The Lonely Crafter

Spoiler Alert: Turn Away Now Angela

2011-04-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am not sure if she looks at my blog or even if she knows it exists. But just in case she does I've alerted her to turn her eyes away now...

My finished Princess & Pea Quilt. I absolutely love it and love that it will be going to one of the best homes ever. I know Angela and Andy will treasure it for a lifetime.

Lilacs for Lyra

2011-03-15T17:09:00.000-07:00

I am steadily moving ahead on my project list. Over the weekend I was able to finish up a little play mat for our newest cousin Lyra. She just a month old this week and I can't wait to meet her. I know her three sisters are absolutely in love with her. I am hoping this little mat will provide her a little play space of her own now and down the road.

Princess & Pea Quilt

2011-03-12T13:12:00.000-08:00

Well, well , well...I've known for about 4 or 5 months now that I was going to at some point get an invitation to our closest friend's baby shower and I've known for about 4 or 5 months that I was going to make this quilt for her but what have done those 4 or 5 months. PROCRASTINATED. My middle name when it comes to everything in my personal life. Work is a bit of different story...So the invite comes, I have a million things going on at work and I agreed to making a costume for colleague's daughter's play, so as soon as I saw the invite and the date I panicked. How? When? Can I get done in less than 4 weeks with everything going on right now? And what about the costume and other quilt for my new cousin. Oh my....

I know it will happen and if not at least I will have a photo to say I've started and promise to finish by June when the baby is born. I'm really not sure what the overall plan is pattern wise. It will surely come to me as I go and I have million different versions floating through my head. In effort to at least attempt to accomplish it all in 4 weeks. So here is the first panel for the quilt. My fussy cutting large scale applique of the princess and the pea image from Heather Ross's Far Far Away fabric.

Now I can in good conscience I can get started on the costume I 'm to make and come back to this in a week or two. There is a lot of hand sewing and alot of pieces to still be cut and sewn before this quilt is done. But with a looming deadline I'll at least be motivated and not procrastinate......I hope.

Return Date Unknown...

2011-02-22T16:46:00.000-08:00

Yes, it has been awhile and Yes, it will be a lot longer. In the middle of a massive work project right now and not time to craft. I am working on new baby quilt. Photos to come once I finish. if that day will ever come. Sorry for the long delay. Hopefully, by summer things will return to normal and I'll have time to re-enter my craft room.

Missing my Machine
Amy

Happy Holidays To All

2010-12-12T11:27:00.001-08:00

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View the entire collection of cards.

Recylcing for a New Bag

2010-10-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

Reading one of my old friend's blog the other day, BUP, I was inspired by the post about CourtneyCourtney, a local Philly children's clothing designer who recycles clothing into new modern day super cute outfits of kids. Her outfits and post inspired me to upcycle a few of the items in my to be repaired stash into a new bag for myself. It's a little kitchey and little retro and probably a little to young looking for this 30 year old but I was pretty proud of my make shift bag. The items used were 1-old wool scarf and 2- old plaid shirts. The pattern was self made design it as you go pattern. So no really pattern at all. Here's a photo of the end result. And BTW my friend Bernadette is an excellent photographer if you're near the Philly area definitely give her call.

Lone Star Quilt Finished.

2010-10-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

Another accomplishment this weekend... This one motivated by my church's, Messiah Lutheran, upcoming fund raiser for Lunches for Learning. Each year our church holds an annual Handmade Market where crafts made by members of the church and community are donated for sale. The proceeds from the Handmade Market will be used to support Lunches for Learning which provides daily lunches for elementary school children in the rural areas of Honduras.

For the fundraiser I am donating not only the wooden pendants I made this weekend but my Lone Star Quilt I finished today. I hope it brings forth a good donation for the cause.

Elfin Magic 2010

2010-10-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year where we start planning our crafts for Elfin Magic. This year we plan on make Christmas bauble candle holders, stamped coasters, decorative jar ornaments and a version of scrabble tile pendants inspired by Becky Ann Designs. So to get in the mood I test drove one of the crafts today. Using blank wood squares, scrapbook paper and plenty of mod podge I manged to create the following...... For a full tutorial on how to make your own visit Make & Takes. Only wish I could have found some diamond glaze to give it that glass top look.

Lone Star Quilt

2010-09-18T17:22:00.001-07:00

Lone Star Quilt Sept 2010 017
Originally uploaded by The Lonely Crafter

I finally found a little time and little motivation to work on my first Lone Star quilt. I started this quilt weeks ago and it has just kinda sat around as most of my projects go. This was made using the diamond die from my Accuquilt and three sets of fat quarters. No Y seams each diamond was pieced individually. I've really enjoyed putting this one together so now I am looking for the perfect fabric set to do a bright and modern version. The hunt is on....

Out of the Craft Room

2010-08-17T20:18:00.000-07:00

Okay don't keep holding your breath...my day job has reclaimed my life.

Amy

Hope to be back in time for Christmas.

Back to School

2010-07-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again....No not Halloween and not Christmas though the catalogs and stores would make one think so. Back to school time. And for some odd reason this year my sons' school isn't allowing backpacks. So it's up to mommy to create some tote bags for the boys so they won't be forced to use our target or publix grocery totes. I worked on Bayard's today. He insisted on fire trucks but not having any fire truck fabric and not wanting to spend an money I convinced him to accept fire truck dogs as the main fabric.

My husband says it turned out way too girlie. And well maybe it did but Bayard loved it. It was also a good way to pratice my free motion quilting. Now on make Holden's his will be the states.

