So– i know, i know….there isn't trunk show tueasdays this year, but Michelle contacted me and asked if she could– and of course i said yes!  She has a delightful blog full of quilt and good sewing stuff.

And along with not following the rules– i am totally aware that it is thursday and Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]>  

So– i know, i know….there isn't trunk show tueasdays this year, but Michelle contacted me and asked if she could– and of course i said yes!  She has a delightful blog full of quilt and good sewing stuff.

And along with not following the rules– i am totally aware that it is thursday and not tuesday- but i am still calling it trunk show tuesday. smiles.

A little about Michelle– she is a giver! there are quite a few posts written about donating quilts and giving them away. You go girl!  She is a massive scraps user and apparently loves her AcuCut machine.  She keeps track of her stash {i so have no idea of mine} and uses all the little bits.

I'm Michelle Marr from Michelle's Romantic Tangle. Most of my quilts are made from scraps my grandmother and I have found at thrift stores or estate sales. I take it as a fun challenge to find ways to use almost all of the fabric that falls into my hands. A couple of years back, I realized how many quilts I'd made in just one year and how many more I wanted to make — it was far more than my own family of six can ever use, so I started making baby quilts to donate to a local pregnancy center. Then I started to use the fabric that wasn't suitable for baby quilts to make lap quilts for a nursing home.  More recently, I've started to write patterns for some of little quilts.

Michelle's Blog– Romantic Tangle

Enjoy her quilts and trunk show~

What's Michelle up to now?

She has a giveaway going on~

She was featured:

  she has a post on using vintage sheets-- great read!

Thanks Michelle for letting us see your talent and your trunks! they are full--

Can't hear your claps, so leave a comment and hop on over to Michelle's Blog to see more.

For more Trunk Shows--- Clickety Click here

I don't know about you— but i am not a big fan of binding. I find myself all humped over if i am sitting …eventually my head is in my lap.   Because I bend over the binding.  Do you do that?

So…..this weekend I decided to just hog up the kitchen table with my balloon quilt Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> I don't know about you— but i am not a big fan of binding. I find myself all humped over if i am sitting …eventually my head is in my lap.   Because I bend over the binding.  Do you do that?

So…..this weekend I decided to just hog up the kitchen table with my balloon quilt and finished the binding! weeeee. 

It's not the most comfortable place to sit and bind for a bit of time….but it does keep the quilt free to move around and not weigh me down. 

for some reason i miss-calculated the binding length and have quite a few strips hanging around extra……hmmmm.

Do you have a favorite spot to bind?

This workshop is starting soon {like this Thursday} and I just wanted to do a quick shout-out for it! 

This workshop is starting soon {like this Thursday} and I just wanted to do a quick shout-out for it! 

Meet Felicity online in this 3 Week long Easy Going Modern Workshop! She has designed a modern and simple quilt.

$8 Buy Now

Felicity is a fantastically talented quilt designer and she totally has the eye for modern, clean looks.  The Quilt for the workshop couldn't be any easier really!  The simple block construction is great for beginner quilters + because of the design layout you can easily adjust it to fit your custom size of bed! 

Someone in the workshop already mentioned that they will be sewing it up in Steeler's colors. lol isn't that a great idea?  

So, snatch up 3 colors and your sewing machine {not really since this is online and you will be sewing it in your own home} and sew along with us!

Price includes the pattern, online group page, chatting, photo gallery.  The more you participate, the more fun it is!

Also— we are concluding 2 workshops this next week—- The Princess Dreams Workshop with Heather from The Sewing Loft {totally cute party for little girls patterns and soooo worth the $10} and Sharing your Dreams workshop with Pat Sloan.  Check them out here.  They won't be available for purchase much longer.

Second Also–  Foxie Adventures Block of the Month is available to purchase as a workshop {so you don't have to subscribe to the magazine to get them}

This is how they look together so far– i am whipping up the rest this week! oh yeah. i'm in love.  

This is a 12 month Block of the Month– so you will be getting the patterns for 12 blocks the year of Foxie Adventures….and they are going on some fun ones!  The pattern could be a wall hanging or a baby blanket.  

