Quilt Girl

Lego Bernina!

2012-04-25T13:17:00.001-07:00

Okay, I thought I saw everything, but....look at this: IT IS A LEGO BERNINA! and it looks very close to MY sewing machine! I have one of the Quilt Edition 170e machines.

I fell in LOVE! Our son loves legos and he continues to love them, even at his young age of 24! So, here's to you Matt! Do you think you could make me one of these? haha

Tell me what you think? and can you recreate it? if so, please post on the Quilt Girl Flickr page!

Block of the Month #6~Courthouse Steps

2012-04-13T11:03:00.001-07:00

Here we have another Block of the Month...#6, Called, Courthouse Steps. This is a fun block to make, out of your scrappy-strippy leftovers. (all of the 2012 BOM's are made from strip scraps! or jelly rolls)

I love this particular block, because it is using prints from different friends and family members, as well as a few from my own stash! I really like the colors that were used in the block, the fruit print helped me decide on what else to use. Give that tip a try when making your block.

Here it is!

The pattern for courthouse steps is in my Free 2012 BOM tab! Enjoy!

click on my flickr page in the sidebar for other BOM photos!

And the Winner is......!

2012-03-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

We have a winner for the book, "Just for the Frill of it" by Sonja Nimri. Margaret Hall Diggs! congratulations to YOU, Margaret! We'll be sending her the book ASAP! And if you are interested in repurposing your clothing and updating them, please check the book out!

Below is a sample of how you can repurpose some old clothing. The green check is from an old shirt, as well as the green buttons..and the brown/pink print is left over from a quilt I made. The center square is from some fabric I purchased at a second hand store. I really LOVE using up things that I already have! OH, the yellow bucket was on sale at the JoAnns store, and it was a completely different color with a decal on the front...I like this much better with a little quilt. As you can see this hangs on a door to our guest bedroom. I think it is a beautiful thing to see as you enter!

You may find the pattern on the Today's Creative Home Arts website! Enjoy!

Book~Give A-Way!!

2012-03-03T08:50:00.001-08:00

I'll be having a wonderful give-a-way this month! DEADLINE: March 10th at midnight! EXTENDED TO MARCH 17TH!!! PLEASE READ THE ENTRY INFORMATION IN, RED, BELOW!

I'm giving away a cute little book called, "Just for the Frill of it" by Sonya Nimri. It is a signed copy, too!!!

See the cute cover?

From the back cover:

"All you do is snip here, frill there, and pretso, you've created a hot new wardrobe---all with stuff you already own! You know all those clothes shoved in the back of your closet? Admit it, you'll never wear any of that stuff again. But Sonya Nimri has inventive ideas for turning those old duds into dreams-com-true. Cut off the neck of that pill turtleneck and make a cute purse, transform an outdated scarf into a club-worthy halter top, stitch a pile of old ties together to create a head-turning skirt---and this is just the beginning! Easy to follow step-by-steps show how to use simple sewing, gluing, and embellishing to turn boring into boho-beautiful. What are you wanting for? Grab your scissors and give your old clothes a new life---just for the frill of it!"

Here are a few sample projects from the book! Aren't they darling!

All you need to do is: (You'll earn a "drawing" for each step.) THIS MAY SOUND CONFUSING... SO, I'LL EXPLAIN...YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO POST A COMMENT AND SIGN UP FOR UPDATES, IF YOU WANT TO DO THE EXTRA 3 ITEMS, YOU MAY ... TO HAVE 5 ENTRYS!

1. Leave a comment about"What would I want to repurpose?" (PLEASE SHARE WHICH METHODS YOU DO, IN YOUR COMMENT! SO, I CAN TRACK THEM. THANKS SO MUCH AND GOOD LUCK!)

2. Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/deniseclason

3. Follow me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/deniseclasonstudios

4. Subscribe to my blog with email.

5. Re-tweet to your friends AND/OR post on your Facebook page. You'll need to share your Facebook name in the comment.

So, you'll have a total of 5 entries when you do the above! if you want an extra bonus!!! you can share the link on your Facebook page!

xoxo

Denise

Floor Tiles~Inspiration for a Quilt!

2012-02-25T18:40:00.002-08:00

I have a fascination with floor tiles and after you see these pictures, you'll see why! Here they are:

These were taken in a hotel that I stayed in. I can't remember the hotels name, but...I fell in love with the floor! The floor looked like a QUILT!!! Every time I look at these photos, I'm inspired to design a quilt. One day I will have to break down and sew one up! I also like the colors! The tiled design was so big, I couldn't get it all in the one picture!

