Weekend Plans

1. Finish Red + White Hourglass Quilt (yes, another for the shop) - CHECK!

2. Finish Lilly Apron - CHECK!

3. Find some green for Green Week next week (hosted by Shinning Egg) - CHECK!

4. Make a blog header for a very special friend - CHECK!

5. (a) Get my “business cards” printed (for photography + blog/shop) - MADE!

    (b) add some templates to the shop

6. Create Shop/Blog Button - CHECK!

7. Create shop “Thank You” cards and tags for items - CHECK!

Think I'll get any of this done?  I’m not going to beat myself up if I don’t.  What’s everyone else doing this weekend?

:: Update :: Monday, March 2 @ 1:45pm; Tuesday, March 3 @ 8:21am

A Talented Friend

My girlfriend Sarah (of about 10 years now) submitted her sketches and ideas to the Heather Ross Weekend Sewing Design Challenge and was one of the featured submissions Heather has posted about so far.  I knew my friend was talented, but I had no idea her drawing abilities extended to something so great.  I love sketchbook stuff.  So I'm just showing you a small snapshot of her submission here – go check out all three pages with her ideas!  I have to say, I'm extremely happy to see her getting so into sewing.  I have tried to tell her for years that she would take to it like a fish to water, but I don’t think she ever believed me.  But I feel as if I've earned the right to say: I was right!  She is turning out to be such a talent with her machine!

His + Hers

Aren't they just so cute.  I couldn’t resist when I saw husbands box cutter sitting there.  So I have a request of everyone: stop blogging!  I can’t for the life of me get caught up on blogs this week!  Baby is just needing me WAY too much.  I love him, seriously…but I really need just a little time for myself each day.  By the time he falls asleep I'm exhausted and it’s all I can do to blog.  Forget about editing photos and posting them to Flickr.  I can always hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

Wee Don’t Know

I don’t know what to do with this jelly roll.  I’ve had it a few months now.  I love it.  It’s so bright and cheery.  Such a great rainbow of colors and I think I love every print in this collection.  So, what to do with it?  I just like to stare at it, but I really want a quilt out of it.  I briefly contemplated a coin quilt, but I don’t think so.  Maybe log cabin quilt?  No, doesn’t quite fit either. 

 
One thing is for sure, I need to go get another one so I can just get creating and stop worrying about it!  I seriously haven’t sewn in about a week.  Brice is very needy (especially if I want to do anything) and I was literally flat on my stomach today in agony from that loveliest of monthly visitors.  I thought it was suppose to be better after having a baby, not worse. 

I’m sure most of you don’t read the family blog, but I posted some funny videos this weekend of Brice.   

Yarn Over Do Over

Doesn’t look quite like it should.  I can’t tell you how many times I pulled this thing out.  I finally got this far and realized, I don’t have holes where I should. 

So apparently I watched a video online on how to yarn over the wrong way.  It must have been for the English version (?) and I continental knit.  Bummer.  Still looked cool.

Oh well.  I tried to start the orange again, but kept messing up.  So it was time for a color change.  I switched to white.  It’s done.  And looks correct.  I just need to sew in my ends and wash it up.  Oh, and of course take some pictures of it.

Being Green

I used my new log cabin bag when I went fabric shopping on Friday – see how it looks so nice and full!  I was so proud of myself.  I always mean to bring a bag with me, and always forget.  I was mostly replenishing my supply of red + white fabrics for more hourglass quilts for the shop. I also picked up a few more oranges for that orange quilt I keep thinking about.

Look at all the fabric-goodness in the bag!  Speaking of fabric goodness, my friend Terri is having ANOTHER fabric giveaway.  Go sign yourself up!

Sunday Stash

I had to replenish the reds in my stash for more red + white hourglass quilts.  This is what I found around town.  I’m pretty happy with it.  I’m looking forward to creating with these fabrics.

Yellow Duck - Day 5

Quack, quack.  I haven’t taken pictures in two days!  Two days!  So I'm out of new stuff to show you.  It’s the final day of yellow.  It’s been fun, I'm glad I took some pictures in advance, just in case…  I made more log cabin blocks today.  I’m going to attempt another bag with some fleece interfacing.  Hopefully I’ll have something to show you in a few days. 

New Obsessions?

You were right, amandajean, they are addictive! Jacquie, you’d be so proud of me…notice the “wonky” lines? It’s all improvisional! A big step for me. I was/am a math minor, so I think that says a lot about me liking straight lines and everything even. I took a big step outside of my box just grabbing scraps and sewing them on. It’s funny to hear others say it’s liberating, but it really is! Now…what to do with it???

The scraps used were the tiny little scraps I love to save. I can’t stand the thought of tossing out a scrap unless it is absolutely unusable. So I save little bits, less than an inch square sometimes, in the hopes I'll find some way to use them. I thought I was probably a little weird, until amandajean made me feel much better today with her post. I don’t have a large management flow down for them, but it’s to the point I need something better than my big baskets and little jar. For now, I'm using a freezer bag. It works nicely for seeing what i need, or just grabbing at random. Keep in mind, I don’t have a huge amount of scraps. Anyways, now I don’t feel so alone in my scrap-saving-obsession. Just look what loveliness can be made from little scraps!

