Spring braided table runner

I love making this pattern as it is quilt as you go.  The hardest thing about it is basting the backing and batting together before you start sewing the strips. My boyfriend's mom wanted a spring version of a table runner I made her a few years ago with a fall theme.  She is 90 and still entertains frequently.  She has a large group coming over next weekend so I wanted her to have the new one in time for the event.  Her table is quite long and as you can see, the runner is much longer than my table and the angle I could get on the camera but I was worried I might not be able to get a photo of it once given away.

She also has a gathering planned for Easter so I made the back of the runner with Easter Bonnet fabric.

Black and white blouse

I made another version of Silhouettes #300 Sharon's Blouse with a tie at the neck.  To create more ease, I left out the front and back vertical darts.  It definitely fits looser but fit is still not right.  I am especially pleased with the black and white buttons I found in my stash.

Heading to Utah tomorrow to attend the Conselle Fabulous Fit Retreat so will see if the rest of my year involves better fitting garments.:)

Tangerine blouse

In an effort to finish some sewing UFO's, I finally finished this shirt.  It is Silhouettes #300 Sharon's blouse.  The fabric is a polyester I got on sale at Hancock's.  I haven't quite got the fit of this blouse perfected but it will look good under a blazer or cardigan sweater.

Sewing with Silks - Liberty Shirt

One of my resolutions for 2013 was to sew more garments   I signed up for Linda Lee's Sewing with Silks online class through Craftsy.  This shirt was made step by step while watching the video and I learned so much.  I think this may be my best sewing project in terms of sewing quality yet.  I learned how to make tailor tacks, turn perfect corners, set in a perfect sleeve and the importance of pressing and how to use all the pressing tools I own and have never used.  The fabric is a pistachio silk shantung from Fabric Mart.  I meant to make this as a sample muslin but I love how it turned out and am going to wear it to work tomorrow.  Haven't decided how to style it but feel the need to add some color as I don't usually wear pastels.

Star snowflakes

Keeping with the "green" theme, these snowflakes are made from a thrifted wool poncho that had a few moth holes.  After cutting the poncho in squares, they were embroidered, sewn together then stuffed.  The plan is to attach red ribbon and hang these in the window.

Sweater Christmas Trees

Christmas decorations are started for this year.  In an attempt to decorate my office next year using a "green" theme, this forest of trees is made from thrift store finds.  It started with this candle stand. 

 Then red sweaters purchased on sale at Goodwill, washed in hot water to felt them, then embroidered in various Christmas quilting designs.  For the base and back of the trees, a thrifted green velveteen blazer was cut up.  After the trees were made, a gift wrap tube was cut up to use as the stand.

 Here is a closer look at the sweater trees.

2012 Sewing Wrap Up

As 2012 comes to an end and we get ready to ring in 2013, I took some time to look at how much sewing I was able to accomplish.  While I traveled more for business this year than any other, I still managed to get quite a bit of sewing accomplished.  Here is what I sewed this year:

• 59 book bags
• 14 embroidered towels
• 12 quilts
• 11 pillowcases
• 10 drink cozies
•  8 table runners
•  5 aprons
•  5 lingerie bags
•  5 laundry bags
•  5 travel cord bags
•  4 eyeglass cases
•  3 shirts
•  2 shoe bags
•  2 tote bags
•  2 scarves
•  2 handbags
•  1 embroidered baby bib
•  1 credit card holder
•  1 pillow
•  1 sleeve board cover
•  1 chemo cap from selvages
•  1 travel iron carrier and pressing pad
•  1 sewing chatelaine
•  1 pin cushion
•  1 yo yo Christmas garland

In addition to sewing down some of my stash with charity projects, I want to get more garment sewing accomplished in 2013.  I have signed up for a fitting retreat in February and many PR Review and Craftsy classes so I have new excuse.  Garment sewing, here we come!