Sweet Liberty

Blog Moving!

2010-01-18T09:04:00.000-08:00

Attention, peeps! The "Sweet Liberty" blog is moving to my new domain: www.sugarstitches.com/blog
It's still a work in progress, so bear with me.
Followers: please update the url!
Quilt along coming soon...

Quick and Easy Picnic Blanket

2010-01-14T11:46:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine asked me to make her a little picnic blanket for her daughter's tea set. I decided I'd share it, just in case!

You can make any size you want: I used two fat quarters. I pinned large rick rack around all four sides. Pin it on the right side of one of your pieces of fabric (it doesn't matter which one), aligning the edges of the rick rack and the fabric.
Pull the raw ends of the rick rack over the edge of the fabric, overlapping them like so:
Layer your other piece of fabric on top, right sides together and pin.Sew around all four sides, leaving a 2" opening for turning. Turn right side out and press. Top stitch 1/8" around all four sides. Done!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-13T11:20:00.001-08:00

Year in Review

2010-01-01T17:30:00.000-08:00

It feels like a time for reflection. Its been a big year at the Sweet Liberty house. Here we go, month by month:

January

I started out with a list of resolutions. I am happy to report that I have more or less met all of them (still trying to figure out Photoshop).

I also got my first Blythe doll!

February

A pattern of mine was picked up for publication in American Patchwork & Quilting

I turned the big 3-0!!

March

Started the first phase of my studio makeover. It made such an amazing difference. Its still an on-going process (still hemming and hawing over curtains, etc).

April

Participated in my first Doll Quilt Swap.

May

Went to Spring Quilt Market. What an amazing experience!!

June

Dark times. Followed closely by an outpouring of support from all of my bloggy friends!
Wyatt's first birthday.

JulyMIA. Blame the influx of Blythes in to my home!

AugustSummer wrapping up. Inherited a stack of antique quilts from Grandma.

September

Was invited to design a quilt for Lecein. Had 2 weeks to design it, sew it and ship it off! It was an amazing experience, and I am so honored to be considered. I named the quilt "Mann Creek" after the farm my family settled over a 100 years ago in Idaho. You can download the free pattern here, along with many other fabulous free patterns.

October

The issue of American Patchwork & Quilting with my pattern in it comes out! In shocl for the most of the month!
I graduate with my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.
On a family trip to New York, get to meet the illustrious Gina Garan of "This is Blythe" at her NYC studio.

November

This month can only remembered as the fabric binge month! I could probably open up my own fabric store at this point.

December

Ummmm...do I even need to remind you all of the sewing machine + finger incident?? It really kind of threw my whole month and Christmas off!
We had an amazing blizzard. Over 2 feet of snow and the whole city shut down for about 4 days. It was so peaceful...just being with the family at home.

New Year's Resolutions

I think New Year's is a great time to set goals. And putting them on your blog is a great way to ensure you complete them, right? My goals this year are:
Start publishing my own patterns
Have a booth at Fall Market as a designer (eeeek!)
Pick some ding dang curtains for the studio!
Eat healthier (I'm working on it!)

From Wilbur and the rest of the fam, here's to a great new year!

Back in the Saddle

2009-12-16T15:27:00.000-08:00

Today was my first day back at the sewing machine. I finished up Liberty's Mod Kid skirt (what I was sewing when "the incident" occurred). I just need to put in the elastic and I'm done. My finger is still pretty sore. I went to the surgeon and he's waiting until next week to decide whether or not to surgically remove the other two pieces. He said that most likely they will just GROW OUT OF MY SKIN! Ewwwww.....gross!

Now what you're all really here for: the winners! There was such a big turnout that I decided to double the winners. I mistakenly bought 6 fat quarters instead of 7, so I will have "grand prize" winners and "runner up" prizes:

Grand Prize Winners:
Twin Fibers

aaahh! I'd love to use some for a quilt. Your little houses are so cute, reminds me of vintage children's books.

December 9, 2009 12:12 PM

Love your blog, girls! And I can't wait to see what you create!

Petit Debutant

woo wee, what a great giveaway! That house quilt looks great. You're so nice and willing to share! I think I would use them in a hexagon quilt.

December 9, 2009 3:53 PM

I love hexagons! Can't wait to see!

Runner Up Winners:

I Have A Notion

You want to know something interesting about me....hmmmm....I took a cruse alone when I turned 30. I was having a bit of a panic about turning 30 so I called the travel agent and gave them my credit card number and told them to take me anywhere in the world leaving on a particular day and returning one week later. She called me back and told me I was going on a cruise. I had an absolute ball and even went to a nude beach for the first time in my life. Thank God I was alone....I found an empty area....where there was absolutely no one around....stripped off my suite..laid down....honestly less than 30 seconds...I put my suite back on and walked away so proud of myself. I'm such a risk taker..ROFL....truth!!!

Smiles,
Kelly

December 9, 2009 4:17 PM

Great story, Kelly! I remember the "turning 30 panic"! I still need to take my "momacation", though!

a la mode fabric

Wowwie... great giveaway! I would use the fq set on a coordinating sracf and bag set ;) And make all my nonclever friends super jealous! LOL Thanks for the chance, Heather

December 16, 2009 7:30 AM

Great idea, Heather! Can't wait to see them! Your nonclever friends will be green with envy!

Congratulations to all the winners! Please email me your addresses so I can ship them off straight away!

War Wounds

2009-12-14T08:15:00.000-08:00

Sewing is serious business. We all have burns from irons. Well, I got the mother of all wounds on Friday. I sewed through my finger. Yep. Twice. Don't ask me how it happened, because I honestly don't know. All I know is I was sewing away and my machine stopped. I looked, and the needle was down...through my finger! Here's a little pic:I was the most popular patient in the ER. They removed the larger of the three pieces (yes-three). It took 3 people and a pair of heavy-duty pliers. Here's what they pulled out:
As I was sitting in my room, I heard the nurse yell down the hall :

"BARBARA! You should see the SIZE of that needle I just pulled out of that girl's finger."
...pause...
"The GIRL! The GIRL WHO SEWED THROUGH HER FINGER!!!"
Well, I'm glad I could be entertaining.

In case you're wondering, it didn't hurt at all when it happened. That came later. What hurt even worse was when they shot me up with Lydacaine. After some tetanus shots and a prescription for heavy duty antibiotics, I was sent home. I have to meet with an orthopedic surgeon to have the rest surgically removed. The worst part is I can't even sew with this huge metal brace on my finger!

In other news, the giveaway is still on schedule. Due to the huge turnout, I am thinking of adding two more prizes. Yep. That's right--FOUR chances to win!!
Watch your fingers-please!!

Denyse Schmidt Giveaway!

2009-12-09T10:41:00.000-08:00

I've stashed all my recent fabric purchases under my cutting table so as not to alarm my hubby. But he shouldn't be alarmed anyway, because they were all purchased with gift certificates. Lucky me! So I'm spreading the wealth!

Wilbur doesn't want me to tell you this...

But I'm giving away TWO fat quarter bundles of Hope Valley!To enter, leave a comment between now and next Wednesday, December 16th. Post a link on your blog and you'll have THREE chances to win! In your comment, tell me something interesting: either about yourself, or maybe what you would like to use the fat quarters for.

I've been working on a new project. Here's a sneak peek:This is just the rough layout. I'm still not completely sold on the background. And I have to add a bunch of little details still.

Happy stitching, peeps!

Fabric Binge, Part Two

2009-12-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

I received my huge Fat Quarter Shop order today! Yaaaay! This is all part of the graduation gift from my Mommy and Daddy. I ordered the entire line of Nicey Jane by Heather Bailey. My plan is to make patchwork curtains for my studio.

I also ordered a bunch of Meadowsweet by Sandi Henderson and some other miscellaneous prints.
I have been very blessed in the fabric department lately, so I've decided to pay it forward. I picked up 14 fat quarters of Denyse Schmidt's Hope Valley to use as a prize for my next giveaway! Keep your eyes peeled: I will most likely be announcing it tomorrow!

Lazy Sunday

2009-12-06T16:41:00.000-08:00

Today was a nice lazy Sunday. If my hubby hadn't volunteered to take me to Ikea at 6 pm, I wouldn't have made it out of my pajamas. Anyhoo, I found a fabulous bookcase and floral chair for the studio. Hubby was inconspicuously writing notes while we were there, so they may be my Christmas presents! Just guessing. One of the things I love about Ikea is they always play awesome movies on the TVs. Tonight it was "Mary Poppins" in the kids eating area, and "Singin' in the Rain" on all the other TVs.

I've got a big week of "To Do's" ahead of me:
I need to finish painting the dining room (I'm taking it over as an addition to my sewing room).
Work on my Joseph's Coat blocks.
Do some Christmas sewing
Work on my dresden quilt (above)

Its hard to believe how fast December is flying by. I haven't even started my Christmas cards yet! ...Better add that to the list!

Fabric and Friends

2009-11-30T17:15:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I said I was on a fabric diet. Well, it didn't work. I mean, really, is that even possible. So now I am happily off the wagon. And never getting back on. Lucky for me, my mommy and daddy got me a MONDO gift certificate for a graduation present. One was for Superbuzzy. So that stack above is some of what I got with it. Super yumminess. The other one is for Fat Quarter Shop, and that will take quite some time to spend. Its a rough job, but somebody's gotta do it!

Say hello to my friend Maja.

She's from Germany. Total hippie. Love her to death. She's got a smile that can light up this whole town (that's her cheesy smile). Yesterday I made her a little giftie. I had some fabric from Superbuzzy with German phrases on it (Different order than the previously mentioned order. Yes. I know. Its a problem.).

And I sewed a sweet little "I Love You" tag in to the binding on the back.

I've been spending a lot of time in the studio, sketching and sewing. I'm almost done with a SUPER CUTE applique pattern. My Aunt is still in town, so I've got to get as much done as I can while she's still here!

Happy stitching, peeps!

Rainbows

2009-11-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

Today was a quiet day...I ran some errands, then came back to sew. My Aunt is in town, so she wrangles the kids while I get to play. Lately I am all about rainbows.

I joined the Jacob's Coat Quilt-a-long. I had originally planned to use all blue fabrics, but after I got my fat quarter stack of Denyse Schmidt's Hope Valley, I just couldn't resist. Besides, I had a little birdie on my shoulder telling me to do it.

The photos of the fabric don't really do it justice: it is AMAZING in person!

Now go play with some rainbows!

Winners!!

2009-10-17T18:20:00.001-07:00

Good news, peeps! I have enough fabric for THREE kits! Woot woot! Without further ado, the winners are:

Kathie
Kay Prince
J. Rae

Congratulations, ladies! Please email me your mailing address and I will ship them out!!

Giveaway Time!

