Tuesday, May 15, 2012

more small projects

I am slowly but surely making my way through my small projects list. It feels good!
First off, I made these lanyards for me and my sister at wear to quilt market. A patchwork lanyard has been on my list for over 3 years. Probably closer to 5. I'm so glad that I finally got around to it. Sheesh, that took long enough!
Look at all that patchwork. It makes me happy! I didn't use a pattern, just made them up as I went. I wouldn't recommend the method I used to anyone. ha! They will work, nonetheless.
Also, I made close to 20 of these babies. Thread catchers, tiny trash cans, whatever you want to call them. It's a pattern I made up (which I'm thinking of selling when I get around to it...). I love these. It was fun to play with just two fabrics at a time. I loved putting together the different color combinations from my stash. I gave these to my retreat attendees and we used them to catch our trash and threads when we sewed. They also doubled as a little gift basket. They held a few goodies including their name tags, a tiny 9 patch pin cushion along with some fabulous soap and lip balm (a la Tara). They were fun little projects to make and to give!
So here's what my list looks like now:

1. Patchwork lanyard
2. Vintage sheet skirt with lining
3. Dress!
4. Zippered box bag
5. Tiny trash cans
6. 9 patch pin cushions
7. Van trash cans x 2
8. Guitar strap
9. Granny square pillow cover
10. Thread catchers (with tiles)
11. Color coded storage boxes for stash
12. Patchwork belt
13. Another flirt skirt
14. Drawstring backpack
15. Kitchen curtains
16. Ticker tape on canvas
17. Kitchen chair pads  I bought some, so they are off the list! :)
18. Dress for my daughter
19. Table topper for TV console table
20. Mini quilt for front entry table

Hurray for progress!!!

48 comments:

Dedra C said...

love the lanyards. i'm trying to think of a reason i need one.

Leigh Anne said...

Love the lanyards and the trash bins! And you are making awesome progress on your list :)

Cherie said...

The lanyards look great! Love the mini trash/thread collectors! So cute! =D

Cheerful Homemaker said...

Love the thread-catchers. I need one. Right now I use a small tupperware container.

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

When you can, please share and sell your pattern fit the thread catcher. I could sooo use one. :)

Tennjenny said...

Those items are just darling, and you are really plowing through the list!

Annie said...

Love the littles

Katrina said...

I love the lanyards and the thread catchers. So cute! I need a thread catcher in my life.

bethanndodd said...

Yay for crossing things off your small projects list! And cute things too...love those little baskets! Hope you have fun at quilt market. It's only 30 minutes from my house but I am not quite cool enough to go (yet!). I am hoping to make it to the MQG meet up Saturday night. Any chance you are going?
Smiles~Beth

Rachel said...

very cool. Love the lanyards and crossing things off of the list is always good!

Mama Pea said...

Love your thread catchers! Your list looks a lot like mine....except mine doesn't have so much crossed off. :-)

Anonymous said...

Love the catchers! Your list is looking good! ♥♥♥

Amanda said...

Love the lanyards. They would be great gifts for teachers or nurses.

Terriaw said...

I can't tell you how much I adore my new thread catcher basket! and pincushion! I feel so lucky to have received these from you. I really hope you offer a pattern for them cuz I would definitely buy it.

Love those lanyards! Perfect to use at market. I need to make something nice like that for my keys. Another good use of scraps.

Dani said...

I too need that thread catcher in my life, I would purchase the pattern if you decide to offer it.

Claire Jain said...

Nice work! I love the lanyards. That's a great idea :-)

Anonymous said...

Please please please share the thread catcher pattern as this is something I definately need.

I wear a lanyard at work so thinking that I will be making a patchwork one!

themissymom said...

It is so rewarding to get things done on a list! Sometimes I make a list, even a short one, just for the satisfaction of crossing things off!!!
Your projects are always sweet and inspiring!

Suzanne said...

Wow! You are one busy crazy mom! I am very impressed! I just throw scraps on the floor or over my shoulder. Surely, that's the quilt equivalent to tossing salt over my shoulder, right?

