tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40852589804660199692013-05-18T16:49:51.460-07:00Sewing projects, patterns and tutorials: A writer and editor by day, Lindsay Conner sews stuffed toys and custom creations by night. You can keep tabs on her crafty ventures at this blog, or follow on Twitter and Facebook.Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.comBlogger279125LindsaySewshttp://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-1426235428837395242013-04-22T13:17:00.003-07:002013-04-22T13:20:07.504-07:002013-04-22T13:20:07.504-07:00Happy Monday to you! This weekend, Matt and I tried to explore all things Nashville, including Record Store Day and a fun Earth Day festival. We also met some new local friends, and I skipped a really great concert to stay home and blog (fail). :)<br /> <br /> Today was a happy mail day! Check out this sweet gift I won from Angela Yosten for a recent giveaway on <a href="http://blog.angelayosten.com/2013/04/333-winners.html">her blog.</a> She included some of her new fabric and some of her favorite things, like these wonderful crystal finger press and point turner tools. Can't wait to try them!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8672263201/" title="Flats Goodies from Angela by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Flats Goodies from Angela" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8260/8672263201_aaa7e8ca90_z.jpg" width="626" /></a><br /> <br /> This is the <a href="http://www.angelayosten.com/#!flats/c1cmf">Flats</a> collection by <a href="http://blog.angelayosten.com/2013/04/333-winners.html">Angela Yosten</a> for Moda. It includes these really cute panels that you can cut out and use to make fabric dolls. :) I'm most excited about <a href="http://instagram.com/p/YasdjuJLw0/">this one!</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/04/stitch-and-flip-tutorial/" title="Stitch and Flip Tutorial by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Stitch and Flip Tutorial" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8545/8672244089_4c8bf57a5b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /> <br /> In other news, I wrote a little <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/04/stitch-and-flip-tutorial/">Stitch and Flip</a> quilting tutorial over at the Craftsy blog. You've probably used the stitch and flip technique and haven't even realized it (like when you make a string block or flying geese unit). This is the beginnings of a little potholder I made with thermal batting.<br /> <br /> But for now, I have one W.I.P. to tackle, which is my <a href="http://www.lindsaysews.com/2013/03/happy-national-quilting-day.html">February do Good Stitches quilt!</a><br /> <br /> Are you working on anything fun this week?<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-53010247624768472292013-04-12T13:27:00.001-07:002013-04-12T14:03:34.210-07:002013-04-12T14:03:34.210-07:00Has it been over a week since my last post? I feel like I'm blogging all the time, and yet this poor, sweet blog has been neglected. And yet, I am only one person, so I'm pretty okay with this. :)<br /> <br /> To me, blogging is part of the art I create. Since I started my first blog at age 15, I've had a little love affair with HTML, tweaking the look of a website or blog post. Although my interests have changed (my first blog was all about finding free stuff online!), I'm still just as nerdy when it comes to my blogs.<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/square-in-square-quilt-block-paper-piecing-tutorial/"><br /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/square-in-square-quilt-block-paper-piecing-tutorial/">Square in Square Block Tutorial</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/square-in-square-quilt-block-paper-piecing-tutorial/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-Pg7U3GEXo/UWhEbR9VMqI/AAAAAAAADCQ/gYhr5iwT2k0/s320/Square-in-square-quilt-block-tutorial.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> It may seem a little funny that I spend more time each week blogging about crafts than actually crafting. But as I've transitioned from working full-time in a corporate job to freelancing, I feel so thankful to have these outlets!<br /> <br /> <h3> Craftsy </h3> Most recently, I started writing for <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=433546&amp;u=763727&amp;m=29190&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=">Craftsy's</a> quilting blog! I am very excited to be posting there regularly to share quilt pattern round-ups, tips and tricks as well as some tutorials. Here are a few of my recent posts at <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=433546&amp;u=763727&amp;m=29190&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=">Craftsy:</a><br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/03/bias-quilt-binding-three-ways/">Bias Quilt Binding: Three Ways</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/03/bias-quilt-binding-three-ways/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images-onepick-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?container=onepick&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.craftsy.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F03%2FScreen-Shot-2013-03-20-at-9.22.39-AM.png" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> When I started my Lindsay Sews blog in 2008, I had no idea that it would lead me to opportunities like blogging for others, writing <a href="http://amzn.to/16w7vSC">a book</a> or contributing to magazines.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/04/simple-quilting/">Simple Quilting: Ideas for Easy Blocks&nbsp;</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/04/simple-quilting/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images-onepick-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?container=onepick&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.craftsy.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F03%2FScreen-Shot-2013-03-20-at-9.39.17-AM.png" width="241" /></a></div> <br /> I didn't know I would design sewing patterns or host a sew along for people I've never met in real life. And then that one day we would meet in real life. :)<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/03/scrap-quilting/">11 Scrap Quilting Patterns to Use Up Your Stash</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/03/scrap-quilting/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://images-onepick-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?container=onepick&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.craftsy.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F03%2FScreen-Shot-2013-03-18-at-9.35.12-AM.png" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> I also didn't know that Facebook would turn into such a huge platform for businesses and that we'd all be Pinning and Instragramming our creative lives.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/03/on-point-quilting/">On Point Quilting: Tips and Calculations</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/03/on-point-quilting/"><img height="200" src="http://static-sympoz.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/2013/03/quilting-on-point.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div> <br /> I didn't know <i>any </i>of this! And I think that's the beauty of stepping out into your creativity. To walk toward something that might even scare you. Because even with the fear and/or anxiety that comes with blogging (putting yourself out there), I really firmly believe that creativity is meant to be shared. We are all in this together, right? <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/03/spray-basting-your-quilts/">Spray Basting Your Quilts</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/03/spray-basting-your-quilts/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://images-onepick-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?container=onepick&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.craftsy.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F03%2Fspray.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <h3 style="text-align: left;"> CraftFoxes</h3> <div style="text-align: left;"> As some of you know, I've also been an editor over at <a href="http://www.craftfoxes.com/">CraftFoxes</a> for the last year. Time flies! Though I don't always write a lot of posts, I do much of the work behind the scenes like monitoring traffic, SEO, member submissions and more.<br /> <br /> Did you know that you can share your projects and how-tos at CraftFoxes? This is great for crafters who haven't made the leap (or don't have time) to blog. But on the flip side, it's a great place to promote projects on your own blog. You can <a href="http://www.craftfoxes.com/pages/upload-your-crafts">upload your crafts</a> and link back to your own tutorial.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTlhxr5XRMQ/UWg_kFMhFuI/AAAAAAAADCE/uFm1lNG6O6k/s1600/CraftFoxes+Share+Projects.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTlhxr5XRMQ/UWg_kFMhFuI/AAAAAAAADCE/uFm1lNG6O6k/s1600/CraftFoxes+Share+Projects.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftfoxes.com/blog/8-quick-and-easy-swimwear-cover-ups">Make Your Own Beach Tote Bag<br />8 Quick and Easy Swimwear Cover Ups</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftfoxes.com/blog/11-free-sundress-patterns-for-summer">11 Free Sundress Patterns for Summer</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftfoxes.com/blog/10-free-swimwear-sewing-patterns">10 Free Swimwear Sewing Patterns</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: left;"> Even with these great outlets, I'm so thankful to have this little blog and am ever so grateful for the friendships that have started here.&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I love to spin through Google Reader (I still haven't come to terms with it going away) and see what you've been sewing. I love knowing that a quilt block from my sewing table is at the post office right now, headed to join 11 others for a charity project.<br /> <br /> Our sewing connect us, even if we haven't met. And that is why I love blogging. :)</div> <br /></div> <b>What about you? </b>Do you feel like having a blog has enhanced your creativity?&nbsp; Or perhaps keeping up with your blog has taken away from your crafting time and energy. I'd love to hear what you think.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-468779389154404242013-04-03T22:24:00.000-07:002013-04-09T06:44:42.687-07:002013-04-09T06:44:42.687-07:00You guys... I am seriously melting over here at all of your sweet comments about&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/171E7DZ">my big news</a>.<br /> <br /> In particular, I really enjoyed getting to know a few of you more and your quilting and bee backgrounds. I look forward to hearing more of your stories and getting to know each other better!<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8575096007/" title="Velocity Girl Bag w/ Octopurse by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Velocity Girl Bag w/ Octopurse" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8505/8575096007_c63602c9a3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>&nbsp;</div> <br /> Those of you who&nbsp;<a href="http://instagram.com/lindsaysews">follow me on Instagram</a>&nbsp;or my other blog&nbsp;<a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/sew-sweetness-patterns-giveaway/">Craft Buds</a>&nbsp;might have my new everyday purse. The purse pattern is the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sewsweetnesspatterns.com/products/velocity-girl-bag">Velocity Girl Bag</a>&nbsp;and the fabric is Ruby Star Shining by Melody Miller. It even matches my Octopurse clutch that I won in a giveaway this winter. Love!<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/9cf0cf6096ae11e2a27d22000a9f165c_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/9cf0cf6096ae11e2a27d22000a9f165c_7.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://distilleryimage3.s3.amazonaws.com/c5dc3792931711e290b722000a9f0a3d_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://distilleryimage3.s3.amazonaws.com/c5dc3792931711e290b722000a9f0a3d_7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> </div> <br /> Next up, I've been sewing a dress. This is <a href="http://aprilrhodes.blogspot.com/2013/03/spring-is-here-and-so-is-staple-happy.html">The Staple Dress</a> pattern by April Rhodes, and I heard about it from <a href="http://imaginegnats.blogspot.com/">Rachael</a> and decided I had to make one for myself! I bought the fabric to make either two or three versions, so here's just a sneak peek of the shirring (my first time) with elastic thread.&nbsp;<span style="text-align: center;">If you make one, you can </span><a href="http://gomakeshit.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-staple-dress-epic-shit-challenge.html" style="text-align: center;">link up here</a><span style="text-align: center;"> by April 8th to join in a sew along. :)</span><br /> <u></u><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8586008123/" title="March Blocks: Imagine dGS by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="March Blocks: Imagine dGS" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8586008123_f2a9b61f29_z.jpg" width="586" /></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</div> <br /> I whipped up a couple bee blocks for the Imagine Circle of do Good Stitches. <a href="http://www.mysewcialhour.com/">Amanda</a> asked for Feather blocks using this <a href="http://www.annamariahorner.com/Feather.Bed.Quilt.pdf">free Anna Maria Horner block pattern</a>. Although I was having some problem with tension on my sewing machine, and had to rip apart several sections, I managed to get it together and finish two blocks!<br /> <b></b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td><a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/make-a-bunting-from-charm-squares/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/bunting-tutorial.jpeg" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></td></tr> </tbody></table> Finally, I made a simple bunting for my craft room. It was looking a little dull in there! The easy bunting tutorial is over at <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/make-a-bunting-from-charm-squares/">Craft Buds.</a><br /> <br /> <b><br /></b> <br /> <div class="p1"> <b>I think it's time for a winner!</b><br /> <b><br /></b></div> <div class="p1"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://img1.etsystatic.com/011/0/5997220/il_570xN.436053237_a7ly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/011/0/5997220/il_570xN.436053237_a7ly.