2009-10-11T15:42:00.001-07:00

It's finally here! My project is in AP&Q's "More Fast & Fabulous". Here it is, page 6!

And guess what? I still have some of the fabrics I used in the actual project. So I'm having a giveaway! Yaaay! I will cut them up tomorrow, I should be able to get enough for at least 2 kits, most likely more. So here's the drill:

Leave a comment on this post to enter the drawing before next Saturday, October 17th.

Post a link on your blog and get an extra entry

Good luck, peeps! I'll be back with an extra-special post tomorrow!

Light at the End of the Tunnel

2009-09-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

I can't believe its been a whole month since I blogged! Well, the quilt made it off in time for the photo shoot and is now on its way to Quilt Market. If any of you are going, it'll be hanging up in the Lecien booth.

I came home a couple of weeks ago to a package on my doorstep. Inside was a lovely note from Joy that literally brought me to tears. She had won a giveaway on my blog a few months ago, and after reading about my family getting robbed, she decided to send me and my babies a little giftie. She sent along a raggedy Ann doll (in the picture above), and two gorgeous lambs for Liberty and Wyatt. There isn't a picture of them because I literally cannot pry them away from them, and they are both asleep clutching them. But you can see a picture at the bottom of this post. Wyatt's kept the name Lambington, and Liberty named hers Joy. It was such an unexpected surprise that I still get all emotional thinking about it! Bug hugs to you Joy! You are such a wonderful, caring person!

I also received my lovely doll quilt in the mail from Jessica! I just love the munki munki prints and the awesome pebble quilting! This is going up on the studio wall!

And last but not least, one more addition to my Blythe family: a Bow Wow Trad (my dream doll), tentatively named Sabrina.

I've been busy sketching away on some BIG projects, but I can't show them for quite some time. Sorry for the tease! But, my project that is being published in More Fast and Fabulous (American Patchwork and Quilting) comes out this week! Woohoo! I will be having a giveaway to celebrate! I saved the fabrics that I used in the project, and I will be giving away as many kits as I can scrounge out of the stash!

Happy Stitching!

Chaos

2009-09-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

That's right: chaos. I'm going MIA, peeps. I've got a quilt going to Market. I have two more days to finish it before I send it off to the quilter. I was honored to be asked to design a quilt for the Lecien booth. It will be a free pattern on their website after Market. Some really cool people have already "been there, done that". Seriously. I feel like I've accientally sat at the "popular" table in the cafeteria, and its only a matter of time before they start throwing tater tots at me. Wish me luck. I'll need it!

My Inheritance

2009-08-13T06:12:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile will remember this emotional post about a year ago. Well, about a month ago I received the rest of my inheritance from my grandmother: two trunks of antique quilts! My mom (the quilt hoarder) has a lot more, but she let me have these :)

An antique scrap quilt. Most of these fabrics are leftovers from the other quilts in our family collection.

This is a well-loved and very faded quilt

Perfect hand piecing

I couldn't believe it when I saw this one (my hubby is a pilot)!

This one is just amazing: needle-turn applique and embroidery:

A closeup of one of the blocksAnother embroidery one, very faded:

I also got an antique sewing machine from my Aunt. She was using it as a table, and knew I would love it, so she gave it to me. Isn't that sweet? Something is stuck in the table, so I haven't been able to get the sewing machine out yet. My hubby will have to use his carpentry skills to fix it.

Here's the instruction manual:

The sewing feet in a velvet-lined metal box:

And the little drawers were still full of vintage notions!
Some threads:

And rick rack:

I love it all so much and feel so blessed to have received all these treasures from my family. If any of you have any advice for displaying and caring for antiques quilts, I'd love to hear it!

Mail Call!

2009-08-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

Today I got two books I had pre-ordered from Amazon. "Blogging For Bliss" and Tilda's new book "Sew Sunny Homestyle". "Blogging for Bliss" is just fabulous. If you haven't got it already, run out and get it!

I'm a big fan of Tilda, and I had seen some photos of her new book on Flickr. It was released in Norway last winter, I think. There was a cute little mouse in it, and I had no idea what projects were in this book, but I went ahead and ordered it. You can see all the pages I have marked already! And that was within 10 minutes of opening the box!

Here's what's first up on my "must make" list:
How cute are those "cake" pincushions??

I know a couple of friends who would like one of these:

A jewlery keeper:

Ta-da!! The adorable mouse! He needs to be in my sewing room!

And look at these cute little houses!

So you all know what I'll be up to. My quilt buddy Stef has been showing me up with all of her completed projects. She got me inspired to get back to work on my UFO's. Back to the sewing room!

Whew!

2009-07-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

I've been busy.

Chasing after this one (Lord help me, he's a climber!)

I got two new girls.

Emma, a custom by Melacacia, inspired by Jane Austen

And Jenna, the 2009 Anniversary Girl

Yes, I've gone crazy in Blythe land! What can I say? They are my muses!
Lots of cute stuff to show you soon.
Until then, enjoy the sunshine!

One Year Later

2009-06-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

Remember this little picture?

Here he is one year later!

Wyatt had his first birthday on the farm. He even got his own little cake! This is what he did when Daddy brought it over to him:

After that first bite he wasn't so sure if it was worth all the excitement.

Maybe he won't have a sweet tooth like his mommy!

Watching the Storm Roll In

2009-06-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

There comes a time for all bloggers when you question whether or not to talk about something in your blog. You have to decide if you want to cross that line. Well, this is my time. I've decided to share something with you. Maybe because if I put it out there, I can move on. Or maybe because if one of you has been through something similar, you can offer me some advice. So here goes.

Over a week ago, my husband, my two babies, Wilbur and myself set off to drive cross-country to my parent's farm in Idaho. We left one evening, and by midnight, Wyatt started getting sick. Really sick. We ended up stopping at the Toledo, Ohio Children's Hospital. I thought they'd give him an IV and he'd be fine. Well, he wasn't. It was very scary. They ended up admitting him to the hospital. I spent the first day sitting next to his crib, holding his limp little hand that was all bandaged up with tubes taped all over it. He was so sick, and so pitiful, all I could do was cry. After two days without sleep, I started to doze off in the hospital chair.

My phone rang.

It was my husband, calling to tell me that our car was broken in to. While I was at the hospital with Wyatt, he and Liberty were staying at a hotel. The hotel security guard scared them off. But not before they got my purse. I never leave my purse, or anything valuable in the car. And either does my husband. But that night, he had to carry my sleeping daughter and puppy and an overnight bag in to the hotel. As he was getting ready to go back to the car to bring our stuff in, hotel security called.

In my purse was my first Blythe doll, Fiona (those of you who have been reading my blog will be familiar with her), our digital camera, and a bunch of "little things": baby toys, diaper, wipes, a book...you know how Mom purses are.

And my wedding rings.

That's right. A complete bad stroke of luck that they were even in there. There is no material object that cannot be replaced, other than my wedding rings. I know we've all heard these stories before.

I was not prepared for the emotional turmoil this would bring. Every day I try to focus on the important things: Wyatt is healthy again (after 3 days at the Children's Hospital), it could've been a lot worse, and my family is safe. My husband missed crossing paths with these criminals by minutes.

But I cannot get over the disgust that someone out there has my things. Someone has my wedding rings. The rings I was supposed to wear for a lifetime. Gone in a matter of minutes.

What really disgusts me, is that these criminals walked up to my car, looked in the window, saw two little car seats, and smashed my windows, filling the carseats with shards of glass. When they got away with my purse, they saw a mom's purse. Toys, diapers. Did they ever pause and think about the family they had affected? What we now have to go through? Weeks and weeks of insurance claims, paperwork, and car repairs. We had to get the windows replaced. We need to get the damaged passenger door replaced, new keys, new locks, new ignition keys (because they have my keys as well), we're still finding pieces of glass all over the interior of the car. We have to file three insurance claims: one for the damage to the car, one for my jewlery, and one for all the stolen goods. Along with that we have to meet three separate deductibles.

But will I ever feel safe again? Will I ever stop thinking "what if"?

Tonight I sat on the front porch of my parent's farmhouse and watched a storm roll in. It was so quiet, just the distant sounds of thunder, the smell of rain and a cool breeze. The storm stayed for awhile, then was gone. And like a cliche, the sun broke through the clouds and I saw a rainbow.

Thanks for the sign, Big Guy. I know you're looking out for me.

And the Winner Is...

2009-06-06T05:36:00.000-07:00

The winner of the giveaway is....Bonnie!! Bonnie, I've sent you an email requesting your address. To everyone else, thank you so much for your comments! I wish I could send a package to all of you (THAT would be a great Oprah moment..."You get fabric! And you get fabric...Fabric for EVERYONE!!). I just love having giveaways! Maybe I'll have to do an Idaho giveaway while I'm there...they have fabulous quilt shops!

Well, today will be a big day. I'm meeting up with two Bloggy peeps, Cara and Stef. We all met through an on-line swap (more on that later). And then I'm on the road to Idaho for a month! I will be blogging and getting lots of sewing done (grandparents make the best babysitters), so keep checking in!

Fabric Cuff

2009-06-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon the cutest tutorial yesterday...a fabric cuff. How fun! I whipped one up this morning with some Cotton Blossom fabric. This is definitely one of those "make up a dozen and keep for gifts" ideas! You can find the tutorial here. Happy stitching!

Giveaway Time!

2009-06-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

I've been gone for awhile! We had a couple of trips planned, and then, well...I went on a Blythe binge! Lucky for me, I have a good friend who is Blythe-obsessed as well. That's a pic of our girls when we met up at the mall. Seriously, we could talk for hours (and sometimes we do!) about our "girls"!
Last Saturday night, we had our first "Sew-cial" at the shop! We had customers come from as far away as New Hampshire to attend. It was a blast! Wonderful food, and fabulous prizes (and I mean fabulous...brand new quilt books, fabric bundles, and patterns). We do everything top notch at Epicurean! :)

Now what you all really want to hear about: the giveaway! I felt so bad that I didn't buy more fabric at sample spree for the giveaway that I scrounged up some!
So there you have it! A stack-o-magazines (special issues, too!), patterns, little goodies....and fabric!! I am including 6 Minny Muu fat quarters to go along with the Melly & Me pattern (top right), a Lakehouse charm pack, and a Fig Tree jelly roll from my stash!

Here's what to do: Leave a comment between now and Friday night at midnight for 1 entry. Post a link on your blog, and you'll get 3 entries! I am leaving town this weekend for a month in Idaho, so I will be mailing it out Saturday morning!! Good luck everyone!

