First - The Christmas song that I have learned on the piano this season is Joy to the World. I really like it because it is upbeat and the arrangement that I have is very beautiful. I am slowly collecting songs that I can play really well on the piano. I especially like the Christmas season when I get to play songs from a few years ago and they are stuck up in my brain ready for this season and seasons to come. They are really timeless songs that will be forever beautiful to play.

 So Joy to the World!!

 Second - Joy to the World that I have finished sewing my arches for the double wedding ring quilt. I know that it is a small victory in a huge king-size-quilt project but You will never know how much I was anticipating finishing these babies and how much time it took to get to this point.


Third - I got to pick up a few supplies.  Peeking towards the back of the chair is some LONG-ARM thread spools patiently (well, not that patiently) waiting for their machine!!  I am getting to that uncomfortable, too long waiting period that I just keep imagining what it will be like with it here.  I gathered fabric to kit for our family/friend quilting club as well and some additional supplies.  That of course brings a little joy seeing all the amazing prints.  I think trying to fit things in over this most busy month of the year will be a challenge so maybe that will help with me not getting crazy waiting.


Fourth - It's The best time of the year.  This truly is the best time of the year.  I can't wait to decorate and wrap presents and go to Christmas parties.  This brings tons of Joy to my World.  I have waited to put up a tree in order to clean and touch paint up.  The plan is to put the tree up tomorrow but I don't know if I will be running right on schedule.  Time seems to speed up for some reason every once in awhile.  Hopefully all of you are feeling some joy right now.

When gearing up for the holidays it has crossed my mind several times that this one is going to be quite difficult with my dad being gone.  Strangely enough, I have been so thankful over this year, more than I could ever imagine.  I am so thankful that I had such a great person in my life (my dad and also my late brother) for the time that I did and I am thankful for the life that I still have.  Some of this recent perspective has obviously come from tragedy.  Some has come from experiences and it has just helped me know what my focus is and what to value.  It makes me so thankful for the great people that I choose to have in my life.

When thinking of things we all have experienced it doesn't take more than a second to look beyond ourselves and see someone hurting.  Recently, my mom's family is going through terrible heartache right now and it breaks my heart thinking about them.  My uncle Myles was flying his plane on Saturday and didn't make his arrival.  He has been missing since then and they haven't found him.  I am so sad for their family and it makes me think that just when you feel sorrow, someone else could have greater sorrow.  It makes you aware of life's hardships and to be there for people and support them.
UPDATE - They have discovered the crash.  It is not what you would hope to discover.  I hope that they are able to heal and feel calm over time.

That has been the biggest message to me this year is to surround myself with amazing people and be one of those amazing people.  When being amazing, try to always think of others and do your best to give yourself to them.  I am completely thankful for everything in my life and all of it is so precious to me.  Please know that I will be there for people the best way that I know how and I am so humbled by everything right now.

So here I am sewing pi's for my sweet kids and making a delicious dinner while someone is crying and hurting deeply.  So I pray that they will find him.

(pj's for Alex)

Well, I am attempting this crazy Double Wedding Ring Quilt (skip down if you are impatient because there is a really good thing that I ordered!).   I have wanted to make one of these quilts... well since before I started quilting. It is interesting how things slowly burrow into your brain that you might want to check off your list in life.

 This is the case for me. I keep coming back to "I want to do that one day" and finally I reach "I'm not going to talk about it, I am just going to do it". I have reached this conclusion in regard to this quilt and also a LONG ARM!!!

Speaking of double weddings... my grandma and grandpa had a double wedding.  That comes to mind every once in awhile.  I try to imagine what it would have been like for them so long ago to drive across states with the girls coming one way and the boys coming the other way to meet to get married.  What an interesting way to have a wedding.  My grandma was such a sweet lady and I would have loved to have met her and my grandpa all the way back then.  She had a double wedding ring quilt on her bed and I don't really know the story behind that one.  I am not sure if it were made for her or if she bought it?  I will have to get more information on that one.  Does anyone want to have a double wedding with me or maybe if Weston and I get married again it will be considered a double wedding (to each other of course)?.  Back to quilting...

