Fun but Intimidating

 I've now entered two pieces for the Moda Bake Shop Sliced contest. Making the projects was a lot of fun even though the pressure was on with the little time I had to make them. The only requirements were that they had to be original, have a buckle, and be made from Moda pre-cut fabric. Looking at other peoples' projects and seeing their creativity and use of fabrics has also been inspiring. Several people have links to their blogs and it is a little intimidating to see how many of them work in the field. Sewing has been a hobby that I love and creative outlet for me when I can fit it in my schedule, but for a lot of these people this is their profession. I have to admit I feel like I am in a little over my head, like a little fish in a big ocean, but I am still keeping my fingers crossed! Here is what my Studio Apron  and Mouse started as .....

My Moda Jelly Rolls of inspiration.

My first idea put on paper. I immediately decided that I like the idea of a rounded bottom.

So I used what was handy to round the bottom edges.

I chose charcoal to make the other colors pop in contrast.

Fabric I chose for my mouse pin cushion.

An old sweater I wanted to re-purpose.

I put a little foam board in the bottom of the mouse so that the needles wouldn't poke me!

And finally, my two projects together.

Wish me luck!

The Project Room/Sewing Studio

One of the first things Tim and I decided when we moved into the house was that I needed a project room/sewing studio. It is a great space that has been in transition the last few months. The table I have in there actually came with the house and was originally in the kitchen. It didn't have any drawers and we were desperate for more storage in the kitchen so we moved this into my little studio. Turns out to be the perfect fit.

Fabric storage. I got the idea from my neighbor's Pintrest (she loves to sew too, so we bond over our addictions to cute material and what to make of them.) Here is the link to where she got the idea from. I loved the idea of organizers but didn't have the money for the ones this blogger used. Another person commented that she made some from foam board and I immediately ordered some.

The old kitchen table makes a perfect storage area for my notions.

I made some bags for Christmas presents. They are the perfect size for makeup on the go. The pattern is Amy Butler's Style Stitches

The bags in pieces.

A Christmas quilt for Margaret that Becca and I made.

The design I made for Alice's quilt.

Alice's quilt completed.

I love all the fun baby material out right now. The material used for this quilt are from Material Girls Quilts , a fun little local shop my sister LeAnn introduced me to, and  Joann's.

Next on my list was a "Lovebird" quilt for Tim that I gave him on Valentine's Day.

The pieces. Some of the fat quarters I got on an amazing sale at Cottonwood Quilts, another local quilting shop.

The finished product.

I was so happy to find some roosters!

One of my muses. Charcoal is sleeping on some bags Krista sent me to turn into something new.  Thanks again Krista!

Timber sleeping in a cat bed. Cute old gal.

Lola found Charcoal and wanted to take his spot.

 And now for the project I have been working on this week. I discovered this contest about six days ago when I was browsing the Moda site. I had no idea what to make (it has to be an original idea) or if I even had the time to make it. I laid in bed that night and an idea popped into my mind. Next thing I know I am sewing like crazy after work. Here is what I created. It is an apron that can also be used as a sewing caddy or over the back of a handy chair. The good thing is even if I don't win anything, I still have a project that I love and is practical to use!

First I picked out some material from this Jelly Roll.

Being used as a sewing caddy.

Handy pockets.

I love the fun colors contrasted against the charcoal material.

The buckles help keep it snug over the back of a chair.

The back side.

Throw on a belt or some material through the loops and it is an apron.

 And finally, I'm not the only one who likes to make things in this house. Tim cooked up a storm the Sunday before Valentine's Day and made a rack of lamb and a killer cheesecake! Yum!!!