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.  

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?

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–

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!

Tonight a few of us– Julie and Angie hung out at sewed for a few hours in the evening. Boy it was nice! It has been awhile since i have had a little bit of a sew-a-thon.  

I worked for a bit a new quilt top {i totally know i have others to still work on}

Tonight a few of us– Julie and Angie hung out at sewed for a few hours in the evening. Boy it was nice! It has been awhile since i have had a little bit of a sew-a-thon.  

I worked for a bit a new quilt top {i totally know i have others to still work on}

no, this isn't what the ground looks like right now- try, covered in snow!  But i finished all the blocks AND put them together! Just needs a skinny border + another pieced border and then into the quilt top pile it will go.  

I think though that it will be quickly quilted and not long on the waiting list

During the holidays I have focused on the wonderful fabric line Tokyo Rococo from Carol and since i don't have the patterns quite done– I still can show off a little bit of what i have been working on. 

There are a few of these that will be in upcoming The Sewing Cottage Magazine…..and Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> During the holidays I have focused on the wonderful fabric line Tokyo Rococo from Carol and since i don't have the patterns quite done– I still can show off a little bit of what i have been working on. 

There are a few of these that will be in upcoming The Sewing Cottage Magazine…..and others that will be available to purchase on their own. I sure wish that i'd concentrate on that darn EQ program so i can whip these up quicker! lol

And- just to let you know– the screaming banchee has been oiled and is happy to get quilting on a few of these new quilt tops!  I know i should have a better name for the big quilting machine, but really that is all i call it– the screaming banchee.   I have big plans for it– so it better stop with the fussing and just get work'n!

A few months ago  I shared a few of the quilts from the Springville Quilt show– and of course I have a few more to show off. I love quilt shows don't you? 

I am amazed at the talent that I am surrounded by.  I am so glad that there are a few brave souls out there Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> A few months ago  I shared a few of the quilts from the Springville Quilt show– and of course I have a few more to show off. I love quilt shows don't you? 

I am amazed at the talent that I am surrounded by.  I am so glad that there are a few brave souls out there who put their quilts on display.  It is not an easy thing to do….share a bit of yourself totally publicly.  There are always those who say something negative..but they are the stronger ones.  Those who can get past that {or maybe they just never go to the show for fear of hearing someone say something about their quilt} for a moment and let us all take a peak.  I appreciate that.  So far I have been on display as a default.  My "O" quilt has traveled around to 3 different shows so far……have I ever entered one on my own accord. No.

Maybe next year.

Enjoy this years daring ones~

recognize this gal?  she is the one who came to a quilt group and talked about color.  She gets it, doesn't she?

More super quilting~

Gosh, i just love trunk shows don't you?

It has been awhile since I have added to my stash– except for last saturday with angie….picked up some cute polka dots.  But really i have been good and haven't gone crazy. Mostly thanks to a few who have sent fabric…but Yesterday i hung out with my mom for a bit– went to lunch…chatted…and of course Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> It has been awhile since I have added to my stash– except for last saturday with angie….picked up some cute polka dots.  But really i have been good and haven't gone crazy. Mostly thanks to a few who have sent fabric…but Yesterday i hung out with my mom for a bit– went to lunch…chatted…and of course shopped! yay!

I see some more dolls here and who doesn't love chevrons?!

Are these not the CUTEST Kitties ever?   I have some ideas on this one– {after i get some quilting done of course}

And– in between quilting I whipped up this hankie quilt….making up the pattern and it will be in the upcoming magazine.

I know the last one just came out….but i have to think ahead here girls!

 Lori sent some photos over to share– a sewing machine cover using flannel shirts and keeping the pockets! check it out:

Isn't she the greatest?  oh. yeah. Gail has come up with 3 beautiful stitchery projects– Christmas Joy– that are perfect for the Christmas Season.

Wall hanging-

Little goodie bag-

Table Runner-

 Buy Now

This is a 1 month workshop that will feature 1 NEW Pattern every other week starting November 1st. The Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]>  

Isn't she the greatest?  oh. yeah. Gail has come up with 3 beautiful stitchery projects– Christmas Joy– that are perfect for the Christmas Season.

Wall hanging-

Little goodie bag-

Table Runner-

 Buy Now

This is a 1 month workshop that will feature 1 NEW Pattern every other week starting November 1st. The patterns are exclusive to the group and not available anywhere else. You will beable to finish these for the Christmas Season!! Never fear!

