A Few Finished Projects

I haven't shown off any of my finished projects since last spring when I finished the purple and green quilt I'd first begun for my sister. As I look around, it doesn't seem as if I've finished all that much stuff, yet I've been spending a lot more time sewing over the last 6 months than I used to. As is typical for me, I am working on half a dozen thing simultaneously. It's kind of like how I read--a library book here, a book on my phone everywhere, another book on my Kindle over there, and an audio book in the car. Sometimes I feel like a poster child for middle-aged ADD. But I'm managing to be productive.

One thing I'm also doing? Hanging out on Instagram. It's where a lot of the other quilters are. I've discovered swaps! Too. Much. Fun. There's more about that below.

Anyway, there's proof I've made stuff!!

First up is this little backpack. I found the pattern on Craftsy. It's not very big, about 8" x 11" and not designed to hold anything really heavy. It was perfect to use on my vacation instead of a purse. It wasn't the easiest thing to make, to be honest, but I was very happy with how it turned out.

Here's a paper-pieced mini quilt. The patterns are from Designer's Workshop. Artist and designer, Eileen Sullivan, sells the best patterns. I own quite a few of them. You'll see that the little hanging below is similar to a set of fall leaves I made last year. Anyhow I love these little projects and have plans to work on those other patterns I have. They are great ways to use up scraps of fabric in my stash.

Lots of quilters on Instagram take part in mini quilt swaps. Someone organizes a swap based on a theme. Quilters sign up and agree to make a small quilt, usually no more than 16" square, and send it to someone in exchange for receiving one in turn. After following a couple of these swaps, I decided to enter my first one. This swap used the paper piecing patterns by Kristy Lea, aka QuietPlay. My partner requested a block out of Kristy's Retro Kitchen collection. So here's what I made:





And here's what I received in return:
It's even prettier in person. Check out the detail in the binding. I need to try that technique sometime.

There are some stunning pieces in this swap that involved over 300 people from around the world. Search #quietplayswap on Instagram for a peek. Needless to say, I'm hooked. And currently entered in two more swaps! Wait til you see the little Christmas tree I'm working on. Or, if you want an advanced sneak peak, you'll find me over there as @QuilterPhyl. I've already posted one picture.

Comments

  1. RosOctober 29, 2016 at 9:12 PM

    I used to do mini quilt swaps! So much fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PhylOctober 29, 2016 at 9:14 PM

      They are! And I am deeply envious of others' swap walls. I must get busy so I can have a similar wall here :)

      Delete

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