Tuesday things I love {baby edition}

Happy Tuesday my blog friends :)

It's time for Tuesday things I love again!!! After summer break, feels like going back to school!!! So, I have a custom order for a sweet baby gift for a friend's colleague from work.  We've been considering on what to make for le bébé, and we decided on a nice cute, girly, set of bib/kimono shoes/baby pillow.  It's time for shopping!! what a great excuse!!! Don't you agree?

The only thing I know, is that we want all items to include some pink color!!dah!!!I have to deliver her gift by the end of September, fact which means that  I have to place a fabric order as soon as possible, since  there is an almost 15 days lead time to receive it:(

I've been searching on etsy for fabrics!!! My god, there are so many cute fabrics out there to chose from!!{I'm not gonna even mention Japanese!!! This post would be endless!!!}.Quilting cotton, flannel, minky {ooohh so fluffy/cuddly/PRICEY!!}, chenille {also cute but pricey!!!). Now tell me how can I make up my mind!!! I'd say "easy peasy"!! Take them all!! Right?? In another life maybe or planet maybe:(

Will you help me out??

1. Just Wing It Fabric by Momo for Moda Fabrics, 2. Hoo's in the Forest Fabric by Doohickey Designs for Riley Blake, 3.Riley Blake Fabric Alphabet Soup Girl, 4. Far far away 3 Heather Ross for Kokka Fabrics, 5.Alphabet Soup Fabric by Zoe Pearn for Riley Blake {green}, 6. Who's in the Forest- Riley Blake Fabric {yellow}, 7. Baby Pink Minky, 8. Riley Blake, Hoo's in the Forest, Red Aqua and Pink, 9. Vintage Chenille Fabric

Major Wrong + A right!!!

Good day my lovely blog friends!!!

It's already Sunday... oohh!!! someone please turn the time back on Friday evening!!!pleaseeee!! I don't want to go to work tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

How was your weekend?? We have been listening Mr. H. and I on the news about "Irene".  I read just now, that Irene has downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm!! I hope that all of you and your loved ones are safe !!. 

For me, it's been a not so much productive weekend.  Yesterday all morning I was cleaning the house, and by evening I decided that I should catch up with the Leila's qal.  So, I've printed the tut and went to my sewing room.  I've fallen behind again, I was supposed to make block 7 which is the Virginia star. After reading the tut, I thought to myself "Hey..that's an easy one"!!!.  Well, after almost one hour, I finished... and the result was A MAJOR FAILURE!!! It's OBVIOUS I've sewn block C from the opposite side (dah!!) but what about all the other little blocks!! Ughh!! I was furious, I had also wasted my precious happier fabrics from Riley Blake.!!!

Anyways, I gave up with the qal, and decided to make another pillow cover for my etsy shop.  By the way, THANK YOU for your lovely comments on my first etsy item :) It meant the world to me, getting all this support!!

The weather these days is much cooler, and I honestly think that maybe we'll have fall on time this year!! We'll see!! Anyways, on Friday evening we were sitting on the balcony with Mr. H. and I was noticing some falling leaves.  This gave me the idea of making a pillow cover with some leaves.  Now, a long time ago  I had bookmarked a tut from Bijou Lovely on how to make herringbone blocks.  Have you ever heard of them? I loved them, but I just couldn't figure out how I could adjust them to my work.  And then yesterday, a light bulb light!! I would make herringbone appliqued leaves!! Go figure!! I took out the Wee Woodland charm pack, and started cutting and sewing. I had to adjust though the dimensions of the strips, cause I was working with 5'' blocks. I can't tell you, how many hours it took me to finish just the front side of the cover. But I think it was well worth it!!  

  

For the back, I used light weight cotton fabric, with a tiny herringbone pattern.  Overall, I'm pretty pleased on how it turned out!!!!! What do you think? 

