JemJam

My Sewing Table

This past fall, I made arrangements to move into a studio outside of our home to sew.  I have two desks with shelves on the sides in our "get crafty" room, but I wanted to leave one, and I still needed another.   I had no desire to buy one at Pottery Barn, but considered it.   I looked on-line to find a comparable desk and remembered bookmarking these plans by Ana White a while back.   I sent the link to my husband and asked if he could make this desk.  The directions looked so good, I thought that I could do it after learning how to use the table saw!   Alas, this was an opportunity for husband to play, I was not allowed to mess with his toys, just as he is not allowed to touch my scissors.  Well, he busted this out in 2-3 days after work and I love it!

 

Ready for paint

Jimmy said that the instructions are written well, so, I looked at her blog a little more and saw that she had a book being released, YES, I bought it.  Yay, more projects for "us."

 

She is amazed at his work.

I only took pictures unfinished with my phone, it's painted and full of shit now, I'll take a few pictures of it in use soon. I also only captured one photo without daddy's helper in it, but, I really wanted to show his achievement.

 

I love all of the shelves and the big top, it has been a great addition to my atelier and everyone is impressed that my husband made it, so am I.  

Jimmy made a few picture frames from the book and I want to make stuff together, but, what?  I think I want to make a coffee table.  What would you want to make?

 

 

Spring Top

I am going to post some of my clothes that I've made individually--with me actually wearing them.  Yeah, it's a challenge for me.  Isn't it nice to see how we look in the garments that we took the time to sew?

 

Yeah, my head is down, this was the best pic, I'm not sure that I had even washed my face yet.

 

This is the Washi Dress pattern, made into a top.  I followed the instructions to topstitch the front and back facings on the outside of the blouse, I used a hera marker to outline the facings so I knew where to stitch, I like the look of it.

Yes, I bought these pants to go with this blouse.  I have fabric for another top to also match my blue pants. I feel like Martha and shit.  Don't you think that she would make something to match her clothes?  I do. Also, I don't know other people, so Martha is my fallback reference for most things creative.  Am I a pioneer woman?  I did gather sticks for a fire this weekend...

 

I am adding this shirt to the Spring Top Sewalong, look for one more from me!

 

 

Washi What?

Last summer, I bought Rae's Washi Dress pattern, printed it, and never thought about it much.  I adored every one that I saw on Instagram and after six months (and leaving QuiltCon ready to sew), I declared that Wednesdays in March would be "Washi Wednesday."  As I prepped the PDF pattern, I thought that I could not handle waiting that long (over four weeks) to make dresses.  My next thought was "Washi Week" and that is what I did, all week, I made Washi dresses.  

 

 

 

I could get to almost an entire dress in the time I was allowed each day, the hem was always unfinished and some days, the arms were incomplete.  At the end of 5 days, I finished 3 Washi dresses and 1 Washi top!  

The next week was spring break and I did not do a damn thing.  

I was able to squeeze in one more dress (cream w/blue trees) at the end of the week 3, it was a busy time as I volunteered half days to 6 elementary students who learned to sew.  

After that, I made a matching dress for my little.  And maybe you didn't know this about me, but, I could not stop making these dresses, so I challenged myself to crank out 2 more before the month ended.  I was able to finish them with a day to spare!  Luckily, it was Cesar Chavez Day, so I didn't have time to sew anymore.

I really love this pattern, most of them are made differently--some have pockets, some do not, one has sleeves, 2 are tops, one has a full bodice lining, and one has neck/back facings machine stitched in place.  Yes, I am making more tops (waiting for Tsuru) to coordinate with some pants that I recently purchased.  

 

You can purchase the Washi Dress pattern on Rae's site.  

Sewing Machine Talk

I bought a new machine and I want tips/advice.

What should I know about the Juki TL-2010Q? ...besides the fact the the model name sounds like a droid from Star Wars or something. I'm going to try the knee lift, I never used it on my old machine.

I'm currently winding bobbins and finishing blocks this weekend, but I'm happy to get to know this machine. I was primarily using my Pfaff Quilt Expression, it's sold and I have a Babylock Ellure that I will use at home and travel.