Purchase for $8 {for the whole pattern/year} — there are 2 blocks already posted! Don't worry though….with the double stitch black thread, the applique technique couldn't be any simpler or quicker to get done!

This pattern also uses 1 charm pack of fabric,  background and your scrappy little bits for the foxies and their adventurous additions.   The last pattern will be posted December 2012 with finishing ideas January 2013.  

Today we get to see the next row for the row quilt! yay!

  Caron Carlson  is the designer….weeee she is the greatest!

She has a quilting business {as you can see already} and is really talented! 

We are on a Watermelon theme!! I love it when great design alike. Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]>

Today we get to see the next row for the row quilt! yay!

  Caron Carlson  is the designer….weeee she is the greatest!

She has a quilting business {as you can see already} and is really talented! 

We are on a Watermelon theme!! I love it when great design alike.

She has a wonderful method for sewing up those watermelonds slices!!! I wish i had thought of it! Super easy, no template…but you do get to use a drawing compass. Smart girl Caron! I love it. 

Again the sides are easy to adjust– just in case….and the ends have a strip so the bias is hidden inside and it won't stretch. perfect addition. 

Caron has also included a little giveaway item!!! Post those photos in the gallery to enter the giveaway!

High Tide©

Another fun pattern in multiple sizes

So print off the pattern, get sewing and post a photo in the gallery {free to join}

Don't forget to visit Caron too!

The next row will be:

 February 10– Beth Helfter  EvaPaige Quilt Designs  website – www.evapaigequiltdesigns.com

For Past rows—- Clickety Click here

This pattern is a quick and easy one girls!  there are a few blocks you make a few times– sew them together in columns and whola! your quilt top is done!

This would be perfect for those big print fabrics which you collect because they are so wonderful and haven't cut Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]>

This pattern is a quick and easy one girls!  there are a few blocks you make a few times– sew them together in columns and whola! your quilt top is done!

This would be perfect for those big print fabrics which you collect because they are so wonderful and haven't cut up yet.  yup. i still have some of those too.

I do have to totally mention that Carol VanZandt is the designer of the fabric and if you would like to create yours using the same as I did— Clickety Click here

Her fabric is showing up in stores–soon!!!   Ask your favorite shop to stock it…..i am in love with them!  or you can order it on Pink Chalk when they get it in stock. wweeeee

of course I also have to let you know that the pattern is also included in this months– The Sewing Cottage Magazine– Issue 5

 Quick preview:

Also— if you'd like pop on over to the etsy shop and purchase a pattern for reg price $7.00 and in the comments to seller add a second pattern you would like and i'll send it on over!!! That's right a quick little Buy 1 Get 1 sale!!! Weeee!!!  You readers will be the only one onto this though– i am not putting it on the store front.

You can tweet it and facebook share it if you'd like too— just because it's my birthday.

It comes around every year, and today is it! The birthday day.

Today I am planning on finishing up the Magazine— it's all girlie patterns and stuff….wee!!  After sending that on out to all the subscribers, I will be hopefully taking it easy….you know. doing not much. 

My eyes are going googly from staring at Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> It comes around every year, and today is it! The birthday day.

Today I am planning on finishing up the Magazine— it's all girlie patterns and stuff….wee!!  After sending that on out to all the subscribers, I will be hopefully taking it easy….you know. doing not much. 

My eyes are going googly from staring at the screen too long again. I must. Break. Away.

Of course I will return  with a little surprise + a free pattern just for you….because you deserve it on my birthday day. {ok. fine. it will be tomorrow which isn't my birthday, but i am in charge and if that is when i am celebrating around here, then so be it}

Today is the day we begin with the first Quilt Top Roundup post!!! weeee. I can't wait to see what everyone else has come up with—

I have one that is from the origional pile— and a few new ones. I know, i am out of control….finishing up ones that were started after the Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]>

Today is the day we begin with the first Quilt Top Roundup post!!! weeee. I can't wait to see what everyone else has come up with—

I have one that is from the origional pile— and a few new ones. I know, i am out of control….finishing up ones that were started after the origional pile count, but that is just how it goes.

and- yes, i had to purchase more batting….not a whole roll, but i think that might be the next move.  I have to decide where to store that big monster. anyways. back to the quilt top roundup.

