Cloth Napkins, Burp Clothes & More

Last week I reported that a lot of fabric had come in, but I was missing some of the numbers - and some of the fabric.

Fabric In: Filling in the gaps this week.
White 100% cotton fabric still on the bolt.  I finally took it off the bolt to wash and it was 5 yard 16 inches.  For $2.  It had a musty stored smell, but once it came out of the washer it was nice and fresh again.

White cotton - very practical!

Aqua and gray chevron 100% cotton flannel  0.75 yards.  I had already used it so I had forgotten all about it.

Great color combination!

FQ scraps from the thrift store.  0.33 yds

Gray & Yellow/gold

Fabric Out:
4 burp cloths - chevron flannel backing w/ gray fronts 1.5 yds

Might make a chevron quilt to go with these.

2 burp cloths - John Deere w/ green and yellow flannel backings 0.75 yds

Fall cloth napkin set of 10 (14" square) - 1.56 yds

These came out as well as I imagined!

Black & White cloth napkin set of 6 (11.5" square) - 0.6 yds

July fabric giveaway - 0.8 yds

Already being made into something by the July winner!

Backing for the Cowboy Quilt got made and the quilt is sandwiched and ready to quilt, but I'll hold off reporting until the quilting is finished.

Dark brown backing

Fabric Purchased since last report: 6.58 yards
Fabric Purchased YTD: 80.92 yards

Fabric Acquired since last report: 0 yards

Fabric Acquired YTD: 22.65 yards

Fabric Used since last report: 5.21 yards
Fabric Used YTD: 126.47 yards

Total: 12.18 yards destashed

Nearly broke even this week.  I'll take it!

Don't forget to check out the August Giveaway.  Help me get more fabric out of the stash.

Kate over at Life In Pieces has challenged us to try to stitch 15 minutes each day.  This week was a bit more normal so I had a more progress overall.  Most days well over 15 minutes!!

Days stitched since last report: 7/7
Days stitched this year: 224/244
Success Rate: 92%

Linking up to QuiltPaintCreate and Life in Pieces to keep accountable.

Fall Fabric and More

Last week I missed a report.  Pretty much just missed the week altogether with everything that was going on.  I did do the Thankful Thursday posts, but it turned out both of them were on Fridays.  I don't know how I was that far off!! But now I think I am getting back to normal.

Fabric In: I cannot tell a lie.  Fabric came in.  Lots of it.  I was out thrifting on my first day in 20 years that the girls went back to school and I didn't.  That was strange.  I was looking for something specific, so I took the opportunity to make the big loop of thrift stores.  I didn't find what I was looking for but I did find some great deals on fabric - and I have a purpose for all of it.

White 100% cotton still on the bolt $2.  I haven't measured it yet so will carry this over to next week.  I can always use white, especially with another hexagon quilt finish fast approaching.

Dark green with brown details: 2 1/3 yards $1.50

This just says "fall" to me!

Lilac flannel: 1/2 yard $0.50  It has already been made into burp cloths and reusable makeup wipes.

And the lilac said "baby burp cloth!"

I had been telling myself I could just use what I have to make items for the craft fair in October, but at these prices I can't not buy it. 

Fabric Out:

These are pretty addicting for a car ride.

Flannel blanket with crochet edges.  Ladybug blanket was finished a while back, but not reported.  Pink rosebuds was finished a week or so ago.  Farm blanket got finished on the trip to get College E back to school.  4.02 yards

More burp cloths. 

Made some more burp cloths.  I love making these.  Sure hope they sell at the craft fair.  3 yards

Love the polka dots.

Bright hexagons got a binding.  0.34 yards

Pillowcase set.

Second pillowcase was completed.  Little S made one at the library class a while back and there was just enough fabric to make a matching case, so I finally did.  It sure would have been easier if they had been cut at the same time so I didn't have to remeasure to make sure they were identical.  2.2 yards for both.  I don't think I reported the first pillowcase back in June, but if so I'll readjust my numbers later.

