Fabric Fascination

Treasury Tuesday

2012-02-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

Treasured Tuesday Time!

This week's four cheerful treasuries are sure to brighten up any winter day.

The first is by Mary Louise of mlmxoxo. Mary Louise designs and creates everything in her Boston studio. She operates on the basis of three principles: Form follows function. Less is more. God is in the details. These tenets are evident in her work. She offers pure wool felt items like the accessories cases pictured, as well as photographs of beautiful Lisbon.

Here is the colorful treasury she curated.

Renee Roberts of Flapdoodle Bags saysher sewing journey began in a home economics class in middle school. Even though that experience was a bit of a nightmare, Renee eventually discovered quilting, which has become her passion. She makes bags, like the one pictured, as well as accessories of all kinds.

And this is the clever treasury she made:

Nancy Tanguay of UniquelyNancy is also a quilter. She has been sewing for 50 years, and has been a seamstress and costumer for over 20. She says that she has so many ideas of what she wants to make, that she has a hard time deciding what to do next. The double pinwheel quilt shown is one of my favorites in her shop.

Check out the sunshine treasury she put together:

Lastly, Bocko made this pretty teal treasury:

Since Bocko is a buyer only account, I don't know much about her, except that she likes to make treasuries. As of last count, she has made 333 since last February. You can see more of them here.

Thank you Mary Louise, Renee, Nancy, and Bocko for including one of my items in your treasuries.

2012 Challenges

2012-02-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

A lot of new challenges for 2012 are floating around Blogville. I've seen book reading challenges, weight loss challenges, daily photo challenges, quilt block challenges, and scrap booking challenges. I have the 12 Month Challenge running on this blog, as well as the Skywatch project.

One of the coolest challenges I've seen is the one running on Tabsolute's blog. Monique from the Netherlands plans to make something new with pop top tabs every day this year. Her goals for doing this project are:
* inspiration for new pop tab items
* improving her craft skills and learning new techniques
* improving her english
* blogging on a regular basis
* improving her photographing skills
* preserver to keep doing this for a long period continuously

I really like this triptych she did on Faith, Hope, and Love.

She has fabulous pieces in her Etsy shop as well, like this pop tabs belt.

Be sure to check out her blog to see her daily pop top projects.

Are you running a challenge on your blog, or participating in any challenges this year?

Happy Crafting ♥

Thankful Sunday

2012-02-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for my church.

My husband and I helped build this church

It is actually the first and only church I have been a part of. Our doctrine and way we congregate has evolved over the 27 years that I have been involved, but it still feels like home. I love that our beliefs are based on the Bible, and not man's traditions. I love that we are willing to change our thinking as we learn more, and admit we were wrong when we find out that we are. Our hunger as a church is to know and practice the truth to the best of our understanding. I love that too.

What has your spiritual experience been like? Or, if you don't want to answer that, what are you thankful for today?

Customer Appreciation

2012-02-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Ersi Marina of paintafeeling made this beautiful one of a kind mixed media textile art piece, using fabrics she purchased from my shop. She says that it is a token of her love for fabrics and textile art. This is the first time she used fabric so extensively in her work - in fact,this piece is a 90% fabric-based composition.

I love seeing what becomes of the fabric after it leaves my shop. Thank you for sharing this with us Ersi.

Block of the Month #2

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Here is the second block in the Block of Month series.

This one is often called Dutchman's Puzzle.

Here are a few quilts you can make with this block.

Get a PDF file of cutting and sewing

directions for this block.

I offer this block as a pre-cut kit in my shop. These colorways are available, or you can custom order the block in any fabric you like.

Next week, I'll post a tutorial of a project you can make with two blocks.

Treasured Tuesday

2012-02-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Treasuries are a bit like quilts, full of colors which dance together and delight the eyes. Meet this week's Treasured Tuesday curators and enjoy the treasuries they've made.

red heart bracelet with genuine coral and onyx

Featured first is Christina from StonesArtisanJewelry, originally from Canada, and now living in Atlanta. Christina loves rocks - touching them, keeping them in bowls, holding them in her hands.

This coupled with her love for design and attention to detail, naturally led to her shop of semi-precious stone artisan jewelry. The heart shaped red bracelet pictured is an example of her work.

She also curated the blue chintz treasury below.

Michele of Los Angeles carries vintage nifties, curios and collectable kitsch in her shop by the same name. She also incorporates vintage finds into repurposed jewelry designs. Michele once was a screenwriter, and likes to imagine the stories behind the items she finds. I think my grandmother may have owned a set of canisters like these in her shop.

1960s Avocado. Enameled Metal, Lincoln Beautyware

She made this (mostly) B&W treasury.

Karen Griska of KarenGriskaQuilts has been featured in the Treasured Tuesday list recently. Usually I try not to feature the same person twice in a close period of time, but I had to show her gorgeous lime treasury, and tell you about her new quilting book.

First, the treasury:

Now the book - Stairstep Quilts is available as a PDF file in her Etsy Shop. The book is 24-pages filled with quilt photos, step-by-step how-to photos, fabric requirements, cutting and sewing directions that have been "sister-tested" and found to be easy to follow. Since it is Volume I from the Perpetual Quilter, I am looking forward to more volumes of quilt design from Karen.

The last featured treasury today is a selvage treasury by Terry Aske of TerryAskeArtQuilts.

Isn't it amazing what can be made from scraps that are usually discarded?

Terry remembers making a mosaic from seeds and beans in kindergarten. After that, she dabbled in many creative activities - beading, drawing, painting, knitting and sewing, but didn't find any that really held my interest. Until, in 1998, she was invited by a friend to a one-day quilting course, and the rest is history. Here is one of my favorites from her shop.

Thank you to all four lovely ladies for including me in their treasuries.

Exchange Program

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

First of all, I want to thank everyone who responded to the Free Fabric for Tutorials offer. I checked out each one of your blogs, and must say that I am amazed at the variety and talent I saw.

It was really quite difficult to narrow it down to five of you. I must have changed my mind a dozen times over the course of the last few days. But finally I decided on five candidates who I believe will make some wonderful projects and tutorials. So, without further ado, here they are in alphabetical order:

Amy from naptimecrafters.com
Dora from http://showtellshare.blogspot.com
Heather from memakingdo.blogspot.com
Jenni from http://jennisrandomramblings.blogspot.com
Kat from www.mummastimetocreate.blogspot.com

Congratulations Amy, Dora, Heather, Jenni, and Kat. I can't wait to see what you make! If you haven't emailed your address to me yet, please do, so that I can send out your fabric.

Again, thank you to all who participated in the Exchange Program.

Please stay tuned to see the tutorials that result from it.

Thankful Sunday

2012-02-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for time spent this weekend with my two eldest granddaughters. They are at the wonder years age - old enough to be helpful at setting the table and fun to do crafting with, but not so old that they don't enjoy being with Grandma and Grandpa anymore.

We had so much fun making paper mache hearts for valentines day (following this tutorial), shopping, sharing a soft pretzel after, watching the movie Rio, going to church together this morning, and giving out the popcorn hand snacks we made for children's fellowship to go along with the lesson I taught.

What are you thankful for today?

New in My Shop

2012-02-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

Some NEW arrivals in my shop:

Sea Mist Batiks from Hoffman

Wildflower Collection from Kathy Davis

And Quilting Pattern Books from Marsha McCloskey,Virginia Anderson, and Sharon Yenter

Happy Sewing ♥

Project Quilting Results - the Music Challenge

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of my favorites from this week's Project Quilting Challenge. There were 28 quilty items entered this round. Lots of wonderful prizes were awarded. Kim does write-ups of each entry throughout the week following the challenge, and you can catch up with it all here.