Have any of you been inspired by something you've seen on your travels? I'd love to hear about them, please make a comment!

happy quilting,

xoxo

Denise

I {Heart} Pinterest!

2012-02-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

I know I've mentioned this before, but, I really do love pinterest! Just to show you how much, I've decided to make the Meatball Minestrone Soup ,that I pinned the other day, for Sunday dinner! We have our kids over with their families each Sunday and this will be perfect!...

I may also make the biscuit recipe that goes with the chicken soup recipe in my "Yummmm" folder!

Don't they both look yummy! Let me know how yours turns out!

xoxo

Denise

How do you like your Sugar Cookies?

2012-02-11T16:37:00.000-08:00

I LOVE, LOVE sugar cookies! I have loved them ever since I found the recipe I'm going to share with you, today! I found this recipe when I was away at University and would spend time in the library ....to study....and to look at books (cook books to be exact) I was interested in....(I used to study for only about an hour and "play" the rest of the time.) Can you relate to this? I hope so, cause I don't want to be the only one!

Anyway, I like my sugar cookies more on the thin side with a little crunch and a little brown on the edges. I'll like them plain, but, then I also like to have a great frosting on them, too....I have found a frosting that I love, too! I'll share that with you!

We like to freeze our cookies so they taste fresh for several days...but, I don't think they'll last that long!

This is how we decorate our cookies:

Here are a few more ideas on how to decorate your cookies (some of the pics have their website names on them and give instructions for you! YAY!):

Enjoy!
xoxo
Denise

Here is my favorite recipes:

Sugar Cookies-Our family favorite!

1 C butter (real is best)
1-2/3 C sugar
2 eggs
3 t vanilla
3-1/2 C flour
2-1/2 t baking powder
3/4 t salt
Cream butter and sugar with electric mixer. Add eggs and vanilla and cream until light and fluffy. Sift flour, baking power and salt into wet ingredients and mix well. Let chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. Roll out on floured board. Cut out and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake @ 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Makes about 5 + dozen.

Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting

1/2 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon butter flavoring
1 pound (3 1/2 cups) sifted confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)
3 to 4 tablespoons milk or light cream, or to make smooth and spreadable

Preparation:

Cream butter, salt, vanilla and butter flavoring, beating with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the confectioners' sugar gradually, beating after each addition. Add 3 tablespoons milk or light cream, beating until smooth. Beat in more milk ,until spreading consistency is reached and the frosting is spreadable. Makes about 2-1/3 cups of frosting, enough to frost tops and sides of of an 8-inch 2-layer cake or a 10-inch tube or bundt cake, or about 1 dozen cupcakes.

How to make a Quilted Card!~great for Valentines!

2012-02-10T14:50:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Are you forever looking at left over blocks or pieces from a quilt that didn't quite make it into the quilt? Well, I have the solution for YOU! I had so many little four-patch pieces left over from a quilt, that I decided to make something worth remembering and passing on to someone else!

Now, if you want to print a little message inside, you should do that first and then cut to size recommended in the instructions! you may also want to add your name or sentiment on the back of the card, like you see @ the big card companies!

Well, now that I've got your brain full of ideas, you can even create a card with a heart block for the front or whatever you choose for Valentines Day! (note: the block should be square, for some reason my picture changed while uploading to blog.)

(click to enlarge and print)

*Please abide by the copyright laws and give credit when sharing.

Enjoy! xoxo and Have a Great Valentines day!
Denise

Quilt Girl Flickr Group! Join us!

2012-02-08T11:04:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I just created a quilt flickr group for Quilt Girl! Yes, you can upload all of your fun block-of-the-month photos to this group! Right now we are making use of all of our strips or left over quilt pieces in these blocks. Click on the tab, above, for Block of the month to see the FREE patterns.

These Strip blocks are fun blocks and they kill two birds with one stone! No more extra strips laying around, PLUS beautiful blocks for a beautiful quilt! We have 5 blocks right now! I'm working on block 6, so join in! Sign up for email subscriptions for notifications! and the join the Quilt Girl Group on Flickr! Can't wait to see you!

I have a new discussion on the Flickr group! "What are you working on right now?" so, tell us what YOU are working on!

xoxo, happy quilting!

Denise

What was your Messiest Moment?

2012-02-08T08:10:00.000-08:00

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I grew up where we had a garden every summer. It wasn't a small garden, it was a BIG garden! We all had a part, in the garden, to make it grow and be successful. I especially liked working with the tomatoes, they were so pretty, red and easy to pick...as they were tall and in cages. All I had to do was put my hands in the 4" squares and pick a juicy, red, ripe tomato!

