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Interview with Aunt Pitty Pat

September 8th, 2010

Aunt Pitty Pat is the best don't you think? She has graciously decided to help the Patchwork Posse group out by hosting our siggy swap.

isn't it going to be the cutest?

I have done a few swaps with Aunt Pitty Pat + partcipated in a few swaps she has hosted + I have 2 coming up with her besides the siggy swap! phew.

Enough with the friendship thing— let's read a bit about her!!!

So how did you get your crafty start? A neighbor next door to my parents use to make these really fun shaped animals and people using craft foam. She also made these really fun Easter Bunnies using Clorox bottles.

How long have you been crafting? Since I was about 11 years old and that my sweet friends was many moons ago.

What are your goals or dreams in regards to your craft/sewing/business? I started out sewing pet apparel for dogs.. but I didn't have much luck on that… I then switched to selling vintage buttons and patterns. I sell a few of those here and there. I also like to sell my OOAK pincushions. My dream is to sell enough products to purchase a new fancy Quilting Machine and Frame.

What else would you like people to know about you? I love to participate and hold swaps up on my blog. I have met some very fun and interesting ladies from all over the world by blogging and holding swaps.

What or who inspires you? I get inspired each day when I visit blogs of others. The ladies that I follow on my blog have such creative minds. I look forward to getting ideas and inspirations from others.

When you are not involved in your craft/business- what can you usually be found doing? On the computer blogging, watching a movie, or playing with my many creatures.

Tell us about your current projects. Currently I am working several swaps. A Halloween Tote swap, Halloween Block swap, Christmas Block swap, 2 Annie Dolls and 3 Quilts for my family… LOL I hope I get it all done before the due dates.. Especially the Family Christmas Gifts. I think I am a person that works better on pressure

How many UFO’s do you have?Lots and Lots and Lots.. too many to count really. I use to be very good about finishing a project before going on to the next.. but when you join in on block swaps and other swaps.. and there are things to do to complete the items.. sometimes its hard to get back at them in a timely manner.

How much time do you spend on your craft? I sew as often as I can… I bet I spend 20-30 hours a week or more sewing.

What's your favorite color? Different shades of Blue

Do you have a favorite Notion? My scalpel for ripping out seams.

What sewing machine do you use? I have several sewing machines. I collect toy sewing machines, I have 2 Feather Weight Machines, 1 301 Singer, 2 Baby lock Machines, 1 Baby Lock Embroidery Machine, Juki Machine for Quilting on my frame, and 2 other older Singer Machines… I guess you can say I am sewing machine poor. I love Sewing Machines.. that and Chocolate are my down falls in life!!

What music do you usually listen to when you create? No noise at all.. just the click click of the sewing machine. Sometimes I turn on the radio for the weather when it looks like its going to be storming outside.

Do you like to cook? LOL yes when I have to! I love to bake and make Candy. I also love to can foods.. like pickles, jams, stewed tomatos, and pickle Jalapenos.

Do you have a favorite pattern/project? I love to sew Annie Dolls and Aprons. I have no favorite patterns to speak of … all of the ones I have are very nice. If I was to choose a pattern that I like the best.. I love patterns from Brenda Greenwalt. She shares her amazing Annie Patterns with everyone.

What do you hate to do? I hate house work.. I would rather be sewing than anything else in this world. I love to create new patterns and designs to use or alter old clothing into something special.

What craft have you yet to try but haven't – and why haven't you done it yet? As far as crafting.. there is nothing out there that I am interested in trying at this time. I sort of do everything right now that interests me… other than building Bird Houses

How did you come to start your business? When I purchased the Pitty Pat…(dog) I could not find clothes to put on her. So I started sewing for her.. I thought I would share my love of sewing with others that have small dogs, who wanted clothing for them.

Do you ever feel like you are in a rut or get burned out? Oh yes.. I think that happens to a lot of us that sew a lot. I am sure its that way with a lot of artisans. We all need to sit back and take a break to let our brains catch up with our thoughts

And if so, what do you do to help yourself out of it? I see something that someone else has made and I get inspired all over again and there I go.. off to the sewing room.

