simple is good

This quilt was so easy to make. I pieced the top in a few hours (if that), and the stippling was very easy, due to the lack of seams in the majority of the quilt. I used light blue thread to stipple the aqua parts, then I switched to white thread to quilt the strip of patchwork. I think the hardest part was trying to square it up after it was quilted.

I love the aqua solid fabric, which I bought at my local Mill End Textiles store. I wish I had another bolt of the stuff. It's the perfect color.

I backed it with one of my favorite fabrics of all time, (the cherry print) which is called Dainties, by Robert Kaufman. (I bought the rest of the bolt, also at Mill End Textiles.)

The red gingham bias binding is the perfect finishing touch, I think. I did not use my bias tape maker on this, I made traditional double fold binding. Working with bias strips is not my cup of tea, but I am glad that I went through the trouble this time.

The final size is about 68" x 76". It makes the perfect napping quilt. :)

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I LOVE this quilt.

a new dress

I sewed a new dress for my little girl.

I really really love it, as you can see by the plethora of photos. There are about 25 more that I'm not posting. :)

It was my first time making a ruffle, which was a little tricky, but definitely worth it.

Is there anything better than a gingham ruffle?

Maybe polka dot trim?

The dress is pretty baggy, so there is plenty of room for her to move, which I like. I may take it in under the arms to help define the shape just a bit more.

I used my new bias tape maker, which I could use a few tips or hints about if you have any to share. I thought this little tool was going to solve all my problems. Ha! I wish.

This is what it looks like when it is ironed. Does it supposed to gap this much? Do you supposed to fold it in half and iron it flat at this point? I'm so confused. This is one reason why I usually don't mess with bias tape.

Anyway, back to the dress. I added snaps on the straps instead of the ties that I used last time.

The white floral fabric came from Lera. The pink and green came from my stash.

The pattern was pretty much made up on the fly.

I do love the vintage-y feel of this dress. If only I could make a version that would look this cute on me.