It's For the Birds!!!! And a Giveaway!!!!!

Finally it is my day for the It's For the Birds Blog Hop! The minute it was announced I knew I had to join in because I had lots of birdie fabric! I decided that I wanted to use fabric in my stash so I looked around for some fun things to make plus I wanted to try some new techniques. So here is what I came up with.

First up were some cute little owls from Toad's Treasures. I had so much fun making these adorable owls. I made the first one but decided that I wanted to move the wings a bit so you can see that my second owl (the orange one has "high flying wings")  plus I added a little batting to give the wings some body! Aren't they cute? (Click on photos to enlarge!)

Betting my grandkids will love having stuffed owls!

Then I decided that because I missed the mug rug blog hop, I needed to catch up and make some for me! I found The Patchsmith at Craftsy and fell in love with her patterns. I have to tell you she is one of the nicest folks I have met on the internet so check out her blog! I looked around and chose more owls and my other favorite, the penguin! This is the first time I have done applique and I had a ball. It is amazing to see little pieces of fabric become something so cute!

Note I used the same "night time" fabric for both rug mugs. It was just perfect!

I had so much fun picking out just the right scrap to make each creature come to life! I was amazed that I had the perfect branch in my scraps plus I love how the owls turned out!

Next I found the cutest penguins(can you see a pattern occurring?) at The Purl Bee. The minute I saw them, I knew I had to make my own. Finding the perfect black and white fabric was fun and I actually had to buy some extra...not enough variety in my stash. So without further ado, I would like you to meet my little guys!

I had to dress them up since they were standing on snow and needed their scarves to keep them warm.

I have plans to make more of them and have my own penguin farm. I just love the cute little guys in tuxedos!


After I finished these projects, I decided that my grandchildren really need some new pillowcases. I had some really neat owl fabric(told you there was a pattern appearing!) but had to find some coordinating fabric that was appropriate for both a boy and a girl. I used the fun tube pattern I found at Michigan Star Easy Tube pillowcase. If you have never made a pillowcase in this fashion, you must try! It is quick and easy and your pillowcase turns out so perfect!

I love using the bright green cuff with the contrasting chocolate polka dot trim. Great for a boy or a girl!

Next up in my sewing were some cute little pincushions. I used my favorite bird fabric that I noticed must be a favorite of Kathy from Kwilty Pleasures. I have made a coin purse from it as well, and am down to almost none of the fabric left....insert sad face.I added some lace to make this pincushion special.  I also used some cute little rooster fabric for two more pincushions.

I filled my pincushions with crushed walnut shells...and that was an adventure! Everywhere I read to go to a pet store and look in pet bedding for the crushed shells.  Well, it took several different pet stores and some questioning looks when I told them I wanted the shells for stuffing pin cushions.They kept telling me it was lizard bedding. No lizards for me!  Guess that is what makes life so much fun; different strokes for different folks.

Hope you aren't getting tired of my birdie experience because I have a few more items I made. I had so much fun doing all of this! My next projects were some kindle covers...of course I couldn't just make one...I had to do three(and I only have one kindle but heck, I can change them when I change my mood!)

A cute little appliqued  robin, some blue birds and of course, more owls!

It was fun looking for just the perfect button for each one. Luckily when Joann's had their buttons on sale for 50% off, I bought 5 little jars of buttons in different colors, each filled with all sizes, shapes and shades. I am set for life with buttons by the way!!!!

Next I tackled clutches! The first one I made was one that I just stitched together as I went along. You will recognize the cute little owls one more time! I decided on a matching key fob. After finishing these, I found a wonderful pattern from Michelle's Patterns (although I don't see it listed anymore)

My little design and matching key fob

Michellepatterns insert clutch

I lined the clutches with the deep chocolate polka dotted fabric that I used on my pillowcases.

 I thought I was through with clutches when I found yet another owl fabric I had saved for the Birdie hop....this time a really pretty Japanese pattern.

I really love this clutch because I love the fabric!

OK. I am almost through. Again I turned to Michelle's patterns for her Reusable grocery bag. This is a really easy pattern to make and you end up with a cute shopping bag. You are being "green" and stylish at the same time.

I love this chicken fabric and I had the perfect matching blossom fabric for the lining and handles.

 OK, I am finally finished showing off all of my sewing.  Have I forgotten anything????...YES! I have a Giveaway for you(unless you are tired of giveaways after all the fun we have had at SewMamaSews Giveaway Day!) I think I found a really fun thing for everyone....a Moda Sudoku Quilt Blocks in Oasis by Three Sisters!

Box contains 9 5x5 squares of 9 different fabrics(81) charm squares total from one collection, plus a project sheet (yes you have to solve a sudoku!)  Fabric for sashing , border and binding is not included. All you need to do is make a comment on this post about your favorite game or puzzle. (For me, it is crossword puzzles or any similar word game.) For a second chance follow me on Bloglovin! Make sure I have a way to get in contact with you if you win. Giveaway will end on May 15th at 8 PM EDT.

  

 I want to thank  Madam Samm for all of her hard work on all the wonderful hops she thinks up. Special thanks to our head cheerleader Mary who worked so hard to keep us all in line and working on our projects! Don't forget to visit everyone else who has birds to show you today, May 10th:

http://ssparrowinflight.blogspot.com

http://Hillvalleyquilter.blogspot.se

http://mcsqrd.blogspot.com

http://loveitsewit.blogspot.com

http://piecepeacenc.blogspot.com

http://grammieq.blogspot.com

http://meadowbrook-Kristen.blogspot.com

http://scrapbook-ChickADoodle.blogspot.com

www.craftyshenanigans.blogspot.co.uk

http://Stitchingbythebeach.blogspot.com

www.thebusybeequiltshop.blogspot.com

http://morestarsincomanche.blogspot.com

http://lesquilts.blogspot.ca

http://suebeesworld.blogspot.com

http://mtnmommy2.blogspot.com

www.thatlookslikeitneedsstitches.blogspot.com

http://www.freshcutquilts.com