A New Quilt

I put aside my Drunkards Path block for now.....I had an idea for a new quilt I want to make just for me!!!  The book I'm using for the pattern is a bit older and outdated so I am tweaking the pattern just a bit.   This takes longer, but is worth it for what I want to accomplish.   I have gotten some of my Girlfriends fabric out for this one.  I look forward to snuggling with this quilt and thinking of all the wonderful girlfriends I have!!!   I am blessed :)   Can one of my girlfriends tell me how to get rid of the black lines around my blocks?  I'm terrible with computers!!!

Flying Geese Block

Flying Geese plus a few more squares!!!  I'm using some of my Girlfriends fabrics...yummy!!

Some of these are auditioning...it takes forever to choose the right fabric!!!  

Drunkards Path Quilt Block

I have been wanting to make a Drunkards Path Quilt for quite awhile.  I purchased an Accuquilt Baby Go about 5 months ago and am just getting around to using it!  Sad...I know!    I always have something else for somebody else that needs to be done.    That's o.k., not complaining!  But...I'm not getting anything creative done for me.  It's always a challenge to properly balance our lives, isn't it!   I decided I need to spend at least enough time today to finish one block.  So...I did!  I knew I wanted to use something really fun and eclectic for this block, so Jennifer Paganelli's Superfly is the first thing that came to my mind!  Her fabrics shout out FUN!!!    I did finish one block!  Just in time to get ready to pick up my son from school, then we're going to work out,I'll make dinner and hopefully  have enough energy tonight to make another block!  I REALLY love this, so I think it's a good possibility!!

Quilts...Doll Quilts and Madrona Road...oh my!

I have been busily working on a request for a customer this week.  I am busily working because I seem to have lots of custom orders for quilts coming in so I don't want to fall behind.    Life is funny.  I haven't had a custom order for a QUILT in a long time!  Now I have about four.    Not complaining!  I love making quilts.   My customer had found a quilt like this in my past sales, and wanted one larger.  Plus she wanted a matching doll quilt.   She said she wanted this to be her "forever" quilt for her daughter.  I can't tell you how happy that makes me that she would choose ME for make her  daughters forever quilt!    I am honored!  I also made a quick little quilt yesterday from this fabric I have been HIGHLY anticipating!  It's Madrona Road by Violet Craft.  I love her name...Violet Craft!  Isn't it just perfect for a fabric designer!!!   I loved her last line Peacock Lane, and this Madrona Road is just as wonderful as Peacock Lane!   I have more ideas for this fabric, but I just had to make something with it this week!!   I'll have more to show in a few weeks with Madrona Road.  Have  a lovely Sunday!!!

Doll Quilt

Doll Quilt with Baby Quilt

Madrona Road!!!

A Crib Sheet with Piping Tutorial...it's finally here!!!

Please read through all instructions before you begin!!   

You will need to choose 3 fabrics.  Your base, (mine is red) sides (aqua) and piping fabric.

Base should measure 29" x 52", for the sides you will need two pieces  8 1/2" by 30",  and two pieces 8 1/2" by 53".  For the piping fabric you will need 5 strips of fabric measuring  2 x 42inches.   don't forget your actual piping cord!!  I used  Simplicity 4/32".  You will also need 2 yards of 1/4" elastic.

First cut out your fabric pieces

Cut off the edges of your selvedges for your piping fabric

Once you have cut off the edges of your selvedges on your piping fabric, sew all of your pieces together  .  Iron your seams flat.

When you have sewn all your piping fabric together , make your piping.  I use my zipper foot for this

Piping is done!!!!

Sew your piping onto the right side of your base fabric, matching raw  edges.

The corners are tricky!  I cut the corners a bit to help ease the piping around  the corners of the base.   Don't worry, it's going to be fabulous!!!  

When you come to the end of the piping and you need to join the ends, , I sort of criss cross them  so there won't be too much bulk.  don't forget to backstitch!

Now it's time for the sides!  Sew ALL of them together.  Start with one long side, one short side, one long side and then one short side, and then that short side to the long side.     When you're done it should look like  a tube.   

We are going to make the casing for the elastic first, so turn under the edge about 1/4" and iron!

Now turn that under about 5/8" and iron it down

Now sew all around on the edge, leaving about 1 1/2' opening.  This is where you will put your elastic once you're all done,  but not yet!!

Now it's time to pin the sides onto the base like this!!   

Once you've pinned it, sew it as close the the piping as you can get!!!!   Once you're done I zig zag my seams.  I suppose if you have a serger you would serge!  Frankly I'm too intimidated to purchase a serger, I am sure I would never be able to thread it :)

This is how it looks all sewn together, isn't it lovely?   Now it's time to put your elastic on!!  I attach a safety pin to the elastic, and then work the elastic through the casing.    

Once you have worked your elastic into the casing be sure to sew your elastic pieces together.  I like to use a small zig zag stitch, just to make sure it's secure.  Now sew together the opening and.....

