Sew-Along project - Tree Skirt

I've been aware of sew-alongs but never felt like I could possibly be a part of them.  The other day I came across one for a tree skirt with a very cool giveaway.  This one I think I can at least attempt, and I have always wanted to make a tree skirt!

The giveaway is for some fabric called Happy Mochi Yum Yum, which is GORGEOUS!  Hopefully it's a giveaway based on those who participated and not on quality of the finished project, so then I have a chance! :)

I'll keep track of how I'm doing on  here.

Update!

Unfortunately, I spent the last two weeks with a family suffering from the stomach flu.  Mine alone lasted seven days.  Ugh.  However, I'm feeling much better now!  Of course that means I am extremely behind on my projects with two that are very pressing.  I finally started feeling normal on Sunday and so Sunday night was spent finally quilting the quilt.   Today I'm dipping my toes into the scary, confusing and unknown waters that are "binding" and hopefully tomorrow night, after more hand sewing, I'll finally complete the quilt.   I'll have photos of the quilt process once it's finished and sent.

And after that...hair jewelry!

Sewing machine update

Well, the machine shop has gotten back to me and basically the bobbin case needs filing down, the needle placement fixed and everything reseated.  It'll be done this afternoon and is embarrassingly expensive.  *sigh*

At least I can get back to this quilt this weekend!

Broken sewing machine

What a week!

One of the crowning moments was when my machine totally hosed on me.  A friend came over to help me pin the quilt I'm currently working on and at some point I started setting up my machine.  I'm so clueless about sewing/sewing machines that I didn't realize my needle placement and stitch size could be altered.  I also knew I needed to change my tension.  So since I needed a scant 1/4" seam allowance (it was set at 1/2") and larger stitch length (5mm would be fine, I was at 2mm) I followed the manual's instructions on how to change the settings.  I put in a scrap of the same cloth I was using for the quilt and proceeded to break two needles.  As if that wasn't irritating enough, my thread then kept bunching at the bobbin.  After lots of looking in the manual and online, we think the problem is with the bobbin case, which has been scratched by the breaking needles.  That's a big worry as broken needles are not too rare around here and an unusable bobbin afterwards (with a $35 part replacement) will be very, very bad.

I'm taking the machine in today for repairs (just getting a diagnosis won't be cheap) and they say it will take at least two weeks until it's repaired.  *sigh*

I'm assuming I'll eventually get this quilt finished....

"Ribbon loop" blanket

Here's a pic of the "ribbon loop" blanket I just made for friends of ours who are expecting a baby boy. I always use at least one layer of minky fabric for these, with the other side being satin, flannel or just a cotton panel...something eye caching.  I also make them in a rectangle, usually about 18" long as I'm not so much looking to make a blanket as something they can hold onto and play with.