This one is from the pile: 

Ross's Mystery Quilt from this post.

These 2 are from the new pile

Phew, I am so proud of myself! 3 for the month– oh, yeah.

So, now it's your turn!

Go through your posts for the month and find those projects you have finished and post the links in the comments— {no fancy linkie thing here-just good ol fashion comments}

Everyone will hop on over and give you some ….well done. love it's. and yeeehaaaa's

If you don't have a blog, no worries— just let us know what you have done. We believe you

Do you ever feel like you go to the store like every other day to pick up some thread? I totally do! I mean, really. When I sew, I sew! Those spools are emptied faster than you can say Feed Dog.

I was hanging out in the thrift store- had 15 quick minutes to Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> Do you ever feel like you go to the store like every other day to pick up some thread? I totally do! I mean, really. When I sew, I sew! Those spools are emptied faster than you can say Feed Dog.

I was hanging out in the thrift store- had 15 quick minutes to walk through— and there they were. waiting for me to grab a carry basket to load them all up. 

I know they are maxi-locks. I know that some people have issues with that — i see you rolling your eyes….um yeah.

but, do you know what?  I am not in a contest for the longest lasting quilt in the world.  I find that when sewing if the thread is crap, it leaves. If it works, it stays.

So, each of these spools will get a pre-work test- and then to the real stuff!  

  I'm kind of excited for the lime green and florescent yellow!

For reals— these will last me for like, forever. I am kind of excited about that! I love the colors…pinks, yellows, blues, blacks, dark blue, green, purple, teal, bright pink, cream…and a few of each.

I am in need of a storage spot for them…if i hide them in a drawer i will forget. Does that happen to you?

Today i put out the first pattern for the Christmas Spirit workshop —and after showing off the quilt to a few others, the consensus is- yes, it looks like Christmas Baubles, but no it is not christmas fabric.

The pattern is a wall hanging size and it makes up super quick.  Extra large circles Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> Today i put out the first pattern for the Christmas Spirit workshop —and after showing off the quilt to a few others, the consensus is- yes, it looks like Christmas Baubles, but no it is not christmas fabric.

The pattern is a wall hanging size and it makes up super quick.  Extra large circles + little circles =  christmas balls. you know. the ones that hang from the tree?  See it now?

So, please if you are in the workshop– will you make it out of true Christmas fabric?  You will probably get it done before I do, but i do hope to have one before next christmas.

If you'd like to join the group click below!  

The year of Christmas Spirit will give you 1 pattern a month– until next Christmas- 12 for the year! weee. lucky people. 

$8 Buy Now

I am not so good when it comes to giving a name to my quilts– i would love some input on what you think?

This is the newest and latest quilt–

Hot air balloons– you know that they are don't you? plus, there are a few flying geese in there too- because that is of Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> I am not so good when it comes to giving a name to my quilts– i would love some input on what you think?

This is the newest and latest quilt–

Hot air balloons– you know that they are don't you? plus, there are a few flying geese in there too- because that is of course what you'd be meeting while floating around in one of these. 

The construction couldn't be any easier for this quilt I tell you and the finished size is 53" X 58"

The flying geese are all sewn once you have the balloon part done…so super easy! Uses every bit of piecing too. 

This is almost done– needs some binding first…and then the pattern finished up with the photos inserted and then done for sure.

The fabric I used is from Carols collections. Don't you think the 'basket' fabric is just perfect? Oh yeah!

i am going to be putting this in an upcoming Sewing Cottage Magazine {not this month's it's all girlie stuff! weee}– 

So- here is it– what are your thoughts? What should the quilt be named?  Hot air,  Balloon rides, Up up and away…  let me know what you think. Some of you are better at this than me.

and- the honey says– could the balloons be more round? does this bother anyone else? i mean, this is round in the quilting world {besides applique-which i don't really do} 

I appreciate the guest post, Lindsay Valdez

It is looking like I am going to be moving soon. My wife just got a new job and we have to move to a different state. While I am happy for her, I Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]>  

I appreciate the guest post, Lindsay Valdez

It is looking like I am going to be moving soon. My wife just got a new job and we have to move to a different state. While I am happy for her, I am not sure this move is the right thing for us. The area does not appear to have a lot of houses we will like. I am not sure they will offer all the direct tv channels I want. And I am not sure the schools are ranked high either. I am not trying to be negative about everything, but I want her to take into consideration all of the possible outcomes. I am sure she thinks I am not supporting her. However, in my mind I am doing exactly that. I am helping her to make an educated decision, once she takes in all of the different scenarios. I probably do need to find a way to show her I am happy. Maybe I should send her flowers or chocolates or something. Women are so hard to figure out sometimes. I will just be glad when this entire ordeal is behind us.

