Made Another Cat Quilt

I finally finished the cat quilt I've been working on. It was inspired from Pinterest and I used scraps to put it together. Making it took longer than I expected because I embroidered some parts of it. I also asked for advice from Miggy to make sure the measurements were correct.

Here's how I made it:

And the end result:

 

Nonetheless, I enjoyed making it. I'll use it as part of my new sewing machine cover. I haven't made one in more than 5 years. I hope it will turn out cute :)

#BeKind #StaySafe

Black Cat Project Progress

When I started the project I thought it would be easy. I thought I'd finish it in a day or two. What I forgot to take in consideration was the time needed to add the eyes, nose and attaching the tail, haha. I also have chores and make time to play with our cats, so I work on it when I can. 

Working with different fabrics also took time since  I had to measure each one properly. Here's how it's going -

Of course, the tail -

I honestly still have a hard time sewing on the curves. I read though you can use hemostat scissors to help hold down and move the fabric while sewing. I'll dig up my Mom's pair to try that trick. I pinned my finger again while sewing the curved areas, haha. 

I can't wait to finish the project!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Made a Cat Coaster

I had a hard time making the Yoda-inspired coasters and to reset I wanted to make something easy. I took a look at a cat coaster I got from Daiso and thought it would be a perfect pattern. 

I found some of my Mom's scraps (they're probably older than Miggy!) and I used it for this experiment. It was fairly easy after I got the size of the squares right. Here's how it turned out -

And how I made it :)

Maybe I should make more in other colors?

#BeKind #StaySafe

Made a Yoda-Inspired Coaster

Another sewing project inspired by cats and Pinterest! I finally finished the Yoda coaster I've been working on for two weeks now. I thought I could finish it in a day, but it took longer. I didn't expect that making a mini "Yoda" stuffed figure would be challenging. 

I finished my practice piece in 3 days. I had to adjust a few things since Miggy said the arms were too big and the Yoda head was too small. My mistake was using a Yoda keychain as a pattern. I made it a bit bigger and filled out the arms more. I must say, it's a very healthy Yoda, haha. 

I had to move the head also since it seemed awkward to put it on the side. Miggy said it worked for the cat sample because cats have four legs. Ahh, he made sense, so I decided to just put the head in the middle. The coaster though would only work for slimmer glasses (sorry na). 

Anyway, hard as it was to make, it turned out cute. It would be annoying to use for our small family room dining table, so I'll bust it out only when we use our "formal" dining table (the table we only use during Christmas and New Year, hahaha). 

Maybe I'll make a cat version, yes?

#BeKind #StaySafe

Work-in-Progress: Yoda Coaster

I saw a cute cat coaster project while doomscrooling. I wanted to do it, but I thought I'd make a Yoda inspired one.

Yoda because my Grogu fabric will just get dirty if used as a coaster and I don't think my green fabric won't match it. 

Anyway, I found a Yoda keychain which I could use as a pattern. I adjusted the size because the arms I made were too big.

It's harder than I thought, so it's still a work in progress 😁 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Almost Done!

I like how I'm making this bag project. I've learned a lot in the past few years in making quilted bags. I make them sparingly, but I improve everytime I make one.

One huge difference I did was to use fusible interfacing. It makes my projects cleaner and it doesn't bulge as much when you combine it with batting. I've also learned to appreciate thinner batting! I used to think thicker batting is better! 

I've been so busy with other things, so this project has spilled over to this month! I can't wait to finish it and use it when we go out :)

I should be done soon!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Making a Snowman

Moving in now to make a new cover for my food processor. I found a cute snowman design on Pinterest and after figuring out the measurements I thought it would be a perfect fit for my food processor.

I like the "autumn" colors used on the Pinterest. It took me awhile to find the perfect fabric for it. I hope I get it right. Gotta improve on my quilting skills!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Kitchen Cover Progress

My kitchen gadget cover is progressing well and I'm now working on the other parts. I decided not to make it too Christmassy so I can extend using it, haha.

Since it's Yoda themed I decided to render the rest of the cover in green. It will be light to the eyes, very different from my rainbow kitchen covers. 

Hope to finish by end of the week!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Santa Yoda

Things surprisingly went back to normal on our area. I thought we'd have to postpone our appointments today. It proceeded like nothing happened. Praying for those who were severely affected and hope they'll be able to recover as soon as possible.

I fell asleep sitting after we had brunch. We woke up early, plus I feel I still need to rest after the very stressful few days due to the typhoon. The power nap helped and I started sewing after Miggy went to his appointment.

I finished piecing together Santa Yoda. It's based on a grid pattern I found on Pinterest. I know I should have asked advise from Miggy on what background fabric color I should have used, haha. I'll just embroider around Yoda to highlight him. 

Anyway, I'll use Santa Yoda for a kitchen cover I'm making. I'm integrating some of my Mom's unfinished pieces, so let's see where this goes.

#BeKind #StaySafe

It Got so Gnarly, Goodbye Bamboo

To be honest, I already wanted to change the bamboo back in 2022. It took several tries to find the right team to do it. 

