Something New : :

Besides lots of family fun throughout the long weekend, I did some serious shuffling around in my sewing room, to make a better space for the kiddos who will be joining me in here so much more once this school year wraps up later this week. I did some very rewarding thrifting, which I can't wait to share this week! And just before the weekend started, I started something new!



This quilt, that I have so enjoyed making, although a little longish in the making - I know, will be headed to it's new home at some point this Summer. I'm excited to see it go, but of course will miss it!

In preparation for it's absence and because I've been holding onto several new, but vague ideas for these stitched sketches for a while now, I decided to begin a new one, finally! I shared a few quick pics on Instagram and my facbook as it was starting to come together, and the response I received was pretty wonderful, thank you for that. The encouragement really made me think that I should both be making more time for these types of projects and that I should put some real effort into it.

With this type of work I always just sort of begin, no sketching, no solid plan, but I think next time I'm going to lay it all out and see how that works for me.

I do know where this one is headed now and I'm excited! For my last one, because of who will be receiving it, I worked with almost all Anna Maria Horner fabrics. But this time I hope to use all Art Gallery Fabrics and, of course, I'll be sure to share how it all comes together!!



How about you, did you start anything new?  ♥,  Maureen

A Seamstress Tea Towel {Janome Tutorial} : :

Today's I'm sharing my newest tutorial as an Independent Project Designer for Janome, for a "Seamstress Tea Towel" using linen, ticking, applique, and some of those amazing built-in stitches that the Horizon Memory Craft 12000 offers!



This tutorial includes all the steps needed for making the linen tea towel, as well as a little applique and "I'd rather be sewing!" stitching. You can really have some fun with making these just by adding a different applique or a strip of patchwork. I have a few more that I've made to share here later in the week, that are each so different, but all made using the same tea towel instructions!



The amount of built-in stitches that the Horizon MC 12000 offers is really amazing! My goal is to try them all out. I just couldn't hold off on using this spool stitch any longer -- it's just about the cutest thing ever and the inspiration behind this particular applique design!



I had some fun with all the letter options, as well! The MC 12000 has several built-in word stitches including sweet, love, handmade, and stitch, or you can program in letters to create your own little saying.



I used a water soluble backing to handle the stitching on my linen, that rinses away with cool water. After the stitching you simply just trim away the connecting threads and you have this perfect little lettering!



I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks to themselves while cooking or cleaning in the kitchen, "I'd rather be sewing..." And now I have a fun tea towel that says so!



Be sure to visit Janome to get the full how-to! If you do give this tutorial a go at anytime, be sure to share on my Facebook page or in my Maureen Cracknell Handmade Flickr group anytime!

As a follow-up to both my Quilt-as-you-go Tote and my Quilt-as-you-go Tutorial from last week, I decided to put together that bag tutorial for this week, as well. I can't wait to share it, I'm almost finished! While making progress on my qayg quilt last week, I decided I'm going to need to make more blocks, which means it's going to take me a little bit longer for me to finish. So, here's a peek at my QAYG Bag Tutorial...stay tuned!!

Wishing a wonderful new week to all!! ♥,  Maureen 

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Quilted Stitch Bag : :

Have you seen the new fabric line Stitch Organic by Betz White? In Betz's words, "Stitch is inspired by all types of stitchers and the beautiful handiwork created by them." This collection is completely made up of stitching inspired motifs, including chevrons and hexies, and is GOTS certified organic!



When this bundle of Stitch fabrics arrived from Betz, I new right away I wanted to make myself a bag with them. Something extra large and over-sized for toting to the fabric store or for carrying several skeins of yarn and/or large hand work projects for some upcoming long road trips.



I let my favorite floral print be the main fabric for my new bag. I love this color blue, Betz's sweet flowers, and the chain stitch detail in this print. Isn't it lovely?



I added a thick layer of soft batting between the outside patchwork and hexie print lining, and then I machine quilted with simple, wavy lines.



I'm using my bag for just about everything this past week. I really do love it, as well as these Stitch fabrics! They were wonderful to work with! If you're loving them too, you can find all the "where to buy" info on the Stitch Info page. My sponsor the Fat Quarter Shop carries the entire collection here!



I'll be adding my Stitch Tote photos to the Stitch flickr pool today. GREAT NEWS -- I'll be having a Betz White bag pattern and Stitch Organic giveaway beginning in the morning! Be sure to stop back!!

This Week : :

Did this week go by fast for you, too? Holy smokes, it's Thursday already! I spent most of my sewing time this week working on etsy orders, all new versions of items I've already shared here. So today I thought I'd share a few of my favorite photos from the week --

Stitching with Stitch!



Have you seen Betz White's new fabric line Stitch? It's GOTS certified organic and was completely inspired by her love of handwork. It's so lovely and is available in the shop of my sponsor Fat Quarter Shop. I'll be sharing more of this project, along with a Stitch giveaway, soon!



Playing with Lily!



She's either serious, silly, or sleeping. Look at those beautiful blue eyes!



Vintage finds! More Pyrex --



And, I love the color of this large enamel bowl. I found these two on Monday along with my new quilt.



Thank you all so much for the thrifted quilt help, and for having a good laugh with me on my poor husband's behalf. He thought it was hilarious and I even put together a few more just for him that I may just have to share here, too! Maybe we should all make one and have a linky party or something? A Handmade Husband (or partner) day! It would be so funny!

Be sure to stop back tomorrow for my Poetica giveaway! I wish you all a wonderful day!!