Sweet Tater Pie B-2

I started this Dear Jane Quilt block a few weeks ago but only just finished it this weekend. It was sitting in my sewing kit with only a quarter of the circle left to appliqué! It was nice to just finish something.

I started a new project this weekend. A baby quilt for a gift. I'm using the Zig Zag Quilt tutorial over at the Purl Bee blog. It's coming together quickly and easily so hopefully I will have the top pieced by next weekend.

Catching up

I'm still trying to catch up at work, with quilt blocks, the laundry... Turns out I missed the best baseball-play of the year as well! Manny Ramirez HIGH-FIVED a fan in mid-double-play:



As of this posting, he's still two home runs shy of the 500 milestone. Hopefully I won't miss his 500th.

(Thanks for the tip, bro.)

Update

I've always felt that if I didn't have anything to share, I just wouldn't post. But for some reason I feel compelled now that I've been away for a week. Like you might be thinking I died or something.

The vacation was very fun and relaxing. There was lots of pool lounging, cocktail sippin', and -- believe it or not -- roller coaster riding at Universal. I only caught parts of Red Sox games and only when they were on ESPN. No sewing was done...I decided against bringing my hexagon project along. I didn't miss it.

Oh! I almost forgot! I decided to go with the lighter sashing on my Dear Jane quilt. Maybe because most of you leaned toward that initially or maybe because that was my Mom's first choice. I think the dark would be too overpowering on such a complex quilt. Every block would become a star and some of them just need to be quiet.

Good to be back! Posting will be light until I get back on track.

Free Tutorials from other Blogs

I thought I'd leave you with a big list of stuff to do while I'm away next week. Sew, Mama, Sew just finished up their tutorial contest -- lots of new ideas going on over there. And here is a list of tutorials from other blogs to keep you busy. Hey, Christmas is coming so start working on those gifts!

Sites with many tutorials:
The Purl Bee (Lots of really excellent tutes. Check out the right column of the blog to find them.)
Wee Wonderfuls (Mostly softies)
Craft Tutorials has a ton of tutorials


Misc:
Fabric flowers at Wisecraft
Snapped fabric box from My Little Mochi
Ironing board cover at Instructables

Baby stuff:
Chenille bib at happythings
Chenille-backed quilt at happythings
Baby cubes from London Mummy
Cloth shoes at Stardust Shoes

Bags:
Quilted Lingerie Bag at CraftStylish
Drawstring Bag at happythings
Evening bags at Threads
Lindie Bag at Craft Apple
(Check out this older post for more bag tutorials.)

Holiday:
Elf Clogs at allsorts
Peace Dove ornament at Bella Dia
Wine gift bags at Under A Blue Moon
Corset Ornaments at CraftStylish

Softies:
Lamb at Pattern Bee
Pears and apple at Lil'd
Toadstool from LucyKate Crafts

To wear:
Hat at Curiously Crafty
The Eddie Cap (for kids) at Mushroom Villagers
Bloomers (for little girls) at Reclaiming the Home
Tiered Skirt at Kuky Ideas
Wide Wrap Belt at CraftStylish
Tie Top Tank from Belle Epoque
Summer Slippers are Lady Harvatine

Have a tutorial that you created? Or know of one you love? Share them in the comments please!

Jacket Inspiration

Doesn't look so hot does it? Kinda blah...boring...bland. Well, take a look at the lovely ladies on the cover of this magazine:


Can you believe that all of the outfits in this magazine were made from that cheerless pattern above?? Well, maybe you can. But it amazes me. I have had the pattern traced to make this jacket for months now. I'm going to forgo making a winter version from wool and will make a light weight denim one for spring instead. Hear that, internet? Now I have to do it.

PS: Check out another terrific version of this pattern at Erica B's D.I.Y. Style blog.

In over my head

I can't be stopped! AmandaJean of Crazy Mom Quilts is doing another quilt along...this one is all star blocks. AND I SIGNED UP FOR IT. I'm going to change my blog name to "Crazy Jen Quilts"...or "Crazy Jen Starts Quilts But Never Finishes Them."


Way back here I mentioned this quilt that I started way back when. Nine Patch blocks with lots of pink and green fabrics. Someday this will look really pretty on my bed.

Skull Pants

Kinda big. They had really nice cuffs at the bottom with red trim but the pants were so long I had to hem the cuffs to smithereens. Sean approves though...very comfy. And skully.

And ANOTHER Built By Wendy top for myself! ('Scuze the crummy mirror photo.)


Thank you to everyone who voiced their opinion on the sashing debate. With each comment I changed my mind again and again. So anyone who hasn't spoken up, please do so! We are not ready to declare a winner.

And Jacquie came the closest on the vacation guessing game. Even though her final answer was Tahiti (!) she did mention Florida. We are going to Orlando! Disney and sun is not our usual cup of tea but I got a super deal on a hotel...and lounging around poolside sounds pretty good to me.