The Polkadot Chair

Riley Blake Design Team Project & Fabric Giveaway!

2012-02-22T11:00:00.003-05:00

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Today I'm sharing a tutorial over at Riley Blake fabrics to make this doll sleeping bag and pillow!

My daughter wanted one for Christmas but I thought I could make a cuter one than in the catalog. You can find the tutorial over on their blog... go check it out and let me know what you think!----- It has a zipper --- don't be scared :)

Also!!!

Riley Blake Fabrics is giving away to one lucky reader a Fat Quarter Pack of Sunny Happy Skies the fabric I used to make my project!!

To enter you can do one or all of the following (just leave a separate comment for each item you do).

- Leave a comment and tell me which Riley Blake fabric is on your wish list right now.

-Follow or Subscribe to this blog (there are links over there -------> to help you out)

*** Don't forget to leave a way for me to contact you *** A new winner will be chosen after 3 days if I can not contact the first winner.

Giveaway ends Friday February 24th at midnight eastern time.

How to make custom cording

2012-02-21T21:13:00.001-05:00

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Last week I shared with you how to make this pillow,

it features custom made cording. I thought it would be a bit much to share the pillow tutorial and the cording tutorial in the same post, so today I'm sharing how to make the custom cording.

First you are going to need a few things:

Cording- it looks like a really fat shoelace. You can buy it in the upholstery section of most fabric stores, it is usually sold by the yard.
Zipper foot or cording foot- I prefer the cording foot, but I used my zipper foot for this tutorial and had great results.
Quilt ruler that marks 45 degree angle- Most quilt rulers to this

Okay to start:

I prefer to make my cording with fabric cut on the bias. It gives a nice finished edge going around curves and corners and I like the look of fabric cut on the bias.

The first thing you need to do is cut your bias strips. For upholstery cording I prefer 3" wide strips of bias. I trim them down after they are sewn.

Take your piece of fabric (you will need at least 1/2 yd) and cut a triangle shape off of the top at a 45 degree angle to the bias. (it will be a triangle shape because you are cutting at a 45 degree angle, not because you are trying to make a triangle).

From your first cut measure 3" and cut a strip. Then measure an additional 3" and cut another strip. This is should be enough fabric for most applications.

Next sew your strips together so you have one long 3" wide strip of bias. Cut the seams down to 1/8" and press.

I think it is easiest to fold the fabric over the cording as I sew and not pre-pin. You are going to center your cording in your bias strip and fold the bias over so that the edges meet.

With your zipper foot on your machine, stitch as close as possible to the cording. You will need to adjust your needle to the left in order to do this. Just adjust the needle until it is very close to the cording but not sewing into the cording.

Slowly feed the cording/fabric through your machine until you reach the end of your cording.

Next trim down the fabric on your cording to 1/2", otherwise you'll have a giant seam allowance on your pillow.

To attach the cording to your pillow you will want to line up the edge of the fabric side of the cording with the raw edge of the pillow. Still using your zipper foot sew the cording to your pillow. When you get to where you started, unpick the fabric from around the cording and cut the cording ONLY leaving the fabric hanging over the edge of the cording.

Then fold the edge of the fabric under and overlap the fabric flap with the beginning of the cording. This will give you a nice finished edge (You will have to also unpick the cording from the pillow at the start point so that you can fold the flap over the top).

When you stitch another fabric on top of the cording (as in a pillow back) just make sure you sew along the SAME stitching line you made to attach the cording to the pillow front. Then you know that the cording will be placed perfectly on your finished project.

You can use the same technique to make piping (a smaller scale cording used mostly for clothing construction).

You will need piping string instead of cording and you will cut your bias to 1 1/2".

You can see the piping I made here for the July Bag.

excuses excuses....

2012-02-20T21:12:00.002-05:00

My husband and me with our cute niece in Las Vegas

You've probably noticed that the good ole blog has been a bit quiet this month. I'd love to tell you it's because I'm working on some top secret exciting project, but I'm not. I have no good excuse at all... Just some pretty bad jet lag and a major case of the winter blaaahhhs...

In January we went to both Las Vegas and Utah, with 2 days in between, I'm not made to change time zones so many times in a week. I tell ya 3 hr time change is KILLER!

So here is in a nutshell of what I've been up to this past 6 weeks or so:

Conferences and Stuff:

Ironically I've heard some of the best motivational speakers in a long time the last little while. Both related to my husbands career (I like to tag along for the fun stuff)... So far they have yet to motivate me to do anything- but they were quite inspiring to listen to *wink*.

