Granny Squares Quilt Progress

Hello,

Just a quick update on my Granny Squares. I added 4  blocks yesterday. Yay! It feels so good to see all those blocks together. I don't have a design wall, so I made a makeshift wall by hanging a piece of batting on my curtain rod . Sometimes I just leave it there for days that my MIL thought I have a new curtain. Well, that's not a bad idea! 

The picture above was from last week after I added the blue and orange blocks. I kinda like  the blue stripes one. I have same stripe in red and yellow. Maybe I will make another blocks with those 2 colors. 

My scraps are not all of the same weight, mostly local fabrics that I bought more than a decade ago when I started sewing and making dresses. They bring back memories when I used to passionately try different kind of sewing craft, sewing technique, getting to know different kind of cotton fabrics, etc. All these fabrics are part of my sewing journey and I am glad I don't throw them away because they will be part of the quilt that I'm making. Some of them I bought from a small shop in the market before the market was gutted by fire few years ago. Now I wonder if the old man still have the shop! 

So, anyone else doing scrap buster this year? Leave your comment and link below, I'd love to see your projects!

Until next time,

Happy Sewing

- Elvira- 

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Linking up to:

Design Wall Monday

Scrap Buster Challenge

I mentioned in my previous post that I started another quilt after organizing my scraps. Since the beginning of the new year, I've been on the process of sorting out my scraps. So far I cut orange, yellow, pink, red and low volume. 

I always love scrappy yet structured quilts and the easiest will be log cabin. Though I love making scrappy log cabin (like THIS ONE), I always want to make something else. I realized I love small squares, esp 2.5" and 2" and always drooling over those postage stamp quilts on Instagram and Pinterest. Hmm, maybe this time I will be able to make one too.

This year, there are a lot of quilters are doing scrap/stash buster challenge on Facebook and Instagram! If you want to tackle your scraps this year, just enroll on one of them! Well, I did sign up for Pat Sloan Stash Buster Challenge Traffic Jam and I'm still cutting up my squares. I made 4 trial blocks but I think I'm going to change the background color.

I started Granny Squares quilt too from the scraps that I already cut. Oh, I have so many plan in my head already! Many times I have to remind my self to go easy and do one block at a time LOL. I'm not racing with anyone here. I just want to enjoy this process

If you see the picture above, I have 4 blocks of Granny Squares which used scrappy prints in single color. Those were my trial blocks and after looking into so many GS quilts in Pinterest I think, I prefer using 2 prints on white background. I think I will make a cushion cover with the initial 4 blocks. Each block is almost 9" squares, so it will make a nice 18"pillow case, right? Oh I am so excited! 

So far, I am filling up 3 plastic containers. Two of them for 2.5", 2" , 3" and 3.5" squares. For 4" and 5" squares I keep them in another container. It's so satisfying to see all those squares neatly stored ^^. 

If you want to start organizing your scraps, here's few of my tips

1. Sort your scraps by color first. Use the background color or the dominant color(if it's big print) as to determine the color group. 

2. Iron and starch (if necessary) the fabrics.

2. Cut your favorite size first.

3. If you're not sure, you can cut into 5" and 4". I find those size is versatile. You can make 2.5" squares from 5" and 2" from 4". Those size is great to make Half Square Triangle too. 

5. If you don't have big container, put them in shoe boxes by stacking them. That way, your pieces are always ready to use. I used to keep them in sealed plastic but they get crushed and I have to iron them again :D. 

6. Put on your fave show or music. Trust me, this cutting business is fun but tiring. But it will be so worth it!! 

This is going to be FUN year!! 

Happy Sewing

- Elvira-

Handmade Happiness 4 - Pelican Tote Free Pattern

Hello and welcome to Handmade Happiness!

When Namrata of Bagstock Designs asked if I could test her new tote bag pattern, I said yes immediately. The Pelican Tote bag is an easy beginner pattern. When I saw the design, I wanted to do a quilted one but I didn't have much time left after finishing my last orders of the week.

Luckily I have a patchwork print fabric and decided to use that instead. I did a simple diagonal grid line quilting on the pink fabric and wavy lines on the denim. The denim I used here is a lightweight denim. The pattern is very easy to follow with clear photo step by step instructions. 

The bag size is also perfect at 15” W x 12” H x 3" D. 

. Though it said to be a market tote, but I think it will be good as college tote or maybe a diaper bag. It has a front zip pocket, interior zip pocket and a magnetic snap closure. Easy and Quick project. The pattern is FREE and is available at Bagstock Designs Website.

That's one of my happiness from last week. Now, let's see who's the MVP from last week post:

Sonalee made this beautiful tulip quilt based on tutorial by the Missouri Star Quilt and the photo she posted on her Instagram even got re-posted! How cool is that!!  The color is just perfect for summer quilt! 

Totally Tulip 

Rashida from No3 Quilt studio is having a quilt a long on her blog. And I really love this blog. If you want to learn the basic of quilting, run along and check her blog. Who knows you might even won the prize!! 

I love this red and black & White version

Julie of Sum of Their Stories shared this quick Play mat tutorial. It's a perfect stash buster project and a perfect gift to make for a new mom! If you need one, go ahead and check her blog. Julie's blog is one of my personal fave. She shared all kind of tutorials with gorgeous photos. It's like a cozy home!! 

Congratulations to all of you! Do share in your social media account that you're being featured <3. Spread the love!! 

Now, it's your turn to share happiness. 

What is this linky party about?

This linky party is some  kind of show and tell party, whether you do it as a hobby or as a mompreneur.

Post anything handmade by you – not mass produced “handmade” please - which you recently completed and have not been shared in here. Your link can be from your:

•  BLOG – do link up your blog if you have one , anything from new product   release to behind the scene story, tutorials, etc.
• Facebook Page – New products from your FB business page. 
• Instagram – if you play more in Instagram, you are most welcome to share your latest creations. 
• Etsy Shop or other webshop - show off your latest listing.  

How to Play:

• Submit your link by clicking the blue button under each handmade happiness’ post. If you submit your blog post , please submit your BLOG POST URL and NOT the blog URL. 
• Visit some of the links that catch your eyes. Give them a comment or a heart to encourage them. Be generous. 
• If you don’t want to miss another link up post, it’d be great if you subscribe to my blog (form on the right panel). 
• Do share the Handmade Happiness post in your Social Media account, sharing is caring :).