planning to make a second quilt

Ever since I finished my first quilt, I was so overwhelmed by the time and effort I devoted into it and could hardly get myself into a second one.

After that I made smaller projects, such as bags and ornaments. Something that doesn't take more than a couple of days to finish, to get myself the instant gratification.
Now, I've made up my mind to start making a pinwheel quilt, for my boyfriend.
I actually had it in my mind for a long time. This is a first sketch:



Unlike my first quilt, this time I am getting into blocks.
Since it's for my boyfriend, I want to achieve a masculine look,
so I shopped for some fabrics of "men's color" which I seldom use:


Hmmm...pretty masculine already.
Have no idea when this quilt will be finished.
But it won't take too long...quilting is addictive.

I like to draw any crafting ideas on my sketch book.
Most of them are eventually made. It's fun to see how one project started somewhere in my life, was drawn out, and was made for some good reason.

little X'mas gifts

Today I started making some Christmas gifts,
which I've been planning since November, but
haven't any time to start doing until today.

I planned to make in total 13 of them, but only made 3 today.
Some pictures:






I found some pictures with Christmas motifs online,
printed them out and transfered them onto a gray fabric.
Next, I appliqued the pictures onto wool felt fabric, fill
in some stuffings and used a blanket stitch
to finish the little ornament.

Update on this post:12/8, 2009
I have these ornaments all finished a few days ago.
Here is a glance:



They are for some ten children coming to my home for reciting classical Chinese
literature every Sunday night. I can't wait to see how chuffed they will be when they get these little Christmas surprises. ^^*

Snow White

Just finished this white bear, and I call it Snow White.
It's my first attempt making a fixed bear.
The assembling of fabric pieces are more complicated than the jointed ones.
Fortunately enough, I got it done, and it turns out alright!

Sewing the nose and mouth is the most exciting part.
Because it's the last step before the bear is done, and
I hardly ever know how it is going to turn out.
The smile looks a little coy.
I'm satisfied with it and didn't have to do a second time.

I'd like to make her a dress.
Not very sure how to do that, though.
But I'll catch up on this when it's available.

chicken pin cushion

It's my first attempt at making log cabin blocks.
The making of this pin cushion, which needs only two log cabin blocks, is easier than it looked.
I used the scraps from previous sewing projects.
I think the color is interesting after they're all bound together.
There is no wulnut shells in Taiwan, I suppose.
So I used red beans to create some weight.
This hen cushion will go a long way along my sewing table.





One reason that quilting appeals to me is the moment when
I turn the fabrics right sides out, I see the perfect
look on the outside...the "ah-ha" moment transforms
previous mechanical works into sheer delight.

I applied some machine sewing techniques that I learned on Quilter's TV.
Literally I think watching the programs is better than going to sewing classes!
I'm really happy to learn abuot the site.
這是用兩塊小木屋拼布所組成的粽子體針插
作法很簡單,我用的size是1.5cm*(1.5*1)cm到1.5cm*(1.5*7)cm
以上不含縫份
之後每塊小木屋需要1.5cm*(1.5*1)cm到1.5cm*(1.5*6)cm各兩塊,
1.5cm*(1.5*7)cm一塊
顏色需要調整一下 基本上是一邊深 一邊淺 或不同色系
我用的是手邊的碎布 因此很配色很隨興
如果能更單純化 效果應該會更好

做完兩塊小木屋之後 就夾上嘴巴和雞冠 留一個返口
還有夾雞冠的那一邊垂直(沒有夾嘴巴)的一邊 壓扁使兩端變成中間點
再車夾上三角形的尾巴 從返口翻出來之後
塞入豆子和棉花 使有一定的重量 以對針縫縫合返口 就行囉!

因為我是第一次做 沒有心情和時間照相
之後如果有再作第二隻 再放製作過程照片

Ian playing the piano with Arnold

Just found out that I can upload Youtube videos on blogger.
Here is a try:


That's my nephew Ian, the clip was taken last winter.
He was three years old.
I'm fascinated by him. He's so cute. ^^