Missing Camera

2009-05-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, its not really missing. Hubby to it to upstate New York (he wants to move us there...eeek!). So the giveaway pics will have to wait. I feel so bad that I didn't pick up more fabric at sample spree for the giveaway, that I'm going to add some to it to make it up to y'all! In the meantime, check out the MASSIVE giveaway at Pink Chalk (http://pinkchalkstudio.com/blog/).

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig!

2009-05-16T19:54:00.001-07:00

My market trip is officially over! :( I had so much fun! I've always read the blogs of those who get to go, and this time it was my turn! My favorite part was meeting all the celebrities! Here's me with Sandy Klop, aka American Jane:
She is seriously one of the nicest people I have EVER met! She even gave me advice on sewing curved seams! I think I should show up on her doorstep with my fabric, ready to hang out and sew. What do you think?

Yes, I got my picture with Anne Sutton! Her new Christmas BOM was just gorgeous, and she has a new squirrel pincushion and a cute cute table runner!
I know I promised more booth pictures. Here's Michael Miller, my favorite booth! The picture doesn't really do it justice. It was beautiful! I could've moved right in! ANd the fabrics...yummy! The shop owner picked up a few lines.

And here's Patty Young's display at Michael Miller.On our way out of town, we stopped for a quick bite at a 'famous' sandwich shop. And I don't remember the name! They put coleslaw AND fries on their sandwiches! Here's Tara's sandwich:

Liberty tried her hardest to wait up for me. When I got to her room, this is what I found:
That's her giant "crock-o-dy-yal" from Ikea. He's about 6 feet long! I guess I'll have to wait for the morning to get my hugs and squeezes!

Tomorrow we're off to the lake for a few days. I have the mother of all giveaways planned, so stay tuned! I've got tons and tons of market swag that I am giving away! Yep, I'm going to give it to some lucky reader. Okay, not all of it, but let's just say there will be magazines, patterns, doo-dads, and MAYBE my Moda bag (hubby says its too hard to ship, so we'll see). I'm restricting it to my blog followers only, so if you haven't checked the little "follow" button, you'd better hurry!

Spring Market, Day 2

2009-05-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

I'm back, peeps! Today was awesome! I got to meet my favorite lady, Bren! Please excuse the insane picture! I really do not like getting my picture taken, so this is a big deal that I am posting this at all! On the other hand, doesn't Bren look just gorgeous?! Love you, Bren!
And here Tara and I are with Barri from "Bareroots", which you have all probably figured out I am obsessed with!
After a long day of shopping the booths, it was time for the Moda party! Here's our ride:

Isn't it cute inside? The food was fabulous!

Cara and I started playing with her Blythe dolls at the Moda party. We got a lot of interesting looks, but we sure had a lot of fun posing them! Here they are lounging:

Now for the celebrity sightings:
Jennifer Chiaverini
Amy Butler
Heather Bailey
Alex Anderson
Lynette Anderson
Camille and Bonnie
Joana from Fig Tree
Anne Sutton
Sandy Gervais
oh, and I also completely accosted Pam and Elizabeth. Sorry 'bout that.

I promise tomorrow I will take pics of the booths! I was a little overwhelmed today! And I'm still working on a giveaway for y'all!

Sample Spree

2009-05-14T20:14:00.001-07:00

I survived! To be quite honest, I was a little terrified of getting run over by zealous quilters. Overall, everyone was pretty nice and orderly. There was only one booth I REALLY wanted to go to (nope, not Moda-Lecien!), and I got to it right away. So, here's a pic of me, post-sample spree.
Now that I look at it, its a pretty lame picture. Sorry. I was trying to be witty. Now, what you really want to see: the booty! (NO, not that booty. Get your minds out of the gutter!)
This is a sneak peek. When I unwrap everything, I'll post better pics. I got two fat quarter bundles from Lecien: "Flower Sugar" (to DIE for! Start bugging you LQS now!), and a mixed Lecien bundle, from Moda, the new American Jane, "Happy Camper"...WAY cute! I also picked up a few patterns and a charm pack of Lakehouse's new line.

As for the celebrity sightings...aack! Driving up to the parking garage I saw Lynette Anderson. Inside, I saw Bonnie and Camille, Eleanor Burns, Holly Holderman, Heather Mulder Peterson, Lori Smith and Lizze B Cr8tive! Very surreal!

Tomorrow I'm off to tour the booths, and as long as the booth vendors allow it, I will take more fabulous pictures!

Cottage Caddy

2009-05-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post some pics of my upcoming tutorial: "Cottage Caddy". It was the only name I could think of on the spot. Sorry. Anyhoo, its a pouch that opens in the back:

Perfect for carrying some notions to class or on the road. I need to make another one to work out a few kinks I had. Then I'll get it all put in a PDF for you and post it. Unfortunately, it probably won't be for another week or so (I'll going out of town 3 times in the next 2 weeks!).

I am horribly unprepared for Market tomorrow. I am also hobbling around thanks to my trainer. What I need to do is take a nice soak in a bubble bath and read a good book! I will be twittering during market (knock on wood), so those of you that cannot go can live vicariously through me!

Cotton Time

2009-05-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

I got the latest issue of Cotton Time in the mail this weekend. For those of you that aren't familiar with Cotton Time, it is a quilting and sewing magazine from Japan. I order mine from Superbuzzy. The magazine is entirely in Japanese, but you can pretty much figure out how to make the items from their diagrams and your own sewing knowledge. I am completely obsessed with this magazine! I've been carrying this issue around with me all weekend, pouring over it! One of the projects I am going to make is the small quilt pictured above. Here's their diagram on how to make it:
It uses curved seams, which I've never done in quilting before. I love the scrappy chic look of it!

There was also a feature on this designer:

I'm not sure what her name is, but I know she designs for Lecien, because I recognize the fabric designs!

Expect to see this bag soon! A perfect way to use some of my treasured Japanese fabric stash!

Each issue has a few pages of quilt block designs:

I saw this series of blocks and just loved it. One thing I love about this magazine is the scrappy looks. They use fun, bright colors, and don't pay too much mind to being "matchy-matchy". I am going to make a quilt with this philosophy: fabrics I love, and lots of them!

For all you Janiacs out there, look at this! A Dear Jane quilt!

So that's it! I hope you have found Cotton Time as inspiring as I have! I've been working on a new pattern for you all, but have run in to technical difficulties. Once I get it all ironed out, I'll be posting it. Oh, and most importantly: I'm off to Spring Quilt Market on Thursday!! Thursday evening I will be at Sample Spree, so wish me luck!

Aaaah...Nap Time

2009-04-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

This is what nap time looks like for mommy: Blogging, snacks, new Japanese quilt books and TV. Yes, TV in my bedroom. We just got a TV this past weekend, and its the first time I've ever had one in my bedroom. Todd and I are both pretty anti-TV in the bedroom, but I decided I needed one to keep me company while he's out of town. And I'm just loving it!

Guess what I got in the mail last week?! My quilt from Doll Quilt Swap 6!!
Isn't it GORGEOUS??!! I absolutely LOVE it! I almost died when I opened the box! It came with some other goodies, but I'll have to post those pics later, cause my camera battery died!! THe quilt is made from Darla fabric, which I absolutely adore! I cannot wait to put it up on my studio wall! I feel so special that super-talented Tina made such a beautiful quilt! Thank you again, Tina! You're the best!

I'm still here!

2009-04-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

I bet you all thought I disappeared! Well, as I mentioned in my last post, I went up to Pennsylvania to work at the Lancaster quilt show. It was a lot of fun, and a lot of work! The first day of the show (I had already been there a few days by then), my special friend Cara came up. It was the first time we got to meet in person. I got about a 45 min break to "power shop" with her. She did all the reconnaissance work throughout the day, and staked out the top booths! So off we went!
Our first stop was the quilt books. I picked up Piece O Cake's "Aunt Millie's Garden". I've been eyeing it for awhile, but after this torture, I just couldn't take it anymore. I also got Fig Tree's new book, and "Material Obsession"--which I would've bought for the quilt on the cover alone! I love vintage style quilts with a twist! And see the "Mother Earth" book? Well, the author was THERE!! Yes, she was! I got mine signed for Liberty and Wyatt.

I also managed to do a little shopping in the booth I was working at, LOL! I picked up some wool and a kit/pettern for a bag with yummy Lakehouse fabric. The last booth we made it to was the same one I saw and loved at Hampton--The Christmas Shoppe in New Hampshire. I grabbed some Lecien Durham fat quarters and a BOM pattern just as they were closing. And guess what I saw there? Bren's new quilt, "Benji's Pockets"! I was so excited! It is just beautiful, and seriously, there are never any good quilt patterns for boys, let alone FABULOUS ones! So I planned on going back the next day when I got a break so I could take a picture (gotta figure out all those fabulous fabrics).

Well, guess what? I got a call from my hubby--Liberty was throwing up. Inexplicably, I burst in to tears. I could hear her in the background whimpering for mommy. It was decided by me and the girls that I would go home. I hemmed and hawed, but I'm sure glad I did, because when I walked through the door at 2 a.m., little Wyatt had started throwing up. I spent that day at the hospital with Liberty. She was seriously dehydrated, and with little kids, that can get really scary, really fast. I caught a little nap here and there with her on the hospital bed. Other than that, my husband and I didn't really sleep for days. Poor Wyatt almost had to go to the hospital, too. I spent a whole day feeding him Pedialite through a syringe. But they recovered, just in time for me to catch what they had!

Long story short, guess what appeared in my mailbox yesterday? The "Benji's Pockets" pattern! Thank you so much Bren! You really are my "Quilting Guardian Angel"!! Now I am carefully picking out my fabrics, and getting so excited to start sewing!! My poor baby boy needs his own special quilt!

When I came home, there was a package from Superbuzzy in my studio that I had ordered before I left. I get so much of my inspiration from all the Japanese fabrics.

I loved this panel:

The words are all German. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it, but I HAD to have it!

I also picked out this adorable felt deer kit, along with some cute half-yards. I'm all about Matrioshka's lately!

Whew! That's it for me, peeps! Happy stitching!

Snapshots of My Day...& a Recipe!

2009-03-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

Fabric set out for my next projectA dress for Liberty in the works (Pop Garden fabric)

Wyatt's first solo

Japanese fabric from Etsy

Bubblegum Basics (by Quilt Soup) stash

Tomorrow I have another quilt class. This one is going to be a fun one! But then, aren't they all? On the menu?? Chicken salad croissants, strawberries & cream cupcakes, fresh lemonade, and a charm pack quilt! We will be using Moda charm packs to make Miss Rosie's Plan C mini quilt.

The batter for the strawberry cupcakes (recipe at the end of the post!)

