Pins and Needles Book

I have many needle books, some I've made, some I've received, some I've purcahsed and yet I always feel like I need another.  I love needles too and I don't like to mix them up, I want to know where my size 11 Straw needles are for applique or where my Tulip piecing needles are for binding, so I tend to store a needle book with a project with the corresponding needles and pins inside.  Like any quilter, I have a lot of projects on the go, hence the need for multiple needle books!

I couldn't resist Kim Kruzich's (Retro Mama) new #PinsandNeedlesBook Pattern, I bought it whilst it was still on offer.   I haven't sewn one of her patterns before but I could see she had all the details I like- zip pockets, binding, clasp.  I used a sweet scrap that I received from Tori in a swap and the rest of the fabric are vintage and feedsack scraps.  So me of these tiny pieces have been in my stash for years, too precious to discard.   I made the smallest size and the only change I made was to add a prong style snap with Prym pliers. 

It's a very detailed pattern, nineteen pages and lots of words and photos, so you need to focus on the features you want to include and scroll to each relevant section.  As well as the zip pockets that I've included, there's also a slip pocket option and a different strip style outer included.

I love a little make and I was really happy with how this turned out.  Practical and pretty!

Kim is in the process of organising a #pinsandneedlebook sew along, check her Instagram feed @retro_mama for updates!

Needle Case

Giveaway here

I am taking part in an international Applique Needle Case Swap.  It is closed now but there is a free pattern that available if you want to make it.  I got my swap partner's details yesterday.  She likes muted antique style patterns and colours so making this was an exercise in restraint to hopefully make a case to her taste!

I did attempt hand applique using freezer paper but it was too fiddly for me to master and my hands can't take lots of tiny pinch movements needed to turn the edges.  I was also making a complete fist of it so I went for what I know- heat n bond lite and machine applique.  The flower fabric is a repro fq from my trip to the V and A and most of the other fabrics are from a Japanese sweetie bag of bits I bought from a quilting show a few months ago, lovely quality and very gentle colours.

I always like to use text fabric if I can and this was a suitable delicate print, I think it is by Lecien.  The tape holders are an idea from Sew Darn Cute,  a great book with simple but cute ideas

A bit more text on the back- this is the first time I have used one of my labels- it doesn't like the iron, I had to be careful!

I pressed the binding when I did the mitred corners- I usually just use my fingers but it made a big difference, my corners were much better than usual!  I also managed diagonal seam joins without doing it wrong- I have a bit of a mental block about which way the diagonal goes- often needs unpicking.  I did however manage to bang my head on a metal curtain rail that was waiting repair- too much concentration on binding- I have a bump and a visible red/purple mark right on the forehead, it will look good as it changes colour!

My computer is going to the Apple shop for some repairs- we don't like to be separated.  Hopefully it will be brief but just Damian's laptop to be going on with and I don't like the little cursor pad.  I suppose I  will sew more in the time I save not looking at blogs and pictures and all the lovely things you all make!  

Back soon xxx