Sewing Saturday, and Sunday, and Monday....

I showed you my new toy a couple of weeks ago.  Because I've been sewing more, I finally invested in a nicer sewing machine.  It sat untouched for a couple of weeks because I just didn't have time and energy to teach myself the new layout of things, but over the last weekend I managed to test it out.

I LOVE IT!!

I first whipped up a little Japanese-style bag out of some fat quarters I got on my trip to the midwest in October.  You will find this free pattern here.

Then, I took to the long-languishing quilt top in my WIP basket, and finished that off.  This is the Small Plates pattern out of my Practical Guide to Patchwork book.

Since I have the batting on order and haven't quite finished the back (it contains some patchwork detail), I went at some scrap busting with this little bag, trying out some paper piecing methods.  It is also a free pattern, and the tutorial is great.  You can find it here.  I may have already finished another bag that needs a nice ribbon for the drawstring, and I may have a third on the sewing table ready for final assembly.  Just saying.

Since I have two quilts pretty ready to go, I am planning some more projects.  I have two pieces of fabric in my stash appropriate for a skirt or top or dress, so I am deciding what to do with them.  I also have my next quilt in the planning/ordering stages.  I have ordered enough of the colored fabrics to follow along with the Craftsy Block a Month Club, which is a free class and will result in a pretty cool sampler quilt and lots of new techniques learned.

That's all for now.  Happy stitching.