Well, it looks like it's going to be a busy week, with some custom baby book orders, and the qal. Also by the end of September I'll have to have ready something for my cousin who is getting married on October 1st.  Any suggestions please?  I have no idea what to make for her!! She likes handmade things, but I'm not sure about her taste!! Will you help me out??

I'm off to start on the Virginia star once more!! And hopefully this time, it'll be presentable:)

I'm wishing you a great day and a happy week:)

Waiting for the rain....

Happy Thursday my lovelies :)

It's been so hot and crazzzyyyy windy these days, it actually made me think  of some summer rain.  I'm craving for colder weather, for fall warmer colors... Aren't you feeling this way too? I can't wait for September to come, not that this means that it won't still be hot. It's actually pretty much hot here in Greece till early November!! 

Anywaysssss, while thinking of rain, I made something that I can share with you :) And I have some exciting news to share also.  It's the first item of my new {and still under construction} etsy shop.  Yes!!Yes!! I finally made up my mind on this issue, and decided that I should try opening my own shop :) I hope that I will fill it with beautiful, colorful, lovely handmade things for everyday living !!!

So the first item, is... can you guess?? A pillow cover for a 16'' pillow form, themed "Waiting for the rain..."

I just love everything about this pillow cover!!! The combination of the colors of the clouds, the hand sewn little cloud {althought it's "slightly" crooked}, the plain denim fabric and the vintage looking buttons in the back.  It's not listed yet, cause I have so many things to figure out {shipping/payment/etc.}, but I so wanted to share it with you:)

So, here's to a fresh start and to many more lovely handmade things to follow!!! Thanks again my lovelies for all your support all this time:)

A Love-ly book... to eat ?

Good day everyone :)

Yesterday, my cousin kept posting pics on my fb profile wall, and I just couldn't not share these with you.  They're the most Love-ly pictures I've ever seen.!! 

Remember this small present I had made for my niece, Love's book.  Well, you'll see that at least someone is reading it or better eating it??

Look everyone!! I'm reading my book :)

Ohhh I really love those sparkly shapes <3

C'mon mom give my a hand here!!!!

Better taste it I say!!!

When I first saw a pic of her with her book I went eeeeeeeeeeeeeeekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!!!!!!!!!!! that's so cute :) She's so into her book !!! I never thought that she'd like it so much!!! 

I'm getting addicted to this feeling!!You know!! The one where you're proud of the things you make, and that they're being appreciated or maybe eaten sometimes ??? Thank you cuz for those great pictures and for making me feel so special :D

oohh!! this post actually made my day :) I'm wishing everyone {with a smile from ear to ear} a great day!!! 

 

Photo Challenge - {Day22}

Hello again :D

It's photo challenge time !! Today's theme is "Trees".  I just love this pic, the place seems so magical!!! It was taken in the car, on our way to to some beach!!! I was lucky to get such a nice shot to share it with you :)

Now why don't you head over at Oh so Lovely and link up your Trees photos!!!

Presents!! Presents!!! Presents!!

Happy week my lovelies :)

How was your weekend? Mine was a rather productive one!!! On Saturday I went downtown to find some sew-in purse frames, cause I wanted to try and make a little purse from Beth's lovely tut. But I had no luck!! Almost all crafting/sewing shops were closed for holidays!! Uuugghhh!!!I managed to find some cute buttons though, for one of the pillows I made for my auntie. My first choice were some lovely wooden 2cm buttons, but when I heard their price (1,90 Euro/item) I felt a little dizzy!! Can you believe this? I think that from now on all my supplies will come from online shopping!! By the way, were do you usually get your sewing supplies? 

When I came home from my shopping, I started working on the Arkansas traveller pillow.  I added sashing to make it a 16'' inch  block, and for the quilting I decided just to stitch in the ditch around the block frame, and sew a 1/4'' stitch around the diamonds. For the back I used a lovely floral print.  I think it turned out really nice. 

I wanted to make her a matching pillow, and out of so many lovely patterns, I decided to make her a dresden plate quilted pillow. Once again I followed this tut, which was perfect for the size of the pillow form I had. I used 10 different prints for the wedges and the same floral print for the backing. And for quilting I decided to sew straight lines from the center of the flower towards the edges of the pillow.  This one was just plain lovely!!!

