FNSI results

Sometimes I don't really feel like sewing.

So on those days I usually do some cutting instead.

It's always nice to have projects

cut and ready to sew when time allows :)

A few weeks ago I spent a few hours

cutting some scraps into 2 1/2" squares.

For the Friday Night Sew In

I planned on using this tutorial

to make Great Granny Blocks.

I love the look of these 

and I have been wanting to try it out.

These blocks are totally FTS!

I just can't stop making them!

I would have made more, 

but I ran out of white for the backing

and I was pretty tired on Friday night.

I love love love these blocks

but I have absolutely no idea what I'm going 

to do with them.

Right now they are orphans.

These blocks finish out at 12" square.

Maybe when I'm finally done making the

rest of them, inspiration will hit me?

For now I'll just look at them

and smile :)

You gotta love scrap buster projects!

The Winners for Week #4 are........

The winners for Week #4 are:

Sewing: suddenly sandra 

Crochet: thecraftersaprentice

Cross stitch: blessedangie

Congratulations ladies!!!

Please email me with your full names 

and address info to claim your prizes.

A big THANK YOU

to all our generous sponsors

and shops that were offering discounts

during our Sew & Stitch along.

I hope you all took advantage of the discounts

and found some new places to shop in the process.

Thanks so much to everyone who played along.

I hope you all had a good time :)

I'm sorry that I wasn't posting daily 

as I would have liked to be

during the entire month.

A very dear friend of mine 

drowned on Oct 9th

and I'll be honest,

it's been a tough few weeks.

Life is a gift.

Squeeze someone you love :)

Altered states.......

(you may be wondering what happened to my head....

well with wet hair and no make-up

there is NO WAY I'm posting that picture :)

Back in the day 

before I started shopping in the plus sized dept,

I used to sew all my own clothes.

Everything fit and I was always so proud of myself.

I made all my children's clothing as well.

But the thrill was gone

when I started sewing in the larger sizes.

I hate altering patterns.

My Mom is a now retired professional seamstress.

It was just always easier to give her the pattern

and the fabric and let her do her magic :)

Today I decided to jump back into the 

"sew your own clothes" pool.

Luckily for me the pattern I chose

had previously been altered by my Mom.

She made a dress like this for me years ago.

I used this wonderful cotton pique fabric

that I've had in my stash for-ev-er.....

I used McCall's 8788 view C.

I don't know if you can see what she did with the pattern.

She measured from the top of my shoulder 

to the point of my breast.

(nipple is just a weird word)

Then she measured that same distance on the pattern.

Sadly my breasts were about 3" lower :(

She cut out the bust line darts 

and moved them down about 3 inches,

then she moved the long torso darts down 

the same distance.

Can you see the red dots?

My "girls" would have to live directly under my chin

for this pattern to fit the way it is drawn.

So thanks to my Mom

I now have a new dress

and who doesn't need a classic little black dress?

It's the final week!

It's the final week of the Handcrafted Holiday Sew & Stitch Along.

Can you believe it's almost over?

I've really enjoyed seeing all your projects!

I haven't been doing much sewing myself this past week

as I've had some unexpected things come up.

But that is how life is :)

Anyhoooo......

This is week #4 and the prizes have gotten bigger!

Who's going to win this week?

Will it be you?

WEEK #4

Week #4's Sewing Winner will receive 

a $50.00 gift certificate from the Fat Quarter Shop!

Make you sure you hop on over to the Fat Quarter Shop

and start daydreaming about how you'll spend that $50.00.

Week #4's Crochet Winner will receive

  all 3 adorable patterns shown below

 from Yarn Blossom Boutique!

I seriously heart that chevron blankie!!!

as well as their choice of one single PDF pattern

 from Beautiful Patterns !

as well as their choice of one single PDF pattern

from Holland Designs!

Week #4's Cross Stitch Winner will receive 

this mega awesome

prize package from Crazy Annies Stitchin' and Stuff

 with the retail value of over $100.00!!!!

Seriously awesome stitching supplies

at amazing prices.

Sign up for her newsletter and never miss a sale!

