Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

It's September Already!

It's hard to believe that summer is over and fall is here and it's time to show our three projects for this blog hop!  When I signed up for this one I thought how far away that date was and that it would be forever until my projects would be due.  A friend recently told me that life is like a toilet paper roll....the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes.  I think summer is like that!

But for once in my life I didn't procrastinate - yea for me!  First up is my gingham project and it's one I've already use and fallen in love with.

This zippered bag is quite large and is perfect for holding lots of stuff....lots.  I used Riley Blake's black gingham for the outside and red polka dot laminate for the lining.  I'm not a fan of sewing on laminate but it's the perfect thing for this.  I don't want any accidental spills to get on what I'm carrying in this.


When I travel I like to take my mini IPad, a box of note cards and a pen, an extra pair of reading glasses, and of course the cords for the IPad, my phone and my computer....and it all fits in this bag easily!  I could have gotten more in here....a granola bar for a late night snack, my prayer journal and maybe even my travel Bible, though I have a copy on my IPad.


I added a bit of lace to the top just because it's pretty.  :)  This is recycled lace, taken from a pillowcase found in an antique store.  The pillowcase itself had holes in it but the lace was in perfect shape.

My second project is a wool piece - I'm not sure if I'd call it a table topper because it probably won't be used that way but that's the size of it.  This pattern was a free one from Primitive Gatherings early this summer - designed to be the center of a large quilt but perfect for what I wanted.

The flowers and vines are wool and the background and borders are cotton.  I did a blanket stitch with Valdani threads on the applique.

The binding on this is from fabric that was one of the first pieces I bought when I started quilting in 1995!  Cleaning out your stash closet results in some great finds.  :)


I did some machine quilting in the background - just some curved lines - and then hand quilted around the corner flowers.  This piece was the perfect size and colors I needed for a particular place in my sunroom so it's now in it's home and brightening up that little corner.

A couple of years ago I started an embroidered quilt called Betsy's Closet - some of you may remember it.  We even had a blog for those who were working on it, which I can't seem to find now.  It's taken me a long time but I finally finished it this summer


This is a pretty good view of the borders I think....there are three including the sashing.


The embroidery pieces used mostly pastel colors and some are a little difficult to see in this light but the soft colors are really perfect for these paper doll clothes.  I did a free motion echo around the embroidery, some straight line quilting in the first border, followed the print in the second border and free motion quilted each flower petal and leaf in the outer border.


This is a closeup of one of my favorite blocks...I would have loved this dress when I was a child!


And for a bonus project....yes I did...I used the rest of some gingham I had to make this adorable apron.  I started with a white apron bought at Hobby Lobby, added the ruffles and the ghost face along with some rick rack.  I loved the ease of using a premade apron!



It's a bit long in the torso for my model, who agreed to model when I promised not to show her face, but that could be fixed by shortening the neck strap.  Wouldn't this be fun to wear when handing out goodies on Halloween?  :)

I think I'll do a giveaway for one of my followers - hmmm, what would you like to win?  How about this:


There's something for everyone I think...Reflections, a quilt pattern by Yellow Creek Quilt Designs, She Quilts-I Cook - a wallhanging pattern by Block Party Studios which includes the center panel, and a sweet package of 10 different Riley Blake ginghams.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE - only one comment!  If you're commenting on this post and want to be included in the drawing, just add the words I follow .....  (by email, on Bloglovin', etc.).  I get your comments in an e-mail so when you make two separate comments I get confused.  Of course, it's easy to confuse me.  :)

Thanks so much to Shari at Living With Purpose for the wonderful way she's kept us up to date on this hop and to Madame Samm at Sew We Quilt for her continued support of quilters in so many wonderful ways.  Don't forget to go visit the rest of the blogs who are posting today.  And just in case you missed the first couple of days' offerings I'll include those as well.


Thursday, September 4Jane's Quilting
Life in the Scrapatch
Sew Many Yarns
Gracie Oliver Arts
Everyone Deserves a Quilt

Friday, September 5
Stitchin' By The Lake
Coeur d'Alene
Words & Stitches
TheSlowQuilter
Pig Tales and Quilts
All Thingz Sewn

Monday, September 8Quilting Quietly
Creatin' in the Sticks
Procrastination Queen
Lovelli Quilts
Cherry Blossoms

Tuesday, September 9Just Let Me Quilt
Marjorie's Busy Corner
The Quilting Queen Online Blog
Marla's Crafts
K and S Sweets and Stitching

Wednesday, September 10Secretly Stitching
Buzzing and Bumbling
Quilt n Queen
Quilted Delights

Grandmama's Stories

Thursday, September 11Susie's World
Needled Mom
Cate's Linens
How ART you?
I Like To QuiltBlog

Quiltscapes 

Friday, September 12Sunshine-quilting
Sew Peace to Peace
MoosestashQuilting
More Stars in Comanche
Living With Purpose

Monday, September 15
I Piece 2-Mary
Till We Quilt Again
Vroomans Quilts
Nini and the Sea
Seams To Be Sew

109 comments:

Thearica said...

