BaconThenEggs

Giveaway Winner!

2012-02-12T22:08:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I totally forgot about the first giveaway ending! sorry!

True Random Number

Generator

Min:

Max:

Result:16

The #16 winner is none other than the blog stalker.....

**nicke...Feb 3, 2012 04:47 PM

i totally follow you!

ReplyDelete

Supercute Bag Giveaway!

2012-02-08T00:01:00.009-06:00

I have a special treat today--it's my first tutorial and I'd like to celebrate together! Please check it out at
Sew We Quilt; I appreciate your support ♥

I'm trying out this rafflecopter widget to see how it works so please sign up to win this LOVELY bag!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See where it says Use Your name and Email?

Click there--that's how this widget works! Try it!

The Mexican Goods & A Roll-up Bag

2012-02-05T14:12:00.001-06:00

B asked what I brought home from Mexico this year--how the heck did I forget to show you this?

This hand-cut and designed metal cross is interesting because it has a series of pictures on it with assorted meanings, ~~decorated~~ blinged-out with glitter. You can guess most of the meanings--a heart for "love and miss me", devil for "be good," the mermaid for "don't let the siren confuse you." (see? totally obvious!) These same images are ones that are commonly found on a Mexican Loteria (bingo) card.

Feel free to click on the photos for a closer view

Then, this year's addition to the Dias de los Muertos animal collection. You can see my finger in the second picture--that is the size of the skull. This is a male dog, as indicated by his mustachioed snout--isn't that hilarious? So manly! Is anyone else hearing the Austin Powers theme song right now?

And lastly, a roll-up bag that I made for my friend Samm using a Tammy Tadd pattern (now out of print):

Open, it is 15 X 15 X 4

Rolled up is about 7 X 3, just right for a quick trip to the market.

Please stop back on Wednesday--I'll have a tutorial up on Sew We Quilt and a giveaway for the item here!

New Year, New Look, & A Giveaway!

2012-02-03T14:20:00.003-06:00

Hello my fine friends!

If you are viewing this in reader, please jump over to the blog--I really want you to see the new me!

Jennie of Clover & Violet has started a new blog, one that will be chronicling her love of photography and burgeoning business venture in graphic design called click. snap. swoosh. laugh. She offered to makeover my blog and I said "Gee, I'm not sure" HA! Just kidding! I jumped at the chance!

I usually sign with ♥Duff because I believe that love (to love and be loved in return) is the single greatest joy in life. So I said I wanted a heart and Jennie took over from there! What do you think? Isn't Jennie amazing? Her talent totally knocks my socks off!

I'm thoroughly excited! A new year! A new look! No Hands! And, I just passed the 100-post mark, so I want to celebrate this fabtacularness with a...

Giveaway!

You have your choice of 2 items:

1. This lovely flea market bag (already constructed):

2. A peek-a-boo bag (that's a vinyl window so you see the tissue holder inside the bag). We can figure out which fabrics you like and work it from there!

here's a sample:

Chances to Enter:

1. Leave a comment. Anything will do. The more dramatic and mouthy, the more I'll enjoy reading it.

2. Tell Jennie specifically what you like about the new blog look (what was the first thing to catch your eye?); with a new business feedback is good! Link to click. snap. swoosh. laugh and leave a comment! leave a comment here telling me you did that/will do that.

3. If you are a follower, say so. I appreciate the way you listen to my ramblings ☺

Giveaway ends at midnight CST next Friday 2/10.

I will email the winner and he/she can state which prize is worthy of owning.

No-reply bloggers should leave contact info in comment.

Void where prohibited or inebriated.

If you caught that last one, put yourself in for another chance.

Resolved to Sew 2012

2012-01-23T14:43:00.004-06:00

Very Berry Handmade has set forth a challenge question: What are bloggers resolving to sew this year?

I’ve been giving this some thought, and here’s what I know:

B of Sweet Limes and I made a pact. She said that she is going to start jumping: “Each and every opportunity that is presented to me I am going to jump on it. Not just that though, I plan on making opportunities for myself.”

I said I wanted to come along and so we’ve agreed that this year is going to be one heck of a ride and we’ll be like two friends, riding bikes, yelling back and forth about all the wondrous creativity in our lives.

From this our motto for the year was born: “No Hands!” Not only are we going to be fearless, but we’re also going to let go once in a while and let the wind carry us.

Here’s my translation into sewing terms:

a. Force myself to make a design of my own. Maybe just a block. This terrifies me.

b. Use the fabric I have before I become a finalist on the “Hoarder” TV show. I’ll start with a baby quilt to keep the tears at a minimum.

c. Try a fiber-arts project. More terror.

d. Make more charitable items. It lifts my soul so I’m going to sew more and give more away this year.

e. Write a tutorial. (This is in the works!)

The biggest challenge?

f. Embrace the aberrations and Just. Keep. Sewing.

Now git Ye Wee Hiney o'er to Very Berry Handmade and enter the contest by telling e'eryone what ye sewing resolutions be! Oh, you're supposed to say what you'd like if you won so I'll say it's a toss up between the Erin McMorris and Amy Butler fatties. Both yummy.

2012, I'm going to eat you!

2012-01-07T19:28:00.000-06:00

Dear 2012,

So far you’re not being very kind, especially yesterday, but that’s okay because I’m learning resiliency. I asked a lot of 2011 and here’s what worked:

1. Lose weight: 30 pounds, baby! Oh yeah!

2. Opera singing lessons: I was proficient in 3 octaves within 3 months. My teenage son told me one day that I sound good. Yeah, that’s a serious compliment!

3. Find balance: yoga, school, home, work. It’s not perfect but certainly supportive and encouraging intermingling going on there.

4. Continue being lucky: I won so many awesome quilting things it’s bizarre.

This year’s resolutions are:

1. Lose about 15 more pounds and gain strength. Weight training here I come.

2. Go on a date.

3. Finish quilting projects that have been sitting around. One per month would be nice.

4. Simplify: Throw/give things away, unsubscribe from emails, etc.

5. Diet: Eat tasty, nutritional, protein-rich meals at home.

6. Travel somewhere interesting.

7. Continue being lucky.

Seeing as this is a quilting blog, I’m going to start with #3. Quilter in the Gap is hosting a FAL (Finish-a-Long) for those of us who need ~~a freaking audience or kick in the arse~~ inspiration. And there’s even prizes for the partygoers who get their shitake mushrooms together and finish something.

Item #1: Across the Sea QAL. I love this quilt so far, but it’s been in this condition since September. It needs a back, quilting, and binding.

Item #2: Hollyhocks and Lemondrops quilt. This was started, oh, 2008 maybe. Needs petals, backing, quilting, binding. All those flowers cut by hand. Which is why I’m not giving up on it, even though I’m not quite so in love anymore…

And it looks like this is my 100^th post so I’ll need to give something away here pretty quick (oh, that counts as resolution #4, right?)

What the?

2011-12-19T21:37:00.002-06:00

So, all of a sudden it's Christmas? My mother was right--don't blink. I've been busy getting ready for Christmas while working my tootsies off at school. I'm happy to report that I've finished my Christmas sewing, and I'm a doctoral candidate. finally! and finally!

I made peek-a-boo bags for everyone on my Christmas list. These pouches are highly addictive and after some pattern finagling, pretty darn quick! They measure about 9 X 10 flat, with a vinyl window. I made tissue holders with the leftover fabrics--that's what you see inside the bags here.

I also made a few stockings using a fabulous free pattern from fabricworm; I will throw in a pic of my favorite one--bras and pink polka dots.

One for Mom and the other for her sister, my Aunt Bunnie (being sisters, I had to make them exactly alike, don't you think?)

One for my Aunt Maureen and the other for my boss Sonya--both dog lovers (click on the pic, this print is too cute!)

One for my sister Jen and the other for me!

a matching stocking for Jen--she's going to get a kick out of this!!

