#babyschep's Nursery Progress: Theme Revealed!

Got the nursery moved along over the long weekend.  Inspired by this nursery, I set out to figure out how to make it my own. 

I recently acquired a Cricut Explore Air 2 machine--it was an open box deal I got at Amazon for over 50% off!  I got such a good deal on it, I just couldn't pass it up.  Plus, I spotted this solar system set on their website that would be free for me to access for two weeks after purchasing the machine. 

I dove in and purchased a vinyl assortment online, and with the help of my hubby, we had all 8???? (typing that is SO weird!) planets cut out. 

I painted some arcs on the wall:

They are far from perfect.  I marked the lines with a piece of chalk tied to a string that was tacked in the corner. 

Chalk only, pre-paint.

I followed along the chalk lines freehand with a foam brush and white primer.  In hindsight, I would have tried using a paint pen first to see how well it marked against the dark blue wall.  In the end, it looks fine from afar, and there is minimal touch-up that I'll insist on. 

Of course, I couldn't wait for all the touching up to be done before I adhered some planets to the wall:

Earth was first, of course, followed by Mercury.  This close up shows some of the touching up we need to do.  That first orbit was the first line I painted, and hence, the messiest.  Some of the smudges are actually chalk that wiped off after a secondary cleaning. 

After closer inspection of the inspiration photo, I realized that she used embroidery hoops for her planets!  Genius!  And how up-my-alley would that have been??  Well, I've jumped headfirst into the world of vinyl and cutting machines, which I think will serve me well for the years to come, both to enhance my quilting and crafting, and with items tailored for the boys' education.  Because this is a months-long project for my full-time lawyer, full-time mommy, preggo self, I think I'll keep feeding y'all updates, if you don't mind.  There isn't a whole lot of sewing going on these days, but I think I'll "cheat" a little bit and make BabySchep's baby quilt out of the same pattern.  Until then, God Bless!

Chevron Circle Quilt

I feel like I'm constantly apologizing for these infrequent updates--here it is again: sorry it's been so long, but I have an actual finish to share! 

Remember my Ten Degree Wedge ruler I've used to make baby quilts?  I'm pretty proud of the Ahoy Baby! quilt and the Big Top Baby Quilt I made with the same ruler.  Well, I was at it again:
 

 

This time, I followed a pattern that came with the ruler for making a circle quilt with chevrons.  It involves making strip sets, and cutting them at a particular angle to minimize fabric waste.  Boy, was that time consuming!  Shout out to my hubby for helping me keep it all organized. 

Here's what it looked like on the design wall, partially pieced.  Oh, how I'll miss you, purple craft room!  I've given up the sewing room to make room for Baby #2 due in July.
 

 

I recently acquired a new Cricut machine (more about that another day), so I decided to give it a go with their iron-on material.  I'm assuming it's some sort of heat-transfer vinyl, but it sure was fun to play with! 

 

 

Now, I originally started this quilt as a baby shower gift.  Ha!  That didn't happen, so this project sat on my UFO shelf for about a year.  I was inspired by Lee Heinrich to pull it out and repurpose it for a growing kiddo.  I busted out the Singer and just did a raw edge applique with a small zig zag stich to apply the monogram. 

My hubby went to town hammering grommets into the quilt, meaning I had it done just in time for this little gal's 1st birthday party.

I bought braided cord to lace in and out of the holes, but don't have a finished photo, due to the fact that I finished it on the way to the party!  I really dislike procrastination, but I do have a bit of an excuse, being 6 months preggo while chasing around a one-year old, right?  Linking up to Finished Or Not Friday, TGIFF, and Finish It Up Friday.  Until next time, God Bless!