Your zippered bag is too cute! I love organizers for my purse so I really need to start making me a few. I love wool anything and your table topper is fantastic, as is your embroidered quilt!

Sewgirl said...

Love the apron. Yes, very fun for Halloween. I follow!

Linda said...

Lovely bag. I follow on bloglovin.

Unknown said...

Such fun projects! I love the idea of using the waterproof lining! I have to make a new Kindle cover and I think I may borrow this idea! Best wishes, Beth @ Words & Stitches. pbstrand@msn.com

Joanne said...

I love your projects! The bad is perfect and I agree with you about the laminate. I don't like sewing on it either, but works well for this bag. Your apron is adorable as is the embroidery that you did. You are a very talented lady and all your handwork is wonderful! Thanks for sharing your creations with us today. :-)

Judy B said...

Love your projects! I still working on Betsy's Closet, sew far behind, lol! I follow you via email. Thank you for sharing your summer.

Donna said...

What wonderful projects! Your apron is adorable. I follow by feedly.

Nancy said...

Marlene your Quilt is stunning! You are sew creative, and your projects are delightful!! Thanks for Sharing!
I follow on Bloglovin~
Huggs, Nancy

Baa. xxx said...

Love your projects! Especially the zippered pouch!

Britt-Inger said...

Your apron is sew fun. And the embroidered quilt is sew beautiful. It is wonderful that it is finally done.
Have a great weekend
Britt-Inger in Sweden

Alcea Rosea 31 said...

I follow on bloglovin. Your pouch looks very useful,I love the black gingham. The table topper is lovely for this time of year and quilt is just cute.

Anita said...

Lovely projects! I follow via GFC.

Shari said...

Love that Betsy's Closet quilt...I just love paper dolls, though I've always been a bit too rough on them. Such lovely summer projects...it has been wonderful sharing this summer with you! You will look sew cute handing out treats in your new apron!

Sparky said...

yes Marlene the lace is perfect on your gingham bag...your not so called topper is lovely....the applique florals is very fall...and your betsy quilt...well that is a gem...very vintage looking ...very pleasing overall..

Sparky said...

p.s this does not count for a second comment...forgot to add lOVE the ruffled apron ...not here..

Marla's Crafts said...

I follow. The quilt is beautiful. Very good getting your projects done.

Mary said...

Everything is beautiful. Love the idea of a bag for your "things". Great to use the laminate for the inside. Your quilts are beautiful. I am a follower

Dorian said...

What great projects Marlene! Your bag is cute, and looks just the perfect size. Glad you were able to get a WIP finished too.

Elizabeth Coughlin said...

Such wonderful projects! I love that bag!

Jeanie said...

I love everything! You can never have too many zippered bags. I love the laminate lining.. I've never worked with it before. The little table topper is very cute. I enjoy doing those smaller hand projects..... this one is kind of peaceful and calming. The quilt is amazing! I love the colors and the cute stitching. And the apron.... I hope you'll be wearing this when the treaters stop by on Halloween. Thanks for sharing these great projects today... always inspiring. I follow via GFC and Bloglovin.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Very sweet projects Marlene...love the pouch and that apron!!! everything is wonderful

Gill said...

Fabulous projects - I love the gingham pouch!
I follow via GFC!

Scrapatches said...

Beautiful projects all, Marlene! And sew diverse.

The apron is sew cute for Halloween. I like the idea of using a pre-made apron. I am going to look into those Hobby Lobby ones. Thanks for the tip!

The pouch looks perfect for carrying and protecting your electronics. I have a small piece of laminate left and am thinking I need one of these for travel. I like the idea of the laminate on the inside.

The wool and applique cotton quilt is lovely and will make a nice wall quilt. I would not want to put this beauty where it might get spills on it either.

The Betsy's closet quilt is sew wonderful. The fabrics you chose are perfect for the embroidery blocks, Congrats on getting this one done.

