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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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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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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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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For some reason I am in the swapping mood— because I have again signed up for a few.  Ok. maybe quite a few….but I think I am catching on to what makes me inspired. 

I have a hard time finding and working on my own projects. I love to be 'told' what to sew. Do you do that too?

So I'll share my quick swap list — 2 christmas block swaps {i know crazy girl, but wait! After doing these I will have 4 fun christmas quilts- 1 for each child…..see where I'm going with this? oh, yea},  bird swap {finished and show off here},  Raggedy Ann Cherry girl,  My favorite Raggedy Ann,  {both girls are made and I am having a hard time deciding whether they will like their new home or stay here with me }, 12 days of christmas altered matchbook,  + the siggy swap with the group. 

Am I out of control, or just looking for something to do other than what is on my list?

Anyways– before I go and check out Swapdex again and sign up for another one– Take a look at the bird swap.

This one is from Erin from Denver, Co.  

check out their cute feet–

Thanks Erin!!

This one is what I have sent to her.   It actually stands on its own when you fiddle with the legs a bit. Similar to the pattern from the Focus Friday Book  Patchwork + Quilted Gifts. 

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Let's get it on then!!

This week girls we start off with:

This little cute dittie is the first pattern in the book.  It is of course there so we can make it and keep all of our needles together for the rest of the projects.

I love this project.  So simple, quick and you can easily use your scraps because it isn't that big!  You could totally make a bunch for your quilt group and have them at the table setting for a summer or christmas party.  The label was made by printing on fabric.  {Quick Tutorial here if you need}. 

Here is my review:  I used 100% wool for the covers.  Looks great doesn't it?  The inside pages are flannel. that is what the pattern calls for, but really the sides do ravel so I would in the future use wool or felt.

The size is perfect. Just enough to tuck some needles in and go.

Has anyone made one of these before?  Let us know!

And, just because I seriously don't need another needle keeper—

~~ LET'S HAVE A GIVEAWAY~!!!

It's been awhile since I have had one— too long!

So, here's the deal:  You can do 1 or the other or BOTH!

*  Go to this post and sign up to play along.  Add your blog to the list!

*  Make a comment here

You will have until Sunday Night Late.   I will be announcing the winner on Monday!!  Oh, wait  2 WINNERS!

—please make sure you have included your email or blog or something so I can contact you!

~~~ Have you made something from this book?  Contact me and be a reviewer….I'd love some other opinions.

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You all know I belong to 'the other quilt group' and we had our summer luncheon yesterday.  I hired a good friend- Cindy-  and she put it all together.  Talk about a woman with a brain– she designed, planned, cooked, invited, ….ok everything.  She was wonderful!  The other girls loved it and we had the best time….. no really. i know i keep saying it but it was!

Quick note about the mystery— someone stole a QUILT!! yikes.  And there were 8 characters- penny squares, churn D Dash, Miss Moda,  Betty Lou Bobbins, Ima Salvedge, Fussy Kut, and Kneedles and Pins.  i was Penny Squares.  Everyone got a wonderful invite with a description of our character, the other who were coming and of course the party details.

We had brunch- tea party style, the mystery and a show and tell.  It was beautiful outside in the morning.

I won't blab anymore– I will just show off the pictures:

A little bit of show and tell:

this one was called the baby killer- she didn't listen to her mom and stuffed as much polyfil as she could. seriously girls this thing was heavy!

My mom and her finished 'chocolate quilt' find the pattern on Quilting Melodies.

Here are our players:

Now, she {cindy} is starting to set up a website where she will be selling all the plans, printables, recipes and whatever else for her tea parties.  When she gets it up and going I will give a shout out for her— because seriously.  You need to have one.

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Instructions:

1. Add your name to the list
2. Add your craft website or blog link
3. Click on the person above you and visit their blog
4. If they have a button add it to your sidebar {it's all about cross-promotion}
5. If there is no button add it to your reading or blogroll list on the sidebar
6. Send them a quick email telling them you have added them to your site {send a link too}
7. To further promote each other send over an interview to fill out.
8. Post the interview on your blog with links and photos included.
9. Leave up the bottom for 1 month on your blog sidebar
10. Come back next month for a new partner

NOTES*

• After the month is up, you may remove their button from your page.
• List is open until Sunday….so hurry and sign up!
• After the list is closed I will promote the last person on it! {don't want you left out now}

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I think that this is one lesson that I have a hard time remembering— because I did it again. 

I cut the small pieces first and now, yup…..I don't have enough for the large blocks. 

I new better- didn't I?

Of course—- I bought the fabric when I was up in Rupert Idaho and cut all the salvages off like a good little girl. ugh.  See the issue? 

So, now I carry around one block in the purse……just in case I stumble upon some brown that just might work.  

It is one block from the quilt I am working on from Material Obsession.   Can't wait to show it off!!! But, you'll just have to wait till the hunt is over…and the piecing can continue.

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So, before I stock up again on the weekend I thought I'd share them.  Ok. fine. It's really like- before they get 'put away' and lost forever.

A most lovely large pile of 14" X 14" square of designer weight samples.

I must make a quilt out of them for sure— great for a picnic something.

Nice little collection of buttons and a rotary-

6 yards of Wool!!! I am going to piece them into a large blanket so it will fit our bed in the winter.

All of our other woolies shrink when bodies get under them ?

Vintage Table Cloths and some embroideries–

Some super cute pre-made goodies:

I am thinking that a few of these might turn into a pattern or tutorial—

look how cute these little crochet cats are!!!!

She is holding a hat and he is holding a fish. hee hee.

So far, these little girls are my favorite:

I {heart} Garage Sales.  

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Here we are— snip, snip, snip

Top #1 — Christmas Block Exchange

Top #2 — Owl Block Exchange

Top #3 —Charm a long Block of the Month {pattern for members here}

Halfway done with my Material Obsession Quilt! Love it.

I got my Round Robin back too!!! I sent the center bird panel around. The girls added sides. Cute stuff! thanks girls—

Overall I think it was a pretty productive day, don't you? 

Tomorrow— Share your peanut day!!!  Please come and share her….I will set up a little linkie so if you make a post you can add your link.  + I will be posting a cute Holiday Wreath tutorial…super easy and uses fabric.

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