tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72412032694963982332024-03-13T06:24:18.635-05:00Sleepytime SewingWherein Mommy attempts to sew while the kiddies attempt to sleep.Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996508552714264738noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-47042667305978982312011-06-06T21:09:00.000-05:002011-06-06T21:09:50.025-05:00Sliced Coins QuiltalongI finished my version of <a href="http://dontcallmebetsy.blogspot.com/">Don't Call Me Betsy</a>'s <a href="http://dontcallmebetsy.blogspot.com/p/sliced-coins-quilt-along.html">Sliced Coins Quiltalong</a> a while back, but never posted about it. I cut out all the pieces at home but then didn't bring the instructions with me to the sewing lab, so I just made it up! My machine at home had been acting up and I really wanted to get it done before it's intended recipient was born. So, mine only has three stacks and most in the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/slicedcoinsquiltalong/">Flickr Group</a> seem to have 4, but it works! This photo was before I put the binding on, I bound it in the zig zaggy print and it looked really cool! I did manage to get it done before my friend had her baby, but I just gave it to her this weekend.... The baby is 4 months old! Oops!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sleepytimesewing/5806354429/" title="Sliced Coins by SleepytimeSewing, on Flickr"><img alt="Sliced Coins" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/5806354429_352a192b80.jpg" width="375" /></a>Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-57884286014812304832011-05-26T11:56:00.000-05:002011-05-26T11:56:52.368-05:00And the Winner Is.....Thank you all SO much for your comments and for playing along! I gained a few new followers, so THANK YOU for that!!! <br />
<br />
Our old friend random.org selected #188, <a href="http://brackenburylane.blogspot.com/">Lauria</a>, who said, "Wow, that dark blue fabric is stunning! I may have to go and get it myself if I don't win here! Thanks for offering the giveaway! Email is in my profile. :)"<br />
<br />
Lauria hasn't posted to her blog in quite a while but those mitts she made in 2009 are stunning! I'll email you now to get your address! Congratulations!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-86367100350047878772011-05-23T04:47:00.009-05:002011-05-26T07:33:29.585-05:00Giveaway Day is Here!<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Comments are closed, the winner will be announced soon!!! </b></i></div><br />
If you've found your way here via Sew Mama Sew, welcome!!! If you're a regular, welcome back!!! <br />
<br />
I love Giveaway Day- It's part of the reason I started blogging and is always good incentive to get me going again when I take a bit of a blogging break. This time around I have a some fabric and pearl cotton for the lucky winner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XO-99PvlSjw/TdmH_Ti0ULI/AAAAAAAAAVw/qv8ChW1SGDo/s1600/P1060982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XO-99PvlSjw/TdmH_Ti0ULI/AAAAAAAAAVw/qv8ChW1SGDo/s400/P1060982.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
A half yard of two different prints from Denyse Schmidt's new line that is being sold at Joann stores, and some coordinating pearl cotton. I know some people had a hard time finding these fabrics, so I hope this is a fun little treat for the winner! These were the last two prints available at my Joann, but they are two of my favorites from the collections.<br />
<br />
Just leave a comment on this post to enter. I'd love it if you'd follow this blog, but I'm not offering extra entries- I know you've got<a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2011/05/giveaway-day-handcrafted-items-suppliesmaterials-4/"> LOTS of blogs to visit</a>, so I'll keep it simple. Just one entry per person, any comment you'd like! I'll leave this open until May 25 and then the good old Random Number Generator will choose the winner. Make sure I have a way to reach you- if your account is blocked, please include an email address in your comment. I'll get the prize in the mail right away when I get your address. Thanks for stopping by!<br />
<br />
EDITED 5/25: Because there were SO many giveaways this round, I'll leave this open overnight to make sure everyone has time to get their name in! I just finished all the lists myself! I'll draw a name in the morning. Good luck!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com263tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-5503707941765995942011-05-22T00:43:00.000-05:002011-05-22T00:43:46.318-05:00Giveaway Day is Coming!I've had so much going on lately and haven't posted in ages, but I just couldn't let Giveaway Day pass me by! Come back on Monday, May 23rd and get a chance to win some goodies! See you soon!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=17334"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYHwaXUqAeU/TdiicveIZoI/AAAAAAAAAVk/WCr9MH-ycVo/s1600/MayGiveawayDay.jpg" /></a></div>Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-51809911841320537002011-04-13T14:42:00.022-05:002011-04-15T17:08:11.276-05:00Doll Quilt Swap! My turn!I received my quilt from the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dollquiltswap/">Doll Quilt Swa</a>p and I could NOT be happier with it! My partner, Robin of <a href="http://www.rsislandcrafts.com/">rsislandcrafts</a>, picked up on my many comments about my newfound love for half square triangles (or if she didn't see them, she has magical intuition powers!) and my constant blathering about my love for Kate Spain's Central Park collection, and came up with this!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5587206349_b20b91f365_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5587206349_b20b91f365_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I mean come ON! Could it be anymore perfect? It's in my living room, just above my computer desk so I can gaze at it all the time. The colors go perfectly in my living room- I'm even thinking of painting those walls grey, and it will STILL go perfectly! <br />
