Sun Visor

I used an on-line hat pattern to create a very protective sun visor.  I could not get either link to work.  However, if you google 'SUNNY_SIDE_UP_SUNHAT'  you will easily find it.

http://www.pages01.net/fabriccom/HPSunnySideHat/?cm_re=SL1-_-crhdqtr-_-Sunhat

http://contentm.mkt2178.com/lp/814/2644/HP_fabric.com_SUNNY_SIDE_UP_SUNHAT-1.pdf?cm_re=SL1-_-crhdqtr-_-Sunhat


I have lots of visors and hats.  NONE protect like this one.  I really struggled with the sewing part.  Down loaded the pattern on Monday.  Thought I would complete it in one day.  NOPE.  I had a lot of Life-interruptus + I found the binding on the curved edge a real challenge.  Took 3 tries to get it 'good enough'.  I used a very stiff iron on stabilizer for both the visor and the band.  Huge problem connecting the two pieces.  While it is far from perfect, I'm still very happy with the results.

Front View

This photo, as well as the one below, were done in front of the bathroom mirror so that I could show the 'hidden' view as well.

Side View

View looking down with Visor on my bed

Compare Protection

Compare size with one of my many visors.  All the purchased ones are about the same size and protection.  The pink is the visor lining.

2 Red Squares

My guild, Kaleidoscope, gave a challenge at the Christmas potluck the second Thursday in December. 

 The Challenge

I designed my response right away.  However, creating it took a LOT longer.  I decided I would print out my design, piece the pages together, trace it onto fabric soaked with soy milk, then color it with my water color pencils.

My Original Design

I did not like this when it was finished.

Better Design

I still was not happy.

Final Design

This was frustrating because the corners where not turning as I wanted.  Also the red square on the far right was a bit wonky.  I un-stitched that one.  Then re-stitched.  Still not happy.  I appliqued the red square just left of center.  Like the idea a LOT more.  However, I am not happy with my stitching.

IF I were to re-do, I would sketch the whole design, do another soy painting, then try to figure out how to have the corners crisper.

PS.  When I first attended, it happened to be a potluck.  One of the members told me, tongue-in-check, "The guild is just an excuse to get together, eat, laugh and have fun."  It is a WONDERFUL group of women.  When I am able to attend, I always enjoy looking at the show-and-tell + + + the camaraderie.

PSS.  The colors on the Final Design are closest to the actual colors.  At first I did not like the variegated coloring I got with the pencils.  However, as I quilted, I liked it a LOT more than a flat color.  It seems to have a bit more interest.

Another Idea

Do not like the colors.  Enough for now.  Not sure why, but I am really drawn to this design.  Perhaps it is because it is such a challenge for me?  Not happy with it yet.

A Birthday Pillow for Morgandy

Morgandy turned 7 last Saturday.  She had a dance class all afternoon, so her birthday was celebrated Sunday.  I wanted to make her something for her bedroom in her new house.  I did 't want her to feel she had to put it on the wall.  Morgandy has some creative colorful ideas for her wall.  Negotiations with her parents are on-going.  At this point she has agreed to their preference for a white room.  However, she will have a huge lightening bolt covering one wall.  It is something stuck on, so as she grows and changes, it can easily come off to be replaced by a new idea.  At any rate, that is the reason, I made her a pillow.  She immediately said, "I can put it on my bed."  She loves butterflies and moths, so that was the idea behind the design.

The Moth is double quilted.  That is, I quilted the moth first using a layer of polyester batting.  Cut away all the excess batting and first backing when done. Attached the whole thing to a new backing faced with cotton batting.  Then I heavily quilted the painted background [the green part] so that the moth really stands out.  It is similar to trapunto, but not done that way.  I call it double stuffing or double quilting, depending on the time of day and my mood.   What would you call it?

Side View to show the depth.

The quilted lines follow the lines of the moth's wing.

Finished Pillow

First Birthday Book for Alex

Although Alex does not yet talk, or have much of an attention span, I still decided to make him a small book [printed pages are 8.5" square before trims] for his First Birthday.  My hope is that before the year is out, he will be interested in learning about the animals. 

COVER page 

Because everyone likes their own name, I decided to make it all about the letter 'A'.  The research was very interesting.  I found some animals I have never heard of before.  I also found the 'Armadillo closing up'.  FASCINATING to me!  

His Grandmother Carla told me he really gets excited about bright colors.  I used every bright color I had for the leading edge, plus fringe plus the colorful soft binding which ends in a carrying handle.  I used a different color gross grain for the leading edge of each page.  One end is longer; alternating up and down similar to a tab.

Back cover, spine, Front cover

Page 2 and 3

Page 4 and 5

Page 6 and 7

Page 8 and 9

Page 10 and 11

Although there are some obnoxious construction problems, the quilt police will never see this FUN BOOK.  I do not think the construction errors will impede the enjoyment.

STANDING UP

PS.  The background fabric is my next pair of PJ bottoms.  

Gold Fish for Frances Holliday Alford

Gold Fish

This actually looks better on point.  However, I think Frances will probably put it into her quilt as is or turned 90 degrees.  The fish is actually gold lame.  I think it is too reflective to show the real color.  Frances said she loves gold fish + red, so I hope she likes my little addition to her 70th Birthday Quilt.

Frances, PLEASE resend your address.  I had it on my worktable when I started sewing this afternoon.  When finished, the address was gone?  I live alone, so I am always curious about stuff that comes missing.  Maybe it is with my favorite gray sock?