One particular day, I went to the garden to pick some tomatoes, I thought I would use my shirt to put them in...(a true farmer! haha). Well, when I got back into the house, I dropped off the tomatoes into the kitchen, went into the bathroom to wash...and low and behold...there was red all over my white shirt. (did I fail to tell you I was wearing white?) What was I to do? ...I knew Clorox was great at bleaching out stains...so, I put together a solution of bleach and water, poured it over my WHITE shirt and voila!!! it was WHITE again! I was the happiest person in the world! the rest of the story....because, this was not only a white shirt, it was a white shirt that I made myself! Thank you Clorox!

I ‘m sharing my messy moment for the chance to win prizes from TidyMom as part of Clorox’s Bleach It Away campaign.

Table Runner & Napkin Ring Pattern

2012-02-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

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I have a very talented daughter, named Erin Winfree! She designed a beautiful table runner for an online magazine and I wanted to share it with you. [I am a proud mama!] She picked out the fabrics from my stash and away she went! She figured out a pattern for any skill levels! AND it turned out beautiful!.... as you can see:

Runner is 17" x 47"

She used Insul-bright for the batting, so that when a hot pan sits on top, it will protect the table top! Isn't that genious!? The pattern also comes with a napkin-ring pattern. You can find the pattern on the Crafts'n Things online newsletter!

For the runner you'll need:

Here is a link to the pattern illustrations.

Fabrics & Embellishments
• Fat quarter (FQ) prints: beige (A), one; medium purple (B), one; salmon (C), one; medium green/cream (D) for border and part of blocks, two; green floral (E) for center block and backing, four; dark purple (F) for block and binding, three; light green/cream (G), one.
• Salmon satin ribbon, ½"-wide, 3-½ yards.

Tools & Supplies
• Insul-Bright Batting, 1 yard (The Warming Company®).
• Lite Steam-A-Seam2, 9"x12" (The Warming Company®).
• All-Purpose Dual Duty XP thread, to match (Coats & Clark®).
• KK2000 "green" Temporary Spray Adhesive (Sulky®).
• Fray Check™ (Dritz®).
• Basic sewing and quilting supplies: sewing machine, straight pins, scissors, rotary cutter.
• Sewing machine feet: quilting foot, ¼"; darning foot, zipper foot.
• Iron and ironing surface.
• Cloth napkins to match.

The rest of the pattern is on the Crafts'n Things website!

This can be made many times in different seasonal colors! Easy to make and machine quilt! Enjoy! I have!

xoxo
Denise

Pinterest....a dream come true!

2012-02-03T08:27:00.000-08:00

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Hi fellow quilters!

I've been having so much fun on pinterest, it is a dream come true! I have fallen in LOVE with how easy it is to store great inspiring images! I'm sure all of you, who have your own boards, have realized this, too. As it is getting more hype than any other social media site on the internet! I'm working on filling my pinterest with things that inspire me, (like most), as well as projects I would like to may, (as most) and making friends, especially quilting friends!

Pinterest is a great place to "file" any image you want to keep handy for future drooling over and admiring! Here are a few pics of quilts I absolutely fell in love with:

I also have a "board" for my designs and work in the quilt an craft industry, too! If you want to be part of the pinterest rage...you will need to be "invited" when you send in your inquiry. It make take a little while....but, believe me it is worth every minute of waiting! You can see that it is worth checking it out!

Check out my pinterest board by going to: www.pinterest.com/deniseclason I'll see you on the board!

xoxo
Denise

NEW BLOG! YAY!

2012-01-24T14:40:00.000-08:00

I've been getting my blog switched over and wanted to thank you all for being so patient! I just added a FREE Block-of-the-Month to the menu bar! It is starting out with 5 blocks! (aren't you lucky!) :O)

Subscribe to my blog, so that you won't miss one of these great blocks!

I look forward to our friendship as I blog about what I love, QUILTS! I love hearing your comments about what you are doing, too. So, please feel comfortable posting comments!

Thanks again! Please post your pics on my flickr page, in the Strip BOM folder!

xoxo

Denise

What does your Craft Room look like?

2011-11-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

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I've decided to purge! Yes, It is REALLY time to do it. I keep things because, some day.....I could use it for....??? Really???... Do I HAVE to keep everything??? (yes, in a whisper) AND, on the other side, I do like a challenge, so the "stuff" is really a challenge to use up, right?! (can you see that I'm trying to talk myself into keeping everything..) I'm talking not only my fabric stash, I'm talking books, files, paint, art supplies, quilt supplies, unfinished painted projects, old jeans, etc. you name it, I probably have it, whether is it finished or not...you know "some day....I COULD use that!