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> Out of 501 comments (wow!), the winner of the Textures fabric bundle is #45,&nbsp;<b>Lisa Yarost.</b>&nbsp;Yay Lisa!<br /> <br /></div> <div class="p1"> <i>Lisa, I don't have your e-mail address, so please e-mail me at lindsay.conner(at)gmail(dot)com by 4/6 to claim your prize!</i></div> <br /> Second winner chosen: #178, Elaine!<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="p1"> <br /></div> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-22071712652852323472013-03-28T09:44:00.002-07:002013-04-09T06:44:06.571-07:002013-04-09T06:44:06.571-07:00<i>One year ago in March, everything changed. The week happened something like this:</i><br /> <br /> <b>Sunday: </b>My husband had recently resigned from his job to pursue writing full-time.<br /> <br /> <b>Wednesday:</b> I was called into a meeting at work. My co-workers and I joked, "This is probably the day we'll lose our jobs." We gathered into a crowded, makeshift conference room on the first floor. The meeting was no longer than 5 minutes, with <a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/50964-wiley-to-sell-frommers-cliffsnotes-and-other-select-consumer-categories.html">one announcement.</a> Yep, we were all probably losing our jobs.<br /> <br /> <b>Friday:</b> I was eagerly prepping for a Indy Modern Quilt Guld retreat at my house. Cleaning, sorting the door prizes (my favorite part!), cooking a bit. In between preparations, I received a voicemail which changed everything. "Lindsay, we've been trying to reach you. Give me a call, because we want to move forward with your book proposal!"<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jV_Cuij1cSQ/UVRm6G_UCVI/AAAAAAAADBs/3SocVaYfcOg/s1600/Modern-Bee-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jV_Cuij1cSQ/UVRm6G_UCVI/AAAAAAAADBs/3SocVaYfcOg/s640/Modern-Bee-Cover.jpg" width="512" /></a></div> <br /> I am honored, humbled and so very grateful to announce that I wrote a book!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://modernbeebook.com/"><i>Modern Bee: 13 Quilts to Make with Friends,</i></a> will release October 1, 2013 with Stash Books/C&amp;T Publishing. For me, this project marries some of my favorite things: modern quilting, community and celebrating the work of creative individuals! Quilting TOGETHER. Creative oneness. Coming together to do something that none of us could do on our own.<br /> <br /> Someday soon, I'll share more about the process of putting this book together. I didn't do it alone, but with the help of some very talented <a href="http://www.modernbeebook.com/p/the-quilters_19.html">contributors!</a><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://modernbeebook.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hag5XcRi2BI/UVRuPH-GvTI/AAAAAAAADB4/AinDuN2W4vw/s640/Modern-Bee-Website.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> I've set up a little website so you can learn more <a href="http://modernbeebook.com/">about the book,</a> the amazing quilters and some HUGE news that I cannot wait to share. The book is also available for <a href="http://amzn.to/16w7vSC">pre-sale on Amazon!</a><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Giveaway!</b></span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://img1.etsystatic.com/011/0/5997220/il_570xN.436053237_a7ly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/011/0/5997220/il_570xN.436053237_a7ly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Let's celebrate with a giveaway! Leave any old comment on this post (you can let me know if you've ever quilted with a bee) and I'll choose one random winner to receive a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/125786448/textures-fat-quarter-bundle-by-angela?ref=shop_home_feat">FQ bundle of Textures</a> by Angela Walters for Art Gallery Fabrics. <br /> <br /> <strike>Giveaway open in the U.S. and ends Wednesday, 4/3!</strike>&nbsp;Giveaway closed. <strike>Congrats to #45, Lisa! </strike>Second winner chosen: #178: Elaine!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com505tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-59356412894454717262013-03-16T11:53:00.000-07:002013-03-16T11:53:32.953-07:002013-03-16T11:53:32.953-07:00Today I celebrated National Quilting Day with a visit to the Music City Modern Quilt Guild!<u><br /></u><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8552133569/" title="February 2013 dGS Imagine: Brackets Quilt Top by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="February 2013 dGS Imagine: Brackets Quilt Top" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8101/8552133569_2a24e9a3f2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>&nbsp;</div> <br /> I brought along a recent finish, my first quilt top for do. Good Stitches. Can you spy my piecing "fail"? Regardless, I'm still happy with the way this one turned out, and the colors are perfect for spring and St. Patrick's Day!<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> &nbsp;<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8561946857/" title="March 2013 - Music City MQG by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="March 2013 - Music City MQG" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8102/8561946857_5a143d815a_z.jpg" width="549" /></a>&nbsp;</div> <br /> Here's an art quilt from <a href="http://musiccitymodernquilters.blogspot.com/">Music City MQG</a> member Royce. The texture on this one is just beautiful, with sashiko stitching in the hills, raw edge applique on the skirt, textured leaves on the trees and straight line stitching up the side. I love her techniques!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8561944605/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="March 2013 - Music City MQG by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="March 2013 - Music City MQG" height="443" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8561944605_3c5b670d80_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Here is a quilt top <a href="http://unkindnessofraisins.wordpress.com/">Nancy</a> (right) whipped up for her own bed. Oh, you know, she just free-formed all the letters. No big deal or anything! Nancy and I moved from the Indianapolis area to Nashville around the same time, so I was excited that we could check out our new local guild together. <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.musiccitymodernquilters.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5071428359_e7763fef1a_m.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> My sewing friend Veronica joined us at the meeting, too, and she is looking to get into quilting. You can check out the rest of my photos from the meeting on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews">Flickr.</a> </div> <br /> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pa9bP8K6y7Y/UUS7H75BVPI/AAAAAAAAC88/bIFP7inYKUs/s1600/Zoo+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pa9bP8K6y7Y/UUS7H75BVPI/AAAAAAAAC88/bIFP7inYKUs/s640/Zoo+Day.jpg" width="639" /></a><br /> <br /> Earlier this week, I got to meet up with some other local sewing bloggers and their fams for a trip to the zoo! I love zoos (even bought myself a membership), so it was a fun time for sure. I sure miss the girls of the Indy MQG and my friends up north, but I am slowly, but surely, finding "my peeps" in my new city. :) <br /> <br /> <b>Are you doing anything special to celebrate National Quilting Day?</b><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <b>&nbsp;</b> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-13627540307998789762013-03-11T06:39:00.001-07:002013-03-11T22:14:24.737-07:002013-03-11T22:14:24.737-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8540755106/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="SCC Spring 2013 Stack by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="SCC Spring 2013 Stack" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8540755106_a2362c6790_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: left;"> Have you checked out the magazine <a href="http://sccmag.com/"><i>Stitch Craft Create</i></a><i>?</i> It's one of my absolute favorites, and I'm super excited to have a project in the new Spring 2013 issue!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8540754788/" title="SCC Spring 2013 TOC by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="SCC Spring 2013 TOC" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8528/8540754788_dd214d6fbd_z.jpg" width="428" /></a> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> It's a really gorgeous magazine, if you haven't had a chance to check one out in person. Even though it has the word "stitch" in the title, it's not just a sewing magazine. It's actually great for people who like to paper crafts, quilting, jewelry, sewing and party planning--that's what this issue is all about! <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8540855768/" title="Original Ring Pillow Top by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Original Ring Pillow Top" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8238/8540855768_39a8d55f08_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> &nbsp; <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> So, backtrack to several months ago . . . I had an for a wedding ring pillow that would be sewn from fabric tubes, pressed and woven together into a pillow top. On my first try, I decided that voile was the way to go. This is the actual photo I submitted, although I never finished the first pillow. Just the top. </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /> For those of you interested in getting your projects published in magazines, I've found that while a sketch is helpful, it's sometimes a good idea to go ahead and make a sample of your intended project. And take a good-quality photo in daylight! That way, the editor can see your intended vision, even if it's not in the final fabrics you'll use.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8542384676/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="SCC Mag Spring 2013 by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="SCC Mag Spring 2013" height="132" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8542384676_23bbb64af9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> When I found out my project was accepted for <i>Stitch Craft Create,</i> I was so excited to get started! The editor sent me a collage of the color scheme for this particular issue. I went to work pulling fabrics from my stash that tied into the color scheme. That seafoam satin fabric is one I had almost given away, because I never thought I would use it. I'm so glad I kept it!</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8539656973/" title="Woven Ring Pillows by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8539656973_dd6976b581_z.jpg" width="640" height="428" alt="Woven Ring Pillows"></a> </div> Here are the finished ring pillows. I decided to make two because I wanted to show what it would look like with a print on top and also with a solid on top. The print is a little more "wild child" and the solid is more traditional.<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8539651869/" title="Woven Ring Pillow SCC Mag 1 by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Woven Ring Pillow SCC Mag 1" height="452" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8539651869_e873b64a76_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> And here is my pattern for the Woven Ring Pillows, on p. 56. I love the photo they took and the gorgeous layout. I told you it was a pretty magazine!<br /> <br /> <b>My Tips for Submitting Crafts to Magazines</b><br /> If you're interested in getting your projects featured in print and you have an original idea, I would encourage you to give it a shot and submit!<br /> <br /> 1) Look for "call for submissions" or the "contribute" section on a magazine's website.<br /> <br /> 2) Be sure to follow the submission guidelines and grow a tough skin. As a freelance writer and now freelance writer/creator, I've received plenty of rejection e-mails! It's just a part of putting yourself out there. <br /> <br /> 3) Save your ideas for later use. What wasn't a good fit for one magazine might be a great fit for another.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> &nbsp;<b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8539652577/" title="SCC Spring 2013 cover by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="SCC Spring 2013 cover" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8251/8539652577_9cabae7195_z.jpg" width="299" /></a></b><b> </b></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <b>Giveaway!</b></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> How about a little giveaway (2 winners) for a copy of <i>Stitch Craft Create?&nbsp;</i><br /> <br /> <a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/07af3a24/" id="rc-07af3a24" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script> <i>&nbsp;</i><br /> <br /> <i>Giveaway open worldwide, and you'll find this issue on newsstands 3/26, or earlier in the <a href="http://store.marthapullen.com/stitch-craft-create-spring-2013?lid=SCCK121412">SCC store.</a> Good luck!</i></div> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-43517088679739481712013-03-01T09:22:00.000-08:002013-03-01T09:22:58.342-08:002013-03-01T09:22:58.342-08:00<div style="text-align: left;"> Today I'm over at <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/indygo-junctions-fabric-flowers">Craft Buds,</a> posting about a great new book, <i>Indygo Junction's Fabric Flowers </i>by Amy Barickman.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c48rZr6uFBk/US6LtknpqkI/AAAAAAAAC5E/pCg9_KwXKGw/s1600/IndygoJunctionsFabricFlowers.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c48rZr6uFBk/US6LtknpqkI/AAAAAAAAC5E/pCg9_KwXKGw/s320/IndygoJunctionsFabricFlowers.cover.jpg" width="247" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> &nbsp;<a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/indygo-junctions-fabric-flowers">Head over now for your chance to win!</a></div> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-80030393557255874692013-02-27T06:30:00.000-08:002013-02-27T06:30:04.292-08:002013-02-27T06:30:04.292-08:00At QuiltCon last weekend, anyone could come and peruse the quilt show and vendor booths for just $10 per day, whether or not they bought admission to the lecture hall or any special sewing workshops. I bought a two-day lecture pass ($180 for Friday/Saturday), which included admission to the show.