Wine Bottle Bags

When I saw this fabric at the vendor's market at the KW quilt show I knew it would be perfect for wine bottle bags. My intention was to use the poinsettia print for the outside of the bag with the contrasting stripe to line the "shawl" collar. But when I made the first one I realized that the intricate stripe fabric was not being given the visibility it deserved. So, using both fabrics with the addition of solid black strips to create a break between the two prints, I achieved the look I wanted.

What host or hostess wouldn't be thrilled with a bottle of wine presented in this elegant bag?

New Fabric

On Friday I spent most of the day at the KW quilt show. It's always a great source of ideas and inspiration and also a venue for finding more fabric for my stash! I showed remarkable restraint, however, and came away with only a few new pieces.

 How I will use most of these fabrics is still to be decided. But I have made a start. The zigzag stripe, combined with a print I already had, is now a beautiful iPad sleeve while the off cuts of the fat quarter were the perfect size for a couple of eyeglass and sun glass cases.

Mug Rugs

 I doubt that the term mug-rug has made it into the dictionary yet but I am confident that soon it will be used as commonly as placemat is now! After all that is really what it is..... just a smaller version.

These mats are perfect when you are having a cup of coffee with a muffin or cookie, or any time when a coaster is just a bit too small. And it's ideal for keeping on the corner of your office desk or in a drawer where it's always handy at coffee breaks or lunch time. Your co-workers will envy you! :)

  

Pieced Pot Holders

I was recently introduced to the Disappearing 4-Patch pattern and quickly became addicted to it! The piecing looks complicated but by starting with a simple 4-patch block that is cut into nine pieces it can quickly and easily be reassembled into this attractive 9-patch. Thus, the "disappearing 4-patch". 

 So far the solution to my block building mania has been to turn them into pot holders. But I am sure lap quilts, table runners, and wall hangings can't be too far behind. 

Chevron Table Runners

Chevrons seem to be the current rage in fashion. They can fit into modern decor by using two strongly contrasting colours, or be made contemporary with subtle blends of batiks, or compliment a more traditional style with a combination of calico and checks.

Whatever the choice of fabrics this interlocking chevron pattern creates a stunning visual as it zig zags down your table top.

Backs of runners

Denim Camera Bag

It's been quite awhile since Erin dropped off some fabric with a request for a new camera bag. Actually the bags I make her do double duty.... with the dividers in place it's perfect for use as a camera bag. But simply remove the dividers or use two of them placed snugly against the ends of the bag and it's a great purse to use any day!

Because of the weight of the equipment that she carries I added a removable padded strap cover to provide some comfort for her shoulder.

And two detachable mini bags are the perfect place to distinguish between empty and full memory cards.

Now, time to get working on the larger bag she also brought fabric for.....

Yum! Chocolate!!

 This little wristlet with its matching business card or credit card holder looks good enough to eat. My chocolate loving friend is going to love it!

Field Guide Cover to the Birds of Costa Rica

We have another trip coming up. It's another destination so there's another field guide needing a cover! David picked up a memo pad for taking notes and I thought it would be a great idea to somehow incorporate that into the book cover.  So a pocket on the front of the book seemed like the perfect solution.

Back of book cover