Clover and Violet

A Wonky Star

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Thu, 31 May 2012 15:33:00 +0000

In the past, I may have said I don't really get the whole wonky thing...I like even, regular, orderly things {however, if you saw my sewing area right now, you probably wouldn't believe that...there is so much fabric piled on the cutting table that I've been reduced to using my travel mat on the floor...but that is beside the point}.

That being said, my bee block this month was a wonky star, and I love it {tutorial from here}! So, I guess I am entitled to change my mind, right? In spite of the blue look, the background is actually Kona Coal and then I used a variety of fabrics from my stash {note the center square, it is a scrap of Coquette by Chez Moi for Moda that is left from the Moda Bake Shop project I'm working on - let me tell you, I adore this line!}.

I've asked this before, I think, but do you participate in any quilting bees? Do you have a favorite block you've made?

Along the Way

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:16:00 +0000

I tend to be a don't-show-it-until-it's-finished kind of blogger...this is not because I think this blog should be some sort of show and tell parade, but rather because I also tend to be a work-on-the-same-project-for-a-year kind of sewist/quilter.

But, I've decided to change things up! Since I am not super woman {far from it, actually!}, I cannot keep up posting several finished projects each week. But, I enjoy chatting with all of you, so, instead I'm going to start showing you what I'm working on, my current project is:

I'm working with this cute stack for Sara's Purse Palooza, and you'll get to see the finished bag on June 19th. I've cut up a bunch of 2 1/2" squares {I can't seem to make a non-patchwork bag!} and then I'm almost sure I'm going to cut into my DS Quilts for Joanns and some of my remaining Bliss by Bonnie & Camille for Moda... More about Purse Palooza here:

And, if you're into the techie sort of thing, I have a tutorial on watermarks on my other blog today!

How do you feel about unfinished projects? ~~Want to see every step of the way, or is that too much?~~ Okay, I meant, a few shots along the way...!

Summertime Adventures :: On the Go Linky

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Mon, 28 May 2012 17:45:00 +0000

This is the last linky of our series, projects you can make on the road! That way, if you're out camping, on long road trips, or just vacationing away from home, you can still bring a little sewing with you.

Link up any on the go you have made {no time limit} to inspire the rest of us with your creativity {projects do not need to be made from the tutorials from this blog...but they can be!}! If you used a pattern or tutorial, please be sure to include a link to it too {one link per person, per linky, please!}. This linky will be open for a week, then we'll draw a winner for a charm pack of Little Apples by Aneela Hoey for Moda. I cannot wait to see your ideas!

Saturday Snipits {Made by You & Winners}

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Sat, 26 May 2012 16:52:00 +0000

Happy Saturday! It's a holiday weekend here in the States, but there is no holiday from babies...I've already changed several outfits and diapers, made Annie's Mac & Cheese...and am finally sitting down for a cup of coffee...and it's only 9am...whew! But, there are a few things I want to share with you today:

The lovely Amy of Lots of Pink Here {and Pinked Fabrics!} made our Sophie beach bag and shared it on her blog last week. She gave it a little twist...and now I think maybe I should make a new one! Hop over and check it out!

Also, I'd like to share a few Sophie car seat quilts {today is the day for Sophie I guess...Norah was almost named Sophie too!}:

by Patchwork Duck

by quiltrosie

by mama_knowles03

by savinggrc

by Janet Kan

If you've made something using one of our tutorials or patterns, we'd love for you to add it to our Flickr group {and send me an e-mail too, if you'd like, or if you don't Flickr!}. It really is so special to see your work!

And one last thing: winners...winners! I know these are a bit delayed, but the winners of the last few giveaways are:

Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway Day winner is Lisa Ann!

Summertime Adventures :: Sewing Kit Linky winner is Jenelle!

Summertime Adventures :: On the Go Linky winner is Michelle!

You will all be receiving an e-mail from me later, but if you see this first, feel free to drop me a line with your mailing info! I plan to ship everything out on Tuesday!

There is still time to enter the Projects for Kids Linky, remember, the post can be from any time in the past, it just has to be for kids. The goal is to share ideas!

