Baby Slippers

The center square in these pieced blocks is 1/4". My vision may never be the same.

Last pair of shoes done, and I would probably make another pair, but I am tired of sewing for a while. I get muscle aches from sitting so tensely and I keep making myself relax, but it doesn't last. I wish I could sew lying down, that would make things sew! much easier. I am glad, however, that I decided to make these gifts. I know how I felt when I got handmade things, and handmade baby gifts are extra special. I think I need a nap.
PHOTO ©pegyates/2011

The Handwork Has Begun

Binding on the back side of the quilt is getting hand-stitched attention. I never did master the technique for doing both sides on the machine. I always ended up with a little flap of fabric that annoyed me. I like this detail better anyway. Now today's work includes finishing up two pair of shoes to go with the quilt, and I will be done with one day to spare. Who knew I was so efficient?
PHOTO ©pegyates/2011

Putting It All Together

Oh Baby Girl. Not born yet, but almost. Fluffy girl stuff has always intimidated me. I raised two sons, have a nephew and a step-grandson. I wouldn't know what to do with a girl. Their little outfits, dozens of pairs of shoes, hair adornments, ruffles, fluff, pink and girly.

So when I decided to sew for this soon-to-be-here granddaughter of a good friend, my translation of pink took a huge detour, way off course. I knew batiks would be my choice, all from my stash. Some of them I've had for over 5 years, so it was time to sew out of my fabric bounty.

I actually had some pale ones, but the brighter colors said, "Choose me!" And knowing that pastel was too boring, I decided to let this quilt speak of a bright, happy and colorful world. I imagined this wee girl lying on it when she is able to hold up her head, and scratching at the colors like my boys used to do when something colorful was in front of them.

The quilting is done, and now I have to trim the edges and make bias binding. I found instructions so I will have one continuous piece of bias tape to bind it. Plus I have that handy little contraption that takes the strip of fabric in one end, and spits out a folded strip out the other that goes directly under the iron to be pressed into a crisp-edged piece of bias tape to bind the edges of the quilt. Of course there will be photos of that process. And the baby shower isn't until the 11th, so I have dispelled the rumor that I wait until the eleventh hour to complete a project. This time.
PHOTOS ©pegyates/2011