Two-Week Old To-Do List: a picture-heavy post

One of the many perks of finishing a big quilt, like "My Answer is Yes," is the freedom to work on lots and lots of smaller projects.  This list was made on January 7th in preparation for a sewing weekend.  In high school I had a job in which I was paid by the amount I did - I made minimum wage while my friend Cathy made three times what I did because she was so fast.  Good thing my quilting is not based on speed!

Two more Sew Powerful purses

These nine went in the mail for the 2/1/2016 deadline.  This project is picking up steam, and I think there will be more of these to come!  If you're looking for charity sewing or a good place to donate money, investigate the link above.

I love this Molly Market tote, and I love this combination of fabrics.  I keep giving them away, but only after ensuring that I have the fabrics to make another. 

This was a Scoop Tote by Green Bee was a kitted pattern at Craftsy on sale for $20ish and included 2.5 yards of fabric.  This 'crossword' fabric is a Cotton & Steel quilter's canvas, and I saw it at Quilters Quest for $22/yard.  SCORE!

A zip pouch still waiting to be made...

I'm putting the finishing touches on this Sloan Travel Bag by Sara Lawson.  I like this pattern very much and went to sleep last night thinking of which fabrics I want to use for the next Sloan bag.  More on this once it's finished...

In conclusion, a pretty picture of "My Answer is Yes" in situ.

Getting Ready for QuiltCon 2015

The Modern Quilt Guild is holding its second convention in Austin, Texas this week.  QuiltCon 2013 was the best quilting experience ever, and I am thrilled to be returning to Austin for QuiltCon 2015. Leaving town for a few days is always an opportunity to finish up projects and line up what I want to work on next.

The final eight placemats for my house are finished.  And so is one more Molly Market tote bag - I just can't keep my hands off of this comma fabric.

When I get home, the two projects at the top of the list are the two tasteful Backhawks quilts for the fathers of my Illinois great nieces. These will be red feathers against a black and grey checked background.  The other project involves royal blue bridesmaid dresses.  The bridesmaids want their dresses worked into a bed topper for their bride.

 At Quiltcon 2015 I'm taking a full-day class in Sashiko Quilting with Maura Ambrose, and I am most looking forward to the two half-day classes with Yoshiko Jinzenji.  Roommate Melissa went to grad school in Austin, and one day we are going to visit the LBJ library.  One morning I have a pancake date with guildster Mimi who is no longer in Chicago and blogger buddy/hero Chawne.  Several of my quilt besties are making the trek to Austin - so wonderful to share this whole experience with them. 

It's All About The ... COMMA!

I made a similar Molly Market Tote Bag last year - see it here - but I wound up giving it as a Christmas present to Meg, our nephew's wife who lives in London.   I didn't give it to her until I was sure I had enough of Comma by ZenChic to make another.  This bag really is perfect for daily shopping - lightweight, sturdy, stylish.

This second bag is the Hazel Hipster, designed to be a cross-body bag.   I can't tell you how much I struggle with the length of bag straps.  And what did I do?  Create a lovely bag with a strap that is too short to wear cross body.  (Yes, I measured - who knows what the issue is...).   So either I need to find a short person who loves this bag - anyone? - or rework the straps with d-rings and make it adjustable.  Good thing I have more comma fabric.  In fact - full disclosure:  I have bought this fabric three times now.

Interior has two pockets

Back is plain and quilted