mini charming for charity

I've added a new badge to my sidebar.  I've joined Esch House Quilts Charity Challenge and committed myself to make 4 quilts for charity this year.  One each quarter.  I cannot believe that I never got a photo of my first quarter quilt but here's what I made for the second.

 It's a Mini Charming quilt based on Denyse Schmidt's Big Charming.  

My first night at Sewtopia I sewed together the block with a pack of Kona cotton mini charms from sponsor Robert Kaufman Fabrics.  I was getting the feel of the Bernina I would be sewing on for the weekend.

I decided this quilt should be in honor of Sewtopia sponsors so I used Pellon batting and this Michael Miller print on the back. 
I free motion quilted it (Denyse Schmidt style) with Aurifil.  I used a water based marker to draw a 2"x4" graph on the quilt to help keep my loops consistent in size.  
The binding fabric is from JoAnn's.  Not a sponsor, but it was a perfect match for the front and back - and in my stash!

This quilt will go to CS Mott Children's Hospital with others from the Ann Arbor Modern Quilt Guild.  I hope it brings a smile and healing to someone.

4 pies in a swirling sky

I volunteered to patten test for fellow A2MQG member, Hayley Cason.  How cute is this?

The pattern is called Pie in the Sky and is available now on her new website.  
This was my first time using a bias binding.  I was a little nervous at first but Hayley's instructions are thorough and I had no problems at all.  As a matter of fact, that scalloped edge was simple and fun.
I made the mini size.  The pattern also includes directions for making a baby (9 pies) or lap (16 pies) quilt.  

Do you smell cherry, blueberry, and mixed berry pie?  I still haven't decided if the final pie is pumpkin or apple.  They are all favorites in this house.  Ready to dig in!

To see what other pattern testers have made check out the Instagram hashtag #pieintheskyquilt. 

For a limited time use the code GRANDOPENING and save 15% on the pattern at theplumbobbin.com. 

Editing to link up with Crazy Mom Quilts Finish it up Friday. Enjoy your weekend!

a new book and a clutch

When I heard Anna Graham's new book, Handmade Style, had been released I ordered it.  She has been so generous to offer so many outstanding free patterns.  I have made a few including the oh so popular Open Wide Pouch and Cargo Duffel.  The book is full of beautiful photos and patterns for bags, quilts, and even a patchwork bench - for those so inclined.  

I realized I needed to increase my zipper inventory and placed an order with Zipit.  I'm not sure beautiful is the right word to use with zippers but this order came so sweetly wrapped and very quickly.  I highly recommend this Etsy shop.
Now stocked with zippers in various sizes I decided to start with the Rainbow Clutch. 

I used Botanics fabric by Carolyn Friedlander.  I found a triple stitch on my machine to use for topstitching that I really like.  It didn't work around the zippers, though.  Believe me, I tried a few times!

The extra pocket in the back adds so much. I used 40 wt thread to make these stitches look heavier but I don't think I succeeded.  If you have any suggestions for next time I'd love to hear them.

Now I just need to get some leather scraps for the zipper tabs...or not.

Linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts Finish it up Friday.  Have a great weekend!