<br /> <br /> If I had it to back and do over again, I would have loved to also take some workshops with Jay McCaroll, Denyse Schmidt, Lotta Jansdotter and others! I heard great recommendations from friends who took the workshops offered. There were also some pretty serious swag bags handed out to registrants that paid $399 or more for their show passes (which typically meant signing up for a workshop at $150 for a full day or $75 for a half day).<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8505560912/" title="DSC_0053 by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0053" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8505560912_a185c5a15d_z.jpg" height="343" width="640" /></a><br /> <br /> Back to the show and vendor area . . .&nbsp; The Michael Miller booth featured a quilt by my friend <a href="http://thecutelifesmiles.blogspot.com/">Amy </a>from the Indy Modern Quilt Guild. It's the pretty diamonds quilt in the center/back wall of the booth. So happy for you, Amy! They were also giving out snacks, which is pretty cool.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8505556258/" title="DSC_0060 by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0060" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8505556258_4a49c194d1_z.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /> <br /> The Robert Kaufman booth was really colorful and they had a make-and-take going on where you could create a free tote bag with precuts. I didn't end up making one, but as you can see, it was a pretty popular area!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8505561610/" title="DSC_0051 by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0051" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8505561610_6528539ab8_z.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /> <br /> Here are the ladies from the Quilt Alliance booth, along with <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53264528@N07/8504309639/">Best in Show</a> winner Victoria Findlay Wolfe (third quilter).<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> &nbsp;<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8504469847/" title="DSC_0031_2 by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0031_2" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8504469847_e476770f7e_z.jpg" height="640" width="454" /></a> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Not only did it feature blue hair, but the Spoonflower booth was super fun with a prize wheel where you could win anything from a custom-printed yard of fabric to "something sweet" (a piece of candy). I won a little assemble-your-own robot doll.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8505558474/" title="DSC_0057 by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0057" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8505558474_0a11f9a1be_z.jpg" height="616" width="640" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /> The Stash Books booth featured these "Pillow Pop" pillows, as well as author signings all weekend long! I was really happy to meet Elizabeth Hartman and Alissa Haight Carlton, among others, who were running around all weekend attending to the details to put this show and conference together. I told them I was super impressed with how organized everything was in the event's first year. It was really well done!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8504497073/" title="DSC_0009_2 by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0009_2" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8504497073_982d1ddf6b_z.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a><br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> The <i>American Patchwork &amp; Quilting</i> booth featured a sew along for the local Austin children's shelters. I made this pillowcase, which was seriously so easy and took all of 15 minutes from start to finish using their clever "roll up" method.</div> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8505615244/" title="DSC_0002_2 by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0002_2" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8505615244_eba1dda473_z.jpg" height="519" width="640" /></a><br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> I talked to Bernina about their newest models, and was super in awe of this see-through version. I guess it's true that quilting is both an art and a science.</div> <br /> &nbsp;<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8504492295/" title="DSC_0013 by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0013" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/8504492295_20e82520dd_z.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a><br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> Overall, I'd have to say that the Andover Fabrics booth was "where it's at." See that table filled with charm packs? If you signed up for their e-mail list, they were giving away freebies all weekend until they ran out.</div> </div> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8504495325/" title="DSC_0011 by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0011" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8504495325_da66f68fcf_z.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /> <br /> Here's another shot of the Andover booth. It was right next to a live demo area, where I saw . . .<br /> <span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">&nbsp;</span></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8505605960/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Heather Ross demo by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Heather Ross demo" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8505605960_b5091a69fb_z.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> . . . Heather Ross doing a demonstration of her fabric-covered journals. The crowd was standing-room only, and I also got to hear some of Heather's lecture the day I arrived.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> &nbsp;<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8505608546/" title="DSC_0008 by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0008" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8248/8505608546_89f2e6c5f5_z.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div> <br /> The <i>Modern Quilts Unlimited</i> booth featured this pretty pop of color from <a href="http://dontcallmebetsy.com/">Elizabeth,</a> which will be&nbsp; published in their magazine soon. Isn't it drool-worthy?<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8507194227/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Coats and Clark by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Coats and Clark" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8507194227_3cfe12d848_z.jpg" height="310" width="615" /></a></div> <br /> The very first booth I stopped at was Coats and Clark, where they were making zipper cuffs as a make-and-take. I had fun chatting with the fabulous Lynn and checking out their new product, called Phoomp (see below), which is an adhesive surface you can stick to fabric to make dimensional projects like flowers and embellishments. I can't wait to try it out!<br /> <br /> <img alt="DSC_0039_2" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8386/8505569860_82b03097ff_z.jpg" height="640" width="639" /><br /> <br /> Finally, here is the swag I took home from the floor show! How about a giveaway? I'm keeping the autographed book (since it says "To Lindsay"), charm pack and Phoomph, but the rest could be yours! Plus maybe some extra goodies from my stash. <a id="rc-07af3a21" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/07af3a21/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script> <i><br /></i> <i>Catch up on parts 1 and 2 of my QuiltCon recap, all about the <a href="http://www.lindsaysews.com/2013/02/quiltcon-recap-quilts.html">QuiltCon quilts</a> and <a href="http://www.lindsaysews.com/2013/02/quiltcon-recap-peoplehtml">the people I met.</a></i><br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> </div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-29276678195069968882013-02-26T06:30:00.000-08:002013-02-26T06:30:03.872-08:002013-02-26T06:30:03.872-08:00The best part of QuiltCon by far was meeting so many people I've met from their blogs or over e-mail. I was at the conference for two full days, and I think I got to meet most of the people I wanted to. Had I been there longer, it would have been fun to spend more time hearing their stories!<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8505541824/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0084 by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0084" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8505541824_24daa0da62_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Chelsea (Fat Quarter Shop), Lee (Freshly Pieced) and Heather (Olive and Ollie)</td></tr> </tbody></table> On Friday night, there was an '80s Dance Party sponsored by Baby Lock, and I wasn't planning on going. Honestly, I packed the smallest carry-on suitcase ever, so I left no room for neon clothes, scrunchies or Aqua Net hairspray. <br /> <br /> Earlier that day, I got to chat with my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8504449601/in/photostream/">Angela Walters</a> (so sweet!) and she convinced me that I should go even if I didn't bring anything to wear, because lots of other people weren't dressing up. So I went, and I'm so glad I did! I may not have joined the conga line, but I did get to hang out with some pretty fab people throughout the night: <a href="http://www.felicityquilts.com/">Felicity</a>, <a href="http://www.pinkcastlefabrics.com/">Brenda</a>, <a href="http://alexiaabegg.squarespace.com/green-bee-patterns/">Alexia</a> and these girls . . . <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="80's Dance Party" height="310" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8236/8507873544_9807dae77b_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="615" /></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Neon was in again; Right: Heather and Amanda (Threadbias) with matching clutches</td></tr> </tbody></table> <span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8505629076/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="MODA Bake Shop by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="MODA Bake Shop" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8505629076_cb0ece4a5d_z.jpg" width="430" /></a></div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /> Earlier that day, Moda had this fabulous photo booth set up at the show with props and signs so you could take a photo and have it printed out right there (and also e-mail it to yourself). So cute! This me with <a href="http://dashasel.blogspot.com/">Elaine</a>, who was my partner in a solids swap last year. Very fun to meet her in in person!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8507947646/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Long arm quilting at QuiltCon by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Long arm quilting at QuiltCon" height="310" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8376/8507947646_93f3139159_z.jpg" width="615" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> I also got to hang out with this girl! <a href="http://sewsewgo.blogspot.com/">January</a> is so much fun, and we actually met in my class at Sewing Summit last fall, so I was super excited to go to dinner with her and catch up at the quilt<u> </u>show. Here she is testing out one of the long arm machines, and that's my handiwork on the right. :)<br /> <u></u></div> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8504493919/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0012 by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0012" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8504493919_abf635961f_z.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather Givans and Heather Jones</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: left;"> And then there were these fun girls! I know Heather from her shop <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crimsontate/">Crimson Tate</a> and the Indy Modern Quilt Guild. Funny that I have to go to Texas to bump into her these days! And then there was <a href="http://www.oliveandollie.com/">Heather Jones</a>, my life saver who said I could room with her at the conference, even though I was super last minute in booking my trip. I wish I would have been in town on Thursday to see her lecture on inspiration for modern quilts, but I'm looking forward to catching it online, as well as her recently launched <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/instructors/heather-jones-2">Creativebug class!</a>&nbsp;</div> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8506858211/" title="Andover Booth at QuiltCon by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Andover Booth at QuiltCon" height="310" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8506858211_21758f8d02_z.jpg" width="615" /></a><br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> I spent a lot of time hanging out at the Andover Fabrics booth and had a great time chatting with Adam about the new direction and marketing for Andover. I really love what they are doing and the new focus on modern designs and branding. Lizzy House and Thomas Knauer were fun to talk with, and I fell in love with Lizzy's Constellations dress. I can't wait to show you what I'm sewing with Andover fabrics!</div> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8505587244/" title="DSC_0024_2 by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0024_2" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8505587244_63b60296e6_z.jpg" width="428" /></a> <br /> &nbsp; <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> Denyse Schmidt gave the keynote lecture on Saturday night, and I learned a lot about her design work and how she got started in the business. I was most impressed that she designs 10 fabric collections per year (wow!) and enjoyed hearing how she designs every quilt to be photographed on a bed (with an extra allowance of border/design to hang over the edge. Here she is with a film crew, talking about her exhibit at the show. I didn't meet Denyse, but everyone I talked to said she is so down to earth and genuine.