 Look!  A nice crib sheet with piping.  It's not that hard!!!!

A leopard pillow??

Leopard and Roses....kinda like leather and lace?

I have never been too into animal prints, so when a customer requested a leopard print pillow to match the bedding I was making with Heather Bailey's lovely roses I thought it should be interesting!!!    She knew exactly what she wanted, so who was I to say no?    I finished it today and I absolutely LOVE it!!!   Isn't it gorgeous?  Who would have thought Heather's roses looked good with leopard?    

She also ordered 2 shams and a double sized dust ruffle.  I was in too much of a hurry to take pics of them all

I am so glad I finished this up today,  for tomorrow we go to the mountains!!  woot!  so excited!  It's been in the triple digits here FOREVER!  I'm ready for some cool mountain air.   Have a lovely weekend, be  back Monday!

Heather Bailey Saturday Market Bag in Garden District 

No snaps on this one, it's ready for business!!!

This is with the snaps all snapped up

I love Heather Bailey's Home Dec line Garden District.  It is truly gorgeous!  I would LOVE to redo all my furniture in it...wouldn't that be lovely!!!  Unfortunately there are 3 Harned men that do not approve.  So...I will have to be happy with a purse!  and I am :)  I used her Saturday Market Bag pattern for this one.  It is  a GREAT pattern with 3 different variations.  Heather amazes me with her talent, and attention to details.  I absolutely LOVE her patterns!!!     I plan on making one for Fall too!!!  The first picture shows the purse with the optional snaps on the side all snapped up.    The last picture shows the purse in it's full glory.  I am sure this is how I will use it all the time!  I tend to throw lots of things in my bag.  Do you do that too???  I'm amazed at what I find in my bags!!!

A Blog Hop....come and see!!!

A little teaser....

I have recently met Melanie from Plum and June.  She is very talented, and apparently has a TON of energy!!!   I just can't keep up!    She has asked me to be a part of a "Let's Get Acquainted" blog hop she has created, and I have to say I am thrilled to be a part of it!   Check out the blog hop button on my page, and see all the fabulous tutorials out there!  My tutorial will be on how to do a crib sheet with piping.  I have had a few requests, so I thought that would be  a good one.  It's not till July 19th, so you'll have to wait a bit!!  But while you're waiting, please visit some of the very talented ladies on the hop you won't be disappointed!

Happy Home Review!!!! It's a Doggy Bed!!

Happy Home with some Crazy Love

Clover on her new bed, she loves it!

A bunch of us Jennifer Paganelli fanatics fans are taking turns making something wonderful from Jennifer's book Happy Home.   I was thrilled that I was asked to participate in this blogfest since I love everything Sisboom!!!   I seriously do!!   There are so many fun ideas in her book for your home, it was hard for me to decide.  I finally decided upon the adorable doggy bed.  Who am I kidding,  I've been wanting to make this for awhile and this was a nice kick in the pants for me to get it done!!!

I used all Crazy Love fabrics by Jennifer of course!    I love this line, it makes me SO happy.   I already have pillows made from this fabric in my bedroom, and since this will be in my bedroom it made perfect sense!!   The directions were SUPER easy!  I am a quilter, but followed the directions as they were written, just so I could say I did!  I am really TERRIBLE at following directions and prefer to make up my own.  I can honestly say these directions are easy and I had no problem figuring them out!!  

Here's a picture of George on HIS bed.  Isn't he adorable?   I think Clover secretly has a crush on him.  Who can blame her, he's very handsome!!!

George on his bed

I'm including a list of all the participants.  Even if it's past their show date,  I encourage you to check out their blogs.  These ladies are incredibly talented!!

June 11 Jenny Fish  www.sewprettydresses.blogspot.com

June 12 Cathy Caprio Peckiconis http://sewingstoryproject.blogspot.com/

June 13 Judy Buchanan  www.hickity-pickity.blogspot.com/ 

 June 14 Guest on Sew Pretty Dresses: Shannon Branscom Winters www.sewprettydresses.blogspot.com

June 15 Leah Kinghorn  http://makinglifewonderful.blogspot.com

June 16 Monique Reynolds  sewfunbymonique.blogspot.com/

June 17 Melissa Peda  100billionstars.com/

June 18 Jamie Harned http://theinsecurequilter.blogspot.com/

June 19 Stephanie Messer Danko www.tabbodesign.blogspot.com/

June 20 Kristi Pernell Elston  burlapbutton.blogspot.com

June 21 Kathy Hennessey  http://handmadedresshaven.blogspot.com/

June 22 Courtney Watford Davis www.sweeterthancupcakes.blogspot.com/

June 23  Guest on Sew Pretty Dresses: Jade Nocella Jenny Fish  www.sewprettydresses.blogspot.com

June 24 Sally Keller http://sallysangelworks.typepad.com
  
June 25 Tour Wrap Up www.sewprettydresses.blogspot.com   

Whole Cloth Quilts for....Bari!!!

