quilts in competition but this was the first time I listened to her. 

If you haven't attended a Quilt Show, I encourage you to go.  There are many wonderful "works of art" to see.  Many of today's quilts are designed and quilted using the latest in technology.  Digitized designs are very popular today in  both machine embroidery and long arm quilting.  As a friend and new quilter commented after the show "the designs are very simple but it's the quilting that takes it to another level".  If you are a traditionalist, you will see beautiful traditional quilts also.

Primitive Snowman Wall Hanging completed

 

 

I finished my primitive snowman wall hanging this week.  It as a fun project and I am so pleased with the way it turned out.  All the fabrics are from my stash (including the backing).  The design is by Anita Goodesigns. 

This is my favorite snowman with the blue bird on his arm.

 This little guy is holding stars but they blend into the background in the photo.

This is the candy cane snowman.  I love his green and gold scarf. 

I also used an Anita Goodesign to make a quilt label for the back of the quilt.  You can see the backing fabric in the photo.

It's time to show some new projects

I recently completed this thread catcher for a dear friend.  She too does machine embroidery.  The thread catcher is perfect for all those little threads that you clip during machine embroidery.  The top is a pin cushion.  I have one and keep it by my machine at all times.  It's like my personal "trash bin"!

 

 

The embroidery design is from Anita Goodesigns (my fav machine embroidery company).  The pack is called "Sew Fun" and contains many wonderful sewing related embroidery designs. 

 

Valentine Heart Swag Swap

I am participating in a Heart Swag Swap with the Fabric in Altered Arts 2 Group.  I embroidered the hearts on my Janome 11000 embroidery machine.  Three of the heart designs are from Anita Goodesign.  I'm now sure of  source for the 4th heart.  I used fabric from my stash.  The red rickrack is also from my stash.  I used a vintage red plastic flower belt buckle and button for the hanger at the top.  I'm quite pleased with the swag.  The rickrack is a little difficult as a hanger.  I might consider using ribbon if I did another one. 

My DH is recovering nicely from his knee replacement surgery and I finally have time to work in my studio and post a few items on my blog.  Thanks to all of you for continuing to visit even though I'm not that consistent with my posts due to life's issues.

Jelly Roll Bag

I've been working to complete some Christmas presents.  This is one of the items I am making.  It is made on my Janome 11000 embroidery machine.  The design is Anita Goodesign's "Jelly Roll Bags".   This is an "in the hoop" project made with Jelly roll strips (2 1/2" wide strips of fabric).  The entire project is made in the embroidery hoop.  I love this little bag.  After making the first one, I decided it would be nice to personalize each of the bags since they were already in the embroidery hoop.  I just edited to include the names of people on my gift list.  The little bag measures approx. 4" x 6".

  I finished three this afternoon and plan to make more.  It is the perfect project for those left over fabric strips from other projects.

Fall Tea Towels

Veteran's Day Towel

Halloween Towel

Turkey Towel

I recently purchased a Holiday Tea Towel Collection of embroidery designs by Anita Goodesign.  I did the embroidery on my Janome 11000.  The designs are made to resemble hand embroidery and I'm pleased with the results.  I searched for plain white tea towels but couldn't find any locally.  So I decided to make my own.  I purchased white cotton fabric at JoAnn's, cut them out, hemmed the edges, and added decorative fabric at the bottom of each towel.  These will be included in fall baskets for three of my friends. 

I haven't blogged much lately.  My days are spent driving my DH to physical therapy and doctor appointments as he recovers from knee replacement revision surgery.  He's hoping to be released to drive in two weeks.  He is recovering nicely from surgery this time.

We did see THE HELP last week.  I loved the book and was equally impressed with the movie. 

Vintage Bookmarks

I picked up my Anita Goodesigns Diamond Club embroidery packs today at Mulqueens.  I joined the club at the Valentine Anita Goodesigns event in Phoenix in February.  The Vintage Bookmarks was my mini collection this month.  We have the option of exchanging for any other design at the shop but I love this one.  I'm making two of these little beauties today.  They are for my friend and her mother.  They both love to read.  I'm making theirs following the instructions provided.  Later I will attempt to add a monogram to some of the designs.  The back is plain and I might add some writing there.  Lots of possibilities.  My Janome 11000 does such a wonderful job.  My next one will be with lavender and yellow flowers.