We met this guy:

Kevin Carroll... he has an amazing story... you can read about him here on his website. My 10 yr old son was mesmerized during his whole speech, so was the rest of the crowd for that matter. His book, "the Rules of the Red Rubber ball" is now on my night stand.

In Vegas we heard Brene Brown speak- she has a blog and a book, which is next on my reading list.

"The gifts of imperfection"--- I loved her speech--- you can check out her blog here. She told us it's OK to be ordinary... something that's good to hear every once and a while (especially for a blogger).

She's been featured on TEDx- watch one of her speeches you'll be glad you did.

Skiing & Sewing:

Of the 2 "S"s I'd take sewing any day of the week. I'm not naturally athletic and have been trying to learn to ski for 18 years now. I still am mediocre at best, but Utah is beautiful and you can't beat the view from a chair lift.

AND my whole family ALL ski's now-- I'm not going to be the only one that's not participating. So I keep trying---- I even managed to get altitude sickness for the first time in my life on that trip- AND get stuck UNDER a chair lift (don't ask how I managed that) AND drop my ski poles and have ski patrol go get them for me.... uggghhh.

And for Sewing- I mentioned before that I visited with Riley Blake when I was in Utah... Their office is so pretty.... eye candy everywhere. My first project for their design team is this Wednesday! I'll be sure to share the link with ya'll here.

Family Stuff:

I've mostly been hanging out with my family... I've got teenagers who want to have "Pinterest Parties"

Yes there is such a thing- It's when you get together with your friends and actually MAKE something you pinned on pinterest.

Our house was nominated as I have an entire fabric store in my basement (not really, I'm exaggerating but I do have more fabric than I need).... It turned out kinda fun--- on an otherwise gloomy day.

AND, I'm still trying to teach this one to drive. All I gotta say is I thought potty training was hard--- it's NOTHING compared to teaching them to drive! At least I can make her now put gas in the car when it's cold outside! *snicker*

The good news is the sun came out this week and we are all feeling much better- I think the entire family had the blaahs last week- everyone was so ornery!!!

The cording tutorial is to be posted this week as is my Riley Blake design project.

I hope you are warm and cozy wherever you are and that Spring is not far off!

Patchwork Pillow Tutorial

2012-02-13T16:01:00.001-05:00

Last week when I was in Utah, I had the great privilege of visiting the Riley Blake Fabrics warehouse and Offices. I had a great time meeting new people and taking in all of the INSANE eye candy at Riley Blake.

When we visited the offices, Cindy (one of the co owners) showed me some scraps she had left from the strike offs of Lori Holt's new line, Millie's Closet. I about flipped and begged Cindy to let me take the scraps!

I knew right away what I wanted to make. My polkadot chair has needed a "friend" for quite some time... This fabric I thought would make the perfect companion.

Here's how I made it.

*just a note about the measurements: I used a 18"x18" pillow form that was not very firm. I like my pillows to fit tight in the forms, so I started with measurements for a 17"x17" pillow top, which after washing was 16.5"x16.5". Adjust based on if you are going to wash your pillow top and how firm your pillow form is.*

Supplies:

1 18"x18" pillow form
2 12" long pieces of ribbon
Cording
1/2 yd fabric to be cut on bias for cording
Fabric cut to the sizes:
6"x17"
4"x12"
5.5"x12"
9"x 12"
17" x 12"
17" x 7"

To begin:

Piece your pillow top together as desired- One of the prints i used is a "cheater" print- meaning it looks like 2 squares already sewn together. (it's the 5.5" x 11" piece in the bottom corner)

Sew with 1/4" seam allowances then trim so that the pillow top measures 17" x 17" (it will sew together slightly larger than that)

Make a quilt "sandwich" with your pillow top and quilt as desired. I've shared an instagram photo above of myself quilting circles on to my pillow. I won't share a tutorial on that part, since I'm new and hardly know what I'm doing when it comes to free motion quilting. You can just quilt straight lines with walking foot if you like.

Wash (if desired) your pillow top and dry (this will make it soft and wrinkly and help hide any "mistakes" made quilting.

Trim pillow top so that all layers are flush.

For the pillow back, take your 7"x17" piece of fabric and your 12"x17" piece of fabric and hem one long side of each. (about a 1" hem)

Stitch your ribbon to the hemmed edge of each piece.

Make cording and stitch to the outside edges of pillow top approx. 1/2" in from the edge- (NOTE: A separate tutorial on how to make the cording is coming this week!!)

Stitch pillow back pieces onto pillow front right sides together. Stitch along the line you stitched to attach the cording- that way you know that the cording is placed correctly on the pillow.