Blog: http:auntpittypats.blogspot.com/
Etsy: AuntPittyPats.etsy.com
Etsy: cowgrlup.etsy.com

Thanks for sharing a bit of yourself and of course for handling our little swap. You are the best!!!

Don't forget this Friday:

Contact Me with your Pattern

& Get it Reviewed this month!!!

What to do next? Become a Member~~ Contact the Posse Boss~~ Make something New~~

Hoop Bag with the Patchwork Posse group

September 7th, 2010

This month over on the Patchwork Posse online sewing group we had some goodies—

Our pattern of the month is designed by moua. That's right– I got to share an exclusive pattern the 'Hoop Bag'.

This little beauty is in the shape of course of a hoop! lol.

Why not stitch in style? I like to carry my stitching around– soccer practice, games {so i don't get too carried away}, doctors office…where ever. This little bag will carry it all. It is a perfect pattern for beginners and your patchwork crafts. I love the size. Not too big, not too small. Sometimes I use a big bag and I loose things! I have to keep certain things in a little ziploc, or forget it— it's a scrambling mess later on. The hoop bag ends up to be — large.

It fits a hoop just perfect like + has a few pockets to keep all the threads, scissors, and chocolate handy.

We also had a wonderful interview of Aunt Pitty Pat Blog: http:auntpittypats.blogspot.com/ !!! She is the head swap-queen of our 'siggy swap' for the group. {her interview will be up here tomorrow- come back and find out who she is}

The group got the next step for the Memory Tree Block of the Month…….

yes, we are having a quilt show with the finished trees in December…….won't that be fun? With prizes and everything!!!

Become a member to get those patterns and play along with the group—

$38/year membership

What to do next? Become a Member~~ Contact the Posse Boss~~ Make something New~~

Happy Labor Day

September 5th, 2010

What to do next? Become a Member~~ Contact the Posse Boss~~ Make something New~~

Focus Friday- Pattern Testing for Connie

September 3rd, 2010

Are you ready to start the fun month of

for the month of September—- Contact Me with your Pattern & Get it Reviewed?

First up we have Connie.

Miss Connie and I have been chatting for a few months — really since these posts {i think}.

Sketching and ideas for patterns Templates & Measurements Sewing Steps & Instructions How to Price your Patterns

She had some questions on programs and such…..we got chatting, and good stuff….

Anywhosies– she decided to trust me with her first pattern!!! yay connie! congrats! So, that is the pattern I will be reviewing today.

GADGET BAG PATTERN

by Cottage Rose Designs

For her first pattern, Connie knows what she is doing! She has picked a great layout with wonderful photos to help along the way. {love that don't you?} Totally tutorial style for those visual learners. Nothing like having that picture staring at you along with those words to help you.

I think what I like the best is the hook clasp at the end of the strap. You can attach this little guy where ever you want! It is the perfect size for keeping change, your camara, phone, credit cards…whatever you think of inside.

{don't look at the crafty floor}

you did didn't you?

digress: I was thinking that I might make a few more for the kids— you know. We go to yard sales and they love to shop! They are always lugging around their wallets– and you know them…set it and forget it. This might cure that. Clip it and forget it! hee hee

back on track:

The zipper top is great too. I hate nothing more than to lean over and have all the goodies dumped out.

I paused and had to re-read the instructions on the zipper a couple of times….but that is because I haven't sewn with a zipper for a bit and needed to refresh my memory.

The bag is lined and there is batting to keep it's shape and protect whatever is inside.

Over-all this is a great pattern. A pattern for beginners and beyond. If you are in the market for this style of bag— totally get it. Worth it!!!

Adjustments/changes I made:

I used oil cloth on the darker one!! I know, I totally love it too— and for the duck one, that is designer weight. Both worked great!

I used these clips— wrong size and won't snap onto the zipper but I clasp it on the strap after sending it through the belt loop so no biggie. Plus, this is all i found at joanne's.

Quick info about Connie~~

http://www.cottagerosedesigns.com/

Thanks Connie for letting me share in your new pattern experience!!

Contact Me with your Pattern

& Get it Reviewed this month!!!