I leave Tuesday morning for a quilt show in Lancaster, Pennsylvannia. I'll be working at the shop's booth. Daddy will be taking the week off of work to watch the babies. To be quite honest, I'm a little terrified. Not about him taking care of them, but of being away from my babies. I have never been away from Wyatt for more than a few hours, I've been away from Liberty for one night. I don't know if I will survive! Hopefully I will be so busy that I won't be all weepy!

Now, for the recipe. Its one of my "arsenal" recipes. You know, those ones you pull out when you really want to impress people? Well, this one is perfect! You'll never find a better cupcake recipe.

Strawberries and Cream Cupcakes

Cupcake batter:
¼ lb butter, softened
1-cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 ¼ cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1/3 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 ½ cups sliced strawberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Insert liners into medium cupcake pan.
In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time. Beat well.
In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix for 3 minutes. With rubber spatula, fold in strawberries and vanilla.
Fill cupcake liners one-half to three-quarters full. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
6 T butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

In a medium bowl, cream together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly sift in powdered sugar. Fold in vanilla. Frost.

Winners!

2009-03-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

I was right when I said I couldn't leave the quilt shop empty handed! Look at the yummy Minny Muu fabric (on the right) I came back with! Isn't it just cheerful? Hmmm...I sense another giveaway coming soon!
I've also made some headway on my quilt for the Doll Quilt Swap 6. I hope my partner likes it! I still need to add a few little things and some embroidery before I quilt it and ship it off!

Okay...now for the winners! The winner of the Moda flannel is....Joy! And the Moda U charms go to...Julie Isa! Ladies, please email me your mailing address and I will ship them off to you! There's a link to my email on my profile page! Congratulations, ladies! Everyone else, stay tuned for the next giveaway!

A Good Day

2009-03-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. It was my first official day in my new studio. It was a dream! I started off by plugging in my iPod and dancing with Liberty. It was one of those moments when you just feel so blessed. I feel so blessed to be able to stay home with my babies, and dance if we want to!

Then I worked on a few projects: some hexies, a new pattern, and my Autumn House BOM.

Wilbur got a new bed yesterday. Isn't it cute?Of course, it didn't take him long to fall asleep. Lazy dog! Yucky lighting behind him. I still need to find a cute lamp. There's no overhead lighting fixtures in the room. If there was, I'd hang a chandelier!

Tomorrow I'm off to teach beginning quilting, my favorite class to teach. Then I'm sure I will manage to come home with some more Pop Garden and Minny Muu fabric. Hey, I've got a doll quilt to make!

Studio Makeover, Part One--& a Giveaway!

2009-03-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

One of my New Year's resolutions was to remodel my studio. Over the last 10 days, I have repainted the walls a light yellow and purchased new furniture from Ikea. I spent the last two days alone, just going through all my stash!! I am exhausted! Here's another shot from a different angle:
As you can see, I've still got a lot of work to do:
New lighting
Window treatments
Decorate the walls
Find a better sewing chair
But I am loving it so far! Everything is organized (for now!). I got rid of a lot, and am planning on putting some things up on eBay. I have the Moda "Piece & Plenty BOM" to sell. I only did the first block. So if any of you are interested in purchasing it, send me an offer! I will also be listing on eBay a "Dandelion Girl" jelly roll.
I also have 2 complete Fig Tree charm packs (I think its Dandelion Girl, but I'm not sure, because I removed the packaging), a couple of Moda U tins (they have materials and instructions for one block, plus a pattern for a whole quilt), and a whole mess of Moda flannel that I started cutting in to squares to make a rag quilt (I think its Northwestern Flight. I also have about 4 yards backing). Sooo....how about a giveaway? I'll divide it into 2 prizes: the charm packs and Moda U tins, and the 'manly' flannel. To win, just make a comment on this post between now and midnight Friday night. Good luck!

Hampton Quilt Show

2009-03-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a very exciting day-I went to the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival in Hampton, Virginia. I went with some new quilting friends, and we had a blast! The pictures are all over the place, because, well...I was all over the place! I think I've got them a little more organized, so here we go! First off, the quilts!

I loved this outfit. I just LOVE bluebirds!

Now, for the shopping! I came across an adorable little booth by a shop from New Hampshire. They definitely got a portion of my economic stimulus package! The owner was super nice and she had a gorgeous selection of Lecien fabric and trims! If any of you live near the shop, its definitely worth checking out. The rest f us will just have make do with their website!The first thing that caught my eye was two quilts by Bren. Imagine my shock when I heard the owner telling another customer that they were the actual samples made by Bren herself! With a gasp, I pulled out my camera and started clicking away. It was like seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre!

I know a lot of you would've loved this little booth...it was all vintage trims and linens!

Now for a few pics of my loot! I picked up Elly Sienkiewicz's "Baltimore Elegance", since a Baltimore Album quilt is my next big project!

A few vintage finds for my studio remodel

And some fabric! The bright polka-dot fabric is for a project using these, I'll being making some hexies out of the "Baskets of Flowers" charm pack, a "Soiree" jelly roll for a quilt for MOI, and a stack of Lecien fat quarter!

And, lastly, a little announcement. I've been delaying telling you all this, just in case it fell through. But since the contract is signed, I think it might be okay. Yep, that's it, down below, along with some fabric I am using in a new pattern (more on that later).Anyhoo, I sold the rights to a pattern to the AP&Q magazine family. The pattern is going to be published in their upcoming special issue, "More Fast & Fabulous" (a follow-up to last year's "Fast & Fabulous"). I owe it all to Monica, for making me send a picture of the project to the magazine. Seriously, she is a total rock star. I wish she would adopt me. I could follow her around all day and say things like, "Yes, Monica. That's perfect, Monica. You are so fabulous, Monica." And overall, just bask in her creative fabulosity. Okay, back on track. I made the project using my stash of April Cornell fabric from about 2 years ago. In celebration of the 'launch' of the magazine, I am going to be giving away kits on my blog! So keep checking back.
Happy stitching!

What I've been working on...

2009-02-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

Bet you didn't know I'm a knitter! Well, I am! I used to do more knitting, but with two babies, I have to prioritize my hobbies! So, of course, quilting took the lead. That's my biggest knitting UFO. Its going to be a shawl. The yarn is just to die for! Super soft, and the colors are gorgeous!
I've also been busy appliqueing! I got block one of Anne Sutton's Autumn House just about done. I still have a little bit of embroidery to do. Then I will start on her free block of the month, "A Tiskit, a Tasket". I've been stockpiling my fabrics for that. I will be using Moda's Simplicity and Lakehouse. I found a quilt shop that still has the entire Simplicity line, so I've been buying it one half yard at a time! :)
Happy stitching, everyone!

Happy Birthday to ME!

2009-02-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday. Yay. My husband packed me off to the spa. It was exhausting. Mostly because it is located at the mall, so I managed to do some browsing while I was there. Now I need another massage to recover! The only photo I have today is of the munchkins. Liberty took a break from torturing her little brother and posed for some cute pictures (just kidding...she's usually pretty sweet to him). She even got in a couple of kisses.
I've started block one of Bunny Hill's "Autumn House". I love it! I have been eagerly checking my mailbox since December 26th for its arrival. It finally got here around the 24th of January. I'll post some pics when I get it done. I finally got all the samples done for the shop, so now its all about meeeee! Hooray! I hardly know where to begin! :)

No camera!

2009-01-26T17:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I am without a camera again! DH took it to California this week, so there will be no new pictures until he gets back. In the meantime, I thought I'd give you all a little "Ode to Etsy".

I LOVE Etsy. LOVE LOVE LOVE. There are so many fabulous things there, and usually very affordable. I always feel good about buying on Etsy, because I feel like I am supporting an artist. With the economy being in the shambles the way it is, I think the grassroots method is the best way I can help. So I decided to share a few things from my 'favorites' section. (The photos are linked to the seller's site)

Artwork by laurenalexander

Pin topper by gigiminor

Felt pattern by littledeer (I ordered mine today!)

Headbands by xoxotova

Embroidery patterns by loopsies

Tote bay by Prettylittlethings

Artwork by Dudadaze

Pincushions by The Daily Pincushion

I encourage you all to check Etsy out (if you haven't already). Its also a great place to find fabric!! Just go to the search box, type in your favorite things, and start browsing. Help support an artist/fellow crafter!

2009-01-22T19:06:00.000-08:00

I finished another project: Amy Butler's "Sophia" purse. Its for a class I will be teaching at the shop. There is a LOT of pattern pieces to cut out, but it is SO worth it! The purse is fabulous! It turned out nice and sturdy. Here's a picture of the inside:It's got four nice big pockets inside. I've also been playing around with Helen's "Colourque" technique! What a blast! If you've ever colored in a coloring book before, you can do this. Here's my first attempt:I still have to quilt it, so I'll show an update then. I am also teaching a class about the technique.
In other news, I started a new math (yuck!) class. My husband, aka the smartest person on the planet, has graduate studies in math, so I thought, "I should get him to help me." Big mistake. FOUR hours later, he's still upstairs, making "notes" for me. So I abandoned him and came down here to blog. He claims his mind just works at too high of a level to deal with this "low-level math". Ha! I can barely handle this "low-level math". However, if all the questions were phrased as quilt math problems, I could probably figure it out! :)

Fat man in a little stroller

2009-01-19T16:54:00.000-08:00

So I'm writing my term paper, when I heard Todd singing "faaaat maaan in a little stroller...faaat maaan in a little stroller" I look up, and there's Wyatt in a doll stroller! In case you don't know the 'fat man' reference, there's a clip here.
I've been busy busy making samples for the shop and writing papers for school. Yuck! Almost done! I'm already dreaming of the things I'm going make for me! I'm rolling into a new decade in less than 2 weeks. Not very happy. I will accpet your condolences.

Zippered Pouch Tutorial

2009-01-17T12:40:00.000-08:00

I'm always looking for some "cute" thing to carry my miscellaneous sewing supplies in for trips, classes and whatnot. With the arrival of a "Darla" fabric grab bag, I came up with the following pattern. Its roomy enough to carry a bunch of stuff, and quick to make. I made mine without a strap, but I included directions for one, since I know some people prefer them.

Here we go! What you'll need:

2 10 ½” squares for outside
2 10 ½” squares for lining
2 10 ½ x 3 ½” rectangles for contrast fabric
11” or longer all-purpose zipper
Coordinating thread
2 10 ½ x 9 ½ “ pieces of quilt batting
*12 x 4” strip for strap (optional)

* for optional strap: Press 12 x 4” strip in half, lengthwise. Open and fold sides toward center. Press. Topstitch along edges.