Sailing away with me.

2010-07-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

I finally found a little time to finish the gift for niece's birthday. This cute little sailor girl's outfit. McCall's Pattern MP220. Simple vibrant top with little jean shorts. She will be absolutely adorable in it.

Quilting Class Week 2

2010-07-10T17:17:00.000-07:00

Finished up my squares. I am abandoning sashing after trying numerous fabrics and just not being satisfied with the results. So now I am off to do the boarders.

Quilt Class Week 1

2010-06-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

So in order not spend the summer watching TV aimlessly at night and to get a jump start on my Christmas projects I've signed myself up for several sewing class. Although all are classes geared towards the beginner I figured I could still learn a trick or two. Plus it is just a good excuse to sew without little interruptions. This week was the beginning of my quilting class. We are making Color Blox Stars quilt from Blank Quilting. I've chosen a somewhat softer color palette for my quilt but after seeing a few of the girl's brightly colored versions in class I have to admit I was envious. Anyway, here is a glimpse at first two blocks we made tonight.

I'll try a post what we do each week until the class is finished but with work and everything going on this month you'll have to forgive me if I miss a week or two of class.

Key Refreshers / Practicers for me tonight:

1. Half Square Triangles

2. Nesting Seams

Weekend Sewing

2010-06-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

In preparation for my up coming quilting class I felt the need to do a looking weekend sewing. I made two peasant style dresses. The first dress is my version of Oliver & S's Ice Cream Dress.

The 2nd dress using the same fabrics is from Leila & Ben.

Fabrics for both were from Sew It Up.

Patchy T-REX

2010-06-20T17:21:00.000-07:00

Worked on this cute little dino buddy today for an upcoming birthday. Made it using and old quilt we had and some left over felt. A good use of scraps and totally free.

Test Drive

2010-06-10T18:19:00.001-07:00

pillows w flowers
Originally uploaded by The Lonely Crafter

Just test driving a rough idea to spice up a pillow.

Couches and Chairs Quilt

2010-06-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

Quilt Back

2010-05-31T20:43:00.000-07:00

A little snap shot at the quilt backing. I know what you might be thinking it is a large contrast from the front and does but doesn't go with the front. But since she's going for a black and white theme in her dorm room. I felt the need to accommodate. So the quilt will be reversible for those days she's needs to coordinate and those days where she needs a little color in her life. I felt I've unified it by keeping with a modern theme in the fabrics. I must say though the back is my favorite. I had bought the backing fabric for curtains in my sewing room and after two years of hanging onto it I let it go. My heart is broken but I know it is going to good home and just maybe she'll love the fabric as much as I do. And yes, I am crying....

Ready Set Assemble

2010-05-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a snap of what is to come.

Time to assemble and quilt .....pending a few changes.

Quilt Pattern

2010-05-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

Okay here's a drawing of the quilt pattern I am using for my graduate quilt. You'll have to ignore the color schemes and just use a little imagination. Excel only has so many colors and I just don't have the time to pull in new colors. Yeah, I don't own any fancy quilt making software here. Excel works just fine for me for now. Also allows me to do the occasional quilt mapping on my lunch break.

What is needed if 5 coordinating fat quarter sets with four prints in each set. You cut them up into 5" x 5" squares, 5" x 10" and 5" x 15" rectangles. Use a 1/4" seams and I've drawn out the final dimensions in the photo. You'll use the left over fabric on the back side.

Inspiration Strikes. Thanks to a Graduate.

2010-05-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

Inspiration has finally struck at 1:30 am in the morning. I am excited. I had these fabrics for over year and a half and have been waiting for the perfect moment and idea for using them. A new quit is on the way and just in time for my cousin's graduation. Hopefully, she'll find it a nice fresh modern quilt for her dorm. Details to come. I have a two week deadline so off I go.
Here's preview of one of fabrics in the collections I am using. Check all of Laurie Wisburn's collection out at Scarlet Fig.

The Wedding Came...

2010-05-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

I had a fabulous time at my sister and Mike's wedding. Love my new family-in-laws. And I couldn't wait to share photos of the event and my flower girl dress actually being worn. Maybe now I can get back to some more serious crafting.

And at the end of the night we all took a dive. Had blast April & Mike and thanks Alyssa for such great photos.

Wedding Can Go On.

2010-04-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

Finally sucess. After weeks of back on forth with mother of the flower girl we finally settled on design of sorts and I started to work. For those of you new to my random crafts I have been the responsible party for sewing to the flower girl dress for my sister's wedding, To make it all just a wee bit more challenging for this average sewer I had to take one anthropologie dress (bridesmaid dress) and make it into one fabulously perfect and sweet little flower girl dress all for the love my sister.:). BTW, I was supposed to make the ring barrier pillows as well but thanks to Etsy I foudn a much better crafter to do it for me.

Well I finally stoped procrastinating, only at the point when I realized the store was no longer carrying this dress and decided it was now or never. I must chop and sew. I am pretty pleased with the end result and I am hoping it just looks adorable on the little girl and her mother is pleased.. So below you will see the dress I started with, and two flower girl photos one with the sash and one without. We are all wearing sashes but I thought I might make something I little more funky to dress up the flower girl dress instead of the sash but those juices are still a brewing. I'll post photos of the big day once it has come and gone in three weeks.

Oh yes and ring barrier pillows I had made by Two Yellow Shoes.