So, Here are a few pictures of my too full studio! It is also the messiest it has ever been! After finished my apron book, Sewing Vintage Aprons (you know, you have to leave stuff out to get to it quickly when working on a book.) and other "deadlines" ...my workroom became an organized-STACKED-room-of-clutter!......and believe it or not...I know where everything is!
So, here it all is...in its glory! TA DA-----

Here we have the first photo, above, it is in the North-West corner of the room. By the window.

On the Counter Top: 4-in-1 printer, paint, lamp, overflow fabric, water basin and part of my ribbon storage.

Above the Cabinets: Plastic tubs full of designer dolls, unfinished wood/birdhouses, gallery glass stuff, unfinished painted projects, misc. wire supplies. lamp shades, paint palette, wreath, basket, vintage fabric, knitting supplies.

Inside of Upper Cabinets: Organized fabric stash, I'll show pics of inside, in another post.

Inside of Lower Cabinets: The Warm Co. Batting rolls, pillow forms, misc. fabric bags (drawers)

This is a picture just left of the above picture, the West wall. I've got:

On the Counter: Ribbon box, misc. fabric scraps (in plastic bags), fabric stash, leftover fabric from a project. This is supposed to be my "open" cutting area, well, everything was dropped here, because it was "open" space...not any more...I've put it to good use, haha!

In Upper Cabinets: Organized fabric stash, you'll see later on.

This picture, above, is just below the previous picture on the West wall. It has: (walking space! YAY!)

Under the Counter: A light box that my husband made, which I painted, Viking Designer SE sewing machine and embroidery unit, batting I'm not going to keep..too stiff!, Legal 2-drawer filing cabinets which houses my unfinished wood/painted projects on top (and it is stacked full!) and the lower drawer houses my painting instruction books/patterns, and Create and Decorate, Crafts'n Things, Sewing Savvy magazines which have my designs. On top of the filing cabinet is a pressing sheet for applique.

Here we have a picture of the South/West Corner just left of the West wall above. This is what I call my "black hole," because the counter ends and I have some floor space in the corner, which I can't get to very easily! It has a TON of stuff! Here we go:

In Front of Cabinet: stool with a box of batik fabric, on top of that are aprons from my grandmother, below the stool is a stack of paperwork waiting to be filed. (4 drawer filing cabinet to the side.)

Inside of Lower Cabinet: Here I have a large rolling luggage for my sewing machine. Finished projects from my first 6 books, old sewn items from when I was a child, unfinished quilts. (3)

On Top of Counter: I have a box of fabric/ties for a book idea, punch needle project, Bag of fabric set aside for another quilt. 3 Boxes of fabric collections from designer friends ( just have to keep them together), Two rotary cutting rulers (large square), stacks of fabric set aside for apron book (that I didn't use), batting from another project, (my decorart, delta paints are on the back wall in containers that my husband made for me! Saves me a lot of space!!!)

Inside the Upper Cabinets: Left side is full of Lion Brand yarn, silk flower supplies, office supplies, my old book manuscripts (originals), computer software boxes.

In the Corner (black hole): I have a hanging rack my husband made to hang unfinished projects, underneath the rack I have room to store my mannequin, quilting frames (husband made), rolls of pattern paper, canvas, box of computer stuff, yard sticks, folding cutting board.

This is the South wall in my workroom, it is opposite of the window. Here I have:

On the Floor: You can see a little piece of my quilting frames, that my husband made, on the lower left. I painted them with quilt blocks. They were out because a friend borrowed them. My mannequin is out with a sample apron from my apron book, unfinished...because I was testing the pattern. 4 drawer filing cabinet, which holds all of my paperwork, manufacturer's information, pattern packets, Trade show travel folders.

On Top of Filing Cabinet: My Singer Featherweight sewing machine (can't see) because I have my two iron boxes and iron in front of it. a "T" square, metal ornamental design, box of vintage art and sewing machine cover.

Inside the Pantry: This is the tall 24" deep by 24" wide by 7' tall cabinet. I have a lot of fabric meant for clothing, many vintage aprons, vintage towels, vintage fabric for a double wedding ring quilt, manufacturer's tools/supplies, fabric on bolts, ironing supplies, DMC embroidery threads/patterns, crochet spools/patterns, interfacings, metal tools/snaps, Clover hooks & buckles for purses, etc., Beading supplies, you name it, it is in there...and stacked two layers deep! I know what is in there and where!!!

On Top of the Pantry Cabinet: I have a "Lap" hand quilting frame, and a hammock...waiting to be used!!!

This is just to the left of the pantry cabinet. It is the South/East Corner of my workroom. You can see that I have a lot of stuff here, too...so here goes: (first let me say that I work in a Loft area that is 10' x 11'. and I'm very, very lucky to have an open window to the downstairs...otherwise I think I would be very claustrophobic!)