What to do next? Become a Member~~ Contact the Posse Boss~~ Make something New~~

Secret Package

September 2nd, 2010

The last few weeks there have been some great packages coming to my home. A few were excpected but a few weren't. They are random. 1st package was from MaryJo. {love all the cherry goodness- thanks!}

Then last week I got this package from Stacy:

I do love suprises– and I especially love the bag!!! Thanks!!!

I have already given it its first outing to church…and guess what? I got a few compliments + it worked great for all the crap I was lugging around. {must totally downsize the lug load}

I do believe it is reversible and has a flat piece for the bottom to keep it all in the right proportions. Love that!

If you are stacy or know of stacy please let me know who it is…….. ok. never mind. I was cleaning out my emails {way too long} I found an email from Stacy. She was one of the winners from a giveaway—— so yay!

She even has a blog http://pinkberrysprinkles.blogspot.com Go check her out. Thanks Stacy– love it, love it!

added: Just because I am such a ditz sometimes let me share something with you— I just went over to her blog….did you yet? anyways. I am reading, scrolling down and there is a winner post. Yup. I was a winner!!!!! That is why I got the bag!!!! kaduh…….

And, just because I am on a roll of kaduh….let me share another one: this is the email i sent my partner for the 'your favorite annie' swap:

ok. so i had a light bulb moment today…..lol wanna hear? ok.

I was thinking about this here swap– your favorite annie. and when i signed up i totally understood it as, i make my favorite and send it to another and they make their favorite and send it to me. doesn't that sound fun?

and then when you sent the email with all the questions and i answered— a few hours later {i know it takes some time} i thought….hey. what if it is not that way? it is your partner makes YOUR favorite annie and sends it. lol.

so i am a bit wacko! but let me tell you.

i have 4 more annie bodies in the wings and i will make something that is YOUR favorite and not mine. haahaaahaaa.

Does anyone else have kaduh moments? Do share–

On another note:

I went to a baby shower + a wedding reception {not the same people} and guess what I used for the gift tags?! An older postcard!!

I am totally digging this. I punched a hole in the corner and slipped it through the tie. Now girls– I am not usually a tag/note person. But this. This I can do! {tutorial here}

Don't forget– tomorrow— Focus Friday~~

Connie is up first!!!

Do you want your pattern reviewed? Contact Me

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Cheery Cherry Arrivals

September 1st, 2010

I recieved my Cherry package from Diana!!!! yay!!

girls- let me tell you. Sometimes you get something in the mail and it comes in a big box— and you are like– what? It was a doll swap + a few goodies. What in the world would be in here to make the box so big? Well, I'll tell you– LOTS of GOODIES!!!

Diana went above and beyond the swap and sent some wonderful things. She covered all the bases to make me happy. Gum, tic-tacs, life savers, licorice, lipgloss, a candle…. check them all out:

missing in the photo— large yummy candle, licorice and some tea!

Of course don't forget the most important part– the cherry raggedy ann doll.

Isn't she just dreamy? No, really. Doesn't her eyes make you think she is day dreaming?

I soooooo appreciate the goodies and the beautiful doll. She is currently sitting in the living room enjoying the view…..

Hmmmmm. I love swaps. Don't you?

Here is Diana's blog and website:

http://www.downhiddenfarmlane.blogspot.com

http://www.hiddenfarmprimitives.blogspot.com

Go take a peek and leave a comment. She deserves a little pat on the back.

Want to see what I sent? of course! here ya go:

Not nearly as filled as hers, but I think I did pretty good. please?

What to do next? Become a Member~~ Contact the Posse Boss~~ Make something New~~

Vote for the new Focus Friday will ya?

August 30th, 2010

I finally got a list up on the sidebar! Take a minute to click on your favorite so we can get going on the focus friday!! It's big and blue on the right side…. not sure that you could miss this one. hee hee.

I think what I might do is the 1st place winner will be next up with the 2nd placer the next, next up. That might help everyone keep ahead and find the books….and me to get reviewers too. phew. What do you think? Will that help?