<br />
Thank you again, Robin, you've really made my first DQS experience wonderful!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-26341093292446034742011-04-12T08:52:00.000-05:002011-04-12T08:52:11.831-05:00ModKid Kyoko DressOops! It appears I took another too-long blog break! I have been sewing, but my ancient computer was dying a slow and painful death and uploading pictures was difficult. My husband has given me his old laptop so I am back in business and now I can bring the computer down to the sewing area and use all those tutorials I've been bookmarking but that were too long to print out!<br />
<br />
My most recent finish is this ModKid Kyoko dress. The solid is a fabric I picked up at a charity sale, I don't think it's all cotton but I'm not sure exactly what it is- But it matches the Ta Dots perfectly, and it's a nice weight. I went out on a limb with the orange Riley Blake accents, not sure how my daughter would feel about the combo, but she loves it! I finished it last night but she was too cold this morning to wear it to school today, so no action pictures yet. Hopefully someday soon Spring will arrive and STAY! We had 80+ degrees on Sunday, and are expecting snow this weekend. I'm told this is my fault because I publicly stated that I was putting away the winter gear and refused to take it out again. Sorry, Midwest! My bad!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5611590005_fbd615234a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5611590005_fbd615234a_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I've also finished up a few swaps during my blog absence, I'll post about those soon!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-77879608665229133222011-03-03T12:58:00.000-06:002011-03-03T12:58:46.541-06:00Remember the Fat Quarterly Quiltalong?I started the Fat Quarterly <a href="http://www.fatquarterly.com/search/label/quilt%20along">Quiltalong</a> way back in <a href="http://sleepytimesewing.blogspot.com/2010/11/fat-quarterly-quiltalong.html">September</a>- I had my blocks done and the design laid out... But then <a href="http://sleepytimesewing.blogspot.com/2010/11/our-halloween-costumes.html">Halloween</a> came, and then Christmas, and finally in February I picked this back up! I got it put together and basted last week and finished binding it last night. Washed it and dried it this morning and it's finally done!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5494509723_4e13743d04_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5494509723_4e13743d04_z.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As they always are for me, pictures were a challenge- It didn't help that the wind was blowing. Going, going... gone! You can see the vintage sheet I used for the backing in this "action" shot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5495103470_dff17251f8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5495103470_dff17251f8_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-90106176619355332912011-03-02T08:28:00.002-06:002011-04-09T13:43:41.891-05:00February Bag for Style Stitches Challenge!I finished this bag WAY back at the beginning of February but never blogged it! It's Amy Butler's Reversible Everyday Shopper from the Style Stitches book. The fabric is from Ikea and the bag has already traveled to Hawaii... sadly, not with me. This was a gift for my friend <a href="http://smudgeville.blogspot.com/">Joyce</a> who was lucky enough to escape winter for a few days. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5059/5406443717_2ebf5a2cc5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5059/5406443717_2ebf5a2cc5_b.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
The inside is the same fabrics in reverse. I like the nice big pockets, I was thinking she could use it for her larger knitting projects and keep a magazine or pattern book in the pocket!<br />
<br />
I made <a href="http://sleepytimesewing.blogspot.com/2010/11/amy-butlers-reversible-everyday-shopper.html">one of these</a> as a Christmas gift as well, for my father in law's wife. She's a 2nd grade teacher- I come from a family of teachers and one thing I know for sure is that teachers make good use of lots of big bags! I love this pattern, the cutting takes a while but it goes together in a snap. One of these days I'll have to make one for myself!<br />
<br />
