Rag blanket

So, this is what I have been up to lately. Other than work and going away on an outstation trip for work at 7 months preggy, yes yes...I was busy with this. Constructing my very first quilting project and a rag blanket for my soon to arrive nephew. Anytime soon.....I used flannel on both sides. I used 4 long quarters that makes up to about 1 metre of 4 different flannel design and for the back I only had white plain flannel. So I added the different thread colour straight stitch around which makes up 6 squares.

The helpful tutorial.

This project is great for a first timer as it does not require a perfect seam and a bit messy is acceptable because it won't show after the clipping and washing is done to fray the sides.

I cut the front and back 10" square and laid them out to make sure all the squares are in place and pin each one together.

This is how it looks close up after stitching, clipping and fraying is done.

An even closer look above.

Since the back was plain I added the straight stitch in different thread colour. Total of 6 squares of different sizes.

I had to stitch each 10" squares separately and when I sew them together, the lines didn't really match. La la la la la....I wish I can say it was meant to be. :P

Lastly a bit on work, I dragged hubby and daughter with me to Terengganu for work. Thanks to both my lovely dearies for the support, understanding and love to accompany a 7 months preggy mommy 500km away from home. You notice Nia wearing the Pinafore dress peeping at me at the back through the mirror. How can I not adore this little person.

And can't help asking her to pose at the hotel balcony wearing the flowery yellow blouse.

Flower and polkadot dress

Another dress done from my list.

3) Dina's little flower cotton dress

I added the dark pink and white dots just to add some contrast. Added about 4" at the hem and a little peak below the yoke all around. Instead of my normal gathers, I did box pleat all around. I kinda like it. I've got a feeling I'm going to do box pleat in a lot of other projects to come until I get tired of it.

The front. The picture is a bit blurry. It must be the humid. It was really hot this afternoon.

The back. Low back and dark pink flower buttons.

Close up of the front.

Close up of the back.

I actually did the open tie at the shoulders.

And found it nice to just tie them up as if it is meant to be. I was surprised by how it turned out after the tie. I didn't know what to expect actually.

After a happy check up....

Today after the monthly check up, hubby was nice enough to let me shop while he had teh tarik. Makan McD at SS2 after the check up was just a reason so that I can drop by at my 2 favourite fabric store in the area. Happy to report that the little one is a healthy 27 weeks plus gestation age baby and the mama who does not look 7 months preggy, more like 9 month, is also healthy. :P

I know, the long list tak habis lagi, dah beli fabric lain but I promise, most of it are just to finish up the existing projects.

Cotton and flannel for the little ones.

Robert Kaufman lime green and stripped cotton fabric for my sister's apron, Japanese pink and white polkadot cotton for Dina's dress (the rest for Nia/little ones dress) and a plain peach cotton for the apron lining.

Cotton flannel for SIL's soon to arrive baby boy. I'm going to make a rag blanket. My first attempt in quilting and making rag blankets. 4 long quarters = 1 meter.

Remember the pinafore dress? Don't she look like she loves it.

Of course she does. So does her Mama....

Flowery yellow

I made the flowery yellow cotton blouse and skirt for Nia when she was about one. It was supposed to be an identical bubble blouse and skirt I made for my niece, Dina. But I made the skirt too small and of different design. I mean WAY too small. So I stopped half way on the blouse and left it there. Now that baby girl no 2 is on the way, I continued the project rather than leaving it shamelessly waiting silently in the gobok.

So from the to do sewing list its number 7 and 8. Done!

7) A yellow flowered cotton blouse for Nia 1/2 way done a year ago

I just had to finish off the arm and collar seam on this blouse. The whole construction was done a year ago. Phew! I used the hidden bias for the arms and white satin bias on the neck. I also sew the simple semi circle white cotton lace on the front. I omitted the stretchable band on the hem to make it a bubble because this blouse will probably fit Nia a few more months. Then it will have to be passed down to the little one. (Notice the ruffles are not evenly distributed and even enough to call it ruffles. This is because a year ago I was a very new beginner. Evenly ditributed and many ruffles were an alien to me :P Many things probably still is.)

Closer look on the front.

Back a bit....

OKlah.....

Next on the list is this....

8) The same material of 1/2 way done skirt which was supposed to be for the above but cut too small. So this is going to be for the little one.

All I had to do was sew the hook and eye. Taaarrraa! It's done.

This skirt is so small that it fits a doll. I have no idea if it fits a newborn. If it doesn't......

it's going to be a present for Dina's life size Barbie doll, a 3 year old birthday present from her Papa.

At least its good for something. :P

Pinafore dress

Now I can sleep well knowing I have already started ticking my list and able to update my blog....seriously I had sleepless nights sometimes. Over! I started with No. 1) Refashion : Nia's dress using denim jeans and remnants (soft cotton corduroy and plain cotton) of previous project. Happy with how it came out, even though quite different than how I imagined but can't help the creativity (ia la sangat..) juice flow influence me to deviate.

My vision : (L) Nia's dress and (R) little one in the tummy's dress Not done yet.

The front. The plain dark pink cotton I used for lining only on the top yoke so that it gives a more sturdy structure. I didn't add any ribbon at the yoke lining coz I think it is nice looking plain like this.

Closer look of the top yoke. How it looks at the back. It can be worn over a short/long sleeve blouse like the pinafore but of course for Nia it has to be in a cooler temperature area. She sweat on her scalp easily which gives her the wet look. :p

Birthday Give Away

I've not participated in any Give Aways before so this may be my lucky month since 19th April is my birthday and around the closing date.....*wink*......

The entry is here if you want to participate...but please tell the blog owner you think I should win :P ......plleeaasseee....

I've not met her before but from the hint she gave, she may be sitting on the front row 2nd from the left.....betul ke?