betz white

Tilly diamond [Flickr]

2012-05-24T19:11:17-07:00

betz_white posted a photo:

Cloud9 diamond [Flickr]

2012-05-24T19:11:16-07:00

betz_white posted a photo:

PURE organic diamond [Flickr]

2012-05-24T19:11:15-07:00

betz_white posted a photo:

Stitch Organic diamond [Flickr]

2012-05-24T19:11:14-07:00

betz_white posted a photo:

scrappy diamonds

2012-05-24T21:59:00.000-04:00

After the craziness of the past few weeks, I needed a little nudge to get me back at sewing machine. Daisy Janie's Lancaster Diamond Quiltalong is just the thing! It's all about scrappy improvisational diamond shaped blocks...you can read more about Jan's inspiration she got when visiting The Lancaster PA Quilt and Textile Museum.

To get started, dig into your scrap pile, stitch a few fabrics together, then trim into a diamond shaped block! (My son's former 1st grade teacher would argue that this is a rhombus, but we'll just stick with diamond. Sounds prettier) Jan's got all of the details, but the main point is to have fun!

My desk is covered with scraps left over from my sample bag making. My first scrappy diamond: Tilly collection on organic cotton from Daisy Janie.

Next, Stitch Organic scraps from various projects, just waiting to be diamond-ified.

PURE organic solids from Robert Kaufman, leftover from my Hex Messenger Bag.

And finally, some Alegria from Cloud 9 Fabrics. Yes, another organic scrappy diamond. I'm sensing a theme.

Will these 4 end up in a quilt together? Maybe! Who can say? Anything can happen with improv, right? And there's no reason to stick with individual print collections. Just kinda went that way for starters. I'm adding my scrappy diamonds to the Lancaster Diamond Flickr Group, and you can too, should you decide to quilt along with us.

peonies and pickets

2012-05-23T09:30:00.000-04:00

Hello Sunshines! I'm home from my Quilt Market adventure in Kansas City. What a fun little town! I should have a camera full of photos for you, but I left that for the professionals. You can be sure to find many wonderful round ups in the coming days on blogs such as True Up, Jolly Jabber, and Pink Chalk Studios, and more, if you are so inclined.

Instead I have peonies for you, poking through our neighbor's picket fence. What could be more lovely?

My new patterns were very well received, I met new people and reconnected with old friends, and I walked my little legs off covering every inch of the convention center. Usually I return from this trip utterly worn out, but in fact I feel energized. I can't quite put my finger on it, though. Sure, there was plenty of eye candy, but I think the pure fact of getting out of the studio and talking to people in real life is was what did it for me.

And with that behind me, I am ready to charge ahead with new projects! I'm full of ideas for a new pattern collection, print concepts, book proposals, workshops and more. Keeping in mind that there are only THREE more weeks of school before I've got the summer vacay kids under foot, so I better get cracking!

Hex messenger bag cover [Flickr]

2012-05-16T06:48:29-07:00

betz_white posted a photo:

New sewing pattern style for Spring 2012! www.betzwhite.com

Spring 2012 Pattern Release!

2012-05-15T16:21:00.000-04:00

After months of prototyping, writing, testing, photographing and a thousand steps in between, I'm finally able to reveal what all the hard work has been about.

Introducing The Hex Messenger Bag and The Hexie Hipster! Yes, I've been cuckoo for hexagons for quite some time...I just had to work them into a few bag patterns.

First up, The Hex Messenger Bag:

The Hex Messenger has a cute hexie shape that's super fun to put together. You can create a bold graphic look with solid colors or mix it up with your favorite prints. The Hex Messenger Bag can be made almost entirely with pre-cut quilt strips ("jelly rolls") or a variety of fun fabric scraps from your stash. The bag is lightly quilted, lined and has a large interior pocket.