Fabric Purchased since last report: 2.83 yards
Fabric Purchased YTD: 74.34 yards

Fabric Acquired since last report: 0 yards

Fabric Acquired YTD: 22.65 yards

Fabric Used since last report: 9.56 yards
Fabric Used YTD: 121.26 yards

Total: 10.81 yards destashed

Don't forget to check out the August Giveaway.  Help me get more fabric out of the stash.

Kate over at Life In Pieces has challenged us to try to stitch 15 minutes each day.  This was definitely an odd last few weeks.  Considering everything that was going on I am happy with my progress.  I love that 15 minutes can make a difference in productivity and attitude.

Days stitched since last report: 12/14
Days stitched this year: 217/237
Success Rate: 92%

Linking up to QuiltPaintCreate and Life in Pieces to keep accountable.

Friday Finish - Burp Cloths

My SIL in Guatemala is having a baby.  She is the baby of the family (by 20 years!) so this is a big deal for the family.  I had been holding off making anything until I knew the gender.  Then we recently got word that the ultrasound showed that it was a girl.

Elegant burp cloths

So when I received the big blessing a fabric a few weeks ago, I pulled out some very pretty fabric that was already the correct size for burp cloths.  There was also coordinating flannel.  It was the weekend before Senor G was headed down to Guatemala and before the super busy weeks at work started, so I got a set of 4 burp cloths made for him to take down.

Definitely will hide messy clean ups!

While he was gone, my girls reported that they don't really know that the baby is a girl - or they aren't saying for sure.  Oh well.  They have girl burp cloths and if it isn't a girl they can gift them to someone else.  I am glad I didn't make a quilt until I know absolutely for sure. 

Linking up to Confessions of a Fabric Addict and Crazy Mom Quilts to show off finishes.

Stash Report 071716

I never thought I'd have fabric out this week but I did.  I made an apron ....

 ... and burp cloths for vacation bible school.  

I had just enough of the batik to make a small and large burp cloth with NO leftovers - woohoo!

For the burp cloths I was inspired by these turtles and rays that I cut for VBS decorations. 

Once again it was a little bit of therapeutic sewing.  I don't realize how much I miss sewing until I'm back at the machine again.  

Fabric Used/Out This Week: 1 yard
Fabric Used/Out in 2016: 40.16 yards

Fabric In This Week:  0 yards

Fabric In 2016: 30.75 yards
 
Net Used 2016:  9.41 yards

Staying accountable with Judy over at Patchwork Times.

Fishy Finish

This week was Vacation Bible School at our church and I was in charge of crafts. Once all the crafts were prepped I got serious and made myself an apron.

I cannot do crafts with kids without an apron.  At work I use my old standby apron which is getting old and faded but still does the job.  I actually have 2 because my first disappeared one summer, so I made myself another. Then the original turned up a year later with another teacher.  Strange but 2 work aprons works for me.  

One year I made Dr Seuss aprons.  Another year it was super heros.  So a fish apron for the Submerged VBS seemed like the thing to do.  I'll also wear it during ocean week at school. 

I had recently been given a box of random bias tape and a good color was on hand so the apron went together quickly.  I forgot that I don't like bias tape ties on aprons until after it was done, but for the week it was fine.

I really need a pocket in my apron but I did not want to cover up any of the fish.  As usual I was working with scraps, but I was able to fussy cut the same fish that was on the apron front and turn it into a pocket.  Next time I would do the pocket before the hem but this was fine. 

After I finished the apron I decided to make fishy burp cloths for my boss' grandson who was such a good sport during all the decoration and getting set up. He's only 3 months old so he didn't have much choice but he needed a consolation prize.  

He reminded me so much of my girls when we were in full time ministry and they patiently did whatever the situation required.  

Linking up to Crazy Mom Quilts and Confessions of a Fabric Addict to show off finishes.

Very Impromptu Project - Stash Report 060516

Hey.  That's a VIP.  I like it.


At dinner - after a long day of a long week - Middle E asked, "What about the burp cloths?"

I responded, "Huh?"

This was the night before the last day of school for Middle E.  She adores her math teacher and he and his wife are expecting a baby this summer.

I had gone through a stage when we first moved to the US thinking that I could make a living selling burp cloths on Etsy.  Didn't happen, but for a while I had a good supply of burp clothes that made good baby gifts.  Not anymore.  I was down to 3, none of which worked for a baby whose gender has yet to be determined.

