Our designers are at it again.

Good day friends, we're in middle of the holiday preparations, it's the perfect time to take on a sewing project with four granddaughters, don't you think? Perhaps we can squeeze in some sewing time together during their break from school this month.


We've done some sewing classes with the gals in the past couple of years. The teenagers mentioned how much their exposure to sewing has benefited them in their drama classes as they've been able to help with costume construction. Even a limited amount of experience behind the sewing machine is better than none, one of them said "And I even knew how to thread the machine!".


Great hotness color combo..



For this project we decided to make simple patchwork purses. The girls would pick out their fabrics, plan and piece an original design, whether a block pattern, free form 'crazy' quilt, or, as one girl decided, find a great print and just use it as is.

Last Saturday afternoon .. or was that Wednesday afternoon.. oh yes, it was the day before Thanksgiving, it was Wednesday, the yams were assembled, the cake was baked, we went shopping.


In the spirit of supporting our local businesses we went to our favorite family owned fabric store. 
The goal for each girl was to select as many fabrics as they wanted, buy 1/8th or 1/4th yard of each. They would then cut up the fabric to create their own patchwork fabric for the purse.


I stood back and watched as they dispersed in various directions inside the store looking for either an inspiration or the perfect fabric to fulfill their vision. 


One of the gals became overwhelmed with the way too many choices staring at her. She has a bit of a difficult time making decisions.. she's a snippet off her grandma's side that girl. ME too honey!
After some deep breathing and some help from her cousins she found three fabrics, lovely soft pink, cream and gray, colors that will fit into her wardrobe.

 

She's planning a crazy- quilt design.

All seam allowances had to be calculated into the size of the finished piece.

This is the paper drawing of the pink and gray purse.

She numbered and colored coded her pieces.

That's good thinking. When we come back to this project in a couple of weeks

she'll know exactly what to do.

 

Here's a look at her fabrics.

Now, below we have a 10 year old who

loves hot bright colors,

her fabrics are yellow, red and orange..

I love 'em too!  

The sun was a problem for the photo taking that day, that was Wednesday, right? 

But in Michigan we don't have a beef with the sun if it's of a mind to shine.

Oh Mister Sun, sun, Mr. Golden Sun, please shine down on me.!! .. (feel free to sing along)

10 year old "I like the hot colors"

needed a secluded spot to think and plan.

She loves to design, this girl, and her purse is going to be spectacular..

Her fabrics.

She tucked herself down into this little spot next to the slider.   

Her sister, also 10 years old, selected pretty much the opposite in colors and print.

And she didn't want to piece her fabric, that would take way too long. 

"I want to buy fabric and use it."
 Look at the adorable

circle print, so cool!

The second 15 year old in the group
(that makes two @ 15 and two @ 10) 

 quickly decided on purple, gray and bright blue.

Her design has a modern color scheme in a traditional block pattern.

It's a great combo.

Gray animal print with purple and a gorgeous blue.

enjoy the day my friends, it's a beaut!

Sideline Grandma