Quick Blog Break

I haven't been blogging much the last week or so, or doing a whole lot of crafting. This whole getting sick thing has really knocked me for a loop. The antibiotics helped. I was able to eat again relatively quickly. But the energy levels? I'm still waiting for those to get back to something that resembles "normal". It doesn't help that mommy just doesn't get to be sick in quite the same way as daddy and/or little one (potty training still needs go on, laundry needs to get done, etc., etc., etc.). I think I'm finally getting back up to speed, but -- oy! So, while I'm waiting for my Four Seasons Swap to finish up in the dryer (it didn't bleed!!! Wooo Hooo AND I got out all the markings for the embroidery, double WOO HOO!) -- and thinking about how to apologize to my partner for how late it is -- I thought I 'd take a quick blog break and show what I HAVE been able to get done in the last two weeks.

I did manage to do my part for the economy lately (go and read Kim's blog about this one -- really, you'll be laughing yourself silly). I mean, shopping doesn't take that much energy right? (we'll ignore the fact that when I got home from the shop that day I needed a nap.) And hey -- when you can find some lovely new fabrics? Oh yeah. I finally broke down and bought my very first jelly roll. It's the new Moda Simplicity line by 3 Sisters. Yummy, yummy spring time colors in pinks, blues, yellows, a scrumptious green, and white. Oh my. Not my usual palate at all -- but, oh, how I need some spring. I already have plans for these goodies, just need to get a few more things off my plate. (oh, and I think I'm kind of lucky to have these. I just checked out the Fat Quarter Shop and looks like these haven't gotten in yet...)

I also got some great mail. I won a blog contest over at The Late Bloomer (Thank you Compton) and my goodies arrived over the weekend. Two fantastic patterns and kits to make the cone and heart valentines. Just in time! I think I may be playing with these over the weekend. As for the Altar Steps pattern...oh my, that I may need to go play in the stash for. Much too cute! Thanks so much Elizabeth -- your package made my day.

So, new projects added to the pile, but, how about some things actually done??? There are a couple. I've mostly been finishing up things (note, 4seasons quilt still in the dryer -- LATE). First up on my finally finished list is this cutie. And yes, this is Yet. Another. Apron. I think this is about my 10th apron made from this pattern. Am I tired of it? Um...no, not really. I can make them pretty quickly now -- and hey, they turn out so darned cute. Now, having said that, do I want to do another one soon? Um...well, we'll see. This one is a shop sample. More Cherry Baby fabrics from Lakehouse -- with the panel letters used for the word and a fun cupcake applique added. Sorry, that cupcake needs a closeup of its own here. I actually started this one before I got sick folks -- (so much for I can make them quickly) and it took me way too much time to get it done -- but it's done, delivered and last I saw was hanging on a manequin in the shop.

Other than that -- not too much to report. I've been working on finishing up things (weaving in ends of knitting -- mils mitts are done! Yeah!, need to finish sewing down the binding for "bella" -- almost done!, have a couple of things being blocked before I can do much more -- but hey, I'm blocking them...). Lots of things in the "almost done" category that I want to clear out so I can start some new projects. Speaking of which -- I think I just heard the dryer buzzing -- WOOO HOOO! Label to stitch on, photos to take, and a trip to the post office. (which, since I just looked at the time -- will happen tomorrow morning. UGH!) Oh well, almost done with one more! YEAH!

PS -- and STILL no spell check. Um, am I just cursed??!!??

Santa's Sweat Shop

Bet you didn't know there was a North Pole annex here in the cornfields did ya? Well -- that's what it's been feeling like around here. All Christmas, all the time. And I haven't even BEGUN to decorate (unless you count digging out the Christmas videos for dd -- I think I have now seen Rudolph, Santa and Frosty more times in the last three weeks than I ever did growing up, and my poor husband who HATES the Santa one, or is it Rudolph? -- um, yeah, moving on).


