Quality Sewing had their monthly “Sew Fun” infomercial program today.  I enjoy going because quite often I get ideas.   And sometimes I humor them by buying something, or is it that they have something that really captivates my interest?

Today’s program included a “Basket Magic” pattern which was interesting in that it is somewhat rigid, but sports a tie at each end so it can be stored flat.  The pattern has both oblong and round shapes.

These were samples made from a book called “City Blocks” by Nancy Rink.   It has patterns for 10 easy quilts both blocks and applique`  I’m not sure the size of the quilts in the book, but the ones on display were about 45″ quilts.

The Zinnia Clutch Bag from Susa Glenn was a nice size for keeping essentials.  It had two larger pockets and 4 mini pockets.    This pattern includes patterns for eye glasses, a card case, and a checkbook holder.    It majors in machine embroidery, with minimal sewing machine work.

Islander Sewing Systems sported a terrific looking “Jacket Express” pattern.   I really liked this one.    It’s a blue jean jacket, but the samples were not done in denim.  This company has a lot of commercial experience, so the instructions for putting the jacket together are more like a commercial one would be sewn.

 “Ice chips“   do not contain sugar but do contain xylitol  so diabetics can use them.  They are great for refreshing the mouth and come in 26 different flavors.  These were made by two grandmothers in Yelm, Western WA. who had a good business going when they got the opportunity to be on Shark Tank.   Then their business REALLY took off.  Even if the candies do not appeal to you, click “ice chips” in red and read their fascinating story.

My friend, Mary made this dress for me along with three others for my brother’s granddaughters.

Here is the dress I finished today.  It is the first “in the hoop” dress I’ve done.   I learned a lot from making this dress.   For one thing,  I will make the arm size a bit larger as these dolls have their fingers spread so it actually takes more room to get over their hands than their arms.

I purchased a couple of sale dolls for which to make clothes.   A doll with some outfits will make a very happy girl at Christmas.  And if I start now, it could get done.

Between retrieving an escapee dog and trying to tame the Quicken program so I can get taxes done,  I managed to get a bit sewn.

The borders are on and the top is finished ready to be quilted.  The red across the top will be the binding which I think gives it a more finished look than having the binding match the outside border.  Also you may notice the missing basket handle has been added.  Such an easy thing, so why did I keep putting it off?

Tomorrow after grocery shopping, maybe, just maybe, a doll dress will get created.

Little by little, the quilt top is coming together.   The inside is finished now, except for the one basket handle.   After that,  it will get borders, and be put in the quilting pile.