{Sewing} Slack-ola!

    Just call me a big blog slacker right now! We have been so busy at the shop with the Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop going on that I have not had time for much of anything else. I did have some time this weekend for sewing, which felt really good for a change. The rest of my weekends in August are filled with a wedding picnic, girls weekend in Oronoco, MN for Gold Rush Days (only the BEST antiquing of the year) and a much needed vacation to our cabin in Canada with Mitchell and our close friends. Since the rest of my August is going to fly by I sewed most of the weekend, accomplishing some old projects and lots of little pants. For some reason I have been in love with Anna Maria's Quick Change Trousers pattern in her new book, Handmade Beginnings. Small people are no where on the horizon for me anytime soon, but I figured when I do get there I will be too busy to sew a whole wardrobe, so I'd better start now. Plus, I really am in love with some fabrics right now, so I'd better start sewing while they are still available. I picked some of those favorites for my collection of small pants, Quick Change Trousers if I may.

     I've made a range of sizes in both genders, because it's always good to be prepared and I had to use up some scraps before the big move. The less fabric I have to move, the better. (Plus, then I can buy more when we get settled!) 

     I love how the pants are reversible. It's the best concept for small people, since they always manage to get dirty. A quick flip and you have another set of pants! Plus, it doubles the number of pants one gets to choose from when getting dressed. They are just all too cute! 

  I really love the smallest size of the pattern, 0-3 months. I wanted them to stay really boy and primary and I was inspired by the pair little Mario had on in the book. The voiles are perfect paired with a quilting cotton, so soft and comfortable. I also paired flannel with cotton and did an all cotton pair, which was equally as nice.  Oh to be a baby! I have more of these sweet little pants planned, in a range of sizes and in both genders for when my busy August is over. 

     I've also been busy with finishing old projects. It feels so good to get those out of the way. I forget sometimes how many I actually do have going. I think right now I'm at about 12...well 11 since I finished this Pop Garden/Bijoux table runner this weekend:

     I've been meaning for some time to try Anka's Treasures Little Charmers 6 pattern using Heather Bailey's Pop Garden/Bijoux fabrics and a charm pack I had. I couldn't decide which one I wanted to make on the pattern until I found some brown fabric from Jessica Levitts' Timber line. It was perfect for the sashing on the Stepping Stones runner. The center squares are raw edge applique and it's quilted in all squares using a variety of colors. Finished size 20" x 41". I really am fond of this, it reminds me of a citrus Christmas, which gets me thinking that might not be such a bad idea.

     While hopping this last weekend I was thrilled to find the book panel fabric from Tina Givens new line Opal Owl. I saw this at spring market and could not get it out of my mind! Plus, the colors are great.

It's a magical place, a forest, filled with trees reaching to the sky. It's ground covered in soft mossy playgrounds and is spattered with frilly ferns and lush wild flowers. 

Each page tells you about Opal's friends and their best qualities. 

    Not the end and so you see, this is a story of friendship and family, of home and love! May your life be filled with friends like Opal has, and may you grow to be nurtured by that truth and beauty. Oh how I love how this turned out. As soon as Opal Owl comes into the store, I can't wait to create with it. How inspiring?!

Happy Stitching xx