Patchwork and Poodles

Misty Mountains Baby Quilt | Finished Project

Ever get stuck? That’s what happened to me. I worked on this quilt back when Misty Mountains was getting released, and after I finished quilting it, I lost steam on the project. I know, I know, I was SO close to finishing! I actually just this week spent some time affixing the binding on THREE quilts. Yes, three. All of them have been quilted and trimmed for MONTHS and were just sitting in my quilting studio awaiting binding. One of them even had the binding made. It was one of those things that I just kept putting off, and finally realized it just needed to get done and there was no time like the present.

Dogs on Patchwork & Poodles Quilts!

It wouldn’t be a true representation of Patchwork & Poodles if I neglected the poodle of this equation! Riley works very hard in his dual roles of quality control and model for every pattern release that happens at P&P Headquarters. Lucky for me, my pattern testers happen to be dog lovers too!

Here’s a round-up of the goodest puppers around on Patchwork & Poodles original quilts!

Sashiko Zipper Pouch | A Tutorial

This pouch all started when I found some Sashiko templates and realized they were nearly the right size for my rainbow zipper pouch pattern. I quickly got to work making not one, not two, but 5 pouches! When I get excited about something I go all in! And while you can access the original rainbow zipper pouch tutorial and probably figure out how to modify it for the sashiko templates (which yields a pouch a BIT smaller than the original size), I thought I’d go ahead and do the work for you.

Visible Mended Jeans | A Finished Project

I’m a big fan of taking care of your belongings and making them last as long as you can, it is something that Jason and I try to live out every day. Jason’s computer is 14 years old, our TV is at least 10 years old, and we have a lot of vintage items found in thrift stores in our house that we use on a daily basis. When possible, buy used, and when not possible, buy quality so that it lasts.

In the past, however, I’ve found mending to be one of those chores I just couldn’t get excited about. Sure, I know how to sew, and fixing a hole in a pair of shorts only takes about 5 minutes, but I lacked the enthusiasm to actually make it happen. Recently, however, I’ve stumbled upon visible mending and I’m hooked! The idea is that when mending clothes, to make the mend be part of the garment. The mend is supposed to be seen! Instead of invisible ladder stitches and hidden patches, people who practice visible mending use bold fabrics and chunky threads in fun, geometric designs. Continue reading “Visible Mended Jeans | A Finished Project”