Trim the corners and turn right side out.

That's it! You're done!

Valentine's Day Crafts Round Up #4

2012-02-10T06:15:00.001-05:00

I hope you guys have enjoyed all of the great Valentines Day ideas shared here this week. I am very excited to have "teamed" up with all of the talented bloggers that participated!

Today to finish off the round ups we are sharing our favorite "quick and easy" Valentine's Day ideas!

#1) Shower Love Notes {HowDoesShe} - Getting a little dirty, while getting clean... A fun love note tradition. A fabulous *gift* that only costs $5! :)

#2) Tied To You {The Dating Divas} - A fun way to prepare the house before your sweetheart gets home! All you need is string and the free printable!

#3) Love Notes & Balloons {Somewhat Simple} - Surprise your sweetheart with a dozen balloons over his bed, each containing a reason you love him.

#4) Valentine Prints {Sweet Rose Studio} - For some easy peasy Valentine decor that couldn't be any quicker, simply print one {or all!} of these prints out and put it in an 8x10 frame. Done in no time flat!

#5) Now That I've Kissed The Ground... {The Dating Divas} -A SUPER fast & clever V-Day idea. Items needed: Hershey's Hugs & Kisses, rose petals, & the super cute FREE printable included in this post. "Now that I've kissed the ground you walk on...."

#6) i {heart} u Blocks {iCandy Handmade} -Stencil these 4x4x4x blocks for a quick and easy stack-able home decor.

#7) You Make My Heart Bounce {The Crafting Chicks} - A fun and easy Valentine for the boys (or girls) to share with their friends! Free Printable!

#8) Easy Love Notes {Little Birdie Secrets} - Quick and easy love notes to give as Valentines (or to show your love any time of year!).

#9) Basket of Snacks with Printable Poem {My Insanity} -This candy gram style gift snack basket is easy to replicate since its contents come from the grocery store (or dollar store) and the Printable Poem is provided!

#10) DIY Valentine Candy Labels {Lil' Luna} -Doll up your Valentine candy with these quick, easy and cute V-Day Labels.

#11) Candy Heart Bracelets {Brown Paper Packages} -A fun activity and a yummy treat all-in-one--your girls will love these darling bracelets!

#12) Stitched Heart Bookmarks {Thirty Handmade Days} -Heart stitched bookmarks with cute printable card. For both your spouse and your kids.

Valentine's Day Crafts Round Up #3

2012-02-09T06:14:00.002-05:00

Okay one of the BEST parts of Valentine's Day has got to be the food!! From yummy sugar cookies to lots of Chocolate, I hope you find an idea here that you want to try at home.

I hope your Valentine's is special this year. A huge thanks the talented blogger friends who shared their treats and ideas!!

#1) Love Potion Drink Labels {The Dating Divas} - Add "love potion" to the menu for your upcoming Valentine's Day party. Adorable & free Love Potion Printables that you can put on any bottled beverage.

#2) Cookie Valentine's {Eighteen25} - Hand out Cookie Valentines this year. Make some yummy Peanut Butter and M&M cookies (or your own favorite cookies) and package them into fun cd sleeves!

#3) Strawberry Heart Homemade Oreos {Thirty Handmade Days} - Fun Valentine cookies- PINK strawberry oreo hearts! Plus a free "I heart you" printable!

#4) Valentine Tea Bags {FunkyTime} - A fabulous "how to" make your very own heart shaped tea bags. Relax and soak up the love!

#5) G, PG, Pg-13 Cookies {HowDoesShe?} - Three exciting ways to decorate a heart shaped sugar cookie. Rate them G, PG, or even PG-13! You do NOT want to miss out on this one!

#6) Hearts on a Stick {HowDoesShe?} - This is a very fast and easy treat for kids and adults. Plus it tastes soooo yummy!!

#7) Anniversary, In the Kitchen {The Dating Divas} - Love fruit tarts?? This is a very cute and unique way to show your love for someone special! ....plus...a lot MORE fun ideas that you could use for Valentine's Day OR another special occasion...say....your anniversary! :)

#8) Valentine's Twinkies {Somewhat Simple} - Quick and easy strawberry shortcake ala heart shaped twinkies! Dessert NO ONE will forget!

#9) Valentine's Day Peanut Butter Blossoms {Eighteen 25} - Can't get any cuter than these!! A favorite combination...peanut butter and chocolate! A crowd pleaser every time!

#10) Stained Glass Heart Cookies {Brown Paper Packages} - Fun to make, yummy to eat--these cookies are perfect for home, classroom, parties, and giving away to a special someone!