I made the cover sample with Robert Kaufman PURE organic cotton roll-ups. The colors are so clean an vibrant...and organic cotton to boot! I've rated the skill level of this pattern to be "Confident Beginner to Intermediate", because of the piecing. But rest assured, I labored over every detail of the pattern instructions and intricate diagrams to make my explanations as clear as possible. Did you notice the vintage button I used on the flap? It's entirely optional but should you have trouble matching the points of your triangles perfectly perfect, no one has to know. (wink wink)

Prism Style Hex Messenger, left, sewn in Stitch Organic, Lagoon color palette

For a simpler Beginner version of this bag, you might like to try the Prism Style, which uses full triangles instead of pieced strips. Easy peasy! Instructions included, natch.

Next up, The Hexie Hipster Bag:

Stitch seven hexagons together to create this unique quilted bag. The Hexie Hipster is perfect for using up scraps or "fussy cutting" your favorite prints. I love the construction of this bag. There are no side or bottom seams, just one hexagon sewn to the next. Beforeg you know it, you have a 3D bag! I made the hipster shown on the cover with Daisy Janie's Tilly collection by Jan DiCintio printed on GOTS certified organic cotton. The pattern includes instructions for 2 sizes (small shown below). The Hexie Hipster has a magnetic snap/flap closure, one interior slip pocket and plenty of room for your everyday things.

Small Hexie Hipster sewn with a combination of organic fabrics from Stitch, Daisy Janie and Harmony Art

As much work as they are, I really had a great time developing these bags and finessing the details. My sketch book is brimming with a million other ideas. As much as I had wanted to get more than 2 styles complete this spring, I am thrilled that the 2 I did accomplish are making me so happy. I hope they make you happy too! Both patterns are now available in PDF form in my Craftsy Pattern Shop and will be in my etsy store early next week.

This week I'm bound for Kansas City for the International Quilt Market to peddle my patterns to Wholesalers and Distributors. (If you are a retail shop and would like to sell print copies of these or my other sewing patterns, please email be at info(at)betzwhite(dot)com!)

Have a great rest-of-the-week and I will see you after market!

Reinvention Blog Tour

2012-05-14T07:38:00.000-04:00

Today I'm taking part in a blog tour for the book Reinvention by Maya Donenfeld, published by Wiley Books. (and in doing such, I was given my very own review copy...lucky me!)

Maya and I met a few years back teaching at Squam Art Workshops and we have been friends ever since, sharing a passion for sewing with repurposed materials. I'm so proud of Maya and her first book! It is pure *Maya* and true to her vision of practicality and clean design.

Her book is smartly laid out in chapters focused by material: linen, burlap, jersey, wool, denim, tyvek mailers and vintage. Each chapter has 4 projects using that material as well as a bit of history, tips, environmental impact and sourcing info.

One of the best parts about the book is that you'll have most of the materials needed for the projects already on hand. When I came across the Fold and Tie Case in the Vintage chapter, I knew just the tea towel to use! And when Maya says this project is super quick, she is not kidding. There is no cutting involved, just fold, press and stitch. L.O.V.E. (By the way, I made mine without the hanger loop at the top.)

The result is a handy little organizer full of pockets, which I plan to use for travel. I'm always in need a handy place to keep my ear buds, phone charger, important papers (my badge to get into Quilt Market!), sunglasses and baubles that don't fit in my jewelry roll. And since I leave this week for Kansas City, this project couldn't have come at a better time.

I hope you'll take a moment to check out Maya's book at your local bookstore! Her projects and inventive thinking will really get you inspired to look at everyday materials in a new way. You can follow along with the blog tour below, for interviews with Maya and other projects:

week one
5/1- sew liberated
5/2- Craft
5/3- Resurrection Fern
5/4- Apartment Therapy

week two
5/7 Whip Up
5/8 elsie marley
5/9 Poppytalk
5/10 Annekata
5/11 Pink Coyote

week three
5/14 Betz White (that's me!)
5/15 Etsy (tuesday tutorial)
5/16 Sew, Mama, Sew!
5/17 Made
5/18 Wiley Craft

As part of the tour, Maya and Wiley Books are generously offering a free copy to one of my lucky readers! (USA mailing addresses only, please) To be entered in the giveaway, please comment on this post telling me your favorite material or which material you're most excited to try out. One winner will be chosen randomly when the contest ends on Wednesday, May 16th at 5pm EST. Good Luck!
***Comments now closed! Thank you, the winner is being notified via email.***

short years

2012-05-09T17:23:00.000-04:00

My favorite azalea bush in the neighborhood

May is anniversary month! My husband and I just shared our 17th wedding anniversary (see cute flashback photos here and here). And the 'ol bloggy blog is celebrating it's 6 year anniversary! My how time flies.

