Stitch it and Gift it Blog Hop

Hi, and thanks for stopping by!  I hope you've been enjoying all the fun items being made for the Stitch it and Gift it blog hop.  I love doing hops with Carla at Creatin' in the Sticks.  She has wonderful ideas, is so creative with her own designs, and makes it so easy to participate, since she's so organized.  

So, any ideas what to give?  I've had an idea for a while, but haven't had time or a good reason to make it.  So, I grabbed some time, since this hop is a great reason! 

I've wanted to make a sleep mask for a while.  I want to make one as a gift, too.  I have a bigger than average head (no, really, I'm not egotistical, but my head needs a 7 5/8" hat, which is larger than most women).  Normal sleep masks that you can buy in the store are too tight on my head and face.  I love it being super dark when I fall asleep, and if I sleep later, don't like being disturbed by sunlight.  And since I'm a night owl, I sleep late often, so I need a good mask!  I also thought I would make one to give to my sister-in-law for Christmas.  She likes to sleep late, too.  But she has a normal size head.  

Anyway, back to the mask.  I'm also trying to learn more about embroidered applique and machine embroidery.  Projects make you learn something.  And I ADORE Sarah Vedeler designs.  She had a cute pattern for a sleep mask, which I purchased a while ago.  I don't see it currently on her website, but you can ask if it's available.  

So, I grabbed some fabric and set to work.  I picked some Island Batik Mum in purple, which I had around, and some scraps from secret sewing, but it's Moo Milk, which is available all the time, and some flannel scraps I had from making pajamas, for the back.  I'm an Island Batik Ambassador, and they provide lots of fabric for me to make projects, but I also purchase it.  Thread is from Aurifil, which I've purchased and have been provided as Island Batik Ambassador, too.  

And here it is!  

I must admit I didn't follow all the directions, and know when I make another, I'll do it a little differently.  I do love the soft flannel for the back, but forgot to finish stitching the heart before adding it.  I would also cut the frames larger than needed, and trim close to the satin stitching after it's finished.  I would also add a little tuck in the fabric, and have it come down more around the nose, to block out more light, but that's just me.  I do LOVE how easily it stitched out, the details in the stitching, and the hearts, which is View 2 in the design files.  I would have changed the thread color for the heart fill, though.  That's where I goofed up, thinking it was time to add the backing, lol.  So, this practice mask will probably be not be seen again, but I do know how to make it better.  That's the thing about trying something new.  Learning something new is important!  I learned more about my machine and how to do Sarah's files, which I hope to use again.  

So, my sister-in-law and I should have fun sleep masks for Christmas this year.  I may bundle hers with a mug rug, and some of chamomile tea.  

Please visit the other bloggers who have something fun and inspirational to share with you. 

Wednesday, November 13th

MooseStashQuilting

Pampered Pettit
Mary Mack Made Mine
The Quilted Snail
Days Filled With Joy
Melva Loves Scraps

Limeleaves

And check back with Carla at Creatin In the Sticks for the blogs from Monday and Tuesday, and the ones to come, for more!  

Thanks for stopping by! 

Please also check out the Virtual Craft Fair sponsored by Quilt Shop Gal!  There's a new list of shops and another give-away today.

Maryellen