HaPpY HoLiDaYs!

May the coming year be full of happiness, laughter, prosperity, balance, and plenty of Chinese takeout!

UPDATE: I will be doing a tutorial for a bag similar to this over at Madame Samm's http://www.sewwequilt.com/ on February 8th!

winner!

2011-11-20T19:10:00.000-06:00

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:3Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Here's the random number generator--I hope it stays visible on the post! At any rate, #3 is our winner

sweet limes said...3

Tried to use the coupon but it said it could only be used for the software. :(

November 13, 2011 10:02 PM

My Memories Software Giveaway

2011-11-12T11:38:00.003-06:00

My Memories Giveaway: Free Digital Scrapbooking Software

I have something very special to share with all of you today! Liz Gardner at My Memories has asked me to host a giveaway. My Memories is giving away their actual scrapbook software to one of my lucky readers! If you want a chance to win, here's a few ways to enter:

1) Go to www.mymemories.com and pick out your favorite paper pack or layout--then comment here.

2) Follow my blog.
3) Send a friend over to comment.

4) Check out My Memories on Facebook and let me know you've visited/liked them.
5) Use the Coupon Codes Below to get a $10 Credit in the My Memories Store

If you do any or all of these, let me know in the comment section below! Each one counts as an entry, so you have five ways to win!

Make sure to leave a way for me to contact you-- leave your email in the form of:
you (at) mail (dot) com. Winner will be notified by email on November 20.

My Memories Suite is simply amazing! I have tried it out and used it to create various digital scrapbook pages. If you've been around much, you know how much I love to change my blog banner. In the past it took me a lot of time, now it takes half the time. To say I'm thrilled is an understatement!

Here's the first page I made after about 15 minutes of working with this software--that's user friendly!

Liz is going to sweeten the deal for all of us...

"And as a special for ALL of your readers, we give you your very own coupon code (STMMMS16810) that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!"

Please note that you must buy the software to receive the bonus $10 for the store.

Okay, so simply copy this : STMMMS16810 and go pick out the scrap pack you love and enter it in the promo code box at checkout! You can literally walk away with scrap packs for FREE!
You do NOT have to buy the software to grab the $10 code for the scrap packs. You can also use their scrap packs in your own editting software.
Now that I have an account, I receive newsletters with new information as well as links for free pages. Seriously, I downloaded 9 new freebies today--there are tons!

Want to learn more about My Memories Suite, the #1-rated scrapbooking software you can win?

Create in minutes:
Fast, and easy to use. Simple enough for beginners, yet powerful for serious scrapbookers.
Not just looks:
Take your scrapbooks beyond traditional photo albums with interactive features.

Go ahead, show off!

Your extended family will appreciate receiving the latest pictures without either one of you having to leave the house!

Once you have made your My Memories scrapbook album, you want to share your creation with others, right? Print your pages and share them as a traditional scrapbook-or use the one-click share option to turn your album into professionally-printed and hardbound book.

You're not out of options yet...Take advantage of a full suite of sharing options and turn your scrapbook into a movie to watch on a DVD-or view on an iPod. My Memories Suite allows you to share an interactive album on a disc (DVD or CD) that will automatically play on a computer (PC or Mac). Viewers can interact with your scrapbook by clicking on video, playing narration or navigating through your scrapbook like a website. You can even place in web links for them to visit or embed hidden files like Grandma's secret cookie recipe.

With My Memories Suite you can even create and share professionally printed and bound calendars, send greeting cards to all your friends, create blog headers and buttons, make posters or trading cards for your son's soccer team, share your scrapbook on your Facebook page-all with the click of a button.

This pic is in the software. After you finish making your scrapbook, click on one of these and the rest is done for you! yes, that easy!

My Memories is a lot of fun to play with and hey, this is your chance to score one free!

One good bag deserves another!

2011-08-31T09:33:00.002-05:00

I was itching to make something the other day so I started (and finished) this beauty, another Grand Revival Flea Market bag. Perfect for fall and available for purchase here:

Made with Coquette by Art Gallery Fabrics.
outer: flower bed in blush
sides: mod rings in slate
inner: Feminine Flair in Pear

lovely! click for a closeup.

4 pockets and a key fob. this bag rocks.

While digging through myriad bins for some fabric recently, I came across an alarming number of Lakehouse fatties. I put them all together and I think I might just hop on the Across the Sea QAL bus hosted by Ellison Lane Quilts and Fairy Face Designs.

springy, yes, but by the time I actually finish...

Kona in Lemon for the background fabric and two choices for binding.

Here's what it will look like: (both images from Ellison Lane Quilts blog)

front.

back

Goodbye my friend!

2011-08-24T17:12:00.000-05:00

My friend Tina is moving next week. She's my walking buddy--at least 15 miles per week we strut our stuff down the country roads and through the golf course. Oh, sad day to lose my walking buddy and yoga instructor in one shot. I asked if she wanted a going away gift and she decided that my bag, in different colors, would be just right for her.

My bag came from Vicki at Accio Fabric! She had made it to test a pattern, and I thoughtfully reminded her that she hadn't given me a birthday gift. We don't exchange gifts so this was my way of extending a means for her to give me the bag before I outright stole it. She acquiesced ♥ BTW, she is a finalist in the Riley Blake contest so go vote for her UPSY DAISY quilt! You can see all the finalists and vote here: http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/cutting-corners/contest/ or here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Riley-Blake-Designs/217428743660

The pattern is Grand Revival's Flea Market Bag. It has 2 sizes and a few strap/closure options. The one I made is about 12.5 X 12.5:

The bag on the left is mine; Tina rummaged through my fabric stash until she decided on Kaffe Fassett's Lotus, Lakehouse dots, and Kona in stone (interior) for her bag.

I added a key fob (yes!) and lots of pockets for stashing. Then, a sentiment so that she would be reminded every time she went in her purse (the bright spot is the sun):

Putting the money where your mouth is...

2011-08-16T17:31:00.000-05:00

You KNOW I'm Irish, right? That means I'm LUCKY. And MOUTHY. IF you put those two together, what do you get?

You get me, entering an Accuquilt Go! Baby cutter giveaway on Made With Love with the following:

♥Duff said...22

I am a f♥ll♥wer! And I'm ready to win one of these puppies!! If I were to be so stinkin' lucky, I'd do cartwheels for Circles, tumbler, and drunkard’s path dies! Yes, cartwheels on a youtube video. promise!! :O)

AUGUST 8, 2011 7:59 PM

So thanks again! and here it is (p.s., the cheer is "idiot!"):

OH My!

2011-08-13T10:43:00.000-05:00

Miss Jennifer over at Ellison Lane Quilts is highlighting me over on her blog today, the first of many in the "Follower Spotlight." So if you'd like to up your odds at winning Duffy Trivial Pursuit, feel free to take a look. Of course, that's just a game. If you want to win residential rights to the spare room you'll need to make killer margaritas and agree to hot tub excursions at all hours as I prattle on about my nonexistent love life. OH, makes the highlight so much more inviting, doesn't it?

Kidding aside, Jennifer is a talented modern sewist and a powerful force on the blog scene--she's got tips, tricks, giveaways, tutorials, the best swaps on the planet, and a passion for things that are close to her heart. See how easy it is to like this chick?!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

2011-08-13T10:13:00.002-05:00

Hello, friends and followers!

I would like to welcome you

to a Wantobe Quilters Campaign over at www.sewwequilt.com

They are having quilting supplies to giveaway 5 x a week for the next 11 weeks!

The campaign began Aug 1st and runs till Oct 29th.

Supplies that will have you quilting

before you know it…From sewing machines to irons, to die cutters,

to mats, to rotary cutters, sewing baskets, scissors, batting, needles,

rolled sewing machine bags, patterns, books, magazines…everything

you could imagine to assist you in being a NEW Quilter.

A Wantobe Quilter is someone who has no quilting tools, has never quilted.

