Skirt REMIX

One {plain} tan skirt + one cute print shirt = a new to me skirt:


The Skirt REMIX.


The ruffle was made from strips cut from the full width of the shirt and the circles were constructed from the sleeve areas. 


Have no fear...the buttons have not been forgotton. Waste not want not. They're in my button stash for another project.


Add a simple black top to my 'new skirt' and I'm officially ready for 
date night. 

*Hint Hint*, Mr. Fabulous.

close up of the circle details

Before Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, it was 

"Use it up, Wear it Out, Make Due or Do Without". 

How do you upcycle?

RSVP Designs

The ladies at RSVP are beginning to turn their blocks in. 

The latest arrivals include several from Nora Braun & Shirley Johnson. 

Great job, ladies! Thank you for supporting RSVP's annual quilt fundraiser.

Indian Trail FREE pattern available here.

 The directions for Hidden Well can be found here. Nora's is an original variation of this block.

piece.

Heather

A Little {adorable} Sewing Project

I have been browsing through Sandi Henderson's Sewing Bits & Pieces: 35 Projects Using Fabric Scraps since I received it from the the incredible Sew Mama Sew site. 

Aside from being fantastically delicious eye candy, the projects included will surely inspire you to add another goodie to your repertoire. If you have a moment, be sure to browse Sandi's site: Sandi Henderson Design. GORGEOUS.

To make the "Mary Jane Slippers", I chose to incorporate a well loved dress that no longer fits. I probably could have held on to the frock for another neighborhood munchkin, but it's a fave...and we're a bit attached. 

For those of you utilizing clothing in your projects, there is no need to rip seams. 

Simply cut along both sides of the seams and collect the larger pieces of fabric for your pattern. 

I also included a RK Jennifer Sampon print called "Block Party" to add some contrast. Love that fabric!

{In hindsight, wish I'd have purchased another few yards (OK a bolt) of this fabric...it goes with everything}.

 Divine footwear for the Lil' Miss...perfect for hardwood floor skating. 

OH Yay!

Happy Sewing,

Heather

=)

A Contrary Wife

McCall's Quilting Bear's Paw Variation or my personal favorite,
EQ's Contrary Wife Variation

RSVP Block 2: Contrary Wife Variation

McCall's Free Pattern {Bear's Paw Variation} can be found here.

I hope you're piecing up a storm and keeping warm this weekend.

If you haven't checked out the BLOCK-A-PALOOZA button, be sure to take a little tour. Quilt Dad is coordinating a blog tour with free patterns for a fun Waiting for Spring quilt along.

I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

piece.

Heather =)

What's Black & White & has Dots all over?

McCall's Free Pattern: Kaleidoscope Variation
EQ version: Spiderweb Maltese (with addition of lines between row 4 & corner pieces)
My latest sample block for RSVP! I had to include some polka dots....I heart dots!! 2011 quilt blocks for donation are black and white, if you'd enjoy piecing along with us.
You may find a free download of the Kaleidoscope pattern here.
For readers unfamiliar with RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), they're an amazing group of talented people who give their time generously to local communities in 4 counties in Northeast Indiana. There are other RSVP agencies throughout the US but the Auburn office is particularly close to my heart since they have so many active quilters who share their experience with beginner quilters, regardless of age.

That's not all they do....here's a short list of some of their activities:

Food Pantry: volunteers assist in all aspects of the pantry, benefiting numerous community members

Pack the Backpack: school supplies are collected by seniors, packed & distributed to local schools

Crisis Bears are made for children in need, distributed through local hospital staff & law enforcement officers

Clothes for Preemies  are sewn & sent to Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis.

Lap quilts, Cane Bags & Walker Bags are sewn & delivered to Nursing Homes.

Quilts for Campers: RSVP volunteers create quilts for each young camper with a debilitating illness at "Camp Whatcha Wanna Do".

Mentoring: Experienced seniors  assist 4H members interested in sewing

The majority of fundraising for this agency is done through a quilt show, an auction & a quilt raffle. The blocks collected will go towards the raffle and other quilt projects.

The group can certainly use any sewing related items including fabric, notions, templates, patterns, thread, etc. The fabric can be any color, preferably quilter's cottons & flannels (for some preemie items).

How can you help?

If you'd like to donate blocks and/or fabric, please contact me for details at heatherl02 {at sign} yahoo {dot} {com}.

If you have extra sewing supplies that need a new home (it's a good one, I promise!) you can mail your goodies to me for delivery or send them directly to RSVP.

If you are no longer in love with a quilt top (or finished quilt) and would like it to go to someone who will greatly appreciate it, please let me know. It can be mailed directly to RSVP c/o Shirley Johnson.

RSVP/RETRO blog

107 West 5th Street

Auburn, IN 46706-1740

USA

(260) 925-0917

I post a free pattern almost every Friday on Twitter & will be adding some more samples and links on the blog. I hope you'll join in the fun!

Thank you.

HAPPY QUILTING!!

Heather