I've been meaning to put together a little survey for you. After six years, the blog has changed and evolved so much. At times I wonder, what is it that you come here for? What would you like to see more of? Time is so so fleeting for all of us, we'd like to make the best use of it, wouldn't we?

Instead of some fancy-schmancy survey tool (that would take time for me to set up) I'm just going to ask you 3 questions to answer in the comments. Answer all 3 to be entered into a give-away for your choice of one of my pdf sewing patterns. The contest will close ~~Friday May 11th at 5PM EST~~ **Update! Leaving comments open through the weekend, Sunday May 13th 5PM EST**
when I will choose 3 winners! (please be sure to leave contact info if you win!) Contest is open to all countries, one entry per person.

Are you ready? Here are the questions, please give them some thought!

1) What kinds of posts do you enjoy reading on my blog? (aside from give-aways!)
2) What types of sewing patterns are you interested in (bags, toys, gifts, accessories, etc.)?
3) If you win this give-away, which pattern would you choose and why? (view them here)

Thank you so much for taking the time over the years to visit my blog, leave comments and share your support. Without you I'd be sitting here talking to myself. :)

***Thank you for your comments! Winners have been chosen and notified!***

morning knitting

2012-05-04T10:42:00.001-04:00

I finally cast on some new knitting this week. I've been in a knitting slump recently, but came across a cute pattern by Jaala via my buddy Susan B Anderson. The pattern is called the Silk Moon Crescent Shawlette. The best part is, I can use yarn from my stash (Helene silk/merino from Schaeffer and Cascade 220), hooray! (and the bag is my Stitch-along Tote made in my Stitch Organic fabric)

I snapped this pic with my phone this morning over coffee...sometime in between son #1 leaving for middle school and son #2 leaving for elementary. A little morning moment of zen after the alarm/breakfast making/lunch packing/dishwasher unloading frenzy but before the last kid out/shower/get to work day!

Hope you find some zen-y moments for yourself this weekend!

Oh, the happiest worker of all am I...

2012-04-30T14:56:00.000-04:00

I spent a wonderful Saturday at Bits of Thread in DC, teaching my Vintage Re-mix Wrap Skirt Workshop. Upon entering Bits of Thread, one is greeted with an excerpt of a poem by Constance Woodrow painted on the wall :

(you can read the whole poem if you wish)

Everyone taking the class brought loads of pretty fabrics and got right to work cutting out their reversible skirts. We spent a lot of time planning and figuring out which fabrics would go where and how best to use the motifs from each print.

Lesley brought an "Orla Kiely for Target" pear printed table cloth to transform into a skirt. I secretly wanted to steal it from her when she wasn't looking. I'm not sure I would've gotten away with it though. We engineered it to have one full pear in the center of each panel, or gore. I love how the partial pears made their own "ogee" shapes and a fun scalloped pattern at the waistline!

Here's Linda busily sewing with some Valori Wells and Amy Butler prints....sweet!

Zahra's work-in-progress is made from 2 cotton shower curtains: a stripe and a medallion print. (that coincidentally matches her jacket on the chair to the right!)

And I am always thrilled to see organic cottons come into play. These prints from Birch Fabrics are being sewn into a bicycle skirt that will be riding through Montreal next month on vacation! (Have fun, Sara!)

A few students dashed off before I was able to document their skirts (sorry!) but I was happy that I even remembered to bring my camera at all! Special thanks to everyone that came out and to Allison for hosting the workshop.