Behind the sewing table: You can see my ironing area, with all of the supplies on the sewing table. My Unique Sewing Furniture sewing table is my Love! (next to my family) It is 4' wide and 2' deep...with a drop table that can open up to make a 4' x 4' space for quilting!

On top of this table are: ironing supplies, 4 baby p.j's ready to be made up, CD/radio player (thought I would listen to music) but it was too big! CD holder, Magazine projects that were returned to me the week before, pin cushion, stack of paperwork to be moved to filing cabinet and home office, digital camera case.

You can see that there IS some carpet and it is only about 2 feet wide, so I have a zig-zag walk area to get in and out of my studio.

Underneath Sewing Table: garbage can (not usually here), embroidery unit for Bernina 170E, Sketchbooks with designs/patterns.

This picture is the North/East corner of my workroom, just across from my sewing table. I use the same chair to work at my desk that I use to sew at the machine.

Inside of the Tall Plastic Drawers: I have a TON of misc. supplies in these drawers, beginning with wooden pieces, metal pieces/vintage hardware, twine, metal wire, glue, Steam-A-Seam fusible webbing, vintage quilt blocks, unfinished quilt tops, painting supplies, beaded trim/rope...all at arms/hands reach!
On Top of Plastic Drawers: This is really a junk pile of stuff I don't know what else to do with. I have some misc. quilt blocks, a kitty cat pin cushion, stack of BOM patterns, wooden giraff to hold project pictures or instructions, broken lamp (I think I can fix...yeah right! haha), old magazines.
Wall-Shelf Cabinet: I have some Zip file storage on one of the shelves, a couple external hard drives...I love these...getting rid of the zip file SOON! I also have a few notebooks, another pin cushion (she keeps my hand sewing needles)

On the Wall: Here I have some of my favorite ornaments, daughter/SIL photo, my grandma's boot pin cushion. (if you want to make the boot pin cushion, I have a FREE pattern on my website.) The pin cushion is perfect for a holiday gift! I also have an old painted clip light...haven't used for a LONG time, as well as a favorite scrapbook page.

On the Desk Corner: There is a standing file that my husband made for me and I painted. (too bad I can't see the painting anymore...it is covered by another box, which holds more stuff that I use almost daily!) I need to find a better way to get to these things! You can also see that I have a datebook, magazines with my designs in them, waiting to be sent out for endorsements. You can also see that I have my IPod (green case), candle, pen/pencil holder, and my favorite OTT light w/magnifier!!! Great for sewing and ripping out! haha

Here you are viewing the North side of my workroom, with the window. The window helps me feel like my room is larger than it is because I can see OUT! Here you are seeing:

On my Desk: Laptop, computer CD storage, phone, a little stack of "to-do's" by the mouse pad.

Small Plastic Drawers: I LOVE this stack of drawers! It has 6 drawers! And 4 of them house part of my Coats and Clark, Gutermann, Sulky, Auriful thread collection! The top drawer holds my office supplies that I need at a moments notice, like stapler, address labels, business cards, envelopes, paper clips, tape, checks, etc. Then I have 4 drawers full of thread, all color coordinated. The bottom drawer has misc. paper products, old vintage keys, small notebooks, post-its, etc.

Underneath Desk: Under the desk and behind the thread drawers, I have three more plastic containers of thread! I have AURIfil as well as Sulky Embroidery threads in their respective cases. I also have my first sewing machine, a Viking 6360! It is a work horse and keeps me grounded when the computer sewing machines cause me a fit! haha Behind the thread cases, I have my ribbon/trims cases. I have two of these with two drawers each. I'll post how I store my ribbon and trims in another blog post!

So...I'm sharing one of my work spaces with you, because I was at the point of going crazy. I've started cleaning and throwing out and putting away! I'll post pics when it is all done...I'm doing this because I need to have my mind clear again to design....AND I want to set up my new IMAC!!! I told myself I have to have a clean room, first!!!

I hope I have inspired you to clean up your work area, as well as given you SOME ideas on how to keep things organized...the later will be in another post! When everything IS put away! Thanks for reading my blog!

Now...tell me what you want to do with your space???!!!

Denise

diane flowers art and design: Never Give Up !

2011-11-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

diane flowers art and design: Never Give Up !

Bake the perfect Potato in your Microwave!

2011-11-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

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One of the fun Make it-Take-its at Quilt Market in Houston TX, was a Potato Bag! It is a GREAT bag that when used in the microwave can bake the PERFECT potatoe! Not only does it cook the perfect potato, it will also cook your corn-on-the-cob! AND I warm up my tortillas in them and they stay warm for a long time afterwards!