I pushed to do it this time because I was alarmed when I saw a snake skin on my neighbor's car. I messaged our architect and he immediately referred us to a landscaper.

The whole process from inspection, to buying plants, removing the bamboo and planting took four days across two weeks. We told Mang Henry that we wanted something easy to manage. He suggested a tropical resort feels look. 

I let him choose the plants, but had some switched since I didn't want any plants related to tobacco plants. We also added two trees to the plan. I'm amazed with how fast they worked on clearing and planting everything. 

Ahh, I'm so happy we finally did this landscape project. It's my belated birthday gift for myself. We just need to make sure the newly planted plants and trees adjust well!

#BeKind #StaySafe

First Few Days Crocheting

I brought the crochet set I bought to the hospital. Once Miggy went to do his test, I hunkered down and started to work on the project. I told myself I should finish the project in a few days. The manual said to start with the head. 

The first hurdle was to understand how to make the magic ring. We were taught in school to make chain stitches to form a ring. Apparently, that has changed to allow you to pull the string to close the hole. Oh boy, it took me several tries to get it. A senior lady was watching me intently across the room. She was probably trying to see if I knew what I was doing, hahaha. 

I only managed to finish one row when Miggy suddenly showed up. He was done with his test. Both Sweetie and me were so surprised. Sweetie wasn't even able to finish the forward yet, haha. I kept my stuff and off we went.

I've been working on the project for a week now. I finished the head, the hands, the legs, and I'm now stuck with making the body because the legs are noticeably uneven and even with counting the body isn't adding up to the required stitches. Hahahaha. 

I rested during the weekend and have yet to pick up the hook again. I really had a hard time making the legs and I'm waiting to be brave again to finish the project. In the meantime, I've been distracted with organizing my sewing room. It's just hard to work on projects when things are all over the place. Haha.

Wish me luck!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Gonna Try Crocheting Again

It's been awhile since I did a crochet project. Last crochet project I made was a Yoda figure. It was hard and I planned to make more to use as Christmas tree decor. I never got around to making any since I got so busy at work.

Anyway, I saw boxes of crochet and felt projects yesterday at SM department store. Miggy parked me in front of it. There were four options for Christmas and a number of animal crochet projects (no cat option though!). I still have a Christmas felt project from Flying Tiger waiting to be done, so I got a crochet project.

I got a Santa crochet box and will try to make it today. I realized belatedly it's an intermediate level project, so let's see how I work this out. Hopefully, it will be easier than the Yoda crochet project I did years ago.

Happy crafting!

#BeKind #StaySafe

The Bag that Saved Me

I mentioned in last Sunday's blog that a bag saved me. It cushioned me from hitting the ground hard. If I hadn't had it on me, I may have hit my head on the floor and my shoulder would have been injured too. I had just finished making the bag before I was hospitalized a few weeks ago. I made it from one of Mom's unfinished projects. 

It's been years since I made myself a hand bag. My needs are different now since I lug around my packet of prescriptions and a few other essentials. I also wanted to have something that reminds me of my Mom whenever I go out. One of the unfinished projects she made were pieced together charm fabric. I remember I bought it for her either when she was in Singapore or I had sent it to Miggy during the pandemic. 

Mom has an eye for color, so she was able to piece together the charm fabric perfectly. I liked the color and thought a cheery bag is what I need nowadays. Here's how I made the bag -

I finished the bag two days before Sweetie brought me to the ER. It didn't leave my side the whole time we were in the hospital. We were about to leave for a check-up last Friday when I missed a step and fell from the stairs. The bag definitely cushioned my fall. It was fat because I had extra eco-bags and a jacket inside. It softened my fall and kept my head from hitting the floor. My fluffiness saved the rest of my body and I ended up with just a contusion. 

Thank you Mom for watching over me. Miss you and love you.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Scrap Fabric Project: Case for Eyeglasses

I finally got a new pair of eyeglasses. It came with a hard case which I find too bulky and heavy for my bag. I rarely remove my eyeglasses, but sometimes it's needed and I would just stuff it in my bag. I don't want my new pair of eyeglasses to get scratches so I thought I'd make a fabric case for it. 

I just used scrap fabric and just cut it into small squares. I like sewing quick and easy projects since I'm busy with other stuff for our home. I made this project in two evenings. Here's how I made it -

Easy peasy and I got to use it immediately the next day. 

I think I'll work on one of Mom's unfinished project. Maybe a new bag?

#BeKind #StaySafe

Throwback Thursday: Old Paper Mache Project

While sorting Mom's things (yup, I'm still at it), I found one of my old paper mache projects. Yup, I went through a paper mache era too. I've been wanting to do this project again for the longest time. I didn't have a photo of it, but how I made it is etched in my mind. 

It's a cute humpty dumpty basket (well half of it). I covered half a balloon with newspaper and when it was dry I added legs using plastic cups. It took awhile to take shape and a lot more time to make it stand steadily. After that I painted it and added the buckle. Mom must have added the sequins because I don't remember adding sequins to it. 

I actually bought some gawgaw awhile back since we had a gazillion papers from the boxes when we moved back. Got so busy, so I ended up donating the papers for use in schools (the quality was really good and reusable).