Next up in the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/ss2011/">Style Stitches Monthly Bag Challenge</a> is the Origami Bag- a collection of zippered pouches in a range of sizes. Fun!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-14527767717569492102011-03-01T08:47:00.004-06:002011-03-01T08:47:00.385-06:00Sew Fresh Fabrics Scrap Quilting BeeI finished and mailed off my blocks for the Sew Fresh Fabrics Scrap <a href="http://sewfreshfabrics.blogspot.com/2011/01/wont-you-join-us.html">Quilting Bee</a>! As I mentioned <a href="http://sleepytimesewing.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-first-bee.html">before</a>, the scraps were provided by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewfreshfabrics">Sew Fresh Fabrics</a> and we were each to make one block from them- We got to keep the spares! I got two blocks out of my scraps, and I'm pretty happy with them! The completed quilts will be donated to <a href="http://www.projectlinus.org/">Project Linus</a>. Yay!<br />
<br />
My first wonky star:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5483033277_898298eb83_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5483033277_898298eb83_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And not-my-first log cabin:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5483039917_ebf797b6de_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5483039917_ebf797b6de_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-5575131699738334862011-02-28T08:48:00.001-06:002011-02-28T09:03:30.838-06:00SewSara's Scrap Swap!How cool is this? <a href="http://sewsara.blogspot.com/2011/02/here-we-gosewsara-scrap-swap.html">Sara</a> is hosting a scrap swap, where you send in one (or more!) envelope(s) of scraps and in return you get as many envelopes as you send out! I know my scrap stash could use a shake-up, and this sounds like fun! If you want in, click on the button to sign up by March 4! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sewsara.blogspot.com/2011/02/here-we-gosewsara-scrap-swap.html" target="_blank"><img alt="SewSara" src="http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee385/sewsara/2011_0224-8.jpg" /></a></div>Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-5418560886337433882011-02-27T15:54:00.000-06:002011-02-27T15:54:00.870-06:00Completed Doll Quilt Swap QuiltThis was a really fun challenge for me. My partner for Doll Quilt Swap 10 likes modern fabric used in traditional designs. I'd never done a true traditional quilt pattern before, so I was excited to try it. I got a Quilt Block-A-Day calendar for Christmas, so I poked through there and found a star pattern I liked. The pattern called for smaller squares to make a small block, but I used charm squares to make it wall-hanging size. It finished up at about 24" square after I put the border on.<br />
<br />
I'm really happy with how it turned out and I have quite a crush on half-square triangles now! They're so versatile!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5429775237_077d77288f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5429775237_077d77288f_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I also used a walking foot for the first time to quilt it. I am in LOVE with that thing and cannot wait until I get a proper machine so I can invest in one of my very own. For now I have to wait anxiously for time in the sewing classroom to use the machines there! This won't go in the mail until March 15th, and I still want to put together a few extras to go with it. Hope you like it, partner!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-64501048783773017532011-02-26T07:53:00.000-06:002011-02-26T07:53:00.501-06:00My New (Old) Etsy Shop!Yes, it's true, I've thrown my hat into the Etsy ring. I opened <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DumplinDesigns">a shop</a> a couple of years ago to sell my hand-embroidered things, mostly baby clothes. I love embroidery but I had a newborn and the custom work stressed me out- I much prefer to just make stock and put it out there. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DumplinDesigns?ref=seller_info"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ncUpHw84hQ/TWdVHnqtSPI/AAAAAAAAATI/K9mN-zQZWq4/s400/Tooth.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So, a while ago I made these tooth fairy pockets for my nephews. They're just like the ones my Great Aunt Eunice made for me and my siblings, and I always thought they were just perfect. They are like small blankets with a pocket, so they're very easy for the tooth fairy to slip out from under a sleeping child's head to replace the tooth with a surprise. I posted a picture of my nephews' pockets on Facebook and bunches of friends said they wanted some too. My oldest daughter has lost two teeth now and many of my friends have kids the same age, so I decided to go ahead and make up a few and put them in there and see what happens! I've sold one so far, and I like not worrying about customs- I just make them up with fabric that I like and hope that someone will come along who likes them too! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68393498/tooth-fairy-pocket-central-park-animals"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5293/5462245034_112b0d5297_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I'd love it if you'd <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DumplinDesigns">take a look</a>, and if you know someone approaching tooth-losing age, share the link with their tooth fairy!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-77937186717545752182011-02-25T00:33:00.000-06:002011-02-25T00:33:15.888-06:00Cough... Wheeze... I'm still here!Wow, February really was not fun at all! I think I've lived in this frozen tundra long enough to determine that if I could just sleep through February my whole year would be much better. It's dark, it's cold, the snow is brown and gross, and I'm just completely over winter. My whole family has had a cold we just can't shake, and for me it turned into strep throat, a sinus infection, and my first antibiotics prescription in nearly 20 years! <br />