#11) Evil Treats for the Sweetest Sweet {The Crafting Chicks} - Deliciously "evil" brownie recipe with a Valentine's Day twist.

#12) Heart-Shaped Pizzas {My Insanity} - Check out how to make your own heart-shaped pizzas for Valentine's Day! Remember that red peppers can make great red hearts too!

#13) Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies & Tin {Little Birdie Secrets} - Chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies are absolutely addictive! Make a batch and package them in an altered tin for an unforgettable gift!

#14) Chocolate Themed Dinner {My Insanity} - If a little chocolate is the recipe for romance, think what an entire meal featuring chocolate could do for your love life! Sweet and savory chocolate recipes and presentation ideas.

#15) Red Oreo Pudding Pole Cake {Lil' Luna} - Quick, easy and delicious oreo pudding poke cake that is red and perfect for Valentine's Day!

#16) No Bake Berry Oreo Cheesecake { Lil' Luna} - Pink and heart-shaped, these no bake berry oreo cheesecakes are perfect for your Valentine's dinner dessert!

#17) Easy Valentine's Day Dessert {The Polkadot Chair} - Simplify your Valentine's Day dessert by using a heart shaped cookie cutter to dress up a tray of brownies! Don't forget the irresistible strawberries too!

Valentine's Day Crafts Round Up #2

2012-02-08T06:12:00.001-05:00

I've got some more GREAT Valentine's Day crafts to share with you today!! Enjoy- and get crafting you've got less that a week til Valentine's Day!

#1) Be Mine Valentine Banner {HowDoesShe} - Add a festive touch to your home every year with this simple "Be Mine" Valentine's banner!

#2) Valentine Garland {Somewhat Simple} - Spend a night talking with the people you love, about all the things you love, while making this fun Valentine garland!

#3) Love Story Print {Eighteen25} - Are you looking for an easy addition to your holiday decor? All you need is an 8x10 frame and this fabulous website provide the rest!

#4) Valentine's Day Countdown {iCandy Handmade} - Using some heart-shaped wedding favors, a cookie sheet and some magnets, create this fun Valentine Advent. Fill it with goodies or love notes!

#5) Pretty Polkadot Valentine Pillow {Sweet Rose Studio} - Create this pillow cover to sweeten up your couch (or your bed!) just in time for Valentine's Day!

#6) Conversation Blocks {Brown Paper Packages} - These adorable conversation blocks are so easy to make and easy on your budget too!

#7) Love Tree Centerpiece {The Crafting Chicks} - A personalized "Love Tree" centerpiece featuring photos and love notes about your family members!

#8) Heart Bunting Countdown {Brown Paper Packages} - Looking for a fun way to count down the days to Valentine's Day and create darling decor at the same time? This heart bunting is the perfect way to do both!

#9) Heart-Shaped Flower Arrangement {My Insanity} - Find out how to use fresh flowers in making a heart-shaped floral centerpiece!

#10) Doily Heart Banner w/Advent Inserts {My Insanity} - This banner doubles as a countdown to Valentine's Day. Each insert has a rhyme with a love challenge for the day!

#11) "LOVE" Banner {Little Birdie Secrets} - This vintage-inspired "LOVE" banner is made with sheet music and a little glitter glue!

#12) Family V-Day Mailboxes {The Dating Divas} - An adorable way to decorate AND keep the love alive during this month of appreciation!

#13) Burlap Valentine's Bunting {Little Birdie Secrets} - Create a darling burlap bunting out of jute webbing. It's quick, cheap, and cute!

#14) Valentine Wreath & Frame {Lil' Luna} - Cute, fun and easy way to doll up your door for Valentine's Day!

Wowsa, where to start first?! I'll never see the bottom of my Valentine's box again with all these ideas to fill it up! Yeah, yeah! Next thing on my list. . . FOOD! Tune in tomorrow for something sweet to eat this Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day Crafts Round Up #1

2012-02-07T12:11:00.001-05:00

I'm very excited to be participating in a blog "share" with the Dating Divas. Today and for a few days I'll be sharing some great Valentines Day tutorials from around the web.

After that I'll have to tell you about my trip to Utah and how I got stuck UNDER a lift chair on a ski slope... not my best moment...

Here we go.....

#1) Lucky In Love Scratch-Off Cards {The Dating Divas} - Show your spouse how lucky you are to have them this Valentine's Day! Follow this simple tutorial to create scratch off cards to reveal your love for them.

#2) Love Story Pallet Art {Sweet Rose Studio} - Create a special piece of rustic art for your special someone using pallet boards, paint, vinyl, and one amazing quote!

