The Splendid Sampler: Blocks No.19, No.25, No.27, No.28 and No.33

It's The Splendid Sampler time again. Let's start with the block No.19 "Measure Twice, Cut Once" designed by Jane Davidson. What can I say...this block is all about me. I have to admit, I am always in a hurry to cut instead of checking the measurements, and then I find myself with bits and pieces that are way too short. Just like this block itself. Can you believe it?! Do you see that extra piece on the right hand side? It was not supposed to be there, but because I was in a hurry to grab and use the scissors, I snipped the pink "measuring tape" piece shorter than I needed and there were not any pink pieces left. I really must read this and remember every time I am sewing. Maybe I should make a mini quilt and put it on a wall next to my machine so I can always see this reminder.

Work in Progress: Starting too Many Projects?

That's the question I keep asking myself daily. Am I trying to get my hands on too many things at the same time? Or is it my sleep deprived mind that cannot settle on one thing and needs a constant change? Whatever it is that makes me be that way, I kind of like it because I can choose what I am going to work on when I have a few spare minutes and not really worry about finishing it. This little project is something I am making with a very narrow bias tape. It's perfect for this fabric weaving idea. Don't you like all these pretty flowers?

Small Finishes

Do you like DIY fabric covered buttons? I do. There are so many great uses for them. Lately I have made some fridge magnets, needle minders and hair bobby pins. So quick and easy, and very useful too. I made cards to hold the hair pins using some pretty scrapbooking paper and pieces of ribbon.

The Splendid Sampler: Blocks No.21 and No.22

A small update on my Splendid Sampler progress. Not much to report yet unfortunately. Other projects, everyday chores and most of all, our Little One (that I don't mind at all), take up too much of my time at the moment. But still, this small progress is better than nothing, I suppose. So...here are the two blocks I managed to finish.

Afternoon Reading and Oaty Choc-Chip Cookies

While in the city today, I popped into Kinokuniya to check out the new arrivals of Japanese craft books and magazines. I was delighted to spot the latest issue of Japanese Stitch Idees magazine. It's a gem! I own only one very old copy of this magazine that I bought recently online. So it was a special treat to find this magazine available at the store.

Little Bunny's New Cot

This very special little Bunny came to live with us not that long ago. You see, the Christmas before last, while I was still pregnant, our not so little son decided that he wanted to get a special gift for his unborn baby brother. So he did. With his own money. We thought it was rather sweet. This little Bunny waited patiently for our very little baby boy to be born, and when he did, the Bunny came to the hospital and then back home with us. Since that time he's lived in our baby's cot.

Saving the Scraps

While working on the "Lowa" block for The Splendid Sampler project, I had some trimmings left. These tiny delicate pieces looked so lovely together that I could not bring myself to throw them away. I put them aside and continued working on my block, but at the same time I kept thinking what I could make with these trimmings. A teeny weeny pinwheel block seemed like a nice option.