So, after dinner I put on the happy mommy smile and said. "Let's just make some new ones."

She was a good helper and did all the little stuff so I could just sew.  We did not agonize over decisions which is always my weak point.  We just picked fabric and thread and moved on.

Middle E was so happy and I was Super Mom for the night.  In this mothering journey I have learned that sometimes I just need to do it even though it was poor planning on their part and I'm exhausted.  There are certain projects that they will remember that I dropped everything and came to their rescue.  I don't need to be Super Mom for me, but they need to know they are that important to me.

The burp clothes came out great.  Not knowing the gender or name, we went with "Baby" and "L" which is the last name initial.  The report was that the teacher was over the moon when he opened her package.  Maybe he'll give her the extra 00.06 points she needs for an A or tell all his friends he knows an amazing burp cloth maker!!

Fabric Used/Out This Week: 1 yard
Fabric Used/Out in 2016: 31.5 yards

Fabric In This Week:  0 yards

Fabric In 2016: 29 yards
 
Net Used 2016:  2.5 yards

Staying accountable with Judy over at Patchwork Times!

Stash Report 080915

I am close to some bigger finishes, but not close enough.  Here's a little stash out though.  I finished the burp cloths for my new nephew and they are being delivered today along with the quilt.  How's that for current and up-to-date!


Fabric Used This Week:  1.5 yards 

Fabric In This Week:  0 yards 

Total In 2015: 7.02 yards
Net Used 2015:  48.58 yards

Linking up to Patchwork Times  to show how others are doing on busting their stash!

A Finish for Baby Dexter

I finished my new nephew-to-be's quilt a month or so ago but I could not make the burp clothes until the baby was born.  We knew the baby was going to be a boy but my brother and his wife would not disclose the name.

I think this satisfies the "Woodlands Animals" theme.

Baby Dexter made his appearance July 21 at a whopping 11 lbs.   We will go visit them this Sunday so I could not put off the burp cloths any longer.  

Linking up with  Crazy Mom Quilts   and Confessions of a fabric addict  to show off finishes.

Flannel Rag Quilt Set

Long Story for a Fun Project

Due to an unusual set of circumstances I taught a small group of students for three years in a row.  It was really a privilege to see them learn to walk when I was in the One-Year- Old class,  hear them make sentences when we were in the Twos, and just take off ready to go at the world when we were in the Threes.  It was sad to see them go at the end of the year last year.  We had a Super Party to send them off.  Check out what I made to go with the party   here and  here

Anyways, one of the moms was really great at keeping us motivated.  She kept us in treats all the time.  It didn't take much for her to think of some reason to bring us a goodie.  So when she became pregnant last year with a much desired baby, we knew we had to do something for her.  Mr. Blue has now moved on the the VPK class, but we still see him in the hallways and we have been keeping up with the baby's arrival.

Mr. Blue told us that the color for the baby's room was pink, white and purple.  I went to my stash and had plenty to work with.  For a long time I have wanted to make a rag quilt from flannel.  This was the perfect project.  I didn't have enough of a variety of all flannels, so I made sure that each square had at least one side flannel and there were no non-flannels side by side in order for the rag edge to work.  I did not put an extra layer of flannel or batting in the middle of each square.  We live in Florida and flannel is usually plenty warm.

I made the quilt in just a few hours - once I stopped agonizing over whether to cut the fabric or save it for another 20 years, the project moved right along.  My co-teacher did the cutting/fringing of the seams.  I got off easy on that!

Quilt Front

Quilt Back

Rag Edge Detail

I had a few odd pieces left over so I made a little lovey also with rag edges.  The edges are not quite a fun as on the larger quilt, but it is still very textural.  I had fun mixing and matching the shapes front and back.  I like a good puzzle.

Lovey Front

Lovey Back

The whole project started because I thought a few burp clothes would be a good gift.  I made them last and used up more fabric.

Burp Cloth Front and Back

Folded Burp Clothes

 Linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts  and Confessions of a Fabric Addict  to show off finishes.

