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Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Focused on the Small Things

I've still yet to find enough focus to tackle a large project these days.  It seems it is a common theme with so many people.  It feels like I'm down, but not quite out!  

One of my favorite things to do during a slump, is to go small.  Mini quilts always fit the bill when I'm in a rut, want to sew something or don't have time to make a large quilt.  

I was thinking how home has been our safe haven these days and social distancing is becoming the norm.  For good reason.  I decided to design a small paper pieced block that captures the home and heart of our current state  in which we find ourselves.

HEART OF THE HOME
5 1/4" x 5 1/4"
This little house is filled with love!  The heart is the focal point, but I couldn't resist adding a little fun with the tiny birds in the windows. 



It's a pretty simple paper pieced block that has five sections.  All of which are easy to assemble with very little precision required.  Which just happened to be exactly what I needed at the time and still need!



Half the fun is picking the fabric for each component.  House color, sky, roof, heart and of course the windows.  It looks like I meant for the two Plus' to line up, when in actuality it was pure luck!

This house was the second version of my design.  Here is the first:


HEART OF THE HOME
6 1/4" x 6 1/4"
This one is one inch larger than the second version.  It has a larger heart in the center which goes to the roof line to the very bottom of the house.  The windows are a bit larger as well.   



The more I look at this one...I'm wondering if I like it more!!  What do you think?  Large heart or smaller heart?



Each house received the quilting treatment and was quickly bound using my
Mini Mini Binding Tutorial.  There are other minis I've made that I'll share later.  

I can barely put a zipper in a pouch let alone make a garment!  Although I'm feeling like it might be a good time to try a simple shirt or dress since I've got all this time on my hands.  I'm not quite there yet...but I found just enough courage to try a diaper!  A doll diaper to be exact!


 

I was sure I could handle something like this!  My favorite little girl was turning three and with staying at home a serious situation, she wasn't able to celebrate like she should have.  

I found a super simple pattern from Skip To My Lou on her blog.  Seriously, it's so easy that even I could make one...



Or in this case three!  I picked a few different prints and used flannel on the inside, because doll or not baby needs something soft on her little bum!  

Very simple:  cut two pieces, sew around leaving an opening, turn, press, top stitch, add velcro!  Viola!  I wanted to make a dress for her doll but I couldn't find a pattern simple enough for me to tackle!



If you want to make some doll diapers, this is a free pattern:  Baby Doll Diaper Pattern.


Stay safe and stay home!


LINKING:

21 comments:

  1. I like both houses but my favourite is the one with the birds in the windows. With five granddaughters I have made quite a few doll diapers. and as you say they are easy.

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    1. I like the bird addition to the windows too! I was hoping for a simple dress pattern, but I couldn’t find anything simple enough. The diapers were as easy as it gets!!

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  2. Knowing you, I assumed you had pieced those crosses into the heart!

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    1. You know me too well Libby! I’m not sure I’m that crazy…but you have me thinking now!

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  3. What cute little minis showing the heart in the home during this crazy stay at home time! I do like both houses but really like the little birdies in the windows! Stay home and be safe!

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  4. I love both sizes as the smaller one would make a nice mug rug and the larger a pot holder or trivet or mini wall hanging! I was hoping you'd add a link to purchase the pattern...I would love to make a few!

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  5. I do like the larger heart, but I *love* the way you meticulously placed the plus signs on the smaller, red heart!

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  6. I'm so glad you are able to make such cheerful mini quilts in such a time as this! Both patterns are equally fun to my eye. I picture making two of each and putting them together as a wall hanging! Glad I found you at Midweek Makers!

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  7. Super cute! I like the birds in the windows to but I think I like the big heart, nearly 'filling' the house. And bonus points for those unintentionally matched pluses. Love when that happens!

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  8. What a wonderful house block - large heart or small, I love both of them. I have used that diaper pattern before. Aren't they cute??? Super easy too.

    Have a great day Jayne.

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  9. BIG heart (and, boy, are those doll diapers SEW darling!!!)

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  10. All the projects are adorable, but those birds in the window are just too much! Love that extra touch!
    I'm working on a diary quilt with a house for each day of this crisis, and some of houses will have hearts. I've not arrived at dimensions I like yet, though, as my first try was too big. Would you be willing to share the sizes of pieces you used to make the heart in your first mini? <3

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  11. I love your beautiful tiny houses. and those doll diapers are too much!

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  12. Super cute tiny things going on at your place!!! Those houses! And those doll diapers! Adorable, Jayne!!!

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  13. Adorable little house and perfect for these times

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  14. Those minis are just perfect for this time on our lives - Big and little hearts! and the diapers - too cute!

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  15. I love your mini houses, Jayne! They definitely express how I love my home right now!

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  16. Hmm, I have to say I like the small heart one better but as you say that's the perfect thing about small quilts, it's not a big time commitment to make.

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  17. It is just too hard to pick a favorite. All if your projects are wonderful. Thanks for linking up with Oh Scrap! And for sharing those cute doll diapers.

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