Charming Lucy

A couple of dear friends of mine are about to welcome their baby boy into the word. I searched online and found a free pattern called Charming Lucy and new that this was the one! They have received the quilt so it's safe for me to post photos of it here.

I used a stack of fabric I had from the line Lucy's Crab Shack by Sweetwater for Moda and accented with white Kona cotton. I love the result! 

I tried my best to get a full shot of the quilt. Please excuse the less than delightful photo but you get the idea!

In other news, dare I say that spring has  FINALLY sprung in central New York and today is full of sunshine. Though we had snow last week, I am crossing my fingers that the snow is behind us until next winter! 

What are you doing on this fine Saturday?

Quilting and Scones...

....Make for a lovely Sunday. How was your Sunday?

Is it spring yet? and finishes of late

Hello, hello! I am happily stitching away at Chez Swing Kitten and have some projects to share. Since winter just won't leave us alone, most all of my free time is spent quilting and sewing. Is it spring yet? I'm ready!

 I finished another table runner for my shop featuring two sweetly pieced star blocks. I do love making these! Both the star blocks and the table runners!

My sweet vintage ceramic kitty models the table runner so nicely. ;)

Not quite finished yet but getting there is this doll quilt I pieced using this free pattern.  It seemed to take some time cutting the little blue and patterned squares at 2 5/8" each, then cutting them on the diagonal and finally stitching them back together into half square triangles.  But I like the result! Now I am trying to decide whether I'll hand quilt, or machine quilt the top. Decisions, decisions....

I whipped up this little embroidery while watching an entertaining  bad Lifetime movie on Saturday night.  My excuse is that at least I made something cute while watching. ;) I used a few motifs from Aneela Hoey's super wonderful book Little Stitches.  I cut a circle around the stitching and then stuck it in an inexpensive embroidery hoop. I used a piece of pink rick rack looped through the top of the hoop to hang it. Wonderful!

The boys say hello. I keep asking them to get busy around the apartment while I'm gone at work during the day, but all they want to do is nap.

What are you working on lately? Have a great week! 

Coming soon to my shop!

Working on getting my shop updated tonight! Hope you're enjoying the weekend!

A Quilted Finish

I am pleased as punch that I finished my star quilt! This is the second large-ish quilt I've made. It measures in at 56 x 56 which was a struggle at times to quilt on my Janome. I usually stick to baby quilts for their ease in quilting, being so much smaller. But I'm glad I made this one and  actually saw a project through to the end! 

 It could be a nice throw but I'll probably put it on my bed once the weather gets warmer, and the down comforter gets put away. We can only hope for an early spring!

 I used a combination of some of my favorite prints from my stash.  Bliss, Sherbet Pips, Pam Kitty Love,  Ruby.... it will definitely be cherished!

For the back I used a sweet floral print I purchased at my LQS.  I believe it's called "Rambling Rose".

For the binding I used a print from Sherbet Pips that I've been hoarding   saving. ;)

This is also the first quilt I machine bound on both sides.  I tend to sew the binding on the front by machine and then tack down by hand on the back. For this quilt I pulled out my trusty walking foot and stitched away! I am quite happy with the results!

I got one shot out on my landing in natural light. It was so bitterly cold out today, and a bit windy so I only got the one! 

The yellow and pink block is one of my favorites! 

While I busied myself with taking pictures, the cats napped in the sunlight. They're not the only ones who appreciate all the natural light  I get in my living room. It definitely makes the winter more bearable!

Off to watch the season finale of Downton! I can hardly believe the season is over already. One of life's simple pleasures for sure.

I'll be back tomorrow with some new goodies I finished for the shop. Hope you enjoyed your weekend!

Adventures in Quilt Basting

I am so happy to be well on my way to finishing my star block quilt! Yesterday I pin basted it on the floor. As you can see, I had a helper. Harry just had to get in on the fun! 

I really like how bright and cheerful this quilt is. It will be a favorite for sure.

If only I could train him to help me pin. Notice the trusty Altoids tin. Perfect for holding basting pins! ;) 

Last night I was able to get it quilted. I had a little trouble maneuvering the quilt and feeding it through my Janome machine. I had it rolled up on each side but it was still cumbersome. Nonetheless I am excited to get home tonight and make some binding!

What are you working on lately? Hope everyone is having a great Monday!

What I've Been Working On

Helllooooo! I have been a bad blogger. As is the case for many, free time is always limited. When I'm not working I have to decide, do I blog or do I create? Lately, creating has been winning that battle. My guilty pleasure is turning on Turner Classic Movies on Saturday night and sewing for 5 or 6 hours. Pure bliss.

Here's a snippet of what I've been working on.

This is destined to be part of a table runner. It's a pattern by Glenna Hailey from her book Sugar Sack Quilts. I seriously want to make every quilt in her book. This is my first attempt at applique and I am happy with the results so far.  I used Heat and Bond Lite to secure the flowers to the background and I will now hand stitch them in place.

I am also hooked on making these star blocks. I am using this pattern by Allison and Cluck, Cluck, Sew. My aim is for 36 blocks that will finish off at roughly 10 inches. It will make a nice sized throw. I am enjoying stitching these up while watching some good TV such as Downton Abbey.

Speaking of Downton Abbey, is everyone as thrilled as I am that season 3 is upon us?! I DVR the episodes and then watch them 2 or 3 times. Hi, my name is Laura and I am a Downton Abbey addict. ;)

I hope everyone is having a great start to the new year and a fabulous week!