You are sew accomplished! Thanks for sharing your beautiful summer. Of course, I follow. I love the peaceful time I spend by your lake and your header picture always soothes me ... :) Pat

Josie McRazie said...

Fun!! You know I have a great Bible app on my iPhone and I love always having it with me! (Plus he reads to me and is very soothing!!) Ya know I follow ya and you just cant seem to get rid of me!! ;0)

Helen@Till We Quilt Again said...

Well, I might just need and iPad bag as well!! All of your projects are great!
I follow via email.

Lori said...

I follow by email

The Slow Quilter said...

Like I always say you can not have enough pouches/bags. I love it and your quilts also. The appron made be laugh, how wonderful it looks. Great Job.

The Slow Quilter said...

Like I always say you can not have enough pouches/bags. I love it and your quilts also. The appron made be laugh, how wonderful it looks. Great Job.

allthingzsewn said...

Marlene, You and I seem to Pick up an item but see it as something else. The lace is perfect for that bag. It bothers me when I see old quilts, lace or embroidery getting ready to be tossed out, I think of the person who put hours in making it. I'm going to borrow your idea for the apron. I have one that is too short and this will work perfectly. So cute. My favorite, the wool quilt piece. But the paper doll quilt is just .
beautiful.
I went back and corrected my post to say free motion quilting instead of hand quilting, my bad. And thanks for the comment.

BarbCarol said...

Busy, busy, as usual. I am a follower thru Google Friends, Blogloving, and Blogshelf ...

Leah said...

Beautiful Stitching! Love all your projects. I like the idea of laminate inside your bag. Very clever. I am a happy follower. :)

Lana said...

No procrastination there! GREAT JOB!!! My favorite is the project you finished...your stitching is perfect!

I follow by Bloglovin...

Linda said...

What a productive summer you've had! Your bag would be perfect for so many things! I love the red polka dot lining!
I've been wanting to do some wool work but haven't found the time yet. Your s is lovely! It's a no us that you were able to work in some fabric from your stash!
Love the apron! How adorable!
That quilt is beautiful!!!
(I follow by GFC, by the way.)

Gmama Jane said...

I so love everything you've made but if I HAD to choose my favorite it would have to be Betsy's Closet. I even remember when you started it! I thought about making one but that's as far as it got...thinking about it! I love each one of the little paper doll dresses. With all the traveling you did this summer, you certainly didn't allow it to stop your stitching.
Blessings
Gmama Jane

Kyle said...

I love how you took your three patterns and made them your own, from the bit of antique lace on the bag, or taking part of a pattern and finishing it with "vintage fabric", circa 1995!

Vickie said...

Your Betsy's Closet quilt is just wonderful Marlene as are your other summer creations! What a great idea to recycle the lace from the pillowcase, I bet I have some of those kind of things around here. Your a very talented lady !

Calicojoan said...

Wow, you had a very productive summer. I love your projects, each and every one of them. Congrats on the "WOW" of the day. Well deserved!

Calicojoan said...

Wow, you had a very productive summer. I love your projects, each and every one of them. Congrats on the "WOW" of the day. Well deserved!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Love your gingham projects - I have yet to try laminates, but perfect for lining a bag. And the 'Closet' quilt - oh how absolutely gorgeous!!

Karen said...

The little polka dot dress block is sweet as can be. And, of course, your wool applique piece appeals to me.

Needled Mom said...

I follow. LOVE your summer work! The embroidered quilt is beautiful and that apron is adorable. It would be cute to wear anytime! I also like the cute little zippered bag.

Jane's Quilting said...

Such beautiful projects. I love the bag, very practical. That is one I need, good idea to use the laminate. I also love your quilt. I see why you got the "Wow" factor today, you certainly deserved it!!!

Carol Swift said...

I cracked up when I read the toilet paper comparison...too funny. Your zipper bag looks so usable and beautiful, the apron is just adorable, and the wool piece turned out really pretty. As for that quilt, it is gorgeous and makes me want to run and sew one just like it! You totally wow'd us today with your sewing projects!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

What neat projects Marlene! My favorite is the wool piece, I have yet to make one of those. Thanks for sharing!

sewlost said...

I follow by email
Sandy

sew.darn.quilt said...

Doesn't get any better than gingham and polka dots ;D
Thank you for the chance.
I'm a seasoned follower.

Patty Howe said...

I am now a bloglovin follower. Congratulations on your beautiful quilt. I remember when you started it. I am glad I found you again. Thanks for the giveaway.

✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄ said...