If you are interested in making your own reversible wrap skirt, it happens to be one of the projects in my Craftsy online workshop called Project Upcycle! Just click on the logo in the sidebar for details!

Local Workshop: Bits of Thread

2012-04-24T22:13:00.000-04:00

This Saturday, April 28th, I'll be teaching at Bits of Thread in Washington DC. The class is called Vintage Re-mix Wrap Skirt and there are still a few spots open!

We'll transform favorite vintage linens into a cute reversible skirt for spring. Combine tea towels, table cloths, retro sheets or fabric from your stash into a one-of-a-kind addition to your wardrobe. And since the skirt is reversible, you get 2 in one! Yay!

Join me, won't you?

What I learned this week...

2012-04-20T12:11:00.002-04:00

What I learned this week...in random order...

• new sneakers are my favorite birthday gift to myself (I love these!)

• sometimes it takes staying up until midnight to make a photo sample just perfect

• having a bird feeder can be highly entertaining

• not everyone subscribes to the same sense of urgency as I do

• I have some very good friends that I know almost exclusively online

• in a pinch, you can substitute gray thread if you run out of green

• I love the sound of digging through the button jar

• I'm grateful for finding new jeans that fit. (thank you dENiZEN!)

• 2012 is moving entirely too fast

.....and on that last note, it's Friday! (again!) Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

500 Felt Objects

2012-04-17T09:32:00.001-04:00

Last week I received a wonderful book for my birthday from my brother and sister-in-law: 500 Felt Objects, from Lark Books. The book is edited by Nathalie Mornu and Susan Brown served as the juror. Susan Brown is the assistant curator at the Cooper Hewitt, which exhibited Fashioning Felt back in 2009.

Left: by Michaela Gregoretti (Tinakela) Right: by Vanderbos

The book is pure inspiration, whether you love felt like I do, or not. But what's not to love? Felt has amazing properties, it can be strong, soft, rigid, drapey, sculptural, delicate, you name it. It's a dream to work with.

Left: by Lone Asbjerg Right: by Latifa Medjdoub

And such a variety of techniques and textures can be achieved through stitching, cutting, slashing, shibori, nuno, dyeing, and combining with other fibers and materials.

by Catherine Drieux of ARCHIbidouilles

This blue laser cut scarf jumped off the page at me! Does that ogee shape look familiar? What a brilliant idea to incorporate a string of them into a scarf. And it all begins with a flat square of felt.

by Yvonne Wakabayashi

This chartreuse shibori shawl (say that 3 times fast) speaks to me! I've dabbled in shibori with my own recycled sweater felting. I'd love to experiment with it more, especially after thumbing through this book!

by Janice Arnold

Look at this gorgeous installation by Janice Arnold called "Chroma Passage"! You may remember the yurt she created for the Fashioning Felt exhibit that I blogged about. I can't imagine executing a piece on this enormous scale. It really is beautiful with the light showing through.

There is so much to be inspired by in this book. I wish I could show it all! To see more, check out Lark Books mini gallery. Mmmmm, felty goodness!

most hexcellent

2012-04-11T12:12:00.001-04:00

Some sneak peeks of my new bag sewing patterns! Both are being test-sewn and will be proofed, photographed and revealed in the next few weeks! Quilt Market is coming up fast and I need to have these ready-freddie.

The top bag is made from my stash of favorite vintage sheets. The bottom bag is made from RK's Pure Organic Solids. Good thing they are organic, because the color is so yummy I want to eat them!

As you can see, even from these little peeks, both bags are very hex-centric. I've been totally fascinated with hexagons lately. I see them everywhere and I can't get enough. Honeycomb, chicken wire, tile floors, a Chinese Checker board, even pomegranate seeds! I could go on, but I won't. I've got work to do!

Hope your week is most hexcellent...

Happy Easter!

2012-04-07T13:13:00.001-04:00

Hope you're enjoying a beautiful spring weekend
filled with color and sweet things!