Finally A New Project: Pennant Banners

2010-04-10T19:09:00.000-07:00

Once again I've let my day job get the best of my time. But I finally got a chance to work on a new project and try out my newest gadget. The "Big Shot". I bought this little thing at the Sewing Expo in Feb and yes I just now pulled it out of the box.I love it. Perfect for quick and easy sewing and scrap booking projects. So check out my latest one. It may be awhile but I post again. I plan on whipping up a few Happy Birthday banners to sell at craft show. I'll display them when I am done.

BTW: For those of you that don't sew this can be a completely no sew project. I just chose to add a few stitches.

In the Hoop Projects

2010-02-28T16:05:00.000-08:00

My friend Renee asked me to make up a little baby gift set for her to give. Below is the result: two ruffled burp clothes, two stippled bibs and one binky bib (sorry no binkies in our house to use for the demo). The bibs were made in the hoop using a DigiStitches pattern.

Feb Savings- The Result

2010-02-28T08:54:00.000-08:00

Okay so as you could probably tell by the shopping habits and the fact that I did not post last week I went over my 300 dollar challenge for the month. And yes, I did. I became a victim of my coupons and well over bought just for the sake of the deal but I did get a some awesome deals and learned a lot in the process. So here is last weeks total. I got 365.98 dollars worth of groceries and beauty products for 198.41. The best day in that adventure was getting 134 dollars worth of groceries for only 50 dollars. I did also take advantage of CVS Olay ECB promotion and stocked up on those because combining that with the buy product and get body wash free coupons in the paper made and the 15 dollar rebate from Olay it worth it. I now have about 30 dollars in ECB for March. and 15 dollar check on the way. All of which I did not count in the savings.

This brings my Feb spending total to 464.20. The breakdown for the month looks like the following:
I spent 464.20 dollars in groceries and beauty products
I got a total of 835.11 dollars worth of groceries and beauty products
For total monthly savings of 44%.

The goal for March don't give into my coupons just for the sake of the deal, and continue to work to reduce my bill down to 300 a month. I am already on a good start. I've even been to the grocery store once this week.

Oh and must share this steal of purchase: I got 7 yards of 100% raw silk in a print that matches my living room for only 4 dollars a yard. The silk was originally 30 dollars a yard. A great deal and lucky find. New curtains are the works.

Strip Skirt

2010-02-21T19:09:00.000-08:00

I love making these easy and fun skirts for little girls. Here's another similar to the one I made last April.

Just Like Me Part 2

2010-02-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

I finished my niece's matching outfit this weekend.

I plan on making one more outfit matching set to send as part of the gift. Probably a strip skirt and little top.

Feb Savings Part 3

2010-02-10T16:01:00.000-08:00

So my total this week: brought 202 dollars worth of groceries and only paid 119.30 this week. Brings my monthly total to : 265.69. We had few non-coupon purchases this week in preparation for valentines and vistors. Looks like I probably won't make my 300 dollar goal but I am defintely going to try.

Just Like Me Part 1

2010-02-07T10:52:00.000-08:00

I love the new ModKid patterns for doll clothes and then the matching little girl outfits. I got this doll and made this doll outfit as part of niece's birthday gift. Now to make her, her own matching outfit to wear. So her little doll can be "just like me".

Feb Savings Part 2

2010-02-07T08:01:00.000-08:00

This weeks grocery total. I know I said I wasn't going but couldn't pass up a few deals that I had coupons for. I hope I am not becoming a hoarder of food. I already am of fabric. So my total this week: brought 76.97 dollars worth of groceries and only paid 36.65 this week. Brings my monthly total to : 146.39. And on another amazing note we have not eaten out all week. Not even lunch at work this week. Now to start making this a habit.

They Came, They Came

2010-02-01T19:33:00.000-08:00

For years I've been debating on this purchase and finally I bit the bullet. I did, I finally purchased a subscription to Ottobre Designs. Oh and now I am so in love. I want to sew everything on every single page. I finally have inspiration to sew things for my boys. I am in love, did I mention that. I haven't felt this excited in years. Yes, it is sad but what can I say...

Feb. Savings Part 1

2010-01-31T14:47:00.000-08:00

My Feb Challenge: Spend only 300 dollars on Groceries & Drug Store Purchases......Total to Date: 109.84

Total spent out of pocket this week on groceries and personal care items: $109.84, Total saved after coupons and store specials: 186.61. Except for milk, eggs, bread and some incredible deal I shouldn't need anything else this month. But we'll see how it goes.

Flower Girl Dress

2010-01-30T11:09:00.000-08:00

Here we go, my first shot at the flower girl dress for my sister's wedding. It is a summer outdoor wedding. A casual summer affair. I used some fabric that you've seen before for the practice version. The real version will be made of the same fabric as our bridesmaid dresses we bought at anthro. Try and use you imagination... Should I put the overlay on it and make it and the bodice out of the same yellow fabric, but another yellow up under for the bubble or do should I be bold and use a black and white polka-dot up under. Or just do the bubble and bodice with no overlay in the same yellow print with a matching black and white polka-dot ribbon around the waist. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Pottery Barn by Me

2010-01-25T14:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, so over the weekend I ventured to our local Pottery Barn store in search of pillow ideas for my tired old orange couch. I saw several pillows I loved but at 40 bucks a cover I wasn't doing it. So I decided to make my own pillow out of two Pottery Barn Napkins. Total cost of the project for two pillows 25 dollars.

Not Saving Money-Yes, I am a Fabriaholic (sp??)