Press under ½” on one long side of each contrasting rectangle fabric.
Line up raw edges along top and sides with 10 ½” squares for outside of clutch. Topstitch, using coordinating thread and a ¼” seam.Press under ½” along top edges of both rectangles. Line up zipper along top of fabric. Mark zipper tape along the edge of fabric. Make sure zipper pull is 1/4" away from other side of fabric. Take a needle and thread and whipstitch across zipper teeth, 1/4" in from mark. Clip excess zipper tape off.Open up seam allowances, center along zipper tape, and line up raw edges with outside of zipper tape, right sides together. Sew zipper to fabric. Repeat for other side, turning over seam allowances when done. Press under ½” along top edges of lining fabric squares. Layer outside fabric wrong side up, quilt batting square, the lining fabric right side up. Line up quilt batting along bottom and sides of outside fabric. Pin. Topstitch along edges of zipper.In order to stay close to zipper, I stop about an inch from the zipper pull. With the needle down, I lift the presser foot and pull the zipper back behind the needle. Then I continue sewing to the end.*If you choose to add a strap: Fold strap in half and pin to right side of outside fabric, about 1” down from zipper. Pin length of strap to center of outside fabric so that it does not get caught in seam.

Flip lining fabric so that it is right sides together and sew along sides and bottom, leaving a 2” opening in the center of the bottom for turning. Square two bottom corners by opening up pouch, match side seams, measure up 2" from point and mark. Stitch across line and clip corners. Repeat for outside fabric. Turn pouch right side out and slip stitch opening in lining closed. Insert lining into pouch. You’re done!

Say hello to my little friend!

2009-01-04T13:01:00.001-08:00

I caught the Blythe fever! In case you haven't heard of Blythe before, they are dolls from Japan. Well, I finally got my first one. Her name is Fiona, and above is a picture of her in an outfit I made. I'm thinking of making Blythe clothes and selling them on Etsy to support my habit! Liberty was a little confused when she first showed up (What? A doll for Mommy?!). But now she is completely fascinated by her. She'll stand in front of her and just stare. I have some more fun stuff coming in the mail this week, so I'll be posting more pictures then!

New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everybody! I figured I should put my New Year's resolutions out there...maybe it will make me more accountable. So here they are:
1. Make time for myself (all you moms out there know what I'm talking about)
2. Sew something just for me (maybe I'll start with the BOM above)
3. Stop being so nit-picky about my sewing mistakes
4. Eat healthier
5. Figure out Adobe Photoshop
6. Decorate my sewing "studio"
Now how about the rest of you?

Two Posts in One Day!

2008-12-21T15:28:00.000-08:00

I have an extra post for you all today! I went in to the shop and decided to show some pictures.
Here is my favorite part of the shop--the fat quarter table! It's just beautiful!

Here is my favorite sample from the shop. Its a wool sampler, and we have it in a kit. I'm definitely going to be making this one!

Here is a picture of our wall that has samples of different wool projects:

This case has samples of some punch-needle and Bareroots stitcheries.

Some more wool pictures:

A new Fig Tree line:

Part of our Amy Butler line:

And, finally, here is a sample of a Bareroots pattern, stitched by Barri herself!

Triangle Fat Quarter Folding

2008-12-21T10:05:00.000-08:00

I have a fun little tutorial for you all: Triangle fat quarter folding. Its a great way to fold fat quarters to give as a gift. Here we go:

First, lay out your fat quarter and fold into thirds, lengthwise.

Tuck up the lower left-hand corner. This is what will make the point of your first triangle. It may take a little adjusting until you get the hang of it. Start folding from the bottom right-hand side.
Continue folding until there is a small flap left. Tuck flap inside.Now stack, criss-cross style. Tie with a ribbon or piece of twine and you're done!

Stop Right There, Janice!

2008-12-14T18:47:00.000-08:00

Sorry...had to give my Aunt one more warning...I'm posting a picture of her Christmas gift, and I don't want her to peek! So, here it is!It's the "Pick A Pocket" tote bag that was in Quilts & More, and designed by the fabulous Monica. When I was back in Idaho, I took my Aunt to the quilt shop to help her pick out the fabrics. She had a hard time doing it herself--I think she went to the shop like 3 or 4 times. They must've thought she was a stalker. So, those are the fabrics we picked out. Its Amy Butler and Freespirit fabric. She wanted it to be 'stiff', so I added some buckram. Let me tell you, that was an adventure! I think I broke 3 sewing needles. I didn't have any bigger needles, and the Jo-Ann's by my house is closing in February (they are moving just down the street) so they are running out of inventory and not ordering anymore! Aargh! Its like a twisted, sewing version of a "Got Milk?" commercial!

Mental Sanity...

2008-12-11T16:38:00.000-08:00

I'm getting there! I've been a little overwhelmed lately. I had to actually write down a list of all the things I need to do and prioritize it. Instead of shuffling around my house like a crazy woman, trying to figure out what I should do first, I had a nice little piece of paper to tell me. So...I finally finished little Ella's quilt.Her mommy picked out the fabric-Woodland Bloom. I also finished an appliqué pillow for a class I will be teaching in a few months. No picture yet, though--my camera battery died! So be prepared for more pictures tomorrow!

Mailbox Love from Japan!

2008-12-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

I got a HUGE surprise in my mailbox today!! A package from Lecien. It technically came from California (from a lovely woman named Nireko). To make a long story short, Monica, who knows Nireko, told her about my previous post and my Minni Muu love. So Nireko got my address from her and mailed me some gorgeous COSMO embroidery floss! And let me tell you...it is the silkiest embroidery floss I have ever felt! She even sent along a portfolio of all of their colors. It has the actual floss on it, not just a color image. All I have to say is..."Goodbye, DMC!" I don't think I'll ever be able to go back.

I'll have more posts soon. I know I've been missing for awhile (holidays and all that), but I have a lot of finished projects to show you!

The Hunt for Minny Muu is Over!

2008-11-20T18:19:00.001-08:00

All right! All you people scouring the web looking for Minny Muu Volume 3: your search is over! As I mentioned, I recently started working for a local quilt shop, Epicurean Crafts.
I talked the owner into carrying Minny Muu fabric! Okay...she didn't take much convincing--she saw it at Houston and thought it was adorable.
You've probably seen the fabric on Monica's blog, or on Melly & Me. The owner is in the process of overhauling the shop's webpage, but you should be able to pre-order it now. It will be arriving in the next couple of weeks, and I CANNOT wait to start sewing with it! I'm definitely going to have to make the "Once Upon a Time" BOM and Monica's Happy Zoo quilt (its a free pattern!), and maybe a purse, or a skirt for Liberty....okay, I'll stop myself now!

And the Winner Is...

2008-11-20T08:37:00.000-08:00

I called my random number generator (Aunt Janice) and she said number 17! Congratulations Conni! Please email me your address (there's a link on my profile page) so I can mail it to you before I leave town for the holidays. For all of you who were not winners this time, there are more giveaways to come!

Now for a couple of sneak peeks. Here are some pictures of what I'm working on for the shop:

Announcement...and a Giveaway!

2008-11-11T18:35:00.000-08:00

**Clarification: You have until midnight on Wednesday, November 19th to enter in the giveaway!**

I have an announcement to make! I have recently taken a job teaching quilting and embroidery classes at my favorite quilt shop! I am so excited! I barely want to talk about it in case I jinx it! Its a wonderful shop with wonderful women who work there, and I will tell you more about it in the days and weeks to come!

Now for the giveaway! Below is a sneak peek...there may be some more surprises in the winner's box! Here's the rules:
Leave a comment between now and next Wednesday and tell me either your favorite class you ever took at a quilt shop, or one you would like to take. Post a link to the giveaway on your blog and you'll get another chance to win! I will randomly select a winner Thursday morning. Good luck!

Cinderberry Stitches--Done!

2008-11-06T13:43:00.000-08:00

I finally finished my Cinderberry Stitches embroidery. All I have left is to quilt it, but I'm going to have to wait awhile...I still have the Shangri-La quilt on my machine. Its taking me awhile to finish that and take care of the babies at the same time! I should have it done this weekend. Here's a close up:I also got my Ottobre magazine. I ordered it on Monday from Australia, and it arrived with the mail this afternoon! In case you don't know about Ottobre, its a pattern magazine, so it has patterns for all the clothing shown.

I love the jacket and bubble skirt!Wouldn't this dress be fabulous in Heather Bailey fabric?

BOM

2008-11-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

I signed up for the Autumn House Block-of-the-Month by Bunny Hill Designs. It starts in January, and I can't wait!

I also saw some swatches of the Oh-Cherry-Oh line by Moda coming out in February. I am drooling! I might even have to make Liberty a cute dress out of it.Is anyone out there going to Spring Quilt Market in Chicago this April? I told my husband, "I am GOING!" I wanted to go to the one in Houston, but we went to Disneyworld around the same time. So Spring Market will be my "momacation"!

...and boy are my arms tired!

2008-11-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

I have been machine quilting all day, and boy are my arms tired! I definitely need to get some of those quilting gloves to help hold the fabric. Anyway, it is not nearly as scary as I thought it would be. I can tell this is going to be a whole new outlet for me!

Of course, I had a devoted audience:

My happy boy (his hair is growing in blond!!)

Wilbur has a talent of finding the most comfortable seat in the house:

Back to the grindstone!

Sewing Away!

2008-10-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

I've been busy sewing away! I'm finishing up my Cinderberry Stitches project, preparing two quilts for machine quilting, peicing two more quilt tops, and I just started the Moda Mystery Designer block-of-the-month. I just love the fabric! Especially the mint and chocolate one! Makes me hungry. I also finished another Dear Jane block:
I had a really hard time getting a picture of this one: my camera wouldn't focus right, and it kept curling up on me (it's only about 4 inches square, and has a lot of seams!).
I have also started designing a few quilts: a miniature quilt, and a combination pieced and appliquéd quilt about the life story of one of my ancestors...she was quite the character. She was a pioneer woman, farmer's wife, writer, and preacher! I will be posting some of her writings, so keep an eye out for those!

Stafford Quilt Show

2008-10-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy quilt weekend for me so far! I had the quilt class Friday night (which was a blast), my first Bernina class today, and then I hit a small quilt show afterward.

The Bernina class was amazing! I have wanted a Bernina for a while now, and I kinda wondered if I got one if it would live up to my expectations. Let me just tell you...it has exceeded my expectations! Most of the women in my class have had Berninas before (some for over 25 years!), and they got a newer one for the stitch regulator. I learned so many cool tricks today. I can't wait for my class next week...we're going to focus on the BSR foot (Bernina Stitch Regulator).

Now to the quilt pictures!

Of course I go straight to the appliqué quilts!

Isn't this machine quilting beautiful? I'm a little obsessed machine quilting right now, because that is my next challenge

A miniature quilt (about a foot and a half long). Look at those perfect points!

More machine quilting!

A wool appliqué quilt

This was all quilted by machine!

This entire quilt was hand appliquéd and hand quilted

Hydrangea, my favorite flower!