What is happening this month with focus friday? Let me tell you— It is going to be

Let's Review Yours month!!!!

to get your new/old or whatever pattern reviewed– contact me.

This is what I will need:

name
blog or shop address
pattern in pdf form
email so I can contact you
patterns need to be finished and ready for review. Nothing half done girls. ok? Don't make me guess the steps. hee hee

Not to be too picky or bossy {I am the possy boss}…..but quilts take a long time. So if you have a large one I can't do it.

Please keep it to table topper, table runner, stuffed something, bag, pincushion……get the idea?

The next few fridays I have a few patterns that others have sent on over to get reviewed— new patterns!!! They are Totally cute. Can't wait to share.

I'd love to help get the word out about your pattern and shop and even blog— so send it on over. I can't wait to see what you girls have– and share it! {the review, not a copy of the pattern}. There is sooo much talent out there! share it with us!

I am thinking I will tie in a few giveaways too—- the items I make….how about that? Sound even better?

Send me that Pattern!!!

What to do next? Become a Member~~ Contact the Posse Boss~~ Make something New~~

Focus Friday- Patchwork Quilted Gifts Book Review

August 27th, 2010

This week we have a special reviewer guest— Jo from Bearpaw Blog!!! I love it when others want to share their knowledge and talents with us. Don't you? {If you ever want to be a reviewer you just need to contact me….easy as that!}

Here is a bit about Jo before she starts:

About Me

So here goes Jo's review:

Hi! I'm Jo from Bearpaw blog and I am delighted to be taking part in Focus Friday! Becky asked me to review some of the patterns I had made from the wonderful Last Minute Patchwork and Quilting Gifts book and I was very happy to oblige. I have just moved house though and of course this book just had to be in the last packing box I opened! I love this book and bought it after I saw it in the window of Purl Soho during our 'trip of a lifetime'

to New York last November. I didn't buy it at the time, as I was worried about exceeding my luggage weight from all the fabric I was buying! So I ordered it from Amazon when I got back home to Scotland, and set to work as I still had a few weeks left to make some handmade Christmas presents.

I have been sewing since I was 6 years old and spent a lot of my childhood making soft toys, so as soon as I saw 'Peanut, the Wee Elephant' I just knew I had to make him. In fact I made 2!

I really enjoyed making these elephants and found the patterns were pretty accurate. I know this pattern has been covered in a previous week so I will just tell you about the few 'improvements' (IMHO!) I made to the project: I used quite a few different fabrics for the different pattern prices rather than just the ear lining, after all these are 'patchwork' gifts! I changed the felt eye to a button and crocheted a little blanket for the back (and added a wee tassel!), mainly because I like to use as many different textiles as I can and because I thought the elephant would be snugglier with a crocheted blanket. My elephants were given to 2 sweet little baby boys called Ewan and Oscar

Quick link to her post about the elephants– just in case you would like to read it

It is hard to come up with a new idea for a sewing project but I probably would have bought the book for the Coloured Pencil Roll alone as it is such a good idea and so easily adapted. I made 2 versions of it for Christmas presents, one for pencils for my niece, Ana, and one for crochet hooks for my sister, Jane. I think this is one of the best ideas in the book.

Again I found the instructions very easy to follow. My only criticism would be of the dimensions given, '1 and 5/8 inch' seems an incredibly clunky size for a strip width, couldn't it have been '1 and a half'? Of course, it would have been so much easier in centimetres…

It was great fun choosing the rainbow of fabric to match the pencils and I didn't really need to make any improvements to the design this time as it is such a perfect little project.

here is a link to the photos of the crochet hook version

For the crochet hook version, I made the roll with just 14 sections, but still gave the fabrics a rainbow 'bleed'. My sister taught me to crochet when I was a child (and as I am a bit thick, she taught me again and again until I eventually 'got it' a few years ago!), now I am a total crochet addict! I really should make one of these for myself! You can read a bit more about how I made the crochet roll on this blog post here (http://bearpawandbearpaw.blogspot.com/2009/12/handmadechristmas- part-2.html).

You can also make a roll for your knitting needles and I would love to think of another use for them as they do make such a lovely present. Have any of you adapted this roll for any other purpose? I'd love to hear about it!