Gail Pan of Gail Pan Designs is one totally talented designer who adds a big or whimsy and stitchery to her pieced patterns. Here is your chance to grab a few new quick & easy small Christmas patterns from her, ask her some questions, and 'meet' her online. Right in your own home. No traveling necessary. Each pdf pattern has easy to read instructions to make your piecing time fun!

So, Watcha say?  You coming along?  Just thought I'd mention that this will be the last designer workshop for the year….. I know it is getting to the end here-  why does it come so quickly? 

This 1 month online course. *ALL PATTERNS ARE INCLUDED! {of course}

Bustle and Sew– you know Helen…. yeah. totally talented.  She has come up with {well, more like written} a book called The Stitchers Companion.  This super fantastic book is full and I mean full of tips, hints, and how to's when it comes to fabric, care, embroidery…..you name it! It is all packed in there. 

Bustle and Sew– you know Helen…. yeah. totally talented.  She has come up with {well, more like written} a book called The Stitchers Companion.  This super fantastic book is full and I mean full of tips, hints, and how to's when it comes to fabric, care, embroidery…..you name it! It is all packed in there. 

 Clickety Click here to find out more

Before you go all wiggy like you don't have time to read, let me just tell you that you can print this baby off {or keep it on your computer} for anytime reference.  That is how good it is. 

What have i learned from The Stitchers Companion?  Well, i'll tell you.  I learned that if your fabric keeps slipping while you are stitching in your hoop that you should wrap the hoop with a bit of fabric.  What?  I know! how simple is that!  I could have used that years ago. 

So, even me– the greatest stitcher on the planet. {um. right} found something new and useful! lol   But it seriosly was a great thing to read and find new things and review old things— it is fan-tab!

Besides the wonderful tips- The Stitchers Companion has a FREE Rosie & Bear Stitchery! I know. As if it couldn't get any better than that.  She also has the best illustrations for embroidery stitches I have seen in a long time.  Her illustrations and instructions for the stitchery are clear and easy to follow {just like all of her patterns}

Plus- you'll also receive a free copy of her monthly Bustle & Sew Magazine as her "thank you" gift to you …

So, go take a little look and order yourself a copy—- you will love it!

Money disclosure:  I do recieve a commision on purchases made through the link.  I only endorse products that I enjoy and simply love to share.

Did you notice the new workshop button on the sidebar? that's right–

This is a NEW online sewing workshop–

$8 Buy Now– hey that's the price of a pattern…

This workshop is all about using up those little bits of fabrics, lace and whatever else you have hanging around + stretch your imagination into becoming Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> Did you notice the new workshop button on the sidebar? that's right–

This is a NEW online sewing workshop–

$8 Buy Now– hey that's the price of a pattern…

This workshop is all about using up those little bits of fabrics, lace and whatever else you have hanging around + stretch your imagination into becoming a super cute leftover stuffie!

This workshop will start October 17th and will run for 1 week long.

Workshop Breakdown

The Leftovers Stuffie Workshop will be spread out over 1 week.

Day 1- Template + Talk about fabric- what works, what doesn't.

Day 2- Making your own templates, how to applique and get it to stay.

Day 3- Ruffle how to.

Day 4- Adding features. When and where

Day 5- How about a few embellishments. Flowers, ties, button eyes….the list goes on!

After this you are on your own! Share your thoughts, ideas in the forum. Post photos of the creations in the gallery.

Tutorials included:

* making a ruffle for a shirt or skirt

* Transfering your applique and applying it:

There will also be some quick thoughts on adding buttons, loose goodie– like bows, flowers ties, facial expressions and probably a few more.

This workshop is a perfect pattern for beginners. Making mistakes gives them more character!

What you will need for the workshop:

You: imagination

Fabric: scraps of anykind of fabric. I would suggest for your first few to steer away from slick or smooth fabric. They are more difficult to deal with. The Leftovers are perfect for vintage fabrics, heavier weight fabrics, or really whatever you can find your stash. Sometimes the crazyier the combination the better the outcome!

Tools: sewing machine. thread and needle. scissors

 Meet the Designer:    

* Becky of Patchwork Posse. After stitching for over 10 years , machine quilting for 4 of them…. she ventured out into pattern designs a few years back. Loving the world of non-traditional piecing techniques and adding a bit of dolls in there she is not afraid of trying new things! Anything that has to do with fabric is ok in her book!

I am totally excited about this workshop.  The whole basis is keep things simple.  Use up some different fabric scraps you have and of course make the cutest little stuffie on the planet! 

Hop on over and Sign Up today– $8 Buy Now!