Anyway, I was so happy to find my old project. It has definitely seen better days. I just took a photo and thought about keeping it. It was so dirty already and there's no way to wash it (it will likely disintegrate). I'll just keep the happy memory with a couple of photos and maybe when I eventually have time I'll make a new one.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Another Scrap Fabric Project

I need a couple of things for my bag. I've been annoyed with my powerbank juggling around inside my bag. I had been putting it inside a pouch with my pill box. I realized though it's not good to do that since the power bank warms up when I use it. 

After making the pillow cases from Mom's unfinished projects, I set aside the scraps for future use. Found some long strips and thought I'd finally make a pouch for my power bank. I didn't bother measuring it and just decided after I pieced it how it would look. 

Here's how I made it:

I also used franken-batting, an old pillowcase (as back fabric), and leftover binding to close one side. I like how it turned out and I've been using it. I finished the project in two nights. I still have a lot of leftover fabric and will probably make a case for my eyeglasses. Let's see how that goes next week. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Completed Mom's Unfinished White Quilt Project

I found six squares of pieced together white fabric. It was hand sewn by Mom. I looked at it for a long time before I decided to make throw pillow quilt covers with it. I also used some of the scrap fabric she left. I broke this project into two parts. 

The first part of the project was for the bigger throw pillows. It was perfect because there were two larger squares. I took the chance and experimented on making cats. I posted about it a few weeks ago (check it out here). The second part was to make four throw pillow covers for the smaller pillows. 

The squares were not even, so I decided to simplify and just added scrap fabric to the sides to frame the white squares. I wanted to highlight the fabric Mom used (eyelet? I'm not sure what it's called) and I chose some of her scrap fabric to frame it. I quilted diagonally to add some flair. 

Here's how I made it:

Mom still has a lot of unfinished projects. No wonder she kept telling me to finish what I start because she left a lot of stuff for me to finish. Most of her unfinished projects are big enough to make more throw pillows. I have to wash all of them and see if maybe I can make a blanket out of them. Well, we'll see. I'm just glad I managed to make something out of her unfinished project :)

#BeKind #StaySafe 

Potholder Made from Scrap Jeans

It's been over a year since I started sorting my Mom's things. I was so surprised to find a boat-load of craft materials. I thought I was done with it, but I'm still finding beads and scrap fabrics in other boxes. I haven't even started sorting her kitchen items. 

I recently found a bunch of coasters made from scrap Jeans (maong). I remember she started this project back in the 90s. It was her assistant, Grace, who worked on the project with her. She gave us one potholder over a decade ago and we're still using it. It's actually beside our stove right now. We put it in a net and just toss it in the washing machine when it gets dirty. 

Anyway, of course, the bunch I found smelled like it's been hiding since the 90s. I washed it a couple of times and let it dry under the sun for a few days. Gathered it up and thought I'd make a new potholder. It would be nice to use whenever we line up dishes buffet style when we have guests. 

It looks easy to hand-sew together, but it isn't. It took me two days to finish one and I re-developed calluses on my fingers, haha. I made sure to double the stitches to make it sturdy. It was a good project to re-start my sewing hobby. I had been using my sewing time to sort through my Mom's stuff. I had to start sewing again to keep sane. 

I like how it turned out. Maybe I'll make a few more since we need a number of potholders for dishes whenever we have guests. I might prioritize making a new curtain though for the kitchen. I need something that will let more air in since it's been very hot! 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Made a Pokemon "Pikachu" Quilt

I was really curious whether Pinterest grids of characters would work as a quilt. Since I had a lot of yellow fabric, I decided to make a Pikachu quilt. I originally intended to make it as a throw pillow case, but it was too cute. I decided to turn it into a wall hanging since we don't have anything on our walls. 

I started the project last August. I was busy with other things. I worked on it on and off and piecing together 400 1"x 1" squares wasn't easy. I had to take breaks in-between to rest. The hardest part was hand quilting across the project. I'm happy I now have a Pokemon wall decor-a homemade one!

Here's how I made it!

Will I do it again? Maybe. I definitely want to have a Yoda one and if I have more energy maybe I'll complete the Pokemon starters. 

The Quilt Project that's Testing My Patience

I wanted to work on a fun project. I found some Star Wars and Pokemon character grids on Pinterest and thought I could apply it for quilting. 

I was going to make a Yoda quilt, but I had a hard time sourcing brown shades of fabric. I decided to work on a Pikachu quilt since I had the fabric available. Miggy helped me choose the right colors for the project.

Since I was just working with squares I thought it would be easy. Oh my, I was very mistaken. Cutting the fabric took a week and I soon realizes that piecing 1"x1" squares takes a gazillion years.

Here's a time lapse of part 1 of 4 of the project. It will really take time to finish the project since I have to avoid triggering arm pain. Anyway, I'm having fun slowly piecing this project together.

Timelapse

This project was supposed to be a throw pillow case. It's too big though for the pillow so I'm debating whether I should turn it into a wall hanging or a chair cover. It's too cute to be a blanket. 

What do you think I should use it for? Comment below 🤗

#BeKind #StaySafw