Shan said...

Lots to keep you busy but I'm sure you have it all done in no time.

EagleGrimmis said...

Yes, please post a pattern for your adorable little thread catchers. Love them!!!

randi--i have to say said...

Super cute lanyards!

Anonymous said...

I wish you would do a patter or tutorial on the mini garbage cans, I have been wanting to make something just like that!!

Marsha said...

I work for the government...so a lanyard is a must and I love one with great personality... Will you be putting some in your shop? Great job and idea!

Anna said...

dude, you are amazing! I wish I felt like sewing 20 little thread catchers, pass some of your ambition over this way please. :)

pasqueflower said...

Lovin' the lanyards! I can't bring myself to throw away scraps so I'm always on the lookout for scrap-friendly projects.

Fabric Warrior (aka Amie) said...

I LOVE the lanyard! I attend a lot of conventions, and this would be perfect for me. Must make one...

Kelsabel said...

I love it all especially the lanyards. I work In the medical profession and that's the perfect little project. I just joined your blog and I look forward to each new post!

Anna said...

I love everything!!

Jacqui Wise said...

Beautiful makes. I love your choice of fabrics.

Everyday Quilter said...

Even though you don't recommend your lanyard process, I'd love to see a tutorial on it. I've thought about making some for my highschool daughter and friends.

Lish Dorset, crafter said...

Your to-do list progress is motivating me and mine!

Tracy said...

1. I LOVE it that you did a retro give away...GENIUS! 2. Patchwork soothes, it's like chicken soup for me...I love that thing and I have no current need for a lanyard. 3. delightful to see lists with so many things crossed off! 4. I dream of attending your retreat someday! 5. I'd pay for a video of the classes you teach, just saying!!!! 6.heck I'd pay for a pattern for that little basket. 7. I don't have a 7 but I couldn't just stop at 6. ;)

Frippery said...

Now I need to desperately think of a reason I need a lanyard for - they are adorable!

Lisa H said...

Love, love, love all of it. Please post a tutorial on the lanyard and make a pattern for the thread catchers because if I start now, I can get all my Christmas pressies for my sewing group, kids teachers and colleagues done before December when the silly (crazy) season starts.

Kay said...

I love the pretty thread catchers. Useful but cute!

custom lanyards said...

For not using a pattern and making it up as you went, the lanyards turned out great! I see you used a couple of different hooks as well. Glad you could finally mark that off of your quilting list!

Norine said...

Love your thread catcher. Not to rush you or anything, but do you think you'll be selling the tutorial soon? I would love to make those for the ladies in our group as a party favor for our next party that is in July.

Anonymous said...

I also love the lanyards! I was wondering how to make some for a girls cruise this fall. Any tips? :)

pratima said...

Your small project sew-along sounds great, Amanda! Those tiny thread-catchers are so cute and the lanyards are pretty in patchwork! Happy weekend!

lindag1947 said...

Love the little trash bins. Make a pattern. Linda gerig

Clair said...

My students and coworkers like my new lanyard. :) Of course, so do I.

Jill Quilter said...

I've been meaning to make one since school began last Sept. Thanks for sharing how long it took you, I will quit beating myself up for procrastinating. I can always make one this summer & I'll be ready for the next sch yr.

Nieves Mª said...

Una labor maravillosa!!
Saludos desde España
Nieves Mª

Carla said...

I love your lanyards. I need to make some with my scraps. Cool idea. Thanks for sharing.

quiltyknitwit said...

Another vote for thread catchers pattern. These would be great favors for my guests at my next tea party!

Pieced Brain Quilt Designs said...

Love the small projects! I am thinking that, instead of calling my kids by yelling their names, I should carry a whistle. In that case, I will definitely need a lanyard!!! And, by the way, those mini thread catchers are to die for... :-) Wish I had attended your retreat!

quirky granola girl said...

i LOVE my thread catcher bag. thank you!!