Christmas Break Projects- Done!!!!

So I spent most of Christmas Eve in front of the sewing machine. I let the girls design patchwork scarves which I backed in flannel (no pics of those) and I finished my very first, fully quilted and bound project. There were a few hitches along the way, but I think it turned out alright. Here is the first project I completed, a mini quilt. I used the DoubleFatJack tutorial from Lily's Quilts. All in all, I found it easy- the only mistakes were from my misreading of the instructions and were easily fixed.

 Here's the back. I decided to piece both sides. These are 3 inch strips.

I was experimenting  with techniques here. A zig-zag.

I think this is called channel quilting, but I like to call it "triangle swirls". Pretty, right?

 Mistake. Extra fabric on the back. Annoying.

Next project- a huge- I mean enormous- tote bag. I completely winged this.

 Here is the tote bag with two large throw pillows inside to give you an idea just how big it is. I could have added another pillow and a small toddler and still have room inside. Tips for next time: use interfacing in the straps and put something solid in the bottom to stiffen it up. 

I chose my first project!

I looked for hours at patterns online to use my special delivery fabrics on. I finally settled on making 2 projects a tote bag that I will just make without a pattern and an amazing Double Fat Jack mini quilt using the easy to follow tutorial from Lily's Quilts. The front piecing is finished after about 3 hours of cutting and sewing (while dealing with two rowdy children- so it probably won't take you as long) (and also I messed up at least twice and had to rip seams and start over). I have also decided to piece the back in two inch strips of grey chevrons and a white and goldenrod brocade print. I'll be finished in the next day or two and will post picture then.

Special Delivery

I got a very special delivery today in the mail! On Friday, I won the Jolly Jabber's Pattern Play which meant that I got a $50 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop. I have a mile-long wish list there so it was really easy to order something wonderful almost immediately. I ended up choosing the Bloggers Choice Fat Quarter Bundle from Kaye Prince. The color in the photo does not do these amazing prints justice- especially the goldenrod prints. The combo of purple, silver and gold is very regal and the sheen on the solids is just beautiful. Now the hard part- what to make? It's a toss-up between a new tote bag and a mini quilt right now. Thoughts?