</div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8507996260/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="David Butler Lecture by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="David Butler Lecture" height="310" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8507996260_2eba9d6834_z.jpg" width="615" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: <a href="http://instagram.com/amybutlerdesign">Instagram/Amy Butler Design</a></td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> My favorite lectures of the weekend were with David Butler and Amy Butler. David talked about photographing a story (you don't need a lot of money or an exotic location to do so!) and Amy shared sneak peeks of her new collection, global inspirations and her sketching/design process. With any luck, you'll get to check these lectures out for free on Craftsy, because I know many of them were recorded!&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I also caught a great demo on photographing quilts with <a href="http://www.gregorycase.com/qt_pages/qt_index.php">Gregory Case</a> (who photographs for several quilt magazines), with tips on camera settings and how to stage your quilts for a photo shoot.<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8506976365/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="QuiltCon Friends by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="QuiltCon Friends" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8506976365_7f44d59e3c_z.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Top Row:</i> Finally met <a href="http://missknitta.com/">Kendra;</a><i> </i>Chatting with <a href="http://www.quiltingismytherapy.com/">Angela Walters</a>.<br /> <i>Bottom Row:</i> <a href="http://www.joliemaxtin.com/">Julie</a> and a dinner friend; <a href="http://www.urbanstitches.com/">Anna</a> from the San Antonio MQG</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <i>&nbsp;</i></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <i>I'll be back soon with another post on the QuiltCon booths. Also here is my recap of the <a href="http://www.lindsaysews.com/2013/02/quiltcon-recap-quilts.html">QuiltCon quilts,</a> in case you missed it!</i></div> </div> <br /> &nbsp; <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-85691219068220785182013-02-25T08:59:00.000-08:002013-02-25T09:10:07.031-08:002013-02-25T09:10:07.031-08:00Hello! I got back from QuiltCon yesterday morning, and I wanted to share with you some favorite quilts from the show that really inspired me. I realize there are some great ones that I missed, probably because I ended up talking to so many great people this weekend! I'll be back to talk a bit more about that later. But for now, here are some quilts, a few of which are from the Denyse Schmidt exhibit.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8506602171/" title="QuiltCon Show Quilts by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="QuiltCon Show Quilts" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8506602171_f081fb3de1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <b>Quilting trends that I hope continue:</b><br /> <br /> - Curves and circles<br /> <br /> - Solids<br /> <br /> - Asymmetry and abstraction<br /> <br /> - Group and bee quilts that push the boundaries of normal (see <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8504438939/in/photostream">here</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8504429953/in/photostream/">here</a>)<br /> <br /> - Modern takes on traditional quilt patterns (see QuiltCon's <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8504455105/in/photostream/">best in show</a>)<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>Quilting trends that really impacted me:</b><br /> <br /> - Not square or rectangle in shape (see <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8505581322/in/photostream">here</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8505583586/in/photostream">here</a>)<br /> <br /> - Statement quilts (like this one by <a href="http://www.thomasknauersews.com/martha/">Thomas Knauer</a>) <br /> <br /> - Meticulous machine quilting, and the variety of designs possible within one quilt (Angela Walters is my hero... just look at this <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8504484761/in/photostream/">amazing quilting!</a>)<br /> <br /> - Concentric circles, squares, etc. I just get lost in the design (see <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8505567514/in/photostream/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8504440197/in/photostream/">here</a>)<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <img alt="QuiltCon Show Quilts" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8237/8506450511_c50f04302b_z.jpg" width="640" /> <br /> <br /> The Modern Quilt guild announced the <a href="http://themodernquiltguild.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/quiltcon-quilt-show-winners-2/">full list of show winners</a> and I am beyond excited that many of my blogging friends were recognized for their work. Congrats to all who exhibited in the show! That in itself is a huge honor, and I wish that I had submitted something. I've got my thinking cap on for 2015. :) <br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/2a8d5b427ae711e2a5cd22000a1fb0b0_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/2a8d5b427ae711e2a5cd22000a1fb0b0_7.jpg" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handmade ribbons from the QuiltCon staff (photo: <a href="http://instagram.com/p/V7haBIOd6S/">Elizabeth Hartman</a>)</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> This is the first time I've attended a juried quilt show, and I've had to say that it was extremely inspiring. I came home with new ideas that were not so much inspired by the quilt designs I saw, but just the overall energy and creativity around me.<br /> <br /> Be back soon with more on QuiltCon. Also, I snapped many quilt photos this weekend, and you can see them in more detail at my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/">Flickr page!</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-6769614097548915512013-02-21T07:31:00.000-08:002013-02-21T07:41:06.524-08:002013-02-21T07:41:06.524-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://themodernquiltguild.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/quiltcon-logo.png?w=450" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://themodernquiltguild.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/quiltcon-logo.png?w=450" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> Well, the biggest surprise this week is that I'm leaving tomorrow for <a href="http://www.quiltcon.com/">QuiltCon,</a> a completely last-minute decision that I'm pretty darn happy about!<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u> </u></span><br /> <b><u><br /></u></b> <b><b>My reasons for going to QuiltCon:</b></b><br /> <br /> 1) Meeting online quilting friends in person is awesome.<br /> <br /> 2) The next QuiltCon isn't until 2015. By that time, we'll all drive around in flying cars and make quilts just by thinking them up with our minds (no?).<br /> <br /> 3) Price drop on my flight, insta-roommate via <a href="http://instagram.com/p/V9U6l9pL3c/">instagram</a> and a conference ticket via Facebook all appeared like magic!<br /> <br /> 4) I'm currently self employed and my husband and I do not have kids. I don't want to take for granted the flexibility I have with my schedule, and remember that it won't always be this way. My husband is completely awesome and encouraged me to go! <br /> <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UOpmGWt2S_A/USY5G7_NdEI/AAAAAAAAC4k/GT11x-bSUF4/s1600/538083_10151240182131176_1194991726_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UOpmGWt2S_A/USY5G7_NdEI/AAAAAAAAC4k/GT11x-bSUF4/s320/538083_10151240182131176_1194991726_n.jpg" width="316" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> Here are 5 quick things you may not know about me, for the <a href="http://themodernquiltguild.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/quiltcon-link-party/">Modern Quilt Guild link party:</a><br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> 1) Before my sewing blog, I had a <i>Bachelor </i>blog (the TV show), and it's still one of my guilty pleasures.<br /> <br /> 2) I moved from Indiana to Nashville, TN just three weeks ago (which is one of the reasons I waited so long to decide whether or not I'd take this trip). And, I also love the show <i>Nashville.</i><br /> <br /> 3) Words with double "O"s.... hate 'em.<br /> <br /> 4) I always win the prize at a baby shower, Pampered Chef party, etc. It's like clockwork!<br /> <br /> 5) For the last seven years, I worked as an editor for Frommer's travel guides, until Google bought us. I still love Google (despite #3, above). </blockquote> <br /> If you are also going to be at QuiltCon, I hope to see you there! If you can't make it this year, you should check out the awesome #quiltnon and #notgoingtoquiltcon parties happening on instagram. Quilters consoling quilters. :)<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-77891714715949654802013-02-13T11:01:00.001-08:002013-02-13T11:01:22.923-08:002013-02-13T11:01:22.923-08:00<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8471754692/" title="Heroes Helping Heroes Block by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Heroes Helping Heroes Block" height="508" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8471754692_68eea5a642_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> This block is for Val, who is <a href="http://howaboutpinkplease.blogspot.com/">doing something really great!</a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Between moving and sewing for a couple of deadlines, I haven't had much sewing to blog about, but it was really fun to work on these improv curves. Something totally different to me and I used all fabric scraps. Val shares a <a href="http://howaboutpinkplease.blogspot.com/2013/01/wonky-improv-circle-block-tutorial.html">tutorial</a> for the Wonky Improv Circles block on her blog.&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Happy Wednesday! I'm linking up to <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/2013/02/wip-wednesday-new-and-improved.html">W.I.P. Wednesday</a> at Freshly Pieced.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a><br /> <br /></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-78504586366944416982013-02-05T22:06:00.000-08:002013-02-05T22:06:36.662-08:002013-02-05T22:06:36.662-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CxpLWKpLc88/URHqcReFMeI/AAAAAAAAC1g/9R5OB8K3w5g/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CxpLWKpLc88/URHqcReFMeI/AAAAAAAAC1g/9R5OB8K3w5g/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> Last Friday, we packed up all of our belongings in snowy Indiana, and headed south to Tennessee.<br /> <br /> Exhausted. Many tears. Goodbyes to wonderful friends. As my husband and I closed the door to our home for the last time, we looked at each other, and I absolutely lost it. Out of the blue, I had what was the first raw and real emotional reaction . . . "It's over." The last decade-plus of life in Anderson was marked with memories of the dear friends we've made there. Through tears, I knew that life was changing. This change was both exciting and so hard to process.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAX2mI5ImoU/URHs9vn_SlI/AAAAAAAAC24/yvzG7ZuNBT8/s1600/Welcome-Nashville-650.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAX2mI5ImoU/URHs9vn_SlI/AAAAAAAAC24/yvzG7ZuNBT8/s1600/Welcome-Nashville-650.jpeg" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Our first day in Nashville, we met our realtor, who greeted us with this little bundle of flowers. After our first grocery trip, another little gift arrived in the form of homemade dinner from some friends in town. I have to say, I'm enjoying this southern hospitality! We chose this city because we were lucky enough to have some friends and connections here already, so it doesn't feel like stepping into the total unknown.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6c8QSVGWDJw/URHrOv-yqSI/AAAAAAAAC1w/vGcbveFCh-4/s1600/IMG_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6c8QSVGWDJw/URHrOv-yqSI/AAAAAAAAC1w/vGcbveFCh-4/s1600/IMG_0482.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Our second night in Nashville, we'd managed to unpack most of our boxes, so I treated myself to an outing. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Love-Projects-Featuring-Fabrics/dp/1607056267">Liberty Love</a> book release party was happening in town, so I busted out my Google map and headed over to check it out! I have to say, it was the cutest party ever.&nbsp;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJ6tStCw-jY/URHt37HFPLI/AAAAAAAAC3I/VmOlmE8zEMU/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJ6tStCw-jY/URHt37HFPLI/AAAAAAAAC3I/VmOlmE8zEMU/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> In the middle of the studio was a table of fabric scraps and paper dolls, for crafting pretty fabric dresses.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dyYAbcWPzYA/URHuVCBY_aI/AAAAAAAAC34/k3xE7svVZx0/s1600/IMG_0486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dyYAbcWPzYA/URHuVCBY_aI/AAAAAAAAC34/k3xE7svVZx0/s1600/IMG_0486.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> &nbsp;And gorgeous quilts from the book, hanging all around the room. This was my favorite. :)<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://distilleryimage3.s3.amazonaws.com/7c65885e6d9f11e2ad8422000a1fa8e9_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage3.s3.amazonaws.com/7c65885e6d9f11e2ad8422000a1fa8e9_7.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> I even got to meet <a href="http://kelbysews.blogspot.com/">Kelly</a> and <a href="http://thecraftjunky.blogspot.com/">Amanda,</a> some local sewing bloggers! After a couple more days of carving out a routine in this new space, I'm feeling hopeful. In the midst of this new city, I hope to find (or create) a bit of the life I loved in Anderson, and embrace the newness of Nashville.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> To those of you who've made a major move . . . how long did it take you to feel totally settled in your new place?</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8W78VBEdhCI/URHpyuMFJ7I/AAAAAAAAC1Y/wjwqjyO_9I8/s1600/Lindsaysig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8W78VBEdhCI/URHpyuMFJ7I/AAAAAAAAC1Y/wjwqjyO_9I8/s1600/Lindsaysig.png" /></a></div> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/"><br /></a> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"> <a href="http://tammypowley.com/2013/01/29/crochet-dude-decades-yarn/">Yarn Adoration!</a> </span><span class="descr">The Crafty Princess acquires some of the Crochet Dude's new Decades yarn.