Forms of a Dress Challenge

This is the continuation of the dress challenge; here is the first post.
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So, I knew I was up against a deadline to turn in my challenge mini and that I had to get back to my sewing desk.  Sammy was not thrilled with the idea.

Can't you just hear her... Mamma... your going to sew again? Uggg!

This is Katie's position for most of my work.  Yes, her head is on my knee/leg.  Always there to give me advice or cheer me on.  This gets a little challenging when I need to get up to iron something, but that hasn't deterred her.

So, once the pups had their positions I knew I could settle in to finish this mini quilt up.

I did some free motion quilting on the ivory and gold background following the design with a light blue shiny thread.  Gave the background a nice texture without taking away from the skirt.

And I decided to use the same background fabric for the binding so that it more or less melts away.  This mini measures 10 x 14.  I see a lot more minis in my future... hand sewing the binding went so quick!

And with that I give you "This Dance" ... as in, may I have the pleasure of this dance with you? 

I don't ever think in a million years that I would have thought to create a dress like this without the challenge pushing my far far out of my comfort zone.  But, then again, I guess that's what challenges are for, right?  For pushing, and pulling, and general creative creating discomfort. 

And I'm smitten with the results. 

Would I make another dress?  Maybe.  Probably not my first choice, but I have to admit it was pretty fun embracing my girly side for this one. 

Then, off to the guild meeting we went.

And guess what?  The next time I see This Dance.... it will be hung in a guild quilt show in May. 

I know.  I'm still pretty tickled myself!

And yes, I'll be linking to my favorite parties from my left sidebar to include Fabric Tuesday at Quilt Story.

Koala and Wombat Zippy Clutch

I know.  I never thought I would be making a zippy clutch featuring these two animals together, but it was perfect my secret partner in the Seaweed and Raine Sunshine Mail swap who is from Australia and has a blog titled Wombat's Picnic!

I started by cutting out the Koala's from a piece of fabric in my stash... it's the same as the one I used to back my Happy Garden quilt, but in black and white instead of yellow and red.

Then I picked a few fabrics to coordinate and decided on green and brown as per one of my partner's likes.

I used the same pattern for the Gathered Clutch from Noodlehead as I did making my Groovy Clutch only I made the front band a bit wider to accommodate wombats.  Here's a bit on wombats if you are curious.

The wombats were created by fusing fabric to interfacing, drawing and cutting out the shape, hand sewing them to the band, and them making them pretty with the seed beading. 

I love the affect!!  And those wee ears!!

Where were we?  Ahh yes, moving on to the clutch lining.

I picked out more green for the lining and used the pink flowers as the credit card holder slots. 

And here is the front of the clutch all finished up.  You can see I added a few lines of quilting too.

And that Koala mom and babe on the back.

And those pretty flowers on the inside.

And there you have it... Koala's and Wombats co-existing happily. 

I must say that greens and browns with a pop of brilliant color like fuchsia really gets me thinking about the start of fall.  The summer green begins to give way to the show that is coming...and I'm excited to have a front row seat!! 

I'll be adding this clutch as an entry to wearables category in the Celebration of Color being hosted by the talented Stitched in Color from September through November.  So many inspirations to take in.  And of course colors... oh and check out the prizes offered for this month as well... it's not too late to join in!