<br />
But enough about that, March is coming SOON and even though I know we're in for at least a few more snowfalls, there will also be those few warm days that are just enough to give me hope that it won't be winter forever. It won't, right? Please?<br />
<br />
I did do some sewing while I've been away from my poor neglected blog. I completed three mug rugs for the mug rug swap. The first one just didn't turn out quite up to my standards, although I love the idea and will someday do it again. I think that one was just a victim of me not having the right tools- namely a walking foot. The back has some puckers I just couldn't let slide. And I wasn't exactly going for wonky lines, but my persnickety machine was in a wonky mood. I do love the patchwork, it's like an I-Spy of my favorite fabrics.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/5355942562_e6d3b64f9b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/5355942562_e6d3b64f9b_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So that one lives here now, and this is what actually went in the mail to my partner. Two mug rugs and some 5" squares of fabric. I made the rainbow-y one first and then remembered that my partner isn't wild about green! The green was pretty prominent, so I made another just to be safe. The white background one is inspired by the "Little Bits" quilt in Joelle Hoverson's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Minute-Patchwork-Quilted-Joelle-Hoverson/dp/1584796340">Last Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts</a>. I hope she likes them!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5095/5462263310_51236500ff_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5095/5462263310_51236500ff_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I also already received my mug rug and goodies from <a href="http://www.kandrayoung.com/">Kandra</a>. She sent a bright and cheery mug (which I've kept filled with sore throat tea), a hair clip for my kiddo and of course a beautiful mug rug! I don't think I said this in my "likes" for the swap, but I have an English degree and am a voracious reader, so the fabric with words on it is so perfect for me! Sorry for the dark pic, it's the darn cloudy Wisconsin weather. But having a rainbow right here by my keyboard is very nice! Thank you Kandra!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5462302244_838e193d55_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5462302244_838e193d55_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-51561118273262779692011-01-19T11:18:00.000-06:002011-01-19T11:18:46.174-06:00Liebster AwardAwwww! <a href="http://felicityquilts.blogspot.com/2011/01/some-recent-felicities.html">Felicity Quilts</a> gave my blog the Liebster Award! Isn't she sweet? The award is intended to recognize smaller blogs (fewer than 300 followers), and is a way to get the word out about blogs you may not have heard of, but are worth checking out. As part of the award I get to nominate a few other "little" blogs I think you should know about!<br />
<br />
The first one isn't a sewing blog, I hope it still counts! My friend Missy just started a blog called <a href="http://feed-the-family.blogspot.com/">Feed the Family</a>, and it's all about, well, feeding the family! She has great ideas about reusing leftovers, loving your slow cooker, making meal plans and more. This is a BRAND new blog and only has a handful of posts so far, but I've known Missy for years and I know there is great stuff to come. <br />
<br />
My friend Sarah at <a href="http://sarahjanesews.blogspot.com/">Sarah Jane Sews</a> isn't a frequent blogger but the things she makes are gorgeous! She not only sews but knits and cooks and does all sorts of other lovely crafty things, and she's a fellow Wisconsinite.<br />
<br />
I have known Joyce of <a href="http://smudgeville.blogspot.com/">Smudgeville </a>since we were freshmen in <a href="http://www.jmu.edu/">college</a>, working together at the food court. Little did I know she was already crafty then- She knits, crochets and sews... A triple threat. Everything she makes is gorgeous and my girls and I have been the lucky recipients of many of her creations.<br />
<br />
Thank you Felicity!!!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-71745297535504479012011-01-14T14:09:00.000-06:002011-01-14T14:09:56.343-06:00Quiltalongs, Swaps, and Gifts! Oh my!I am definitely starting the new year off with a sewing bang! It's time for another "Put it all in one place before you forget something" list!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dollquiltswap/">Doll Quilt Swap</a>- Waiting on partner info, should have it this weekend!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1533394@N22/">Mug Rug Swap</a>- I have a potential mug rug pieced and partly basted, if the quilting goes well I might be good to go!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/modernswappers/">Make Mine Modern</a>- Sign-ups just closed and I'll find out later today if I got a spot!<br />