 

My cousin would be also there so I couldn't go empty handed.  I thought I should make her something practical!! A mug rug!!!  I used repurposed dark grey wool fabric for the sashing and some cute prints from the Wee Woodland line, and dark blue denim for the backing.  I know I know... wool in the summer?? Well, I'm thinking of colder days and lovely fall colors... aren't you?

Now I know it's all crooked but I was in such a hurry when I was making this!! I only had almost 2 hours to finish it!! 

I can't begin to describe you how excited both of them were with their presents!! And I on the other hand, was bursting with joy and excitement :) 

Well, that's all for now,  I have to get ready for work!! Hope you have a great day and week :)

Photo Challenge - {Days 20 & 21}

Happy Sunday :D

Can you believe it's almost the end of August?? Where did this summer go?? I say bring it back!!! Anyway, trying to catch up again with the photo challenge!!

Day's 19 theme is " What I read".  I saw this magazine the other day, and my eye caught those cute pillows on the cover... I grabbed it no time!!! Major disappointment though, too much cooking  content...less sewing :(

Now, day's 20 theme is " Pretty pattern".  I scored this Japanese fq from an etsy store on Friday or was it Thursday.  Anyways, it doesn't matter when, what matters is when will it arrive!! Can't wait... Isn't it lovely ?

Well I'm off to visit my dearest auntie with my family!! And I bring with me lots of presents :) Peeps on those later :)

I'm wishing all of you lovelies a great day :)

Photo Challenge - {Day 19}

Happy Saturday :)

Today's theme is "Where I slept".  So this is my regular size bed where me, Mr. H. and Mr. Rocky sleep every night :) Mr. Rocky is a little stuffed doggie, and was the first Valentine's gift from Mr.H :D

I'm off to my sewing machine and then for some craft search downtown!!woot!!woot!!.. What are you planning for this weekend??

Practice makes better?? {Wip}

Remember yesterday I showed you my first attempt on paper piecing the Arkansas traveller block!! Well, since that didn't go so well, I thought I'd give it another go!! I cut all my strips yesterday late in the evening, and today just before work, I managed to assemble all four diamonds {yep!! I know what you'll be thinking---doesn't this girl have a life??? Well, I'm kinda obsessing hereeeeeee ;)!!!!}.

 

Anyways, the result was a so much better than the first one.  When I came home, I started on the paper piecing, and it actually worked this time... with some minor wonky details {of cource}!! 

I'll be making a pillow out of this block, so I'm adding borders to make a 16x16'' pillow form fit. I've been considering though about my quilting options on this cutie... maybe some eco quilting on the outer sides of the star? would it look nice with the borders and all?  would you like to share your thoughts?? 

I used light weight fabrics for the diamonds on this one, and med weight fabric for the background. I found that I could work on this combination of weights much better, and the seams pressing was sooo easier.  Ohh... see that orange floral fabric on the diamonds, it's a vintage treasure from my mom's stash.  She had used it for making me a cute dress when I was little... don't you just love it??

I think it turned out way much better, don't you think?

I've also started working on the Virginia Star block, Leila had posted last Friday, but I'll be sharing with you peeps in the next days.

I'm off again to my little sewing world. 

A little busy bee !!!

As I told you on an earlier post, I've been a little busy bee these days!!! Now, please don't imagine something huge!!! But certainly something new to me!! I have been wanting to participate in another QAL from fresh lemon quilts, you probably have seen it already, the Summer sampler series. Well, the qal ended on August 5, but I decided last week to take a part, typical me !!!