Anyway, I have been in full on gift making mode these days. And -- amazingly enough, I've gotten a few things done! (hooray -- I'll have to post the full list of what I'm actually trying to finish for you to truly appreciate the INSANITY that runs rampant in this house though. Next year, I swear, I will be starting earlier!)


First up on today's project list are some little ornaments. Gifts for teachers and other folks who I don't see often but want to do something homemade for. I will fully admit these are "cheater" presents. Simple panel squares backed with some additional yardage, a snippet of ribbon and some leftover batting. Pillowcase it and top stitch around the edges.


Still home made, but well -- um, yeah, I had to make quite a few so this is about all the time I had! They are cute and I refuse to feel guilty about not piecing something. Really. (yes, I am trying to convince myself as much as I am you).


The next round of finished presents I can't actually show you. These were commissions from my Mom, and one of the recipients reads my blog. But, I do have permission to hint and tease (hi DJ!). So -- to whet the appetite of a certain someone (and, well, hey -- I like taking pictures) here's the hint. I finally got to use some older Hoffman Christmas batiks I bought long and long ago. I love these fabrics but just hadn't found the perfect place to use them.


Not enough of a hint? Hmmm...well, ok. One more tiny one. So these are done and even out in the mail already. I still will be going to the post office on a regular basis -- but one project completely gone from the stuffed bins waiting for me to get to them. Plus, a project mostly from stash. This is a good thing.


Oh, and lest you think that Santa's Sweat Shop is only producing goodies for me to give? Oh no -- not by a long shot. I've also been working on more shop samples (and if you click on the link you can see the earlier ornament samples on the web site -- yes, I'm easy to amuse). These cuties are courtesy of the Quilts and More Winter 2007 issue. It's a fun and pretty quick little pattern to hold an ipod (and yes, my large "old" ipod fits in it too -- I checked!). Might make a good present for a teenager -- especially if you make it up with some of the cute Chocolate Lollipop or Urban Gardens fabrics I was playing with. The pattern calls for a 1/4 yard cut -- but I used fat quarters and had fabric left over.


I've also managed to finish some hand quilting. I'd show a photo -- but, well, this one has turned into a Christmas present for someone who reads my blog. So, I will take photos when I finish binding/making it into a large pillow (per the recipient's request) and show them in a post-Christmas round-up. I will say that I really did enjoy the process and I want to do another!


I'm also busily working on a quilty project -- but I don't have any in-progress photos to share. I will try and get some, but since I'm hoping to be done with it tomorrow (I must say, the SciFi Tinman miniseries has been great for getting some of my handwork projects done!) -- you may get a completed picture rather than in-progress (I hope, I hope, I hope -- this one has a deadline that has already come and gone).


Finally, a bit more catching up -- I've been meaning to post photos of these, and keep on going way too long in my posts. Remember me talking about ordering the patterns for my daughter's doll from Australia? Well -- the folks at Jet Music and Books also hold a monthly drawing for free pattern giveaways to customers. And guess who won the October contest? Yeah, li'l ole me! So, two Melly & Me patterns to go with my Lolly collection! Woo Hoo!



I REALLY want to make these. I do -- but, um, if I start one project right now that is not for a Christmas gift -- I'm never going to get done. But, I'm just sayin' wouldn't this guy look fabulous made up out of this fabric? With this for the ear inserts and the tummy? And maybe this for the shorts? I'm just sayin' (and copying shamelessly from Vicky).

Well -- that's it from my corner of the sewing sweat shop. Now to get back to work -- man those elves get cranky if you take a break that's too long!

I'm just so proud...