Pixies- This is a swap among my mommy friends, some crafty, some not. This time we're sending little gifties over a 4 month period rather than one larger package. Fun!<br />
<br />
Plus, I'm doing the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/ss2011/">Style Stitches Monthly Bag Challenge</a>, hosted by <a href="http://jemjam.typepad.com/jemjam/">JemJam</a>, I'm really intrigued by <a href="http://theironcraft.blogspot.com/">IronCraft</a> and would love to play along with that. I just joined the grou<span style="font-size: small;">p for</span><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://dontcallmebetsy.blogspot.com/p/sliced-coins-quilt-along.html">Don't Call Me Betsy's Sliced Coins Quilt Along</a>. I'm planning to make three (three!) baby boy quilts in that style for three friends who are welcoming new sons in the next few months! I really wanted to do the Modern Quilt Guild's <a href="http://themodernquiltguild.com/2011/01/05/project-modern-challenge-2/">Project Modern Monochromatic Challenge</a>, I even pulled fabric for it, but it's getting pushed pretty low down the priority list!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I have two more Christmas gifts to make, probably a bag and a table runner. And a friend of mine is designing a logo for me for the <a href="http://madmodquiltguild.blogspot.com/">Madison Modern Quilt Guild</a>, so I am going to make something for him in exchange- Not sure what yet but I've got to keep that on the radar. I am making two little video game totes for my friend Joyce's kiddos. In exchange she made me some AWESOME knitted stuff- There are a couple of sneak previews <a href="http://smudgeville.blogspot.com/2011/01/wip-15.html">here</a>. I LOVE chunky yarn and look at those amazing colors!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5287/5348656566_30c62346e4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5287/5348656566_30c62346e4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I've got a couple of other one on one crafty swaps percolating, and I have an inkling of an idea for an Etsy shop that I need to get moving on... I think I should change the name of my blog to "Absolutely NO Sleepytime!" Whew!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-6800371044527771132011-01-12T12:12:00.002-06:002011-01-12T12:22:09.118-06:00I got in!!! Doll Quilt Swap 10 & Mug Rug SwapYay!!! The <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dollquiltswap/">Doll Quilt swap</a> has gotten so popular that participants are now selected by lottery. I applied for the first time for this round, and I got a spot!!! I don't have my partner info yet, but I am already browsing and plotting and planning!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dollquiltswap/"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5323189554_3bb868fbb8_m.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
AND, I also got a spot in the Scrappy Mug Rug Swap for the first time. I've already got my partner info for that one so I've been sketching and planning and pulling fabrics- I'm so excited!!!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-58876133028689619982011-01-11T21:49:00.000-06:002011-01-11T21:49:51.755-06:00Madison Modern Quilt Guild!I've decided it's high time Madison, Wisconsin had it's very own branch of the Modern Quilt Guild. So I'm going to start one! Want to help? Know anyone in Madison who should hear about this?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://madmodquiltguild.blogspot.com/2011/01/welcome-to-madison-modern-quilt-guild.html">Come on over</a>!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://terrisnotebook.wordpress.com/">Terri</a>, I'm hoping to hear from you!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-48346959620074758262011-01-08T00:07:00.000-06:002011-01-08T00:07:52.376-06:00My First Bee!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pnksweethrt/5335103092/" title="SFFscrapbeebutton by PnkSweetHrt, on Flickr"><img alt="SFFscrapbeebutton" height="200" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5044/5335103092_6d0628ff72_m.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewfreshfabrics">Sew Fresh Fabrics</a> is hosting a <a href="http://sewfreshfabrics.blogspot.com/2011/01/wont-you-join-us.html">Scrap Bee</a> and I signed up! I've never done a bee before, so I'm really excited- Nervous, but excited! They are sending an assortment of scraps to each participant, we'll all make any block we'd like and send them back- And we get to keep any leftover scraps! The finished quilts will be donated to <a href="http://www.projectlinus.org/">Project Linus</a>. They got such a great response that they're going to do one boy quilt and one girl quilt- I'm in the girl group. This round is full but follow their <a href="http://sewfreshfabrics.blogspot.com/">blog</a> to watch for the next round.Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-44772382859446316412011-01-03T11:26:00.007-06:002011-01-03T11:26:00.104-06:00Style Stitches Monthly Bag Challenge- JanuaryI posted a few days ago about <a href="http://jemjam.typepad.com/jemjam/">JemJam</a>'s Style Stitches Monthly Bag Challenge. The January bag is the very first bag in the book- <a href="http://jemjam.typepad.com/jemjam/2010/12/style-stitches-monthly-bag-challenge-2011-januarys-bag.html">The Cosmo Bag</a>. I've chosen my fabrics and have everything cut out and the interfacing fused, so I'm about ready to sew! I actually had this one on my "to do soon" list so I already had fabrics in mind from the stash. Choosing fabrics usually takes me forever, so I was glad to have that step already taken care of!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5127/5314592008_f87e2ae971_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5127/5314592008_f87e2ae971_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The orange (Fresh Start in Tangerine from Amy's August Fields line) will be the main body, the grey will be the handles and bands, and the lining will be white. There are options for short or long handles, but I was trying to conserve fabric so when I cut those pieces I ended up with medium handles- Right in the middle between the short and long measurements. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TSFhIo7tcnI/AAAAAAAAAR8/09dNSk9py3M/s1600/P1060440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TSFhIo7tcnI/AAAAAAAAAR8/09dNSk9py3M/s400/P1060440.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
On with the sewing!!!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-79855380118464744252011-01-02T23:25:00.001-06:002011-01-02T23:25:58.952-06:00My Pillow Talk Swap 4 Pillow!I received my pillow for the Pillow Talk Swap and I LOVE it! This was my first time participating, and I had so much fun! This is a nice big pillow with the cutest little hand embroidered birdies in the middle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5313986311_39179c61bf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5313986311_39179c61bf_b.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>My partner also sent an embellished dish towel, a pin cushion, and some pearl cotton. Aren't they sweet?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5204/5314597146_85f44a82ec_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5204/5314597146_85f44a82ec_b.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>The pillow I made has reached its destination, but the recipient hasn't posted pictures yet... *biting my nails, hoping she liked it!* I didn't get any finished product pictures, but it was based around this block.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5185997166_e4e890e6c3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5185997166_e4e890e6c3_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I hope everyone had a wonderful time celebrating the New Year, even if that meant snoozing through it! We let the girls stay up, assuming they'd crash long before midnight and they so did not- They were raring to go well past the ball drop! They have not made up for the lost sleep, so the alarm clock signifying the return to the daily grind is going to be very unwelcome tomorrow morning! Good night!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-59970287542615682010-12-27T09:32:00.005-06:002010-12-27T09:32:00.461-06:00Monthly Bag Challenge!Have you seen this? Jemellia over at <a href="http://jemjam.typepad.com/jemjam/">JemJam</a> has such a cool idea. She's hosting a <a href="http://jemjam.typepad.com/jemjam/2010/12/a-monthly-bag-challenge-for-2011.html">Monthly Bag Challenge</a> where we'll make a bag every month from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Butlers-Style-Stitches-Wonderful/dp/0811866696/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1293334426&sr=8-1">Amy Butler's Style Stitches</a>. You can challenge yourself to make just one, or play every month and have a great stock of gifts ready to go throughout the year! She'll have giveaways and there's a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/ss2011/">Flickr group</a>. Sounds like fun, right? Why not join in?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jemjam.typepad.com/jemjam/2010/12/a-monthly-bag-challenge-for-2011.html"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TRa4RKtNWXI/AAAAAAAAAR4/QfXnwM1epBQ/s1600/BagChallenge.jpg" /></a></div>Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-54708538663926014242010-12-25T21:27:00.001-06:002010-12-29T23:02:26.259-06:00Merry Christmas! And a City Quilts Quilt.I hope everyone had an absolutely wonderful day today. I had a great day with family. I got to watch my girls enjoy the day, and they are nestled all snug in their beds with their new favorite toys. Now I get to head down to the sewing area and put away all my new goodies! I got a thread organizer (the BIG wooden one, I've long since outgrown the smaller one!), some purse hardware, some interfacing, a ribbon organizer, and an adorable button bracelet from <a href="http://glitterworkshop.com/dish/">Glitter Workshop</a>... Someone who knows me VERY well must've shopped for me!*<br />
<br />
*That would be me. But my hubby did a very good job keeping it away from me for the month since I bought it all, so it was like new!<br />
<br />
