Lucky Ladybugs

April's Across The Pond Sew Along Project

See our past projects  here

It's April  already...and  a perfect time to make a fun sewing project along with the Across The Pond Sew Along girls! 

Ladybugs/Ladybirds   photo by Wikipedia

Let's make Ladybugs... or you may live where you call these lucky little bugs,  ' Ladybirds.'

Here's a few project ideas to get you started...

***Disclaimer-    The following Ladybug projects may become highly addictive...  ***

Amanda, aka The Patchsmith, has "landed upon" such a sweet  little ladybug pouch project.This little felt pouch is a free pattern by Red Brolly.   

Amanda's  Ladybug Purse   

 It is so sweet, it doesn't even need that chocolate candy!!  
You will find a BUNCH of Ladybug patterns link  over on Amanda's blog... hop on over here!
  

Here is a  free block that I found :     

Ladybug on a tea leaf     photo by Quilting Works.com

 I am drawn to  the "tradional" style of this ladybug and leaf together!
{ Translation... you may see this again soon!}


And here is my  finished Ladybug project:

                                    Lady Bugs Mini Quilt/Wallhanging

Pattern -  from Paper Piecing 1/4"  issue 5  April - June 2015   QAD Publishing  {here}

Lady Bugs Mini Quilt/ Wallhanging     by Susie's Sunroom
pattern  {here}     

Mini Quilt size:   20 inches x 20 inches

Fabrics:   Sugar Hill    Tanya Whelan by Free Spirit

               Black and white polka dot,  tonal white, and blenders -  from my stash

          

These little paper pieced bugs were so fun to make!!  There are 4 different bug blocks, and a flower for the center!  I really loved the fabric with the tiny roses !

I also love the pink tones against the black and white bug fabric.

The  pale pink tonal fabric ( "underneath" wings )  remind me a a lady's petticoat!

I pieced scraps together (for a 5 inch square) for the corner pocket for hanging.

Folded squares in the corner tuck nicely into the binding... for easy hanging with a dowel rod

Oh, and just remember...  I gave fair warning that making ladybugs can be harmful to your "housekeeping and cooking" ??  

You could make another Ladybugs mini quilt, using traditional red and black fabrics, and get another look from the same design!

I already have planned  my next ladybug project to make...

This    Ladybug/Ladybird Mug Rug pattern   by  The Patchsmith :

My next ladybug project!!      { here }  The Patchsmith

We love to see and share when you make any Across The Pond Sew Along project.... 

here  at our ATPSA Flickr Group !   

I'm off to my sewing room!

Linking up at:   Paper Piecing Party @  Quilt Art Designs       and
                         Sew Cute Tuesday @ Blossom Heart Quilts

"Fly away" little lady bugs....

Pattern provided by QAD Publishing

Purrfect fun!

Paper Piecing fun!

Some of you may recall that our cat , Whiskers, is my main only helper and chief inspector...

Whiskers "on the job" 

Inspecting the bag handle

Now, meet my latest project obsession....

Silhouette Cat  #1 block     design by Janeen of Quilt Art Designs   {click here}
~ a 10 inch finished block

Janeen , of Quilt Art Designs, has created some amazing paper pieced cat silhouette blocks that  perfectly capture so many kitty mannerisms.   

What's the big deal, you may be asking? 

 Well look....

Silhouette  Cats  @ Quilt Art Designs

I found my Cat #1 pattern in the latest version of-

          QAD   ' Paper Piecing 1/4 "  ' digital magazine issue 4 (Jan - Mar 2015).   

 The other 11 patterns  are in her Craftsy shop.


( Have you  noticed that I added a little  triangle of white fur on the cat's chest?  
Just have to make her look like Whiskers!)  Stay tuned to see what I make with this ( or will it be "these" ) block (s).

"That doesn't look anything like me!"

I'm off to my sewing room!

Linking up at:       Paper Piecing Party @ Quilt Art Designs  and
                            Can I Get A Whoop Whoop @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Pattern provided by QAD Publishing

Fall Leaf Tea Towel

Fall Leaf Paper Piecing

I am really excited to tell you some bloggy news ...  
                                        Susie's Sunroom has a advertiser!

I am pleased to introduce : 


  Paper Piecing 1/4"  Digital Magazine     

Paper Piecing 1/4" is a digital magazine, filled with  patterns, and more! 
 You can find  "  articles about creative artists with modern and innovative ideas for you to try .  There will be  paper piecing blocks for those new to paper piecing as well as those looking for something of a challenge. "

     

Click here to go to the Paper Piecing 1/4" magazine

Janeen,  a talented artist and paper piece pattern designer,   will be providing me with some of her awesome paper pieced patterns , from  her digital magazine !
And I will be sharing projects and ideas with you! 

Since the  patterns are digital... you know what that means?!   Yep .... instant download gratification when the mood hits you to make a pattern !      (You'll want to go on over to  Paper Piecing 1/4"  magazine  and Quilt Art Designs  blog to see all of the paper piecing patterns there!!) 


Now that brings me to a fun project that I made in an evening...                                

Falling leaves are drifting around everywhere. I love watching them drift off of the trees , while I sew.
When  I saw this   6 inch Leaf paper pieced  pattern , I knew that I wanted to make a block immediately!

Leaf 6 "   out Quilt Art Designs  Paper Piecing 1/4 " digital magazine  Issue 3

I went to my modest little fabric stash and dug out some fall colored fabrics.  
I decided to choose some ' more  traditional fabrics" , and even use a homespun fabric for the background.    I wanted to see what  "mixing it up" a bit would look like  ...a modern pattern design made with traditional fabrics!

Leaf 6 "   pattern from issue 3  Paper Piecing 1/4"

This pattern would be perfect for anyone new to paper piecing! 

I liked how the leaf block turned out, and decided to make it into a tea towel .  I  found my muslin fabric, and used my "go to"  tea towel  pattern.  (Remember my appliqued apple towel?)

My leaf towel in the kitchen

In my powder room

I really like mixing modern and traditional ...  and sometimes  throwing in some primitive.
How about you?  Do you ever "mix it up"  ??

I'm off to my sewing room!

I am linking up at:    Paper Piecing Party @ Quilt Art Designs  and
                               Sew Darn Crafty @ Sew Many Ways  and
                               TGIFFriday @ Quokka Quilts