(I'll admit that I may have spent a bit of cash there,

but I always tell my hubby how much I saved him!)

And the Winners for Week #3 are......

The winners for Week #3 are:

Sewing: simonedk 

Crochet: StitchinSteff 

Cross stitch: ca11i0pe

Congratulations ladies!!!

Please email me with your full names 

and address info to claim your prizes.

The flickr group for Week #4 is now open!

Don't forget to visit the wonderful

shops that are offering discounts

during our Handcrafted Holiday event.

Zippers, fabric, buttons, trim, cross stitch supplies,

crochet patterns, vintage sewing patterns and much more.

Also Sisters and Quilters is hosting their own giveaway

 of a charm pack each week during this event.

So even if you already entered,

Hop on over to their blog and leave another comment,

 for your 

chance to win and check out all 

the wonderful inspiration over there!!!

Finally Friday!

"Waiting for Santa" a freebie by Helga Mandl Designs.

I have to say that I'm really enjoying seeing all your fun

projects on this week's flickr group!

I've been stitching quite a bit myself.

I love getting lost in my stitch count.

It is so calming :)

I finished the "Waiting for Santa" freebie

and I'm 1/2 way through the Nativity set

that I'm working on.

"The Christmas Story" Nativity from For the Love of Cross Stitch Magazine  July 2002 and  Sept 2002

I also made another one of my favorite tote bags

for a friend's baby shower.

She's having a girl and is doing the nursery

in purple and green.

I love love love this bag pattern.

It's Simplicity 9658 view C

and you can fit just about anything into it.

My best friend calls it the "Infinity bag" 

because no matter how much you stuff 

into it, there's always room for more :)

I found this darling fabric by Heidi Grace at Joann's.

It has all those cute flowers and hearts 

with a wood grain background.

Isn't it adorable?

I used pale green pin dots for the lining

and purple cotton canvas for the outside.

Don't forget to post your projects!

You have until midnight tonight.

Good luck everyone!!!

Be Merry :)

"Snow in Love" by Little House Needleworks stitched on 40ct linen over 2 threads.

I hope you are all having a great Monday so far :)

Have you checked out the flickr group for Week #3?

Are you taking advantage of the great discounts from

our generous sponsors?

Have a blessed day

and always let those you love

know how much you love them :)

Each day is a gift.

The Winners for Week #2 are.......

The winners for Week #2 are:

Sewing: Susie's Sunroom 

Crochet: hueisei

Cross stitch: Sew-Amy 

Congratulations ladies!!!

Please email me with your full names 

and address info to claim your prizes.

The flickr group for Week #3 is now open!

Don't forget to visit the wonderful

shops that are offering discounts

during our Handcrafted Holiday event.

Zippers, fabric, buttons, trim, cross stitch supplies,

crochet patterns, vintage sewing patterns and much more.

Also Sisters and Quilters is hosting their own giveaway

 of a charm pack each week during this event.

Hop on over to their blog,

become a follower and leave a comment for your 

chance to win and check out all 

the wonderful inspiration over there!!!

Handcrafted Holiday Sew & Stitch Along Week #2

Hello everyone!

I wanted to remind you all that it's not too late

to add pictures of your projects to

  the Week #2 flickr group.

You have until midnight tonight!

Please hop over there and leave some love for 

the projects already posted.

There is so much talent in this group!!!

I also wanted to remind everyone of the awesome

discounts available to us during this event

as well as the prize packages for this week!

Will you be one of the winners?????

Remember, anyone can join in

at any time!

The following is a list of fabulous shops

that are offering discount codes

to all participants during the course of the Sew Along:

Just click on the shop name and go get your discounts!

Zipit (coupon code) SEWMUCH2LUV 

is good for 15% off her already amazing prices on zippers!

I buy all my zippers from Zipit!

Little Red Cottage (coupon code) SEW20  

 is good for 20% off total purchase!

She has the cutest buttons and trims!

Her prices are already great and she has so many cute items!

Crazy Annies Stitchin' & Stuff (coupon code) SEWMUCH2LUV10

(use all caps - case sensitive)

is good for 10% off everything in her shop

including items already discounted up 50% off. 

