Scrapbook Swap

A few weeks ago I got the opportunity to attend a scrapbook retreat down in Galveston at The Red Victorian (www.galvestonsredvictorian.com). It was so much fun to see what everyone else was working on and gather some new ideas off of them. I worked on a page for Maggie, and 2 other scrappers liked it so much they did their own take on the page (see below). So I have an idea that a few of my friends are doing with me a scrapbook page swap. Only a few of us are doing it this time, and I'll post the results when they are completed.

Jeanne's diagonal layout.

My diagonal layout.

Kim's diagonal layout.

How to Reuse a Starbucks glass bottle

I've been keeping my Starbucks glass bottles and recycling them for my craft area. I'll post those pics soon too. However the other day we had a small friend over and to keep the kids entertained I had them help me make the dogs some treats from scratch (great way to use up that peanut butter at the bottom of the jar that no one wants to eat). Well, of course, we had to have something cute to put the treats in, so I took one of the jars and we made it a treat jar. Check out the "transformation."

I also have to say that the overall idea was not mine. Jennifer, Heather, Sarah, Lisa and Cindy all gave me various ideas and direction in changes the bottles up for my needs. Thanks ladies!

4th of July

The latest Tie Dye Mickeys

These were made for my friend Kim for her trip to Disney in August. I think they came out really good! I almost wanted to steal them for myself, but I handed them over.

Bags

I've been working on a few bags for some friends and thought I'd post what I've finished with.

Morgan's bag was especially difficult because there was a liner inside the pocket.  My machine did not want to stitch directly onto the bag, so I created a patch and then stitched that onto the bag.  It was my first time doing something similar to appliqueing and I think I did pretty good.  I'd like to practice on some other items so I can better get the hang of it.

Towels for Babins

The Vine Quilt

I finished the quilt for The Vine last Monday and it auctioned off at the Spring Sing on Thursday night.  I was really wanting one of Cam's teachers to end up with it, and Ms. Haley ended up winning the bidding (well, her dad did!).  Anyhow, here's some pics of me piecing it and then the finished product.  

I did use 2 new products (new to me) when I was putting the quilt together.  I had purchased a walking foot from Sew Contempo earlier this year with the anticipation that I could use it on this project.  Oh my goodness, what a great purchase.  I highly recommend it for all of you!  It was so beneficial in keeping the material, front and back moving together through the machine.

The second new product I used was blanket binding.  This made my job so much easier because there was none of that having to reverse the piece once I got the outer edges sewn together.  I did everything from the outside.  

And I have to send out a very big thank you to my Aunt Beth for giving me all of the primary colored fabric.  It was a blessing to not have to go on a hunt to find the solids!