2010-01-25T11:59:00.000-08:00

So in contrast to saving money, in the last month I've probably spent more than I've saved on fabric. Here are few of my recent purchases, barters and trades: Amy Butler Love Collection

Going Retro Camping Quilt Set

ScarletFig Tufted Tweets Collection

Saving Money

2010-01-24T17:27:00.000-08:00

Okay so this weekend I went to coupon workshop at my son's new school and I have to say I am now hooked on extreme couponing. The workshop was held by two sisters, you should visit their blog TwoThirftySisters especially if you are CVS and Publix shopper like I am. It is mostly designed for the SAHM that can really spend time amidst the kiddos working on it but I am thinking I can at least give it go as a full time working mama. I just might not save as much due to time constraints.

I must say going in I was little skeptical that I could cut my bill down even more. I felt I was doing well with my current plan. I am primarily a big box shopper (Sam's Club) and I do small visits to Publix on Penny Coupon day. We average for a family of 4 about 400 a month on groceries. I've always been anxious to save more but since we are fairly healthy eaters I really couldn't see how. This workshop enlightened me that you can save and not just on snack foods. The key is couponing on B1G1 items and at stores where they accept competitors coupons and double coupons. Many of you probably already had this figured out but for me it had always seemed like a wash until I put it to the test.

So this weekend tried my hand at it. I feel I did a pretty good job at my first shot. I bought 214 dollars worth of groceries and only paid 123 dollars out of pocket and in addition to that I made back 26 dollars in CVS extra care bucks (which is like free money at CVS). So in total I got 214 dollars worth of groceries for 97 dollars. The key now will be perfecting even more and figuring out how to combine my Sam's Club shopping with my Publix and CVS shopping. I need to figure out which items are always a savings at Sam's with or without coupons and which are best to wait to purchase at Publix under B1G1 deals w coupons or at CVS when I can earn Extra Care Bucks back. I hoping for the month of Feb I can get my bill down to 300 dollars for groceries. Wish me luck. Now if only could figure out how to get great deals on Fabric...

Attempt #1

2010-01-17T18:16:00.000-08:00

I attempted my first Cathedral Window Square tonight. I used Sometimes a Crafter's Tutorial. I need to work on the sizing of my inner colored squares but all and all for my first attempt with two kids constantly asking me questions, I was very pleased. More to come as I practice this technique for my sister's ring barrer pillow.

WIPs

2010-01-09T11:30:00.000-08:00

I took sometime last night to finally start assembling my Mystery Blocks I've been getting over the last several months. I have seven in all to assemble in order to be caught up before this month's block arrives. Here are the first three.

On a Roll

2009-12-30T20:59:00.000-08:00

Well four post in two days. I am on a roll. I just had to share that the Sewing Expo is coming up in March. I took the time tonight to register. I usually take four days worth of classes but this year I need to conserve vacation as my kids are changing schools so I'll be home most of the days they are home once fall comes along. Anyway, it was hard to choose but here are the three classes I am taking at the Atlanta Expo. If you come let me know. I'd love to chat.

Peacock Pin Cushion

Coffee Filter Fans Quilt

Whirlgig Quilt

Prettying it Up

2009-12-30T19:16:00.000-08:00

So I took a little inspiration from the Nester and choose to put up a plate display on my sewing room wall. I'll admit the TV throws it off. But I can't decide if it looks good, if I should remove the blue plates all together or if I should make it symmetrical by place two above and two below or two blues on each side. For some reason the two blues on each side looked odd. I think because the wall is so small. Give me your opinion and if you can't visualize and need a demo of what I'm asking let me know and I'll send you a link to more photo of the options.

Organization Part II

2009-12-30T09:41:00.000-08:00

After a day and a half of assembling, sorting, and organizing I finally finished my sewing room. I realized shortly into the project that even with what I've done so far I still need more fabric storage or I need to craft more. My husband even comment that "I bet you haven't sewed as much fabric in your life as you own". I was a little a annoyed as some fabric is just to pretty to sew on any project and therefore one must wait for the perfect project. Regardless, I am satisfied with the progress so far. I still need to do the sewing room closet but that one will be another day and another plan.

Organization Part I

2009-12-29T07:06:00.000-08:00

How am I spending my one week off of work. Although, I'd love to start a quilt I need to get my house in order. So thanks to all the family and friends that gave us gift cards, I am organizing. And I must say I love Target's "itso" line. Here is the playroom I worked on last night. Today my sewing room. More to come.

Two More Jackets

2009-12-21T20:43:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know you're tired of these jackets and I am well burnt out on making them. Her is another two for my family. Yeah, I tend to try and give everyone around the same thing but personalized to their style. On both of these I modified them from their original pattern.

Strip Quilt

2009-12-19T11:17:00.000-08:00

Well it took me a whole month but mostly due to large amounts of procrastination. And well when I was finally motivated my machine decided it needed a tune up. Here it is all finished my gnome, fish and van strip quilt. Except for the few threads that still need trimming and tying off.The kit came from a Quilt is Nice.

I also managed to finish a jacket for my oldest niece. I hope she finds it super warm this Christmas.

Where Am I

2009-11-11T19:45:00.000-08:00

I been giving my self to my day job. Seems like all my free time is slowly dwindling with my new assignments at work. I've had very little time to craft these days with work and custom orders for items. So my blog may be a little empty over the next month. Bare with me. I'll try to slide in a project or two but don't expect much. Sorry.

