Archive | weekend projects

Alder Shirts in Jetty

By carolyn friedlander on March 20, 2020 in fabric, Featured on Home, patterns, weekend projects | Comments: 0

In an effort to keep things upbeat and to continue sharing projects and inspiration, here’s a look at some recent favorites. An important garment go-to is the Grainline Alder. I love the Alder, because it is easy to wear and it works beautifully in quilting cotton. (Lawn is also a fantastic choice.) Usually garments get made last before a fabric release or quilting event, and so I tend to stick to something that I know will work. Here are two Alder shirts in Jetty.

I have to admit that this print is one I’ve used a LOT of from the collection. It shouldn’t be a surprise that I chose it to become a shirt. As a top, I like that it makes a crisp, white shirt, but with a bright and fun twist. The pale lemon color and the delicate-ness of the artwork makes me happy.

The second Alder top is made using the same design from Jetty but in a different colorway. Blue is a major comfort color for me. It goes with anything.

I guess I’m fairly predictable in what I make and wear. These tops are go-tos for me year round. Mix in a sweater when it’s cool or a pair of shorts when it’s warm. Easy does it.

Also, here’s a tip. When you’re crunched for time, but still want to wear the shirt, leave the armhole finishing for last and throw on a cardigan. I totally pulled this classy move at Quilt Market last October. Haha!

Pattern: Alder Shirtdress by Grainline (I chop off the length and made them tops.)

Fabric: Jetty

Want to see some other Alders? Obviously I can’t stop making this pattern. If you can believe it, there are still a few others that I don’t seem to have photos of.

In carkai (above and below)

Friedlander Lawn Alder Shirtdress . Carolyn Friedlander

In Friedlander Lawn

In a cute Japanese cat fabric

In a funky swatch fabric from Spoonflower

In lawn fabric by Liesl Gibson

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Jetty Crescent Tote

By carolyn friedlander on March 10, 2020 in fabric, Featured on Home, weekend projects | Comments: 2

Jetty Crescent Tote

Noodlehead’s Crescent Tote has been on my list since I first saw it in an issue of Making magazine. Like all of Anna’s designs, I loved the sophisticated shape and thoughtful details. Plus, it looked like something I would enjoy using. It’s not too big, but it’s big enough to hold a few things when you need to. A Jetty Crescent Tote was just what I wanted.

To start, I wanted to use one of the special prints in Jetty. These designs feature one color running along one side of the fabric and another color running along the other side. I love these prints, because they’re like a two-for-one. You have so many options on how you can use them.

Any of the colors could work great, and I decided to go with the green. I’ve been in such a green mood lately! I used the dark green side of the print for most of the exterior, and then the lighter side for the lining. (1-1/2 yards of the print is all you need.)

As a bonus detail, I cut the exterior pocket pieces with a bit of the lining side included and in the opposite direction. The direction of the grid is rotated, and you get that fun, grey band in the center. This adds a nice detail with hardly any extra effort.

Since this is quilting-weight cotton fabric, I used a little extra interfacing than was recommended. In addition to the fusible fleece on the exterior pieces, I also interfaced them with SF 101 before adhering the fleece. I interfaced everything else as suggested in the pattern, and I think it worked out great. The bag stands up nicely and holds its own.

The pockets on this bag are just what you need. There’s a smaller zipper pocket inside and another zipper pocket on the outside. If you like to carry your bag on your left shoulder, I’d recommend reversing the exterior pocket. After a shoulder injury on my right side earlier this year, I’ve been trying to do more with my left, including how I carry bags. I made this bag as designed, and so the next time I make it, I’ll probably swap the front pocket to the other side.

Pattern: Crescent Tote by Noodlehead

Fabric: Jetty (1-1/2 yards of this print is all you need for the exterior and lining)

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Hunt QAL #9 Check In.

By carolyn friedlander on February 27, 2020 in Featured on Home, my patterns, Quilt Along, weekend projects | Comments: 2

Hunt QAL #9 Check In.

I have 1 block to go! Although if you’ve been following along, in the last update I was sort of hoping to have this one done by this check in. Oh well! It’s been a crazy month, which I anticipated, and overall I am very pleased with my progress. There are 3 months left to finish this block, get the top sewn together and possibly get it quilted.

I did manage to get this final block basted and partially appliquéd; some progress for sure!

This month included a trip out to Austin last week for QuiltCon. I taught a Hunt workshop, and I thought it’d be fun to share some of the class photos here. Hope you enjoy! My students always make me see things in new ways and give me ideas for things to explore.