In gifting news, I think I've mentioned before that I planned to make the City Harbor quilt from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/City-Quilts-Dramatic-Projects-Inspired/dp/157120847X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1293332808&sr=8-1">City Quilts</a> for my husband. He was out of town from Monday through Thursday, and I told him before he left that there was no way the quilt would be done for Christmas, but I'd aim for his birthday in March. He looked like he didn't believe me, so I showed him the purchased but uncut fabric. Then he looked sad. What was I to do?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5292212822_d347ceea74_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5292212822_d347ceea74_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I cut it out Monday morning, sewed the strips Monday night, sewed the strips together Tuesday morning, made the quilt sandwich Tuesday night, quilted it Wednesday, ALL day, started binding it Wednesday night and finished Thursday morning, just in time to get it washed, dried, and under the tree before hubby's flight got in!<br />
<br />
Here it is modeled by my two five-year-old helpers standing on the coffee table.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5291629401_24c4cab46b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5291629401_24c4cab46b_b.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><br />
The backing is a nice charcoal grey flannel, you can sort of see it at the top corner there. Someday I hope to get a decent picture of this, since it's the first quilt I've made from a pattern, the biggest quilt I've ever made, and certainly by far the FASTEST I have ever made a quilt! And I certainly hope to never have to make one that quickly again. I owe it all to my wonderful mother in law who always stays with me when hubby travels and who kept the girls away as much as humanly possible so I could work like a maniac on this thing!<br />
<br />
My awesome sister in law got me Elizabeth Harman's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Guide-Patchwork-Basics-Quiltmaker/dp/1607050080/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1L0TJ23JAE9MQ&colid=255D56AKHV4V7">Practical Guide to Patchwork</a> for Christmas, and my <a href="http://sleepytimesewing.blogspot.com/2010/12/ho-ho-holy-cow-i-won.html">giveaway prize</a> from Sweet Pea Fabrics arrived, so as soon as the holiday hubbub dies down, I'll be putting those two together to make something for me! A nice girly quilt to curl up under while my hubby is cozy with his manly blue quilt.<br />
<br />
Happy Holidays!!!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-36050245528403539752010-12-19T22:35:00.001-06:002010-12-20T11:36:30.456-06:00Ho Ho Holy Cow, I Won!What a great Christmas gift to me! I won a $25 gift certificate to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/iltec">Sweet Pea Fabrics</a>!!! I could've spent days browsing and not made a decision, so I ripped off the band-aid and made a fast decision and I am thrilled with it! Can't wait to see this fabric in person and make something beautiful! So what did I choose?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.200619225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.200619225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A layer cake of Central Park by Kate Spain for Moda. Just look at some of these gorgeous, fun prints.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQ7caTIbM3I/AAAAAAAAARI/JXqgNKMj0fE/s1600/27061-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQ7caTIbM3I/AAAAAAAAARI/JXqgNKMj0fE/s320/27061-15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQ7clNKmECI/AAAAAAAAARM/6_VEnkGMdJY/s1600/27063-14C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQ7clNKmECI/AAAAAAAAARM/6_VEnkGMdJY/s320/27063-14C.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQ7cnh0KfKI/AAAAAAAAARQ/1LnON_ztMFM/s1600/27064-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQ7cnh0KfKI/AAAAAAAAARQ/1LnON_ztMFM/s320/27064-13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQ7csXUEP6I/AAAAAAAAARU/U5p_hhugI-8/s1600/27067-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQ7csXUEP6I/AAAAAAAAARU/U5p_hhugI-8/s320/27067-15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And there are so many amazing layer cake patterns on the Moda Bake Shop. Like <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/12/hooting-with-stars.html#more">this</a>, or <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/12/tunnel-visions.html#more">this</a>, or <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/10/boxed-in-quilt.html#more">this</a>! I can't wait!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-34538400924318547902010-12-17T17:11:00.001-06:002010-12-17T21:34:35.622-06:00And the winners are...Congratulations to...<br />
<br />
#128: Kate of <a href="http://needleandspatula.blogspot.com/">Needle and Spatula</a><br />
<br />
#29: Duff of <a href="http://bacontheneggs.blogspot.com/">Bacon Then Eggs</a><br />
<br />
#334: Wendy D.P.<br />
<br />
If you see this before I email you, feel free to email me and let me know your first and second choice! As soon as I hear from you all with addresses, I'll get these in the mail! We're off to see Santa, and I'll send emails as soon as I get home!<br />
<br />