Last year at patchworkposse when it was done a bit differently– I had a mystery quilt go up and this is what mine ended up as:

This one was a fun one to make– maybe sometime I'll throw it back out there for you to do. Obviously it wouldn't be a mystery though.

This one was a fun one to make– maybe sometime I'll throw it back out there for you to do. Obviously it wouldn't be a mystery though.

Now, lucky for me this quilt was in the pile of Quilt Top Round up and so i will be linking this on quilt top roundup day in another week. Phew! 

So, the honey has this friend Ross who is an electrician and very talented at that— be he did have an accident some years back {with electricity} and has one robotic arm and no arm on the other side}

He was over in November when the pile spoken of above was out and I said – hey ross you want a quilt? Which one? It's yours!  I dug around for 'boy looking' quilts and this was one of them.

He chose it, I finally finished it— and there ya go. First one of the major pile to get done.binding and all!

The fabric i picked up 6 years ago when market came to salt lake city for the first time. boy, time flies!  I love the deep tones though.

Fun to finally have it done…and going somewhere to get loved.

I am learning so much right now! My brain is on fire!!

I have been taking a class over on Jessica Spragues site {love it} and it has been wonderful!  I am kind of new to the photoshop bit, but have been catching on ok.

I am in love with the class Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> I am learning so much right now! My brain is on fire!!

I have been taking a class over on Jessica Spragues site {love it} and it has been wonderful!  I am kind of new to the photoshop bit, but have been catching on ok.

I am in love with the class and the things i am learning —whoa nelly!  It is a lot!

I was thinking that this would come into use with the magazine….of course.  I have learned all about brushes, paint splatters, and even new fonts! someone stop me!

While I am on the bit of workshops I am also taking an e-book one from Diane over on Crafty Pod  I have taken one of her workshops- long ago- and loved it, and when this one came up I thought– sure!

Well, both are at the same time and it is killing the brain…even though the brain secretly loves it.

I am kind of stuck right now on the crafty pod one and need some help— and of course I am asking you!

What kind of e-book should i put together first?  

1)  Quilt binding. How to- different styles, ways, tips, tricks, measuring, cutting, sewing, miter corners, things like that.

2)  Little Cookers- patterns for little ones who cook… + simple recipes, drinks, i have a bunch of more ideas for this collection {don't want to give them all away}

So– help me out will ya?!  Give me a hint on what you like—- and maybe do you have a different topic?  let me know, because i need to move onto the next part of the class this week–

I think i missed the start date– which is the 13th of January. I sure wish i'd set alarms on my phone or something. You think that at the beginning of the year I'd be a little more on top of time! 

This free pattern for the Round Robin has been Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> I think i missed the start date– which is the 13th of January. I sure wish i'd set alarms on my phone or something. You think that at the beginning of the year I'd be a little more on top of time! 

This free pattern for the Round Robin has been designed by- me! lucky for me before all the good ideas were taken for designs. lol

There is a big monster watermelon surrounded by picnic style patches + to keep things easy for everyone a spacer on one side. This can be adjusted later if needed.

If you'd like you can join the group —totally free and easy to do– -post your photos in the gallery for all to see + make a few new friends who are sewing along with it.  If you join the group- you will recieve email reminders when the new row is posted. {and it will be on time}

The next row will be:

January 27– designed by: Caron Carlson 

So, the year is over and we are definitly starting a new one– like it or not 2012 here we come!

Plus, my birthday is quickly creeping up on me too– oooooo can't wait to see what i buy myself this year!