Here’s your daily dose of yellow for Yellow Week. I *heart* these scissors. They are the perfect sewing room scissors.

Day 3::Yellow Pins

I love glass head pins. Something about them…they are always so sharp!

Log Cabin Bag

Well, here’s what I did with my log cabin blocks.  I was HUGELY inspired by Pink Lemonade’s Scrappy Log Cabin Bag.  I added a button closure to mine and forgot to sew in the ric rack, so it’s not exactly.  And I lined mine with muslin instead of interfacing for a softer feel.  At one point you could buy it through her shop, but that’s not in the budget right now, and I'd much rather create my own.  Although, I have to say, if I had the expendable income, I'd definitely buy her bags.  I’m not sure what the inside of hers was like, but I added a pocket to mine…for holding the cell phone and other small items.

I drafted a pattern by myself (not hard to do) and went to work.  It was rather quick to put together, I just took my time posting about it. I am loving the handles.  I don’t know why I never thought to just sew handles like this before. 

Next bag I'm going to use an interfacing, I'm thinking a light-weight fleece.  I struggle with using fusible.  I sometimes don’t like how it makes the fabric all crinkly that it’s ironed to.  But I hate “sewing in” interfacing, too.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!  I foresee this as being a bag for carrying items when I'm out and about shopping.  I really want to be better about using a bag like this instead of store bags.

Yellow Week – Day 2

Some of my favorites!  In my stocking at Christmas.  I still haven’t brought myself to open the package.  I love Lemonheads.  As a side note, every time I think “Yellow” I'm really thinking “Lellow” like a little kid. 

A sneak peak!  Finished project to follow in next post.  Such a tease, I know.

Yellow Week – Day 1

I’m joining along in Yellow Week hosted by House on Hill Road.  I love a photography challenge.  In honor of yellow week I made a yellow log cabin block.  Now to decide what to do with it…  Flickr Group Here.

Vintage Butterprint

   

I’m so tired, I think I could cry.  I don’t know what’s going on with baby, but he kept me awake all night last night.  Waking every thirty minutes, needing “boob” to calm him down.  I basically had him latched on all night long, just holding him.  I can’t sleep like that.  It’s happening again tonight.  He had his teeth pop through a few days ago, so I'm thinking it must just be teething pain as they continue their way up.  I have a sore throat, so maybe he does to.  At any rate, Tylenol is only helping marginally.  Whine, whine, whine. 

So, to sum it up…no photos for today.  Well, I have something to show you, but I took it the other day.  I'm scraping the barrel, so to speak.  Aren't they cute!  I found them the other day, and they could be yours!

Log Cabin Blocks

A new project in the works.  My hope is to finish it tomorrow for a gift.  Not sure I'll get it done in time…or that I'll be able to part with it. 

I used this tutorial for the blocks.  Only I traced out my pattern on paper and then used a Silky iron-on transfer pen and ironed it onto white fabric instead of tracing onto sew-in interfacing.  Most of these scraps are from the box I got from Shari and then the rest are from my basket.  But most are from Shari. 

I think these might be the first log cabin blocks I've ever done…

I Got Nothin’

I think it’s always this way after a quilt.  I have to take a little crafting break.  I did sew a little yesterday and a little today.  But nothing to show for it.  I have SO much I want to do…yet I can’t get myself to do it.  That’s what winter does.  I’m tired of winter.  Can we have spring now? 

One Year Down…

It’s my one year blog birthday!  Yea!  And I forgot to mention it, but I had my 200th posting last month.  I want to do a giveaway, but i’m not prepared for something like that right now.  So i’ll let others do it for me!  There are two giveaways going on with in my circle of friends + family. 

First up, my grandma is having one on her blog for a bottle of Peppermint oil in honor of her 100th post!  If your at all interested in alternative healing and in trying oils, this is the one to have.  It is good for so many things.  Upset stomach, headaches, nausea, and on and on and on.  It’s wonderful.  I’ve given out all my bottles to friends. 

The second is my friend since high school at Sew Fantastic.  Her’s is a new blog and she is giving away TWO fat quarter bundles of Valorie Wells new flannel collection. 

So what are you waiting for?  Go comment!

Deja Vu?

   

It’s washed + crinkly and (sorry to say) shipping out to it’s new home today.  A commission quilt via Etsy, it was fun to be able to share the process with the new owner via the blog.  Not to despair about it going to a new home, there is another one in the works and almost completed.  I’d say another week and it will find it’s way into my Etsy shop.

In the Wash

I did get the binding sewn on today, but i’m not sure how I managed that.  I didn’t even manage a shower until this evening.  Yup, I was in PJ’s ALL day.  Not because I wanted to be, but because some little teether wouldn’t let me have 5 minutes.  We FINALLY have two teeth popped through in front.  I hope that means I get some sleep.