I've commented here and there when I've seen other crafters whose children are joining the fun, that I can't wait until my daughter is old enough to join me in the crafting madness that goes on around here. Not that she hasn't tried already (though pulling on my yarn skeins as I try to knit and trying to hit buttons on my sewing machine (see step 10) are not exactly helpful -- it comes from a good place, "mommy, I help you"), but, well, she's two! I figured it would be at least another year or two until I could brag about, um show off, no -- display (no mommy pride going on here at all folks) her handiwork. HA! Shows what I know. Look what came home with dd yesterday from daycare/school. Yep -- the two year old made this! Well, before you start thinking I have a prodigy or something (not that I don't believe she's the smartest and most talented kid I know) she did have help. They've been doing a unit this fall on bodies and differences at daycare. Part of this was the doll project -- the kids got to choose the basic doll body (pre-made) from a variety of skin tones. Then they talked about eyes and they got to chose their eye color -- and while the kids pointed, the teacher glued where they pointed. Same with the hair, mouths, noses, etc. And the clothes -- oh yeah, the design options for the outfits were all theirs too (with execution help from the teachers) -- and trust me, I've seen some of the other dolls and their outfits -- hers is way cooler (no bias here, nope, not me). And she is so in love with her doll -- and has now named her "Baby Dolly" (a better name than "poopy dollie" who came home with us from the toy store while 'Nama was visiting).

The enjoyment she's getting out of her dolls lately is giving me hope that my main present for her for Christmas is going to go over well. Which is good because the patterns for most of it came in the mail yesterday! Wooo Hooo!!!! I can get started on her doll and doll ensembles! I saw this doll over at the Material Obsessions blog this past spring and just fell in love. I have since started reading the blog of the designer, Rosalie Quinlan and her sister -- Melly and Me Designs (you should seriously check out some of their joint designs folks -- they are fun, fun, fun), and been trying to get the patterns here in the states. I did try and see if a LQS could get them (no luck) and finally decided enough was enough (especially if dd is going to get these before she has children of her own) and ordered them from Australia. I can't say enough good things about the folks over at Jet Music and Books. When I originally emailed about the patterns to check on the shipping costs (very reasonable) the patterns were out of stock. BUT -- they kept me informed via email (once even to let me know they were still waiting but they hadn't forgotten about me) and let me know as soon as they were available. Great service and they got to me within a week and 1/2!

So -- you know part of what dd is getting for Christmas -- shhhh, don't tell! (And since she can't read yet, I'm pretty safe here) The doll is to go along with the doll crib she's also getting. It's actually MY old doll crib from when I was here age -- it's been reinforced with 2x4's since I used to want to get in with my dolls and wood and wonderful. I'll get a photo when I can (right now it's "hiding" in a box so little one can't see it) -- but, a little old, a little new, and a little handmade. Sounds perfect to me.

And before this post gets to be REALLY long -- I'll keep the rest of what I was going to say for another post. Maybe tomorrow. I'm not going to join the NoBloPoMo challenge (goodness, I have the feeling people's eyes would be popping out of their heads if I did that) but I do have enough things I've been mulling over and wanting to post about for at least 3 or 4 posts. In the meantime --- here's a current picture of my sewing/work space (aka the Kitchen/dining table) -- um, really, there's 4 or 5 projects in various stages of completion there. But I do need to get back to it so I can start on the new dolly! As for dinner being eaten there any time soon -- not so sure.

Cone of Silence

Ok -- does anyone else remember the Cone of Silence from the old Get Smart show? Ya know -- they were supposed to use it to talk about super secret stuff? Well, my own personal Cone of Silence has been lifted!!! YEAH!! I can now talk about all that super secret sewing I've been doing!

So, what have I been making? Aprons. Lots and lots of aprons. They are for a new pattern that is being introduced at market by Tammy Tadd Designs. If you'd like to see two of them (one in child and adult size) go on over to Tammy's Blog and check them out. Yep, the two aprons hanging on the dressmaker's forms were made by yours truly! I've also made a few others to be used/worn at market.



I love, love, love the new Lakehouse fabrics I was playing with as well. The colors are soft, fun, and a little bit old fashioned. Not my usual palate of in-your-face brights -- but oh so fun all the same. I can so see myself going crazy when these make it to the stores. Not to mention the new hydrangeas that I haven't played with :0).