NYC

2012-04-03T14:50:00.001-04:00

Central Park

American Museum of Natural History

Statue of Liberty

Amtrak and a nap

We've been away for a few days. Spring Break has begun for the boys and we decided to take them to New York City for the first time. We rode the Megabus from DC to NYC (double decker, top floor, front window seat thank-you-very-much). We stayed with my brother, sister-in-law, and niece in Jersey City. We took in as much as we possibly could in a few days: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, Empire State Building, 9/11 Memorial, Grand Central Station, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Lego Store, Times Square, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty and more! We had sun and rain, saw friends and family, ate NY pizza and Indian food, and rode in every mode of ground transportation possible...ending with Amtrak from Penn Station back to DC's Union Station, DC Metro and cab ride!

So, what will we do for the rest of Spring Break? It'll be hard to beat all that...but boy does it feel good to be home!

spring revival

2012-03-28T10:13:00.000-04:00

Lately I've been noticing some renewed interest in my oldie-but-goodie Cashmere Bunny tutorial (from 5 years ago! That's like an antique by internet terms, right?). So I thought I'd re-post it here, front and center for you!

And while I'm at it, here's the Girls Spring Mini Tote tutorial.

And some simple felt Carrot Goodie Bags...

And to make with the kids, the Mini Easter Basket Tutorial!

Ok, hop to it! :)

Thanks, Fibre Space!

2012-03-26T10:44:00.000-04:00

I spent the afternoon yesterday in Old Alexandria VA teaching my Felted Wrist Warmer workshop at Fibre Space!

Kat's pocket wristies!

The felt was flying as a great bunch of women got together to make their own one-of-a-kind mitts! We talked about recycled felting and even test washed a few sweaters people had brought. I demo'd different stitching and embellishment techniques...

And we all made a big fun mess of the Fibre Space class room. Danielle, the proprietress, and I are putting together plans for a "Christmas in July" type workshop, so if you're local, stay tuned!

Thanks, everyone for joining me yesterday!

Tote to Messenger Tutorial

2012-03-22T11:16:00.000-04:00

Here I am again with another tote transformation! I love a good sturdy tote, but face it, a plain canvas tote can be totally *yawners*. Sometimes I want a simple bag to throw over my shoulder that has a little more going for it. I'm more of a one strap, cross-body bag girl. This idea has been rattling around in my sketchbook for ages and today I finally made one up. Fast and simple: are you ready?

What you need:

Canvas Tote

Webbing strap

Fun print canvas or home dec fabric

Lining fabric
Thread

Tools:
Seam ripper
Sewing Machine
Heavy Duty machine needle
Measuring tape
Fabric shears

Grab a seam ripper and remove the tote handles. You might need to restitch part of the top hem, depending on how they were attached. Save the handles for another project.

Measure and cut your webbing to your ideal cross-body strap length, plus a few inches for overlap. Mine is 2" wide x 45" long. (I purchased it so long ago on etsy that I have no resource info to share about this particular webbing.) Finish the ends with a zigzag stitch to prevent raveling.

Underlap (that's a word, right?) the strap at the side seam and topstitch in a square around the strap end, followed by and X in the center of the square. Repeat for the other end of the strap, making sure the strap is not twisted.

Time for the flap! The large flap is a great opportunity to use a fabulous print or chunk of vintage fabric that you really want to showcase. The fabric I used for the flap is my original print design from my Mod Max organic cotton and hemp canvas. This is the "moth" print. You can find it and the other Mod Max prints in my etsy shop. For the lining I used Robert Kaufman's Pure Solid organic in Teal for a POP! To plan the flap, measure the space between the straps. Measure the height of the bag from the top edge to the edge of the base (not the center bottom seam).

Flap and Flap Lining fabric: Cut a rectangle that is width (mine: 11") x the height + 2" (mine: 14"). Use a mug or CD as a template to mark 2 rounded corners on the bottom edge of the flap and lining. Place right sides together and stitch the perimeter with a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving 3" open at the top for turning. Notch seam allowances at the curves, then turn the flap right side out through the opening. Press well, folding in the seam allowances at the opening. Topstitch entire perimeter at 1/4", closing the opening.