Katie's Quilts and Crafts

WayMooreFunQuilts

Sharon H (be sure and read her inspiration for this quilt)

Happy Quilting♥

One Block Pillow

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a simple one block project you can make with the block from last week's BOM.

This 12 or 14" pillow will make a nice accent for your bedroom or livingroom.

Start with your block - if you missed the instructions, the PDF file is here.

Buy a 12" or 14" pillow form. For the 14" size, you will be adding a one inch border around the block. {Instructions are for the 14" size. If you make a 12" pillow, eliminate the 1" border, and cut the backing piece 12 1/2" square.}

Cut off the manufacturer's tag.

From a coordinating fabric (I used one of the fabrics from the block), cut two 1 1/2" x 12 1/2" strips, and two 1 1/2" x 14 1/2" strips. Cut a backing out of the same fabric 14 1/2" square.

I added a zipper to my pillow, but you could skip the next few steps and just sew your pillowcase shut after you stuff it if you prefer.

Use an invisible zipper. I had one on hand the perfect green, but it was too long. No problem. After adding the zipper, I just sewed across the top end and cut off the extra.

Pin one side of the zipper facing, right sides together to one side of the backing fabric. Sew as close as you can to the zipper. The Sew Katie Did Blog has an excellent tutorial about adding an invisible zipper to your pillow, if you need more detailed instruction.

Sew the other side of the zipper tape to the right side of your pillow.

Sewing tip: I keep a stack of sewing projects near my machine to start and finish threads on my current project. Chain sewing wastes less thread, and I don't like to restart thread because there is a greater chance for it getting tangled or making a thread nest on the back of my work.

Start and stop thread on other sewing projects.

Here is how the finished zipper looks.

Now put the pillow case right sides together and stitch the three sides that don't have the zipper. Be sure to open the zipper before you start so that you have a way to turn the case right sides out.

Sewing tip: Stop with your needle down a stitch or two from each corner, pivot, and take two stitches across the corner as shown in this picture. Then pivot again and continue sewing down the next side. This will prevent "dog-ears" on your pillow corners.

Turn your pillow case, poke out the corners, stuff with your pillow form, and voila....

You have a nice new pillow!

Happy Sewing♥

Treasured Tuesday

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-05:00

Take a journey down treasury lane with me. Here are some of the treasuries my shops have been included in recently, and a bit about their curators.

Holly Renee Becker of HollyTamales is a wife and mother who lives in New Mexico. She is inspired by nature, and loves to take pictures. Her shop carries sewn items like these cute hot pepper kitchen towels.

Here is the travel themed treasury she created.

Frances Clements says she named her shop after herself so that it would be easy to remember. She is also a wife and mother, and lives in Texas. She likes to try new things, one of which is the things that can take shape in her mind when she looks at an ink blot like the "What Grows in Your Heart" art pictured.

She curated a lovely treasury about flowers.

StumblingOnSainthood is a girly-girl at heart. She offers a variety of handmade hair accessories and jewelry for those that are looking for something pretty and feminine. The pretty pink flower ring is an example of her work.

And here is the treasury she made.

My final featured guest today is Sue Perino from California. She made the bright and beautiful treasury you see here.

For Sue, it is all about the journey. She loves transforming natural materials (especially wool, as pictured in the swoop brim felt hat here) into vibrant and unique functional pieces.

I am so thankful to have an item from my shops included in these wonderful treasuries.

Shhhhhhh!

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

It's a surprise!

I got this gorgeous yarn bowl for my daughter-in-law's birthday later this month. It was custom made by my cousin Stephanie, who has a pottery shop in Naples, New York.

Shhhh! Don't tell!

Thankful Sunday

2012-01-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for our new bed. A few years back we bought a pillow top mattress from Sam's Club. It looked SO comfy, but in reality was not.

So, our Christmas gift to ourselves this year was one of those dual sided air beds. He likes his side softer than I like mine. We also bought a heated mattress pad with dual controls. Now we look forward to a good night's rest at night.

You could say, we sleep like a baby.

You can find this Princess and the Pea wooden doll bed and mattress photo prop at QuietudeQuilts

What are you thankful for today?

Exchange Program - Free Fabric for Tutorials

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

My Sister Blog, Totally Tutorials, has an exciting Exchange Program - Free Supplies For Tutorials?

If you love fabric, here is an opportunity for you to receive some free, as well as drive traffic to your online website and blog!

I am offering a panel of the Malka Dubrawsky fabric, or a 1/2 yard of one of the other fabrics pictured (my choice) to up to five people who would like to create a unique piece utilizing the material. The recipients of the fabric would then share how their project was done by posting a tutorial on their blogs.

The fabric (including shipping) will be free to those who are chosen to create the tutorials. All artists in the world are welcome to apply! Please feel free to use the crafting style of your choice to work with this material.

Malka Dubrawsky Stitch in Color

Lauren Wisbrun Modern Whimsy

Anthology Sweet Dreams

I will link your finished tutorial here on the FabricFascination blog. In return you will link your online website and your blog to me. The tutorial will also appear on the Totally Tutorials blog which is facilitating the Exchange Program. For further details please check out Totally Tutorials.

If you are interested in creating a unique piece with this fabric, please post a comment here with the URL to your blog or website. You may also convo me through Etsy at FabricFascination. The ideal candidate will be someone comfortable working with fabric. I'm looking for creative ideas. The ideal candidate will also have a blog and the ability to take nice photos. I will randomly choose several people from those candidates.

Applications will be accepted through Saturday, February 4th. I will contact those chosen for the exchange on Monday, February 6th. You will then have a month to complete your tutorial.

Happy Crafting ♥

12 Months

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the January linky party for the 12 Month Challenge.

I don't know about you, but I have been busy this month. I've sewn some new blocks for the Block of the Month project, designed a Birthday Placemat, and taken and posted skywatch photos daily.

I've been very busy getting used to running my new blog - Totally Tutorials. There has been advertising to figure out (since I've never done it before), setting up Pinterest and Twitter accounts, making a new banner, and posting four new tutorials each day.

Then there is the inchie block I contributed to Karen Griska's Group Quilt, setting up a Fabric/Tutorial Exchange (more details on Friday) and started a new baby quilt with a quilting friend.

It has been a productive month.

How about you? Feel free to link up a project that you have finished this month, or several if you like. I am looking forward to seeing what you have been working on. You have from now until February 28th to post your links.

Treasury Tuesday

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Treasured Tuesday is a treat because I get to visit the shops of some generous Etsians who have included me in one of their treasuries recently. I always learn interesting things from their profiles, and find something special to feature.

Gilliauna from her shop by the same name, strives to add a bit of extra color to your life and make each of your days a little brighter with a variety of colorful, quality pieces. She offers unique handmade artisan jewelry rich in color and quality like the frosted earrings pictured.

Her treasury is a beautiful study in blue.

Diane Gilliam from DishClothsGalore started making dishcloths after an encounter with two lovely grandmotherly types in the yarn aisle at Woolworths. She was young and buying baby yarn, when one of the grandmothers asked, "Do you ever make those old-timey dishrags? They work up real fast, you just add on stitch on each end till they're big as you want, then cast off. Lots of people like them, they're good for scrubbing." She has been making them ever since. Here is the cozy treasury she curated.

Lynn from MidnightCoiler features birdhouses, pottery, beads, coiled baskets, toothpick cases and gourds. working with gathered and grown materials from nature. Her specialties are carving gourds (which she grows herself) by hand and coiled and twined basketry. I love the french bread basket shown here.