Sew and Tell Soon

Amy

Patchwork Dress

2009-10-26T21:30:00.000-07:00

Another project for my sis. It's not quite finished. Yet. Constructed with 4 fat quarters and then 1/2 yard of lining fabric. A good use of my stash.

Finished

2009-10-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been so long. Been way to busy with my day job. I finally finished this quilt.

Elfin Magic

2009-10-05T19:10:00.001-07:00

So I am kinda at a holding point with my quilt. I looked all over town and can't find the really fancy baby fleece that I want to use as my quilt's backing. You know the really super soft cost 17 dollars a yard stuff. I love it and I think it would be well worth it on this quilt. So instead of sulking over it I decided to test out and Elfin Magic Craft Idea tonight. Every year around the first weekend in December our church holds a little half day craft event for the kids to come and make crafts to give as gifts for Christmas. The kids love it and adults do to. So one of the main crafts we hope to have this year is some version of an Advent Calendar. We've been exploring ideas like this one and this one and this one. We had settled on the toilet tubes one ( my family calls them durdurs) then someone mentioned they had a bunch a burlap and could we made one similar to the crayon rolls. So I gave it a shot. The Key to these crafts is the kids must be able to complete it in 30 minutes to 1 hour. The shorter the better but we want them involved. So this is my version and for this craft we would pre-assemble the burlap bag and the kids would be responsible for numbering the pockets and adding any holiday motifs they want. I chose to use fabric crayons that you can heat set with the iron for mine. I think it is super cute. Oh and why just the 12 days well our event is always after the 1st of Dec so instead of 25 days we opted for 12 to prevent confusion and overall questions. Let me know your thoughts and suggestions.

Painting

2009-09-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

So a friend of mine took me to Ladies Craft night at her church tonight. The ladies all gather and came up with crafts a head of time. The craft must be completed in two hours and someone volunteers to teach there craft. You have a good number to choose from a head of time and along with crafting you have fellowship and always very good food. Our craft to night was to stencil a dry wall ceiling tile to hang as art work in our home. The stenciles the teach brought were super cute. But I reluctantly had difficulty deciding which to do, so I freelanced. The painting started off mimicking a Heather Baily Fresh Cut print but as I started it wasn't working so I turned it into hydrangeas in a vase. And well since I haven't painted in over 15 years I am okay with it. I am only disappointed from the stand point that in the summers when I was a child and would stay with my Grandmother (who was a painter) she would pay for all these art lesson for me and I loved them and did well at them but I think she would be a little disappointed at how off my proportions are and the layering of my colors. But at least she knows a little of it stuck. In the end though I wish I would have just stenciled the coffee cup my friend told me to do. It was super cute. April I promise to follow direction next time if you take me back.

Chics and Apples

2009-09-28T19:53:00.001-07:00

This quilt is made primarily with the Metro Market Line in Red by Monaluna for Robert Kaufman. I threw in a few Walmart clearance bin fabrics and some gingham to complete the look.

Materials: 12 coordinating fabrics.
Cut into the following
60 -3.5" squares
42 - 3.5" by 6.5" rectangles
18 - 6.5" squares
Adjust the number of each size to cut by the size quilt you plan to make and over all layout. This will be a baby quilt around 54" by 54" without boarders.

Starting Something New

2009-09-27T10:24:00.001-07:00

A new quilt is on the way. I have 11 days to attempt to complete this before I see the new little chic-a-dee.

Lions & Birds Oh My!

2009-09-19T22:29:00.001-07:00

I made a new reversible jacket to sell on Etsy. I just love this pattern by Kitschy Choo. And I hate to see this jacket go.

Quilt Update

2009-09-13T20:53:00.000-07:00

My Christmas quilt went from okay to disaster. Too many ideas and new techniques lead to disaster!!!!. I should have known this would be the case from the beginning. When we find oyourself starting and restarting at the beginning of a project and constantly readjusting it just spells trouble. I should have saved it for next year and given it time to forgive me. But as for now, it has now been cut to pieces and in the process of becoming a doll quilt, coasters and hot pads. So frustrating. It was just too bad to even photograph as a what not to do. I don't want to even think about. Sorry there will be no finale.

Working on Christmas

2009-09-12T14:38:00.000-07:00

Working on a small quilt for my niece Sara for Christmas. It's in the earlier stages. I am adding some pre-quilting before the main quilting. I want to front and back to have a different quilted look. We'll see how it turns out. Here is first little glimpse.

Back to Classics

2009-09-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

I am stuck at home with the flu this week. Not sure I am going to be much up to crafting. But over the weekend I worked on an outfit for my cousin-in-law's son Cole. It is classic jon-jon. I made it fully reversible with ties at the neck and snaps on bottom. I extended the legs slightly to give it few extra months of wear by just rolling up the legs into a cuff. I even made him a personalized Clemson pin. Can't wait to see him wear it. And for those of you Carolina fans out there. I am a gamecock and it pains me to have to sew Clemson attire. Hopefully, we'll pull off any win this week.

Circa 50 Prints

2009-09-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

I just pre-ordered me some Circa 50 prints from fabricworm. I love that shop.

Back & Busy

2009-08-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

Well it was an eventful weekend. My oldest son turned 4 and we painted pottery for his birthday.

I got my sewing room semi-clean in anticipation of my new machine and my parents visit.

And I managed to finish a new purse of my own design for my friend's up coming birthday this Sat.