They can enter on M-W-F to win...they leave a comment and my name of my blog...

over at Sew We Quilt. ( Check their Saturday posts for recaps of the week,

the giveaways are FABULOUS)

http://www.sewwequilt.com/2011/08/saturdays-are-our-sponsor-daysrecap-of.html

http://www.sewwequilt.com/2011/08/wantobe-quilter-sponsor-day-recap-of.html

Even if you are already part of this community you can win

quilting stuff too…Tuesdays and Thursdays are days for us.

( that is Quilters) we have supplies but we can win and better ones..

All you have to do is give me your name and phone number

and email sew I can submit this to the organizer, because if you win

anything I can win something too.

Be my follower and a follower

over at www.sewwequilt.com That is all! There are over 53 Sponsors involved.

I am pretty excited to be part of this, sew should you.

I love being a QUILTER!

P.S. You will not be eligible to win anything if you do not register

with me (or with any blogger where you see this message)

See that cute orange gadget on the sidebar? If ever you need a quick link to this awesome promotion, just click and you'll be instantly transported!

Let's win some GOODIES!

Life on the Clothesline

2011-07-23T11:40:00.000-05:00

Hey! Are clotheslines your thing? Jeannie over at "Life on the (Clothes) Line" profiles bloggers and their clothesline on a regular basis, along with household tips & tricks, and family tales & recipes. This week, she's asked me to talk about my love affair with clotheslines so if you want, feel free to swing by and say hi!

Life on the (Clothes) Line

Old fashioned wisdom in a modern era.

Thanks, Jeannie, for featuring me this week!

The I-almost-missed-your-birthday apron

2011-07-07T15:53:00.002-05:00

My Aunt Pat's birthday is coming up. I was all set to start making her a retro apron this weekend until I realized at about 10pm last night that her birthday is this Saturday. Yes, I pulled out the fabric and went to work!

I made this pattern once before so I knew it was child's play until the bias binding neckline.

The pattern is "My Mom's Favorite Apron" from Sew Simple Patterns (click on the title for a nice big photo). See how cute that is when it's on your body?

Of course it's reversible!

Fabrics:

Red = Let's Play (Plaid with floral red) for Benartex

Blue = Hankie Club by Whister Studios Style (mini dots blue) for Windham Fabrics

By 1:30am the last thing I wanted to do was hand stitch bias binding, so I utilized a fast & fabulous method from Accio Fabric! (If Vicki would just upload a freaking tutorial I could link straight to it! hint! hint!)

Check out these results--a perfect seam on one side and cute top stitching on the reverse.

Well, this beauty was done by 2am and at the post office by 8:30 (this is when the postal worker told me that it wouldn't go out until 4 pm and my lip curled as I growled at her). Thankfully, it is scheduled to arrive on Saturday! Happy Birthday Aunt Pat!

For anyone who would like to enter the giveaway going on right now, click here. If you're already a follower of Mary Lou's, that counts too!

Two Birds One Stone

2011-07-03T18:25:00.004-05:00

You've all heard the adage, Two Birds, One Stone. Well here's a quilty giveaway that's sure to make you see double:

Mary Lou Weidman (click on her name for a wallop of inspiration!) is an amazing quilter, teacher, cook, author, gardener, and all-around-great gal! i follow her blog and am never disappointed--there is so much inspiration! If you've ever needed to give your creative juices a jump start, her blog is the place to do it.

Blogger deleted her blog a short while ago and so she's got a new URL for your reader: http://marylouweidman-marylou.blogspot.com/

so, HERE'S THE DOUBLE GIVEAWAY:

Mary Lou is giving away a purse on her blog and I am giving away these items TO ANYONE WHO IS A MARY LOU FOLLOWER:

(It's a Tammy Tadd-themed giveaway)

75-page project book! Here is a sampling of projects:

Market bag, lunch bag, & Arm Candy handbag

Cherry Cherry Cheesecake quilt, Half Baked Apron, & Casserole dish

fall/winter 2009 magazine with Tammy's shop as a top store

2 patterns--free-pieced or foundation -pieced squares quilt and a market apron.

TO ENTER:
1. GO TO MARY LOU'S BLOG AND BECOME A FOLLOWER; LEAVE A COMMENT TO WIN HER GIVEAWAY!
2. COME BACK HERE AND LEAVE A COMMENT THAT YOU'RE A MARY LOU FOLLOWER TO WIN MY GIVEAWAY!

EXTRA ENTRIES:
BLOG ABOUT EITHER ONE OR BOTH GIVEAWAYS AND LEAVE 5 EXTRA COMMENTS FOR 5 EXTRA CHANCES! (In other words, put a link on your blog to Mary Lou's URL, or my URL, or both--and that is worth 5 extra chances total, no matter which option you choose)

This giveaway will run until midnight CST on July 16!

Oh Mama!

2011-06-05T15:49:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I've got lots to show you here. I felt particularly inspired to create one day so I finished the batik strip quilt. Pattern: My Colors Went Wild

On the same day, I made an apron for me because I sold my original. This is the 11th one (got my money's worth on this pattern!) and I love the fabrics. Specifics:
Chatterbox apron pattern by Mary Mulari.
The main fabric: It's Hoot by Momo for Moda, In Flight in Sky,
Accent fabric is Sugar Pop by Liz Scott for Moda, Dot Dot Dot in Eggplant.

double click for close-up!

Garage sale finds:

pink is unused pillow case and yellow is a handmade half apron-50 cents each!

Vintage tablecloths still in the package? Are you kidding?! The one on the left has matching napkins too. $1 each!

OH, AND LOOK! A MAGIC 8 BALL, RIGHT? WRONG! It's a freaky sarcastic ball!

"Will I win the lottery?"

Okay, fine! "Are you RUDE?"

Forget it. "Will I marry John Cusack or what?!"

Answers that I guess! What deals have you gotten lately?

SMS Giveaway Day Winners!

2011-05-26T19:52:00.002-05:00

Alright...Thanks to all who entered and left random facts--there were some really hilarious facts & I met many new crafters! Here's the lucky spuds who are receiving a prize & an email from me pretty soon:

The first winner is #317: Pippa! She chose the charm pack

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:317Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Pippa said...

Charm pack please!
Fact: I love Negro Modelo Beer. Yay!

May 23, 2011 8:54 PM

Second winner is #500: Gayle! She chose the book & tablecloth

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:500Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Gayle Himmelwright said...

I would LOVE the book because I've been big into repurposing things in my sewing lately. Random fact: I'm missing a joint in one toe (and didn't notice until I was an adult).

May 25, 2011 2:37 AM

Third winner is #366: Poppyprint! She chose everything, but after counting comments out for 7 other people who all wanted the book or charm pack, this chick gets the fabric!!

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:366Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Poppyprint said...

You make this hard! #1 because I can't turn down a good craft book + vintage linen, followed by #3 because that fabric is so flippin' cool. But I'd take #2 in a pinch you know.

I hated ballet, but did it for 9 years for my mom.

May 24, 2011 12:50 AM

p.s. i'm not sure why the random thing reset to 100, but the result # is accurate!

SMS Giveaway Day!

2011-05-23T00:01:00.005-05:00

It’s that time again! SMS giveaway day!

I’m about to start another compacting kick so recycling/upcycling is on my mind. In a sentence, compacting is a predetermined period of time in which you do not purchase anything new except food (and I include t.p. too). It’s amazing how much stuff you find when you’re forced to use only what you have!

#1. I read through Amanda Blake Soule’s Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures again this week and I’d like to pass it on for the next family to use. I am including a vintage 60 X 80 cotton tablecloth with 7 napkins as a project starter, pattern mock-up, or reusable cleaning toweling.

#2. Were you hoping for fabric? How about this Sew You, Sew Fun Too from RJR fabrics charm pack with bright florals & geometrics I found hidden in the linen drawer?

