Appleton Dance

 by Linda Theil Series of small, 8x4x2-inches, Spencer-Ogg "Popping Pods" in fabric from "BirdSong" collection by Pat Sloan for Benartex. Filled with Hershey kisses for birthday-party favors.

 by Linda Theil May 2023 Three large, 14 x 8-inches, Spencer Ogg "Popping Pods with matching wristlets in "Line Work" collection by Tula Pink for Free Spirit. Inside large "Popping Pod" lined, with small pocket and magnetic pocket closure Below: Spencer-Ogg "Clamshell Sling" in cotton canvas exterior with lining from "Filigree" collection by Zen Chic for Moda. Adaptations include double zip that made finishing the top easier, is useful, and looks cool. I also substituted an adjustable crossbody strap instead of the traditional side-buckle release. April 2023 Noodlehead's "Sandhill Sling" in "Hedgehog Hollow" collection by In the Beginning Fabrics.

by Linda Theil The medium-sized Spencer-Ogg “Perfectly Popping Pouch” with wide base and handles makes a nice 8x4x4-inch Easter basket. This fabric is from the “Guess How Much I Love You” collection from Clothworks. For making a basket, we like this single-handled style better than the tote-style double handle shown in the pattern directions. To make the single handle, a ttach one end of 12–inch handle in the center top instead of attaching both ends of the handle to one side, as directed in the pattern. Feed the loose end of the handle through the open bottom of the interior pocket. Then fold and stitch the basket sides as directed. After turning through the basket, stitch the loose-end of handle to the center of the  opposite top side of the basket as shown below. With the addition of a recessed zipper, and an adjustable base this same pattern can be used to create a zippered pouch.   The bag shown below is the medium-sized Spencer-Ogg "Perfectly Popping Pouch" with...

by Linda Theil I liked the look of this "Sandhill Sling" designed by Anna Graham of Noodlehead Sewing Patterns. I'd never made a bag from this designer, or with this sling-style connector before, and was happy to give it a try. The bag was designed with a drop-in lining, but had directions for a bound lining as well, and that was the option I chose. Sandhill Sling turned inside-out, showing interior, bound seams The next time, I may try to turn the bag through open-bottomed, interior pockets, instead of binding; but maybe not, because the binding may be useful in giving the bag added structural support. The bag features a zippered pocket on the front and an interior slip-pocket. The fabric for the exterior is printed cotton from Marcia Derse's "Postcards" collection. I think Derse's artful style is particularly well-suited to bag-making. The Noodlehead pattern was well-designed, well-documented, and accompanied by detailed video instructions. I loved m...

 by Linda Theil I am completely obsessed by this Christmas tree block I saw on the Shabby Fabrics YouTube channel. Using the info from the video, I made the block with basic colors from the "Grunge Seeing Stars" collection by BasicGrey for Moda. I added a very wonky star derived from the free "Easy Star" at Scissortail Quilting . My finished block with sashing measures 13 x 29-inches. Wonky tree block and wonky star sewn by L. Theil   Since I got some holiday themed, five-inch charm squares in my Christmas stocking, I wondered if I could use a five-inch square to make the wonky tree. I came up with a mini version using five-inch squares, although you will need larger cuts for making the background pieces. This mini version -- shown below -- is seven-inches square. I used the grunge fabric to make this sample. Seven-inch square mini-wonky tree adapted by L Theil How to make a mini-wonky tree: Using a 60-degree triangle ruler, cut two triangles with a five-inch base,...