The Warm Company makes a 100% natural cotton batting, called their "Warm Tater," just for this purpose (and other quilting projects). But, because you want to have only natural products around your food, they came up with the best batting! If you go to their website, you'll find the instructions on how to make this great bag! As well as instructions on how to use it!

I will be giving mine away as a gift to one of my daughters for Christmas! It went together fast! Here is a picture of how it looks! If you look for potato prints, you may find some, BUT, you can use any fabric you'd like!

What an easy, fun and inexpensive gift to make! have fun making one for your friends and family!

Denise

Create a Thanksgiving Table Topper~w-Sizzix

2011-11-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

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If you are wondering what to make for a table topper for Thanksgiving, I have the perfect project. I made this last year and fell in love with it! This cute little house made such a great impression on my dining room table! I covered the table with a seasonal cloth first and then added a basket with greenery and put this cute little scene in front of it! My home was ready for Autumn in no time!

This Fall project is featuring the Sizzix Scoreboards Pro Die-House, 3D by Eileen Hull!

Sizzix Scoreboard Pro Die House 3D by Eileen Hull
***Link on how to construct the 3D house!

I used the glazing medium to adhere the wrinkled tissue paper to the house. Let it dry and then paint with the English Mustard and Wrought Iron in respective places. ‘Antique’ with the Burnt Umber.

For the Base, Trace the top shape onto the wrong side of fabric, cut out and then adhere with watered down Tacky Glue, Let dry. Paint the edges with Burnt Umber and “float” or shade the top edge of the fabric. Use Satin Varnish for sealing the project and give a finishing touch on all pieces, including the pumpkin!

Here are the items you will need to make this cute Festive Fall House:
1. Sizzix die #656836
2. Sizzix 12 x 12 matboard, white
3. Sizzix Big Shot Pro Die cutting machine
Additional supplies needed to make the Fall Celebration house:
Glazing Medium
(1) sheet tissue paper
Folk Art Paint in colors–English Mustard, Burnt Umber, Wrought Iron, Permanent rose, Hauser Green Lt.
Loew-Cornell brushes, 1/2″ flat, 1″ flat, #1 liner
Satin Varnish
(1) 6″ square sheet Therm-0-Web Double Stick Tape
Aleene’s Tacky Glue
Walnut Hollow #23426 Basswood Surface
10″ square fabric by Brenda Pinnick (Henry Glass)
Small 4″ pumpkin, pick one with leaves on the stem!
Fall Floral spray
Paper towels, water basin, paint palette. sharp scissors

Enjoy!
Denise

Quilted Bags and Totes~Jessica's Backpack redo!

2011-10-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I often receive photos from people who purchase my books and I absolutely LOVE to see what you do with my designs! Here is a wonderful version of Jessica's backpack from my Quilted Bags and Totes book:

Barbara from Minneapolis MN made this beaufitul backpack for her granddaughters 6th birthday! She will use it to go to kindergarten! How sweet it is to fussy cut the "K" for the flap as her name begins with a K! Thanks for sharing, Barbara! Can't wait to see what else you create from Quilted Bags and Totes!

Here is a cover of the book:

Here is a picture of the original Jessica's backpack:

If you are interested in purchasing a copy, please go to my website: http://www.deniseclason.com/
thanks so much!

If you are interested in buying my latest book, Sewing Vintage Aprons (signed copy can be purchased from my website), or you can purchase a copy from Amazon- here:

Hug yourself in a quilt, xoxox

Denise

Sewing Vintage Aprons~New Annie's Apron

2011-10-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I remade one of the aprons in my Sewing Vintage Aprons book and wanted to share! It is the red apron on the cover of the book! To buy: Sewing Vintage Aprons If you want a "signed" copy, please buy from my website: http://www.deniseclason.com/

A friend of mine, Tara Reed, sent me some of her fabric that she designed for South Sea Imports. Here is a picture of the apron made from the "Welcome to the Roost" fabric:

Isn't it ADORABLE?

Now Create & Decorate Magazine is posting a FREE Annie's Apron pattern on their blog...Free Annie's Apron Pattern from my book, Sewing Vintage Aprons!

Please Enjoy! and spread the word! on your facebook and twitter posts! thanks so much!

xoxo
Denise

Apron Tablecloth...so CUTE!

2011-09-21T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I went to a fun country fair last week and found this vintage red gingham apron used as a tablecloth. It was so cute and creative that I had to take a picture. So glad I had my camera! I'm thinkin' I'll have to use one of my vintage aprons as a tablecloth some day!

