Something new, sort of

Not that wonky log-cabin blocks are new turf around here. :)



It might be a little bit crazy.



I started with a Fabric Fiesta Blogger's Bundle from Pink Castle Fabrics, with 12 fat quarters.

I was worried about having enough fabric, so I'm mixing in some of what I have on-hand (those bikes). But now I'm worried about it being too busy (those bikes) ... I'll have keep putting squares up on the design board as I go to check how it all looks.

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Rough life.







Holy shallow river.



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I scored this old Cosco step stool/chair at an estate sale on Thursday. And a little bowl that goes with another old one I already have.



I plan on covering the stool with some beautiful Anna Maria Horner Field Study Laminated Cotton. I ordered it yesterday and am trying to be patient while it gets delivered.

I think I'll spruce up the chrome with some Rustoleum spray and make steps and brown parts orange, also with Rustoleum!

A jacket for a little guy!

I've been sewing, but not sharing any of it.

I traveled north and west recently and crashed with friends who have the cutest little guy ever. They've been nice enough to put me up several times this summer, so I wanted to reciprocate their kindness with a sewn gift for their kiddo. And I really, really, really wanted to sew a little-kid jacket.



The pattern is School Days Jacket by Oliver+S. I have the Little Things to Sew book, so I was familiar with their patterns and how well-written and easy to follow they are.

The outer fabric is wool that I bought for probably $4 a yard at the Knittn Kitten in Portland two summers ago and have been hoarding ever since. I'm so glad I saved it for this project. I was nervous about sewing with wool (all I've used it for is to sew a stuffed fish ... how very Montana of me). But it was awesome to work with.

I used my walking foot for the whole thing, and had no problems. The lining is an organic sherpa by Robert Kaufman that I can't find online anywhere. I got it at the quilt store in Bozeman for half off, so all in this jacket probably cost $15. And I had all the materials on-hand, except the leather button loops and buttons.





I seriously love sewing clothes for little kids. It doesn't take long (I taped together and traced the pattern onto freezer paper one night after work and sewed the whole thing the next day) and the payoff is awesome. I still get amazed every time when I follow a pattern and it turns out to be a real coat or pair of pants or whatever. It's like magic. :)

The little guy it's for loves bikes, so I added a patch of bike fabric. He LOVED it. He turns 2 in February and I made the 18-24 months size. It fit perfectly and looks like it'll last through winter.



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I hectically finished a baby quilt recently, too.



First time using a flannel back, and it went great.



I love corners.


My friend made half the blocks, and I made the other half and quilted and bound it.







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And now, the usual dog shots. :)



Buddies ...