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

Embroidered Washi Pincushion

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Fri, 25 May 2012 17:34:00 +0000

I'm swapping again...I know, I cannot seem to help it...this time it's the Fab Little Pincushion Swap {FLiP}. My secret partner had this pincushion in her favorites. It also reminds me of this quilt, so I thought I'd try my hand at it...in embroidery!

I used a variety of Finca Perle Cotton size 8 {the numbers are: 1889, 1742, 1166, 7636, 1232, 1062, 4812, 3810, 3400, 2615, 2606} and some Moda Crossweave {is this really being discontinued?!}.

It actually reminds me of little strips of washi tape, and I love it! In retrospect, it is probably a good thing I didn't have time to make my partner a new pincushion, because otherwise I'd have been too tempted to keep this one.

I cut into some Henna Garden for the back {or, actually, cut up my two yards of Henna Garden and am making something else too!}, and it complimented the front well. I'll admit, I'm kind of sad it's done already.

And, even though I sent this on Wednesday...I've saved the post for today so I join Katie's Hand Made Parade. You can find it here:

What are you hand stitching these days?

P.S. I posted at my other blog today about blogger, Flickr, and picture size limits, check it out if you're blogging on blogger!

Summertime Adventures :: Stitchy Hexagons

noreply@blogger.com (Clara {Clover and Violet}) — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

This is my first tutorial and I must say it was fun to make. I think I will be doing more of these! I hope you enjoy this little project and will make some hexagons and sew them on to different projects. Just pack a little bag of prepared hexagons with a needle, thread and your pre- traced embroidery hexagon and it will be fun to work on where ever you are on the go to.

Supplies needed: Freezer paper, pen or pencil, hexagon shape, fabric, fusible interfacing, transfer pen, transfer pattern, needle, embroidery floss, and thread

I used this freezer paper, but any kind will work. I also used a hexagon template and a Fine Point Mark B-Gone Pen.

Trace the hexagon onto the freezer paper with a pencil or pen. Cut out 7 shapes, then iron them onto the back of the your fabric choice. I used 6 printed fabrics and one white piece for the center for the embroidery.

Cut the hexagon shape from the fabric adding 1/4" seam allowance. I used my ruler and rotary cutter to make it easier.

You will have 7 fabric hexagons with freezer paper cut and ready to continue.

For the center white hexagon I used fusible interfacing to make it more stable for embroidering. I removed the freezer paper before fusing it to the white fabric.

After the interfacing is fused on to the white middle hexagon, trace the design on with the transfer pen or a pencil will also work. Be sure "not" to iron while this pen is on your fabric or it will set it. If you use the transfer pen and make a mistake just simply give it a little spritz with water or even Best Press works.

Embroider your design! I have included a little drawing that I made for you to use if you like (download it here), or use any other drawing that you want. Or, you could just use another printed fabric in the center if you would rather not embroidery.

Any embroidery floss will work, I used Pearl Cotton #8.

After the center is embroidered, stitch with a running stitch, in a different color, turning all the seam allowances to the back , finger pressing only. I used grey thread so it would be easier to see the basting stitches when removing. There are many tutorials on making hexagons. I used this tutorial.

Then stitch the seams together in the order you like with a small little whip stitch with right sides together.

This is what mine looks like from the back. The grey thread is the basting stitches.

After all your hexagons are sewn together, remove the running stitches from the front and back. I then blotted my embroidered hexagon with a little water to remove the blue pen markings. Then, remove the freezer paper and you can press it flat and sew it onto any project you choose.

I think they would be cute added to a pocket on the front of a bag, an apron pocket or even the bib of an apron, or on a dish towel to dress it up. Another idea is make a little mug rug, a small wall hanging, even on the bodice of a little girls dress. I would love to make a whole quilt out of hexagons!

Garden Steps :: Block Six

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Thu, 24 May 2012 01:25:00 +0000

Questions? Missed a post? Find the index here.

Wow, we're half-way done! I hope you're all enjoying the blocks. Now, just a few housekeeping notes before we get to the next block {please read this carefully, it will help us all out!}:

I've received several e-mails that people cannot download the PDFs, yet, it seems that some of you are having no problem. Any thoughts/suggestions/ideas on this?

Also, we are officially two weeks behind schedule, but the schedule has been updated to reflect this, and I am aiming for another embroidery next week, to help us catch up!

