Instant Gratification -- Compliments of Amy Butler

Sometimes when I work on a lot of quilt tops, I need a break.  It sometimes seems like I have nothing "finished".  When I feel like that, I look for something that will give me instant gratification.  That is usually a bag or tote. 

A couple of weeks ago I had to take a trip to Madison.  On the way home I stopped at Nancy's Notions to look for some inspiration or a new idea.  I came across a book full of bags by Amy Butler.  I LOVE her designs.  They are creative and original.  Not the same old bag, know what I mean?


Before I buy a book, I have to leaf through it and see if there is more than one pattern I want to make.  When I leafed through this book, there wasn't one pattern I DIDN'T want to make!!  I felt immediate inspiration!! I wanted to make them all . . . that day.

I finally settled on a pattern called the Fringed Hobo.  It was so much fun selecting the fabric for the outside, and I was able to find the lining in my stash.  It was really, really fun to make this purse.  I do, however, recommend finding a decorator weight fabric.  You want this purse to be able to maintain its shape. 

I sort of chose things backwards.  I found a trim that I really liked, and the selected the fabric to go with the trim.  The best I have to choose from is at my local Joann Fabrics store, and the selection there is not exactly primo, but adequate. 


What's up next?  Well, my sewing room is currently being gutted.  My husband is treating me to new paint, flooring and even a Koala Suite!! 

Stay tuned for the progress . . .

Look Before You Leap . . . or Applique

About a year ago, I signed up at my favorite local quilt shop, Piece by Piece, and signed up for an absolutely beautiful Halloween Block of the Month.  For those of you who love to applique, Baltimore Halloween will be right up your alley.  A word of warning for those not so good at applique, like me, or those who want to ease into applique, this quilt really is . . . scary.  I have eight of thirteen blocks now under my belt.  Yes, I am a bit behind.  The first few, not so daunting.  Absolutely beautiful when put togther.   Remember, I got behind, so when I picked up Block #13, I opened it with glee thinking that this is really, really gonna pull this all together.  That's when Baltimore Halloween got really, really scary.  Nearly 200 pieces in the center block to applique.  Yep, you read right. 

Okay, okay.  I did cut some corners.  I looked at the candy corn and decided to make little strips sets and then cut out the pieces.  So, instead of making the candy corn 3 separate pieces of white, orange, yellow, I made strip sets and cut curved triangles.  Then there were other ways that I cut corners by making things that should have been more pieces just one piece.  I thought I would just use my thread for definition.  It actually worked out pretty well and I was pleased with the result. 

This quilt is going to be absolutely beautiful when it is done.  Definitely a great wall hanging as it finishes out at about 58 x 58.  I have more stitching to do.  My ghosts need faces.  But I have definitely learned a lesson.  I have about 9 hours of work in this one 20 x 20 block.  Look before you leap . . . or applique.