Fabric Dyeing, New Projects, and Classes

Sanrio Store - Minneapolis, MN, a photo by Megan Bohr.

Okay, so I'm breaking my own rules today, posting twice! I just can't wait to share a few things with you! Plus I wrote this morning's post last night so it doesn't feel like it counts!

I spent last week hanging out with Megan in her new digs up in Minnesota!  We sewed, dyed fabric, shopped, and made a trip up to Minneapolis to visit Mall of America and Ikea.  We went into one shop at the mall, the Sanrio store (Hello Kitty!)! It's only the 3rd or 4th time I've been in one.  I really wanted the giant Chococat plush behind me, but sadly it wasn't for sale.  I managed to escape with only a few things!

Last week's fabric dyeing, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Megan had been wanting to try dyeing fabrics, so we played around with white-on-white fabrics.  We used Jacquard Procion MX dyes and the dyeing method outlined in Malka Dubrawsky's Color Your Cloth. 

Hand-Dyed Fabrics Update, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

It seemed like a good time to take an update photo of my entire hand-dyed stash.  I'm up to 80 fat quarters! May need to actually make something soon!  I love dyeing, it's such a different way to be a part of the process.  I am looking forward to experimenting with some natural dyes this summer!

For more on my dyeing adventures see my fabric dyeing flickr set.

Marcelle Medallion, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

I managed to start a new project this week! I couldn't resist joining in on the informal quilt along for Alexia Abegg's Marcelle Medallion quilt (seen on the cover of Love Quilting & Patchwork) happening on instagram (I'm @jenib320 on there!).  Follow hashtags #medallionalong and #marcellemedallion!  This is my fabric pull for the quilt!

Marcelle Medallion, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

I pieced together the center star this afternoon.  My y-seams are a little iffy up close, but they don't look too bad in this photo!  I'm rolling with it.  This is a for fun, stress free project, so what's the fun in being too fussy?  I'm excited to add the first border!

You can find the quilt pattern in the new issue of Love Patchwork & Quilting and in Alexia's book, Liberty Love.

Shining Stars Block of the Month - March, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Stitched up March's blocks for the Shining Stars Block of the Month Club today! We're using Color Me Retro and Art Gallery Blenders for this quilt. There is still time to sign up at Pink Castle Fabrics here!

Zipper Pouch Class, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Lined Drawstring Bag Class, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

I'm teaching two new classes at The Sewcial Lounge this month!  The first is a Zipper Pouch class.  We'll be making two pouches, a simple lined pouch and a boxed pouch using oilcloth.  The class is Wednesday, March 13th from 6-8:30pm.  The second class is a Lined Drawstring Bag class! We'll be making the Everything Bag from my pattern!  The class is Tuesday, March 19th from 6-8pm.

See here for more information and to sign up.

George, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

In other important news, George got a new bed! It's now been covered with his blue towel too, so it's even softer.  Spoiled bun. As you can see, he loves it!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Winter
Sound of: Harry Potter 3 Audiobook
Taste of: Culvers burger!
Sight of: George sleeping
Feel of: Warm quilt

Good Things about Today:
- Pretty snow!
- Sewed today!
- Finally tried Culvers for the first time!
- George bunny slept in his bed all day!