And did I mention that the pattern is for both adults and children's aprons?? So, like any self-respecting crafty mommy -- I made one for my own little one. I finally found something I wanted to cut into my Freshcut stash for. Hehehehehe. I didn't have any rick rack in the house (and for any of you who wouldn't be caught dead without any in the house -- um, well, what can I say?) for the trim -- but I love how the prairie points work on this one.


As for the pattern? It's fun -- and simple -- and easy! Really. I've made 8 of them in the last two weeks -- so it HAS to be simple and fast right? I can just see holiday themed aprons popping up at my house too -- we have to wear SOMETHING to protect our clothes for Christmas cookie baking right?


So, the last of the quilt market sewing I'm doing is done, I STILL need to post about all the goodies I got in the mail, and my mother is coming for a visit in SIX DAYS!!! Ok, I need to finish binding the quilt for the guest room, and, um, I think I need to clean, desperately! I'd better get going!

Back from the Quilt Festival...

I'm tired, I'm a bit poorer, my feet are a bit sore, but I am happy, thrilled and sooooo glad we got to go! Wow -- what a day! I'm not even sure where to start. I suppose at the beginning works, but so much happened and I'm not sure I can keep it in order so forgive me if this post seems to wander around a bit.

We started out the day relaxed and taking our time -- yes, I did want to get to the convention center, but hey -- try to rush an almost two year old and get tears. Relax, treat it as an adventure, and you may have a recipe for fun. Am I ever glad that is what we did. It may have meant that it was after lunch when we got there -- but it did mean that we all had a good time.

The first thing we saw when we got into the show were the beautiful quilt displays. I forgot my camera so no pictures, but these quilts were simply works of art. I got to see this quilt in person (the first one listed -- all of the squares and circles in bright colors) and I must say it looks good in the picture, but even better in real life. What the post about it doesn't mention is that each of those satin stitch appliqued circles is about the size of a US dime (sorry for those of you from other countries -- I really can't think of anything else to compare it to and don't have the dimensions for a dime handy). It is absolutely breathtaking! I also got to see so many other quilts, some that I've seen pictures of in magazines, a few antique -- all, just such beautiful examples of the art of quilting. *sigh* I don't know if I will ever have the skill to create something like that -- or even the patience -- but the inspiration to take home and to use in my own humble creations -- now that is priceless.

After perusing the quilts (not long enough there but as long as dd could keep from wanting to touch and would stand for staying in her stroller) it was off to the vendors. Oh my -- the booths, the fabrics, the notions, the celebrities...bliss! When we left for the show there were two things that were on my "I will buy" list -- some of Heather Bailey's Fresh Cut fabric and the Clover Yo-Yo makers (I know, I know -- Yo-yo's are simple to make, you don't need a gadget, etc. etc. But I kept reading about them from here and here and since I am usually slow to do any handwork I thought these would be an encouragement so I could do some clothing embellishment for dd). I MOSTLY stuck to my own rules. As you can see from the picture, a few other items managed to seduce me.
The first purchase that was not on my list was a copy of the first issue of Quilter's Home Magazine. For any of you who haven't checked it out yet -- really, you must! Not a lot of patterns (which is more than fine -- I have enough projects on my plate already), but great articles and some good tips about products, life stuff, recipes, etc. Plus, always Internet related goodies -- I started reading quilt blogs because of an article in one of the issues and look at me now! I started reading this one with issue number 2 and immediately tried to find number one -- no luck, sold out everywhere. The CT publishing booth (I think that's the name) had copies and, more importantly, Mark Lipinski, editor and contributor extraordinaire was at the booth signing copies of the magazine! If anyone who has read the magazine is wondering, he writes like he talks -- so much fun. I was kind of chuckling while he was trying to explain to one of the women waiting for his autograph what the magazine was about and that he started it because, yes, indeed, HE is a quilter (she seemed to have the most trouble with this point) and wanted something that talked about quilter's lives. I also had to add in when one of them saw me buying my copy and asked if I thought it was any good "It rocks -- hard" maybe not the most articulate of answers, but accurate.