(that's a 60% off retail with the coupon)

You will seriously be amazed at her prices!

Sisters and Quilters (coupon code) SEWMUCH2LUV 

is good for 10% off total purchase!

They have amazing deals on all the latest fabrics

and their customer service is awesome!

Yarn Blossom Boutique (coupon code) SEWMUCH2LUV20 

is good for 20% off total purchase!

She has the most adorable crochet patterns!

Makes me want to take on a new hobby!!!

KalliDesigns (coupon code) SEWMUCHTOLUV2

is good for free shipping!

She has vintage buttons and vintage sewing patterns

as well as adorable crochet patterns!

Please note: these coupon codes do not include shipping 

WEEK #2

Week #2's Sewing Winner will receive this 

Everlastings Layer Cake from Green Fairy Quilts!!!

Can you believe that?

I want it......*sigh*

They have such amazing deals over there.

Sign up for their newsletter, 

you'll be glad you did!

as well as your choice of any 3 patterns

from Precious Patterns!

Serious cuteness!!!

I want them all!

Week #2's Crochet Winner will receive 

their choice of one single PDF pattern 

from Beautiful Patterns !

as well as their choice of one single PDF pattern

from Holland Designs!

Week #2's Cross Stitch Winner will receive

this lovely bundle of fall themed charts

and 18ct Charles Craft Fiddlers Cloth

from SewMuch2Luv :)

as well as 20% off  one chart of their choice from

The Cross I Bare.

She sells gently used charts at low prices

so with the 20% off it a super deal!!!

I have purchased several charts from her

and the customer service is exceptional!

The BERS Table Topper

Hello again :)

I finished up my "BERS" table topper.

I used 4 different star blocks

from the book "Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts"

by Pam & Nicky Lintott.

I didn't have a jelly roll of homespun fabrics,

but it was easy enough just to cut the fabric

to the required sizes.

I used Osnaburg for the centers in place of the 

4 patch the pattern called for

and I drew out my text in pencil and 

embroidered the words in matching floss.

I made a border from 2 1/2" squares 

and used homespun for the binding.

I used Perle cotton floss to do the big stitch quilting

to finish it off.

I decided to spin the blocks so that I can turn the topper

to showcase the current month.

 

I hope you are all working on fun projects as well.

I love to see your creativity!

Remember you have until Midnight on Friday to post

your projects to Week #2 flickr group

for this weeks prizes!

Leafs Me Happy Blog Hop!

Hello and welcome to day 10 

of the Leafs Me Happy Blog Hop!

Today is my turn to show off my Fall Themed blocks!

I have called them "the Bers" :)

Shocker I know....... 

 I decided to use homespun fabrics.

I used Osnaburg for the centers and 

embroidered September - December

on each square along with a few words

that represent what these months mean to me.

These blocks are already joined together

for a table topper and I'm working on the hand quilting.

I'm hoping to have it done in the next few days.

Thanks so much for stopping by today

and don't forget to hop on over to all the other blogs

that are displaying their blocks today as well!

Quilter in the Closet

SewMuch2Luv

Peanut's Patchwork

Quilting Lines

Mochawildchild

Ariane Quilts

Lily Patch Quilts

Cindy's Crafty Creations

Hill Valley Quilter

Count it *all* JOY!!!

Sew We Quilt

Are we having fun yet?

Joyeax Noel & Christmas Chickadee

Happy Monday everyone!

Is anyone having fun yet?

I spent the weekend with family

but still managed to finish up these 2 Christmas ornaments.

They are both free charts that I found on pinterest :)

OK....so the winner of the mug rug is:

Connie

who shared the link :

"My number one tutorial that I go to over and over is a pillowcase tutorial at "Notes from the Patch." It could not be any easier.

http://patches.typepad.com/notes_from_the_patch/2010/07/tutorial-tuesday-24-pillowcases.html"

Congrats Connie!

Please email me with your full name and address

so that I can send your prize out to you :)

Look what I got in the mail on Saturday!

I ordered these beauties from the Little Red Cottage.

Michele is the owner and she has offered us

a generous coupon code.