One more thing, I want a small machine (less than $400) for teaching new students, please recommend something that you've used and liked. I'm thinking about a Janome, either a Magnolia, Jem Platinum, or something similar.

Thanks in advance!

My New Duffle Bag

I'm blogging, it's a March miracle!  I have done a lot in the past 6 weeks, I went to Disney World with my tiny family, QuiltCon with friends, and I sewed this bad boy!

 

 

Holiday in London Duffle, pattern by Bari J.  

 

In November, I went to Quilt Market in Houston and I saw a big duffle in Bari's booth and I needed it, NEEDED IT.  We travel a lot in the summer and this duffle is the perfect size for our weekend cabin trips!  If you didn't know, I love making bags!  Also, I like to buy them.  

For a while, I was planning my practice bag, but, then I decided to go ahead and dive on in, "I know what I'm doing, Bari knows what she's doing, just make the damn bag!" is what I told myself.

 

 

not too big for me to carry! 

I made all of the half-square triangles (with champagne, thanks, Andrea!), pieced them together according to each bag piece measurement and finally started construction on the duffle.  It was not too challenging at all.  The pattern is written well (not too many pics, though), if you have made a few bags, give it a go, even if you haven't, just be patient, there was a part of the project where I felt like I was wrestling a dog! 

There's a bit of hand sewing at the end, I like hand sewing a project to finish it.

I worked on this for a few days, but, I was surprised at how fast I was finished! Of course, it took longer because I pieced my panels first and quilted the pieces, this is not part of the pattern--it does stand up proudly, no flaccid bag here!

 

It's 24 inches tall by 14 inches tall.

 

Fabrics that I used:  

Charm packs of Glimma, being released in April 2013  

yarn-dyed Essex linen in black for the strap, handles, piping and bottom of bag, that linen plays well with so much, there will be more of that popping up in my projects.  

Martini dots by Amy Butler for the lining

You can find the pattern at Fat Quarter Shop or at Pink Chalk Fabrics or maybe at a local quilt shop.

Celebrate Handmade

Sigh.

That 9 pound baby that I had a few days ago turned six.  

Her birthday was during the week, so this was the skirt for her day.

She likes all colors, but, I don't do a lot of purple.

It's a Pink Fig skirt, easy, a lot of fabric was used.

 

She likes to contain things.

The first of many more drawstring bags for her.  She put an emergency journal and pencil and sunglasses in one for the ride to a birthday party.  Pattern by Jeni Baker.

 

Sometimes, she wears pants.

I thought that these pants were so cute!  I vowed to make a top to coordinate for her birthday as a gift (hey, she's getting close to where she can get clothes as gifts!).

How I only bought a yard of this fabric is beyond me, I guess I should be proud of being a moron.  I will get more immediately.  Anyhow, I had it lying around for a skirt for her, but, I know that this is a better use of the fabric.  It is the Ice Cream top, I added 2 inches to the bottom for a tunic.  I find that jeans/pants do not fit well at the waist, so, to comfort her and myself, I altered the pattern.  And what's up with the pants, people?  How are we giving people eyelash extensions and cankle liposuction and my child can't find pants to fit her waist?  Ugh!  

 

She had a party.

                            Well done, Pinkitzel.

The party room for her was decorated vividly and I wanted my munchkin to look like she was supposed to be there.

                          Jona's skirt pattern

I thought it looked pretty damn good.

 

New Clothes

It has been a long time since I've made clothes for E, I think December 2011 was the last time a sewed a frock for her.  I haven't necessarily purchased more clothes for her, either, she has a lot of skirts and dresses!  One thing about her clothes that are handmade--you can make them a great size (tad bit longer, for example) and they instantly have longevity.  Nice quality fabric wears well and washes well, it just goes the distance.

 

Our daughter is in kindergarten, she has school pics in November and of course, that's a holiday in my mind.  I whipped this up for her and she loved it, as do I!  I altered a Simplicity pattern (can't recall the number).

 

That black and white fabric will be the death of me, I love it so.

 

I wanted to make another one of those dresses for Christmas time, but, I really was busy doing 17 other things, so, I made a skirt (Jona's favorite of mine) in a few hours.  