Stash Report 052514

Last weekend I was out of town and didn't get a stash report posted.  So this week I've got double - kind of.  You can see the details in my Friday Finish post.  Too bad I can't count the commissioned pillows, but that all came in and went right back out and was never mine.

Fabric Used This Week:  2.68 yards for 2 super hero aprons + .7 yards for 2 burp clothes = 3.38 yards 

Total Used 2014:  37.75 yards
Fabric In This Week: .33 yds for 2 odd scrappy pieces that were given to me

Total Bought/Received in 2014: 13.08 yards
Net Used 2014: 24.67 yards

The numbers are steadily getting higher!!

 


















  

Head on over to Patchwork Times to see some how others are doing at using up their stash.

Busy Busy Busy

We were out of town last week so I didn't get a Friday Finish post written.  So now I have a lot to report.  The 7 hour one way trip enables me to get a lot of hand-sewing done.

1) Commissioned pillows.  These are the first 2 of a 6 pillow project. My client had 2 burlap bags with printing. The printing read correctly when the bags were in the vertical position. She wanted the pillows to be horizontal. There was just enough burlap to cut and piece it.  She had a rustic fringe to cover the seams on the front. Had to have zippers and be lined. Not the easiest things I have done but not the hardest either.  I am getting better at zippers in pillows. The client was very pleased with the results which makes me happy. 

Captain America for me.

2) Super Hero Aprons. We are finishing the year with a BANG! and a super hero/outer space theme.  The kids will come in their super hero shirts and I made aprons for my co-teacher and I.  We usually wear work aprons, but I don't think I will be wiping my glue-y, paint-y, sticky fingers on this one!  After looking at lots of ideas we went with the bib aprons.  Once I got in my mind how to do it it went together easily.  Have to say this is near the top of my lifetime list of clever projects. 

This project kind of confirmed for me that I am a "make it up as I go along" worker. I pretty much already knew that but I couldn't put a name to it. Now I know. It doesn't work for everyone. But it works for me. I know that I used to be a perfectionist. Then I moved overseas. So I think it comes from living overseas for so long where I did not have access to much to work with. So I "hoarded" what I had and made it work. 

Batman for Miss Kathy.  She has only seen this side.

Jimmy Johnson #48 is her real super hero and is a surprise on the back!

Flannel flowers on the back.

3) The baby is a girl.  I will take the pink quilt to Guatemala with us this summer.  And just because I was in the mood to do something different I made some pink and purple burp clothes.  Already had everything, so it was easy.  I went ahead and embroidered her name on it since I can and that seems to be all the rage now.

I looks blue,but it's really purple.

Hooking up with Crazy Mom Quilts 
and Confessions of a Fabric Addict
and Richard and Tanya Quilts

Little Bit In, Little Bit Out

Stash Report 022314

When we first moved to the states I made burp clothes for a nephew-to-be here in the US.  I had lot of fun doing that and thought it had Etsy potential so I made a bunch. No luck on Etsy, but now I have a small stash of burp clothes. I want to send some to Guatemala for the new baby, but since we don't know if it will be a boy or girl I'm going with unisex for the burp clothes.  Of course now that I want some to send there were no uni-sex ones ready or unisex flannel to work with. 

On a quick run to get new zippers for the pillows (seen here) I found a 1/4 yd remnant of a yellow patterned baby flannel. Perfect. 50% off even better since my current fabric allowance is $0.  No problem finding backings in the stash.  They are longer and narrower than I would normally make but they will work just fine.

These are going to Guatemala for Baby G.

I also finished up 2 others that had been cut, pinned and folded back up into the flannel stack. I originally thought they might be generic enough but they turned out to be kind of heavy on the pink, which looks even pinker in the photo.  But it counts as  UFO done, so that is good.

These will wait for a baby girl.

So here's how the fabric situation looks this week:

Fabric Used This Week:   1/2 yd for yellow ducky burp clothes + 1/2 yd for pink & orange fish burp clothes

Total Used 2014:  15 yards

Fabric In This Week:  1/4 yd of yellow ducky flannel 

Total Bought/Received in 2014: 7 1/4 yards

Net Used 2014: 7 3/4 yards
 

There are lots of other stash reports over at Patchwork Times.