Mini Ninnie Hexie Star

I finished a little piece this weekend! The blocks are from this Hexed Stars pattern. I pulled the Philip Jacobs Delphinium print for the border first, thinking it looked a little Fall-like, then found the batiks for the stars and background. It went together so quickly!

The triangles that make up the hexies are 1.5" tall, and the overall piece is about 12" wide.

I quilted it with this gorgeous metallic thread from Superior. (40 wt. #025 Variegated Gold) I only broke the thread once, which I think is good for a metallic. I used a Superior topstitch needle #90/14. Love their needles and thread!

This little piece will be auctioned off at the Ninigret Quilt show on October 16. Proceeds of the silent auction will be donated to the W.A.R.M. Shelter and the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center.

I was planning to make another one for myself to keep, but it will have to wait. You know how I was on a roll? Well, I'm paying for all that sewing now. I have tendonitis in my left hand and can't sew for 7-10 days while I recover. : [

I'm linking up with Sew Darn Crafty for Autumn Theme Week!

Upcycled Shoes!

Julia and I were in need of some retail therapy. Usually, for us that means shoes! The super cute red canvas wedges fit both of us and we can't resist a red shoe.

When we got home, she dug out the 3-year old white wedges. We didn't wear them at all last year because the tab in front had discolored. Julia tried to clean it with no luck.

OK. Let's cover it up! Kona Snow was the perfect shade of off-white to match the white canvas. I tried to make flowers similar to the red ones, but I had to use a different technique that I'm sure I saw on a blog somewhere.

It's like a new pair of shoes!
All for 50 cents worth of Kona and about 30 minutes.

Julia wore the new red shoes to school today with a navy skirt, white top, and jean jacket. Add a red plastic bangle bracelet and Grandma's enamel red, white and blue daisy pin and she looks super cute!


I'm linking to Karen's Sew Darn Crafty Party. Go see what other crafty people are up to.

Gathered Clutches!

Oh my goodness! I love these so much! I wish I could keep them all, but they have always been destined to be bridesmaid's gifts.

You all have seen the Noodlehead tutorial for the gathered clutch. You haven't? GO NOW! (Then, please come back. I'll wait... See? Awesome, right?) I finally bought the pattern last week and love the added instructions. Thank you, Anna!

It was so much fun choosing the fabric combinations and matching zippers. I bought the hardware from SewingSupplies on Etsy, who I would recommend for her speedy service and great prices. I bought the 5/8" wristlet hardware set with lobster claw swivel hooks and D-rings.

Jamie (the bride!) likes the linen mixed with modern prints, so I chose three different shades of linen blend. It's not the cool new quilter's linen. I found this at Joann's and it works just fine for this project.

Jamie had seen one on Flickr with hexies and asked if I would make one for her maid of honor, to make hers different and special (the one in front above).

With a fresh dusting of snow, it was fun to take them outside for a photo session!

Inside pockets:

I recommend following the suggestion to take a bigger seam allowance on the lining. If you don't, it doesn't lie flat inside and puckers a bit up near the zipper. Like this:

This one is better:

(Zipper swoon!)

I know someone will ask me about the zippers. I bought them at my local quilt shop. They were displayed on a cool carousel, but I can't remember who the manufacturer is. I can find out, if you need to know!
With all the switching between the zipper foot and 1/4" foot, breaking a couple of needles was inevitable! I had never seen this happen before last week while blog surfing. Apparently, the Superior topstitch needles BEND instead of snapping and flying in your face. One more reason I am totally in love with these needles!

(Yes, it is time to clean my machine!)

Now Jamie needs to decide which bridesmaid will receive which clutch!

Now, please visit my friends who host these crafty linky parties!