</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"> &nbsp;</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"><a href="http://cherieblogs.com/2013/01/31/real-life-princesses/">Real Life Princesses</a>: </span><span class="descr">Cherie creates two paintings inspired by grumpiness and poetry.</span>&nbsp;</span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"> &nbsp;</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"><a href="http://tazscorner1.blogspot.com/2013/01/product-review-lyra-polycrayons.html">L Thykeson's Uniques</a>: </span><span class="descr">Product Review - Lyra PolyCrayons</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"> &nbsp;</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"><a href="http://www.mixed-media-artist.com/2013/01/soy-silk-stripswhat-next.html">Experiments with soy silk</a>: </span><span class="descr">Soy silk is a fabulous material to work with. Come see what Cyndi has been working on!</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="descr"><span class="title"> &nbsp;</span></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="descr"><span class="title"><a href="http://the-artful-crafter.blogspot.com/2012/04/do-it-yourself-floral-lampshade-creates.html">Do-It-Yourself Floral Lampshade Creates a Soft Glow in a Child's Room or Bath</a>: </span><span class="descr">This sweet lampshade gives a soft glow and is perfect as a night light in a bathroom or child's room.</span> &nbsp;</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="descr"><span class="title"> &nbsp;</span></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="descr"><span class="title"><a href="http://craftside.typepad.com/craftside/2013/01/index.html">Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at our crafty world</a></span><span class="descr">: This week at Craftside there are tutorials on how to make wedding favor seed packets, bug wings from metal filagree bead caps, a Jim Henson doodle drawing prompt and a recipe for a C-super mango pineapple smoothie.</span>&nbsp;</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="descr"><span class="title"> &nbsp;</span></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="descr"><span class="title"><a href="http://acreativedreamer.blogspot.com/2013/01/well-this-is-interesting.html">ACreativeDream</a>: </span><span class="descr">June's done a painting, that strangely enough, turned out exactly like she wanted it to... but...</span> &nbsp;</span></span> </div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-82208267220796569952013-01-27T18:10:00.001-08:002013-01-28T07:01:15.760-08:002013-01-28T07:01:15.760-08:00<div style="text-align: left;"> In honor of the <a href="http://thecutelifesmiles.blogspot.com/2013/01/introducing-something-new-sampler.html">Something New Sampler Quilt Along,</a> I've put together a quick tutorial to teach you how to make reverse applique circles. This quilt block is not scary (I promise!), but it's actually really easy and fun.</div> <br /> Unlike regular old applique, the fabric you choose for your appliqued shapes actually peeks through the background of the block, rather than being stitched to the top of it. This creates a cool dimensional effect, and adds interest to your quilt block. You can use this technique to <a href="http://www.craftfoxes.com/blog/improv-sewing-learn-reverse-applique">reverse applique</a> any shape, or add <a href="http://www.craftfoxes.com/how_tos/reverse-applique-a-t-shirt">reverse applique to a T-shirt,</a> and home decor projects and more! Let's get started.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vks5BRhumMs/UO3dncESc8I/AAAAAAAACyM/JUN8iS_E4Es/s1600/Reverse+Applique+7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vks5BRhumMs/UO3dncESc8I/AAAAAAAACyM/JUN8iS_E4Es/s1600/Reverse+Applique+7.JPG" /></a></div> &nbsp;<b> </b><br /> <b>You'll Need:</b><br /> <br /> - 7.5" x 14.5" piece of background fabric (pink)<br /> - 7.5" x 14.5" piece of lightweight fusible (on one side) iterfacing<br /> - 7.5" x 14.5" piece of fabric for the circles, or scraps of different fabrics.<br /> - A pen and some circular objects to trace<br /> - Sewing machine, thread and scissors <br /> <br /> <b>Block Size:</b> 7.5" x 14.5" unfinished (7" x 14" finished... were going funky here!)<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uKPEUNoD5DU/UO3dmEyz0-I/AAAAAAAACx4/77WDjN0S3Qs/s1600/Reverse+Applique+1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uKPEUNoD5DU/UO3dmEyz0-I/AAAAAAAACx4/77WDjN0S3Qs/s640/Reverse+Applique+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> To get started, find some circular objects in your house and trace them to make a design. The top of a jar, a roll of tape, or any old object will work.&nbsp;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Place your piece of fusible web in front of you, with the fusible side down. Next, use a pen to trace the circles directly onto your fusible web, onto the smooth, non-fusible side. &nbsp; <i><b><br /></b></i></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <i><b>Note: </b></i>If you're tracing a shape that's not symmetrical (like a word), you'll need to trace it onto the fusible side of your interfacing (the one with the dots). You can print out a copy and place it behind your fusible interfacing, for tracing purposes. <i><a href="http://sweet-verbena.blogspot.com/2011/08/reverse-applique-tutorial.html">Sweet Verbena</a> gives an alternate method of printing out a design on your computer, cutting it out and tracing the design backwards.</i></div> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BgzKSz0QcbE/UO3dmMmiw6I/AAAAAAAACxw/467GJ3dcy5Q/s1600/Reverse+Applique+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BgzKSz0QcbE/UO3dmMmiw6I/AAAAAAAACxw/467GJ3dcy5Q/s640/Reverse+Applique+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Next, place the fusible side of your interfacing against the wrong side of your applique fabric. It's okay if the fabric is a bit smaller than your interfacing, as long as all of the circles are covered. If you are using scraps of different fabrics, just make sure they are wide enough to extend beyond the edges of your traced circles. Press with your iron.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0HL3nAnTRNI/UO3dm2Uo7aI/AAAAAAAACyQ/ZYs5cDQH3GU/s1600/Reverse+Applique+4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0HL3nAnTRNI/UO3dm2Uo7aI/AAAAAAAACyQ/ZYs5cDQH3GU/s640/Reverse+Applique+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Place the <i>right</i> side of your applique fabric (for me, the rainbow dots) face down onto to the <i>wrong</i> side of your background fabric (pink). Pin in place.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTsIjSVrIUs/UO3dmbeBmoI/AAAAAAAACx8/pjz71EbI5zQ/s1600/Reverse+Applique+3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTsIjSVrIUs/UO3dmbeBmoI/AAAAAAAACx8/pjz71EbI5zQ/s640/Reverse+Applique+3.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This is what your block should look like from the front, with both right sides of fabric showing when you peel back the corner.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tT8pYezH1NA/UO3dmxd9G7I/AAAAAAAACyI/Rbz0rSDtf_Q/s1600/Reverse+Applique+5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tT8pYezH1NA/UO3dmxd9G7I/AAAAAAAACyI/Rbz0rSDtf_Q/s640/Reverse+Applique+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Take your design over to the sewing machine, and place the interfacing side up. Stitch along your pen-marked lines from earlier, and trim the threads. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dacjb_CtHEg/UO3dm8HxCKI/AAAAAAAACyE/uc8jgCXai9Y/s1600/Reverse+Applique+6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dacjb_CtHEg/UO3dm8HxCKI/AAAAAAAACyE/uc8jgCXai9Y/s640/Reverse+Applique+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> From behind the quilt block, pinch the back layer of fabric with your fingers. Use your seam ripper to poke a hole into the center of the front layer of fabric (into the center of your stitched circles), making sure not to poke through the back layer of fabric or interfacing.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hU49UiVrxuc/UO3dnnM4__I/AAAAAAAACyU/kGlVI9J8a9A/s1600/Reverse+Applique+8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hU49UiVrxuc/UO3dnnM4__I/AAAAAAAACyU/kGlVI9J8a9A/s640/Reverse+Applique+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Use your scissors to cut into each circle and trim away the excess fabric as pictured, leaving a 1/8" seam allowance from the stitched outline. </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cSLkUcqr1aQ/UO3dmB09wII/AAAAAAAACx0/tDNv7l9dYE4/s1600/Reverse+Applique+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cSLkUcqr1aQ/UO3dmB09wII/AAAAAAAACx0/tDNv7l9dYE4/s640/Reverse+Applique+10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Flip over the quilt block to the back, and carefully trim away the excess fabric and interfacing around the stitched shapes to remove excess bulk.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8423077645/" title="Reverse Applique Quilt Block by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Reverse Applique Quilt Block" height="363" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8423077645_b198c9aa95_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div> <br /> Here's the completed quilt block! Have fun arranging the circles as you'd like or creating your own unique design.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><b>Follow Along!</b></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">Jan 14th</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amy @ </span><a href="http://thecutelifesmiles.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">thecutelifesmiles.blogspot.com</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> |</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Bargello piecing</span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">Jan 21st</b></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heidi @ <a href="http://buttonsandbutterflies.com/">buttonsandbutterflies.com</a> | folding </span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chelsea @ <a href="http://pinsandbobbins.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">pinsandbobbins.blogspot.co.uk</a> | a scraptastic technique</span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Jan 28th</b></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jess @ <a href="http://theelvengarden.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">theelvengarden.blogspot.com.au</a> | sashiko</span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lindsay @ <a href="http://lindsaysews.com/" target="_blank">lindsaysews.com</a> | reverse applique</span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Feb 4th</b></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">M-R @ <a href="http://quiltmatters.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">quiltmatters.blogspot.com</a> | trapunto</span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heidi @ <a href="http://fabricmutt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">fabricmutt.blogspot.com</a> | cathedral windows</span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Feb 11th</b></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Alyssa @ <a href="http://pileofabric.com/" target="_blank">pileofabric.com</a> | pinless curves</span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Becky @ <a href="http://myfabricobsession.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">myfabricobsession.blogspot.com</a> | machine applique</span></span></span></div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">And stop by <a href="http://thecutelifesmiles.blogspot.com/">the cute life</a> on Fridays for tips and tutorial</span>s on ho</span>w to set these rectangular blocks! Be sure to join the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/somethingnewsampler/" target="_blank" title="Flickr">flickr group</a> to keep up with the hop, the chatter, and some inspirational photos.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /> <b>Prizes!</b></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> At the end of the quilt along, link up a blog post or Flickr photo with <i>anything</i> you've done from the sampler series, even if it's just one block! There are two categories for prizes:</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> 1) <b>Finished projects</b>: Winners will be chosen by popular vote<i>. "Finished" includes an entirely completed smaller project, like a pillow, table runner, mini quilt, etc.</i><i> Pieced quilt tops also count as "finished", even if not quilted</i>.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <i>2)</i> <b>Participation prizes:</b> Winners will be chosen by a random number generator<i>. Link up any progress you've made!</i></div> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://thecutelifesmiles.blogspot.com/2013/01/introducing-something-new-sampler.html" title="something new sampler header by mermamy, on Flickr"><img alt="something new sampler header" height="128" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8323817641_025c84686b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> </div> </div> </div> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <span class="title"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"><span class="title"> <a href="http://www.mixed-media-artist.com/2013/01/image-transfers-to-mdf-reader-question.html">Image transfers revisited</a></span>:<span class="descr"> Cyndi's readers never seem to get tired of discussing image transfers in their work!</span>&nbsp; </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"><a href="http://acreativedreamer.blogspot.com/2010/02/do-you-remember.html">ACreativeDream</a>: </span> <span class="descr">Shrinky Dinks... suddenly the most popular post on June's blog... thanks to Pinterest.</span>&nbsp;</span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"> <a href="http://tammypowley.com/2013/01/23/finally-some-colored-roving/">Color My Roving</a></span>:<span class="descr"> The Crafty Princess is still in love with her spindle and adding a dash of color to her yarn making affairs.&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"> <a href="http://the-artful-crafter.blogspot.com/2012/04/mixed-media-butterfly-tags-add-sparkle.html">How to Make Mixed Media Butterfly Tags to Add Sparkle to Any Gift</a></span>:<span class="descr"> The right tools make these pretty gift tags look like they they took hours to make. Thank you Xyron, Cuttlebug, and Tim Holtz!