Saturday Inspired :: Log Cabin

JCasa has been posting about her inspired Saturdays and I thought I would join in this week. The project actually started on Thursday but since I finished it this morning and it is currently in use under the head of a napping someone, I figured it would fit right in.

Earlier in the week I read a post by Jennie over at Tangerine and Turquoise about her log cabin pillow project for her sweet boy's classroom. The work in progress caught my eye, as did her explanation when I left a question in the comments. I wanted to know the how and her simple reply was to cut a center square, grab scrap cut stash pieces and see if they fit. Now, that is my kind of instruction.


Thursday I gathered up the plethora of scrap that has resulted from cutting hundreds of 4" squares for the stash quilt and set up a simple portable iron and trim table next to the sewing machine in order to eliminate having to move back and forth while sewing and cutting and I got to work... and almost forgot to pick up the boys from school because this project was totally engrossing.

The idea for a portable iron table came from Jenny too, and I think it was a major help, it made the piecing flow and kept me from the fatigue that usually happens when I have to get up, walk across the room to the ironing table, steam, cut, walk back....etc. And I vaguely recall in my initial reading of Amy Karol's book that it really does behoove you to set up your sewing table in such a manner.

In no time I had a piece large enough to cover a pillow and then I quilted it with some straight lines, doubled up chocolate-colored linen for the back of the pillow and it came together in a very simple fashion this morning. My first log cabin, if you can call it that. My first home decor and a first in the 'quilted with some type of pattern' technique.





And I love it.

I was always a little intimidated by the idea of quilting, searching for a right way to approach it, but this taught me that there is not necessarily a 'right' way, rather there are lessons and practice in the act of actually doing it. The piece is off center because at some point I think I stopped rotating it or something, there is an odd little patch piece in the corner because I cut through the finished piece before quilting (classic Amiee move) and I gave no thought to color, just grabbed and pieced as instructed by Jenny.



End result? Love. And inspiration to make 100 more...this is such a great way to actually use and 'see' the fabrics that I cherish so dearly.

What have you been waiting too long to do, my friends? If there is that 'something' I say, try it. Ignore worst case scenarios, don't hesitate, give it a go...you might end up with pillows or photos or who knows. Pretty cool.

Me Do It!

I alluded to the current stage we are going through in my previous post. It is the “Me Do It!” phrase/phase when independence is not merely an assertion but a matter of life or death. Well, maybe just tantrum or no tantrum. The need for independence manifests in various ways, from trying to get in and out of the car (including the opening and closing of the car door) to attempts to make Mama coffee in the morning (resulting in some chewy and very hearty brew. Mmmmm). We have learned to not interfere too much with the chosen activities because it usually takes more time to calm the hysterical child. So we guide them through the steps and try not to impatiently tap a foot as we wait (and wait and wait for Owen to go through his rituals).

The perks to independence has been some “Me Do It” time for Mama as the boys explore play scenarios and reading “Meself” books. I took advantage of the energy generated by our fall weather and finished and blocked the Damson.


I found the knit fairly simple, it was a whole lot of knit stitches on both sides until the border, the pattern was easy to follow and gave very lovely results. Blocking lace never fails to amaze me, the bloom and opening that occurs with a good soak makes all the ticky ticky effort of lace so rewarding. In this case the end really justifies the means. I did find the merino/silk blend from Karabella to be splitty at times but the silky texture of the yarn just about made up for the splitting. It has been given over to our bride, she graciously modeled it for me this week.






We spent an evening up at the wedding site to get a feel for the light and space.



I doubt I have many master carpenter readers, but I am gonna’ drop a name here that might excite them (if they read). My brother and J are getting married at the home of Sam Maloof, a renowned carpenter. My Mama has worked for him and his wife for many years and they have a fabulous foundation home with native Californian gardens.



Sam passed away this year and he is missed, we are all so happy that the place will be home to such a special event as it holds so much created and natural beauty. It sits lightly at the top of our Foothill community and the way the light bounces around up there is nothing short of magical. Taking a few test shots made me beyond excited for the quickly approaching day. I have always loved walking the garden paths and finding the art treasures revealed at every bend and curve. 2 more weeks. So excited.





The whole family will be in town for the wedding, so I had to use some of the energy I discovered to make up something for my delicious niece. This is the Girly Dress from Jennifer at JCasa.


It is free and simple and so much fun. You basically draft your own pattern.


I used one of the boys 24 month t shirts just to make sure it would fit her for a bit. I had a great time picking out my colors and used mainly pieces from my stash. (Hey, Lori Z, recognize the fabric at all?) The only new fabric is the lining, a sweet school day ‘print’ I found at our local quilt shop.



I had this dress done within one school day session for the boys. The boys were nice enough to hold it for me while I took some shots. And yes, I did make Mason try it on as a test subject….he is the smaller of the two and I was trying to gauge my success.




It felt a little tight at the armholes, so I would recommend that if you try the pattern you give ample room in your draft pattern for the armhole opening. I plan on trying to wrangle the niece and my two boys into a photo shoot in their home sewn clothing. I also plan on making more of these simple dresses. Thanks, Jennifer, for yet another wonderful pattern. You have to check out her newly redesigned site with easy links to her patterns. This woman cranks out the creativity…with twin girls and a hugely busy schedule. I love her work and you will too.

Now onward to a weekend full of family and more Fall weather. I am excited to see what else I can do with the “Me Do It” time on my hands.

Next up :: a scintillating post on potty training and the success and failures of boys in underwear.