Anyway, I've been dying over this block, the Arkansas traveller, isn't it amazing?? Lee, from Freshly Pieced has prepared a very very very helpful tutorial on how to make this. There is a reason on why I'm insisting on how helpful this tut is, you'll understand if you scroll down a little!! 

source

So I decided to give this one a try!! Since I'm not "typically" participating in this qal, I thought I could make blocks in no particular order, right? It involved the paper piecing technique, which is a whole new dimension for me!! So this is my first try, I couldn't not share it with you. I'm proud I pulled this off even if it's all wrong!! 

This is what happens, when you don't pay as much attention to a tut!! For the parts 4 and 5 of paper piecing I used the short sized stripes!! What we learned today?? Read twice and very carefully your tuts!!!! 

The second one was a pure success compared to the first one!!! I was delighted with joy!!

This is how it looks all together!! As you can see there are many many many mistakes, but I won't give up.  I'll try this one again!!! Although it's all crooked, I still think it looks great!!  What do you think? 

Now, apart from this block, I've made some cute little coasters for my dearest auntie!! I followed the tutorial of Jess from Twin Fibers.  I used my new Sugar pop charm pack which arrived sooooo fast this time!! woot!! woot!!

Those corners are way too tricky if you ask me!!! 

this is how the back looks {before hand quilted}!!! Love, love, love this fabric line!!!!

I dropped them off to my mother with a very simple gift wrapping, plain paper and a selvage for a ribbon, hopefully my auntie will love them :D I know my mama did!! Maybe I should make her some too... 


Anywayssss,I'm late again!! I have to get ready for work, I'm wishing everyone a great day :)

Photo Challenge - {Days 14 & 15}

Good day everyone :)

Day's 14 theme was "Flowers".  To tell you the truth, I don't have one single bloom in our little garden in the balcony, but we were lucky enough, cause we visited my parents this weekend, who are proud owners of a jungle flower garden. So...

On to day 15, and the theme was " my Shoes".  Well, these are my favorite sandals, I wear them every day!! At work, at the beach, at walks downtown, they are so worn out, but I keep wearing them all the time.... I believe that by the end of this summer, they'll be complete unwearable... :(

Photo Challenge - {Days 12 & 13}

Happy Saturday lovely blog friends :D

With all this sewing going on , I keep forgetting about the photo challenge.!!! Day's 12 theme is "Close up".   In the first photo is Sheba, and a dried weed that I was holding and teasing him with. The second one was taken about a year ago while watering my mom's gorgeous flowers, a nice summer afternoon.  I love taking close up photos, though I'd love to have a more appropriate camera than iphone.  Oh, well, it's not the end of the world if you ask me!!!

On to day 13, and today's theme is "From a distance". Now this is where I dream I'd be again, on a deck of a ferry boat heading to some island and taking pics of seagulls...

On another note, I've been a little busy bee these days, I'll tell you all about it in another post!!! I'm wishing everyone a happy weekend!! By the way, what are your plans for this weekend??

Photo Challenge - {Days 10 & 11}

Happy Thursday!! 

Finally, this week is coming to it's end!!! Can't wait for this longgg weekend, cause Monday is a National Holiday here in Greece, so 3-day weekend come on home :)!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, on to the photo challenge:) Day's 10 theme is "Something I made".  Well, I just finished the pinwheel pillow I've started for my mother, and here it is....

I think it turned out really nice, although there are many visible mistakes!!! I used blue denim for the backing, and I tried to make an envelope closing with no luck this time!! So, plain button up closing for this one!! 

Now, day's 11 theme is "Something funny". You know that I'm a cat lover!! I am!! I love cats and all their weird poses when they're sleeping, their face expressions when they're bored, their curiosity!!  

Ohhh, I'm once again late for work, have to get ready ASAP!!! Have a great day everyone :)

Photo challenge- {day 8 & 9}

Happy Tuesday everyone:)

Trying to catch up again with the 30 days Photo Challenge.

Day's 8 theme is " Technology", and the only thing that comes to mind when it comes to technology is Apple!! (don't you agree??)

And today's theme is "Faceless Self Portrait". Well, those are my kind of pics to tell you the truth!! 

I'm wishing everyone a GREAT day :-D