Gifts Made for Grandsons - Post #2

This is the Matching Game I made for my Grandson E, who's just turned 2.

I had given my Cuddly Comfort flannel quilt with Matching book to T last year, so wanted to give a similar gift to E, without duplicating exactly again.

The Matching Book pages have the same motifs as the quilt, making a nice, quiet game, that can be played while cuddled under the soft, flannel quilt.
This picture doesn't show the added a square I stitched to the cover, with 'T's Matching Book' embroidered on it.

You can see more details here.

I've not made an I Spy quilt and have always liked the idea, using fun fabrics.

As a similar I Spy idea, I made it a fabric board game with fabric cards.

I took pictures through the process to share some basics with you - so you can make one too.

The size can be adjusted to larger squares.

I used 2 inch finished squares and the small bag - just his size.

I cut two squares of each of the 25 motifs - 2½" (2" finished).

Plus 25 backing fabric squares - 2½" (2" finished).

And 25 thin batting squares - 2".

Also - 10½" x 10½" backing fabric and 10" x 10" thin batting.

I made the bag using my directions for the small Handwork Bag I made.

You can find the fabric amounts & tutorial for making it here.

I cut a 2" cardboard template and marked around the edges, using a chalk pencil, on one set of the motif fabrics and the small backing squares.

You can see that I only used dashes, as my guide.

I arranged the second set of motif squares into five by five.
I sewed this patchwork block together into pairs, into rows and then the five rows together.
I press my seams open.

Using the chalk dashes as a guide, I folded the fabric edge, on each square, to the back and basted it in place.
I tucked a small square of batting behind each of the motif squares, before basting the seams over.
I also basted the patchwork block in the same way, with the batting tucked behind.
Plus I basted the edges of the large backing square, too.

Next I basted each motif to the prepared small backing squares.
And baste the patchwork 'board' to the large backing square.

I machine stitched around the edges of them all - near the edge (about 1/8").

After the stitching was done I removed the basting stitches.

This is a close up of the center square on the board.
To play - start by flipping the cards upside down - with the backing fabric facing up.
Choose one, flip it over and find the place on the board with the matching square, placing the card on the board.
Keep going until they are all on their matching square.
No winners or losers - just thinking fun!

I made the small bag with the same fabrics as my backing fabric.This picture doesn't show the added a square I stitched to one side, with 'E's Matching Game' embroidered on it.

The cards fit nicely on the bottom, and the board, folded in 3 and rolled fits above the cards.

I'm so pleased with how this sweet game turned out...and E and his parents are enjoying playing with it!

Happy Stitching!

Tips for Joining Scrap Batting

I like to use my scraps of batting in smaller quilt projects.

To make sure there is no overlap within the quilt, I overlap the two pieces, slightly (about half an inch), and then cut the two layers down the center of the overlap.
When you remove the two thin strips (one from both sides) the batting lays perfectly together.

For a small block size, like when I'm piecing my Stained Glass Strings blocks, I don't join them together - I just lay them beside each other on the backing fabric and stitch my strings on top.

But for larger sizes I do like to join them to prevent it from shifting.
The photo above shows how I whip stitched the two sides together.
It does not need to be pretty, as it will be hidden between the layers.

Low electricity here the past few days.
I hope to post my second Grandson gift tomorrow, if the sunshine comes out this afternoon!

Happy Stitching!

Missing Picture

In my share yesterday, the picture of my repurposed top was missing...so I'm sharing it today!
I 'sew' loved turning the two tops I never wore - into a favourite!

Happy Stitching!

Repurposing by Adding Details

I've had two tops sitting in my sewing area, for over a year, that I had thoughts of 'combining' into a new top.
The grey one is so soft, but there were a few issues I wasn't happy with.
The 'v' neck was a little too low and it hangs too baggy, looking quite boring and does nothing for this girl's figure.
I like the stripes of the second top, but it's a little too snug to be flattering, with those horizontal lines.

Wearing them both at the same time, with striped one underneath did not help.
I did originally have thoughts of stitching the 'v' of the striped one under the 'v' of the grey, but when I basted them together like that, the faux snaps on the striped 'v' took all the attention.
I put it aside for a few days, to give it a think.
Then the idea of using the upper back edge of the striped top across the grey 'v' came to me, making me realize looking at the different parts of the top added so much more options.

To join them, after basting them together and making sure it looked good, I embroidered around the trim of the grey neck edge, using black embroidery floss and a chevron stitch.

I then took the cuffs of the striped top, and added them under the sleeves of the grey one.
I first folded under the grey cuff, and basted the two units together.
I then added the same chevron stitching around the sleeve, adding this lovely detail while joining the two pieces.

I've also added an elastic across the front of the grey top, just below my bra line.I stitched the elastic behind the fabric and attached it with a hand sewn stem stitch, to hold it in place.This gathers the top slightly at the front only, pulling in the fullness nicely across my stomach. Doing this leaves the back to hang loose, which I also like.
If I ever get/take a picture of me wearing this top, I'll share it...but this morning it's not possible.

I was inspired to finally work on this project by watching the movie Coco Before Chanel last week.
My favourite part was learning about her earliest creations!
I've often replaced buttons of a shirt or blouse, as little details can add so much.
That I now created one of my favourite tops to wear, out of two I never wore, has sparked more ideas, and I already have 3 more 'hanging' around for me to think about. :)

Happy Stitching!

The Globe Block

A Novel Idea Block of the Month Globe Block

The Globe block, from the A Novel Idea Block of the Month is now online here.

Only the books are left...

Happy Stitching!

Adjusting My Morning Routine

Beautiful full moon, just before it sets behind the forest, on this first chilly morning.

With the wood stove on, I'm tucked under a quilt with the computer on my lap...preparing a bunch of photographs for two tutorials, I'll be posting over the next few days.

Newsletter note: If you didn't get a newsletter from me on the 21st (subject: The Adventures Begin...) and should have, please email me so I can help in fixing that.

Enjoy!