Anyways— so on Sew Mama Sew they are having  a little retrospective post and I thought Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> So, the year is over and we are definitly starting a new one– like it or not 2012 here we come!

Plus, my birthday is quickly creeping up on me too– oooooo can't wait to see what i buy myself this year!

Anyways— so on Sew Mama Sew they are having  a little retrospective post and I thought I'd add my 2 cents.  {and yes,  they probably are only worth that too}

Looking back at the 2011 sewing scene, what trends stand out in your mind?

ooo OWLS!! animals, stuffies….and maybe even dolls.  I also found that polka dots where a big hit.  Love them myself, I do. 

What were some of  your favorite things related to sewing this past year?

I am going to go with stitching!  Big, fat thread used for quilting the quilt, stitching on a pillow or whatever else that needed a bit more accent.  I have also seen a bunch of black stitching for a more whimsical look for applique- lots of raw edges here too!

What did you make that you're most proud of?

This was a tough one– but I really think it was Apple Slices quilt

I picked this one because I love it– it is using the 'cranky' method that I started with the big cranky quilt– and I actually took it to a quilt store and sold patterns there! {i have totally been a slacker since then on the quilts to the shop thing, it is most definitly on the to-do list this month!}

Plus, it is actually quilted and finished too. phewy!

Do you have a favorite sewing book or pattern from the past year to recommend?

Oh boy do i!  I am in love with Dottie Angel….and her book is super fantastic! 

images- beautiful. words- perfect. ideas and eye candy galore.  Go get yourself this goodie!

I am in love with the simplicity of the projects, the whimsy stitching {again- big like mentioned above} and just the way she speaks.

Are there any trends that you're over and done with?

i could do away with skinny jeans…but that isn't really sewing related.    So, as far as sewing goes— maybe not so much of the super bright colors, i know this is impossible but printing such wonderful things all at the same time i can't decide….could printers do this differently? 

What are your thoughts on social media?

I love it– pinterest included.  I do twitter, i do facebook…but to tell you the truth something i feel like the 3rd wheel.  I am social and all, but sometimes i just watch the convos go by and say nothing.  Or no one talks back. hello? anyone there? echo echo.  see what i mean?

How is it going for you?

It is going great! I am excited for the year– have some super ambitious goals and right now the workshop thing has been working out– thanks to the wonderful gals who took a chance with me!  My brain is busting with new ideas and patterns that will be coming soon!

What do you love or hate?

I really wish the money came in not so spuratic!  even with the honeys income……it would be nice if we could actually know what will be coming every month. lol 

As far as sewing things– love- dolls,  hate- ..mmmm i am not a hater. i just ignore it. can't think of anything i am ignoring at the moment.

Did you have a favorite fabric collection or print in 2011?

My favorite for the moment is Carol's wonderful fabric from her Tokyo Rococo line.  I am in love with the colors and the designs are wonderful!   Excited to share the things I have made with it

I am also in love with Little Apples

Even though my stack is still sitting there– i have some ideas…but so far that is what they are staying.

What do you predict for 2012 in the sewing industry?

ummmm…..i am not sure. i am always amazed at the gidgets and gadgets they come up with even though i think there couldn't be another one!

I am thinking -monsters…which i am dreaming up a few even as i type!  robots….and kind of calico prints- small …not those big prints that are so hard to cut up!

Can you tell us what to expect from you in 2012?

This is where the fun begins isn't it?  I have a list– wanna see a few?

more quilts in the store! and this time i mean it. lol    

Continue to work on the workshop side of things and find some more wonderful designers…are you one?  Contact me!

I am trying to learn about e-books so of course i could write one.  I am also learning about digital art journaling and having a bast doing it!  I am doing this for better stuff in the magazine.

I am going to shoot for teaching classes in real life! At a store. In front of people {where i love to be}….spooky, intimidating even for me…but i can do it!

There are a few more– but i can't remember.  that's how important they are apparently. lol I need to find that list. 

Any big projects or life-changing goals?

I would really like to take loosing weight seriously this year.  no more squeeking by.  

Phew! that was a lot of brain power i tell you to come up with all that! 

Stop by Sew Mama Sew and see who else is on the list and visit their predictions.  I will be!