Pink woodgrain trim...

 

Well, one goal for me in 2013 is to make a few more pieces for E this year, she will need a new coat next winter for sure!

 

Seriously, how did I make 2 pieces of clothing for her in 11 months??  

Pillow Talk Swap 2012-Sent

I was adventurous enough to sign up for a large swap on Flickr this fall--The Pillow Talk {Swap}!  They had over 100 participants, their biggest one yet!  I made a pillow for a lovely lady that lives in Canada, she seemed eager and easy to please, which is the best kind of partner.

 

 

She loves blue, green, scrappy, and anything in between.

120 wedges + 6 circles = quite a bit of hand appliqué.

I was crazy enough to start with 9 dresden plates, but, the pillow was just too big, 6 plates is much better!

The pillow is approximately 22"x15", which is just right.  

I'll show you my pillow that matches my studio (yes, I have a little studio now!) next year.

 

 

Bella

I finished my Bella quilt, a local woman, Wendy quilted it for me and I love it! 

mmm, crosshatch... 

I attached the binding by machine, it can be a bit fussy, it takes a lot of practice!  I have not clocked that many hours on the skill, but, I am will keep trying.  I still like hand stitching bindings, but, sometimes, a girl has to move on to new, possibly, unfinished projects.

I do not always want a quilt with visible stitches, but, sometimes, it's fine.

 

 

I am tickled pink to share this---

my first needle-turn applique project!

I am done with this Merry Merry Snowman quilt top!  I did needle-turn appliqué on all 9 blocks--it is easily over 100 hours of work, hell, at least 150 hours.  I still cannot believe that I'm done with this part!  I sent this away for quilting, Wendy will do some custom quilting, I'm excited to get it back.  I'll talk more about this when I finish it.

 

If you are interested in reading a little about me and quilting(I know you are), I did an interview with Amanda for our guild--OKC Modern Quilt Guild, you can read it on that blog.  I welcome your comments.

 

This week, I'm headed to a nearby city's quilt guild to do 2 presentations on modern quilting with a fellow guild member.  I'm anxious today as we finish preparing our material, I might be crazy.  

 

I went to International Quilt Market in Houston a week ago, look for some posts soon!

 

I am linking to OKCMQG's "Flaunt Your Finish" feature, which I plan to do often, maybe you will, too?

 

Hex Yes

Phone post--I'll format this better, later, maybe.

I'm in the parent area while my kiddo is learning ballet, in my lap is this glorious combo of strawberry, stone, aqua, & cherry red...mmmm, I cannot get enough of it. Anyhow, I am paper piecing 23 2" hexagons to make a little throw pillow (after being placed in a lucite box). This is the perfect project to have at ballet, gymnastics & soccer, too bad the hexagons are big, I will not have much longer to work on it.

 

Basting stitches in place, hand piecing hexagons now.

 

DEEP THOUGHTS, by Jem Handy

I really want to make a grandmother's flower garden quilt in a queen size. I want to take my time with it. I don't know what I want to use for colors, I will use tiny prints (maybe 30s prints) and I'm leaning towards the color scheme of the hexi pillow, I don't see tiring of it on our bed in 2016 when I finish it.

I am working on about 10 things right now, a part of me wishes that was a joke.

I want to blog more about my process with pretty much everything I'm making just to chronicle it better & for anyone interested in seeing things come together. I just do not take the time on the computer to write posts anymore. I might get on my laptop once a day--might. I may just blog more from my phone, the photos are not awesome, but maybe I'll save the camera for finished projects--I can handle that!

I have become a member of the OKC Modern Quilt Guild this year after flirting with the idea for a long time. I enjoy the group and our activities and look forward to years ahead! We have a group project almost complete and I'll breathe a heavy sigh once its done!  I booked a quilt retreat for us, it is just after Thanksgiving, so, it will be a nice treat!

I signed up to do Pillow Talk Swap on Monday, very excited about that!

I am interested in the 4x5 bee, I joined that group this week!

I'll leave you with this bag that I made last week when I should have been working on my zipper bags...

 

Pattern by Jen Giddens.