Christmas will be here before we know it so it's a good time to get this book out again and pick some projects for this coming year. I really fancy trying the Scrap Books and the Bird Ornaments. Some of the projects are very simple and would be good for building the confidence of a quilting beginner, but there is plenty for the more experienced quilter, such as the Colour-Wheel Quilt (which I saw hanging behind the counter in the Purl Soho shop!!) and the Puzzle Ball.

There is also a fantastic reference section at the back with lots of personal recommendations from the author for her favourite haberdashery products. AND you get a big fold out sheet with all the patterns on! All in all I would heartily recommend this book.

What has Jo been up to lately?

Great review wasn't it? Thanks Jo!!

Check out her blog here Bearpaw blog *** I am working on the focus friday poll for next month…….I know, a little late- but you know. ***

What to do next? Become a Member~~ Contact the Posse Boss~~ Make something New~~

Blockage—

August 25th, 2010

ok. that might not be the best title of all time….but I knew it would catch your eye;)

anywhosies—- I am behind {like that's a surprise} in posting some blocks that I have been working on. Thought I'd share a few.

Stash Busting Bee:

I love making improvised quilt blocks. Sort of the whole idea around the 'Cranky Quilt'. {Which, never fear there are plans for a few newbies along this line} ok. I am lost and diverted…let me return.

Yes, I love making these types of blocks.

I also have my blocks done for the Siggy Swap for the Patchwork Posse.com group. We are using this tutorial– Butterfly Block. Totally excited to get the package back– have to wait. hmph.

Also with the group we just started another Block of the Month— the Memory Tree by Kindred Spirits. Here is the progress so far:

Last week for Main Street quilters I made a few quilt blocks for donation and I got to choose something out of the prize basket— I grabbed the wool center!! Can you believe? I love it when others pass on their unfinished projects don't you?

this is the back. I used a bird panel– love them!

I am also working on 2 more Christmas Block Swaps……I know you totally think I'm nutzoid…but wait, listen before judgement. I am going to end up with 4 Christmas Random Swap Quilt Tops. {that didn't help did it?} …….. well, I have 4 kids. {I know, I look like I'm too young for that – everyone always asks me if I am babysitting LOL} wow. Lot's of diversions today.

Each of the kids will get a quilt for Christmas this year!!!! It was suggested to give them at the beginning of December so they could use them all month. Fun right? I am loving the idea and so— 2 Christmas Quilt Blocks swap.

There are of course a few more blocks that I am working on— one from a local group– but I am bringing that one up to a retreat in October {I totally have to save projects or I will have nothing and will work on others stuff}.

I also found a bunch of these and have a few pairs that I am selling– great for pincushions!! They are 3" X 3" X 2" tall.

Are you working on any fun blocks?

What to do next? Become a Member~~ Contact the Posse Boss~~ Make something New~~

PolkaDot Cottage Interviewed Me!

August 24th, 2010

I got the morning coffee spot over on Polka Dot Cottage!!! eeeeee!

Clickety Click on over to read the interview–

I usually do the interviewing– even to myself– but this time Lisa did it. phew.

She asked some great questions girls…. and her blog? What's not to love?

+ She responds to every comment….. so go make one so she will have to keep working. hee hee

{actually I love it and that is what i try to do because of her}

She does some crazy cool stuff with clay– buttons and jewelry…… and she is working on her photography.

Random photos for fun: The boys decided that they needed a 'swimming barrel':

Have you ever been interviewed? {besides for a job }

What to do next? Become a Member~~ Contact the Posse Boss~~ Make something New~~

All Tutorials & Patterns are for personal use only. Please, don't sell patterns or I might have to find out where you live ;) Copyright © 2010 Patchwork Posse - All Rights Reserved
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Interview with Aunt Pitty Pat

Hoop Bag with the Patchwork Posse group

Happy Labor Day

Focus Friday- Pattern Testing for Connie

Secret Package

Cheery Cherry Arrivals

Vote for the new Focus Friday will ya?

Focus Friday- Patchwork Quilted Gifts Book Review

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Blockage—

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