So, my first purchase was not on my list -- but still made me seriously giddy. After a quick check-in with dh and the little girl who were having fun in an open space at the end of the booth area, I went back to the booths on a hunt for my "must have" items (for any of your who are parents and are having horrified thoughts of a small child being able to wander off in a large crowd, dd was out of her stroller, yes, but was attached to dh with this. Yes, I'm awful, I put a leash on my child when we are in crowded public areas. But she is an active and curious child without fear -- it allows her to walk on her own while we feel a bit less panicked about the idea of her simply scampering off. Otherwise we'd have to confine her to her stroller or being held. We're working on the whole, stay with mommy and daddy, hold our hands thing, but she's not even TWO yet! Plus, she loves her puppy backpack and will even ask to put it on at home.).

My next round of aisles included the Clover booth where they were demoing the Yo-Yo makers and had samples of the new shapes that are coming out this summer. (side note - the rep at the booth said probably July before the new ones are available even though the official release date is in June) I had alredysearched every booth featuring notions I had come across and had not found the sizes currently available anywhere. And, of course, the Clover booth was not selling anything -- but the person doing the demos knew of the ONE (in a huge convention space with hundreds of vendors mind you there was ONE) booth that had them available. So, booth number in mind, I raced to get my darned Yo-Yo makers! If you think I am being silly (and, alright, I probably was) I was not alone in my mad dash. Another woman and I were dodging quilters, counting booth numbers and searching out these things like it was a military search and destroy mission! We recognized the same "must get the Yo-Yo maker" light in each other's eyes and were laughing at ourselves while doing it -- but you can see for yourself -- SUCCESS! I now am the proud owner of two sizes, and I also picked up a couple of marking pens. I have been slowly working my way through the various marking tools trying to find out what works the best for me -- so thought I would try these out as well.

My Yo-Yo success deserved some celebration so I picked up dd and dh and off we went for a snack. (note - is it really necessary for the concessions at large venues to serve the same bad hot dogs and cruddy snack selections?) After refueling, it was off to the vendors again in search for my Heather Bailey fabrics. Up until this point I had seen Kaffe Fassett, Amy Butler, Batiks until you could almost cry (and I LOVE batiks), and reproductions, reproductions, reproductions but not a single Heather Bailey. ARRGGHHH! Dh and dd were with me now too, so if I didn't find the fabric I wanted soon, it was not going to happen. While on my quest for the fabric I've been drooling over, I saw the Collett Fenske booth. I had just seen her website the night before by following a link from some one's blog so I had to check it out. I started chatting withCollett (so weird using her first name but Ms. Fenske just is too formal for this sweet woman) and told her I had seen her site online. She was thrilled as the site is new. I just wish I could have given credit to the blogger who had linked to her lovely hand dyed fabrics -- I will have to look for the blog, I know I read it in the past day or so (or, if you are the person, please let me know so I can send an e-mail with the information to Collett). While I didn't bring any of her delicious fabrics home with me (and they are delicious), I did have to bring home the patterns to these little wall hangings. This picture does not show how cute these are -- and I have another wall hanging pattern I also purchased but I didn't get a good shot. I'll try again tomorrow. (for that matter, I apologize for the photo quality on all of these pictures, but I just couldn't wait until tomorrow to get these photos up and to post about the show) I also got this adorable sachet filled with lavender and made with her hand dyed fabrics. Little girl could not keep her hands off of it and kept smelling it the rest of our stay at the show.

While I was at Collett's booth and the other booths next to hers I saw Marianne Fons of Fons and Porter's Love of Quilting. I kept my cool and did NOT rush her to say "Oh my gosh -- I JUST finished making a quilt from your magazine and I'm just such a fan." It was close, but I didn't do it.