Make sure you check out her etsy shop!

Her prices are really great and the customer service rocks!

And with the coupon code  (SEW20)

it just gets even better!!!

The flickr group for Week #2 is now open

and there are already some great projects over there!

Go check it out and add your own!!!

Week #1 Winners Are.........

The winners for Week #1 are:

Sewing: rregena

Crochet: Poochy Buns

Cross stitch: the crafter's apprentice

Congratulations ladies!!!

Please email me with your full names 

and address info to claim your prizes.

The flickr group for Week #2 is now open!

Don't forget to visit the wonderful

shops that are offering discounts

during our Handcrafted Holiday event.

Zippers, fabric, buttons, trim, cross stitch supplies,

crochet patterns, vintage sewing patterns and much more.

Also Sisters and Quilters is hosting their own giveaway

 of a charm pack each week during this event.

Hop on over to their blog,

become a follower and leave a comment for your 

chance to win and check out all 

the wonderful inspiration over there!!!

Just checkin' in :)

I'm working on a Christmas ornament :)

What are you guys up to?

I wanted to remind everyone that you don't have 

to have a completed project to post pics

for the Handcrafted Holiday Sew & Stitch Along.

You are welcome to post pics of your work in progress!

You have until tomorrow at midnight

 to upload your pictures. 

Also, I need to point out that there is only one

flickr group for Week #1.

I had a computer glitch when I set up the link

so please make sure you post your pics 

only to the group titled

 Handcrafted Holiday Sew & Stitch Along.

 Week #1

If you have already posted pics to the group titled

Handcrafted Holiday Week #1,

please re-post them to the correct group.

As of this moment,

there is only 1 entry for cross stitch

and zero entries for crochet.

It would be sad to have no one to claim the prizes

for Week #1.

Come on ladies....

let's see what you are working on!

Also, check out the flickr group

 and see what has already been posted.

Share some love and encouragement!

Have you been checking out the shops

that have generously offered discounts?

I know I'm working on an order today :)

Also, don't forget to hop over to

Sisters and Quilters for their charm pack giveaway!

Become a new follower and leave a comment

for a chance to win an awesome charm pack !!!

Pees and Carrets

Don't forget to check out 

the Handcrafted Holiday Sew & Stitch Along!

AND...one of our lovely HHSSA sponsors,

 SistersandQuilters.blogspot.com

is hosting a seperate giveaway on their blog 

for more charm packs!

Hop on over and leave them a comment to enter :)

Being a Nana to 6 awesome little people,

I am constantly amazed by their

skills and abilities.

They are all so wonderful

and different at the same time.

The Sunday before last,

my oldest grandson Elijah

showed me a drawing he made.

I asked him if I could have it and he said yes :)

I quickly scanned it and went online to 

Spoonflower.com to have it made into fabric.

If you've never been to Spoonflower,

you have to check it out.

You can design your own fabric (super easy)

as well as purchase designs made by others.

Pretty stinkin cool,

but not cheap.

It's $18.00 a yard (the most I've ever paid for fabric)

 but for special projects it's totally worth it!

I had visions in my head of new grocery bags

as soon as I saw his drawings.

When I opened the package from Spoonflower,

I'm pretty sure I squealed out loud

because the dog looked a bit startled :)

I couldn't wait to start sewing!!!

I used green canvas for the bottom of the bag

and green polka dots for the lining and handles.

I used my all time favorite grocery bag pattern

by Michelle patterns.

I have several of these that I use every week

and people always ask me about  where I got them.

I love using them and I love sewing them.

Totally an FTS pattern!!!

These make great gifts too :)

Here is Elijah's original artwork.

I love everything about it.

I love his spelling.

I love his eraser marks.

I love his little arrows.

I just love love love it.

I know that I will be the envy of everyone at Sprouts!!!

I ordered another yard of fabric

using this artwork but I made the graphics smaller

and staggered the layout.

I should have it next week and I'm thinking  new placemats :)

I can't wait for my fabric to arrive.

Now that I know how easy it is to have fabric printed

I'll be watching out for more masterpieces from the grands

to use in projects for my home.