&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"> <a href="http://cherieblogs.com/2013/01/24/message-board-kinda/">Message Board - Kinda</a></span>:<span class="descr"> Cherie combines a bunch of things laying around to create board for some pictures. That was the plan, anyway.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"> <a href="http://craftside.typepad.com/craftside/2013/01/index.html">Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at our crafty world</a>: </span> <span class="descr">This week at Craftside there is a crochet crown lace pattern, tutorials on how to transfer designs to skin and mold caramels using flexible ice cube trays and a pretty photo of an interesting style of lingerie.&nbsp; </span></span></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-65221727640316278322013-01-14T10:45:00.001-08:002013-01-14T10:45:39.096-08:002013-01-14T10:45:39.096-08:00All this week, you can bid on items at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.230627576973396.49188.230255717010582&amp;type=1&amp;l=61dbbf823b">Handmade for Newtown auction, </a>organized by my crafty friends <a href="http://imaginegnats.blogspot.com/">Rachael</a> and <a href="http://casaturtle.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kelley</a> some other lovely friends! One hundred percent of funds raised will be donated to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.newtownparentconnection.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Newtown Parent Connection</a>, where all funds will go directly to those affected by the recent shooting.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8300810600_e381d4ecc5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8300810600_e381d4ecc5_z.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> I've donated a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=473917085977776&amp;set=a.230627576973396.49188.230255717010582&amp;type=3&amp;l=61dbbf823b&amp;theater">patchwork chevron scarf</a>, and I'm blown away by all of the great handmade and craft supply donations these ladies pulled together.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/299653_473917085977776_423071348_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/299653_473917085977776_423071348_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b>&nbsp;</b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.230627576973396.49188.230255717010582&amp;type=1&amp;l=61dbbf823b">Go here to see all items and support a great cause!</a></b></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://imaginegnats.blogspot.com/2013/01/handmade-for-newton-auction-is-live.html">Need help? Here's more info on how to bid.</a> </div> <br /> <br /> <h2> Winner!</h2> And now, for the <a href="http://www.lindsaysews.com/2013/01/quilt-tutorial-brackets-baby-quilt.html#comment-form">giveaway winner.</a> Out of 127 comments, the winner of a big box of fabric scraps is,&nbsp; #65<cite>, </cite><cite class="user"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05852579848201674000" rel="nofollow">everinprogress</a></cite><span class="icon user"></span>, who said, "Loving purple and grey!"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-44067502518425175282013-01-11T09:55:00.001-08:002013-01-11T10:00:24.361-08:002013-01-11T10:00:24.361-08:00As promised, I updated the <a href="http://www.lindsaysews.com/2013/01/quilt-tutorial-brackets-baby-quilt.html">Brackets Quilt tutorial</a> with some new photos of the finished quilt. Here are some others!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8371098196/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Brackets Quilt by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Brackets Quilt" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8371098196_7eaa56105c_z.jpg" width="428" /></a></div> <br /> I'm really happy with the colors and fabrics I chose for this quilt, many of which are Art Gallery Fabrics. They are so soft and have a completely silky feel. <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8371097750/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Brackets Quilt by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Brackets Quilt" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8492/8371097750_548dd10a39_z.jpg" width="598" /></a></div> <br /> I took a few days off from sewing this week, between finishing the quilt top and deciding how to quilt it. Once again, I tried to channel my inner Angela Walters and use this quilt to practice quilting different designs within the negative space. I'm pretty happy with how it came out, though I will make the quilting on the teal stripes tighter next time!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8371098832/" title="Brackets Quilt Back by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Brackets Quilt Back" height="444" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8470/8371098832_dce0e92154_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /> <br /> For the back, I chose a solid pink Kona, which really shows off the pebble quilting and diamonds to echo the bracket blocks. Thanks to my Indy Modern Quilt Guild for the quilting suggestions!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8370034539/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Brackets Quilt by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Brackets Quilt" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8370034539_0dd31a636a_z.jpg" width="428" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> This quilt it listed in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/120177466/sale-modern-baby-quilt-for-a-baby-or">my shop.</a>&nbsp;</div> <br /> I'm planning to do some destash there soon, and I'll also be back Monday with the <a href="http://www.lindsaysews.com/2013/01/quilt-tutorial-brackets-baby-quilt.html">giveaway</a> winner of my flat-rate box of scraps, so go over and enter if you haven't already. Hope you have a great weekend!<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-66200779348207835472013-01-07T06:12:00.000-08:002013-01-11T09:56:50.028-08:002013-01-11T09:56:50.028-08:00Welcome, Sew Mama Sew readers! I'm excited to share a guest post today over at <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2013/01/half-square-triangles-hsts-8-at-a-time/" target="_blank">Sew Mama Sew,</a> sharing how to make those infamous half-square triangles, 8 at a time.<br /> <br /> As promised, here is the second installment of that tutorial, which will show you how to assemble the Brackets Quilt.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8370034539/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Brackets Quilt by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Brackets Quilt" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8370034539_0dd31a636a_z.jpg" width="428" /></a></div> &nbsp; <br /> This is a crib-size quilt pattern using 4" half-square triangles. <br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8347473173/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Brackets Quilt by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Brackets Quilt" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8347473173_982846c1bf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackets quilt top in the snow</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <b>Materials:</b><br /> - Two 9" x 9" squares of 8 coordinating fabric prints (16 squares total)<br /> - 1 yard White fabric for sashing<b> </b><br /> - 1/4 yard Teal fabric for border<b><br /></b><br /> <br /> <b>Cutting Directions:</b><br /> - For sashing between blocks, cut 8 strips 14-1/2" x 3-7/8"<br /> - For vertical sashing, cut 3 strips 6" x 42"<br /> - For teal borders (see below), you'll need 2 strips 3" x 46". (Piece together shorter strips as needed.)<br /> - For white borders (top and bottom), you'll need 2 strips 3" x 46".&nbsp; (Piece together shorter strips as needed.)<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8370033019/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Brackets Quilt by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Brackets Quilt" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8370033019_a8c090d705_z.jpg" width="518" /></a></div> <br /> 1) For instructions on assembling the HSTs 8 at a time, visit my tutorial at <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2013/01/half-square-triangles-hsts-8-at-a-time/" target="_blank">Sew Mama Sew</a>. Construct HST units as pictured. You may use 8 printed fabrics and arrange the "bracket" units so that the inverse color scheme is shown in blocks with the same fabric combo.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8347514167/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Brackets Quilt by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Brackets Quilt" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8347514167_046592f52a_z.jpg" width="429" /></a></div> <br /> 2) Arrange 8 HST bracket units (made of 8 HSTs each) in two columns of four, so that you are pleased with the color arrangement. Sew together blocks 2 and 3 in each column.<br /> <br /> 3) Sew sashing between the blocks and on the top and bottom of each row, as pictured.<br /> <br /> 4) Sew sashing strips through the center and to the left and right of your columns.<br /> <br /> 5) Add teal border strips to the top and bottom.<br /> <br /> 6) Add white border strips to the top and bottom.<br /> <br /> 7) Baste, quilt and bind as desired. <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8048650296/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Organizing Fabric Scraps by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Organizing Fabric Scraps" height="267" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8313/8048650296_5fdd4feb0b_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <h2> <b>Giveaway!</b></h2> I thought it would be a fun time for a giveaway. The prize will be a flat-rate box of fabric scraps from my stash, for your next quilting project. I am getting ready to move, so I've got lots and lots of scraps of all sizes that need to move to a good home!<br /> <br /> 1) Please leave a comment with your favorite colors to quilt with. Or favorite fabric designer, motif (geometric, florals, novelty, etc.) What do you love these days? This way, I'll know what fabrics to send you if you win.<br /> <br /> 2) Followers of my blog (old and new) may leave a second comment.<br /> <br /> <i>I'll choose a random winner a week from today's post. International entries welcome. Good luck!</i><br /> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com134tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-65759743881809767722013-01-04T08:00:00.001-08:002013-01-04T08:05:58.674-08:002013-01-04T08:05:58.674-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8289145148/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Quick Triangles Baby Quilt by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Quick Triangles Baby Quilt" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8502/8289145148_4e9452933f_c.jpg" width="535" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: left;"> Happy Friday, friends! I wanted to pop in and share my free tutorial for the Quick Triangles Baby Quilt, which is now up at the <a href="http://sewlux.blogspot.com/2013/01/design-challenge-tutorial-quick.html" target="_blank">Sew Lux Fabrics blog.</a> I finished this quilt in December, just before Indiana was pummeled with snow.</div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9c3AeTZt0HI/UM04Gs9wgJI/AAAAAAAACv4/59vQxinpkH0/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9c3AeTZt0HI/UM04Gs9wgJI/AAAAAAAACv4/59vQxinpkH0/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This is my <a href="http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?yhst-128812783015903+Zjvvsv+kits.html+" target="_blank">fabric bundle</a> from Sew Lux fabrics, which includes grays, yellow and aqua fabrics in modern prints by various designers. I wanted to challenge myself to make an entire quilt (crib size!) from these six fat quarters, and I'm really happy with my new-found method for making HSTs 8 at a time.&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> If you like this fabric combo, you can purchase a a bundle or a full quilt kit at Sew Lux. Chrissy at Sew Lux is super sweet and put together a kit for the border and binding fabric to match. The fabric bundle seen here is even on sale through January 10th! You can <a href="http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?yhst-128812783015903+Zjvvsv+kits.html+" target="_blank">get your fabrics here.</a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8288087407/" title="Quick Triangles Baby Quilt by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Quick Triangles Baby Quilt" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8492/8288087407_f9a1ab61a8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <i>Finished Quilt Size: 38" x 53"</i></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> If you've got six fat quarters though, you'll be ready to get started with this free quilt pattern, which you can find now at the <a href="http://sewlux.blogspot.com/2013/01/design-challenge-tutorial-quick.html" target="_blank">Sew Lux Fabric blog</a>.<b> </b>This pattern is very beginner-friendly, and I'd recommend it for showing off strong prints! </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8289144674/" title="Quick Triangles Baby Quilt by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Quick Triangles Baby Quilt" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8289144674_f94c914b49_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> What are my plans for this quilt? Well, all of the babies in my life have been recently gifted quilts, so I've decided to list this one in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/118505871/modern-baby-quilt-for-boy-or-girl-aqua?" target="_blank">Etsy shop<span style="color: black;">.</span></a> I hope the unisex color scheme will make some little boy or girl very happy!<br /> <br /> I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Matt and I are headed to Nashville tomorrow to begin the somewhat daunting task of finding a house to rent. I've been checking Craigslist, HotPads and Zillow like mad, but nearly every house we contact is already spoken for. Still, we've managed to schedule a look-see at three potential new homes. Wish us luck!</div> </div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-42271046242876505362013-01-02T07:50:00.000-08:002013-01-02T07:52:09.502-08:002013-01-02T07:52:09.502-08:00Good morning friends! I just wanted to let you know that I'm over at the <a href="http://sewlux.blogspot.com/2013/01/design-challenge-januarys-featured.html" target="_blank">Sew Lux blog</a> today, chatting about my favorite color combo (can you guess?), craft room organizational tips and my very first quilt.