#3) Hate Ironing? I Do! {HowDoesShe?} - Perfect gift for him (and you)! Ironed shirts. You'll love it as much as he does.

#4) Felt Valentine Fortune Cookies {Somewhat Simple} - Give your sweetheart some love coupons in a new, creative way!

#5) "How Do I Love Thee?" Countdown {The Dating Divas} - If you can think of 24 reasons why you love your sweetheart, you are already halfway done with this project! An adorable way to show your love by using a muffin tin and FREE printables!

#6) Made With Love {Eighteen25} - Giving the gift of a homemade treat is a great way to show someone you love them. And we're sharing a cute little tag to help you prove it.

#7) Frayed Cut-Out Applique Valentine's Shirt {iCandy Handmade} - We love to make Valentine's Day shirts for our kids to wear on the big day. Whip one of these up and gift it to them on V-day morning!

#8) ABC's of What I Love About You {Somewhat Simple} - Think of characteristics you love about your spouse for every letter of the alphabet and find photos that illustrate the qualities on your list. I'll show you how to put them together to create a fun mini book printed and bound professionally for less than $5!

#9) Love Buckets {Brown Paper Packages} - Give the gift of love with these darling love buckets! Each day the members of your family can leave each other little love notes, making the countdown from February 1st to the 14th extra special!

#10) Thumbprint Valentine's {Brown Paper Packages} - Put a personal "touch" on Valentines for friends and family this year---perfect for parents, grandparents, and more!

#11) Be Mine Banner {Polkadot Chair} - What better way to surprise your sweetheart on V-Day than by "spelling it out" for him! Recycle an old book into a fun banner perfect for Valentine's Day!

#12) Valentine Button Necklace {Blue Robin Cottage} - Create a darling Valentine's gift by making this unique and charming embroidered fabric button heart necklace.

#13) Valentine's On The Hour {Thirty Handmade Days} - A genius idea for your loved one - give a gift throughout the day on the hour....includes sticker templates!

#14) "Hooked On You" Pail {Lil' Luna} - Easy and cute, these pails are perfect for anyone you're "hooked on!"

#15) Magnetic Heart-Shaped Shoe Clips {Polkadot Chair} - Have any fashionistas in your life? Use some might magnets to make some fun interchangeable shoe clips for a present! Great for lovey dovey day :)

#16) DIY Felt Valentine Envelopes - Pottery Barn Style {The Crafting Chicks} - Make your own felt Valentine envelopes to fill with treats and love notes for your kids! FREE love mail printable, too!

#17) Chair-Back Valentine Envelope Knock-off {iCandy Handmade} - The perfect stash for your child's little Valentine goodies!

#18) Pocket Kiss Flip Book {Brassy Apple} - Blow a kiss to your sweetheart wherever they may be!

#19) Valentine's Kit {Blue Robin Cottage} - Looking for the perfect Valentine's gift for your hubby? Make him a Valentine's kit with all the things in it he loves! This tutorial even includes a Free kit card printable!

#20) "Cross My Heart" Pillow {Polkadot Chair} - Looking for a present for a holiday decor queen? Here is a fun tutorial for a quick and easy pillow to make for that fabulous friend to display on Valentine's Day!

#21) Big Hunk Candy Bar Bouquets {My Insanity} - With some bamboo skewers and a little hot glue, you can make Big Hunk bouquets to give to your husbands. This post also features a FUN "Amazing Race" date you can do on Valentine's Day!!

...and there you have it! A BUNCH of fun gift ideas to try out this coming Valentine's Day! Check back tomorrow for even MORE Valentine's Day ideas!

More Handmade Dolls

2012-02-01T10:10:00.000-05:00

Last week I shared with you guys a doll that I made for my sister's little girl for Christmas, today I thought I'd share with you the dolls I made for her boys.

But first- my sister (Emily) sent me this sweet photo of her cutie pie with the doll.. adorable huh???

Now, truth be told, I was not thinking that Emily's boys would be too excited about handmade dolls, so I will admit this was more a gift for my sister than her kids.

A few days before I mailed off the dolls I shared this photo on insgatram:

I forgot that my sister followed me on instagram. Her son saw the photo and said "is that me?"... funny enough it was.

My nephews have a great love for anything Batman, so I decided to make the dolls little superhero's in disguise.

I sewed the dolls (using a pattern from the Wee Wonderfuls book). Then made a little cape and mask to go on each boy.

My sister said that when they opened one, one little boy said:

"I don't need to have anything to do with this"... not a big fan of dolls..

