Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Some Valentine's Day Sewing

As the middle of January approaches (quickly!) it's time to dive into my Sewing for the Seasons theme for 2014. After clearing my design wall by getting Warm 16 Patches to flimsy stage yesterday I pulled out my Valentine's Day stash and decided to start with the charm packs of Flirtations.
I paged through my Schnibbles pattern books but nothing really caught my eye. The prints in this line didn't really lend themselves to being cut into the small pieces that most Schnibbles use... plus there were a lot of cute light prints that I wanted to use.

Then I remembered my Halloween Table Topper I finished in October 2012 using the pattern Everyday Table Topper from the book "Charmed and Dangerous" by Anka's Treasures.
I really like how this simple pattern allows the pretty fabrics to shine. I found the book and started laying out the charms. It probably took me longer to decide on a layout than it did to assemble the top!
It's always interesting to see the same pattern in a totally different theme isn't it? I think Sandy Gervais does seasonal prints so well... they hit the right level of "whimsical but not too cutesy" for me and she mixes in so many prints. Not a single repeat in this charm pack.
As for the fat quarters I've decided to use them to make a lap size Plus Quilt using THIS tutorial from In Color Order. It requires 20 FQs so I'll be adding in some more Valentine's Day fabrics from my stash to coordinate with the ones in the photo. I think I won them in a blog giveaway years ago.

Sewing for the Seasons is underway!

First thing yesterday morning Elsa was dropped off at our vet for her spay and declaw surgery. It seems like Tucker can't decide if he is happy she is gone or wondering where she went. He got us laughing last night during dinner by having a rambunctious play session with one of her favorite toys.
This photo is blurry because I was laughing so hard... Tucker is a big kitty and I don't know what possessed him to squeeze into this space! I took the plastic bin out and he tried a few positions before deciding he was NOT going to fit in that basket and returned to his perch on my cutting table.

Hopefully Elsa will be coming home later this afternoon and I'll be setting aside my sewing for lots of cuddle time.

I'm linking up to Freemotion by the River and someplace new to me - Let's Bee Social@Sew Fresh Quilts.

23 comments:

  1. Love that table topper. I also have a bunch of Valentine's fabric I need to do something with. I have a LOT of Valentine's stuff already made, but feel compelled to make more. Can't wait to see how your throw turns out.

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  2. Lovely Valentine inspiration for your first seasonal offering.

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  3. Love the first flimsy finish. I can't wait to see the lap quilt.

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  4. You have been industrious! Sewing for the seasons is a good idea, but I'm already so involved in projects that I dare not begin another! I'll participate vicariously through you! Ha!

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  5. I really like Sandy Gervais prints and think your VDay topper is very cute. Nice way to use up a charm pack.

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  6. The Tucker update cracked me up! Playing with Elsa's toys - getting his scent all over them so she KNOWS he played with them when she comes home.

    This valentine project is so cheerful and makes me want to dig into my stash to see what I might have for this holiday too. I don't think I have much to choose from. Maybe I need to keep an eye out for interesting valentine fabric to add to my stash in the future.

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  7. Love that pattern and how well it lends itself to seasonal fabric collections. Just the right size.

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  8. You chose the perfect pattern for those sweet Valentine pink and red charms. Great progress! Already! Hope Elsa recovers quickly and enjoys her cuddle time!

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  9. I love seeing the same project made in different colours -- it's amazing what a difference it can make!

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  10. I love SG holiday fabrics! She makes up my entire Valentine's stash, and fall, and half of Christmas. Love the table topper! Makes me want to stop being lazy and get my V-Day table runners done so I have something nice to look at!

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  11. This is super cute, Deb! I am ready to sew something other than blue. Red sounds great!

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  12. Super cute! I think I am going to make something for valentines day too:)

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  13. Love both of them, how pretty!

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  14. That is the perfect pattern for charm squares. Would be fun to have a table topper for every season. Have fun sewing. I'm still working on string blocks!

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  15. Here from Bee Social...your work is wonderful. That Valentine's day block is beautiful.

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  16. I "heart" the entire month of February....so especially LOVE this table topper!!!! YOu rock Deb!

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  17. Fantastic table topper, I love it!

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  18. That is going to be a very pretty table topper. I actually pulled out a table runner I made last runner that is red, pink and brown for the Valentine season.
    silly kitty!

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  19. I love the table topper. You are so good to be starting Valentine's Day sewing, it really is going to come quickly.

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  20. I love your table topper so much I just ordered the book you got the pattern from. Hugs

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  21. Love the table topper. The fabric looks wonderful.

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  22. This will be a beautiful table topper....gosh I haven't even thought of Valentine's Day yet! Tucker is sure a cutie! Thanks for sharing.
    Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday

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