#3. Long quarters of Marcia Derse fabrics. The green on the left is from the Streamline collection and the two on the right are from the Gerta collection.

To enter, tell me which one you want and a random fact about yourself.

Contest ends at midnight, CST, May 25. Winners picked by random on May 26 and notified by email. SMS rules state that prizes must be sent out by May 30 so check your email or forfeit your prize, dahlings!

Barn Sale

2011-05-21T15:43:00.002-05:00

Vicki of Accio Fabrics calls to say she's going to a barn sale and do I want to meet her? Oh, of course. I'm thinking, "Well, I need a new hand pruner and maybe there'll be some old wood for projects."
All I can say is. . . glad I remembered my checkbook!

This barn was full of the most amazing crafts I've seen in a while. Absolute artistry! And, there were even art classes by one of the vendors. I did locate a blog about this called Na-Da Farm Life; check it out to find out more about the artists, especially if you live in the Chicago area. All I had was a phone camera so these aren't the greatest. A sampling:

journals, cards, coin purse, candles

"altered books" how ingenious!

that's a real freaking cat, friends.

awesome mirror

hard to see--this is a thimble with baubles for flowers

a leather bracelet with buckle and hanging embellishments

an altered rosary-wow!

the displays went right up the sides of the barn

lace made into a necklace on a paper mache form

"I am a beautiful mess" mixed media

see the "create"? yeah, someone fashioned that out of newspaper and has a bunch of items for sale pinned to the display

tomato cages, wrapped in lace with gigantic newspaper flowers at the bottom hang from the ceiling

yes, live chicks are part of the display. I was loving the painted wooden doll with text, but out of my price range!

boring lampshade? add lace and embroidery!

tie-dyed lingerie anyone?

boring burlap bag? PUT A BIRD ON IT! Okay, you caught me--I don't really like this 'cocky' bag, but it's a neat idea and a running joke in the crafting world right now...

straight-up acrylic painting

So, you may be asking, what did I purchase? Maybe not but go with the flow... (and click for a bigger pic)

mixed media journal cover that fits an 8-1/2 X 11 notebook: the heart is a trapunto-style velvet so it's more 3D-ish. Amazing, no? Love the vintage bark cloth and saint's medal. I write down 5 things every day that I am grateful for; I thought this would be lovely on my nightstand.

upcycled domino

and some homemade soap from a goat farmer's wife

And for those of you who are asking, where's the freaking fabric?! I scored this load of Marcia Derse's "Third in Line" line at Acorn Quilts:

Did you really make it this far? You're the best! Come back Monday for Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day!!

Quilt Retreat

2011-05-01T19:54:00.004-05:00

I attended a quilt retreat this weekend, hosted by Vicki of Accio Fabrics! Here are a few pics of the attendees:

(left) Deb is a sure-fire "techie" who's only been quilting for about three years, but she thinks quick and sews quicker! On the right is Disco Jen--Jen made clothes for two kids and place mats for her family using I-spy fabrics. Jen gets more items made in one weekend than you would think humanly possible. We all love the way she makes a mistake and then says "oh well!" followed by something akin to "where's the ric rack so I can cover this up?"

Our host, Vicki, making an adorable animal print quilt (of course, it's a commission; somehow Vicki knows people who are willing to pay for the time and work it actually takes to put a quilt together!) Once we start making sewing mistakes and swearing, Vicki says "Hey! Channel your inner Disco Jen and say 'oh well!'"

Pat made a beautiful floral quilt and we were all jealous; her attention to detail is unparalleled!

Debbie has a great sense of humor and she's extremely adventurous--she started TWO You Go Girl bags.

Another Pat--this one brought her drapes, cut them up, and then started a quilt to match. You GO Scarlett O'Hara!

This is Carol--she makes the most intricate quilts you've ever seen. They're AMAZING and so is she! (Click and then click again for a great view!)

This is what I worked on--it's 64 X 64--love those brights!

Another apron?!

2011-04-22T19:59:00.000-05:00

Okay, I think I might be tired of making aprons. But you know how it goes--one person gets an apron and then another person says "I think I'd like that too," especially when they're sisters. In the end, the color combinations that are chosen make each one special. Well, that and my Aunt Bunnie is paying me good money to make these for her daughters!

This fabric line is Domestic Diva by Riley Blake. I just love the splashes of aqua and coral that really pop.

Again, the pattern is Mary Mulari's Chatterbox reversible apron. It's easy to put together; it requires 2 yards of fabric and 2 inches of velcro--that's it! One of these days I'm going to make one for myself!

the front!

a close-up of the pattern: L♥ve it!

And the reverse!

Where does the time go?

2011-04-21T21:36:00.002-05:00

*Note: there's a link to a giveaway at the end you won't want to miss!*
I joined the Sew Sweetness sew-a-long. Here's the flickr group to see all the fabulous fabric choices.

Behold, one Sis Boom Jamie Dress.

I don't know what this material is, but it's really silky, flowy, and made an incredible mess with fraying. Even the pins slid out before I could get the seams sewn. Oh, never again!

Cotton would have been a much better choice--there's my recommendation in case you decide to try this dress. It went together rather quickly and the instructions were easy to follow. Yes, a beginner could make it.

The last time I made something truly wearable was a prom dress back in '87 so this was pretty trippy. Speaking of trippy, I think the dress matches my official summer shoes quite nicely.

And bonus! I'm about 6 feet tall!

And here's a link to a generous blog! iCandy handmade is hosting a you-pick-'em, 5-yard giveaway from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.

Oh Yeah, I'm Feelin' It.

2011-03-27T20:32:00.002-05:00

Well, it's been a while. I needed a break so I had one. It was great, thankyouverymuch.

I made an apron (Mary Mulari chatterbox pattern) for my cousin Danielle, but unfortunately, I sent it off before taking a picture. So, imagine this apron:

in this duo (Michael Miller's Dinnerware is the fabric pattern). Darn tootin' cute!

Additionally, I finished this quilt top today.(Kate Spain's Verna fabric line & Natalia Bonner of Piece-n-Quilt's I'm Blushing quilt pattern found on Moda Bake Shop)

I made some serious errors on this quilt when I made the squares. I was so irritated with myself that I put it away for a long time, waiting for the day when I would feel up to spending quality time with a seam ripper.

Well, in the last three months my outlook has really changed: There is no need to ever go back and change something. Move forward, embrace the aberrations, and know that whatever it is, it's supposed to be that way.

So I added strips, made more "errors," and threw in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch seams where it suited the cause. One of the flowers is almost on a diagonal, so I put the centers to the left as if they are leaning towards the sun. ha!

Mama like.

Not a quilt but neat nonetheless

2011-01-05T17:31:00.002-06:00

I just returned from Mexico and brought home some new items for my Dia de los Muertos collection (click on each photo for a better view):

Left: "Amor Eterno" A couple who love one another even after death (definitely my favorite theme).

Center: A shadow box with multi-colored heads.

Right: A hand-carved wooden heart that was covered with metallic gold paint and a "thorn of crowns" cut from metal that was nailed to the wood and extends about 1/2" from the piece.

A painted ceramic skull. The top has birds, a common theme in Mexican artwork. This skull sits atop a tea light for a glowing experience.

The newest addition to dead dogs and cats. This male perro is wearing a Columbian headdress complete with feathers and an arrow in his mouth. This piece is about 4 inches long--I love the attention to detail.

The other perro y gato.

Center: Dog wearing a flowered hat while clutching a bird.

Right: Cat with purple polka-dot fish.

I have other shadowboxes,etcetera so if anyone is interested in seeing more Mexican art, let me know.

Thanks for your interest, Sweet Limes! Here is what I have on the theme of eternal love:

These are hand-painted postcards (on something akin to watercolor paper--way too thin to actually send) of couples dancing and singing together after death. (I have them in thin plastic sleeves; that is the reflection)

A close-up of the box--you can see that their heads are smaller than my thumbnail. The bride and groom in their casket are as happy dead as they were they day they married.