I have been meticulously cutting out all of these little squares only to find out that I need to cut out about 3000+ more.  It said how many arc pieces which was a lot and I thought that meant how many pieces but it actually meant how many arcs which is all that I cut out times 6.  What in the heck am I doing?  This quilt has changed sizes in my head about twenty times now because I can not believe what I am doing.  I was thinking "oh crap well I am just going to do a lap size, then well it would be an awesome king, then I could handle a queen, then Weston and I need to have two twin-sized beds".  I have finally decided that I am gong to just cut as many little squares as I can take and then see what size of quilt that will be.  I just had no idea!  But back to the long arm...


I ordered a long arm quilting machine.  I just jumped feet first and now my cute little sewing room is going to be jammed packed because I am going to stuff a 10-12' frame with a quilting machine on it into this little quaint room.  I have pre-moved by shrinking the table and then moved the piano to overlap the window which isn't ideal and I still think I am going to have to move my piano into another room.  I seriously use it all the time though when I am sewing and need a break from something super super irritating like this wedding ring quilt.  I am trying not to panic too much but it is a little bit of a panic-inducing situation.  I just couldn't say one more time "I am going to get one of those one day", the day just got here instead.  Did I say I am going to have a long arm?


It won't arrive until next month but it will be a good good day when it does.  I will of course share with updated pictures.  I plan to keep myself busy until then on misc quilts and classes for the long-arm (which will be fun!).

Last thing is that this double wedding ring quilt was traditionally made when a couple would get married I think?  That is why it has the two rings encircling each other.  I have been married for coming up on 11 YEARS.  That is so crazy.  So I guess this one will be symbolic for us that we have kept those rings together for all these years even though neither of us wear rings?  I just don't enjoy wearing jewelry on a consistent basis and Weston feels the same way.  I guess it is good that we didn't invest too much $$ into those in the first place.  So maybe it will be good to have a wedding ring quilt, lol.  Well wish me luck and hopefully this won't make it's way into my I don't want to finish this right now drawer because you have no idea how much I have wanted to put it in there over the last day.

Well to do a recap of the Market... I will say that I learned a lot. I met a lot of great people to know. I exchanged a few cards and handed out some flyers. I also took a few school house classes that were very informative. I experienced sample spree. There were some things that I had pictured one way, which I was looking forward to.  Then once experiencing it I found I wouldn't participate in next time. Then there were other things that I just did for the heck of it and I was very surprised that I would definitely do next time.

There were people from all over the world there.  I was there just three days and market went two extra days that I wasn't,  but I would say that it was very easy to get around and see all of the booths.  I didn't feel crowded which I was wondering if that would be a problem and it wasn't.  I think just being one person moving around made it pretty easy.  I also peeked at a few of the quilts in the quilt show that will stay for a few weeks until the Quilt Festival for the public is over.  They were impressive.  I think that it is neat that people have invested the time to dedicate to one quilt that would be easily upwards of 100 hours.  Those are crazy to see.  So all in all it was a great trip.  I learned probably too much and now I just need to decide what to do with all that knowledge... maybe just waste it.... just kidding :)  I'm looking forward to getting with some of the people I have met and to continue on down this road of making new things.  Plus I did get to spend some time with family down there as well.

(sample spree)

(cutest booth display, I think that this trailer was super cute and it really would make camping fun but I don't think it would be as cute when you got home because camping is quite dirty my feeling)

(on the plane home)

(Coming into the Airport)

I'm here and it is a relief. Here's my Quilt and me shamelessly taking a picture next to it. They have other things of mine too but I don't want to be too dorky taking pictures next to all of them. Loving the vacation!

Here is my new pattern :) (UPDATE - I have it finished and it is available in my pattern shop tab #2 and Etsy and) I don't have it uploaded on the pattern sites yet but I will hopefully have it all ready to go by the end of next week. I seriously had post-it-notes stuck all over the way of the things that I needed to finish before I left and I only got about five hours of sleep each night, which for me is three to four short.

 Anyway, I was super excited to share this little bag. It is cute as a backpack or just a purse or whatever bag.  Well, I am officially on the plane when this posts. I was able to do a few posts that will hopefully add as I am gone.

 So if you are interested in these patterns please don't forget to check back in a week when they will both be ready. Thanks so much!!

 The strap is adjustable and the bag can be worn a couple different ways, even as a messenger bag.  Don't my kids look happy... just kidding.  It was a little chilly.

(Love adding the embroidery and trims and appliqué)

(big version, with rings and adjustable strap)

(handle strap)

Of course you need to have a big version and a small version.  Well, this bag has tons of extras and it was inspired by my recent bag I was able to make.  I just thought it was fun adding all of the extra hardware.  It makes sewing a little exciting.