And this is the pretty peach treasury she made.

Erin Moss from MoonbirdSisters offers a variety of vintage items, including the cross stitch pictured. And here is the black and white treasury she curated.

Thank you to all the featured treasury makers.

It's Your Birthday Placemat

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

This Happy Birthday placemat was made for my daughter's upcoming birthday. I figured she could use it for family members birthdays in the future.

I need to tweak the pattern a bit, but I like the whimsical look of this.

Happy Sewing ♥

P.S. - The New Challenge is up for Project Quilting - take a look.

Thankful Sunday

2012-01-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for gentleness. I love watching my husband being tender with our grandchildren. He is so sweet and loving. We have had the pleasure of spending time with some of our granddaughters this weekend. I so enjoy their innocence and joy.

This Art Print is Available at Cinnamonink

What are you thankful for today?

Project Quilting Results

2012-01-21T07:30:00.000-05:00

Reflection Refraction by Pam Geisel

The first challenge of the season is completed. Here are a few of my favorites in this round. Read about the architectural inspiration behind each piece by following these links:

Architectural Elements Part I

Architectural Elements Part II
Architectural Elements Part III
Architectural Elements Part IV
Architectural Elements Part V

A View from Lake Michigan by Dashasel Sews


Trapezoid by DottyJane

The next challenge starts tomorrow. Find out how to enter, and the fabulous prizes that will be given away, on Kim's Crafty Apple blog. I am one of the sponsors of this event. This week I sent out this fabric bundle to one of the winners.

Happy Sewing♥

Block of the Month #1

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

As promised, here is the first block in the Block of Month series.

Here are just three of the quilts that can be made using this block:

Get a PDF file of cutting and sewing
directions for this block here.

I offer this block as a pre-cut kit in my shop. These three colorways are available. Or you can custom order the block in any fabric you like.

Next week, I will show a project you can do with this block.

Happy Sewing ♥

Pin It

Treasury Tuesday

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Treasury Tuesday!Check out some fabulous treasuries, plus meet their curators and get an introduction to the shops they own. First up is Diana McKay from McKayzoo Vintage. Diana carries affordable vintage items including costume jewelry, clothing, and accessories like the bandana style beaded fringe scarf below.

And here is the watercolor treasury she curated:

Andrea of HappyCloudCreations curated this warm and cozy quilt treasury:

Andrea loves being creative. She enjoys sewing, knitting, cross-stitching, painting, and drawing. Her shop carries quilts, burp cloths, decorative pillows, and kitchen items like the pot holder and knitted dish cloth set pictured.

Karen Griska of KarenGriskaQuilts sells a variety of unique and beautiful quilts, scarves, and miniature doll house cabinets. She is inspired by antique quilts, especially ones that contain improvisational elements in their design or construction. She also enjoys the challenge of upcycling, and wrote the book "Quilts from the Selvage Edge" on that topic. Here is one of the quilts available in her shop:

The aqua inspired treasury she made:

Maria of WiseSewcialTies carries one of a kind gifts made from modern, reclaimed and vintage fabrics. She enjoys making something new or different every time she steps into her studio, learning something new in the process. The adorable girls short set pictured is available in her shop.

This is the cheerful treasury she curated:

Each picture in these treasuries is a clickable link which will take you to the shop where you can buy the item.

Thanks again to these curators for including something of mine in their treasuries.

The Fabric I Keep

2012-01-16T00:00:00.002-05:00

As you might guess, I own a fabric store because I love fabric, hence the name - Fabric Fascination. The first 8 inches of a new bolt of fabric is always mine. First I trim off the selvage edge, and save it in my selvage scrap bag for future projects. If you like selvages, here is a whole blog about using them. Next I cut a 3 1/2" piece, and subcut it into 3 1/2" squares. When I have a big enough stack of them, I sell them in my shop as charm squares.

The remainder of the first cut goes into a large plastic bin of fabric waiting to be used in scrappy projects like this 1000 pyramid quilt.

Happy Sewing ♥

P. S. Don't Miss the WINTER SALE going on right now in my Fabric Shop!

Thankful Sunday

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

This week, my husband and I traveled to NYC. We are not NYC lovers. In fact, I was a bit nervous about the whole adventure, but we had some appointments to keep and had to go. And guess what - everything went fine! I am thankful that the train, taxi, and subway rides we took went smoothly, and that we didn't get lost once. We even had time for lunch between our appointments.

Well, we did get quite wet from the drenching rain at one point, but other than that, had a pleasant experience. I even learned a new expression - blocking the box. It refers to the box formed in the middle of an intersection of cross roads. I think it describes it well. From now on I will know what to say to inconsiderate drivers who block the intersection when the light changes. In NYC they give fines for that.

What are you thankful for today?

Neglecting My Blog

2012-01-14T15:27:00.001-05:00

I have been neglecting my blog this week. Partially because my husband and I were out of town, and without internet for a couple of days. Partly because I have been busy with the Totally Tutorial blog, setting up future posts, some advertising, answering emails, and getting ready for reinstating the exchange program. And partly because of bookkeeping tasks that needed my attention.

I hope to be back on track starting today.

Purchase this image at DPS Photo

Treasured Tuesdays

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

I find myself looking forward to Treasured Tuesdays. It has been fun to investigate the shops of each featured curator, as well as show the lovely treasuries they have made.

Paula Casill of NYC made this first treasury.

Her shop, Quilts by Paula, has quilts (in many sizes, shapes, and styles), as well as a variety of unique and fun quilted items and gift ideas. Paula says that she turned into a "quilting maniac" after reading a book on basic quilting 12 years ago and trying quilting as a summer hobby. Below is a set of mug rugs from her shop.

The next treasury is by Jesse Anne Designs.

Jesse Anne offers artisan jewelry like the piece pictured below. But she also considers herself an artist who works primarily in watercolors, as well as dabbling in photography, writing, various mixed mediums, general sculpture, wire sculpture, clay, needlework, block printing, ceramics, tile design, and fabric arts.

LiLaO is a mother daughter team that offers cute handmade miniature sculptures like the adorable one pictured below. They say that they make stuff you never knew you wanted! I have a set of their clay tags which I sometimes give as gifts to customers.

Here is the treasury they made.

Pat McWhorter has been painting since she was 10 years old. She has studied under other Artists, as well as attended Rowan University and Pratt Institute, majoring in Fine Art, Drawing, and Painting. Primarily a Muralist, Pat has been published in Magazines and a book.

Here is the treasury she made.

And here is an example of her work.

All of the items in these treasuries are clickable links, just click on the picture to take you to a shop. Thanks again to these curators for including something of mine in their treasuries.

New Quilt Kit

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

My fabric shop has a new baby quilt kit available - Barn Babies with organic cotton fabrics by Laurie Wisbrun, and a pattern by Heidi Pridemore.

Isn't it adorable!

Thankful Sunday

2012-01-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Can you believe a New York weekend in January with temperatures in the 40's?

Not that I mind snow, but this (mostly) mild winter we've been having is pretty easy to take....
and easy on our heating bill too!

I am also thankful that the darkest, shortest days of winter are over, and we now have daylight for almost 9 hours a day.

What are you thankful for today?

Project Quilting Begins This Week!

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

Another exciting season of Project Quilting is about to begin. This season is different in that prizes will be awarded by random drawing from among the participants in each week's challenge. And what a fabulous group of prizes there are! I am happy to again be one of the sponsors of this fun challenge.

So get your sewing machines tuned, and your designing skills honed for this new adventure - beginning Sunday, January 8th!

A New 12 Month Challenge

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

For 2012, the 52 week challenge has morphed into a 12 month challenge.

