Friday, September 23, 2011

Got Scraps?

Of fabric, that is!  I tend to save most of my scraps.  Comes from my Mom I guess.  I remember we had a scrap box in the hall closet.  Mom made most of her clothes as well as mine, so there were lots of scraps.  I am sure that is what I learned to sew on, using Mom's old green Singer!  Now days I make lots of flannel rag quilts. Here is a quick Tute.   Mostly for gifts, but I found that with making the big quilts I have lots of little scraps.  Plus I have a addiction to flannel remnants!  I buy lots, especially when flannel is on sale.  Then they are even cheaper!  You can get 1/2 yd remnant for about .75! 


Here is my scrap pile, and the shelves of baskets to try and keep it organized.  Try being the operative word! 





A few years ago a friend of mine told me about an organization she helps head up.  Threads of Love!  They are a great grass roots group that makes blankets for preemies and babies that are sick, as well as vests for the little ones that have to have tubes and such.  Here is the link to my local chapter.  Threads

So I started making mini rag quilts for the babies!  Usually I just cut 5 or 6" squares and make the traditional patchwork quilt.  But this time I wanted to do something different.  I had lots of scraps that were too small to cut squares out of, so I came up with this.
This is the side that I will snip to 'rag', and the pic below is the other side.
And after snipping and washing, here is the finished product.

I love how it turned out.  I just laid it out and had to cut and adjust as I went along, but since it isn't that big, it was not a big deal.  I have also made a few traditional quilts, but I think I will try another one like this for a boy.
Motto is, don't throw away your scraps, you never know who they will benefit!

Have a great weekend,

Toodles,


Laura




The Shabby Nest


Transformation Thursday

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Grandma's Patio

Sorry I haven't posted in a while.  With DD going off to college, I have lots of projects to tackle, just have to decide which ones to do first!  I finished up a few quilts, and then was working on this special project.

A month ago we went to my Mom's for her birthday.  She had lunch on her patio and while it was nice I noticed that her patio was a little sad.  I asked her if she ever came out to use it, and she said no!  Well looking around, I wouldn't either!  So it was decided we would redo Mom's patio, and since it was the end of summer I was going to hit all the clearance sales!

Here is a before:
A little crowded and a little dull.  So here is what we came up with.  DH came along for his muscle!

A nice seating area for conversation.  The bench was on the front porch never used.  Added some color with rugs and her favorite color, purple, with plants.
A dining area  with a new table and chairs.  She came out to see it before she left for the day.  Was totally surprised by how much bigger it looked.
Added a few candles and a lantern for ambiance.  Love how it turned out.  I did a few planters as well so she has lots of color and used a few different sages and salvias for the hummingbirds.


I am glad we could help give her something she can enjoy.  Hopefully for many years to come.

Have a great weekend.

Toodles,

Laura