Attach the flap: Place the top edge of the flap over the back edge of the bag, overlapping about 1". Pin into place then topstitch across the width of the flap. DONE.

Other variations: You can add a patch pocket to the back and/or front under the flap. This is a great way to hide an unwanted logo that may be on the tote. There are lots of options for straps, too. A cool belt (karate, webbed with grommets, leather, etc) an old necktie, lawn chair or upholstery webbing, etc. You could even stitch the 2 original tote handles together to make one strap if they are long enough.

That was fun! I can't wait to use my new bag for trips to the library, shopping and other outings. If you try my tutorial, I'd love to see what you make!

Wanna see my other Tote Transformation Tutorials?

Tote Tricks (slip cover)

Tote to BBQ Apron

Tote to Firewood Sling

Tote to Gardening Apron

Tote to Little Artist Apron

hexperimentation

2012-03-19T09:39:00.001-04:00

I have a new obsession: Hexagons! Ok, it's not really a new interest, but I have been obsessively hex-perimenting with them lately! As I've been developing new designs for my spring sewing patterns, these little hexies have been working there way in.

Have you sewn or quilted with hexies? I've been a bit intimidated by them in the past but turns out they are not so tough! I can highly recommend this video tutorial by Lady Harvatine to help you wrap your brain around sewing hexagons together.

Here's a hint: start big. The bigger the hexagon the longer the seam and the less fiddly they are to move out of the way to sew the next seam. I can't wait to get these new bag patterns written up and ready to show off. I'm really having a fun time developing these new styles. But...that will be at least on month or so from now. There's pattern testing, editing, photography, etc! So much goes in to my patterns to make sure they are as precise and easy to follow as possible!

In the meantime, if you're not quite ready to tackle pieced hexagons, why not cheat? This is my hexie print from Stitch Organic used as a "cheater cloth". It wasn't my intention when I designed this print, but how fun/easy is this? Simply layer the print over batting and a backing fabric then stitch away in between the hexies! It can't be done continuously, so you'll have to go back over to get all of the cross pieces, but it is rather fast and gratifying.

This is the start of something I can show you...hopefully later this week! Are you hexcited yet?

hoop for the best

2012-03-12T11:09:00.000-04:00

You probably know that I love decorating with embroidery hoops. From my kids' T-shirt display, to my studio wall, to Halloween and Christmas decor, to my Stitch signage at Quilt Market: I love hoops! They are just the easiest, simplest way to frame fabric *art*.

So it should come to no surprise that I decided to hoop up last week's improv piecing I made. Plus my poor studio needs a refresh. Last fall when I was planning my Stitch Organic quilt market booth, I hijacked most of the hoops off of my wall to make the signage. The wall's been a sad little hodgepodge ever since, so I am thrilled to have new *art* to hang!

Of course since I hadn't planned the piece for a circle, there was a bit to trim. I used a super big quilting hoop, 14" in diameter and 1" deep. Before hooping the improv piece, I layered some batting and a muslin backing and pin basted it. Then I used a walking foot on my machine and did some free form wavy quilting. So much fun. Ok, what else can I hoop? I'm on a roll!

Oh yes! Remember last month when I played around felt and fabric, and made this positive/negative heart design? I didn't want to make it into a pillow, so hooping it up was the perfect solution.

Same big ol' honkin' hoop size. I offset the center line of the hearts to highlight more fabric, less felt...more interesting.

The trickiest part really is the finishing on the back since there are several layers to contend with. I trimmed the fabrics to about 1" excess beyond the inside of the hoop. I used a hot glue gun and attached the muslin to the inside of the hoop first. Then I trimmed the batting layer right up to the edge of the hoop. Lastly, I pulled the top fabric to the back and hot glued that to the inside of the hoop, on top of the muslin.