This is a shadowbox of the bride a groom with the ferryman on their way to the other side together.

Note how the moon on the right is unhappy to see them leave our world, but there is an angel on the other side to welcome them. The background is blue glitter with gold stars. (Sorry about the camera flash glare!)

It's a Christmas finish!

2010-12-23T15:50:00.002-06:00

My darling sister asked me to make her a couple of "cute" cosmetic bags; Laurie Wisbrun's Tufted Tweets fit the bill perfectly!
Then she asked me to make snack bags, lined with some type of waterproof material that match the cosmetic bags. HUH?! Actually, it was okay; not hard at all once I figured out a few things. I may make a tutorial because they're quick, inexpensive, and nothing says love like vinyl! Right?

Two on the left are cosmetic bags with zippers. Two on the right are vinyl-lined snack bags with velcro closures.

The insides (I love when bags coordinate inside with the outside). And of course, a little treat: banana-flavored monkey floss and enchanted unicorn bandages.

Of All the Nasty Things to Say..

2010-12-22T13:31:00.002-06:00

It's a darn good thing that I have a sense of humor. My name is the target of crude and untrue acronym-ing. I try to rationalize this horrific affliction/smear campaign by thinking, "They're obviously talking about Hilary Duff. She really can't act, or sing, and now she's written a paranormal romance novel." But um, she's rolling in the dough and apparently the rest of us Duffs are more akin to doughboys because here's the distasteful slander-suit-waiting-to-happen:

(photo from Amazon.com)

I think that The Deliriously Unyielding Fabric Fiend is closer to the truth, don't you?
And who sneaked off with all my freaking donuts??!! How am I supposed to live up to this moniker without donuts?!

Want some sugar, sugar?

2010-12-19T08:52:00.001-06:00

Click here to be transferred over to Retro Mummy's Flower Sugar giveaway--20 fat quarters of pure yumminess!

p.s. this posting qualifies as my entry!

Giveaway winner!

2010-12-18T08:04:00.000-06:00

Good morning friends! Our giveaway winner is..... #93

The Branch Family said...

What fun! The dots are my favorite.

December 13, 2010 1:57 PM

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:93Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Sew,Mama,Sew Giveaway Day!

2010-12-11T13:46:00.005-06:00

Welcome Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway seekers! Up for grabs is one reversible, reusable grocery tote. I've made quite a few of these as part of Sew, Mama, Sew's Green Grocery Bag Challenge and thought I'd share!

Here's a photo of one side of the grocery bags (click for a close-up):

BEES................TREES................DOTS

and in their reverse:

To enter the giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment:

You must tell me which bag you prefer and that's the one you will win.

**Important**

If you are a no-reply/name only/anonymous blogger, leave your contact info in the comment. Giveaway ends December 17th at 11:59 pm, central time!

Giveaway winner!

2010-12-05T15:10:00.001-06:00

Okay, here goes:

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:12Powered by RANDOM.ORG

And we have a winner!!

#12 is Jennifer! Congratulations! Jennifer, as long as you live in the US or Canada, this fabulous prize is yours!
Please send me your mailing address so I can forward it to Stephanie.

And yes, these are my photos. They're from the 2006 US Sumo open in California.

A finish!

2010-11-29T15:26:00.003-06:00

Okay, here's a finish--I am so proud! I finally made a quilt for myself, finishing at about 80 X80. the fabric is Valori Wells' Del Hi line.

This is my interpretation of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater home during the fall season. the binding is the orange stone, except at the bottom right quadrant where it is blue.

Here is a photo, courtesy of Ivan S. Abrams, from which I drew my inspiration. Do you see what I did?:

I've decided to enter this quilt in the Project Modern Challenge, so here's my 100 words about this quilt:

"My interpretation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater is a vertical chimney and extending horizontal terraces at the top of the quilt, above rocky falls at the bottom. I added an improvisational flower & sienna background fabric as a suggestion of the home’s lush, fall foliage. I have quilted this in a free-hand undulating wave pattern (top to bottom, vertically) to mimic the waterfall. I love the way this home is linear, yet the water softens its stern concrete and rock; I wanted to transfer these contradictory qualities into a quilt utilizing earth tones with just a pinch of blue. "

Wish me luck!!

A Giveaway! (For US & Canada)

2010-11-24T21:03:00.002-06:00

Okay, so I'm ready!! I have two reusable pouches from Stephanie at Sand and Starfish--one large (sandwich) size and the other small (snack) size. I have been using them for a few weeks now and I've noticed that they keep my snacks fresh for up to 6 days. There are no downsides other than my students now know that I'm packin' and they're all interested to taste-test my snacks. I keep them in my purse and haven't had any problems with leakage or crumbs. So, I have to say...

THESE BAGS ARE FABULOUS! AND BPA FREE!

As you are probably already aware, BPA, or "Bisphenol A [is a] chemical commonly found in canned soup and food storage plastics is also used in some plastic wrap and plastic sandwich bags." (Greenhouse Neutral Foundation). In a sentence: BPA is a health concern (in lab testing, caused birth defects!) and so far, there are no limits on the amount of BPA in certain items. I'm sure you've seen "BPA free" on newer water bottles--this is what they're talking about.

1. These bags are cute as can be and fully lined.
2. I packed an entire bag of Chex Mix (8.75 oz) in the big one (to share, of course)
3. No leakage or crumbs so they're safe in your purse.
4. The small bag is about 2 inches bigger than a snack-size baggie.
5. The large size is a little bigger than a sandwich-size baggie.
6. Comes with easy care instructions.
7. No BPA
8. It's time to stock up on reusable pouches!

To get you started, Stephanie is graciously offering 2 snack bags to one lucky reader! Terms and conditions:
1. You must visit Sand and Starfish and then comment, telling me about an item from her shop that you just adore!
2. You must live in the US or Canada (sorry international friends!) & if you're a no-reply blogger, leave an email address!
3. Giveaway ends Saturday, December 4, at midnight.
3. That's it. You don't have to follow, give up your first-born, or do circus tricks. Yeah, that's another giveaway...

A giveaway and one in the making!

2010-11-24T17:30:00.000-06:00

You know how I love a good giveaway so I've got one for you now and one coming up:

1. Chelsea of Pink Fig Designs is giving away 2 quilts. That's right, not patterns, not fabric, QUILTS, as in done and you can use them straight away... Amazing!! And wait until you see them--holy mackerel! Click on her logo to check it out!

2. I will be hosting a giveaway also! Interested in a sneak peek? Check out all the goods at Stephanie's Sand and Starfish shop on Etsy. As soon as my camera gets a new battery I'll be posting!

Giveaways!

2010-11-07T18:49:00.003-06:00

Anyone interested in an Accuquilt Go! cutter? Here's a link to QuiltWoman.com ; her giveaway is open until November 16.

Need a second chance? Mandy at Simply Solids is giving away a cutter also! Link over before November 20.

And here's a link to the Quilty Pleasures Blog where you can peruse myriad blog links and enter to win quilty items such as fabric or a copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks book.

Blogger's Quilt Festival

2010-10-30T15:11:00.001-05:00

It's that time again...

I have been looking at all the quilts and enjoying the stories, so I thought I'd enter something of my own.
I give you...the Birdie stacked coins quilt with texture!

Because this quilt is so linear, I wanted to do something different with the actual quilting. A friend suggested soft waves to calm the feeling and I heartily agreed. I went a step further and thought about adding texture. I love the way a quilt puckers after the wash, but I wanted this one to really stand out. So, I bumped up the tension/pressure foot and started quilting . . .check out that texture!

Here's the back:

Is that calming or what?! The waves worked perfectly to offset the lines and bright color. This one went to a sweet little girl named Quinn Therese♥

What I've been doing...not really but OMG

2010-10-25T09:02:00.004-05:00

Are these girls amazing or what? I don't think I could ever do that! This takes some time to load, but trust me, it's worth it!