The white Wrights rick-rack which also adorns the apron really gives it a great touch, Yay for the 50's! If you want to make a vintage apron, check out my newest book, Sewing Vintage Aprons! There is a half apron with black stitching and black rick rack!

As long as we are talking about food and aprons, I wanted to share a picture of my grandson, Ryan. He loves to bake and so here we are making sugar cookies! He also has a play set of sugar cookies. They are wooden with wooden frosting that you attach with velcro...even comes with a cookie sheet, spatula, oven mitt...which he never forgets! We made the "oven" out of a cardboard box and we colored the handles and windows with Crayola crayons. The wooden sugar cookies are fun to play with ....even for grandma! haha (I like the way the real cookies taste, much better!)

We made my favorite sugar cookie recipe! I've been making it for over 35 years.

Sugar Cookies-Our favorite!
1 C butter (real is best)
1-2/3 C sugar
2 eggs
3 t vanilla
3-1/2 C flour
2-1/2 t baking powder
3/4 t salt
Cream butter and sugar with electric mixer. Add eggs and vanilla and cream until light and fluffy. Sift flour, baking power and salt into wet ingredients and mix well. Let chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. Roll out on floured board. Cut out and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake @ 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Makes about 5 + dozen.

I couldn't forget my grand daughter, Evelyn (named after my dad's mother)...Here she is trying to crawl. About 4 months old. She is now 7 months old. I LOVE her in these white crop pants! Just too cute! She is laying on top of a blanket that my maternal grandmother made for MY daughter. It is 25 years old and has been loved a lot!

The child's blanket is very simple to make,

You will need:
(2) two yard lengths of fabric (make one length flannel, prewash and press fabrics)
2 yards 80/20 Fairfield batting
1 spool 50 weight Aurifil thread, to match fabric
Lion Brand Jamie yarn to match or coordinate with fabric
(1) Gold Eye Taspestry needle by Clover
Blue painters tape

Layer backing flannel, face down onto large table or floor. Tape around the edges with blue tape. Layer batting, layer topping fabric, face up. Thread needle with yarn. You may want to have several of thse ready to go to save time. With a piece of cardboard or tag board, create a 4" square. Use the square to position each "tie" of yarn. Create a tie with the yard by going through all three layers of the quilt. Go across the quilt and when you run our of yarn, stop and cut the yard between stitches. Tie each yarn into a square knot. Repeat and cover the quilt with ties! Very cute!
Remove the painters tape and turn the top fabric over to the bottom fabric, create a hem and stitch it down with your sewing machine!

Hug yourself in a quilt! and eat some comfort food....maaaaybe some sugar cookies!

xoxo
Denise

Fig Tree & Co. and Joanna Figueroa

2011-09-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I know it has been a LONG time since I've posted. I feel very bad about it, too! I've been busy with our new little grand daughter, Evelyn! And she is adorable! I also have a grandson, Ryan, who is now 3 1/2 years old and they both are so much fun, especially when they are together. Evelyn loves to watch her brother and she laughs at all of his running around and giggling! Makes me smile to write about them!

Now, on with the rest of the story....

I took a quilt class! Yes, I did! I decided I needed to get out of my studio and experience the "real" world...at the quilt store and not just my "stash" store (even though I have enough fabric to make enough quilts to keep me happy for a life time)! When I found out that Joanna, from Fig Tree & Co. was coming to Henderson, NV to the Quiltique quilt store, I had to buy my "place" right then. There were only 22 seats in the classroom. I found out that I was the 7th person to get a place in the class! I was ecstatic, I just love Joanna's fabrics!

Here is the interesting part....I happened to go into Quiltique a few weeks prior to the class, not knowing about it, and bought one of Joanna's "whimsy" jelly rolls! (Then I saw the class online and bought my "seat.") Well, I ordered the Jelly and Jam pattern and when I got to the class, I found out that it was made using the whimsy jelly roll! It couldn't have been a more surreal moment! It made my day! There were no more whimsy prints or jelly rolls in the store by that time. Here's a photo of me with Joanna, in front of the Jelly and Jam quilt! (with the jelly roll prints from Whimsy by Moda!)

The class was FULL with fun women talking and chatting! I realized how much I missed the sounds of happy women sewing! I also ran into two of my painting chapter friends...they happened to sit right next to me! so...needless to say I had a fantastic day!

I took my cute little featherweight machine and she stitched her heart away, finishing 10 blocks and 10 more almost finished blocks.

We made the "end of day" block for the jell and jam quilt. They are quick and easy blocks to make!