This is what made it so-

I met some wonderful gals over at The Creative Connection.   Carol was one of them.  So what did she do?

Carol sent a little –ok fine, it was BIG- box of fabric on over…..weeeeee

a few favorite prints– all kind of kooky stuff.

She is a Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> This is what made it so-

I met some wonderful gals over at The Creative Connection.   Carol was one of them.  So what did she do?

Carol sent a little –ok fine, it was BIG- box of fabric on over…..weeeeee

a few favorite prints– all kind of kooky stuff.

She is a fabric designer— her line is coming out Soon!!! watch for it. 

It took me  a long time to go through it and stare. restack. look again. stack again and then quickly make something up–

I just took a look at her website–  she's in a book. and has flip camera patterns! what a girl.  You can take a look at her fabric line on her site too– totally cute.

As if that box of fabric could be topped—- this arrived today~

Whoah nelly— talk about the but getting bigger! It's not my fault. Blame it on the EQ.

I have been saving up for this, and debated on getting an older version….totally cheaper! but in the end i got the newest one. It does tracing wonderfullly {which is what i needed for patterns, oh so bad} and plus it has like all of the quilt blocks in memory. no more drawing my own saw tooth stars!!! yahooooo-  {Reeze hooked me up}

to top it off- quilt group tonight. man it's a good week.

What was your happy happy joy joy this week?

Today we are joined by Kaaren of The Painted Quilt.

Kaaran is the designer of the Raggedy Ann Quilt I started– { i start a lot of things don't i?}  Anyways– take a look at her blog and you will soon find out that she is a supurb interior designer…sure wish she would Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]>

Today we are joined by Kaaren of The Painted Quilt.

Kaaran is the designer of the Raggedy Ann Quilt I started– { i start a lot of things don't i?}  Anyways– take a look at her blog and you will soon find out that she is a supurb interior designer…sure wish she would drop in on my home and give me a few tips!  She also has found the love of stitchery and shares a new pattern on the first friday of each month…lucky readers! 

here is a bit about Kaaren-

 I am an artist and have recently retired from actively designing, publishing and travel teaching in the decorative painting industry. Quilting, stitching, applique and most recently rug hooking have become my new passions. Oh, and did I mention that I love to make and collect pincushions and needlecases! Join me on the First Friday of every month when I release a new Freebie pattern for your use and enjoyment.

She is super talented and really super generous too– every first  Friday she has a new free pattern on her blog.  Great idea!

She has  beautiful surroundings too-

Besides a bit of stitching with the sewing machine, she rug hooks and dibbles in a bit of wool applique.  Okay. Dibbling is an understatement.  She is working on 16 blocks!

And– wool dyeing!

Thanks Kaaren for letting us take a look at your wonderful quilts and goodies! 

Go take a minute and visit Kaaren-

Blog

Can't hear your claps, so leave a comment!

I would love to have you be featured and show off your Trunk Show!! contact Me…. everyone is invited to share.

Check out more Trunk Show Tuesdays–

All good things must come to an end. I really have enjoyed this quilt– just like the other ones. And the designers have come up with som super cute rows!

I appologize for having issues with the dates {seems this should have been up on the 22nd- where is my brain?} and sending out reminders, Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]>

All good things must come to an end. I really have enjoyed this quilt– just like the other ones. And the designers have come up with som super cute rows!

I appologize for having issues with the dates {seems this should have been up on the 22nd- where is my brain?} and sending out reminders, and you running over to see something new and the screen is blank. I have turned that off– not the brain, just the emails. and hopefully my act is together and they will actually co-ordinate together the info. 

For finishing up, it really is simple.  Please don't over-think this process.  To break it down- you find the longest row and then use that measurement for all the other rows.  Not too terrible. {it's not}

There was only one row that I actually removed something and that was the longest row of flying geese!  Because all the other rows were relitively close in size they were very easy to add too.

I added a stop border and then did a scrappy pieced border on the outside.  Not too extroindary, but it works for the quilt.  If you have any other ideas and want to do something totally different- hey. Go for it.

I did make one mistake on adding with the applique flowers. I put one piece on either side, when I should have added the spacer to one side and then sewn another flower on! Oh, how hindsight is better. lol I have a few quilts for someone to get done and then this goes on!  I am excited to see what comes of the quilting.

Winner of the Giveaway—

Free Workshop is dkg

Thanks for the designers again for doing a great job!

Carrie from Cricket Studio

Joy from Joy's Quilts

Robin from Robin Quilts