I was finding the weekly deadline too constricting. Some of the bigger projects I want to do just don't get done in a week. So, the plan is to have a linky party once each month, on the last Wednesday of the month, when you will be able to post a project (or projects) that you have completed. Another change I would like to make is to do a follow-up post featuring some of the creations you link each month. I hope that you can join in the challenge, each month, or even occasionally.

The first 2012 linky party will be posted January 25th.

Here is a new button for those who would like one.

Let's get busy,

Treasured Tuesday

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the first Treasured Tuesday of the new year.I have four wonderful treasuries to share, as well as the artisans who made them.

Stephanie Doroba of ShiningMoon made this tribute to 2012 treasury:

Stephanie works with polymer clay to fashion clay pendants like the one pictured below. She also carries vintage coin and button pendants in her shop.

Mollie Brown from her shop with the same name, is a self taught artist who enjoys many styles and mediums. Her shop offers a variety of vintage items as well as handmade.

Here is the family oriented treasury she created:

You can find this vintage juicer in her shop.

RachelQLanders earned a Bachelors in Studio Art with a concentration in Scientific Illustration. Although abstract, her artwork is still based on cellular structures, anatomical imagery, and natural forms. She and her husband have a tree care business, and much of her inspiration comes from these outdoor activities. Below is an example of her work.

And here is the treasury she curated.

Tammie Bowden from Tammie Bowden Photography is from Wappingers Falls, New York, a place just a few hours south of me that I have visited often. She offers stunning photos in her shop, like this autumn scene.

And here is the gorgeous treasury she curated.

All of the items in these treasuries are clickable links, so if you see something that you like in any of these treasuries, just click on the picture to take you to the shop. I am thankful to all these curators for including something of mine in their beautiful treasuries.

Good-bye 2011

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

2011

It has been a good year!

Thankful Sunday

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for a new year to live -

to enjoy my family, my work, the surprises each day brings.

I hope that your new year is filled with joy, good health, and adventure.

Love Tutorials? This is the Blog for You!

2011-12-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

I have a new sister blog - Totally Tutorials. You may have noticed the button on my sidebar.

This has been a long standing blog with many followers which offers new tutorials daily. It was set up and run for years by Dotty of Dottyral who has several shops on Etsy, as well as her own website and blog. Dotty has so many things on her plate, that she decided to pass the Totally Tutorials Blog on to someone willing to keep it running. I am so excited that person is me!

Be sure to visit Totally Tutorials and check out the amazing variety of free tutorials posted. You will also be able to submit tutorials which will be seen by many people, and will link back to your blog. There is also an exciting Exchange Program - Free Supplies for Tutorials, which I hope to reinstate on the blog soon.

Hooray for Tutes!

52 Week Challenge - Week 52

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, it is the last week of the 52 week challenge of 2011.

I will show a collage of some of the projects that we have finished this year a little further down in the post. But first, a few words about my 52nd project.

This artwork was done by my daughter when she was in the 3rd grade (in 1984). I kept it rolled up until this last week, intending someday to frame it. Well, someday finally came. The delight of surprising my daughter with it this Christmas was worth the wait. She didn't remember making this piece, and thoroughly enjoyed discovering all the details. It looks perfect hanging in her daughter's (my granddaughter) bedroom.

Now on to the challenge.

When I issued a challenge a year ago to finish at least one project per week in 2011 and post it to my blog, I didn't realize how difficult it would be. But somehow I did it! I am so thankful to have completed all 52 weeks.

I am even MORE thankful for those of you who have joined the challenge during the last 12 months, and shared your creations here. I hope that you have enjoyed it too.

Here is a small sampling of projects that we've completed this year.

Congratulations to all of us!

You can see all of the projects week by week here. In the meantime, be sure and leave a link for your final project for 2011 below, and...

Let's get busy,

Treasured Tuesday

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Treasuries are so much fun! I love to feature some of the ones my shop has been included in, and the people who created them.

First up this week is Cindy from EarthMotherMosaics . In addition to having a dad who made beautiful wood furniture, and a mom who sewed all her clothes, Cindy grew up near a town filled with artists, which helped shape she is today as a contemporary abstract mosaic artist. Her mosaics are made with small scrap pieces of stained glass,recycled mirror, broken dishes,mugs, discarded wine and beer bottles, pieces of jewelry, buttons, seashells, rocks and stones, and even microwave plates on occasion. Here is a framed mirror available in her shop.

Retro Mosaic Stained Glass Crescent Moon Butterfly Frame with Mirror

And here is the beautiful treasury she made:

StudioCKH is a children's book author studying to be an illustrator at the renowned Rhode Island School of Design. She loves to dabble in many art forms like prints, note cards, jewelry, quilting, and various other crafts such as the hand painted ornament shown below.

Hand Painted Glass Ornament - Green and Gold Shimmer

The collection of coasters treasury she made is lots of fun.

Lori Bragg of FabricatedFamily is a native Floridian and a freelance fiction writer who writes short stories in the form of invented biographies, children's books, and stories told in unique formats. In addition to her written work, Lori offers handmade art and vintage items.

Fabricated Family--A Comedy of Victorian Biographies

Below is the intriguing treasury she made.

Susan Williams of SusanWilliamsDesigns also lives in Florida, and makes cool guitar pick jewelry and more for the rock star in all of us. The guitar pick zipper pulls below are an example of her work.

Guitar Pick Zipper Pull

And here is the colorful treasury she curated.

If you see something that you like in any of these treasuries, just click on the picture to take you to the shop. Thank you to all four shops for including something of mine in their wonderful treasuries.

Block of the Month Club

2011-12-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

Now that the 52 week challenge is almost over, it is time to think about what I want to do in 2012. One of the projects I have in mind is a block of the month club.

My plan is to post a block (or two) once a month, with directions on how to make it. I would also like to feature various projects along the way that can be made with the blocks, starting with simple one block projects, up to using all the blocks in a sampler quilt.

The blocks that I make will be made with cotton solids from the kona and bella lines by Moda and Robert Kaufman. I will be offering BOM kits in my fabric shop with pre-cut pieces, patterns, and project ideas. Of course if you like, you can also use fabrics you have on hand, and just follow along on this blog. You can make your blocks in a rainbow of colors as I will be, or stick to two or three colors if you prefer.

I am looking forward to this new adventure, and hope that you will join me to make a few (or all) of the blocks.

This should be fun!

Happy Sewing ♥

Thankful Sunday

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

I am thankful that our Saviour was born, and that we celebrate his birth on this day.

I pray that your Christmas is full of thankfulness, love, and peace.

Sky Watch

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

Isn't the sky amazing! It is different every day, every hour sometimes.

My plan is to take a picture of the sky every day for a year. I have a page on my blog for those of you who are interested in checking out this photo journal. I started the journal on 12/12/2011, and if all goes well, I will finish on 12/12/12.

Here's a video of The Afters - Light up the Sky for you to watch. It doesn't have a lot to do with this project (other than its name), but I hope that you will enjoy it just the same.

52 Week Challenge - Week 51

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

One week to go!

I made another baby quilt for a new child my daughter's family is fostering. This little one is only six weeks old, very tiny, and very cute. I appliqued her name on the front of the quilt. She got to sleep under it for the first time this past weekend.

I used a rose kona cotton solid, and batik charms from Timeless Treasures

What have you been working on this week?
Leave a link below, I would love to see it.

Treasured Tuesday

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Treasuries are fun, both to make and to look at. They remind me of quilts in the way that they are laid out in rows and columns, and in the way that the individual items colors and designs blend to make up a more beautiful whole.

