I have this group of friends. I made another bag.

I have this group of friends.

We all met at Sew South last year and then we reconvened last summer to sew up in the mountains (at the very kind invitation of Lee). Somehow the group just clicked. It was magical. I seriously have not laughed so hard in my life, nor have I worried so much about flood insurance.

This winter, since we were meeting two months before Christmas, we naturally decided to do a Christmas gift exchange (#averysurmachristmas).

It was a blind swap but you know a lot of these ladies figured out out who had their names.

I am sneaky though. I had Lee (May Chappell) and I knew what I was going to make her as soon as I got her name. I totally convinced her someone else had her name and even had her help me pick out some of her gifts.

Lee seemed to like my It's a Cinch Tote. So I made her one. Basically the same way, in fact I referenced my notes.

Fabric outside is Echino dots and Essex Linen. The main lining is Art Gallery Indian Summer (ask me how easy it is to used art gallery's slippery fabric in a zipper), and the whole thing is done with Aurifil thread. Mostly it went pretty well, except for the part where I had to re-topstitch the zipper three times, broke a whole pack of leather needles, and broke my walking foot. Otherwise it was perfect.

I also made her a little pouch (in a hotel room in West Virginia, important fact).

I got her a kitten calendar too, but she didn't take a picture of that.

All of these pictures were stolen, with permission, from Lee. Who finishes swap gifts when it is still light enough to take pictures? I bow to your superior sewing and time management.

PS - I am in Maryland again this week. Currently, I am watching Duck Dynasty.

PPS - I have two boss level quilts in progress right now. I can't wait to show you pictures. I also am stoked to have time to work on them. Teaser, I am sewing curves.

PPS - I am going on three trips this month and I am likely to go on two next month for work. Probably about 4 states. Not glamorous at all.

PPPS - Chrissy made me stuff and it was awesome. See below photo (no photos of the other stuff, cause I am silly). Seriously though, everything was awesome.

Woodpecker.

I made a woodpecker. Then I turned it into a pillow. 

I had never made a pillow before, but my guild was having a swap, so what the heck? I sure made a pillow. 

This particular swap partner had just made a Kiwi pillow to represent her New Zealand heritage. She showed it off at the guild meeting, then when I got an email that she was my partner... I knew she needed another bird (coincidentally, she entered her pillow in the Modern Mini Challenge). Right?!

She also said she liked bright solids with low volumes. My specialty. I love bright colors!!!!

I used this pattern from Sewing Under the Rainbow. It is totally awesome. Pretty easy for me as an paper piecing person (maybe I am intermediate?). It took a bit of time though. 

Then I quilted it with some randomness, but not too much. 

Also, this fabric I used on the back kicks some serious awesomeness. I am sorry to report that I got it a million years ago (okay, about 3 years ago) at Ikea. It makes me happy, but it is probably gone from Ikea world. Except, I have a bunch.... future pillows, hmm...

I really wish I had not given this pillow away. Now I need one for my house. Yesterday. 

Pillow Stats:

Dimensions 18"x18" 

Fabric: Kona Cottons (various, message me if you want details), Essex Steel, and some random dottiness. Honestly, it is all from the stash and I have no idea.

Quilted: On my home machine with Aurifil (the bestest)

I am entering this in two separate linky parties. The final linky party for the Forest QAL (hosted by Shape Moth). Also, Ellison Lane is hosting a fabulous modern mini challenge, which pillows qualify as an entry. Woot! If you are visiting me from these fabulous parties, thanks!

PS - Photo outtake. Cat has to get involve in all things. I imagine he is thinking, "my paws feel awfully cushioned on this pillow. Thanks food-giver."

More Christmas Presents... [WIP]

I am crazy.

There are 13 days until Christmas (something I think most of us know). Derek and I have to ship many of our presents across the country.

So, naturally, I am nowhere near finished with my presents and I started a new project last night. Btw, these photos are terrible. It is dark when I get home from work, so the light is awful.

I am making my husband's grandparents a mini flying geese quilt. I got all of little geese cut and pieced last night and now I just have to lay them out. Gammie and Granddad are two truly amazing people who are special to both Derek and I.  Gammie is a quilter, so I know she will really appreciate my efforts. We share our work, one of her quilts is on our bed, and she constantly inspires me.

I am making my dad a roll-up tool kit (sort of like a knitting needle case). He requested this custom organizer for his airplane tools. Did I mention that my father was a private pilot? To get the custom fit he is looking for, he sent me the tools. From Portland.

This is going to be the outside of the roll. Love Architextures.

This is what I have so far. Now I need to get the pockets all together, labeled, and sent out. Ha! That is a ton of work.

Okay, enough internet time. Back to sewing.

Discipline.

PS-I got my fabrics back from the color wheel swap. I am in love with this gorgeous rainbow. Thank you Megan from City Stitches for organizing. I love fun mail!

Linking up with Works in Progress Wednesday!