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?yhst-128812783015903+Zjvvsv+kits.html+" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3-RSk8wNvs0/UOO3gLeGf2I/AAAAAAAAFj4/21wYdaCLoXw/s1600/DesignChall-Jan2013-logo-blog.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: left;"> I had so much fun picking out a designer bundle from their lovely fabric shop, and here are my six picks! You can treat yourself to <a href="http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?yhst-128812783015903+Zjvvsv+kits.html+" target="_blank">this bundle</a> at Sew Luxe, on sale this week for just $13.50! (Regular price $15) </div> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8289144086/" title="Quick Triangles Baby Quilt by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Quick Triangles Baby Quilt" height="463" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8289144086_7c076cb4d1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /> <br /> I'll be back on Friday to share with you the project I made with these! Here's a sneak peek.<br /> <br /> <br /></div> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-46760019197217641172013-01-01T15:19:00.001-08:002013-01-01T15:37:10.782-08:002013-01-01T15:37:10.782-08:00Happy New Year! I hope your New Year's Eve was fun or relaxing, whichever you prefer. :) I spent the day sewing, made some buffalo chicken dip (mmm...) and didn't do anything too wild and crazy.<br /> <br /> Though I did get some fun mail yesterday, which I had to instagram right away! This is an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/octopurse?ref=pr_shop_more" target="_blank">Octopurse</a> made with Melody Miller's new fabric line, Ruby Star Sparkle. I won it as a prize in the Ruby Star Wrap Along at my friend <a href="http://sukie.mt-wudan.com/" target="_blank">Sukie</a>'s blog.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8335790684/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_0011 by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0011" height="309" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8493/8335790684_e65e075a55_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Isn't it to die for? As if I wasn't already counting my lucky stars, today I made a quilt block with the January pattern from my friend <a href="http://www.dontcallmebetsy.com/" target="_blank">Elizabeth</a>'s Lucky Stars Block of the Month Club. <br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8335642262/" title="Lucky Stars Quilt Block: January by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Lucky Stars Quilt Block: January" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8499/8335642262_cd2e780686_z.jpg" width="471" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric: Licorice Fizz by Carol Van Zandt for Andover</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> Each month you get a newsletter with a PDF foundation pieced pattern that you can print, as well as step-by-step photos to get you familiar with paper piecing. I haven't done any paper piecing myself since the <a href="http://www.lindsaysews.com/2012/05/block-9-new-york-beauty-quilt-along.html" target="_blank">New York Beauty Quilt Along</a>, so I did mess up a couple of times. But nothing that a simple seam ripper couldn't handle! Here are the blocks in the series:<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dontcallmebetsy/8284635578/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Lucky Stars FPP BOM Club by Don't Call Me Betsy, on Flickr"><img alt="Lucky Stars FPP BOM Club" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8284635578_5185fca3b9_z.jpg" width="304" /></a></div> <br /> If you resolve to try a new quilting technique this year, I'd recommend joining the <a href="http://www.dontcallmebetsy.com/2012/12/introducing-lucky-stars-block-of-month.html" target="_blank">Lucky Stars Block of the Month Club</a>. You can join now through January 5th for just $10. (After that, the cost goes up to $15, which is still totally worth it.) If you think these look too complex, Elizabeth has lots of helpful things in place to help you troubleshoot the blocks.<br /> <br /> You can do it!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Crafty Links</b></span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"> <a href="http://tammypowley.com/2012/12/26/meet-teddy-10/">Teddy Bear 1.0</a></span>:<span class="descr"> The Crafty Princess reviews one of Craftsy.com's amigurumi classes and shows off her first teddy bear attempt from the class. </span>&nbsp;</span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"> <a href="http://acreativedreamer.blogspot.com/2012/12/how-about-some-beer-and-pretzels.html">Make Beer Caramels</a></span>:<span class="descr"> Beer and pretzels... and caramel, oh my!&nbsp;&nbsp; </span> </span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"> <a href="http://cherieblogs.com/2012/06/13/new-paintings-hey-you/">New Paintings: Hey You</a></span>:<span class="descr"> Cherie shares paintings and poetry.</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"> <a href="http://tazscorner1.blogspot.com/2012/12/it-finally-happened.html">Received: Crafty Christmas Gifts</a></span>:<span class="descr"> Santa came early, and some arty eye candy for you to look at</span>&nbsp;</span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"> <a href="http://the-artful-crafter.blogspot.com/2012/02/photo-calendar-lets-you-keep-memories.html">Create a New Year Photo Calendar</a></span>:<span class="descr"> A photo calendar lets you keep memories close all year long. Here's how to design and bind one yourself.</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"> <a href="http://craftside.typepad.com/craftside/2012/12/index.html">Make a Recycled Paper Picture</a></span>:<span class="descr"> This week at Craftside there is a tutorial on how to make a recycled paper picture featuring text, a recycled box dollhouse and a recipe for a champagne cocktail called the Full Regalia.</span>&nbsp;</span><br /> </div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-57903495705212629862012-12-28T22:23:00.003-08:002012-12-28T22:23:47.947-08:002012-12-28T22:23:47.947-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8319126252/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 Accessories Lindsay Sews by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 Accessories Lindsay Sews" height="527" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8504/8319126252_4c7e457a97_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> It's this time of year that I like to look back at my sewing and see how I did with my crafty resolutions. When I look at my list of <a href="http://www.lindsaysews.com/2011/12/2011-sewing-goals-for-next-year.html" target="_blank">goals for 2012,</a> I think I did pretty well! I wrote my first quilt pattern, sewed some shirts for myself, branched out into free-motion quilting and even avoided last year's <a href="http://www.lindsaysews.com/2011/07/so-this-girl-walks-into-er-and-some.html" target="_blank">sewing-related injuries</a>.<br /> <br /> My husband said I should tell you all about a goal I set for 2012. I didn't blog about it, because I didn't want to sound all... you know. But I think it might be encouraging to some of you, so I'm just going to put it out there.<br /> <br /> I made a goal to myself that I would write 10 sewing patterns in 2012. I didn't write about it, but I thought about it, a lot. Well, wouldn't you know it, but I just finished writing my 10th pattern for the year, plus another 12 tutorials for <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/tutorials/" target="_blank">Craft Buds</a>. Crazy! So, whether or not you believe in setting New Year's resolutions, I hope you'll consider the power of setting some measurable goals. It has really made a huge difference for me, when I've been feeling "stuck" in a rut, to have something creative to work toward. </div> <ol></ol> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8319125826/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 Wearables Lindsay Sews by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 Wearables Lindsay Sews" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8319125826_97dc933234_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <b>2012 Highlights</b><br /> <ul> <li>Hosting a quilting retreat for the Indy Modern Quilt Guild at my house, and seeing my quilts hang in the fun First Fridays outdoor quilt show this summer</li> <li>Kicking off Craft Book Month at Craft Buds. I look forward to this event every year!</li> <li>Sewing and quilting. It was the year of the shirt! It was also the year of conquering free-motion quilting.</li> <li>Joining the Pillow Talk Swap, For the Love of Solids Swap, the Mod Stitches Bee and 4x5 Bee</li> <li>Going to Quilt Market and teaching at Sewing Summit</li> <li>Working as an editor for a <a href="http://www.craftfoxes.com/" target="_blank">craft website</a></li> </ul> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8318068883/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 Quilts and Patchwork Lindsay Sews by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 Quilts and Patchwork Lindsay Sews" height="549" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8318068883_7058b5866a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> <b> </b></blockquote> <b>&nbsp;In 2013, I'm excited to . . .</b></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <ol> <li>Continue writing patterns</li> <li>Sell our house and move to Nashville</li> <li>Make a Weekender Bag</li> <li>Go to Quilt Market again, and maybe another sewing trip</li> <li>Sew more with knit fabric</li> <li>Quilt with <i>do. Good Stitches</i> </li> <li>Show you my favorite quilt I've ever made :)<br /> </li> </ol> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <ol> </ol> </div> I'm linking up this post over at <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/craft-buds-2012-year-in-review-link-party/" target="_blank">Craft Buds,</a> for the 2012/2013 link party. It would make my day if you'd join us! <br /> <div class="Craft-Buds-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 200px;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/?p=7396"></a><br /> <img alt="Craft Buds" height="270" src="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/New-Year-Linky-Craft-Buds-3.jpeg" width="271" /></div> <!--end button code box--><br /> Cheers to the new year!<br /> <br /> <div style="padding-left: 30px;"> <i>This is the year when laughter douses charred and burnt-out dreams<br /> This is the year when wrens return to nest in storm-blown trees<br /> Is this the year of relocation from boughs of old despair?<br /> This is the year to perch on hope’s repair</i></div> <div style="padding-left: 30px;"> <i>&nbsp;</i><i> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</i>&nbsp; - lyric from <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=2&amp;cad=rja&amp;ved=0CD0QtwIwAQ&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Ds07nQs-D60Q&amp;ei=7XLeUIGmLMmjrAGgvoGgBw&amp;usg=AFQjCNHfhfl8Jn7ZZGRU0xIyJclv4aljWQ&amp;sig2=LFyfaFAz6ZVB9bVOkIy3-g&amp;bvm=bv.1355534169,d.aWM" target="_blank">"The New Year"</a> by Eric Peters&nbsp;<br /> <b><br /></b></div> <br /> <b>Have you made some sewing or blogging goals for 2013?</b>&nbsp; I'd love to hear what you are hoping to learn, make or do in the new year. <br /> <br /> <br /> &nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-45548845249589156612012-12-14T08:30:00.000-08:002012-12-14T08:31:04.484-08:002012-12-14T08:31:04.484-08:00<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8265505074/" title="E-Reader Sleeves by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="E-Reader Sleeves" height="474" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8265505074_8159d6f8a7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /> <br /> Just popping in to share some new <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/e-reader-sleeves-ipad-or-kindle-cover-pattern/" target="_blank">e-Reader sleeves</a> I made yesterday, with the tutorial I wrote over at Craft Buds. These are custom orders, and I'm loving the fabrics my friend picked out! The smaller size pictured fits an iPad, and the larger size fits a manilla file folder, or perhaps a laptop.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8264435379/" title="E-Reader Sleeves by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="E-Reader Sleeves" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8264435379_c98368a0c1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /> <br /> I quilted the smaller cover with wavy lines (both exterior and interior) and the larger zipper pouch has straight line quilting, which echoes the simple patchwork front. The fabrics are from Lotta Jansdotter (Echo and Bella) and Amy Butler (the yellow print is from Lark).<br /> <br /> Check out the <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/e-reader-sleeves-ipad-or-kindle-cover-pattern/" target="_blank">free e-Reader sleeve sewing pattern</a> if you'd like to make your own!<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>Crafty Links</b><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="title"><a href="http://www.mixed-media-artist.com/2012/12/lava-quilt-blooks-from-spoonflower-part_10.html">Mixed Media Artist</a></span>:<span class="descr"> Sometimes the design process can be painful! Cyndi decides to share some of her recent mistakes.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="descr"><span class="title"> <a href="http://the-artful-crafter.blogspot.com/2011/12/make-cute-bread-dough-clay-holly-leaf.html">How to Make Bread Dough Clay Holly Leaf Christmas Ornaments:</a> </span><span class="descr">Bread dough clay is fun for kids of all ages. What a great project for a wintry snow day!</span> &nbsp;</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="descr"><span class="title"> <a href="http://cherieblogs.com/2012/12/12/cd-scrapbook-ornaments/">CD Scrapbook Ornaments</a></span>:<span class="descr"> Cherie makes ornaments out of old CDs and scrapbooking supplies.&nbsp; </span> </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="descr"><span class="title"> <a href="http://acreativedreamer.blogspot.com/p/15-ornaments-15-days.html">ACreativeDream:</a>&nbsp; </span> <span class="descr">Ornaments, ornaments, ornaments! Fifteen of them in 15 days... and plenty of them you can get finished in time for THIS Christmas!