Finally, several people have also asked if it is too late to join, and the answer to that is, of course not! We're always welcoming new stitchers. Hopefully we can all make some friends and stitch and quilt along together!

If you have e-mailed me regarding the stitch and quilt along {or anything else really...}, I will get back to you...I just find between sewing and my babies, I sometimes forget to answer e-mails!

Now you can download block six here!

My mom designed this one, isn't it cute? I'm still stitching frantically, but wanted to get it out before it gets dark. I will update with my finished block tomorrow! Happy stitching!

Don't forget to show and tell in our Flickr Group! Did you blog about the quilt along, your fabric selection, or threads? Share your post here {please link to a specific post or Flickr photo}:

Summertime Adventures :: Button Hoop

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:15:00 +0000

Wow, we've already reached the final week of the series! The last two projects are perfect for taking on the road {with your travel sewing kits?!}. First up, Chrissy of Sew Lux Fabric & Gifts {blog & shop} has created this cute button hoop:

So, hop over for the tutorial, and there are kits available too! Oh, and Vintage Modern is in stock too...and Good Fortune is on sale, if you're in need of a backing for your Garden Steps quilt! Happy stitching!

Summertime Adventures :: Projects For Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Mon, 21 May 2012 22:55:00 +0000

Last week we looked at On the Go projects, and let me tell you, there were a few great ideas! This week, we'd love to see your projects for or to make with kids! Our featured tutorials were:

Link up any on the go you have made {no time limit} to inspire the rest of us with your creativity {projects do not need to be made from the tutorials from this blog...but they can be!}! If you used a pattern or tutorial, please be sure to include a link to it too {one link per person, please!}. This linky will be open for a week, then we'll draw a winner for a custom cut charm pack of Magic Garden by Sabine Reinhart for Blend Fabrics. I cannot wait to see your ideas!

Giveaway Day is Here

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Mon, 21 May 2012 12:02:00 +0000

Welcome everyone! It's Giveaway Day over at Sew, Mama, Sew, and because everyone loves a giveaway, we're joining the fun. If you're new here, we'd love it if you take a look around {and maybe even decide to stay and follow along!}. And for all our faithful readers {and friends!}, thank you for making this blog fun and exciting all year long. We really couldn't keep it up without you!

We thought we'd change things up a bit and give away a bag this time! Just leave a comment on this post about what you're most looking forward to for summer and you'll be entered to win the Lizzy bag pictured above!

You have until May 25th, 5pm PDT to enter and then we'll chose a random winner. Please make sure we have some way of contacting you, if your e-mail isn't in your profile, please leave it in your comment {read here about how to add it to your profile!}. This giveaway is open internationally too. Good luck!

Fabric Shelves Almost Finished

noreply@blogger.com (Clara {Clover and Violet}) — Sun, 20 May 2012 10:33:00 +0000

I have been working really hard to get this accomplished (you can read more about this fabric folding method here and here!). I am really happy, and I love seeing all the beautiful fabrics I have been collecting.

When I see this I see projects ready to be made!

As a result of getting more organized, I have decided maybe it is time to do a little destash. I enjoy all types of fabric, but I have rethought some that I have purchased and have decided it is time to let some go.

I have already listed some on Flickr, mostly precuts that I am going to sell. Maybe you are interested? We also have a temporary destash page on our blog.

Featured Today at Sew Can She

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Sat, 19 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Today I'm honored that my Kindle Cover Tutorial is being featured over at Sew Can She!

This is by far my most popular tutorial, so I'm thrilled to see it get shared
with some people who might not run across it otherwise!

And, if you're not familiar with Sew Can She...you should be! Caroline features great tutorial every day...so go check them out!

Blogger's Quilt Festival :: Castle Peeps Toddler Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:13:00 +0000

If you're a quilter, you know this weekend is Quilt Market, fortunately, for those of us who can't make it, Quilt Market means its also time for the Blogger's Quilt Festival, yay! If you're unfamiliar, hop over to Amy's Creative Side and you'll see an array of beautiful quilts!

This year I'd like to show a quilt that's been finished for some time, but that I never got around to photographing, Silas's toddler bed quilt:

I used a simple stretched star block, with solid gray and Castle Peeps by Lizzy House for Andover.

