Backlog: Almost a Pillowcase

I liked my checkbook cover so much, I went back to the store and bought more of the Kona, with the intention of making pillowcases-my sheets are close to the green and I thought it would look nice.

Before I could start, I stopped by another local fabric store, where I saw the sample for the this pattern. Unfortunately, they were out of the pattern in store, but I quickly rushed home with the zipper and magnetic fasteners and bought the pattern online. The pattern was decently easy to follow, but the strap took me an extra week or so, because I kept waffling on what hardware I wanted to use.

Fabric: Stripes - 'Serenity Garden' is the name I saw on the selvedge (Fabric Place Basement) Green - tonal remnants (Jo-Ann) Solid (also the lining) - Kona Solids (Fabric Place Basement)
Pattern: Noodlehead 241 Tote
Other Materials: Zipper, magnetic clasps, interfacing, batting (see below), strap hardware

Modifications: I switched up the way the pattern calls for inner and outer fabrics and did the entire lining in my solid. I only did one zippered pocket. The pattern did not call for batting, but I thought it was needed. I also added a magnetic clasp on one of the side pockets, and decorating top stitching as well. I used this tutorial to give myself an adjustable strap, which I used decorative top stitching on as well.
Changes for Next Time: Welp. Some of my modifications don't work as well. While I would use batting for the main portion again, I would not use it on the pockets, nor would I add a magnetic clasp to the pockets. I would also add another inner pocket or two, including a zippered one. And plan the straps a bit better, because I've got open ends being held together by copious amounts of fray-check at the moment. There will definitely be a next time, because I love this pattern, but it is getting a bit worn at the moment.

Backlog & In Progress: Learning to Quilt

Somewhere along the way, I decided I wanted to learn how to quilt, so I took to the internet, supplemented my own fabric stash with a few more on sale at the fabric store, and made a quilt top.

I say this is in progress because I'm still not done quilting it.

Fabric: Uhhhhhh I can't actually remember. There are ten or eleven in total, plus plain back flannel for the backing (not pictured)
Pattern: Here
Other Materials: Starch. So much starch. Batting and binding, though I haven't reached the binding point yet.
Modifications: I think I changed the size of the half-square-triangles.
Changes for Next Time: Probably not going to be a next time, to be honest.

Backlog: Checkbook Cover

I didn't take any pictures of this open, because it's full of personal information, such as my checking account number.

Fabric: Outer - 'Serenity Garden' is the name I saw on the selvedge (Fabric Place Basement) Inner 1 - tonal remnants (Jo-Ann) Inner 2 - Kona Solids (Fabric Place Basement)
Pattern: I'm 90% sure I used this tutorial
Other Materials: none

Modifications: I do not have duplicate checks, so I skipped the vinyl. I also added decorative topstitching to the pockets.
Changes for Next Time: None

Backlog: Actually Useful Potholders

Fabric: L-R: Fat Quarter (New Zealand), Valentine's Day Remants (Jo-Ann), Licensed Dr. Who and Star Wars Fabrics (Jo-Ann), Klingon print (Spoonflower). Lining: InsulBrite (Jo-Ann)
Pattern: None
Other Materials: bias tape
Modifications: NA
Changes for Next Time: NA

Backlog: Nostalgia and Fear, Part III

 If you thought I was over my fear, I was not. 

Fabric: I think the polka dots are Keepsake Calico and the white is Kona.
Pattern: Simplicity 1086, headband was my own addition
Other Materials: velcro. after the pictures were taken, i also added buttons on the front
Modifications: except the addition of the headband, none
Changes for Next Time: none that i can remember?

Backlog: Nostalgia and Fear, Part II

Yep, I still couldn't bring myself to sew clothes for myself, instead pulling out some remnants for a slightly more modern looking dress.

Fabric: Remnants
Pattern: Simplicity 0172
Other Materials: velcro closures
Modifications: I don't remember? I think I did something different with the bow than it called for, but I can't remember what.
Changes for Next Time: i think i'd use more fabric for the skirt, give it more shape?

Backlog: Nostalgia and Fear, Part 1

Like many others my age, I was a big fan of American Girl dolls as a child, especially the historical dolls and outfits. Somewhere along the way, I parted ways with some-but not all-of my collection. That's where the nostalgia comes in.

At this point, emboldened by my recent successes with bags, I thought it time to sew clothes. But my confidence did not extend to fitting clothes. I am not any of the measurements on the pattern envelope. Yet, there were clothes I could sew without having to worry about fit-doll clothes.

And so I turned to my favorite historical fashion era for that.

Fabric: One of the premium quilt fabrics from Jo-Ann. White plain cotton, Kona, I think?
Pattern: McCall's 3627
Other Materials: velcro for closures.
Modifications: I don't remember making any changes to the pattern, actually.

Changes for Next Time: I don't like the construction of this one (skirt has a white bodice and then the top goes over that?) so I don't think I'll be repeating it. Further attempts at 18th century doll outfits will involve drafting things from scratch.

Also noteworthy is my first attempt at the sleeve gathers, which was a bit terrifying: