Tada! Henry's Quilt

So what did I do over fall break? I made Henry a quilt! This was my first foray into quilting (minus a quilt I made for my doll bed when I was nine that was about 9x11)

I bought a pack of charm squares (precut 5x5 fabric) from Missouri Star Quilt Co. About a year ago when I found we were expecting. We didn't know if we were having a boy or girl so I tried to pick something neutral. 

With some directions from a quilting friend (Thanks Elizabeth! inspiremegrey.blogspot.com) I jumped in and finally got to it this weekend. 

I did my layout last week and started sewing on Friday. Got the top put together on Friday and did the quilting and binding on Sunday. 

Then it was Henry's turn to check it out.

I think he likes it! I washed and dried today and it's nice and soft. 

I ended up using the backing as my binding as well. I did simple quilting using my presser food as a guide off of the intersections of the squares. 

I really like how this turned out and am excited to have my first quilt done. I look forward to doing more!

And just because he's so cute. (In my opinion anyway!)

Keychain Fobs and Headbands

Today was a very strange day. My husband took the baby to visit some family out of town while I danced at the State Fair. I got home hours before them so for the first time in 4.5 months, I was home alone. It felt odd, but it gave me some time for quick sewing. 

I've been wanting to try making these keychain fobs for a while now. They looked pretty easy. I started with one for now. 

I had the webbing and fabric on hand so I only needed to buy the hardware. These are so easy! I finished in about 15 minutes. I see more in my future. If you want one, talk to me about how much. I promise I'm reasonable. :-)

I blogged about the headbands already, but they've multiplied. 

One if the others in the group asked me to make some for her. These are also quite easy to make. Interested? $3 each or two for $5. I don't have any extras on hand, but can custom make. 

With both of these I started with several ideas from Pinterest but made it up on my own from there. I'm glad I'm finding time with an infant in the house to do some fun sewing. 

Tada! Hair accessories for Dance Costume

One of my activities outside of crafting and teaching is Irish Dancing. I've been dancing since 2005 and part of Celtic Motion since 2006. I remember seeing Riverdance on PBS when I was in high school and decided I'd like to learn that if I ever had the opportunity. It's been fun and great exercise. 

Recently the group decided to update our costume and go with kilts. Everyone in the group has one that's the same and one they picked out, no two alike. 

We had to create a hair accessory to go with each kilt. I went with headbands. I whipped up both of these today. Came together pretty fast. 

I used a skinny metal headband and extra firm pellon. I did the blue/black (my individual unique kilt) one first and it took about 45 minutes but the green (group kilt) one came together in 20 minutes. 

Folded the fabric around the pellon, folded the ends under. Stitched down the sides, stuck in the headband and hot glued felt on the ends to cover the raw edges. 

They were fun and easy to make. Anyone want a personalized headband? :-)

Tada! Henry's Stocking!

WI think I set a land speed record on this one. Started July 1st and finished on July 28th. By far the fastest I've finished one of these. 

I had the front done on Thursday last week but didn't finish sewing the back on until yesterday. It turned out cute and Henry seems to enjoy it. He smiles when he looks at it. 

One more project off my list. Onto the next project!

Last Update!

95/110 pieces finished! Just a tree and holly leaves at the bottom left before sewing on the back and hanging loop. 

My goal was finished before school starts, but I should have it finished by the end of July! 

Stocking progress!

62 of 110 pieces finished. Anything in the blue section is completed. My new goal is to finish before school starts.

I'm really surprised how fast this is coming together given there's a baby in the house. 

Stocking Update

As of 7/14. On piece 40 of 110. Starting to look like something.