Last week I posted the table topper I made for my granddaughter Micah's First Birthday celebration and coupled with a few more things which I'll show later, I thought I was ready. That is, until I happened to see the coasters I made using my Checkerboard Express pattern (you can read about the Checkerboard Express block and projects here) and thought that I could make some using some of the leftover fabrics and then a big "duh" hit me: I should have made the table topper like the one I made using Christmas fabrics. So, I had to make another topper which is 24" with 8" blocks.
Really, you would think that I would have remember this pattern when I was planning to make the table topper; it's only been at the most four months. What's also maddening is that prior to planning the topper, I was busy die-cutting hexagons for Micah's mom to make a photo backdrop and even though hexagons and octagons are two different shapes, you would think I would have had the idea that an octagon table topper would be more fitting for the party theme.
Here's a photo of the first table topper after I finally finished it; nice and rectangular. I like to think that divine inspiration happens but sometimes not right away. I'm pretty sure both of the toppers will be used somehow for the celebration and it can still be used afterwards. Maybe one of them could be a wall hanging.
And speaking of divine inspiration, I happen upon this blog post, when I should have been working on some projects, and came upon this wonderful tutorial for making fabric letters, (you can read about it here) and talk about seeing it at the right moment for once.
Seriously, each of these letters can be made in ten to fifteen minutes. It was great that I already had a 12" paper mache' letter "M", leftover fabrics from the topper and best of all I used some of my endless mound of scrap batting. I used both my rotary cutter with a pinking blade and pinking shears for the tighter spots. These letters turned out so cute and, of course, it wasn't until after I made my first letter, I realized I could used two different fabrics instead of the same for the front and back so they can be reversible. I don't know how Micah's mom, who doesn't know yet that I made these, will be using them but maybe hanging them on twine with mini clothes pins would look really cute.
And last but not least, a little DIY project with $1 Soccer Baskets purchased at the Dollar Store and adding some bee stickers to make some table decor. I'm saving the other basket to do when I'm at Micah's house; maybe she'll want to help me put stickers where they don't belong.
I never realized that bees were popular so I'm glad I put my BEE game on despite having been stung by one of the big furry ones many moons ago and it was one of the worst pains I ever experienced. BTW, I found something just as wonderful as buying fabrics, buying baby girl clothes. I'm looking forward to bringing my baby clothes haul for my week visit with Micah and her family celebrating her first birthday and Easter. I'm not sure if I'll have much time to do any sewing, although I plan on bringing some projects. Once I'm back home, I'll have some major catching up to do as well as participating in Creatin' in the Sticks" 30 Quilt Blocks in 30 Days Blog Hop starting on April 1st (you can read about it here) which is right up my alley since all of these blocks are made with super simple squares and rectangles. I will be posting on April 22nd with my version of the Cross Walk block.
Wishing everyone a Happy Spring, warm and sunny weather and a blessed Easter. And don't let any Bees sting you!
Your bee theme is so adorable. I just love those letters. And the stickers are a great addition to the soccer buckets. I can see that you have your creative hat on this week!
ReplyDeleteHi Rose,
ReplyDeleteYou shared so many cute things, I don't know which to comment on first! Those little soccer baskets are so darn cute, and I can just see Micah's little fingers helping you place those bee stickers! You'll have to get a photo of that - that will be a memory you'll be smiling about forever. Your second table topper turned out great! And those fabric letters!! OMG - they will be so perfect for the party. I can only imagine how fun it is buying girly clothes! I can see SO many cute things for girls when I'm shopping for Dominic - boys just don't have as many but I do my best finding all there are. HAHA! Happy Friday! ~smile~ Roseanne
You are a whirlwind of activity, Rose! All of those projects are so fun, and your Bee hexie table topper is darling! I'm sure MIcah will bee so excited with all of her gifts and bee so happy you are there! Enjoy your time with her!
ReplyDeleteCute toppers! Super cute letters!! Cute stickers! What great ideas! We have this fabric line at our quilt shop but this is the first I've seen something made out of it. Way to get right to it!!! Have fun with Micah and family. Just sounds great.
ReplyDeleteYou are so clever! I love the soccer ball baskets with bee stickers. The checkerboard table topper is sensational. I have made fabric letters before but never thought to use the pinked edge. Love these! Have a great birthday party!
ReplyDeleteYou've certainly BEEn busy, Rose! Lots of cute projects. I'm guessing Micah will want to carry around her cloth "M" herself, and maybe put stickers on it :)
ReplyDeleteThat octagon table topper is adorable! I'm planning on making something in just those colors too. You've been really busy this week.
ReplyDeleteSuch great stuff for the lucky Micah! I love the bees, and you are right, if you let her help with the stickers, they might not end up where you want them! Adorable party accessories! Hope you have a great time!
ReplyDeleteI need to stop reading your blog. You ALWAYS give me squirrels to chase, you and today that Wendy as well! Ha! Terrific idea on the soccer pails, AND the M letters! I laughed because I, too, agree that divine inspiration comes, but not always when you need it. My latest finish, my aunt's quilt? As I'm pressing the binding ready to glue down (still can't believe I write/do that but it's fab) DI hit: should've done the flanged binding! Pop of yellow against the blue! another quilt... Using your Checkerboard pattern was genius, and now you have two toppers--two are always better than one right? Goes without saying, have a fabulous time at Easter!
ReplyDeleteI'll take this one: yes, Sandra, two are always better than one! I love those Ms. I may have to make a few for Marley and Milly. Then C for Caki and S for Sophie. But none for Easter since I'm just getting to your great idea. I have a set of 6" stencils (remember those?) that I just never threw away. It's amazing how often I pull them out.
ReplyDeleteYour little Micah is one lucky little sweetpea. You need to take lots of pics for us. lol Get some use out of those baby girl clothes that you had such fun buying. Bee careful, baby girls can steal your heart and everything in your pockets. They're cute like that. Happy Easter to you and yours!