Okay, you win...

This is what I've really been doing...some commissioned work & a gift:

(click for a closer view)

and the winner is...

2010-10-16T10:19:00.000-05:00

Thank you for all your kind comments! Mr. Aidan picked a winner using random.org (sorry, I couldn't figure out how to post that image). From a pool of 14, our lucky winner is...
#5. Lisa of One-Hip-Mom.

Terri's in for a surprise!

2010-10-12T19:55:00.002-05:00

I really wanted to make a quilt for Terri because she's such a special gal pal. Jennie and I paid attention while Terri perused the quilt magazines and "ooh" or "I love this" slipped from her lips; she likes earth-tone batiks in geometric patterns. Jennie said she'd donate the fabric if I made the quilt and the final product is a gift from both of us. What a deal! I had a hard time going through her stash and not drooling all over it. I picked a geometric pattern (Piece of Cake 2 by Thimble Blossoms) and showed Jennie my fabric choices. She added to it and wha-la, today the quilt top is finished. I'm not big on earth-tone batiks, so if you are, what do you think?

The whole quilt (this pic needs to be rotated):

Here it is in natural, indirect light (the contrast is more apparent)

A close-up of the squares:

And this is even closer--see the beautiful gold leaves against the blue? They shimmer in the light!

What the...and a giveaway

2010-10-07T20:06:00.001-05:00

It's been crazy around here so I've been remiss about posting. Well, it was a really good crazy so that's just fabulous!
As some of you may know, Jennie (Sunflower quilts) is officially divorced. She asked me top help her move, store her things at my house, and live here until the divorce was final. A whopping 21 days after she walked into a lawyer's office and wha-la, she left this morning for New York. We thought it would take a couple months and Jennie kindly offered up her grand quilter in exchange for the above-mentioned list. In actuality, she was only here for 2 weeks, long enough for us to become better friends and wine-drinking, hot-tub goddesses. And she cooked--homemade bread, pasta primavera with shrimp, meat pie...you get the idea...all yummy stuff that doesn't come from a box. She's an awesome cook. And she cleaned, too. Dream roommate. She's got (lifetime) free room and board here. And then some. And she still threw in the grand quilter. How lucky can one gal be? Now you know.

Yesterday Jennie gave me my first lesson on the GQ, so I thought I'd share some of the photos. I'm absolutely giddy with this thing. Like a first kiss, it's heavenly and I never want the love affair to end! Yesterday I tried 2 lines following a pantograph and then today I went for it again:

2 lines of flowers (following a pantograph)

Some free-hand swirls

Next, a few stone/pebbles

Not too shabby for my second day, huh?

Thanks again, Jennie, you're the shiznit!

Seeing as I'm such a lucky gal, I thought I'd spread the love with some Christmas fabric.

Leave a comment before next Friday (10/15) if you'd like to win this scrap bag of Adoring by Sandy Gervais. Essentially, it's a jelly roll with various widths of the line--2 to 3 1/2 inches wide.

What day is it? I'm losing track!

2010-08-15T22:06:00.000-05:00

I've been swamped with house guests since June 28th! Craziness abounds! I did manage a few things here and there....

This is Hank, my sister's Chihuahua-Terrier mix (a mere 10.1 pounds!)

Here is Hank's new doggie toy box. I used the soft basket tutorial from Michael Miller (it's a pdf. file so give it time to load). The material is Moda 5 Funky Monkeys and I used the Moda twill tape to make the handles. It's 6 inches high and 10 inches around.

Next up: An ABC book for Supercute. I bumped into coordinating yardage in a sale bin so I made this bag to match. The pattern is Sweet Simple Tote from Late Bloomer Quilts. One Christmas gift down, countless others to go...

That bag went together so easily that I whipped up another in some awesome Michael Miller fabrics. The inside is coordinating stripe--love it!

Finally, I participated in an embellishment quilt art class at It's For Quilting. This was/is so much fun! I learned primarily about using Angelica and foils. Here is the beginnings of my first art quilt. It is a flower with Angelica and fibers. I'll post again when I'm done, but this is what I was able to accomplish in class (6 hours). I still need to outline the rest of the petals and add quilting and beads. I highly recommend taking a class like this--it really releases your creativity!

Well, I hope your summer is winding down nicely!

Celebrate Family!

2010-08-02T08:24:00.001-05:00

Celebrating family this weekend! This my sister and son, after completing the Chicago Rock-n-Roll 1/2 marathon! These two are awesome! There were bands playing along the route and Five for Fighting rocked the finish line!

ICE challenge quilt

2010-07-25T12:57:00.000-05:00

Here's a few shots of the absolutely fabulous ICE quilt I received, made by Debbi.

First, a reminder of what I sent in:

And the wonderfulness I received back:

Amazing!!

Happy bee buttons buzzing up to the flower, a way-cool tree (complete with appliquéd knots in the trunk), and red round and apple-shaped buttons in the tree:

The 3-D clothesline made of ribbons with the tiniest pins you've ever seen. Doesn't that sun just make you smile? Look at those awesome quilt squares!

A picnic bench with basket, felted mama ladybug and button babies, and my favorite (of course!) Bacon Then Eggs for lunch! How personalized and outrageous is that??

Thanks, Debbi, for all the thought, care, and creativity you put into this quilt!

It's a Beautiful Day!

2010-07-22T12:04:00.000-05:00

I'll make along story short: I am ready for greatness. Here's the quote I found this morning; it came just as I was getting ready to hide my intelligence:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? -Marianne Williamson

(found at http://www.abeautifulrippleeffect.com Thank you Carolyn! There are 20 more motivating quotes on today's blog so go check them out!)

Quilting: so here's the front and back of a quilt that I might be making for me. My sister likes the front but only because "it doesn't look like a quilt," i.e., it's not traditional. I designed the back with leftover fabric--it's a real attempt at design, color, and liberated quilting. It will finish at 84 X 84 once I figure out how to quilt it. hope you like it!

Ah! The ICE challenge was fabulous! I finished it just in time. The small dots are turquoise blue, green, and clear crystal embellishments. I learned a lot by forcing myself to try these 5 things: quilting with clear thread, metallic thread, raw-edge appliqué, stamping, and embellishing. I figured out what was niggling me--the wording--so I changed the last line to Spread My Wings and FLY Tonight. Thanks to all who responded--it was a consensus for 'wonky' wording placement. two pics: one of my quilt and then the table where others' ICE projects are shown.

I received the one that is being handled--I'll post a closeup of its awesomeness soon!!

A giveaway of epic proportions!

2010-07-13T14:58:00.000-05:00

You know, I try not to post too many other giveaways here, but this one's fab-u-lous! And, I get 10 extra entries for spreading the word about this awesome collection of Flower Sugar fat quarters that Marie-Madeline Studio is giving away. Yep, 21 of them. Get over there!!
Here's a picture with a link below!

Marie-Madeline Studio

GAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

2010-07-12T14:20:00.000-05:00

Guess who won Quilt Dad's mini quilt as part of A La Mode Fabric Heather's birthday bonanza? Yours truly! Isn't it just perfect? The stairs leading down to the basement are between the front door and the living room so I can swoon over this Castle Peep beauty all day!

Hope I didn't mess this up...

2010-07-10T22:49:00.003-05:00

Working on the ICE project for another quilt guild member. Today I sewed on the stars and then outlined them in metallic turquoise. I cut them out after sewing them on to maintain a wonkiness--man, was that hard! I wanted to cut them out perfectly beforehand but forced myself to abstain. I stamped the words and then cut them out with a plan to outline in turquoise metallic or clear. I haven't sewn them on yet because I am not sure if I like how this is coming along. Feeling nervous. I am still going to embellish with some crystals. I can't decide if the words should be in straight lines or not. something's funky but I can't put my finger on it. are the words too big? I bought the smallest stamps the craft store had. yeesh. help!! any ideas?

the star:

the words a little off center?

straight words?

words more off center and closer together?