I did however, have another fabric/textile arts fan moment. Also while I was at those booths, I saw Elinor Peace Bailey. She makes the most fantastic dolls and just looks as though she enjoys the heck out of life. I kibitzed on a conversation someone was having with her about her outfit and complimented her yummy lime green lace trim (have I mentioned that I think lime green is a neutral color?). And in case anyone is wondering -- Bailey -- where have we heard that name -- oh, the Heather Bailey fabrics, but no, there couldn't be a connection. Um -- actually, yeah, there could. Elinor Peace Bailey is Heather Bailey's mil. So now comes my quilt show celebrity, feeling like a potential weirdo stalker moment. By this point, I was desperate to find those fabrics -- and the mil of the designer is right there. Maybe, just maybe, she MIGHT know if any of the vendors have the fabric? Kind of a "hey look at what my son's wife did" kind of thing? So, yes, I did ask. Thankfully, she is a very kind person and said that she had been told by several people that they had seen the fabrics, but didn't know where. (ok -- a fabric sighting at least -- hope springing that I can actually find it!) We also had a lovely conversation since I had mentioned that I had seen the fabrics on HB's blog and she asked if I had seen her daughter, Laura Gunn's blog as well. I admitted that I had (umm -- both of them are bookmarked and are regular reads) and that I was in love with Laura's paintings. The entire time I am feeling somewhat like this uber cyber stalker. She was so nice, and even complimented me on dd's jacket and mentioned wanting to convince the Bernina folks about using blogging to reach young (oh, what a nice compliment -- someone please tell my students about this one) quilters and crafters who use the Internet. All I can say is that Elinor Peace Bailey is one classy and sweet lady.

Armed with the knowledge that, indeed, there was some of the fabric I wanted in the building, we moved on with our quest (given the length of this post and the time it's taken to write you would think it was an epic quest). Wouldn't you know, further down the row I found it! Not all of the fabrics I was looking for -- but in one case, a better choice. Even better, it was a booth that was selling yardage rather than just pre-cut FQs, half-yard and yard cuts. I grabbed the bolts I wanted and gladly waited in line. Of course, wouldn't you know that in the next aisle over, there was another vendor who also had the Fresh Cut fabrics and who, moreover, had the ones I had originally wanted as well? Oh, the quandary -- I already had my fabric, but, oh, they are just way too delicious. What is a fabric addict to do? Oh, please, of course I bought some more. Just because I changed my mind about the one project, does not mean the fabrics I originally fell in love with will go without a project for long.

So, fabric and notions purchased (plus a few extras), it was time to head on home. On the way out, I had another quilting celebrity sighting. As we were walking to the end of the row of vendors we passed the Bernina booth. Who was sitting there? Alex Anderson. When my dh heard me gasp, he asked what was wrong. I said, ever so intelligently, that's Alex Anderson! Who? Where? So? (his response). I pointed her out through the crowd surrounding her and his response? "Oh -- the 'Simply Quilts' lady." I had to stop and giggle at that one. I am amazed he has paid enough attention when I have had the show on to recognize her, and because I even assumed that he would know the name. I think he gets husband brownie points for the recognition. He even asked if I wanted to brave the throng surrounding her to get a book and an autograph. I did join the crowd for a few minutes and listened to her talking a bit about her new show with Ricky Timms, but it was getting late, dd was getting tired, and I had really spent all I needed to spend (and a bit more, but just a bit) for the day. So, I passed on getting Alex Anderson's autograph but she did seem very nice and friendly and I did stand not more than 2 feet away from her.

Wow is this a long post -- if you have made it this far, you probably deserve some kind of reward. But I'm not going to share my new fabrics! I went through too much to get them! So, home again, dd sound asleep after an exciting day (and may I say she was sooo good, I am so proud of her and she will benefit from my fabric buying spree), dh sleeping too (he wasn't when I started this post, but he is now -- I can't believe the time) and deserving of major husband brownie points and thanks, and me, ready for bed with visions of playing with yummy fabric and yo-yo's galore in my future. I will post about the other fabric play I have been doing soon, I promise, but later.