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Personalized Pincushion Tutorial

October 25, 2011 by 2 Comments

With the holidays just around the corner (how the heck did that happen!) it’s time to think of handmade gifts.  A while back I promised you a tutorial for this monogrammed pincushion.  It’s finally ready.  Click here to access the pdf file.

These make great gifts, not only because they are personalized with the monogram, but because they can be tailored to the recipient by selective use of fabric.  Since the pieces are small with the largest measuring 7 inches by 4 1/2 inches, you can use your scraps.

Have fun with these while I’m away!  And send pictures if you make one.  Or two.  Or three.  I’d love to see them all.

Filed Under: Anna Maria Horner, creativity, embroidery, fabric, pattern, scraps, sewing, tutorials

Got Energy?

October 23, 2011 by 4 Comments
Image CC BY Asim18, obtained at Wikimedia Commons

Four more days, people! Only four more days until Market. This Thursday I leave Mr. P in charge of Casa P and board a plane for Houston.  And you know what?  I think I’m actually ready.  Amazing, but true.  This is not to say that I will not be trying to sew up to the very end, because I’m pretty sure I will.  But all the things that had to be done, have been done.  The rest is gravy, as they say.

I’m terribly excited about being surrounded by fabric and creativity and great people.  And meeting friends I only know online.  If you’re going to Market, you will be able to find me in Jane Sassaman’s booth or wandering around the Free Spirit area talking up all the latest collections.  Say “Hi” and stop for a chat.  I’d love to meet you.
If you aren’t going, I will be posting about my big adventure when I get back.  I completely understand the need for pictures, lots of them, and the low down on the whole show.  I’ll do my best to give you both.
A huge thank you to everyone of you who have shared my excitement about going, encouraged me with emails during  my non-stop sewing, sent me coffee and made sure I was looking after myself.  You’re the best!
Filed Under: Uncategorized

Slipped My Mind

October 18, 2011 by 3 Comments

I completely forgot to show you this little miscellany box.  I meant to do it last month but somehow, I got distracted.  Funny how that happens.

It’s a simple little paper mache box from Michael’s.  I painted the inside with Plaid’s Folk Art Paint and used Mod Podge to apply Anna Maria’s Loulouthi fabrics to the sides.

But it’s the top with its embroidered blossom that really makes me smile.  I love that little flower.  I drew the outline on an even weave white fabric and started filling in with Anna’s Anchor embroidery threads.  The sheen of these threads makes the final product glow.

These boxes are very inexpensive and make great gifts.  You wouldn’t have to go to the lengths I did.  You could paint the whole thing.  Or decoupage with paper.  It might not be a bad idea to have a few of these on hand for the holidays.  Christmas is coming, believe it or not.

Filed Under: Anna Maria Horner, crafts, embroidery, fabric, mod podge

Two Weeks!

October 13, 2011 by 3 Comments

Two weeks until Quilt Market!  Time is flying and the fabric is still piled up at the sewing machine.  I’ve completely lost track of which phase I’m working on.  I think Phase 4 and Phase 6, but don’t hold me to it.

I wanted to have a humorous post for you but my funny bone must have carpal tunnel. All that sewing, you know.  Instead, I’m directing you to this book.

You can find the details here.  It’s a beautiful book and meets all your expectations of a Liberty product.

Have a great day, everyone!

Filed Under: books, sewing

The Details

October 9, 2011 by 5 Comments

Lest you think I am drowning in fabric, I offer you proof that the devilish details surround me as well.  It takes a little something extra to complete a project with a Melissa P touch.  Ribbon, pom pom fringe, rick rack, buttons–all of it essential to the dramatic finish.

To play with Jane’s Early Bird collection I gathered together everything I had on hand that worked with the color schemes.  Into the big plastic tub it went.  It sits by the cutting table ready to make it’s contribution. Such a happy mix, don’t you think?

Progress is being made.  However, there is still a lot left to do and that dang clock just keeps on ticking.  Remember how I said I didn’t know how many phases there would be to the Market Madness?  Well, another phase arrived yesterday.  Which means back to the machine, nose to the grindstone and all that.

Have a great day whatever you are doing.  And don’t forget the fun details.  Whether it’s life, sewing or whatever, the details count.

Filed Under: crafts, embellishments, fabric, Market, sewing

Knock, Knock

October 5, 2011 by 5 Comments

Sometimes when you are hard at work, ignoring all the little things and focusing on the big ones, you need someone to remind you to take a break.  Take time to relax for a moment and to breathe deeply.  Fortunately, Pete takes time out of his daily cat routine to remind me.  Somewhere between napping, playing with water and bird watching, he checks in on me.  I have no resistance to feline tricks.  Purring, plaintive cries, antics:  I respond to them all.  Surprised?  I didn’t think so.

Have a great day!

Filed Under: cat, cats

Early Birds Have Arrived

October 2, 2011 by 8 Comments

 Phew!  Phase one, two and three of the Market madness are now behind me.  Now….onto phase four.

How many phases are there, you ask?  It’s a good question.  I just don’t have an answer.  A new phase could open up the week before Market.

While I’m busy cutting and sewing, head over to Jane’s site and check out her newest collection, Early Birds.  She will be featuring them in her booth at Quilt Market.  I think they are going to make a great impression.

And while you are busy being thrilled by these fabrics, I’m going to get back to my long list of things I want to do with them.  It might take a pound of coffee and some dark chocolate, but I’m pretty sure I can get most of them finished in time.

Have a great week!

Filed Under: Uncategorized