Things That Make You Go Hmmmm...

2010-06-21T07:40:00.001-05:00

I saw this on Blue is Bleu's website and couldn't resist replaying it here. I am a reading teacher after all!

WHERE BOOKS COME ALIVE

Chicago Modern Quilt Guild-ICE

2010-06-20T20:07:00.003-05:00

I'm going to chronicle this project here in case the new owner would like to see how it all went down and so that I remember what the heck I'm thinking about doing. Welcome to the Chicago Modern Quilt Guild's ICE event. Here are the abbreviated guidelines:

The Preparation:

Choose 4 fat quarters.

Make 1 quilt block of your choosing from those fat quarters.

Bring it in a bag, along with the remainder of the 4 fat quarters to our next meeting where we will "swap" bags with another guild member.

The Challenge:

Make a mini wall quilt for your partner using the items from the bag.

You must use all 4 fabrics from the bag in the quilt.

You may add fabrics from your own stash.

Take your inspiration from the given quilt square.

Have fun and be creative!

The Return:

Bring the completed mini wall quilt to the July meeting.

We will have a show and tell of all the quilts, after which you will gift the quilt to the person whose bag you chose.

So, you get the idea of what I am supposed to do here. I don't think the member whose bag I have is a blog hopper so it's probably pretty safe to discuss the process here.
This is a picture of the square she included in the bag(I cut it and then thought I should document the process so that is why you see slashes):

She said that she likes wonky things and embellishments but is hesitant to try them because she's not really sure about it. I feel that way also except that mine is more a fear of messing it up. Sort of a fear of flying for both of us (I think) so I'm playing on that theme. Here's the beginning of my idea:

I'm going to make three wonky stars against a brown background and then add some embellishments. Right now I'm thinking about stamping words like wienerdog tricks does and adding crystals so that it looks like smaller stars shining. The words will read,
Star light, star bright
First star I see tonight
Wish I may, wish I might
Have some wings and fly tonight.
I am also contemplating sewing brown lines vertically in a wave pattern and hand quilting blue around the stars.

p.s. Ginger of wienerdog tricks has the most awesome pattern pdfs you've ever seen! And no, I'm not a paid sponsor.yet.

What Have You Been UP to?

2010-06-19T18:21:00.000-05:00

So, here's what I've been up to: this is the beginning of a I'm Blushing quilt with the Verna line.

I also made a soft alphabet book for Supercute. Here is the book and then a quick pic of him on the quilt that Aidan and I made for him earlier this year. At 3 1/2 months, he's about 8 lb, 10 oz! He's still on the heart monitor, but thankfully no alarms for Bradycardia in a while.

The Finale

2010-06-13T23:25:00.000-05:00

I actually did it! I finished all the blocks. I made the last 4 and then decided that one might not work for others (and I really like it) so it's staying with me. Oh, I'm so excited about this swap! I can hardly wait to see what I get back and start making my first really modern quilt top.

This is the one I was unsure of (below) so I'm just going to keep it. I am absolutely smitten with the little owls, but I wasn't sure if novelties were "off limits" and don't want to chance it. I think I'll use the shag-minky material I bought a while ago for the backing.

2/3 done...

2010-06-09T19:56:00.000-05:00

Without further ado, up for your consideration is block #8. Yep, only one block this evening because I spent the day with Supercute!! I would like to say thank you to everyone who has left a comment--I appreciate your kind words♥

And Now For Something Completely Indifferent

2010-06-08T22:09:00.002-05:00

Here are blocks # 6 & 7. I think it is increasingly evident that I love the Marston/Moran color and print combinations. I am learning more about me--I like brightness and craziness. Hmmm...that certainly describes my personality....

I took the Moda Birdie focus fabric and worked my way back to the center of the block.

The brown dot and green dot both read as solids to me. I think, though, to someone else, this is a crazy print-filled and headache-inducing creation. I love it. ♥

Today's blocks

2010-06-07T16:02:00.000-05:00

Okay, I made 3,4, and 5! Still not 100% on the color combinations for others, but I sure like them! I'd be happy to keep them all if no one wants 'em--that's a new feeling for me ♥

click for a closeup☼

Let The Games Begin!

2010-06-06T19:41:00.002-05:00

I just realized that I need to get a move on if I'm to finish 12 of these by the weekend. So, I'm setting a goal of 2 each day, today through Friday. I'm excited but I'm a little afraid of just throwing together color combinations, and oh, the fear when I make the last two cuts (to divide the square into 4 parts)! A few others have posted photos on the flickr group--have a look.

Mod Bento Block Swap

2010-06-03T11:10:00.005-05:00

On the right-hand sidebar, there is a link to the Mod Bento Block Swap and also the tutorial for this block. It is waaaaaay easy--you know I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true!! I've never been involved in a swap before, but I like the look of this one because there are plenty of parameters (Yes, some people hate that). I've heard a few horror stories about receiving less-than-quality material and workmanship; hence, my affinity for the guidelines of this swap. There is also a flickr group started!

So, if you're interested, please email Jessica--there are less than 30 members so it's a small group.

Here is a picture of the fabrics I have chosen so far. In my excitement I purchased fat quarters instead of long quarters, but just so you get an idea of the fabrics that might end up in your quilt:

Are you diggin' it, baby???

Oh, and while we're on the subject of beautiful modern fabric, there is a seriously wild woman (Jennifer of Sugarstitches) giving away fat quarters of Heather Ross' Far Far Away II line. I know, Mayor of Crazy Town! Comment before she comes to her senses!! http://sugarstitches.com/blog/?p=696

(photo directly from sugarstitches.com)

Saturday Night Fever!

2010-05-24T19:40:00.005-05:00

These Saturday night sew-ins at Tammy Tadd's with host Vicki are really getting me in the groove to make some cool stuff!
This is almost finished...it is the result of a ticker tape technique workshop from the Chicago Modern Quilt Guild. Most of the participants made a wall hanging, but I thought I'd make some hot pads that will look oh-so-fashionable hanging in my kitchen.

Next, I started this fabulous apron and finished it tonight. I made it for the woman I stay with when I go to Mexico for Christmas. She is one serious baker so I thought it would make a nice Christmas gift. This is one of the easiest patterns I've ever seen and at $6 it's a steal! I HIGHLY recommend this reversible Chatterbox Apron by Mary Mulari:

p.s. and a quick update for those of you who know the back-story: Supercute is 7 pounds, 9oz, and 18 inches long! His original "due date" was May 15 so at 3 months now, he's doing great! If you click on the photo, you can see his little smiling face.

Whew, I needed that!

2010-05-20T22:21:00.002-05:00

I was in the mood for a quick and satisfying project. After some blog-jumping for the Sew Mama Sew giveaway, I felt inspired to get going (dang, there are so many talented sewists out there!). I bought this feels-like-minky-but-it's-shag-carpeting-length stuff at Acorn Quilts, thinking it would make a dreamy backing for my down throw pillows:

Unfortunately, my pillows are 21" sq. and I only bought 1/2 yard. Schmutz! So, I decided that fabric on both sides was good enough. Here's the end result: Cuuuute! ♥

And in their new home:

Looks like I'll have to purchase some small pillow forms to use the shagadelic minky. Better still, make myself a new nightie!! Wa-hoo!

Bunnie's Bag. Part Deux.

2010-05-15T23:51:00.002-05:00

I'll make a long story short: Remember the Aunt I made the Amy Butler sling bag for? Well, she wanted a Tammy Tadd You Go Girl bag also. This bag is no easy feat, let me tell ya! When everything is said and done, it's about 25 wide, 17 high, and 8 deep. 8 pockets and a key fob inside, 2 big pockets outside. It is the MOTHER of all travel bags. Meets airline requirements for carry on so it's truly perfect in every way. That's right, I said over 2 feet wide!

