I Made a Quilt

I've wanted to make a quilt for a long time, but I've never had the real motivation to actually complete one.  Here's the somewhat long story of how the quilt came to be.  Check off number 6 on my 30 before 30 list.  Done and done.

The quilt on the bed with a mini blanket

Front and back of the quilt

Started the project at 9:30 pm; finished at 2:00 am

About a month two months ago, Emily asked if I'd make some minky changing pads for her baby.  I purchased two yards of red, one yard of white, and two yards of green minky fabric from Jo-Ann Fabric to make the changing pads (the white was a remnant and sold at 75% off).  Since I had no idea how much fabric it would take to make the changing pad covers, I figured what I had would work and I'd go from there.  Thanks to my sister (and a few google searches with patterns), the changing pad covers turned out perfectly (we added a strip of elastic sewn between the long lengths in the center of the pad for extra slip-resistance).  The changing pads took about one yard each to make.  With the leftover fabric (and three yards total of flannel fabric), I pieced together the quilt as I went along.  Without any planning at all, the quilt folds in half lengthwise to fit perfectly in the crib.  The little white ties were a last-minute finishing touch that also ensures the quilt stays flat.  I love how both the quilt and changing pads turned out and really hope Emily does, too.

Minky changing pad cover - harder to make than it looks

Before & After: Window Treatments

I've lived in my townhouse for almost five years.  About four years ago, when I installed the floors and painted the trim white in the living room, I took down all the white blinds.  Curtains were made for my large windows, however, I neglected the little window next to the TV.  The window is on the west side of the house, which makes watching TV when the sun is setting a little painful (since the sun is blaring in your eyes as you sit on the sofa).  I figured I'd get around to making something to put there someday...

Anyway, since mom has been camped out on my sofa for the past week, I figured it would be a nice guesture to not blind her every night when the sun sets.  So, I finished the curtains I started sewing about three years ago.  It took me less than an hour to complete this project, and the curtain rod was $5 from Target.  That's a deal.  Plus, no one on the sofa will be blinded when the sun sets.  It's a win-win for everyone, really.

Before & After: Window Treatments

Sew Away

When I was in second grade, my mom taught me how to sew.  The older I get, the more grateful I am for the skills she instilled in me and my sister.  From canning to gardening, laundry and cleaning, I don't know how she taught us how to do so much, but she did.  So, back to this weekend.  On Friday, I had a long day at work prepping for a shoot I have this week.  To de-stress, I decided I wanted to make a dress.  Last year, I picked up some fabric and a Simplicity pattern at JoAnn Fabric.  One year later, I did something with it.  I worked until 1:30 AM, but the dress turned out beautifully.  And the invisible zipper I put in was perfect.  When mom looked at the dress, she couldn't figure out how I put it on since she didn't see a zipper.  That's good news, my friends!