I saw <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/12/personalized-placemats.html">this on the Moda Bake Shop</a> today and had to share- Another great use for Christmas charm packs! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_laBCUWtNoYI/TPZVxjaf6_I/AAAAAAAAAQY/OnV6gwTPr3M/s400/Placemats+on+Table.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_laBCUWtNoYI/TPZVxjaf6_I/AAAAAAAAAQY/OnV6gwTPr3M/s320/Placemats+on+Table.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241203269496398233.post-53677344098664645782010-12-17T08:46:00.005-06:002010-12-17T09:15:31.509-06:00Extra Giveaway Prize and Procraftination Conquered!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">To enter my Sew Mama Sew Giveaway, click </span><a href="http://sleepytimesewing.blogspot.com/2010/12/sew-mama-sew-giveaway-day.html" style="color: purple;">HERE</a><span style="color: purple;">!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I said if I hit 100 followers before the giveaway ended, I'd add a third prize... So here it is! Thank you all so much for following, it's so nice to know my little blog is of interest to people! Since I got so many comments about the button fabrics, I decided to make the third prize a 1/2 yard cut of each of them. They are from Alexander Henry's "Sew Christmas" line, and it comes in a few other colors as well! You can find some of them <a href="http://www.pinkchalkfabrics.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=37_408_431">here</a>, <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_dept_items.asp?Shopper_id=82579232032825&Store_id=499&page_id=17&ccs=Y">here</a> or <a href="http://store.auntbeasfabric.com/stores_app/Browse_dept_items.asp?Shopper_id=94831217917309483&Store_id=718&page_id=17">here</a>. I think I need to add some of those pink and red buttons to the stash. Be sure to click on the link above to enter if you haven't already!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQtxfGswiOI/AAAAAAAAAQk/MPhoFWOBlu0/s1600/P1060382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQtxfGswiOI/AAAAAAAAAQk/MPhoFWOBlu0/s400/P1060382.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And you know that project I've been whining about and <a href="http://sleepytimesewing.blogspot.com/2010/12/procraftination-and-pillow.html">procraftinating</a> on? I finally tackled it last night and it was <i>easy-peasy</i>! I was so excited! I'm awaiting confirmation/measurements that I made it wide enough, and then I will make two or three more during tonight's <a href="http://handmadebyheidi.blogspot.com/2010/12/friday-night-sew-in-december-17th.html">Friday Night Sew-In</a>. I'm not sure how well this thing will translate to pictures, but here goes!</div><br />
This is a cover for my dad's fishing reels, to protect them during transport to the beach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQt0BZK_akI/AAAAAAAAAQo/Hu7POSXJCZU/s1600/P1060385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQt0BZK_akI/AAAAAAAAAQo/Hu7POSXJCZU/s320/P1060385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The inside is lined with heavy duty canvas, and there is some (spectacularly ugly) fleece sandwiched in between for padding. There's an elasticized hole for the bottom part of the pole, and the top has a drawstring so it can get up and over the reel before cinching closed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQt0QyX3HJI/AAAAAAAAAQs/rbbknYmrg_A/s1600/P1060386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQt0QyX3HJI/AAAAAAAAAQs/rbbknYmrg_A/s320/P1060386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The wide part of the sword represents the reel. What? I didn't have a fishing pole handy! Use your imagination.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQt0t8JdRRI/AAAAAAAAAQw/oRLh0wFXLNM/s1600/P1060387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQt0t8JdRRI/AAAAAAAAAQw/oRLh0wFXLNM/s320/P1060387.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Pull the cover up over the reel, cinch the cord closed, et voila! Padded, protected reel, ready to travel! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQt-aevfWwI/AAAAAAAAARE/DJyk1Xr9ihs/s1600/Cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQt-aevfWwI/AAAAAAAAARE/DJyk1Xr9ihs/s320/Cover.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I made this up entirely and I am really pleased with how it turned out! And my Dad will be happy to know that I didn't spend any money (OK, well, maybe $1 on the cinches for the drawstring), the fabric was all from stash (So, I guess I spent money on it at some point, but not for THIS in particular). The canvas was a slipcover that my cats had destroyed, but I cut it into big pieces because it was so much good canvas. Yay for recycling!<br />
<br />
And lastly, here's my Dad's sketch of what he thought would work for these. Now that I've looked at it several dozen times, I think I might kind of get what he was going for... but a pattern designer he will never be!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQt3hxjk3iI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/zeTWAyUslzM/s1600/DadsIdea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ICTXS89C1Wk/TQt3hxjk3iI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/zeTWAyUslzM/s320/DadsIdea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05806062068498419949noreply@blogger.com5