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—

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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!!!

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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: 

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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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?

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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!!!

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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

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Hi! I'm Jo Avery, I live in Edinburgh and, along with my husband, run Jonathan Avery Homestore. My 2 lovely sons are all grown up now which means I have more spare time for making patchwork quilts, crocheting and generally mucking around in my sewing room while singing along to the radio!

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. ***

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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? 

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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 } 

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We haven't been talking about it— and it's over and all is quiet…but apparently there are a few of you who are still plugging away and finishing them up!!!

Di over on –Quilting is Blissful-   finished her Round Robin!!! She is the first one— yay for you Di!!!!

Here is her photo + a blurb from her blog:

Everyone run over to Di's Blog and give her a pat on her back. 

If you missed the rows and designers– Clickety click here to make your own Patchwork Round Robin.

{That was sooo much fun to do— definitly doing that one again in the future.}

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I love the elephant!!!  The pattern is made by one of my favorite blogs to read– Wee Wonderfuls {have you seen her latest– doll video? oh my gosh!}.  Her patterns are delightful.  She is a great inspiration to a few of my patterns   Thanks Hilary.  Anyways…. this months Focus Friday is Patchwork & Quilted Gifts and I decided to give her pattern the review {who can resist that one?}

What do you think?

I have to be honest here– I did stumble on the pattern a bit.  It took me a moment to get things straight in the brain…but once I did- watch out!  It makes up pretty quick actually. That was a surprise. 

 I wrote up a quick tutorial on the pattern {not the pieces, just the technique} to help you out. 

So, if you are making one…head on over to here and check it out.

Have you ever made the elephant from the book?  Have you ever made a Wee Wonderful Pattern?

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This pattern really is an intermediate to advanced with just the words— but with a few photos— it becomes a pattern for beginners!!

So here it goes:  This is not the best tutorial, but will share some pointers– just enough to get you past the 'huh' part.

Match up the long backsides.  Sew 2"  then leave 2" open and sew the rest of the way.  The space in the center will become your turning hole and stuffing hole. Brilliant!!!  Do follow the instructions on ironing it open {the seam} it helps when trying to close it later on.  The picture below: in the center is the feet parts that show this….see- sewn together the long way– leaving the opening for turning in the center.

The next step is adding the trunk to the extra long middle piece and then connecting it to the leg pieces.  You will want to read the instructions that are in the book on the next spot—

See the opening now?:

Then starting at the trunk, line it up with the sides and sew all the way around……let me tell you something. I am not the most accurate cutter of templates and even mine matched up!! yay!! Didn't have one issue at all with these.  Love that.  Your elephant will look like this now:

Repeat the same above with the other side:

Now, she has you close the trunk with a slip stitch that you pull tight— again, BRILLIANT!!!! It makes that trunk totally cute at the end.  Love it.

Now, really stuff the dickens out of it.  Make sure you put stuffing in the trunk, and legs…and when you are closing it all up– add a bit more. Just because.

I hope that helps someone out there who is struggling with the instructions……… go ahead. Give that cute guy a chance!  He is totally worth taking the time to make. 

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Then the brain started working.  What could I buy {cheap of course} that would work as a postcard? 

I came up with this and turned it into a quick little tutorial. 

The first thing you will need——- A Cute Card Game!!

I found Horton Hears a Who! Card Game.

The cards were stiff and they had cute illustrations on the one side.

Materials needed:

• scissors
• punch
• cards
• ribbon or curling ribbon
• cardstock
• Modge Podge

Cut your cardstock a bit larger than your card.    I just used white cardstock, but you could totally dress yours up with colored or patterned cute scrapbook paper.

Glue to the backside.   I used modge podge….

Draw a little line on the back.  Addresses go on one side, note goes on the other.

Finished Cards:

This can go a bit further if you are thinking of using it as cards and not mailing them…….

I punched a hole at the top and put curling ribbon through it.

So there ya have it— in fact just last night I was sending off a little package and thought to myself– I need to make me some that don't have postcard written on it and use them as note cards in packages!!! how brilliant is that?!

What else could we do with that half pile of cards?  Any other suggestions?  Ideas?   Oh, hey this one just popped in— what about brads in the corners? cute! 

What would you use it for?

Pst— tomorrow is Focus Friday!!! Cute elephant coming your way……….weeerrrrrr

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I have never recieved a random package from anyone before- this one was the first MaryJo!  It is kind of fun I have to tell ya.

She sent a wonderful pile of cherry fabric:

After digging through for a bit, I found a chunk that was connected:

Can you believe?  I just need to finish it up —quilting, that is all!   Thanks Mary Jo,  I totally love them and they are just in time for the Annie Cherry Themed Swap I am in!! {i'll show ya later how cute she is}.  I of course didn't use all of it and have some nice sized pieces left.  Maybe enough to do a coins quilt….that would be cute!

Thanks Mary Jo!!!   Check out her goods here.  Mary Jo's blog and say a 'hello'.

And just because I got a random package– how about some random photos, from the camera thief of course:

Have you ever gotten a random, surprise package from someone?  Have you ever sent one?  Tell me all about it!

pst— I have a tutorial coming up tomorrow and I made the cutest elephant for Focus Friday!!!  Can't wait to share…….

pst–pst  Did you see this? How fun is that?

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I bought this super cute shelf and hung up a quilt:

anyone recognize it? It is finished and bound!!  Material Obsession book pattern— Focus Friday….

I bought a church bench—- now we have something to sit on! {I sold the couches a couple of months ago}

I fixed the blog:  {you're looking at it right now}

I survived Young Woman's Camp:

utinsels carved by naomi

Hopefully the last full week of freedom will be productive!!!! How was your weekend?

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