Finish #2 Colorful Bunting FAL 2014/Q1

Ta-Da!
In the midst of my frustration over the FMQ foot dilemma, I finished the Colorful Bunting in a flash. And better yet, I mailed it to my sister for her (belated) birthday gift package! I'm so happy to check off another project from the list, only 18 more to go!
Speaking of my Q1 list and that FMQ foot.....I FINALLY found a solution and was able to make progress on projects that have been patiently waiting in a pile for free-motion quilting....
Here's some stipple quilting on another Q1 item (studio sign), almost done as well!

The solution...plumbers tape! I know I tried it before, wrapping it on the screw. But it turns out it works much better if I cram it in the hole and tighten the screw into it. I also put a bit of clear polish on the screw that's semi-stripped. All in all, I can now attach and tighten my free motion foot! (YAY!!!)
It may not look pretty, but it's working. And I can continue sewing....phew!

In other news, I'm almost done with super secret baby/mama gifts! Here's a peek at the table from last week and a custom made pattern. (It turned out sooooo cute, can't wait to share it!!)

And a nice little doodle I did and have been thinkin' about making into a quilt..."Bird Vision" is a tentative working title...

Happy sewing!

Finish #1 of FAL Q1 List : Sewing Machine Cover

It sure did feel good to cross something off my Finish-Along Quarter 1 List! Here's my new, improved and quilted sewing machine cover!

I love how it turned out! Orginally it had side panels and no batting. I wasn't going to quilt it. In fact I'm not really sure what my first idea was. Ha! But when I pulled it from the stack, I knew it needed to be revamped.

 {Before}

I promptly cut off those side flaps. Then I cut all the seams off and stuck some batting between the two rectangles. I used this surface to practice some free-motion quilting stitches. On the top I practiced some matchstick lines. The bright busy side got some improv fish scales or scallops, whatever you want to call it. On the animal side I practiced some continous ribbon looping (or insert proper name). Slapped on some black binding, added black ribbon ties and called it DONE!

For the rest of the day I've been basting the giant Flying Fish mola piece. Here's a peek.

Happy Monday!