Camera cord is back!

2008-10-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

I have started my Dear Jane quilt! It is so fun and challenging! That's my first block, above. I have decided to make mine with civil war reproduction fabrics. That's supposedly what I used in the block, but see how the little flowers look like peace signs? A little ironic.

I've also finished some projects. Below is some pictures of a quilt I made for my neighbor's baby, using Woodland Bloom fabric. I have to figure out how to do the backing-my least favorite part! I am not good at math, and the pattern doesn't say how much fabric to get for the backing. I'll have to ask my math-whiz husband to figure it out for me!

Tonight I am off to Moonlight Madness! Yay! The local quilt shop is putting it on. They precut all the fabric, so all I have to do is sew the pieces together! And they are providing dinner. It should be a lot of fun. I'm going to have a sewing hangover this weekend, because I'll be out late doing that tonight, and then tomorrow morning I have my first Bernina class. I'll be back with more pictures!

Ode to Wilbur

2008-10-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

Excuse me, please, while I go a little crazy on my dog. As most of you know, I have a little Maltese named Wilbur. I never had a pet growing up (other than horses), and I was terrified of dogs (I had been attacked by dogs twice as a young child). My husband decided that he wanted to get a BIG dog. He told me I 'needed' t o get a little dog so I could get 'comfortable' around dogs. He also told me that if I was going to get a 'girlie' dog it better be a boy, at least. So I found an ad in the paper for 3 Maltese puppies (2 girls, one boy) in the paper. I called and the woman told me there was already a list for the girls, but no one wanted the boy yet. So I rushed down there. I walked into the house, and as I rounded the corner, I made direct eye contact with my little baby. I was the weirdest thing, there were 5 adults, 2 children and 3 puppies, and he was what my eyes landed on first. It was love at first sight. There was an older woman there, and I swear she was Cruella DeVille. She was wearing a white furry (Maltese fur??!) jacket and holding one of the girls. The woman who paced the ad told me Cruella was waiting to see if I wanted Wilbur or not, because she wanted him too. I said, "I'll take him!" He was the cutest thing. He weighed less than a pound and could stand up on the palm of my hand. My husband came home a few days later (he had been out of town when I got Wilbur) and Wilbur and I picked him up from the airport. He wasn't too happy about me getting Wilbur without talking to him first, so I said I would pay for him. Well, when he laid eyes on him, he broke out in a huge smile. He picked him up and looked him in the eye and said, "I'LL pay for him, he's my dog!" It was love at first sight for him, too. They became two peas in a pod. He would take Wilbur everywhere with him. He decided that Wilbur liked riding in the car with his head out the window, so at night he would drive around the neighborhood. Needless to say, that BIG dog never showed up!

This is Todd signing Bluegrass and dancing with Wilbur

The first time he met Liberty... He crawled right in her car seat and laid downHe's always been very protective of her

Wait...is that Wilbur in her crib? How'd he get in there?!

Teaching Liberty to crawl

Another hard day of supervising his sisterMy cuddlebug

His favorite place...bedEvery Christmas, Daddy gets him a big bone

Sitting at the table for Christmas dinner (he has excellent table manners!)

Sleep tight!

That's it! I know all you dog lovers will understand! I believe that our pets are angels sent down from heaven to bring us joy. So give all your little angels extra hugs!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we took the kids to the pumkin patch. They had a great time! Liberty and Gabe held hands all day long. Gabe is Ella's big brother, so they had quite a nice double date!These are the only pictures I can post because my sweet husband left the camera cord in Florida! So no more pictures until either the hotel finds it, or we get a new one.

In quilting news, I have finished all the blocks for my Lecien quilt. Oh, and I'm getting ready to do a giveaway!! I've been slowly stocking up all the little gifts! I can't wait to show you all!

Disneyworld

2008-10-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

We're back from Disneyworld! It was a lot of fun...aside from my MAJOR allergies and subsequent sinus infection that sent me to the hospital! It was so fun going with the babies and seeing their reactions. Liberty went to a princess breakfast in the castle the first day we were there. She had to get up earlier than she's ever gotten up in her life (she likes to sleep late). It was amazing! She got lots of one-on-one time with all the princesses, and the food was great! Unfortunately, she picked her nose while she was talking to Snow White! I was appalled!!! Snow White said to me, "Don't worry, I'm used to the dwarves digging for diamonds all the time". My mother, of course, took a picture, which I will not be posting! My little man got his first Mickey Mouse. He didn't really know what to think of all the hubub, but I'm pretty sure he had a good time--he was fawned over by Grammy and Auntie!

Hello, Quilt Buddy!

2008-10-02T14:50:00.000-07:00

I have shipped off my last package to my swap partner for the Stitcher's Angel Swap. She should be receiving it Saturday morning. Since I am leaving town tomorrow morning, I have to leave a post for her. So: Hello, Stef! I had SO much fun being your Stitcher's Angel! Can't wait to hear from you! In the meantime, you can look around my blog and get to know me! Lots of hugs!

Scrapbooking

2008-09-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

I used to be a big time scrapbooker. Then I had kids, and didn't have time to scrapbook anymore. Which is very ironic, since that's when all the important moments start. I bought an issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine the other day, and found an amazing site. Its www.scrapblog.com. Its a free site, and so much fun to use! You download your photos and then drag them onto the page (they have TONS of pre-made templates). You can even save them as JPEG images and print them! You can also have them printed and bound in hardcover albums. Warning: its very addictive!

The Adventures of Jennifer and Neola

2008-09-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

My sewing machine has a name. It's Neola, after my grandmother. That's a picture of her as a baby in the silver frame. We have been busy working away the last few days! I am IN LOVE with my machine! I don't even know all the tricks yet--my Bernina classes aren't until the end of October. I can't wait!

I found the perfect pattern for my Lecien fabric. Its the "Quilt Pink" free pattern from Moda. I thought of it because I remembered a gorgeous quilt Doe made using it. I've made two blocks so far, and they're coming together really quickly.

I've also done all the cutting for my "Chubby Chicks" quilt. I've started piecing the pinwheel blocks.Well, back to the grindstone!

OMG!

2008-09-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

No, your eyes are not deceiving you...that is a Bernina sewing machine! I'm still in shock, so bear with me as I try to explain. A couple of weeks ago my mom and Aunt went to the quilt show in Puyallup, Washington. I asked them to take pictures, which they did (see post), and jokingly said they could get me a present, since once you become a "Mom" you don't get presents anymore. Later that day they told me that they felt so sorry for me that they bought me a present. A little one. And it was going to take two weeks to get here. So they told me it was going to be delivered today, that I couldn't leave the house until it got here, and I couldn't answer the door until I had them on the phone. At this point I thought they were being a little crazy.

Well, the doorbell rang and I could see the FedEx truck outside. So I called my mom. No answer. Called my Aunt, she finally answers! By then I had brought the box inside and saw the Bernina logo on the sides. In my head I'm thinking, "Is it? No! It couldn't be! But it is heavy enough...what else could it be?!" So after my Aunt answered I opened it, and yes it is a Bernina sewing machine! By then I am bawling. She told me my grandmother really wanted to buy me a sewing machine. My grandma died this February. So my mom and my Aunt bought it for me from her. That really set off the bawling. I had to get off the phone, my daughter was freaking out, and what was my husband doing? Taking pictures of me! Ugh!

I don't really know when I'm going to be able to talk about MY NEW BERNINA SEWING MACHINE without crying.

Moving on....I made another apron yesterday with some fun paisley fabric:

And...I got my first package from my Stitcher's Angel! She sent me this beautiful album (I'm going to use it to hold pictures of my quilts) , a cupcake thumb pincushion (love cupcakes!),...and this beautiful wall hanging!

Finished Projects

2008-09-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

I finished my projects for Treasured Threads today. They are having a booth at the AQS show in Ohio, a needed a little help making some samples.

I made this stitchery by Lynette's House:

And this table runner by Cinderberry Stitches:

I also found time to go to Occoquan and pick up some more fabric. They were cutting fat quarters from a new Civil War reproduction line by Moda. I don't usually do darker colors, but I've really been drawn to Civil War reproductions lately. I'm thinking of making my husband a 'manly' quilt out of them.
My order from Shabby Fabrics came in today! Look at these beautiful fat quarters by Lecien! Now I have to figure out what to make with them!

Rebecca Barker's Quiltscapes

2008-09-14T04:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I stumbled upon an amazing artist, Rebecca Barker. She has a beautiful series of quilt-inspired paintings. I have selected a few (with her permission) to share with you. She also has two quilt books (available on her website) that feature her original artwork and the quilt patterns that go along with them. Enjoy!

"Oregon Trail"

"Pennsylvania Dutch"

"Bluebirds"

"Fire Flies"

"Ohio Star"

"Grandmother's Flower Garden"

The Farm

2008-09-12T19:41:00.001-07:00

My mom just sent me these photos, and I had to post them. That's my dad, fishing in the stream that runs through the family farm. The farm has been in the family for over a hundred years. There's a smaller parcel of land on one side of the creek, and that's where Todd and I are going to build our dream house (*someday*).

Puyallup Fair Quilts

2008-09-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

My mom and Aunt went to the Puyallup, Washington county fair, and were kind enough to take some pictures of the quilts. I don't know about you, but I could look at quilts all day! So here you go!

Responses, Please!

2008-09-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I was just talking to my husband, telling him that I NEED to buy more fabric. He asked me why I need to buy more when I still have a bunch of projects I am still working on.

Ladies, please post a response to his question!

I LOVE Aprons!

2008-09-11T08:33:00.001-07:00

I finished my apron today! It was hard to get a good picture of it, because I can't model it and take the picture at the same time! Its really cute on...it has a fun little ruffle to it.

Here is a close up of the fabric:

I only have 2 'hints' when it comes to making aprons.
1. I do not like exposed seams. I either use a rolled edge or a French seam.
2. I top stitch everything. That way it washes really well.

Here is a pic of my 'hidden seams':One of my favorite books is "The Apron Book"My mom has an apron just like this one at the farmhouse. She said she was going to give it to me. Yay!Look at the little quilt pockets on these two!How fabulous is this 'hostess apron'?!

Treasures

2008-09-10T16:02:00.001-07:00

I received my Tender Heart Treasures order in the mail today. Of course, Liberty thought they were for her!

That's Liberty in the background, dying to touch it!

I spent some of my day sewing (yay!). I made another gift for my Stitcher's Angel, and sewed a fabulous vintage style apron. It'll be finished tomorrow, so I'll post pics then!

Sully Plantation Quilt Show

2008-09-08T05:07:00.000-07:00

...also referred to as "J Dogg and Big L hit the Quilt Snizzle" (we were feeling a little goofy).