The binding is Kona Lime because Castle Peeps was getting hard to find by the time I actually finished the quilt.

I was glad to find a few yards of the lime green castles for the border and back though, especially since green is Silas's favorite color!

I also added a strip of Kona Lime to the back to make the backing stretch! It is quilted in diagonal lines for easy and softness. This quilt measures about 46" x 60", and that seems to be about the perfect size for a toddler bed {or in this case...a crib mattress on the floor}.

And here's his cute toddler bed set up, truck pillow and all! I think one of my favorite things about this quilt is that is so perfect for my little boy, I struggle with finding cute boy fabrics that aren't too baby-ish. And he loves it {and drags it all over the house!}. Thanks for visiting!

Summertime Adventures :: Art Smock

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:23:00 +0000

Next up, Sunni at Love Affair with my Brother and her adorable kids art smock! I remember wearing a backwards shirt as an art smock as a kid, but this is much more stylish. I think Silas needs one of these.

Sunni has a bunch of other great tutorials and inspiration at her blog {I think I may need to make her Ruby Hex Quilt with my Ruby jelly roll!}.

Pay It Forward {Round 2}

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:57:00 +0000

Last year, I signed up for a Pay It Forward...I am a little embarrassed to say that I completely forgot about it until Kelly contacted me for my address to send my handmade goodies. She sent me this cute fabric basket {and a few other goodies that I didn't take pictures of...sorry!}:

Photo by Kelly {A Plain Path}

Although she made it within the year deadline, my packages were a little late, but here they are:

For Chaos, Crafts & Love

For From the Walpole Woods

For The Purple Turtle Quilts

Perhaps you noticed that this is round two? I signed up for another pay it forward...so, I'm asking three of you to sign up too...here are the details, please read the rules carefully before signing up!

~~1. I will make a crafty gift for each of the first three people to comment on this post. This little gift is a surprise, and will arrive to you anytime within the next 365 days.~~

~~2. To sign up to pay it forward, you need to commit to the project yourself... so you can pay it forward too! Just post this, or something similar on your blog so others can get involved.~~

3. You need to have an active blog of your own...{or some other way to post up your PiF info like a flickr, pinterest, or facebook account. Basically you'll need a place to announce your own PiF and to post some pics of the process.}

4. After commenting on this post, post something similar on your blog...so you can spread the pay it forward love. I will email you asking for your mailing address {and the online address where you are posting} so I can get your little treat in the mail. {Please make sure that your email address is visible on your profile or leave it in the comment.}

Well, this Pay it Forward is full, but you can still sign up, just visit here:

So Sew Crafty

Tilda's Twisted Life

~~Kelsey Sews~~ -- Full!

Looking forward to some fun!

Summertime Adventures :: Travel Tic Tac Toe

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:27:00 +0000

This week our tutorials are projects to make for or with kids! First up we have Missy of GraceParfait Creations with a great Travel Tic Tac Toe!

Missy is one of my real-life friends, and we knew each other before we knew that either of us sew! We don't live near each other now, but thanks to the internet, we can keep in touch! Enjoy!

Summertime Adventures :: On the Go Linky

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:57:00 +0000

We loved getting to see your travel sewing kits, now let's turn to the On the Go projects

Link up any on the go you have made {no time limit} to inspire the rest of us with your creativity {projects do not need to be made from the tutorials from this blog...but they can be!}! If you used a pattern or tutorial, please be sure to include a link to it too. This linky will be open for a week, then we'll draw one winner to receive 9 - 2 1/2" strips from my stash and the Jane bag pattern! I cannot wait to see your ideas!

My Visit

noreply@blogger.com (Clara {Clover and Violet}) — Sun, 13 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I returned home about a week ago after spending a little more than a week with this wonderful family! I had so much fun, I can't wait to go back!! In case you don't know, this is Jennie, her husband Josiah and my two adorable grandchildren, Silas and Norah.

Of course, it was great to be back home again, but I have many wonderful memories that I brought with me. Silas sang and counted and seemed to grow while I was there, he is talking so much. Norah is just a happy little baby who loves playing and being held. We think she will be crawling soon.

Jennie and I did very little sewing, but we did a lot of playing with these two little ones and we were able

to chat about our business goals and dreams. What a pleasure it is to share our little business.

Hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day!!

Cafe Wrap Dress Review {Fresh Produce Clothing}

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Sun, 13 May 2012 00:53:00 +0000

This is a sponsored review, all opinions are my own.

You may remember, I received an e-mail a while back about doing a clothing review. Since I received primarily positive feedback {though all feedback is appreciated}, I decided to go ahead and give it a try {but don't worry...this blog isn't going to become a review blog...there's still lots of quilting and sewing to come!}. The clothing company is Fresh Produce Clothing. Their clothes is made primarily in the USA, which I was excited about! You can read more about them here.

After browsing their site, I realized they had some lovely dresses, so I chose the Cafe Wrap Dress in Fiji, here are their photos:

And this is me in the dress:

I made sure to wash and wear it a couple times, that way my review would be accurate. I actually love this dress, it is comfortable, easy to wear, washes well, and the wrinkles even fell out after I left it in a pile on my dresser for a couple of days {that's just how things go around here sometimes!}.

I ended up wearing a camisole under it because I'm petite and the dress is not {the website clearly states that the clothes is intended for 5'4" to 5'8" - and I'm only 5'2"!}. However, I found the fit very accurate and flattering. I ordered my usual size and was pleased to find that it seemed true to size.

While my usual attire is jeans and a t-shirt, I prefer to wear skirts or dresses for their cool, comfortable, and feminine appeal. But, as you may know, it can be difficult to find casual dresses. This one seemed a great combination of dressy and casual. I wore it to church one weekend and out running errands the next, without feeling overdressed.

Now, the burning question: Would I buy this dress with my own money? Yes! I am actually considering trying another one of their styles because I love dresses and I love clothes that are easy to wear. If you're in the market for some new clothes I suggest you check out Fresh Produce Clothing:

Spring Dresses for Women - Summer Fashion - Casual Clothing

And, even though they're a US based company, they ship to over 200 countries worldwide...so there's something for {almost} everyone!

Garden Steps :: Block Five

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:57:00 +0000

Questions? Missed a post? Find the index here.

Somehow this stitch and quilt along seems to be flying by, we're already almost half-way done! I'm getting closer to catching up, finally, and this one is only a couple days late...

For this block I was inspired by the fabric and my fabric contest entry for the design. I thought a variety of pretty flowers seemed perfect for our garden theme.

Download block five here {as usual, if you cannot download the pattern, just send an e-mail to office (at) cloverandviolet.com}.

I outlined the yellow flower and its center in back stitch, then filled the center with yellow and orange running stitch. The green swirls {which I free-handed while stitching} are also back stitch. Then accented it with orange french knots and yellow lazy daisies.

The blue flowers are outlined with split stitch, their centers and the dots filled with satin stitch and a ring of french knots around the large center. The leaves are stem stitch with back stitch lines. The purple flowers are star stitch and cross stitch {neither of which have tutorials...do you need them?}.

I think this one might be one of my favorites so far. Because of all the small little flowers, I chose a block with two sets of solid strips near the center, I think it will complement the center piece well, can't wait to work on it!

Don't forget to show and tell in our Flickr Group! Did you blog about the quilt along, your fabric selection, or threads? Share your post here {please link to a specific post or Flickr photo}:

Summertime Adventures :: Easy Peasy Drawstring Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:24:00 +0000

Today I'd like to welcome Kat of Diary of a Flutter.Kat with her drawstring bag tutorial, designed to be quick and easy...and a project you could make with your kids before heading out on an adventure!

And, an extra thanks to Kat for joining this summertime series...since Australia is heading into winter! And remember, there will be a linky on Monday for your out and about sewing projects {with a TBD giveaway!}! Happy sewing!

Summertime Adventures :: Snack or Toy Pouch

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Tue, 08 May 2012 23:01:00 +0000

I've been meaning to make a snack or toy pouch for quite a while, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity! This little pouch is lined with Rip Stop Nylon so toys or snacks won't get lint on them {or get your fabric wet or greasy!}, and the handle has a swivel clip so it can be fastened to a stroller, purse strap, or somewhere else convenient!