A busy and eventful weekend. As for the machine I chose. I went with a Babylock Quest Plus machine.
It is wonderful. It came with 15 feet, 383 stitches and is so very quite. Perfect for a sewer with young children. And since I already own two other Babylocks I benefit from an easy foot exchange. I still love the Pfaffs but this was a better value for the money and Oh I completely forgot to mention. My wonderful loving husband offered to buy it for me. We aren't a couple that is big on gift giving and in fact we rarely buy each other anything as we have just never found that to be important. So aside from my engagement ring this is the only real gift he has ever given me. And I have to say it is the best and I love it. Not getting gifts at every occasion really makes the surprise ones very special indeed.

Another Hits the Dust

2009-08-22T20:04:00.001-07:00

Okay, I am going to finally admit this to myself. I am very hard on sewing machines especially lower end models. I have a very nice high end embroidery/sewing machine, a nice serger and really cheap everyday sewing machine that I use about 80% of the time on my projects and well it seems that about every two years the cheap one totally dies on me. One year I paid 175 dollars twice to fix this Janome that I loved and then after it died for the third time, I bought a Singer from Walmart. Well after battling for months with the Singer it died or not really, but I am giving up on it. I am just tired of dealing with the jamming bobbin and I don't think it is worth fixing. So I am in the market for a new cheap machine. I think I am upping my budget from 200 dollars to a max of 600 dollars. Hoping price buys a little more years of life. If you have any suggestion please let me know. Until then I probably won't be crafting to much. Just finishing up a few embroidery projects. Here is my final project on my singer. Some burp cloths that I will be monogramming for a friend. Got the idea from Digistitches.com.

Oh and if you're asking yourself why does she not just sew on her really nice machine. Well I am just terrified of messing it up. So I really only use it for embroidery and sometimes quilting. I am just too afraid of hurting it.

And on a final note as for my Fat for Fat update. I am down 5.6lbs in 5 weeks. So 1 lb a week. Not bad especially since the business trip I took two weeks ago set me back a few. I am going to wait until 6 lbs to reward myself. So I am on the look out for some great fabrics.

Alexander Henry Animal Wizard Rain Coat

2009-08-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

Another new jacket this one for my son. It still needs buttons and top stitching. I am not so sure about the pointy hood. I may change that part. I am hoping to sell a few different jacket styles this fall so I am in test drive mode currently.

Purple Madness

2009-08-15T22:17:00.001-07:00

I call this my Purple Madness Jacket. One of five I am working on for Christmas gifts. Each will be in a different fabric combo. Turned out pretty well for my first shot at it. Need to work on my top stitching though. Any suggestions on how to top stitch around little sleeves that won't fit on your machine? Maybe by hand....

and finally I was able to talk my reluctant 2 yr son into trying it on.

Tip # 1: Post-its

2009-08-07T20:15:00.000-07:00

Since I work for 3M and seem to have an abundance of Post-it notes around thanks to employee sales, I finally found a use for them. Quilt Layouts.

I am not lucky enough to own a felt board and even if I had one I have no space for it. So these post-it have come in handy for trying out various quilt layouts before I even sew a block.

I am currently trying out layouts for my Funky Christmas Quilt.

Basic Bag

2009-08-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

Using up my upholstery stash for a birthday surprise. I love quick projects.

One more from my quilting stash.

Poky Little Puppy

2009-07-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

I grew up on Golden Books and loved the Poky Little Puppy as well as the Saggy Baggy Elephant. I can't wait to make these into a quilt for my boys.

Check out the Fat Quarter Shop for your own set.

Fat for Fat...Fat Quarter That Is

2009-07-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

Well for those of you that read my blog but aren't a follower you know my overall appearance. For those that don't know me. I am mom of two boys ages 2 and 4 and I recently turned 30. While having kids I gained a lot of weight and over the course of those two boys I've lost 50% of that weight all on my own but still have some to go. So this past Monday after a weekend of my son asking me very innocently if I had a baby in my bell followed by a no and then an "are you fat mommy". I decided (after his stern lecture on not discussing peoples looks and how our size doesn't reflect on who we are) that for his healthy habits I need to make a change and quit trying to do it on my own. So I headed back to Weight Watchers this week.

For those of you that have done WW you know the first week you need to pick a goal and reward for obtaining that goal. So I can't say I finalized my goal but after a few days I finalized my reward. For every pound I lose I am going to allow myself to purchase 1 fat quarter. I can choose to save the pounds up and purchase my fat quarters all at once or even purchase them one at a time. It will just depend on my mood.

Don't worry I won't be blogging weekly about my weight loss. But I will make a progress report hear and there with a photo of my celebration. Wish me luck and help me think of some great projects for utilizing my reward.

Funky Christmas

2009-07-17T18:19:00.000-07:00

My new project thanks to a little inspiration from Golden Gate Quilts.

Cleanout and Create

2009-07-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

So I was in a mood this weekend to clean out and rearrange all in a effort to void what I really should be doing. It started with our playroom and then moved into my sewing room. I got a crazy notion to trade the armiore in the sewing room for a low book shelve in the playroom in hopes of gaining better storage and viewing of the fabrics I have on hand. The results was a realization that I have way too much fabrics, not enough space and I clearly need to use some of it up or sell. So a few not great items are on ebay and well the rest went to storage except for a brown toile upholstery piece and green and brown upholstery piece that I bought several years ago. Together I turned these into a new tote for myself.

Fabric Viewer for Etsy Users

2009-07-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

I am probably late in the game on this one but for those of you that love fabric and love finding easy solutions for designing quilts, finding the perfect color and designs check out this site: http://www.morecloth.com/

It allows you to select a color and easily view those fabric available on Etsy in that color. You then select the fabric you want and it takes you to Etsy sellers site. Very useful and I can definitely see some creative quilts coming out this one.