Here are some of the lovely treasuries my shop has been included in recently, and a little about the curators who made them.

First up is a husband and wife team from TinyGoatStudios. This is the Tangerine beauty they made:

This couple from Seattle, Washington makes bracelets, earrings, rings, and necklaces like the one pictured below. They also like little goats (hence their shop name).

Hot Pink Flower Necklace, Resin Flower Necklace on Hot Pink Background

"A Little Something for the Holidays" was curated by another husband and wife shop in Wisconsin - CircleANaturals. They offer natural and organic bed and bath products, as well as antiques, gemstones, and greeting cards with scenes of their life on a farm.

Making Hay Photo Card

Here is the festive treasury they made:

Pam Peterson from CocobytheLake made this pretty treasury:

Pam has been creating quilts, and doing long arm quilting since 2002. Each quilt is her own original design, or a unique interpretation of an existing quilt design, and all are custom quilted by her. Her shop offers 3D kaleidoscope ornaments, art quilts, and gorgeous bed quilts like the one pictured below.

Red and Purple Stars All Around

The last treasury for this Tuesday is from 3Pearls who loves to draw, paint, sew, bead, collage, embroider, quilt, knit and crochet. She says that she tends to get a little obsessed with whatever her current medium is. Her shop has unique handmade jewelry like the beautiful bracelet pictured.

Crocheted Bead Bracelet

Here is the treasury she curated:

If you see something that you like in any of these treasuries, just click on the picture to take you to the shop.

Thank you to all four shops for including something of mine in their wonderful treasuries.

I Appreciate U

2011-12-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Those of you who have purchased from my fabric shop may be familiar with the I Appreciate You program that rewarded dollars spent with a gift certificate to my shop.

Due to changes in Etsy (like shop names, inability to print individual customer histories, and plan for multiple shops to be listed under one account) I have had to discontinue this program for now. I am truly sorry about this because I enjoy rewarding my faithful customers in this manner. It was just getting too difficult to keep track of points.

However, I will still be sending out occasional emails with coupons (so sign up for my email list if you haven't already), and have instituted a new reward program. Send me a photo of a project that you have made using fabrics from my shop, and if I feature your work on this blog, I will send you a coupon code for 15% off. This coupon can also be used in combination with any sales going on at the time of purchase.

Happy Sewing ♥

These are all available in my shop

Thankful Sunday

2011-12-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for unexpected gifts.

I received this lovely box of chocolate covered fruit from someone I do work for on a weekly basis. In the five years we've done business, we have never exchanged gifts before, and I wasn't expecting a gift this year. She simply wanted me to know that she appreciated me.

Aren't these the best kinds of gifts? The ones that come straight from someone's heart, just because they want to bless you. And aren't these the gifts we like to give the most too? The ones without compulsion, or social expectation, but just because we want to show our appreciation to someone.

What is an unexpected gift that you have received?

Customer Appreciation

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Renee Roberts of Flapdoodle Bags made this adorable chicken purse from fabrics purchased in my shop. Renee has a variety of items available for sale like cell phone and eye glass cases, Kindle covers, wallets, checkbook and journal covers, and of course, bags.

I love seeing what my customers make with the fabric they purchase.

♥ Happy Sewing

52 Week Challenge - Week 50

2011-12-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

This week I made a couple of wool and emery Pincushions.

I felted a snowflake design on top and blanket stitched in wool around the edge.

Only two weeks to go in the 52 week challenge. It has been a fun and interesting year. I have a new project in mind for 2012. (More on that later).

What have you been working on this week? Leave a link below.

Let's get busy,

Treasured Tuesday

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

This first treasury is made by Julie Thurston, a member of the Top Treasury Team. Julie has a buyer only account on Etsy. Thank you for including me in your beautiful treasury Julie.

Notforeat is from Rome, Italy. She learned to knit and to crochet when she was young and this passion has remained in her. She likes knitting with original and new wool and yarn, mostly Italian. All her creations are handmade with passion and attention to detail, like the bag pictured below.

Jerimi Paul-Burnside from ThreeCat works in a vets office and is going to vet tech school, with an emphasis in behavior therapy. In addition to making handmade cat toys like the kitty kickstick below, Jerimi designs websites. You can see both for sale in her Etsy shop.

Julia Rubio, from her shop by the same name, is from Barcelona, Spain. She loves to transform felt, zippers, crayons to make jewelry like the crayon brooch pictured. You will find many more unique and wonderful accessories in her shop.

Thank you all for including me in your lovely treasuries.

Gift Idea - Monthly Fabric Club

2011-12-12T00:00:00.001-05:00

Is there someone on your gift list who loves to sew? It could be your Mom, sister, a quilting friend, or a favorite teacher. How about a monthly fabric club?

Click here to find out more about the club

Each month for four months, your gift recipient will receive four fat quarters (totaling one yard of fabric), from my shop. Some months it will be a selection from a collection of batiks, other months it will be a mix of kona cottons, Westminster, Timeless Treasures, Anthology, or In the Beginning lines. Always a surprise!

You can start the club at anytime. I get new fabrics in often.

Of course, you could always treat yourself to this club as well.

♥ Happy Sewing

Thankful Sunday

2011-12-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for laughter.

According to Helpguide.org following are some of the benefits of laughter:


Physical Health Benefits: Boosts immunity Lowers stress hormones Decreases pain Relaxes your muscles Prevents heart disease	Mental Health Benefits: Adds joy and zest to life Eases anxiety and fear Relieves stress Improves mood Enhances resilience	Social Benefits: Strengthens relationships Attracts others to us Enhances teamwork Helps defuse conflict Promotes group bonding

God says:
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance (Proverbs 15:13)
He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:15)
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine (Proverbs 17:22)

One of the things that make me laugh are things that children say. Recently when my daughter told my granddaughter that she loved her to the moon and back, my four year old granddaughter responded that she loved her mom to the front and back. Another day the same granddaughter explained that she was being especially quiet because her mom was a light sleeper, but that she (herself) slept darker.

What makes you laugh?

Business Journal

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Do you keep a journal for your business?

I have been journaling about my business since I opened an online quilt shop in 2007. It helps me to focus, release my thoughts and feelings, jot down ideas that would otherwise be forgotten, and record milestones and successes (as well as disappointments).

My journals include drawings, lists, and occasional clippings from magazines. Generally I write daily plans, and about what has happened since the last recording. My journals are not strictly business either. My business is me, and I am a lot more than business. So family and church happenings are recorded alongside lists of what I want to accomplish that day. In fact the lists are usually a combination of business, household, and personal goals.

The first few pages of the journal has a list of the major things I want to accomplish that year. The last few pages have growth statistics recorded by date throughout the year measured in sales, hearts earned (an Etsy favoriting measure) blog followers gained, etc.

Throughout the journal, I have certain important passages book-cornered so that I can find them easily for reference.

If you don't already have a business journal, I recommend that you start one. It only takes a few minutes a day to write, and is highly rewarding and fun.

What is in your journal?

52 Week Challenge - Week 49

2011-12-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

I was inspired by the lovely doll quilts Karen Griska has in her Etsy shop to make one for my youngest granddaughter this week.

I used the mini tumbler die to cut out the shapes with my accuquilt, and the puppy die for the applique. Both my older granddaughters had doll quilts made when they were younger. The eldest got a batik in blues and greens, and the middle got a tinkerbell star quilt.

What have you been working on this week?

You can learn more about the 52 week project here.

Treasury Tuesday

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

It is once again Treasury Tuesday, when I feature a few of the lovely treasuries my shops have been included in recently, as well as the curators of those treasuries. I hope you reading a little about them, seeing an item from their shop, and of course the treasury that they've created.