But the other one loved it- and my sister said they are all going up on a "high shelf" anyway!

You may have noticed that the boys have on "store bought" clothes- well I didn't realize until too late that there was not a pattern for pants and a t-shirt for the size of doll I decided to make in the book. (I just made the girl doll and left off the pigtails)....

Soo.....

After a failed attempt (or 10) to draft a t-shirt and pants I was off to Target to find clothes to fit those dolls! I ended up with jeans for an American Girl doll and a newborn onesie that I cut off and hemmed.

I love how the dolls look all lined up--- and I think it's so cute that they "match" each of her kids.

In other news:

I'm off to Salt Lake City today to visit Family and take my daughter on a college visit!! (I can't believe she's old enough for college)...

I'm also so excited to tell you that I've been invited to be on the Riley Blake Fabric's Design team!! I was so flattered that they asked me!

The projects all start in February, so watch their blog for awesome ideas!!

Riley Blake Fabrics has invited me to tour their warehouse while I'm in Salt Lake City along with a few other members of the Design team! I'm so stinkin' excited I can't hardly stand it!!

Valentine's Day Crafts

2012-01-30T13:39:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!! I'm back from a great weekend in Las Vegas where I attended a conference for my husbands office.

Zoltar for sale in Vegas, --- I know what you are thinking, and the answer is no I came back home still being an adult :)

Somehow even with being a non drinker and non gambler, and an almost 40 year old woman, I still managed to stay up waaaaay to late (were talking 3 hours of sleep here) while there! I'm paying for it today by fighting off some serious jet lag!

Just a head's up! Valentines day is 2 weeks from Tuesday!! If you haven't already thought of ways to celebrate with the ones you love here are a few ideas previously published here.

I'm busily working away on a new Valentines Day Craft to add to the collection here... watch for it soon!

Vintage Postcard Pillow

Use Subway art for Candybar wrappers (printable from eighteen25)

Lollipop Treats

Charming Gathered Table Runner

Love, Kiss & Hugs Magnets

Magnetic Heart Shaped Shoe Clips

Be Mine Banner Tutorial

Cross my Heart Pillow

Easy Valentine's Day Dessert Idea

Love You Banner

Freezer Paper Stencil t-shirts

Love Pouch- Holiday Chairbacker PDF Pattern

Also don't forget to check out Rhonna Designs... she's released a whole bunch of new YUMMY digital images, just perfect for Valentines Day!

A fun idea for Senior Pictures

2012-01-26T10:10:00.000-05:00

My sister in law is the photographer for her daughters Field Hockey team. She came with a great idea to make a banner with "Class of 2012" to use for photos of the seniors this year.

She enlisted my help to make the banner and I was happy to help! I love a good project, and she had an awesome idea.

The banner was simple, I just used various blue fabrics, cut them to 10"x10" then into triangles using my ruler and pinking blade for my rotary cutter.

The banner to be double sided - I put my nieces name on the other side so that she could use it later.

To do this I just put 2 10"x10" fabric squares wrong sides together and cut them at the same time with the pinking blade. I then just stitched around the edges about 1/4" in. I then sewed the banner pieces to a piece of bias tape and stitched some extra ribbon to the ends.

The lettering was done with felt and just ironed on (I didn't stitch through it).

If you want to make one yourself, Traci of Amazing Mae has a great tutorial on her site.

About Perfection...

2012-01-24T16:24:00.002-05:00

via instagram

Forgive me today, I'm going to wax a bit poetic...

This year for Christmas I bought my 10 yr old daughter a sewing machine. I couldn't resist the aqua blue hello kitty one I found online. I told myself it was mostly for "her" *wink* and added it to my cart.

It's been a great little machine, I set her up in the basement with my box of fabric scraps and a few sewing kits that we picked up at the local craft store.

--> click here to read the rest of the post

Christmas Albums DONE!

2012-01-23T03:09:00.001-05:00

A few years ago I decided to jump in on Ali Edwards 25 days of December. The idea was to document each day in December to show how your "everyday" life runs leading up to Christmas.

I finished my '80 and '09 albums about 90% and I had to skip '10. This year I picked it back up again. I just finished my 2011 album along with putting the finishing touches on my '08 & '09 albums.

All 3 years albums

I thought I'd share a few pages from my 2011 album with you. This year I decided to keep it simple and just do a 3 ring binder for the album with divided page protectors.

--> click here to read the rest of the post

Great Handmade Christmas Gifts

2012-01-20T02:17:00.003-05:00

Thanks to everyone that linked up to my Handmade Christmas Linky Party!!!