So my good friend Lara and I went to the Sully Plantation Quilt Show on Sunday morning. It was a lot of fun...there was some good shopping, and a lot of antique quilts to look at.

Alright-straight to the pictures!

Loved this antique hexagon quilt:

And of course I am sucker for appliqué:

Close up of antique applique quilt:

Close up of hand quilting on antique quilts:

And this is what pushed me over the edge! Patterns for mini quilts to frame!

I got the pattern and the fabric kit for this one:

I love antique sewing machines!The loot! I got some good deals on fat quarters:Some more mini quilt patterns:

MIA

2008-09-05T06:34:00.000-07:00

I am going MIA for a few days--we're starting potty training boot camp this morning! I am headed to a quilt show at Sully Plantation on Sunday, I'll be back with photos!

Tweetsie Railroad

2008-09-02T11:57:00.001-07:00

So the big surprise location was Boone, North Carolina. The main destination, however, was Tweetsie Railroad. Todd went to Tweetsie when he was little, and he wanted to take Liberty because she is going through a train phase. She liked the train, but the whistle scared the wits out of her (she doesn't like loud noises).

Riding with Pawpaw

There's an outlaw on the train!

Wyatt and Mommy

She also went on some amusement rides all by herself! This is very big, because we are going to Disneyworld in a few weeks and we weren't sure if she would 'get' it. She especially liked the airplanes and helicopters. She even went on the ferris wheel with daddy, who is terrified of heights (I know-and he's a pilot!).

First driving lesson from Daddy

Future pilot?

We stayed at a beautiful cabin up in the mountains. It was full of 'stuff'. Liberty kept busy the whole time walking around looking at everything.

A stream by our cabin

And look what I found in the middle of nowhere--a quilt block painted on the side of a barn!

That's all for now! I will post more pictures later!

Cinderberry Stitches

2008-08-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

I finished preparing another stitchery to take on the road this weekend. It is by Cinderberry Stitches, and it was in an issue of Australian Homespun magazine. I just love her designs--so whimsical! I also started the embroidery part of her free pattern from the Stitcher's Angel Project. I think I might use it in a different way than in the pattern. I really need a sewing case to hold my needles, scissors, etc when I'm traveling, so maybe I'll use it on that.

So, I'm thinking about trying to go to the quilt festival in Houston at the end of October. The thing is, I'd be going by myself, and I am a little nervous about going--I have visions of women mauling each other to buy fabric! If any of you have ever gone to one, please let me know how it is. Who knows, maybe its too late to go already.

Getting Ready

2008-08-26T18:11:00.001-07:00

You'd think I've never gone on a vacation before, I'm so excited for this weekend. I completed a charm bag to carry all my 'fun' stuff. I've started preparing my 'stitcheries' for the road. I am going to make the free pattern from Cinderberry Stitches (for the Stitcher's Angel Swap) and another one from Australian Homespun Magazine. I got all my floss ready. I'm super excited because I am going to use the DMC variegated thread for the first time!

My next quilt I am going to make is called "Chubby Chicks" by Black Mountain Quilts. I had a really hard time finding the green polka dot fabric by Mary Englebriet. I looked EVERYWHERE! Finally I found it at Sweet Peas and Angels (or so I thought). I was all excited, until I got a phone call from the quilt shop telling me that they had just sold out of it. I was crushed! But the nice saleswoman told me that she might have something else that would work. I told her that it had to coordinate with the 'Friends and Flowers' charm pack, because that is what I was using for the chicks. Well, I got the package yesterday, and the fabric was perfect! So please stop by their website and check it out. They have a great selection of fabric!

Surprise

2008-08-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

So Todd, who is still out of town, told me today that next weekend he is taking me and the kids out of town. He won't tell me where we're going, just that we're leaving on Friday and coming back on Monday. And I won't find out until we get there! I generally don't like surprises. It is going to kill me, trying to figure out where we're going! If I had to guess, I'd say we are either going to Williamsburg or Pennsylvania. I'm really looking forward to going on a 'vacation'. I haven't been on one in a LONG time!

Today I made a little crayon roll-up for Liberty.

Of course I had to use airplane fabric! It was super easy to make, so I'm going to have to add it to my present pile.

English Paper Piecing

2008-08-23T04:27:00.000-07:00

I went to Occoquan today and did some shopping. Occoquan is a little old fashioned shopping area with two cute quilt shops: Epicurean Crafts and Treasures From the Heart. They also have a fabulous craft show every spring and fall. I got a bag FULL of scraps for $4. I'm going to use them for the framed hexagon project (see previous post). I'm thinking that they would make great Christmas presents. I also got a few fat quarters for my appliqué stash and some wool. Whenever I find good wool, which isn't often, I buy it.

I also found out about a machine quilting class in October at one of the quilt shops there. So I am definitely signing up for that one.

I got my bird earrings in the mail yesterday! They were so beautiful, that I put the right on! Look how nicely they were packaged:

I started the hexagon project last night. English paper piecing is so fun! I like projects that are portable and that I can do on the couch :) Here's a better shot of my fabric scraps:

And here is a pic of the first 'floret':

Step away from the sewing machine...

2008-08-21T16:15:00.000-07:00

I am just finishing up the first block from the Moda "Piece and Plenty" mystery BOM (yes, I know--it started a year ago!). After going back and forth on whether I was going to do machine or hand-turn appliqué, I decided to do machine appliqué. My machine has really been getting on my nerves--the bobbin thread keeps popping up. So I decided to step away. I just have to sew on the ribbons on the sides, but it can wait. I had to do this when I was making my first quilt. I took a 3 month break from it. But it was worth it. I was able to get back to it refreshed and not irritated at myself.

So I've planned out my next few projects. One of them is a framed project I found in Quilt magazine several months back. Its a hexagon block using paper piecing, and I love handwork, so I think it will be fun. It was designed by Mountain Patchwork, and they sell all kinds of kits for framed quilt blocks. Its given me a bunch of ideas for gifts!

Today the postman delivered some fabric! My husband got me some steals on eBay. I got 18 Moda 'Building Blocks' fat quarters for $14.50 and 15 Moda 'Poetry' fat quarters for $22.50!

Birthday Party

2008-08-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

We went to a birthday party today for a little friend of Liberty's. She had fun running around--she took a nice long nap when we got home! She couldn't quite figure out how to eat her cupcake without getting her hands dirty.

I finished my first swap for my angel swap partner! Woohoo! I wish I could post a picture of it, but I don't want to run the chance of her seeing it on my blog!

I also got a comment from the designer of the table runner that I posted in my last post. Its by Quilted Quickies, and Fat Quarter Shop also sells it. It was my first Dresden Plate pattern, and I loved it! It's so easy to make-you'll get addicted!

Hi Todd!

2008-08-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

This picture is for Todd. He is on the road this week, so he's checking my blog for pictures of his princess. So we can't talk bad about him :)

He took Liberty to the doctor today for her preschool checkup before he went to the airport. Then he took her to Walmart for a 'surprise'. I told him not to get her a new fish. Her old one died, and she's been asking for a new one. He was going to get her a new tractor, but she saw the baby dolls and HAD to rescue one. She is on a one-woman mission to free all the baby dolls from all the stores. She honestly believes they are being held there against their will!

She came in the door carrying her baby doll. While I was taking her shoes off, she said, "Mommy I got fishie. Daddy buy me fishie." I stood up and looked for Todd, and I could see him hiding behind the kitchen wall. I said, "Todd, did you buy her a new fish?" And Liberty said, "Yes Mommy. I show you." And she took me into the kitchen and showed me her new 'fishie' in the Walmart bag. Todd eventually came out of hiding. I should of known he was up to something-he was giggly all morning. Here she is with a picture of Fred the First (may he rest in peace):

Yesterday I went to the library to stock up on books before Todd left. I love the library! All the books I want for free! My library has a webpage where you can go online and look up books and request them. Then when they're ready, you just walk in and they have them all waiting for you at the front desk! Its the best! Even my dad's library in Idaho has the same thing. So I go online and pick out books for him and my mom picks them up. he says its like Christmas.This week I am concentrating on finishing my stitchery and reading books. Oh--and getting my Angel Swap buddy's package ready to go. Here are some updated pics of the stitchery. I'm really loving how its turning out.

Happy Monday

2008-08-18T14:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some fat free cookies for my friends, to help cure 'the Mondays'!

I made a new friend today: Jeanette from Utah. Thank you for your sweet words, Jeanette, I look forward to getting to know you!

In other news, I got my angel assignment today! I'm so excited to send off my first package. I want it to be perfect! Anyone with any advice of gifts to send to my secret swap partner, please let me know! I have been sleuthing on her blog to get to know her better.

Here's my notes so far...

I got a little piece of happiness in the mail today- an art print I ordered from Etsy!

I just love birds (I know, you figured that one out already!).

I started preparing my quilt today. I have bought a quilting stencil and some 'chalk spray' to mark it with. The quilt stencil doesn't really show up very well with the spray. Any suggestions?

Flying Circus, Take 2

2008-08-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

Well, we finally made it to the Flying Circus. It was wonderful. It takes place in an old grass airfield out in the middle of nowhere, and has a 1920s theme. As soon as I got out of the car, there was Cole Porter music playing. The weather was good, warm, but with a nice breeze. Of course Liberty loved it-she's airplane crazy. She even got to go on a little kids airplane ride. It was just a large toy airplane that goes up about 4 feet in the air. Wyatt slept through the whole thing, but maybe next year he'll be old enough to enjoy it.

The airplanes, all lined up, ready to go.

Liberty, getting a little sleepy.

So I survived Todd's first out-of-town trip since the baby was born. I also found a great babysitter, so when Todd goes out of town again next week, I'm going to have her come over and help out with the kids so I can get some schoolwork done.

I banked some hours on the internet this week looking at Blythe Dolls. I first saw them on Doe's blog. I am totally addicted. Of course, I must get one. I told my husband about them and that I needed one, and the sweetie that he is, said "Yes, Dear" as any good husband knows to do. I can't wait. I am planning on getting the 'Welcome Winter' doll. The most fun part about Blythe dolls is all the fun clothes and accessories. They are great dolls for grown ups, especially because of the grown up price tag!

My other internet venue this week was Etsy. Do not go on that website unless you have some serious time to spend. I made a few purchases: an art print of birds that made me smile (and I just love birds anyway), a bird bracelet, and some bird earrings (I'm not sure that that link will work). Yes, I know, birds birds birds!

The web designer almost has my page done. Look for it on Monday or Tuesday. I just saw the latest preview and I'm really excited about it. It has hydrangeas, a bird, and a vintage quilt picture on it, and that's all I'm going to say!