First up is Meredith Jordan from WildWomanBeads. Meredith is a jewelry designer; a semi retired psychotherapist; a lifelong gardener; author, photographer, teacher, quilter and knitter. She endeavors to follow the instructions of the Navajo people to always walk in beauty. Meredith offers unique and beautiful jewelry like the necklace pictured below:

Tribal Lampwork Bead "Ancient Writings" Necklace with Hammered Sterling Silver Toggle

And here is the gorgeous treasury she curated:

Carye of CaryeVDPMahoney has been drawing for as long as she can remember. Art was her favorite subject in school; and she majored in Art at University. She has worked as a graphic designer and freelance artist and illustrator. Carye participates in area art shows and sales, does commissioned portraits, illustration and graphic design work in a wide range of media. Ultimately, her goal is to become a book illustrator.Carye's art is realistic and illustrative in style with a touch of the fantastical. Her subject matter includes animals, people, and nature like the peaceful scene below.

Mother and child in peaceful mountain landscape - Original Mixed Media Art - "Abundance"

Here is the lovely treasury she made:

Next is Serpil from SRPLdesign who lives in Turkey. Serpil makes lovely and unusual accessories like necklaces, fingerless gloves, cuff bracelets, and the scarf pictured below.

Dusty Rose Scarf - Almond

The lovely batik treasury below is her work also:

Last, but definitely not least, is Marge Mills from PersonalDesignz. Marge is a jewelry maker who says that started designing jewelry because of her love for it and has never run out of ideas of what to make. Her goal is to offer top quality merchandise at an affordable price. She uses only the finest quality supplies in her work and tries to design each piece as if she were making it for herself. Check out the pretty pendant below:

Montanta Topaz Marquise Pendant

Not too many people I know are able to resist her delicious treasury:

All of the items in these treasuries are clickable links, so shop away! You can see many more wonderful treasuries on my treasury trove page.

W.I.P.

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is a twin size blueberry lattice pie quilt in progress.

It is laid out on our guest bed. The cross pieces aren't in yet, but by setting it out this way the squares are kept in order. I carry a row at a time to my sewing machine, then the ironing board, then back to lay them on the bed and get the next row. I am getting some exercise and sewing at the same time, right?

Happy Sewing ♥

Thankful Sunday

2011-12-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

This week my husband flew in a small eight seater plane to Ohio and back for a business excursion. He came back with some new (interesting to him) information about medical instruments, and a bagful of goodies from the company he visited.

I am thankful that he had fun, and came home safely.

How often do we take for granted all times we come home safely from the traveling we do each day in cars, trains, planes, etc. How we are kept safe at our jobs, our churches, the grocery store, the post office, and so on. How we are safe in our homes as we sleep at night.

I will both lay me down in peace and sleep,
for the LORD only, makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

It seems that we are bombarded with horrible news stories about tragedies happening around the world. And yet, many of us have had so many days of peace and plenty. I am thankful for each of these days.

What are you thankful for today?

52 Week Challenge - Week 48

2011-11-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Another set of stockings this week:

They have already been listed in my shop, and one of them has been sold. I am undecided as to whether to make another pair; I might make a set in blue.

What have you been working on this week? I would love to see. Leave a link below to a recent project you have finished. For those of you who have been posting to this challenge for awhile, can you believe we are on our 48th week!

Treasury Tuesday

2011-11-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

In addition to showing a few of the lovely treasuries my shops have been included in recently, I like to feature the curators of the treasuries as well. I hope you reading a little about them and seeing items from their shops.

This first treasury is by Katie Carlis of bankiebaby. Katie is work-at-home Mom of two children. She has been making organic cotton fleece blankets in her home for over 6 years. The adorable penguin family blanket below is an example of her work.

Ellie from My Little Chickadee is the maker of this lovely treasury. She is also a Mom and wife. Ellie loves to rubber stamp paint on tiles to make unique tile coasters, save the date magnets, ornaments and wedding favors like the tile magnet set below.

Sue Perino, from California, is fascinated with felting and French beading. She loves creating unique accessories in the form of wearable Art - Hats, Scarves and Handbags like this winter white and champagne Bag.

All of the items in these treasuries are clickable links, so shop away!You can see many more wonderful treasuries on my treasury trove page.

Refreshed

2011-11-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

I adore long weekends, especially those spent with my family. We visited our daughter and son-in-law's home over the holiday weekend. We enjoyed a variety of food, games, a hike, and lots of laughter together. I learned a new (to me) card game - Phase 10, which takes hours to play, but is loads of fun.

It is so refreshing to be with those you love.

I hope you enjoyed your weekend too.

Thankful Sunday

2011-11-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful for my favorite holiday - Thanksgiving. What a wonderful thing to celebrate. How lovely to set aside a day in our nation just to give thanks for all that we have been given.

This dish is from RomyandClare's shop on Etsy

What are you thankful for today?

Weekend Sale

2011-11-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

To celebrate the beginning of the Holiday Season, I am having a weekend sale in both shops.

20% off everything in my fabric shop, including new fabrics like the collection below by Jenean Morrison.

This SET is available in a Fat Qtr Bundle, or by the Yard.

Plus 10% off everything in my quilt shop, including some new Christmas stockings listed this week.

I have several DESIGNS available in my shop.

Happy Shopping!

52 Week Challenge - Week 47

2011-11-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

This week was about Christmas stockings. I finished a pair of snowflake stockings for a newlywed couple.

I think they turned out really cute. I hope the couple thinks so too.

What have you been working on this week. I would love to see. Leave a link below of a recent project below. You can learn more about the 52 week project here.

Treasury Tuesday

2011-11-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

In addition to showing a few of the lovely treasuries my shops have been included in recently, I have decided to feature the curators of the treasuries as well. I hope you reading a little about them and seeing items from their shops.

Connie from AsteropBC is an engineer by day and a beader by night. She loves astronomy. In fact, her shop name Asterope is the name of one of the Pleiades. To the naked eye, it looks like one star, but a telescope or binoculars reveals that Asterope is actually two stars.Here is a beautiful beaded necklace from her shop.

Andrea Vida, from her shop by the same name, lives in Budapest Hungary with her husband and two children. Sewing is a family tradition, which Andrea has carried on with her marvelous dolls and toys.The whimsical chameleon pictured below is available in her shop.

Rose from SewEcological is a full time teacher who spends any free time she has on crafting. She makes one of a kind creations with repurposed fabric found in sweaters, vintage clothing, vintage linens, and any other textiles she can get her hands on. The lovely lime cotton cowl pictured below is available in her shop.

Janneke Hoekstra from Blushing Mermaid lives in the Netherlands. Her unique jewelry designs inspirated by nature, art, music and literature. She also makes quilts like the one pictured below. You can find this one in her BlueHeronQuilts shop.

Last, but not least, Victoria Vallieres from Moon Dance Textiles brings aspects of herself into her work with her love of color and texture, her habits of thriftiness and recycling, and her belief that rules are meant to be broken.The rustic Table Topper or Wall quilt below is an example of her work.

All of the items in these treasuries are clickable links, so shop away!

You can see many more wonderful treasuries on my treasury trove page.

The ABC's of Me

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

This ABC quilt is from ColorWiseQuilts on Etsy

I have enjoyed reading the "ABC's of Me" lists done by other bloggers*, but hesitated posting a list of my own. Still, it looked like fun, so here goes.

