WIP Gobble Gobble Edition

I love learning!  I try to learn something new every day (or every other day as Life allows).  I had always heard that this could help prevent Alzheimer's disease.  Something that scares me.  Forgetting what it has taken me so much of my lifetime to learn.  Not remembering my loved ones.

So, imagine my joy when I read this, "Recent studies indicate that the old adage of "use it or lose it" does have some merit. Whether or not you think you are in the first stages of Alzheimer's disease, be sure to exercise your mind. Learn something new each day - do a crossword puzzle, read a challenging book, or learn a new recipe for dinner. Keeping your mind active and engaged is a great way to prevent Alzheimer's disease."

This is the Winter 2011 Volume of a fun magazine that will be helping me learn new blocks and techniques in 2012.  I just purchased it at Joann's this week and got a chance to peruse while Middleman was in the library loading up on books.

Cogwheel Daisy

by Debbie Beaves

This is one of the blocks I want to learn to make.  It's such a peaceful pattern.

Yvonne's Myster

by Cinzia White

Is another that I just love.  So soft, but it makes such a huge impact visually.

Now, I'm not starting any of these until I have some of my WIP's finished.

Thankfully, I finished up the three Useful Baskets I had been making as a fundraiser for our homeschool scholarship fund.

Here's one without handles and its lining (sorry, didn't get a shot of them done before delivering them).  These are super fun to make and are great for quick Christmas gifts for teachers, music instructors, neighbors or whoever.  The two I made for a silent auction to benefit a daycare had small bags of chocolate covered pretzels added to them!  Cocoa pouches, candy, nail polish or makeup....the fun thing is you can stuff them with whatever you want for a holiday gift for someone who deserves a little handmade treat!

You can find the tutorial here.

Last week I was working to finish up a project started this summer. 

I'm trying to put together a tutorial on how to make this block.  It's a modern twist on two of my favorite patterns.  This short and sweet table topper is going to a very special home for the holidays.

This week I started four new projects for Christmas gifts for the other ladies who serve on our homeschool Steering Committee.

I wanted to try something new and learn how to make zippered pouches.

I turned to Sew Chic & Unique's "My favorite 8 zippered Pouch Tutorials" and thought this pouch from Make It Perfect

would be pretty simple to learn to make.

And it was.  I opted not to make a patchwork front until I knew I could master the pattern.  Applique would be very cute here too, wouldn't it?  In the future, I'll try something a little bit fancier.

I have two made now and am working on the last two. 

Zippers have always intimidated me, but she makes it easy peasy to put them in.  I learned a lot making these: zippers can be longer than what the pattern calls for and how to make them work, how to wrap my brain around how a lining works and is assembled and that I will be making more of these.  LOL

Here are two that are finished.  Once I figured the pattern our and felt comfortable making them, they went together pretty fast.  The tutorial was very easy to follow. 

Sew, for the week, I'm up with six WIP's finished:

Grandma's Dresden Garden table runner

three Useful Baskets

two zippered pouches

I have two more pouches to finish and then onto whatever other WIP catches my eye.  Maybe I'll start working on the Jack's Chain Quilt again?

I'm linking up with Lee at Freshly Pieced for WIP Wednesday.  On cold, dreary, dark days...I look forward to seeing what women from all over the globe are working on and getting inspired myself to work on my WIP's!

Hope to see you there!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!  May you be blessed with fellowship, peace, joy and fun on this special day!