I really really LOVED looking through all of your creations. I truly have a passion for all things handmade whether it's sewing, crafts or food. I loved seeing how much time and thought you guys put into the gifts you gave for Christmas.

Here are a few linked up from the party...

The most visited link:

This amazing dollhouse at Let's go Fly a Kite

a few others:

--> click here to read the rest of the post

For the little red haired girl

2012-01-18T06:52:00.000-05:00

My sister has little kids. I take full advantage of this and love to make things that my kids are too "big" for. She was smart to have kids 2nd, if only for this reason *wink*.

My sister has wanted to name a baby Ruby since she was in high school. Her first two kids were boys, then her 3rd came along after a long and difficult pregnancy, a girl. Ruby was finally here.

Ruby has lived up to her name, she's an adorable little red haired girl.

For Christmas this year I made her a little doll and matching quilt. I got the idea for the quilt from the Pretty in Patchwork, Doll Quilts Book.

I raided my stash and pulled out every fabric I had with a red haired girl on it.

Most ended up being Heather Ross prints.

I made my first dresden block (which came out much bigger than I thought it would, I need to read up a bit more on dresdens).

It was fun to tackle a mini quilt, lots of instant gratification of a project that is done quickly.

I also made dolls for her boys- more on that next time :)

Our Family's Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

2012-01-16T14:42:00.002-05:00

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I LOVE LOVE LOVE Chocolate Chip cookies, they along with Rice Krispie treats are my biggest weakness when it comes to sweets. I'm not much for candy, but give me a good cookie and I'm in heaven!

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A Family Scrapbook, one month at a time

2012-01-10T06:51:00.004-05:00

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I'm sure that you guys have heard of Project Life. It's an awesome approach to scrapbooking pioneered by Becky Higgins. The premise behind it is that you document your daily life, one week at a time.

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Kirkland's Giveaway Winner

2012-01-09T05:08:00.000-05:00

True Random Number GeneratorResult:116Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congrats to entry #116

Breanna Tinsley said...

Love the mirror! Would love to win!

Watch for an email from me!!

And thanks again to Kirkland's for generously offering to host this giveaway!

Cookies in a Jar- neighbor gift

2012-01-06T05:15:00.001-05:00

I feel like ever since December 1st I've been running a marathon. I was sitting down to blog today and I can't even remember what I've shared with you guys and what I haven't! I feel like I've been sewing and crafting non stop all month, and even for someone who LOVES it, got to be a bit much.

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Handmade Christmas Linky Party!

2012-01-04T06:59:00.004-05:00

Thank you so much to all of you that played along with my Handmade Christmas Quilt Along. I hope that many of you were able to give handmade quilts for Christmas (or other holiday) this year.

Okay... I'll admit about December 22nd I thought I had LOST MY MIND... wondering why I get myself into these crazy situations. At one point I said to a friend "I surrender, Christmas you win... I give up."

Honestly if it weren't for the quilt along and me telling the "blog world" I was making my kids quilts for Christmas, I would have just given up... Then the quilts would have gone to the "someday" pile and that would not be good. So for that I am thankful to this blogging community that I have here- some positive peer pressure is good sometimes.

For those of you that wanted to play along but didn't quite get them done, a friend of mine had a great suggestion. Instead of a Christmas gift, why not one for a birthday gift for your kids? That spreads out the work a bit along the year.

Now I try not to be one for excuses but I do have a very good excuse for finishing these at the last minute... I got a new sewing machine the week before Christmas!! I ordered it in November and got it delivered and all put together just in time to finish these quilts. It's just a sit down long arm quilter, (decided the one one the frame was too much pressure for me)... I'm proud of it because I paid for it all myself... I saved for 4 years, it felt pretty good.

I will also say that I have NEVER free motion quilted a quilt before, and I decided to quilt 3 of them the 3 days before Christmas on a new machine, and one had minke on the back. Yeah --- see why I questioned my sanity at one point?

Long story short (or shorter) the quilts got done all but the binding and were under the tree Christmas Eve. My kids were not even suprised at this point- they had all figured out what I was up to.

The quilting looks good to me and my kids but anyone with a trained eye, I'm sure would cringe.. but I figure you've got to learn somehow and quilting 3 quilts in 3 days is a good way to "jump in".

Now that you've heard my "life story" at least for the month of December... I'll move onto the quilts. To see the whole story you can click back through posts labeled "quilt along"... there I've got dimensions, fabric details etc.