After I got the top put together for the current quilt the other day, I had to take a break (really, I had to…I didn’t have the backing fabric to quilt it), so I went to work on an idea i’ve had.  I quickly drafted an idea of a pattern and then got to work.  I’m almost done with the project, but i’ll have to make another for photos and then get it all typed up and put into tutorial/pattern form.  It will be for my Etsy shop, but there will of course be a coinciding free pattern here on my blog, because that’s how I like to do things around here!  I actually have a few patterns for the shop and here on the blog to be written up.  I just need a few more naps in the day from grumpy to get them done.  Anyone want to come cater to his every need for me?  :) 

Clove essential oil is the topic of the day at my grandma’s blog.  Very interesting stuff.

Photo Journal :: Anticipation

Thanks for all the great comments yesterday.  After I thought about it (with the help of your comments) I realized a picture tells the story just as well as if I’d typed it out.  Better even, because you can see for yourself.  I’m just about done… 

On a side note, my Grandma is doing some blogging about essential oils.  I think for the week…?  I was a huge skeptic years ago when she started using them, now I'm a (begrudging?) believer.  They have helped me more times than I can count, including Friday, saving me from a dreaded bladder infection.  Once again I find them saving me from doctors visits and antibiotics.  She’s not selling them, I just find it so interesting and helpful that I find myself wanting to share with others.  She’s a great resource should you ever want to know more.

Photo Journal :: Continuing the Journey

 

A lame attempt at blogging?  Maybe. 

About My Stash

I was really interested in Sew, Mama, Sew’s posting asking their readers to share about their stash.  I wasn’t going to participate.  Who wants to read blah,blah,blah  about me?  But then I thought, maybe some of you would like to know a little bit more about me and the stash.  So here we go!

What do you usually sew?

Usually, small projects of various kinds.  I like instant gratification.  I sew a lot of quilts, too.

When you shop for fabric, what size cuts do you usually buy? (i.e. If you see something beautiful, but you don’t have a use for it right away, how much do you buy?)

This has varied over the years.  I not mostly buy fat quarters.  Since I like a patchwork/scrappy look, I don’t usually need more than a small piece here of there.  But, if it’s something I REALLY love, and think I might want to use it for a bigger project, I buy a yard. 

Do you buy on impulse or do you go out looking for something you need?

Usually, I am looking for something…but I always know i’ll buy more than what i’m looking for.  Sometimes I go shopping for fabric just go to shopping for fabric.  But I usually have something in mind when I go. 

Are you a pre-washer? If you are, do you wash your fabric before you need it, or only when you’re ready to use it?

No.  I almost never pre-wash.  The only exception being flannel, especially if they are two different flannels.  You never know how they will wash/shrink.

Do you iron it?

I almost always iron my fabric before I cut into it.  I worry that my cut will be a little off with a bump in the fabric.  Better to cut once.

How do you sort it? (color, print size, collection, etc.)

Currently, I sort by size and style/theme.  My fat quarters are all together in drawers and my yardage is all together in my closet.  The yardage is sorted by theme.  Top self is dog + cat prints (I like dog + cat prints, but almost never use them!), then I have a pile of floral, a pile of black + white and red + white, etc…

Do you have any special folding techniques?

I always fold my yardage the same way.  Nothing special.  Take it by the fold and match the two raw edges together, doing that twice (I think) and then I fold it the other direction until I have a nice rectangle.  The issue with this is when I have more or slightly less than a yard.  So i’m going to start doing this method soon.

How do you store your fabric?

Before I got married I stored it all in clear Rubbermaid bins, the short long ones.  Now everything is on shelves my husband built me in one of my closets in my craft room.  I love it.  Now I can see everything instead of pulling out a ton of bins and figuring out what I need.  I love being able to see it all before me.

What tips do you have for building up a well-rounded stash?

I have some friends that have recently gotten into the fabric urge.  They have wondered about this themselves.  I think the best way is to just buy fat quarters and 1/2 yards of what you like.  It’s a huge investment, and takes time, but you’ll get there.  My stash has developed over 10 years.  (I keep reminding my husband of that when I tell him I need shelves in my other closet.)  Also, buy scrap bags when you see them.  Sales are good, too!

When do you say enough is enough?

Is this a trick question?

What are some of your favorite stash-busting projects?

I don’t worry about busting the stash…so I’m afraid I don’t know.  I love the idea that one day some of my fabrics will be passed on to the younger girls in my family tree.  I never worry about cutting down the stash before buying more.  The day may come, though.

Do you have a current favorite print in your stash? Let’s see it!

Current favorite…that’s a hard one.  Not sure about print, but my current favorite fabric is linen.  If I had to choose a print it would probably be Chez Moi in Tomato by Sentimental Studios for Moda.  I looked ALL over for it.  Online, quilt shops…everywhere.  Couldn’t find it.  Then, went to the Expo in September and there was a bolt!  I bought all 5+ yards.  Now I don’t know what to do with it. 

What’s your definition of the perfect stash?

A perfect stash, to me, has a variety of colors, prints and collections.  Ideally, it would include several prints from the same collection.  I’m terrible about this.  I want to be better.  This is where collecting fat quarters comes in handy.