A – Adventurous (but not a Risk Taker)
B – Business Owner
C – Child of God
D – Dry sense of humor
E – Encourager
F – Faithful Friend
G – Grandma/Step Grandma of nine
H – Honest
I – Independent
J – James Wife
K – Kym
L – Listener
M – Mother of Megan and Ben
N – New Yorker
O – Optimist
P – Prayer Warrior
Q – Quilter
R – Responsible
S – Swimmer
T – Teacher (children's fellowship)
U – Uncomfortable in crowds
V – Vegetable gardener (herbs and flowers too)
W – Web Surfer
X – eXpecter of miracles
Y – Yoga Enthusiast
Z – Zest for all things crafty

*Other intriguing lists that inspired mine: Edi of Memories for Life, Judy from This Creative Journey, Zuda from Clay in the Hands and Lost Lemonades Guide to Renewal

I hope you will give this exercise a try too.

Thankful Sunday

2011-11-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for light - sunlight, starlight, lighthearted, light lunch, lighthouse, candlelight, flashlight, light bulb, moonlight, nightlight, skylight,

love light,
God is light,
and light that overcomes darkness.

You can buy this print from Katie Lloyd's Photography

What are you thankful for today?

Customer Appreciation

2011-11-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

My internet friend Cindy made this bag, and sent an appreciation picture which I just saw recently.

Isn't it a cute bag! She made it using Camelot fabric by Jason Yenter. I love when customers send in photos of what they've made with fabrics purchased from me.

You can find out where to get a pattern for this bag on Cindy's blog The Adventures of the Singing Quilter.

Thank you Cindy!

52 Week Challenge - Week 46

2011-11-15T20:30:00.001-05:00

Quilt Finished!

This one is called Charm and Jelly Lattice Pie (or something like that). I designed the pattern, and plan to carry kits in my fabric shop in several colorways so that people can make their own version.

The finished quilt will be available for sale in my kimbuktu shop

What have you been up to this week? I would love to see.

Add your link below. Learn more about the 52 week challenge here.

Treasury Tuesday

2011-11-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

Favorite Finds

2011-11-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

I recently purchased a glass business card holder from Barbara of Bee-Dazzled Designs.

Isn't it wonderful!

Barbara etched it with both my shop names, and included sewing motif designs such as a sewing machine, thimble, quilt block, needle and thread. There are even buttons etched on the bottom.

In addition, she included this lovely beveled edge heart ornament for me as a gift.

It will hang on my Christmas tree, and I will use it as a sun catcher in my sewing room all year long.

Bee-Dazzled has many wonderful designs to choose from in her shop - ornaments, vases, bowls, bakeware, trinket boxes and more. Plus, it all can be personalized. I'm sure you can find the perfect gift for someone this holiday season. And don't worry about shipping glass, Barbara's packaging is very secure and safe.

Happy Shopping,

Thankful Sunday

2011-11-13T00:00:00.001-05:00

Today I am thankful for work. To have work to do, and for the ability, strength, and health to carry it out. I especially like working together with my husband. It is much more enjoyable when the task is shared, don't you think?

Yesterday we raked, vacuumed, and bagged up leaves in our yard. It felt good to get it done.What are you thankful for today?

New Fabrics and a Pre-Holiday SALE!

2011-11-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Gorgeous new fabrics have arrived from Free Spirit -

Kathy Davis - Happiness,

and Jenean Morrison - Power Pop (more about this line later)

To make room, I am having a SALE on Many BATIKS in my Shop from Friday, November 11th through Sunday, November 13th.

Shop Away!

52 Week Challenge - Week 45

2011-11-09T07:21:00.003-05:00

This week, I finished a pattern for the charms and jellies quilt that I've been working on. The quilt is nearly finished too. Right now, it is in the quilting stage, then binding, and done!

Pattern making has been challenging for me. Figuring out how to do diagrams of the work in progress is a feat. Writing up clear logical directions is a daunting task also. Have any of you made patterns for your work? I would love to hear any tips you can give me.

I am also looking forward to seeing projects that you have finished this week. Please link them below. To read more about the 52 week challenge, click here.

Treasury Tuesday

2011-11-08T00:01:00.003-05:00

W.I.P.

2011-11-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

This work in progress is to be a felted scarf. I do (very little) knitting. The knitting I do is because I love felted items.

I am slow at this; hopefully my scarf will be ready to wear this winter.

P.S. - My husband bought me the bouquet of flowers in the picture for no particular reason. Isn't that the best reason of all?

Thankful Sunday

2011-11-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

After our early winter snow last week, it feels like it is finally Fall.

Today I am thankful for the autumn colors and cool, sunny weather we've been enjoying - perfect for a walk around our neighborhood.These flowers were an unexpected gift from my husband, and my Mom sent the lovely little gourds. I like how they go together.

What are you thankful for today?

Favorite Finds

2011-11-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

I have purchased wonderful things from many different Etsy sellers. From time to time, I like to highlight some of these items. Here are two recent purchases that have blessed me.

The first is a pair of slippers from H20Works. I put these slippers on every day when I get home from work, and they keep me comfortable and cozy. One of my favorite parts is that they are washable. I can vouch that they do not shrink or pill up after washing either.

The second is a tabletop ironing board cover from LizzysNest.

I use this ironing board in my sewing room constantly. My new cheerful butterfly pattern adds joy to the task. I like that a new pad was included with the cover, and that it all fits perfectly.

Have you purchased something lately that has enriched your life?

52 Week Challenge - Week 44

2011-11-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

This has been another week without my sewing machine (although it is safely back home now). In the meantime, I have been occupying myself with handwork like these coaster sets.

~ Batik Crocheted Coasters ~

Have you finished a project this week? Link it up using the tool below. To learn more about the 52 week challenge, click here.

Treasured Tuesday

2011-11-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

Click on any picture to go directly to the shop it came from.

Normal v.s. Now

2011-10-31T00:00:00.001-04:00

This is how the maple tree in my backyard usually looks at this time of year.

This picture was taken on Oct 30 last year

This is how it looked yesterday.

Oct 30 2011

You just never know what the crazy weather will do.

Thankful Sunday

2011-10-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

I am thankful that God is ALWAYS with us. He promises to NEVER leave or forsake us.

This artwork is by Celia Currin, you can find it here.

Even in those unsure hours, He is faithful. We can trust in HIM always.

What are you thankful for today?

On the Front Page

2011-10-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

A gorgeous treasury including my Marie quilted bag made it to the Front Page a few days ago.

Unfortunately, I didn't see it when it was on the front page of Etsy. In fact, I found out about it three days later from a teammate and customer - MySweetieBean (who makes adorable children's clothing and accessories by the way).

The curator of the treasury, Rosalind from PortRepublic, carries wonderful vintage items in her shop like the antique reading glasses pictured below.

Thank you PortRepublic for including me in your lovely treasury!

P.S. - the bag sold yesterday, Hooray!

SNOW - Oh No!

2011-10-28T15:09:00.000-04:00

Look what we woke up to this morning:

The leaves have not even finished changing color, and only a few have fallen.

We're not supposed to shovel snow before we rake leaves!

P.S. - I thought that I was taking pictures, but apparently the little button on my ipod was on video, hence the very short video. Next time I will put on my glasses.

52 Week Challenge - Week 43

2011-10-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

I save the cardboard bolts that fabric comes wrapped around. They come in handy for lots of art projects because of their large, rigid and lightweight work surface.

This week I used three of them to make a quick bulletin board for my sewing room.

These cardboard bolts are held together with a few strips of packing tape on the back, and hung by twill tape. Right now the board is hanging on my sewing room door, but eventually it will be mounted on a wall in my craft room.

I like that it represents my fascination with fabric, and that I can easily tack items to the surface with a pin. If it gets bent or used up, it is simple and quick to replace.