I can't wait for my next creative play day. I am pretty new to quilting so this size project seems just right for exploration and trying out new techniques! I'll definitely be sharing more of these with you.

Oh and speaking of creativity, my pal Monica Lee has just posted a video interview with yours truly over at her new venture called Smart Creative Women. We chat about design, business and laugh a whole bunch. Monica is a real sweetheart and by real, I mean authentic. Imagine having coffee with your bubbliest girlfriend and another creative woman where the conversation just flows. It's good fun and very informative. If you have a listen be sure to give Monica some feedback and encouragement by commenting on the video post. Thanks!!!

Creative Play for Half a Day

2012-03-07T16:01:00.000-05:00

This month is my big prototype development crunch to get new sewing patterns designed before Spring Quilt Market. I've written about prototyping before. As much as I love the design process, it can be all-consuming. I apply a lot of pressure to myself and I admit, sometimes I manage to take the fun out of it in the process.

This morning I woke up knowing the week was about half over [pressure!] and thought about my day. I knew I needed a diversion, yet one that would fuel me creatively. Just then a friend had emailed me a link about sparking creativity and it was just what I needed to read! (thank you, Jan!) I declared then and there to have "Creative Play for Half a Day". I can afford that, right? Just a half day of experimenting and trying something new. Ready set go...no computer time, just sewing and making for 3 hours.

I have been super inspired lately by "improv" quilting. Lu Summers and Maureen Cracknell come to to mind. I keep drooling over their projects thinking to myself, "Now that's MY kind of quilting!". Scraps, winging it, keeping it wonky yet intuitively making decisions and designing it as you go. No rules.

I hauled out a pile of fabric scraps and sorted them into color palettes. Then I loosely followed this improv log cabin quilt block tutorial by mama love quilts. I ended up using some old school Amy Butler prints, Erin McMorris, a few thrifted sheets, and even a little Stitch.

And look what I did! My first bit of improv piecing! I had such a good time making this, I can't wait to do more. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with this. But hey, that's what makes this exercise so liberating. I doesn't even have to BE anything, right?

What do you do to re-ignite your creative spark?

already?

2012-03-01T09:49:00.000-05:00

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” --- Anne Bradstreet

I guess I should stop wishing for snow now. I feel a little like I want a do-over of this winter. Like falling asleep during a movie and waking up when it's over. Naps are nice, but I feel like I missed something.

Nature is definitely gearing up for spring! Yesterday I saw my first robin, and I've already witnessed a few bugs flying around. Guess that means I better be gearing up as well.

Happy March!

glorious

2012-02-27T10:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was gloriously sunny. I pulled back the living room curtains, made a cup of tea, sat in a sunbeam and started a new knitting project. I'm working on these boot toppers. I bought the pattern from Craftsy's new pattern shop, a great way to support indie pattern designers!

Woolly Boot Toppers, you ask? I know, right outside my sunny window is a gawky crowd of daffodil sprouts telling me that spring is nearing. But every time I get twitchy to knit, I bumble around trying to find a project that suits my style, yarn stash and wardrobe needs. I've already knit 3 hats this winter for gifts. I've got plenty of scarves and wrist warmers. Boot toppers just seem like a fun thing to make, even if I can't bust them out until next fall!

And speaking of scarves, I finished this a few weeks ago. This scarf, called the Favorite Scarf Ever, has been on my needles for.ev.er. It's been my constant companion on airplanes, in doctor offices, soccer games and coffee shops. There are plenty of mistakes, but with the zig-zaggy chevrons and the blinding beauty of the color changing yarn, who cares!

I am a firm believer in making it work (and knitting almost always wins over un-knitting). While I strive for perfection, sometimes good enough really is good enough. My grandmother (who, ironically, was an extreme perfectionist) told me a story once about a girl whose handknit sweater was stolen. Because the sweater had a mistake the girl could identify, she was able to prove that the sweater belonged to her. I love that story and think of it often. Sometimes it's so easy to be hard on ourselves...and on others.

Wishing you a week of tea, sunshine, and forgiven mistakes!