I'm leaving tomorrow for the lovely beaches at San Diego!  I am a lucky girl, and am so excited. It's been a little crazy around here with graduation ceremonies, parties and getting ready for the beach.   So...I am really happy to have some down time with the family and friends.  I have two books, my beach shoes, a little stitchery I hope to actually work on, and big plans to relax!  

I am SERIOUSLY in love with this grey!!! And the blue...and well you get the picture!

The colors are amazing, and the clocks to die for!!!

All of them folded over!

I  realized I never mentioned a few quilts I had the pleasure to make for Bari J. Ackerman's booth did I?  silly me!   I met Bari through Jona, of course!   She is a LOT of fun!  And sooooo talented!!!  She asked me to make a few whole cloth quilts for her booth, and I was happy to oblige!    I am also happy to say her booth won first place at quilt market!  whoo hoo!!!!   Thank you Bari for including me!!!    

Front 

Back

Mitered Blankets....

I have had this on my to do list for quite awhile and finally I did it!!     I saw this youtube video called magic binding blankets.   If you have been wanting to make a mitered blanket, this is a very easy way to do it.  I used Jennifer Paganelli's Crazy Love for both sides.  I did not put anything in the middle, just plain cotton making it very light weight.   A perfect summer blanket!  I think I might make a larger one for myself.  

My oldest is done with High School......

My youngest son Jonathan is  on the far left, then there's Zack who will be Daniel's suite mate in college,  Dad, myself and of course Daniel!

Proud Mama!

Now on to college!    I'm so proud of him, and just wanted to share a few  photos.   I am completely consumed with graduations, parties and such.   There was a Disneyland trip, a Senior lunch, this boy loves to party!!!  Lot's of fun, but I have to say I am really missing my sewing machine!    Next week I hope to be humming away.  I have so many ideas and projects.  But for now, let's party on!!!!

And the Winner is......

Angie Matessa!!!  Send me your address and I'll send this lovely fabric to you!!!!!!  I know you are going to love this fabric, and I hope you show me what you do with it!

I have had SO much fun reading your posts!!  There are a LOT of sweet people out there...I just knew there would be!!

Thank you so much for all your entries, I have really enjoyed meeting lots of new people!!!  

Have a lovely day!!

Feeling Ruffly Today!

I love to not really have a plan when I make a quilt!  Not the BEST way to make a quilt, but in my opinion the FUN way!!  I do follow patterns quite often, but sometimes I just need to cut loose!  sometimes it really doesn't work too well, but occasionally it does.  I really love this quilt!  I used some of Jennifer Paganelli's fabric, along with Heather Bailey's Pop Garden, which is featured in the middle.    Her Nicey Jane is the ruffle.   It is such a lovely day today.  We had rain last night, and today it smells wonderful!!  I'm from Arizona, so when it rains, we rejoice!!!!!

Three Quilts for Karen

One

 I have a customer that occasionally will order a set of three quilts from me.  She always wants Amy Butler Love.   I love doing these for her, because they are easy to complete.   She wants simple quilted lines, and I get to choose where to put each fabric!  I have been thinking though I need to get her onto a different fabric than Amy Butler's Love.  I love that fabric, but just like every fabric designed it  will eventually be discontinued, and hard to find.   Maybe I can get her interested in some Crazy Love???

Two

Three!

My next project!!

Share the LOVE Give~A~Way!!!

I'm in love with Jennifer Paganelli's Crazy Love and I think it's time to share the love!  Leave me a sweet message...I seriously don't care what you say as long as it's sweet!  It can be about your sweetheart, your kiddos....your BFF or your puppy!!!  I am going to choose randomly! I will be using that great little random generator tool!!!!   BUT you have to be  a follower!!!! 

So....follow me and you can have a chance to win 1/2 yard of each fabric shown!!!  That's 2 1/2 yards of FREE fabric!!   So easy.    Have I lost my mind??  I think not!!  Well...I hope not anyway!!  I'll pick the lucky winner on my sweet Son's birthday May 17th.  He will be sweet 16, so it all makes sense, right???  

So...what did you do all day?

table runner

Mug Rug

quilts in progress

more quilts in progress

curtains

I was thinking today as I was finishing my work for the day what I had accomplished.  When my boys come home from school they often will ask me what I did all day.   I usually say oh a little sewing, laundry, I had lunch with Mrs. so and so, and the list goes on.  I never really feel as if I accomplish a lot!  But as I looked at what I actually did, quite a bit got done!!      Even though I'm not working a 9 to 5 job outside the home, I still work hard!!  There has been a lot of buzz in the news lately about stay at home Mom's not working.  If you are a stay at home  Mom, or a Mom at all you KNOW you work hard!!  I do and I wouldn't have it any other way!!  I really do love my job!!!  I work hard and wouldn't have it any other way!!!