The Finished Purse

The Finished Purse
Originally uploaded by GeneBlack

The purse is finished and I am actually happy with it. While there are mistakes in it, there was a lot of learning and improvement in my sewing. This is my first successful go at free-motion quilting. It was also the first time I did piecing from a pattern. (my typical is strip piecing)
I didn't take a picture of the back but it is just like the front without the button closure.
I love the colors and general design. I adore the button and loop closure. I had seen it on an item but never seen it done. It was easy and looks nice. I did some embroidery stitching on the straps/handles. I used red thread in the bobbin and gold on top of each strap. I think it is a nice touch. And I did remember to put a label inside. Eat your heart out Vera Bradley!

Most importantly, I met my deadline.

Inside with label
Strap/Handle detail
Close up of the front.

Quilted Purse: under construction

Purse under construction-front
Originally uploaded by GeneBlack

I am making a quilted purse as a present. It is a suprise so I can't mention many details in this public space. I will say that I see that this picture is "wonky" beause the purse front is nice and straight. The band is even too. But I am tired and not willing to re-take the picture. I think this will be a nice purse when I am finished. Oh yes, those faint white lines in the dark sections -don't worry that is chalk and it will wash right out.

The lower black section is heavily quilted. I decided to use red thread to carry the color thru and make it a bit more interesting. If you click on the photo, you will go to my Flickr site. Once there you can see a detail shot of the quilting. I am doing free-motion quilting. Since I have a deadline, this is a VERY brave thing for me to attempt.

So far, so good. I wil keep you posted.

Amanda Quilt

Amanda Quilt
Originally uploaded by GeneBlack

I delivered the quilt to my niece. I completely forgot to take a picture of her with the quilt. I was gonig to call her today and ask her to take a picture and send it to me.

This picture was a lovely surprise in my inbox this morning. Her note said "I love my quilt"

That has made my day!

A Finished Quilt

I finally finished the quilt and got pictures made. I put it on the fence to make the picture but of course part of it is hanging off the back side. So, I flipped it end for end and the second photo has the other edge at the bottom.
For this quilt, I had to hurry a finish so I tied it rather than quilting it by machine or hand. The ties are at four inch intervals This made it easier since the nine patch blocks are made of four inch sub-blocks. The blocks are 12 inches square. With the top and bottom sashing (made from sets of jelly roll strips,) this quilt covers the top of a queen size mattress perfectly. I used the backing as a self-binding to save time AND because it made the quilt pop. Nothing in my stash looked as good for the binding as the backing. I love this quilt and will hate to let it go. But I made it for a very special person, so off it will go.

Now I get to decide on a new project. My mind is reeling with ideas.