Far Far Away Bubble Dress

2009-07-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

I managed to get a quickie in this week...... A new bubble dress made on a request from a friend. It finally gave me the opportunity to use a piece of my Heather Ross Far Far Away fabric collection. I think it turned out perfect.

Oldie Jon-Jon

2009-07-07T17:25:00.000-07:00

It has been a few weeks and we have been vacationing, wedding and visiting family so there hasn't been a whole lot of time to sew. So here is a photo of my boys on fathers day. The three crab Jon-Jon on my youngest son was an outfit I made 3 years ago for my oldest and it has held up well. It makes me sad though that my boys are too big for those sorts of things. So I am looking for ideas for little boys if you have any.

Apples & Pears Bubble Dress

2009-06-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

I finished it. my Oliver & S Bubble Dress. I know... I was going to do it in some of my Heather Ross Far Far Away stash but I just couldn't decide and came up with too many ideas so I went with a simple but modern Alexander Henry Print. I loved the way it turned out and can't wait for my niece Addy Lynn to wear it.

Christmas in June/July?

2009-06-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

Well yes. It is getting to be that time of year when I start to think about Christmas and what I will give and what I need to make. All in effort to not feel the wallet pinch come November and December. This year for my family I am make us the Figgy Stars Christmas Quilt. I purchased a kit from the Fat Quarter shop and can't wait to get started. It was a splurge but I think it will be well worth it. I've got to get started now so that I can finish it in time to be professionally quilted this year.

It's Finished

2009-06-07T13:24:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my ragged squares quilt. It was love hate relationship with this quilt but now that it is completely finished. I am loving it. So much so that I hate to give it away. But those always make the best gifts. I no it will be cherished by Cole over the years.

See Crazy Mom Quilts for a tutorial.

New Project

2009-06-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

I am starting a new project. This one is for a an up coming niece's birthday gift as well as a chance for me to practice a bubble dress. My sister is wanting me to make the flower girl's dress at her wedding next summer. We saw a really cute dress at JCrew with a three layer bubble hem. So I am thinking of manipulating this pattern to match. First challenge is the make the pattern as is and then move forward. My inspiration is Heather Ross's Far Far Away fabric. I just can't decide: stripes, patchwork, Bodice one fabric and dress another? What do you think? i am looking for creative ideas.

Found Some New Fabric to Love

2009-05-29T22:38:00.000-07:00

I so love this new collection by Scarlet Fig. Something to dream about.

Silk Rose

2009-05-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

A new flower addition. A collection might be in the making. I learned the technique for this from watching an old episode of Martha Pullen last weekend. Chris Tyron a Babylock editor/crafter was on and showed how to make these with your serger. Very easy just a four thread overlock stitch ( width 4, differential 2). Ruffled itself right up and just leaves you to shape. This one is for my mother-in-laws birthday gift.

Some Learning To Be Had

2009-05-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

I finished my charm purse tonight. I love the bag and overall I am happy with it. But it was my first time sewing laminated fabric and well my little sewing machine did not like it. I am going to have to research some techniques or use wax paper to help it feed better in the future. Any advice?

Charm Purse

2009-05-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

Okay so it is a boring Wednesday night here in Alabama. The kids are asleep and I am extremely bored with quilting by latest WHIP, so I am moving on for now and hoping motivation will strike soon.

My next creation to be: Charm School Handbag. Pattern by Keyka Lou. Fabric is from Anna Maria Horner's "Good Folks" collection. I am sure to add my on spin on this one.

New Purchase

2009-05-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

Okay so despite all my attempts to quit shopping . I have failed once again. This time, I was enticed by the new Amy Butler software from ElectricQuilt Company. Check out a few of the projects.

It's Coming Along

2009-05-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

After many hours and very sore neck. I've had to stop and face the fact that this won't be finished in time for this weekends baby shower. Well it will be finished but not mailed in time to make it to Erin (the mother to be) by Sat. I am so disappointment. But this is what procrastination gets you and I am a notorious procrastinator. But it really wasn't that I procrastinated that much on this one I just never expected the quilting to take so long and with a small machine you can only imagine the difficulties at each turn of the corner and every little square. But I am loving the result and I think the choice of corduroy for the back ground was excellent. I can't wait for little Cole to arrive and get some use out of this quilt.

Ready to Assemble

2009-05-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

Finally after weeks of procrastination, I finished making all the squares for my sports themed Ragged Squares quilt. So late tonight, I hope to get around to assembling it and then finishing it off. Here's a peak at the quilt.

I Love this Fabric

2009-05-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

My latest purchase Heather Ross- Far Far Away

A Change of Pace

2009-05-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

So after my town had three reported cases of Swine Flu, my husband and I have been forced off work the last two days due to all schools and daycares being closed. So this afternoon when I got home from work I decided to work on my photography skills a little and play with the camera I got for christmas from my wonderful hubby. Here are a few shots...

Quick Evening Craft.

2009-04-29T18:38:00.001-07:00

A quick little fabric flower for those of you with little girls or needing a purse adornment. Use your scraps.

Two more down....Three to go

2009-04-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

Okay I finished two more projects this evening. My Rocket Scientist Quilt and another cute out fit for little Avery's birthday this weekend. I plan on making a flower pin to go with the Girly strips skirt and that should complete her gift.