I love your pouch, what a fantastic idea, you can never have too many. And your quilt is so pretty! Love it.
(follow by Bloglovin' :))

Martina said...

Fantastic quilt, the stitcheries are so sweet and I adore your gingham bag, Very lovely!!!
I follow with bloglovin'

sandra said...

I love all of your projects but the quilt really caught my eyes as it is so sweet and what a lot of work. I have been thinking I would like to try embroidery again . The apron is adorable and how smart you used a pre made one and then added on. I follow you through Feedly. Blessings Sandra

Createology said...

I follow the old fashioned way and do not know what it is called. I am so glad I do because I love seeing all the amazing projects you make. These three plus bonus apron are fabulous. I LOVE your little paper doll clothes embroidered and incorporated into this beautiful quilt. Your work is stunning. Thank you sew very much for sharing and hopping. Creative Gingham Bliss...

Rosa said...

Fabulous projects,love them all.The quilt caught my eye!

I do follow by email.

Joyce Carter said...

All your projects are absolutely beautiful. but I am really loving the quilt. It s really awesome. Great job.

Anonymous said...

That little embroidered dress is so charming. I'm partial to anyhting that includes hand embroidery Thanks for sharing

Liz said...

Some lovely projects. Thanks for showing. I follow you.

Anonymous said...

I do love your embroidered quilt. I follow on Bloglovin. Thanks!

Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

Doris Rice, The Quilting Queen said...

Very nice projects. But the apron is my favorite. It's just too darn cute! I have the same set of embroidered blocks too.

gpc said...

What great projects, and I love that apron! Too cute for words. I am a follower. :)

Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] said...

Great projects! I love the apron!!! (Follow via Bloglovin)

Peggy said...

I follow via Bloglovin.
Thanks,
Peggy
peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

Sylvia Anderson said...

What a cute bag!!!!! Just love red, black and white together, so bright and perky. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity and I follow you by e-mail. lv2bquilting2@comcast.net

Suze said...

I do follow via Bloglovin'. Now to the important stuff. The gingham bag is just cute, cute, cute. I love the laminate lining. It seems to be a perfect size. The table topper embroidery is absolutely wonderful. Of course, blue is my favorite color. I love how the thread enhances the flowers. It must be a variegated thread. What a great idea to combine wool and cotton. I have always adored the Betsy's Closet. It is stunning. I love sailor clothes to this day. My first husband told me if he didn't go shopping with me all my clothes would be sailor and blue. Your fabrics are the perfect enhancement to the embroidery. What a stunning quilt!!!! The Halloween quilt is ready and waiting for all the kiddos to appear. Halloween will be here before you know it. I love the touch of gingham on it. Thank you for participating and sharing a part of your summer with us. You are very generous with your giveaway.

Brandy said...

Oh my gosh that apron! You have some of the most fun projects Marlene, and I'm following you now!
~Brandy
pamperedpettit.blogspot.com

LJ said...

Such fun projects you've made; I especially think the apron is great. Yep, I can see it as perfect for Halloween. Congrats on completing the Betsy quilt; it really is sweet. Doesn't completing a UFO make life sweet, too. :) I do follow you using Feedly.

Marcy said...

Wow. I love the borders on Betsy's Closet. I did mine according to the pattern. Your is elegant! Glad you had fun stitch all summer.

Tu-Na Quilts said...

I'm lovin' your quilt! How cute and I wish there were more up close photos of the clothes. The gingham bag turned out very nice. I haven't sewn with laminated cotton yet as it is so expensive. I am a new follower by email and Bloglovin. kthurn@bektel.com

Lesley said...

Wonderful projects. You are so multi-talented. Love your version of Betsy's Closet. It is adorable! I did one as well but I believe the site was discontinued awhile back. I follow!

Brenda said...

I love your projects! I follow by e-mail.

Farm Quilter said...

Great bag and apron! Congrats on finishing the beautiful quilt!!! I follow via email.

Kathy H said...

I follow by google friends. Such great projects. I love the Betsy's closet quilt. I love to combine the embroidery and piecing.

Cecilia said...

I love your little pouch! I could definitely use one of these. I would need to make mine larger since I don't have a mini iPad. I follow via email. I like your little quilt, too. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway.

Sally said...

I follow on bloglovin

Karen said...

I love the zippered bag. It is so adorable.

Cindy said...

Lots of fun projects! You were busy! :)

Michelle said...

Really cute projects.

Amy said...

Marlene, of course I just love your little embroidered quilt. It is just precious. I have a bit of laminate also and might have to whip up a bag too. The apron is too cute. The kids would love one. Of course, I follow you! ;)

Unknown said...