Supplies:

4 - 2 1/2" x 13" strips for outside
2 - 2 1/2" x 1 1/2" rectangles for zipper tabs
2 1/2" x 11" strip for handle
8 1/2" x 13" Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex woven interfacing
2 - 8 1/2" x 6 1/2" Rip Stop Nylon Fabric {similar to what a kite or windbreaker would be made from, I got mine at Jo-Ann, it has little grid squares on it that you cannot see in the photographs}
9" Long Pull Zipper {my favorite type of zipper!}
1 1/2" Swivel Clip

Start by piecing the 2 1/2" strips together lengthwise with a 1/4" seam allowance, then fuse the interfacing to the wrong side. Quilt as desired {I quilted 1/8" from each seam}:

Cut in half to make 2 - 8 1/2" x 6 1/2" rectangles, set aside. Fold the handle piece in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, press.

Then open and fold the raw edges toward the center, wrong sides together, press. Open handle and fold 1/4" of one short edge down. Refold the handle piece along pressed lines. Stitch along the open edge. Feed the short folded edge through the swivel clip, stitch in place.

Stitch the handle 1/2" from one top edge of one of the outside pieces.

Fold the two 2 1/2" x 1 1/2" rectangles in half {1 1/4" x 1 1/2"}, then turn 1/4" toward center on each side, press. Trim zipper to length of bag and sew the rectangles onto the zipper.

Place the zipper face down on the pouch piece, the closed zipper pull should be on the same side as the handle. Then place the nylon lining piece on top of the zipper, use a zipper foot and stitch in place. Fold the pieces wrong side together. Then place the zipper face down on the other outer piece {the two outer pieces will be right sides together}, and then put the remaining lining piece on top, stitch along zipper.

Fold the pieces so that the right sides of the pouch are together and the lining is together {as shown above} and stitch 3/8" around the bag, leaving a 3" opening along the bottom of the lining {note: make sure the zipper is partially unzipped}. Turn the bag right sides out. Stitch the opening closed on the outside of the lining. Then, stuff the lining inside the bag and it is finished!

There you have a cute little pouch, perfect for any outing!

Summertime Adventures :: Sewing Kit Linky

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:49:00 +0000

Now it's your turn! Last week we had these great tutorials for travel sewing kits, now show off yours {details below}!

Link up any travel sewing kit you have made {no time limit} to inspire the rest of us with your creativity {kits do not need to be made from the tutorials from this blog...but they can be!}! If you used a pattern or tutorial, please be sure to include a link to it too. This linky will be open for a week, then we'll draw one winner to receive a fat eighth bundle of Preeti by Jessica Swift for Blend Fabrics {as promised here}. I cannot wait to see your ideas!

More Bags!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Sun, 06 May 2012 15:23:00 +0000

Pattern Coming Soon!

This is {nearly} the final bag we've been working away on. Although all our work is a team effort, this bag more than most as my mom made the outside and I finished the lining! There is actually a second version of this same bag sitting on my ironing board...in pretty pinks! I just have to finish up the lining for it too!

Now I just need to get down to business and finish up all three coming soon patterns!

I also wanted to show you a few more lovely bags that have been finished {sorry for not posting sooner, it has been hectic around here!}:

Here is the Sophie bag by Emily of Mommy's Nap Time, isn't it darling? I love the little heart stitching, and she used that adorable Washi fabric for the handles and lining {more pictures here!}.

And the Emma clutch by Kat of Diary of a Flutter.Kat. I love the colors she's used {I see a few of my personal favorites...plus some other darling fabrics I'd never seen!}. Because Kat doesn't really embroider, she just did a plain flap, but the embroidery might have made the bag too busy. You can see more pictures here and here!

Hope you're having a happy weekend!

Sewing With Children {Help Needed!}

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie {Clover and Violet}) — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:11:00 +0000

I'm just stopping by today to ask for some advice! A friend of mine, who does not sew or quilt, has an almost-7-year-old who is excited to learn sewing and quilting. The little girl's birthday is coming up soon, so her mother is gathering sewing supplies and looking for how-to sewing books. For now, her daughter will be hand sewing only

She has asked me if I know anything about either of the books above, sadly, I do not {though they seem to have great reviews!}, so I'm wondering, do any of you? Or, do you have any other books you might recommend for this young lady? Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated! Thank you in advance!