Midwest Modern Girly Strips Skirt.

2009-04-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh! I manged to plant a garden, go window shopping, set up my new serger, take the kids to a birthday party, cut out this skirt and finish all in two days. I feel victorious. It turned out great and definitely love the Amy Butler fabrics I chose for the skirt. Also, a little hint for making this skirt, I was able to complete it with just 5 fat quarters.
Just four more projects to go. If you're keeping track yes I added one but it is a surprise.

Sewing Marathon...

2009-04-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am racing to the finish line to finish my two WIPs with May 17th being my deadline. I am now two months behind on my rocket / space quilt for baby Andrew but he will patiently wait...all babies do....right?

I just finished cutting the squares and rectangles for my sports quilt for baby Cole. As I stated in an earlier blog I am planning on using the ragged squares technique seen on " Crazy Mom Quilts" blog spot: Ragged Squares. But mine will be a combo of rectangles and squares. Kinda modern, kinda vintage but hopefully capturing the sports theme without over doing it. Below is a seek peak at things to come.

I am also trying to start and complete a birthday gift for sweet little Avery this week. I am torn between the Pink Fig "Girly Stripwork" Skirt with a monogrammed top or the Oliver & S " swing Set Tunic & Skirt. I may actually do both depending on time. I'll post some fabric photos once I start.

Kids at Play Quilt

2009-04-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my Kids at Play quilt. As you remember I bought the kit from one of my favorite seller off of Etsy. I added a few of my own fabrics and backing to make it a great little gift for the newest baby in our family.

My next project is a sports quilts using the rag quilt technique.

Tutorial Links and Photos

2009-03-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

Okay so I promised a few photos of my current works and to start showing some tutorials.

Tonight here is link for learning how to make continuous prairie points which I used in the quilt for Leighella (Two post ago).

Also here a link for learning to make pinwheels which is something I am adventuring to do. View the link ( Quilt Lessons 1 & 2) and then my first two.

Two Works in Progress

2009-03-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

I nearing crunch time. Though technically I passed it a month ago. I working on two baby quilts one for friend and one for family. The first was really due in Feb when the baby came but here is almost the end of March and I just started on the Rocket Scientist quilt for baby Andrew. I am sure his dad will forgive me seeing as how we have the same profession. ( I'll post photos tomorrow). The quilt has come along very easily thanks to my new Accuquilt (http://www.accuquilt.com/) which I bought from Nancy Notions ( http://www.nancysnotions.com/) at a great deal during the March Madness sale. I am loving it and oh the speed. It has made it so easy for me to do pinwheel squares which I was petrified of before. As for the other quilt it for baby Matthew Anthony and his Sister Caitlin. At the time she came along I was not a quilter so I feel it is only rightfully so to include them both in this " Kids at Play" quilt. I got the kit fro the quilt from my favorite etsy shop Nettiepete ( http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5122177). I just added a few of my own fabrics to it to spice it up a little. Well I post some more tomorrow and I promise to start include some site with technique links for those beginner quilters out there trying to learn on your own like me.

Long Time & Still Quilting

2009-03-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

Okay so I returned last week from the Sewing Expo in Atlanta. It was great and I learned a lot of new finishing techniques for my quilts. One of which is prarie points. I used those the pink quilt below. At the expo I fell in love with a PFAFF Quilt Expression 4.0 machine. But unfortunately and maybe greatfully my hubby did not let me buy it. Probably a blessing in disguise but I am still drooling over it. I also fell in love with In Town Fabrics in Atlanta. I going to have to make a day trip just to fill the few empty spots left in my fabric closet.

Anyway, I just completed two quilts over the last few months and have three more to make before May. So I wouldn't expect too many post between now and then...

These are also a wipe and diaper holder that I made " In the Hoop" to go with the quilt as a gift set.

The Finished Quilt

2008-11-23T15:00:00.001-08:00

Christmas Throw

2008-11-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

Okay so it has been quite sometime since I last updated this. I have been busy in preparation for Christmas with many projects for friend and family. I decided to psot today out of excitment about my latest project my Christmas Throw. It is assemble from 1 1/2 Moda Isn't Christmas Jolly Jelly Rolls ( by May Engelbreit) and one Equilateral Triangle Template. I found the design for the quilt in the Oct issues of McCall's Quilting. I had been waiting for the perfect moment to make one. The photo shows my basic quilt top. I still have to add backing and trim it out but like I was saying I am so excited I just wanted to share.

My Newest Fabric Purhcases

2008-09-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

I recently found a great new store http://www.fabricworm.com/. She has a great selection of modern prints for whimsical and unique quilts as well as clothing. Here are my recent purchases from the fabric worm.

I can't wait to use these fabrics along with some great Japanese pattern books I also recently purchased. I hoping to make some adorable jackets for my nieces for Christmas. More to come on that project.

My Favorite Beginner Quilt Patterns.

2008-09-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

Quilt Patterns I Love..So Simple

Hello

My name is Amy and yes I am a lonely crafter living in Alabama. I am an engineer by trade but a crafter at heart. Over the last two years I've slowly been exploring my sewing skills through children's clothing design and quilting. I love collecting fabric and sometimes find it hard to let go of a piece. I am hoping to turn this site into a teaching and fabric exploration site. But I am a mom with little time to my self. So mostly I will be posting ideas and dreams of things I hope to make. Maybe you will find it inspiring.....

Here a few of my favorite quilt patterns that I am working on and few of the things I've made over the last year.

Things I've made