I've been sewing at home and have only 10 more to finish, then on to the sashing, borders, etc.! can't wait to finish it up! Here's a photo showing part of my blocks, they are stacked, so you can't see them all. It also shows the yellow fabric I'll use for the sashing, the green check I'm using for the border and the floral print for the backing!

Here are a few more pictures from the class!

A quilt Joanna showed us (above), and I bought the pattern.

I'll be making the above version of the Jelly and Jam Pattern. I love it and can't wait until it is finished!

Another Jelly and Jam quilt, with striped borders.

I bought this Prairie Rose bag pattern and can't wait to make it out of the fabric on the left!

It was a fun day! Can't wait to finish the quilt and quilt it all up on my new APQS George machine!

Hug yourself in a quilt!
Denise

If you want to see the images at full size, click on them. Thanks for visiting my blog!

Vintage Fabric~Love Ebay!

2011-09-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE vintage fabric! I shop on Ebay.com often just to find beautiful vintage fabric. My "Sewing Vintage Aprons" book just came out in July and so whenever I see a fabric that would be perfect for an apron, I snatch it up!

I ran across some really great fabric last week while shopping on ebay.com. Here is it:

Isn't it perfect for an apron? I love the folkart roosters and houses! Not to mention the floral in the dotted circle! It is a heavier, more 'decorator' weight print, but still perfect for those aprons where a thin fabric is just not enough. There were 2+ yards to play with. My heart just smiled when I got it in the mail! Can't wait to make it up! I may use the Grace Apron in my Sewing Vintage Aprons book:

Hug yourself in an apron!

xoxox
Denise

WE HAVE A WINNER!

2011-04-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

We have a winner for the give-away that I featured in my last post! Her name is Luci D. Congratulations to Luci! What I did was write your names on pieces of paper and spread them out on my desktop and with my eyes closed, and they were closed, I picked up a paper and hers was drawn! ....but, don't be discouraged! I'll be having other give aways in the future! Subscribe to my blog to keep up on the news! It could be you next time!
Denise

QUILT Pattern(s) GIVE AWAY!

2011-04-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I have some very cute quilt patterns to give away! Just comment and leave me a way to contact you and I'll have a drawing to see who wins these great patterns! They are She-DA designed by Dana Brooks of Lazy Daisy Cottage for Henry Glass & Co. Fabrics, and Amy Butler's Sunshine Quilt, made from her line of fabrics called, "Soul Blossoms" for Rowan fabrics by Westminster Fabrics.

The She-da pattern was designed with certain fabrics, but can easily be created using some of your favorites!

Here is a picture of the 78" x 92" quilt.

Here is the other pattern by Amy Butler for Rowan Fabrics:

This Amy Butler pattern is on cardstock and is one I received at Quilt Market last year.

Be sure to make a comment to get a chance to win these patterns! Please leave a contact email for me to contact you!!!

Good Luck! Hug yourself in a quilt!

Denise

I'm a new grandma!

2011-02-23T17:43:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone, I wanted to share that we have a new grand daughter! Her name is Evelyn Jane, born February 16, 2011, 8 lbs 20 oz. and 20″ long. She is an arm full of perfection! She is just beautiful, as you can see!

Here I am after only about 15 minutes. And I think I look pretty good!

Here I am all snuggled up in my car seat, ready to go home. Don’t I look so precious and sweet…almost look like a “real” doll! I was a big girl, but don’t look like it in this picture!
As you can see, Grandma is very proud of this little girl, who came 5 days late! She is going to be so much fun!!!
***Does anyone have tips on how to help Evelyn get her days and nights switched to normal???
Denise

Quilt Girl

Lego Bernina!

Block of the Month #6~Courthouse Steps

And the Winner is......!

****Book~Give A-Way!!****

Floor Tiles~Inspiration for a Quilt!

I {Heart} Pinterest!

How do you like your Sugar Cookies?

Preparation:

How to make a Quilted Card!~great for Valentines!

Quilt Girl Flickr Group! Join us!

What was your Messiest Moment?

Table Runner & Napkin Ring Pattern

Pinterest....a dream come true!

NEW BLOG! YAY!

What does your Craft Room look like?

diane flowers art and design: Never Give Up !

Bake the perfect Potato in your Microwave!

Create a Thanksgiving Table Topper~w-Sizzix

Quilted Bags and Totes~Jessica's Backpack redo!

Sewing Vintage Aprons~New Annie's Apron

Apron Tablecloth...so CUTE!

Fig Tree & Co. and Joanna Figueroa

Vintage Fabric~Love Ebay!

WE HAVE A WINNER!

QUILT Pattern(s) GIVE AWAY!

I'm a new grandma!

Book~Give A-Way!!