My OCD Moment

2008-08-12T17:59:00.000-07:00

I went a little OCD today. I ripped apart my entire Bareroots stitchery and replaced all the borders. But it was well worth it. I just wasn't digging the original borders. I had a partial Moda Sanctuary jelly roll that worked out perfectly for replacing the borders. Now I just have to add a couple more borders and finish the embroidery. Here are a few pics:

On another note, Wilbur is now famous! I was looking at one of my FAVE blogs, Little Acorns, and who do you think was on the main page? Why, Wilbur Wright Davis. I showed him his picture, and I must say, he is quite full of himself now, strutting all around the house.

Todd is TDY for a few days, so this is my first time ALONE with two kids since Wyatt was born. Not too stressed out about it, but wish me luck!

International Sensation!

2008-08-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

My husband thought no one was reading my blog, but I have proved him wrong! I got a handy little ticker (bottom right of page) that shows how many visitors I get each day and which country they are from. So, Todd-HA! I would love it if some of you would post a little comment and tell me about yourself! The whole point of my blog was to meet fellow quilters/crafters. So please, fell free to leave a comment!

Today, after browsing through some of my favorite blogs, I was inspired to use up some of my scraps. I decided to make a doll quilt out of some leftover reproduction fabrics (I had used a charm pack to make a lap quilt for my mom). Here's what it looks like so far:

Another added benefit to making a little quilt is I can practice my machine quilting. I am quite please with myself :)

Some other big news...I found a company online that custom designs blog layouts for a reasonable price: Shabbee Chick Designs. They are going to start my design process on the 15th (Friday)! I am so excited! My brain just can't learn new computer skills anymore! I tried to figure out how to make my blog prettier, but it hurt my head too much!

Flying Circus

2008-08-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

A little sneak peek at my Woodland Bloom jelly roll quilt. I told my next door neighbor Donna that she could have first dibs on it for her baby girl.

Remeber the movie "Pollyanna"?

My Aunt has been giving me all of her vintage children's books, and I saw this one. The illustrated Pollyanna is even Hayley Mills! I used to love the movie, and pretty much all Haley Mills' movies.Todd attempted to take Liberty to the 'Flying Circus' (its an air show, not an actual circus) in Warrenton today. They started walking up to the field and they announced that they were canceling the show due to thunderstorm warnings! Liberty was completely heartbroken. So Todd took her to Chuckie Cheese. They are having the air show next weekend, too, so we are all going to try to see it then.

Ahh..the weekend!

2008-08-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

I finished the center of my Shangri-La jelly roll quilt top. I had to order the fabric for the borders, backing, binding, etc. So when that gets delivered I can started quilting it. I am terrified! I have never quilted my own quilt before. Hopefully it will turn out okay. I ordered stencils online and have read up on it as much as I can. Wish me luck!

Now I am starting quilts for my sister-in-law. One will be a jelly roll quilt, and then I would also like to make her a wedding ring quilt, which I haven't done before.

I'm looking forward to getting alot of sewing done over the weekend, since Todd is home. I've got some caramel rolls upstairs; I've been waiting for the dough to rise and now its about that time-time to pop them in the oven!

Wyatt's First Date

2008-08-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

Wyatt had a visit this morning from little Ella next door. She's actually a few days older than him, but you'd never know it because he's so big!

In other news, I finally got my Fat Quarter Shop delivery! I ordered some yardage, a charm pack and an adorable pattern called 'Little Fat Chicks" (more on that on a later post). I also got 2 more jelly rolls: Dandelion Girl and Woodland Bloom.

I am all about jelly rolls right now. I am in the middle of my first jelly roll quilt. I got all the quarter blocks done today. Here's a sneak peek:

And the most exciting news--my husband told me to start researching sewing machines! He told me a year or so ago that if I was still a 'crazy quilter' at our 5 year anniversary, he would buy me a Bernina as a present. I'm really looking forward to being able to quilt my own quilts. My little Singer just can't handle it.

It's okay to get a little dirty!

2008-08-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

Just finished taking Liberty outside to play with her sidewalk chalk. She's getting a little OCD in her old age. She can't stand being dirty. I had to wipe off her hands ever 10 seconds because they had chalk on them. Check out the video of her on the right-hand tool bar-you'll see what I'm talking about.

Yesterday was an eventful internet day for me. I joined an online quilting group, Our Quilting Beehive (thank you all for making me feel so welcome!). I also stumbled on a couple of new fabulous blogs: http://thehappyzombie.com/blog/ and http://weewonderfuls.typepad.com/.
I MUST find the Lecien Minny Muu Volume 3 fabric featured on the Happy Zombie page. It is from Japan. Hmmm, maybe I can send my good friend Lauren off in search of it!

There is so much fabulous quilting and crafting stuff on the internet. It's great for a stay at home mom such as myself. So all you fellow crafters out there, get to exploring the web!

Oh-and I did change the border after all (see post below). Now I'm at my second-guessing myself stage about my project. After I work on something for awhile, I start to get all stressed out about it. Someone once told me that's because when you work so closely on something, you start seeing all the flaws, etc.

Should I change the border?

2008-07-31T08:48:00.000-07:00

I am making the Bareroots wall hanging that I mentioned in the last post, and I'm wondering if I should change one of the fabric borders. You will notice in the pictures that most of the fabrics I have chosen are pastels. The larger house block is bordered by a tan floral. I'm wondering if I should change it to a lighter fabric so it will be more cohesive.
Please let me know what you think!

Fabric Stash

2008-07-30T13:22:00.001-07:00

I've been building up my fabric stash and organizing. I organized my bin of fat quarters that I use for applique. Look how pretty--

I also placed my big order at Fat Quarter Shop. I got a 20% off coupon in my email, so of course I had to buy a bunch!! I also finished another Christmas gift--

It's another pattern by Bareroots. Speaking of which, I saw a mini-quilt hanging up in one of my favorite quilt shops, and low and behold..it was by Bareroots. So I have started that one and am over halfway done with it. I'm making it just for me. I think I'll hang it in my sewing room over my sewing machine. I will post some 'in progress' pics tomorrow.

Heirlooms

2008-07-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

So my mom and aunt came out to stay with me while Todd was TDY. My grandmother passed away this year, and they've been bringing me some of her things that I requested. My grandmother's kitchen wall was covered with little 'knicknacks", and when I was little I always loved looking at them. So they brought me all of the things off her wall. They are little things that were important to her, and I know it would make her happy to know how much I've always liked them. So my mom and aunt spent a few days recreating the wall at my house, using a picture they had of her kitchen.

This is what it looks like...

I have a few favorite things from the wall. One of them is this picture:

My grandmother is the little girl in front, feeding a lamb from a bottle. Her mother (my great-grandmother) is behind her on the far left. The picture was taken in the late 1920s.

The other FABULOUS thing they brought me was an old quilt!!

There is no signature block on the back, so I don't know much about it, other than it is a family quilt that has been passed down. The latest it could've been made was the turn of the century.

I love antiques, and it means even more when you know the history behind them. This has been an important lesson is "Always sign your work"!

2008-07-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

How cute is this fabric?! It's from Windham Fabrics. My mind is already buzzing with all the projects I want to make from it! I especially like the fabric with the little birdies. I'm loading tons of projects on my plate now, because the home life isn't very hectic right now. I thought my crafting days were over, but (knock on wood), Wyatt is still being a good little baby. Now I'm going to get started on some gifts for my sister-in-law who just got engaged and is getting married May 9th. We have the same taste (country, shabby chic), so hopefully she'll really like what I'm going to make her.

Isn't she a cutie-patootie? She's marrying a farmer from outside Raleigh, NC, which is perfect, because I always said she's be a perfect farmer's wife! He's a lot like her brother (my hubby), so that should mean he'll be a perfect husband! Congrats Marci and Ryan!!

Back to the Living

2008-07-15T10:51:00.001-07:00

Little Baby Wyatt was born June 16, 2008. And I finally feel back to normal. I've even gotten back to crafting! I am currently working away on Christmas gifts. This will be the year that I finally get them all done ahead of time and don't have to rush at the end! I am making candle mats, framed stitcheries and Christmas pillows; all by either Bareroots or Crabapple Hills. Here are a few pics:

Candle mat by Bareroots

Vintage Christmas pillow by Crabapple Hill

...and two little stitcheries by Bareroots.

Now I just have to get them all done! I picked them because they are so portable. I can sit in the living room with the kids and embroider away.

2008-04-28T16:42:00.001-07:00

Well, we finally got a replacement digital camera. Todd had a lot of fun playing with his new toy. So I was able to take a picture of Wyatt's quilt top. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to quilt and bind it to get it finished. If only I could just quilt all day *sigh*

Potty Training

2008-04-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

So I started potty training Liberty, since she's been wanting to sit on the toilet all the time. And of course, now she doesn't want to. Its easier to potty train a dog than a child! I'm just going to stick her in pull-ups, and maybe she'll finally get tired of feeling the wetness.
I also finished the top of Wyatt's quilt! But I can't post any pictures because I don't have a digital camera. Why, you may ask? Well, that would be because Delta Airlines ran over my bag, destroying everything in it. And now I have to wait 'a few months' until they send me a letter telling me how much they're willing to reimburse me. Lovely.

Long time gone!

2008-04-22T15:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, its been awhile. It's been a busy few months. Todd made it back in one piece, and Liberty and Wilbur were very excited to see their daddy. We drove home across the country, from Idaho to Virginia. Todd made several stops along the way for me to go to 'quilting places'. he even planned an overnight stay in Paducah, Kentucky! I was so excited I couldn't sleep the night before! I went to the Quilt Museum, which was amazing, and a few quilt shops.
I'm still quilting away. I'm working on a cowboy theme quilt for our baby boy, Wyatt, who is scheduled to arrive June 16th. I have finally set up a sewing room in our house. I still need a few organizing pieces to make it truly comfortable.

Daddy's little co-pilot!

On the farm

2007-08-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

So here I am, an adult with a family and living with my parents again. Before you judge, I'm here because my husband is in Afghanistan and he wanted me to be with my family instead of all alone in the big city. And let me tell you, there's nothing like living in the city to make you appreciate the country! I even bought myself a pair of cowboy boots! So I have set myself up on the back porch with a crafting area. I am in the final stage of my quilt (designed by Brenda Riddle of Acorn Quilt and Gift Company -- the best!). I will post pictures when it is done. I am taking a little break from my sewing machine after 4 days of pressure-filled sewing, helping my sister in law finish her first quilt before she had to go back to North Carolina. So I'm taking it easy, working on a penny rug, that way I can sew in an arm chair and pick up my daughter every 2 minutes when she wants to get on my lap (for 3 seconds, I think she just does it to make sure she can). She's still a little shaky after all the disruptions of Daddy leaving and coming out here to Idaho.