The Needlecraft Book Review

2012-02-21T12:58:00.002-05:00

The Needlecraft Book, by Maggi Gordon, Sally Harding and Ellie Vance, is not a new release, but it is new to me! It was published in 2010 by DK Books. It's a big fat resource book for all things needlecraft! Each chapter focuses on one type of needle craft, discussing tools and materials, basic techniques, stitch galleries and more.

The first chapter, Knitting, covers the basics with large clear photography, then continues with fun stuff like cables, lace knitting, colorwork and embellishments.

The Crochet chapter goes into great depth, explaining charts and written instruction abbreviations. I'm crochet-challenged, so I'm looking forward to sitting down and going through this chapter page by page!

The embroidery chapter covers a gazillion surface embroidery stitches plus white work, couching, smocking, beading and more!

The biggest surprise? The needlepoint chapter! Talk about eye-candy. Those big swoopy patterns on the right are called Bargello work, also known as Florentine. Really anxious to give this a try!

The next fabulous chapter is called Patchwork, Appliqué,and Quilting. Oh, boy! Now all of the things I wanted to know about quilting but was reluctant to ask are outlined right here. And the following chapter is full of general and decorative finishing techniques.

I really like this book. I find looking at all of the stitches and methods really inspiring. To be clear, however, this is a compilation of techniques, not a project book. There are no photos of (or instructions for) finished projects. But I can get plenty of that elsewhere! When I really want to know how to bind a quilt or add beads to my knitting, or learn to read a crochet chart, I know this has got it covered.

Do you enjoy technique books? What are your favorites?

Workshop at Fibre Space!

2012-02-15T21:14:00.000-05:00

If you live in or near the Virginia/Maryland/Washington DC area, I hope you'll join me next month at Fibre Space! On March 25th I'll be teaching a Felted Wrist Warmers class. Join me and learn everything there is to know about recycled felting and make a cozy pair of wrist warmers to usher out Winter and welcome Spring! I'll show you felting tips from selecting a well-loved woolly sweater, felting it in the washer and transforming it into one-of-a-kind wrist warmers. If you have been wanted to know more about felting, this is a great way to learn. Plus I'll be sharing my stash of "finely curated" felted wool scraps and doo-dads!

Registration is open now and space is limited. I'm really looking forward to this *hands on* class. I hope you'll join in the fun!

Craftsy Pattern Shop

2012-02-13T09:46:00.000-05:00

Hey! I want to let you know about my new pattern shop over at Craftsy!

Craftsy is the site that hosts two of my online workshops, Project Upcycle and

Fab Felt Holiday Crafts. This month they launched an indie designer pattern shop and you've got to check it out! There are 1,000's of patterns available for knitting, quilting, sewing and more.

When you buy a PDF pattern through Craftsy, they download instantly. I love that crafters can access them anytime and don't have to wait for me to email them. Yay! Plus, Craftsy doesn't charge a dime to sell patterns. Double Yay! So if you are an indie pattern designer, you should definitely consider giving it a go. It's super easy to upload your patterns, too.

I have my shop up and running and am adding more patterns whenever I can. See the pattern link in my sidebar to the new shop. >>>

P.S. Thank you so much for the comments you left on the Stitch Organic Give-away! (Laura, aka Reader Woman, was the lucky winner!)

playing around

2012-02-10T11:15:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday! Last day for the give-away! Be sure to visit my previous post to enter the Stitch Organic Fat Quarter give-away. There have been lots of great comments about what kind of prints catch your eye.

Meanwhile...I've been playing around with 2 of my favorite things ---

Fabric and Felt!

Piecing, layering, quilting...

Mmmm... not sure where I am going with this. Mostly I'm just experimenting with felt applique and quilting. I love texture and dimension so much. I think that's why I am drawn to knitting and other needlework. I've played around with this idea a few times over the past few years and I think it has great potential! More to come...

Last weekend before Valentines Day! Are you ready? Any day that revolves around chocolate is good with me! :)