2016…time to get serious about finishing some lost-in-the-closet UFOs! The first one I pulled out to work on was a half-completed “Urban Cabin”, pattern by Terry Atkinson.
It didn’t take me long to figure out why it has been languishing on a shelf for three or four years…I sewed half the blocks wrong! (NOT the fault of the pattern-maker — Terry’s patterns are always awesome — but rather because I sewed them at a retreat with lots of visiting and maybe a glass of vino…)
After a little thought, I figured out how I could get a similar look to the pattern without spending days with ripper in hand. Here is a photo of the blocks done (I am making it a bit wider). I have some white border strips to sew on, then a 6″ border goes on all four sides.
I came across the Bionic Gear Bag somewhere, and knew it would serve my needs perfectly. I have several “tool bags” for sewing, but this one is designed for more than storage — it opens up to be situated by your sewing machine, keeping everything you need at your fingertips. Since I often sew places other than my sewing room, I can just zip it up and take everything with me easily. Here it is zipped up. (Excuse the lumpiness, as I really have it overstuffed.)
As much as I love the bag, I have nothing good to say about the instructions. Nothing. If you decide, like me, that you absolutely need this bag, search for the tutorial a third party made, and load your printer with lots of paper.
Okay, back to the bag. It holds a ton…I have four pairs of scissors, several spools of thread with bobbins, screwdrivers and other tools, marking pens, ripper, pins, all kinds of needles, sewing machine feet, Clover Wonder Clips…and I know that’s not all.
My favorite part is how it stays open and the front flap makes a tray to keep all your working bits and bobbles reined in.
And thanks to my friend Arlene, I was introduced to the Diva Wallet! I don’t know how I missed this one. The pattern is crystal clear, and the results are beautiful. A quick sew, as well.
When I bought the pattern on line, I ordered a couple of the frames right away as well. This is with the 7 1/2″ frame. Inside…
This makes a lovely, slim wallet that would make a special gift.
On the photography front, here’s my favorite bird shot from this week: a tri-colored heron. He has long legs but is standing in deeper water. Taken at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center in Port Aransas, TX.
Linking to Judy Laquidara’s Patchwork Times.
I’ve not seen the pattern, but I love the way your blocks are working together.
It’s disappointing when a pattern isn’t well written, but that is a nifty looking bag. I don’t think I would be tempted to make it with all those zippers.