Use your imagination to visualize this project with ribbon joining the three bolts together, or maybe covering the surface with a fabric sleeve, or with decorative paper or paint. Lots of possibilities here.

If you would like to read about the 52 week project click here. If you have a project that you would like to link, click on the linky tool below.

Let's get busy,

NonTeam Blitz Treasuries

2011-10-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

Last week, a team I belong to (called the NonTeam) honored my work as a volunteer by featuring items from my shop in a number of treasuries. The NonTeam has weekly treasury challenges that are a lot of fun, and often have a treasury make it to the front page of Etsy. Anyone can join. If you are interested, check out more about the NonTeam here.

W.I.P.

2011-10-24T15:49:00.000-04:00

My latest work in progress (I have lots of them). This one is on hold at the moment because my main sewing machine is in the shop for maintenance.


Charms & Jellies Quilt

How about you, do you work on one project start to finish? Or do you generally have multiple works in progress?

Thankful Sunday

2011-10-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today I am thankful for my country - the United States of America.

I am thankful for our history (much of which I am very proud of). I am thankful for the freedoms we enjoy. I am thankful for the size and variety of environments that this country offers - from beach to mountain to desert and plain. And I am thankful for the diversity of people who call this country home.


I found this wonderful red, white, and blue quilt in ChefMama's Shop on Etsy

I know there are many wonderful places to live around the world. Where do you live, and what are you thankful for?

New in My Fabric Shop

2011-10-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

Tonga Treat Minis - 5" squares, 40 in all, two each of twenty different fabrics.

Blueberry and Pomegranate

I also have coordinating Tonga strips, and some yardage as well.

As it so happens, Maria from DreamInspirations, a lovely Etsian who lives in Greece featured one of these minis in a treasury today.

Happy Sewing ♥

P. S. - Watch for a charms and jellies quilt pattern and kit coming soon.

52 Week Challenge - Week 42

2011-10-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

This week, I finished a custom order of place mats. Here they are being packed up and ready to ship out. Hooray!

What have you been working on this week? Leave a link below. I love to see your projects, crafty and otherwise.

P.S. To learn more about the 52 week challenge, read here.

Treasury Tuesday

2011-10-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

September Round Up

2011-10-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

Autumn has begun, and the 52 week challenge continues. These are the projects that were linked in September. You can click on the names below the pictures to go to the blogs and websites of each participant.

Fabric Fascination

One Perfect Day


Judy Nolan - This Creative Journey

Maureen Cracknell, Lost Lemonade, Memories for Life, Jan Beane - Life Lessons

I enjoyed seeing every one of these creative works. Thank you all for sharing your links.

October is well under way, so....

Let's get busy,

Thankful Sunday

2011-10-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today I am thankful for a day of rest. Life is so busy, it seems there is never enough time to do all the things we feel that we should, or want to do.

Lately I have been taking another look at what sabbath means in the Bible. I have not finished my study, but have found plenty of food for thought.

What is your idea of a day of rest? Do you take one?

Thankfully,

P. S. - Doesn't that scene look inviting? If you are interested in the family size hammock, you can find it here.

Customer Appreciation

2011-10-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

Recently I discovered a new favorite blog - Ahhh, Quilting through the Selvage Blog. After a few emails back and forth with Cynthia, the writer of the blog, I found that she had made a quilt using fabrics purchased from my shop months ago. Of course I asked if she would allow me to feature her work on my blog, and she said yes!

I absolutely love her designs! She calls this one the "Wipey" Quilt because her inspiration was a diaper wipes box. Be sure to check out her blog for more unique and wonderful quilts, plus a really fun blog to read.

In appreciation,

52 Week Challenge - Week 41

2011-10-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm hooked on making these woven mug rugs. They are perfect handiwork for those times I am taking a break from my sewing machine.

These are now available in my kimbuktu shop.

What have you been working on this week?

Feel free to leave a link to a project you've finished recently. To learn more about the 52 week challenge, click here.

Treasury Tuesday

2011-10-11T00:01:00.008-04:00

Some Treasuries from My Trove:

Autumn in My Yard

2011-10-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

I love this time of year, right before the trees turn, in between summer and fall.

Happy Columbus Day!

Thankful Sunday

2011-10-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Do you find yourself with more good ideas than time or energy to implement them?

A wise man taught me that it is not the idea, but the courage of your conviction, that takes the idea from possibility to a concrete reality. We all have good ideas, but how many of them do we actually carry out?

Thomas Edison spoke of this dilemna often. He said, "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." He is also often quoted as saying, "Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration."

And I love this one:

Today, I am thankful for ideas, and I pray for the conviction to carry them out.

What are you thankful for today?

Customer Appreciation

2011-10-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

Look at this lovely wreath that Nicole from Nikid2 made with anthology fabrics she purchased from my shop:

You can buy it in her shop.

Nicole also has a fabulous homemade treat shop called Nikid. I can attest personally to the deliciousness of her pecan chocolate clusters.

I love seeing what you all make from your fabrics.

Happy Sewing ♥

P.S. - you can get your own bundle of Anthology batiks here.

52 Week Challenge - Week 40

2011-10-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

As I referenced in my Monday W.I.P. post, this week's project has been to make up a pattern and kit for a placemat set. The kit includes everything (except thread) to make a set of four.

Kits and patterns have been a long standing idea in my head, but it has been a bit of a struggle to get this first one implemented. I have lots more designs in mind, so hopefully the next one will be easier.

What have you been up to this week? I would love to see what you've been working on. You can leave a link by clicking on the tool below. To read more about the 52 week project, click here.

Let's get busy,

Treasury Tuesday

2011-10-04T00:01:00.007-04:00

Here are some of my recent favorites:

W.I.P.

2011-10-03T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Storm at Sea project has been temporary set aside to work on a placemat set for a custom order.

These are placemats I've made several times before. In fact, I've recently made up a pattern and kit to sell in this design. You can see a section of my (rather messy) 6 foot sewing table in the photo. I love sewing during the day with light coming in through the window. As usual I am sewing on my simple and trustworthy Janome. I own other more expensive machines, but this is the one I use most often.

Thankful Sunday

2011-10-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

I am so thankful for health. What a joy to feel good, to have energy, to be able to work.

And I don't take it for granted. I am thankful for every day that my husband and I enjoy good health. Isn't that a big part of living thankfully - not to take things for granted, to be aware of the blessings all around us.

What are you thankful for today?

Customer Appreciation

2011-09-30T00:00:00.001-04:00

Ersi Marina, who recently reopened her shop on Etsy, made this gorgeous, handmade accordion book, including some fabric she purchased from my shop.

A Long Path with Pauses

I love the title of her book, Largo camino con paradas which means, "a long path with pauses". Her artwork is lovely. You can see more photos of the book and read about her work on her blog .

Thank you so much for sharing your art Ersi.

In appreciation,

52 Week Challenge - Week 39

2011-09-28T05:50:00.000-04:00

My daughter and her husband are foster parents, as well as parents to three girls of their own. When one of the children stay longer than a few weeks, I try to make a quilt for them. This one is for Ella, a sweet little girl who is almost always smiley, and as cuddly as can be.

I used some fabrics that I purchased awhile ago, and edged the quilt with some binding I bought from SlightlyBiased on Etsy. I think it goes perfectly with the quilt, despite the fact that it is not made from any of the fabrics in the quilt. The backing is a soft kona crush. I think the baby will like the the texture of it.

What have you been up to this week? I would love to see any projects you've finished. You can add a link by clicking on the linky tool below.

Let's get busy,