Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Something Special for Someone Special

I met my dearest girlfriend Lisa in November of 2004, she was newly pregnant with her youngest daughter.  This little one would touch my life in a special way.  Actually all of her daughters are dear to me and I love them all.  But her pregnancy and delivery of this youngest child was special as I had the opportunity to witness faith in action as her family faced the very real possibility that their precious baby girl might not come home with them but instead go home to Jesus just after she arrived.
I also witnessed prayer answered in miraculous ways as her life was spared and she was gifted to a family and faith community that loves her and where she brings great joy to many.
Our families share lots of time and laughter together and we are blessed to have our lives intertwined in faith and friendship.  As we have now moved to live in the same town, I get to see this little girl more and as her 9th birthday approached, I wanted to do something special for her.
Finally an idea sparked and I set to work.  These are the things I made for her birthday.

Every dolly needs new underthings
white muslin edged in pink lace details and bows
white muslin petticoat with white lace details and tulle
And of course, pajamas and a robe are required with a new sleeping bag.
Flannel with a mock pocket
Flannel with white lace edging and a fabric tie

pre-quilted and fully lined with cotton print and an attached pillow
a glittery accent for fun
I machine quilted a design on the pillow to add a bit of fun
And every American Girl doll needs a ball gown and fancy cloak for parties.
Lavender satin with lavender lace edging & ruffles and an attached tulle wrap

stretch purple velour with white braid trim and lavender satin lining
Muff has an accent of beaded lace and is also satin lined
Happy Birthday to the littlest J and may you have as much fun with these as I did making them for you.



**Model doll is "Kit" and belongs to my own dear daughter who graciously loaned her to me for fitting and pictures.  Thanks Jess!

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

A Phone Clutch Bag (for me!)

Sometimes I get a pattern just because it catches my eye and it takes me a while to get around to actually MAKING whatever it is.  Not really too long on this one as it looked like it would be a quick little project.

I bought the pattern here: Sew Thankful - I've also purchased quilting thread from them in the past and am happy to recommend them!

I decided late one evening to begin this little project for myself and hunted up some left-over fabrics to use as well as a random zipper from the stash I keep on hand.  The pattern called for using a 9" zipper (cut down) but since the size I made (middle one) didn't need one that long, I used a 7" one I had hanging around.

The fabric is all 100% cotton quilting fabric and I used the fusible fleece and interfacing I had on hand (no idea what brands).  It came together fairly quickly and after one small alteration of direction on my outside pocket (because I accidentally reversed the dimensions on the pieced panel) and the alteration on the strap (I didn't have a swivel clasp), it only took a few hours to complete and I'm pleased with the result.



Two outside pockets and 3 inside (2 for cash/cards & 1 little one for a lip balm)

In looking at these photos I suddenly realized that I have fabric from 3 projects represented here - one quilt and 2 different table runners. Gotta love not wasting the scraps!