Thread Catchers

Instead of doing what I was supposed to be doing, I decided to stitch some thread catchers!

This one was inspired by this photo; I loosely followed this tutorial to create my version.  I used fusible interfacing on the outer fabric to give it some shape, then used boning inside the rim so it would hang open nicely.  The boning wasn't the easiest to work with, but I like that it keeps it open.

To anchor my catcher to my sewing machine table, I simply needed something that would sit under my tool caddy on the table.  

I stitched a piece of fabric covered cardboard to to the catcher; it seems to do the trick.

Then, I stitched these simple twin reversible, portable thread catchers.  They were inspired by this pattern.

I interfaced both layers of fabric so they would have enough body to stand up on their own.

They are designed to fold flat for storage or for travel.

Twins!

Love them, love the fabric!

Let me know if you're interested in a tutorial or the dimensions; I'd be happy to provide that info.

(Just so you know, once I got these stitched and out of my head, I was fully motivated to do what I was supposed to be doing in the first place - altering a strapless junior bridesmaid dress that was so big around the bust that it fell off the poor girl!  After I did my part, the dress fit perfectly, and mom and junior bridesmaid were pleased.  :)  )

Liberty-Inspired Draw String Bag

I stitched up this little drawstring bag today.

It was inspired by this dear little Liberty bag that my friend Denise had brought back from London for me years ago; I believe it may have contained a sewing kit at the time, but I can't remember for sure.

I've always loved it, especially the fabric....  And, this was long before I knew anything about the wonderful fabric Liberty is known for.  The bag was too special to use for just anything, so I simply kept it as a sweet reminder of Denise's kindness and our shared love of fabric.

Then, yesterday one of these bobbin holders arrived in the mail.  I quickly filled it with bobbins of my Aurafil thread collection (I still don't have very many colors yet!) so that it's handy to grab for applique or paper piecing.  Then, I discovered that the sweet Liberty bag that has been waiting for a purpose all these years is the perfect size for storing the bobbin holder.

But, that left my two "Frosted Donuts" that I had purchased before Christmas in need of a bag to protect them as well!  So, I stitched up a Liberty-inspired bag for them.

I machine quilted a diagonal grid of lines 3/4" apart with my walking foot, just like the Liberty bag.  For the batting, I used some scraps of Warm & White batting that were left over from covering my design wall.

Instead of this elaborate bottom on the base of the Liberty bag, 

I stitched a very simple boxed bottom (not sure if that's what you call it....).

I used some grosgrain ribbon I had on had for the drawstring.  I should have made the casing a bit wider, but it will do for now.

I used a silky lining fabric for the inside lining, just like the Liberty bag, so that the bobbin holders will easily slide in and out of the bag.

Don't these threads look happy in their new home?

:)

Hot Pad Makeover

I had fun stitching these hot pads from scraps left over from the quilt top I had pieced for Kathy!

I never think about how bad my hot pads look until company is looking over my shoulder when I'm cooking for them.  Then, I totally forget about doing anything about it....  But, a few little scraps from Kathy's quilt were all the inspiration I needed!

I simply recovered the old hot pad, then made another one to match out of scraps of Warm and Natural 100% cotton batting; four layers seemed about right.  

It was a fun way to try out some walking foot quilting designs.

For the backing, I used some Denyse Schmidt fabric that I had on hand from a previous purchase from Jo-Ann Fabrics, then machine stitched on the bias binding. 

I'm terrible at throwing out my hot pads - both of these nasty-looking pads were hostess gifts back when I was living in my first apartment out of college; I can still remember the guests that gave them to me.  Throwing them away is like throwing out memories!

I have a feeling that I'm not going to want to chance getting my new lovely hot pads dirty, even for the best of company....