Moda's Blush fabric line for outer bag and strap insets. The "red" (in actuality is more subdued color) from Blank quilting and is a great match for the cherry tree branches.

I love the side ties♥ The reason it is sitting up so straight is because I used the wrong size interfacing. But hey, this thing is awesome! It might even take a bullet!

The inside is a cool blue solid and I embroidered Aunt Bunnie's name on it (my first shot at embroidery)--I hope she likes it!!

Celebrating Life

2010-05-11T14:28:00.000-05:00

Today I brought cupcakes to class. One of my students (I'll call this person David) was hit by a drunk driver. His pickup truck was totaled, but somehow, he walked away unscathed. So I brought in cupcakes and declared today a celebration of David's life.

So do this one thing today: Tell someone how important he or she is, or how much he or she means to you. Just do it! Celebrate Life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's Like Grass, Man!

2010-05-08T23:17:00.000-05:00

So tonight at the Saturday-night sew-in I didn't get too much accomplished. But, I did do the one thing I set out to do:
Our quilt guild has a challenge this month--you need to make a mini-quilt top from 4 fat quarters. You place the leftover material and pieced top into a bag and then the bags are traded with another member's (it's a surprise). You must finish the other person's top (you may add from your stash), including the quilting and binding, and bring it back in two month's time.
Here is my unfinished top. I was somewhat dreading making this, but Jennie was very encouraging, telling me to try something new and learn from the mistakes. I really like it so far and look forward to see someone else's interpretation of it as a completed work of art!

Oh, Naughty!

2010-05-07T14:52:00.007-05:00

Dear blogging fashiznits,

I am in 7th heaven today. Jennie and I went to Quilt Fabric in Willowbrook and then Prairie Quilt Shop in Batavia.

Quilt Fabric has more batiks than you've ever seen in one place at one time. Except maybe a quilter's show. They make their own jelly rolls--check it out for one-of-a-kind color combinations. Chris, the owner, is quick-witted and ready to go! And look out, her minions are just as spicy!

I spied this lovely kit at the International Quilt Festival in Chicago, but they were out of it. Chris was kind enough to put this one together for me (and even offered to send it free of charge-very thoughtful♥-but really, who can resist a new quilt shop within 50 miles of her house? Not me!) As you can see, it's one of those quilts where the color choices are best left to the professionals. The material on the left is yellow/orange inner border and purple/fuchsia outer border. The purples and fuchsias came out a little more red than they really are but you get the gist. 72 assorted lovely strips. Click on the photo for a better view... I know, just dreamy!:

Then we hit Prairie Quilt Shop where owner Bonita is always smiling and ready to lend a hand picking out fabrics--she's great with color and coordinating! I did not purchase anything. today. tomorrow I'm going back. See what I mean? Oh, naughty!

Yes, I know it's nice to brag, but LOOK WHAT I GOT! I was the big winner on Sunflower Quilts' giveaway. Lucky me!!

p.s. For those of you who do not own an Urban Dictionary, fashiznit is "just a really awesome friend"
Hence, my greeting to you and I hope to be yours!

I'd like to take a quick moment to address all the moms out there! Happy Mother's Day! Here's my tiger at 6 months. Wow, that went FAST!:

Ouch, This Kid is Getting Big!

2010-05-03T12:50:00.006-05:00

This is a picture of Aidan and his friend Emily; they have been friends since 4th grade and just attended formal together (as friends!!). Aidan was really thrilled that she asked him so that he could see all his friends from his former school. What sweet pictures from his first dance!

Be Still My Heart

2010-04-28T22:58:00.003-05:00

♥Wordless Wednesday? There's only tears of joy anyway.♥

My Birthday was a Stitch!

2010-04-25T11:14:00.005-05:00

Friday was pretty awesome--Aidan and I need to be certified in infant CPR because Supercute should be coming home next week. He's up to 5 lb, 13 oz, 18 inches long. It is with both delight and wonder that I consider the fact that my exhusband and his fiance have asked me to be the 'emergency person' they can leave Patrick with. No one else will have this honor. wow. I'm floored, actually. {above} So here's Aidan with Supercute--big bro and little bro!
{above} And here's what happens when they pass Supercute to me. Somehow, I don't believe he's thinking "who's that raven-haired vixen holding me?" But then usually, I'm throwing my manhooks into something a little bit older. Interestingly, they sure do cry the same, regardless of age.
{above}Ah! Happy Birthday to me! My day started with Aidan making breakfast--bacon and french toast. My little sweetheart even made the bacon first, brought me sizzling slices, and then went back to make the rest. Ah, bacon then french toast. works for me!

I spent my birthday night with the girls--quilting, of course! Jennie gave me this awesome bag I was drooling over at the quilt show and Vicki gave me a box of taddles. We ate pizza and cupcakes from Sweet Dreams, a local bakery. They even sang the birthday song--how awesome is that? It was, without a doubt, the best birthday I've had in years.

{above} here's what I completed last night: the table runner and a reversible apron. I was having such a rush from the evening that I stayed up quilting until 1:30 this morning. A quilting hangover. Dang I'm getting old!!

2010-04-17T19:54:00.004-05:00

Jennie and I went attended the International Quilt Festival/Chicago 2010 at the Stephens Center today. Here are a few pics of quilts that struck a chord in me. One click on the photo will give you a better view:

[above]My Stash at 50 (aka Log Cabin with Attitude) by Karen Eckmeier of CT. Here she is celebrating her 50th birthday by using only fabric from her stash and each block had to contain 24 different fabrics. Even the points have beading!
[above]Oh, for Henna's Sake by Michelle Reasoner of TX. In this quilt she is honoring the beauty of the art of henna tattooing, in a way that can be seen and enjoyed for generations.

[above] Circle of Friendship by Margie Davidson of Canada. This quilt expresses the physical representation of the friendship between quilters. It incorporates fabrics and the hand print of each quilter in their group. "Quilting is the thread that brings us together as we grow through the seasons of the year."

[above]Crocus is an original design by Maggie Weiss of Evanston, IL. This is torn silk and then layers of fused fabrics (cotton, organza, silk). She captured the crocus

from many different angles with her camera and then used her prior knowledge of collage to design this piece. She conducts classes on silkscreening so we are hoping that the Chicago Modern Quilt Guild will be able to host her at one of our meetings. This quilt is truly amazing!

Quilting Weekend and Supercute Update!

2010-04-16T16:27:00.004-05:00

Yes, I’ve been remiss about blogging—my apologies! I had such a swell time at the quilting retreat last weekend that it took nearly a week to recuperate! That said, there are other blogs with pictures, namely Jennie and Vicki, so I will just post the items I made. I started a table runner with Michael Miller’s salt and pepper shaker fabric and the other is a 38 X 48 baby quilt--Stacked Coins--with Moda's Birdie fabric line. Because the front is so symmetrical, Jennie thought that a wave quilting pattern would add some calmness and texture to the back--I love it! I was so thrilled to start and finish a project in one weekend! I also bought a quilt kit at one of the shops we visited—couldn’t resist In the Beginning Fabric!

Mr. Supercute is one phenomenal little guy! He’s up to 5 lbs, 5 oz and 17 inches long! Amazing! Who can get enough of that cute little pus? Not me! He even smiles when he sleeps…

IHAN Giveaway!

2010-04-12T19:08:00.006-05:00

Kelly Jackson over at I Have A Notion is STILL at it! She's giving IHAN readers 30 days and nights of quilty pleasure! Today, though, she's officially upped the ante by giving away this:That's right--the AccuQuilt Go! Can you believe it? I've signed up nearly every day to win something fabulous! And in the process, I've learned a lot about all the products that are on the market--woo hoo!

Here are 2 must-have links for you to click on:

Blog Link:: http://ihaveanotion.blogspot.com/
Website Link : http://ihavea-notion.com/store /