Improv Mini Quilt

For a while I've been wanting to learn more about hand quilting. So I decided to do a little research on the different techniques and/or styles and try to quilt a small project. For me it is better when learning a new technique to start small; otherwise it is too overwhelming. After my research I found myself drawn to the sashiko style or big stitch quilting. For this little quilt I used pearl cotton thread size 8. It is the perfect size as the stitches are visible but still look quite delicate. It is said that practice makes perfect and I agree; by the end  I noticed that my stitches were looking more even and it was easier to run the needle through the fabric. I love how this little quilt turned out, specially the learning experience. I can't wait to tackle a larger project and improve my hand quilting skills. It is such a beautiful form of art I think. 

I wish you have a beautiful week.

XO 

Martha

Granny Square Quilt

Happy Sunday! I hope you had a lovely weekend. I finally got to photograph my finished Granny Square Quilt and I'm so happy to share it with you.This was a very slow project, but I really enjoyed every step of the process. The blocks are lovely and a pure joy to make. I used the tutorial from Blue Elephant Stitches to create the blocks ; however instead of using 2.5 inches squares I used 2 inch squares. Thus creating a slightly smaller block. For the quilting I wanted something simple so I opted for a spiral square pattern. I think it gives it a modern feel to a traditional quilt. 

This quilt has quickly became a favorite. I love the soft colors and the scrappiness. I totally see myself making another quilt like this.

I wish you a very happy week!

XO

Martha 

Organizer

Staying organized is always a challenge. I'm constantly looking for my pens and my postage stamps always end up at the bottom of my purse. So I decided to make this little organizer with different size pockets to keep everything in place and neatly organized inside my purse. Now every piece of stationary has a place and I can easily find everything specially when on the go. I love the closure; it was really  easy to install and it is very handy when opening and closing my little organizer. Now I'm super excited to start the week being more organized.

Have a wonderful week!

XO 

Martha.

Weekend Goals

Some of my weekend goals are to practice my hand-quilting. I made a small block from leftover pieces from my Plus Quilt to practice my hand quilting sashiko style. I haven't done much hand quilting  so I wanted to start small. How about you, do you have crafting plans for the weekend?

XO

Martha

WIP: Granny Square Quilt

I don't even remember when I started my Granny Square quilt. Maybe last year or even longer. The few blocks that I completed  and the fabric that I had selected for it have been sitting in their box for such a long time. Maybe longer than any other project. So last week I decided that my Granny Square quilt should be my next "forgotten" project to tackle. Today I finished sewing all the blocks... just a few left to trim and very soon there will be a quilt top. Yay! 

I've been thinking about ways to quilt this little project and I just can't decide. What do you think? I'd love to hear your suggestions. 

I hope you have a happy week!

XO

Martha 

Peasant Blouse

Happy 4th of July! (for those of you in the US) We have been enjoying of a long weekend due to the Independence Day Holiday and that meant extra crafting time for me. I love when I get to spend more time playing in the sewing room. I got to finish this peasant blouse that I started last week. The fabric for this blouse is basically recycled fabric; it came from a dress that I bought years ago and never wore because as much as I loved the print I never liked the way it fitted me. So a few weeks ago I took it out and decided to turn it into something that I would actually wear. The dress was empire waist with very thing straps and a very full skirt. Thus, the top didn't give me much useable fabric but the skirt was made of two beautiful panels of fabric. I chose a peasant blouse because the pattern is easy and very forgiving (in case of mistakes). I drew the pattern using a blouse I already had as a guide. I centered the the body of the blouse in the middle of each panel and used the sides with the seams for the sleeves. For the cuffs and the neck I made a bias tape with the lining of the dress. I had to be inventive as there was not much fabric to spare. I'm absolutely happy with the way it turned out and I think I'm going to be wearing it a lot this summer. 

I hope you have a lovely week!

XO 

Martha.

Modern Plus Quilt

Hello friends! I hope you had a lovely weekend. I had the most amazing time sewing and quilting. I finally finished my Plus Quilt which I actually started back in December. Wow I can't believe it has been that long! It was meant to be our Christmas Quilt, but life happened, then we embarked on the craziest home renovation that led me to take a brake from crafting. So here we are, the end of June and my quilt is finished at long last. This is the second Plus quilt that I make. The first one I made was two years ago (you can see it here), but it was a gift and ever since I wanted to make one for us to keep. I just love the simplicity of the design. Because the quilt design is simple I wanted to spend more time on the quilting.  So I quilted  all the negative space with a dense meandering pattern and the crosses with straight lines echoing their shape. Since the quilt was meant to be finished in the winter I backed it with a super cozy flannel. It is super warm, but I think we are going have to wait to use it. But I'm super happy with the way it turned out. And even more thrilled that I'm finally getting back to my creative groove.

I wish you have a lovely week!

XO

Martha.

Lately...

Lately I've been trying to get back to crafting mode. I've missed sewing, quilting and knitting. It feels like it has been forever since I sat in front of my sewing machine. Putting back together my sewing room has been a slow process, but it will be worth it. In the mean time; I unpacked my knitting needles and some yarn and decided to start a Honey Cowl. This will be my second one. I just love the pattern so much and my first one is looking a little worn out since I wear it quite often. You can see my first Honey Cow here. It just feels so nice to be crafty again. 

I hope you have a lovely week.

XO

Martha