</span>&nbsp; </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="descr"><span class="title"> <a href="http://tammypowley.com/2012/12/12/books-to-get-you-into-the-holiday-spirit/">Crafty Princess Diaries</a></span>:<span class="descr"> Get into the holiday spirit and get some great crafting and gift giving ideas from two books created by the folks at Country Living magazine.</span>&nbsp;</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="descr"><span class="title"> <a href="http://craftside.typepad.com/craftside/2012/12/index.html">Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at our crafty world:</a> </span><span class="descr">This week at Craftside there are tutorials on how to fold an origami gift box, make a recycled t-shirt wreath, create a comic with found text, some deer themed logos to inspire different drawing styles, and 6 tips for choosing healthy foods.</span> &nbsp;</span></span><br /> <span class="descr">&nbsp;</span><br /> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-64295245276737906482012-12-12T11:30:00.000-08:002012-12-12T11:30:01.085-08:002012-12-12T11:30:01.085-08:00I've been doing a little scheming over the past few weeks, and I'm excited to share with you the epic giveaway I've put together with Rachael at <a href="http://imaginegnats.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">imagine gnats</a> and Mary at <a href="http://craftbuds.com/" target="_blank">Craft Buds</a>! We started with a simple idea, and by contacting just one or two sponsors. Before we knew it, this giveaway had a life of its own!<br /> <br /> One of the fantastic parts of being a creative blogger is the encouragement and support of all of my readers. I was incredibly blessed this week to sell a quilt after I posted a photo to Flickr. It's the very first quilt I've sold, and it was on a total whim that I listed it! This was beyond encouraging, especially after vending at a craft fair this weekend, and barely breaking even on the cost of my table. I'm sure I'm not alone in this, and that many of you have been there, too.<br /> <br /> Thank you for the comments. Thank you for the likes. You keep me going and creating, and I cannot think of a better way to say thanks than to put together a huge giveaway in hopes that one of my readers would get to stuff their stocking with something to keep you creating and sewing well into the new year!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Prizes-and-Sponsors-Giant-Giveaway3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-7302 alignnone" height="511" src="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Prizes-and-Sponsors-Giant-Giveaway3.jpg" title="Stuff-Crafty-Stocking-Giveaway" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> I've teamed up with some fantastic bloggers and companies to help you have the craftiest Christmas ever! Enter the <b>Stuff Your Crafty Stocking Giveaway</b> for your chance to win one of five HUGE stocking stuffers. The total of all prizes is valued at more than $2,000!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/divider-bar.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="20" src="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/divider-bar.jpg" title="divider-bar" width="600" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Stocking-Stuffer-1.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7278" height="505" src="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Stocking-Stuffer-1.jpg" title="Stocking-Stuffer-1" width="600" /></a><br /> <a href="http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/Machines/Sewing-Quilting/Hello_Kitty_15822" target="_blank">Janome Hello Kitty 15822 Sewing Machine</a> • <a href="http://www.coatsandclark.com/" target="_blank" title="Coats and Clark">Coats + Clark</a> • <a href="http://joann.com/" target="_blank" title="Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores">Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/divider-bar.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7283" height="20" src="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/divider-bar.jpg" title="divider-bar" width="600" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Stocking-Stuffer-2.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7279" height="505" src="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Stocking-Stuffer-2c.jpg" title="Stocking-Stuffer-2" width="600" /></a><br /> <a href="http://www.andoverfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Andover Fabrics</a> • <a href="http://www.pinkcastlefabrics.com/" target="_blank">Pink Castle Fabrics</a> • <a href="http://sewnstudio.com/" target="_blank" title="Sewn Studio">Sewn Studio</a> • <a href="http://www.gotopatterns.com/" target="_blank">Go To Patterns</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/divider-bar.jpg"><img alt="" height="20" src="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/divider-bar.jpg" title="divider-bar" width="600" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Stocking-Stuffer-3.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7280" height="505" src="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Stocking-Stuffer-3.jpg" title="Stocking-Stuffer-3" width="600" /></a><a href="http://sewcanshe.com/" target="_blank">SewCanShe.com</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">• </span><a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/" target="_blank">Sew Mama Sew</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">• </span><a href="http://figgyspatterns.com/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank" title="Figgys Patterns">Figgy’s</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">• </span><a href="http://turtleturtle.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Casa Crafty</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/divider-bar.jpg"><img alt="" height="20" src="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/divider-bar.jpg" title="divider-bar" width="600" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Stocking-Stuffer-4.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7281" height="505" src="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Stocking-Stuffer-4b.jpg" title="Stocking-Stuffer-4" width="600" /></a><br /> <a href="http://www.freespiritfabric.com/" target="_blank">FreeSpirit Fabric</a> • <a href="http://www.aurifil.com/siteaurifil/VANESSA.html" target="_blank" title="Auriful Thread">Aurifil</a> • <a href="http://www.pellonprojects.com/" target="_blank">Pellon</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/divider-bar.jpg"><img alt="" height="20" src="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/divider-bar.jpg" title="divider-bar" width="600" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Stocking-Stuffer-5.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7282" height="382" src="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Stocking-Stuffer-5.jpg" title="Stocking-Stuffer-5" width="600" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" target="_blank">Craftsy</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/divider-bar.jpg"><img alt="" height="20" src="http://www.craftbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/divider-bar.jpg" title="divider-bar" width="600" /></a></div> <br /> To enter the giveaway, simply "Like" all of the Facebook pages below, and fill out the Google form letting us know you did. 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Duplicate entries will be deleted, and giveaway ends Monday, Dec. 17th. Good luck! <iframe frameborder="0" height="538" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dERSREpBNF9aTW5nV3hJNUd5WXVYemc6MA" width="450">Loading...</iframe> <i> </i> <i>&nbsp;</i><br /> <i>* This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. </i> <i>No purchase necessary. For alternate entry, e-mail </i><i><i>lindsay(at)craftbuds(dot)com with your full name and the subject line "Stuff Your Stocking Contest." </i></i><i>The sponsors will ship all prizes within 7 days of the end of the giveaway. Giveaway starts Monday, December 10th at midnight pm EST and ends Monday, December 17th at midnight EST. Once the giveaway ends, winners will be chosen using Random.org and contacted within 24 hours by e-mail. This main contest post at CraftBuds.com will be updated with winners’ names once we’ve heard back from them</i><i><i>.</i> Winners will need to respond within 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen. Some giveaways open worldwide. </i> <i> </i> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-13889986187351102772012-12-11T14:33:00.002-08:002012-12-11T14:33:46.822-08:002012-12-11T14:33:46.822-08:00Remember the <a href="http://www.lindsaysews.com/2011/08/equalizer-quilt-photo-shoot.html" target="_blank">Equalizer Quilt?</a> I had the best intentions of writing a free pattern or tutorial for this quilt, and never got around to it . . . until now!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8265700554/" title="Free Quilt Pattern: Equalizer Quilt by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Free Quilt Pattern: Equalizer Quilt" height="414" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8265700554_026de75993_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div> <br /> It's been nearly a year in the making, but I'm happy to say that I've written a pattern for this beginner friendly quilt, which you can <a href="http://www.pellonprojects.com/products/1475-equalizer-quilt.aspx" target="_blank">download for free at the Pellon Projects website.</a><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://http//pellonprojects.wordpress.com/become-a-project-artist/?w=863&amp;h=398" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://pellonprojects.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/projectartistfeature1.jpg?w=863&amp;h=398" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I'm so happy to be a <a href="http://pellonprojects.wordpress.com/become-a-project-artist/" target="_blank">Pellon Projects Artist.</a> I joined the program this summer and have loved meeting the lovely <a href="http://justplainlovely.com/" target="_blank">Erin</a> and getting to know more about Pellon's batting, interfacing and other fusibles. Sometimes it is confusing to figure out which batting to choose or what thickness of interfacing you need for a project, which is why I pop over to their site often to read up on the product descriptions. And if all else fails, I ask <a href="http://www.sewsweetness.com/" target="_blank">Sara!</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindsaysews/8264561873/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Equalizer Quilt: Free Quilt Pattern by Lindsay Sews {@CraftBuds}, on Flickr"><img alt="Equalizer Quilt: Free Quilt Pattern" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8264561873_cc331ac60c_z.jpg" width="428" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <i>The <a href="http://www.pellonprojects.com/products/1475-equalizer-quilt.aspx" target="_blank">Equalizer Quilt</a> is 60" x 78", and my sample is made with Habitat by Jay McCarroll. You'll need 4 fat quarters and 8 fat eighths of assorted prints and 3 yards of solid background fabric.</i> <b><a href="http://www.pellonprojects.com/products/1475-equalizer-quilt.aspx" target="_blank">Download the pattern for free at Pellon.</a></b></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <a href="http://www.pellonprojects.com/products/1475-equalizer-quilt.aspx" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085258980466019969.post-57417566741249197632012-12-08T06:46:00.001-08:002012-12-08T06:46:33.298-08:002012-12-08T06:46:33.298-08:00Thank you to all who left a comment to enter the <a href="http://www.lindsaysews.com/2012/12/giveaway-bella-solids-brights-fat.html" target="_blank">Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day</a> post. I asked for your color inspirations, and I got some new ideas of my own . . .<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/9068/products/bundle-carbon-footprint_1024x1024.jpg?1245" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/9068/products/bundle-carbon-footprint_1024x1024.jpg?1245" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: <a href="http://www.pinkcastlefabrics.com/collections/precuts-blogger-bundles/products/carbon-footprint-blogger-bundle-by-jason-from-pink-castle-fabrics" target="_blank">Pink Castle Fabrics </a></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> gray, mustard, navy</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> tonal ivories</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> gray and coral</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> navy blue and hot pink</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> red, white and powder blue</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> peacock blue and golden yellow</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> midnight blue, dark fuchsia and gold </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> aqua, lime and slate</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> cranberry, pink and grey</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> grey, lime green and navy blue </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Sounds like many of you are digging navy fabrics! Perhaps they got it wrong with Emerald as the Pantone color of the year?</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/lt/lt_cache/thumbnail/960/img/photos/2012/12/06/a7/a7/976efe9a638347a3a103af587f2fe8fd-304f38c738414daf84c9416dc698fc38-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/lt/lt_cache/thumbnail/960/img/photos/2012/12/06/a7/a7/976efe9a638347a3a103af587f2fe8fd-304f38c738414daf84c9416dc698fc38-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> Out of 397 comments . . .&nbsp; Congrats to commenter #395 Angie, who said, "I'm loving plum, grey, and aqua right now. I love reading all these comments to get inspiration! Thanks!"<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ_wtktRB2Y/UMNH0VG05qI/AAAAAAAACuE/xPGwOVdSlfw/s1600/Randomorg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ_wtktRB2Y/UMNH0VG05qI/AAAAAAAACuE/xPGwOVdSlfw/s1600/Randomorg.jpeg" /></a></div> Congrats Angie!<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmiJ4QrWG-M/TRGEKNuiqMI/AAAAAAAABkE/c0tbx10GEFM/s1600/sigpost2.jpeg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/">Craft Buds</a> and <a href="http://lindsaysews.etsy.com/">My Shop</a></div> Lindsay Connerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11280837364298961726noreply@blogger.com3