I love your Betsy's closet quilt. Betsy reminds me of the paper doll that was in McCalls when I was a little girl. I am following you on bloglovin. Thank you for your giveaway.

Heleen Groot said...

Love your projects. All of them. The bag looks very handy (oh no! A handy bag.....I need that). The quilts are adorable. The apron is spooky and fun. Thank you for sharing. And yes. I do follow you. On Bloglovin (and lovin that too!)

Renea said...

I loved seeing your Betsy's Closet quilt. I have all my blocks ready to put in a quilt but not sure what fabric to use with the blocks. I really liked your choice of fabrics. Thanks for the great giveaway.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Amazing what you find hiding in your old stash. Sweet projects and how great to finish up a UFO along the way.
I follow via bloglovin

Mary Pat Callihan said...

Your embroidery quilt is beautiful! Handwork is always something to be valued, but my favorite piece is the one with the blue wool flowers. So sweet.

Janarama said...

Wonderful projects ... you do such great work. The quilt with the embroidery is beautiful. I follow you via Google Friends Connect.

Rhonda D. said...

I love your bag, and the Betsey's Closet quilt. I follow you through Bloglovin. Thanks for the chance to win!

Grammy Staffy said...

Hello my friend. I love all of your projects. Your work is always beautiful. I'm just dropping by to say Hello and send you a hug.... but you have so many comments you may not even see mine. I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you. Have a great week.

nicolesender said...

Love your projects! I follow you on Bloglovin: Nicole Sender.

Lee said...

I follow with GFC! Thank you!!

Michele said...

All of your projects are just great but I love the apron the most.

InGa said...

I too loved all your projects, the apron was fun. :-)
I'm a follower on the blog.

Carla said...

Marlene, you really wowed me with your quilt. Love your stitching, sashing, borders, and echo quilting. Your bag and table topper are great summer finishes and that apron just makes me want to go make one for myself. What a great idea. You know I love ruffles and putting them on that apron for halloween is so fun.

Linda C said...

What fun projects you are sharing in your summer hop free time! It is hard to pick a favorite but I guess if pressed it would be the Betsy's Closet quilt. Hooray for you completing it. I adore embroidery, don't you?

Renee G said...

The paper doll quilt is my favorite. It brings back lots of childhood memories. Follow as Renee G on GFC.

Unknown said...

I follow Stitchin By The Lake on bloglovin.
Kathy Davis
kdavis1@centurytel.net

Sarah said...

I follow on bloglovin. Thanks! And thanks for your heading -- I needed that reminder today. sarah@forrussia.org

Unknown said...

Awesome projects! I follow by email.

Rhonda R said...

Your embroidered quilt is wonderful. How nice to have it finished so you can enjoy it! All your projects are so nice. My daughter has a Halloween birthday so I may have to use your idea for an apron! :)

Lovelli Quilts said...

Beautiful quilts and photos!! I love your gingham bag and I think the touch of lace is wonderful.

Julie S said...

You chose the best fabrics for the embroidered blocks!

juliehallfeldhaus said...

I love making aprons too:) I follow by bloglovin.

Bente-I like to QuiltBlog said...

Hi Marlene,
you blogpost is wonderful, lovely projects all of them!
The gingham bag is very cute, and the quilt is stunning!
Thanks for hte chance to win, would love it if my DH would cook when I'm sewing *lol*
I do follow by GFC and Bloglovin!
Bente

Judy1522 said...

Your projects are all great! I would have loved a dress like that also when I was a child. I follow on Bloglovin.

GranChris said...

I follow on BL. Cute Tabletopper.

GranChris said...

I follow on BL. Cute Tabletopper.

Unknown said...

I Love the zipper bag - it is just way too cute!! Love your blog :)

Susie said...

Love all the projects, especially the bag. I follow on Bloglovin. Susie x

Unknown said...

I follow

Karen Propes said...

I love your projects, just beautiful. Thanks for sharing all your projects. I follow you via bloglovin and one of the ways I follow.
Thanks
ncjeepster@aol.com

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing all your projects - your work is so pretty! I follow you via bloglovin - thank you again for a chance to win :)

Kathy E. said...

You are sooo creative and I am inspired by your projects! I'd love to win!

Sharon Dawn said...

Your embroidery is wonderful! That is on my someday list...

Aren't zippered bags great! I don't know if I will ever have enough to finish organizing. I am a bit late, but you did an amazing job with your projects!