This is the year that we moved from Tucson to Los Angeles. You will see the first few pictures are in our old house.
February 2022
In February, I made some baby clothes for one of my nieces. This was very satisfying, because the small clothes make up so quickly! For the dress on the left, I used leftover fabric from my quilted jacket and the ugly bag I made for my mother-in-law the year before. I actually bought the purple Tula Pink space cats to make the dress. This is the Chloe Dress from Vintage Little Lady. Super cute, and the instructions are excellent! It was a free pattern too!
With these dresses, I learned how to gather a ruffle. I really struggled to tuck the lining over the waist for these. They look cute, but the inside is not a neat as the dresses I made from the same pattern in 2023.
I also wanted to surprise my husband with a nice Valentine’s Day meal. I made these placemats. I learned that satin does not shrink, so it makes an odd texture when washed and dried with batting. I still use these!
I also made this cute quilt for my nephew. It’s a basic Around The World pattern. The fabric was a layer cake from Stacy Iest Hsu. I used flannel on the back, which I really hated at the time. I thought it crinkled up too much. This was the year of experimenting with various materials. I also learned to square up half-square triangles.
March 2022
I made this bag for my friend and research liaison, Frances. She’s an Apache Medicine Woman and mentor for her tribe, and she is always out campaigning with bag ass signs. I wanted to make a present for her in her tribal colors with a somewhat traditional pattern. I also wanted to make it BIG so she could put all of the signs in it. She loved.
With this project, I just realized that bags need more support. It’s a great bag, but I wish the handles went further down the bag to support more weight. I was also very proud to make a lined bag with a zipper inside!
June 2022
I used the leftover Alexander Henry fabric to make a couple of bag. I made the purse for my little sister from a Sallie Tomato pattern called Mia. I really enjoyed working with the faux leather, and used the scraps to make myself a fannie pack. Then, my husband decided he wanted the fanny pack.
October 2022
I didn’t finish any other projects until Halloween inspired me!
I made a zig-zag table runner with a charm pack and a pinwheel decorative pillow with the leftovers. While it’s not exactly amazing sewing, I also made a Lilo costume, using invisible thread to applique leaves to my dress. I didn’t learn that much! I just enjoyed sewing for fun.
November 2022
In November, I made some more decorative pillows. I made the yellow and grey one with scraps from my husband’s New Year’s blanket. I also make the turkey one from scraps. I learn how to do trapunto with the turkey pillow.
December 2022
In December, I made a couple of gifts for a friend. While this friendship did not last, making the pillow was a HUGE turning point for me. I got really into paper piecing when I realized how small and precise you can make things.
I was REALLY, REALLY broke during this time, so I am proud to say that I spent ZERO dollars on this gift. The pattern for the pillow was a free pattern from QuietPlay. The fabrics were all scraps. From the pony birthday quilt and one of my dissertation quilts (post coming soon).