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First up is my son's quilt- I think it's my favorite. I'm happy with the pattern. I decided to release it as a new PDF pattern in my shop. I won't be deleting the info about it from my blog, but if you'd rather just get it all the instructions in one place on one document instead of scrolling back though 10 blog posts, you'll be able to buy it in the shop by the end of the month.

My son said the pac man print is his favorite, I think it's mine too-- here it is on his bed.

Next up is my younger daughters quilt... simple patchwork- mostly Sarah Jane and 30's reproduction fabrics... I love the "vintagey" feel of this one.

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I just did a random piecing of the prints, in a few places I should have been more random- but overall I'm really happy with it... plus it's soft- it's got some Bonnie and Camille Ruby flannel fabric on the back.

Last up is my oldest daughters quilt. It was originally to be 12 14" hedgerow blocks... then I made 4 and could get them all the same size (still learning) plus they were getting really really busy- even with the white sashing I was worried it would be too much. I love to work with novelty prints but sometimes it's challenging.

So the week before Christmas I redesigned the whole thing. I used the 4 blocks I had then just "improv" pieced the rest of the quilt top. Thank goodness I got a quilt design wall- it was a life safer!!

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I went from absolutley hating this quilt to absolutely loving it by the end. All the white parts are moda pre cut basics, jelly roll strips, charm squares and one layer cake square. I used all the strips I cut for the blocks for a top and bottom border and tried to "ground" the quilt by putting the darker colors at the bottom.

She got her drivers license this year so I had to include the cars.. and she's been collecting elephants since she was little, hence all of the pink elephant print.

Okay now its YOUR turn...

-Did you have a Handmade Holiday?

-Did you follow along with our Quilt Along?

or

-Did you make gifts this year for Christmas or Hanukkah?

If so, link up your creations!!

Here's the rules they are simple (I've never hosted a linky party before, so here goes nothing!!)

-link up a craft (doesn't have to be a quilt) you made FOR someone, your kids, friends, family grandkids etc.. not just a craft you made a GIFT you made.

-I would appreciate if you would add my button to your post, but it's not required

-Link to blog or flickr photo

-No shop/store links

I'll be highlighting a few next week in a blog post! I'll leave the linky party open for 1 week.

$50 Gift Card to Kirkland's Giveaway!

2012-01-02T20:21:00.002-05:00

Okay, I don't know about you guys but something about January 1st makes me want to reorganize my whole house. I'm so ready to get the Christmas stuff put away and the house looking "simpler" again. You should have seen me last weekend, I was a mad woman packing stuff away and cleaning stuff out- I'm sure my family thought I was a bit crazy, but a New Year was coming up and I was ready for a fresh start!

Our bedroom and bathroom were my "victims" last week, next I'm moving onto the kids play room ---I hope I come out alive, you should see it in there!!

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Top 11 for 2011

2011-12-30T06:25:00.001-05:00

I can not believe that 2012 will be the 5th year that I have been blogging. It's crazy.

In honor of the new year, I thought I'd share with you guys the top 11 (since it's 2011) most viewed posts last year. (via google analytics)

1. Padded iPad Case

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Meet Mique of 30 Days!

2011-12-27T14:48:00.003-05:00

Happy Tuesday!!

Did you guys all have a wonderful Christmas? I sincerely hope so! Ours was very nice. The kids loved the quilts (even though they weren't bound yet *wink*)- even so, I think they still appreciated the thought. They have been dragging them around the house the past few days, so I'd better get them bound and washed today!

I've got one more interview to share with you before the New Year. Ironically this is a blogger that I've never actually "met" - but I feel like I've known her for years! One day our paths will cross and I'll get to meet her.

Mique runs 30 Days Blog, if you haven't stopped by then you should! She's got great crafts and recipes and is the very talented girl behind the Queen Bee Market in California.

Mique has also shared her experiences having a son with Autism in a very moving seires of blog posts, you can read them here. My youngest brother (now an Adult) also has Autism and I remember so many of the emotions she descirbes from our own families experience.

So now... Meet Mique!

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Handmade Christmas Quilt Along: Last Update

2011-12-21T15:19:00.001-05:00

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I hope that you are all busy crafting away or spending time with those that you love this week before Christmas! I just thought I'd give you one last update on the Handmade Christmas Quilt Along I've been hosting.

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Tutorial: Easy Peasy Fleece Blanket

2011-12-19T18:28:00.004-05:00

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If you are looking for a last minute hand made gift, I've got an idea for you. These blankets are so easy you can make them in a hour! Plus they take only 3 yds of fleece (which you can find on sale this week) so they are inexpensive to make too! You've got time to whip out a few before Christmas! They are also great if you are looking for a project that your kids can make with you.

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