Thanks for looking.  I have a quilt to share tomorrow!

I have some finished projects!!  Zipper Pouch... Weekender Bag...

Zipper Pouch - First my kids were invited to a birthday.  It was a BOY's birthday.  I enjoy sewing things for kids but I always think that it is more challenging when it comes to boys.  At least for me.  I thought that it would be fun to make a zipper bag because I have recently been practicing my zipper skills.  So here is some pics of that little bag (plus two extra for my kiddos).  PS - I made it from this tutorial - love this awesome bag and very impressed by her sewing skills!




The Weekender - So now for my most exciting finished project.  I was checking out a few other blogs where I found this lovely bag.  It is Amy Butler's Weekender bag pattern.  I came across it a few months ago but because I was still a little bit sad and out of sorts at that point, I just thought it was cute but didn't give a second thought. Then I saw it again recently on another site.  I thought with the upcoming trip that it would be perfect project now.  Also, my best bud was going on a trip too so that called for a group project.  I won't bore ya with too much more other than it was TUFFFFFF to sew the constructed panels together.  We are talking Duck Cloth, Piping, Batting, Main Panels, Pocket Panels, LOTS of LAYERS of FABRIC.  I can't even tell you how many times I poked my little fingers.  There was even a point where a needle when in between the nail and finger and there was blood a few times so this bag had a little spot treatment.

Anyway, it is finished.  We modified the pattern with extras.  It is outfitted with magnetic clasps, adjustable straps, inner elastic pockets, inner zip pocket, quilted panels, purse feet, exposed zipper, and oddly enough shorter handles :).  It feels great to have this one finished and checked off the to do list.  The to do list is getting a little backed up here in this house.  Just FYI - I am not going to have a finished dress (in previous post).  I have two apparel projects that are unfinished now.  When things don't work out I just put them to the side until I can later figure it out or never ;)  I think the clothes thing will work out eventually.

(I have my boots for Texas and now I have my bag! :)0)

(Magnetic Clasp)

(Shorter Straps and Quilted Panels)

(Weekender Bag)

(my Most Favorite Print, and tons of cherished scraps)

Well, I have to include a little about the fabric.  I'm in love with all the scraps in this bag.  They remind me of the projects that I have been able to do over the last little bit.  Also the bag reminds me of things that I have learned over the last few years, which helped me make this bag.  Where a few years ago wouldn't have looked as good finished.  I also did an ode to Amy Butler herself which I felt was very appropriate in the green on the top, it is the green fabric and she is the one that designed the pattern.  A bright leaf Green is one of my favorite colors and mixed with all of the color shades that I love, you can't go wrong.  This was a labor of love taking up a few days and nights but it made it more fun to do it with a couple of friends involved.  If you ever want to make one I suggest making one with a buddy because it makes the whole process sweeter (and then you don't feel alone when you are cussing and bleeding).

Now I just need to literally pack my bags but I got a few days to work all that in.

Update -  I have been to and from Quilt Market and I wanted to share the cute doll diaper bags that were made for Quilt Market with Riley Blake's new line "The Sweetest Thing" fabric!!  The pattern for the Trendy is available in my pattern shops.  The Classic version though is going to be available in the book entitled "Little Big Stuff".  This will be published in August 2015!!  I can't wait to share the amazing compilation of my children pattern designs.  The book will be a fantastic one to have in one's sewing library.  So please pick one up!  Thank you so much.

(Trendy Doll Diaper Bag with changing pad and receiving blanket)

(inside of Trendy Doll Diaper Bag with changing pad)

(Classic Doll Diaper bag with changing pad and receiving blanket)

(Classic Doll Diaper Bag with changing pad and receiving blanket)

(Classic Doll Diaper Bag Pattern)

(inside of Classic Doll Diaper Bag with changing pad and receiving blanket)

IT really really is the sweetest thing. I have been waiting to share the news but it is official now. I am working with Riley Blake. They have let me use their material to make some of my patterns and I am above and beyond excited. So here is a sneak peak of the CUTEST LINE ever that is scheduled to come out over the next few months. The fabric line is "the sweetest thing", so I feel that it is very appropriate for this post.  It really is the sweetest thing that someone would believe in me.

 I am working on some projects for the infamous quilt market. The quilt market is where new fabric designs and patterns are debuted for national and international quilting professionals and shop owners and fabric designers and people in the biz. Let's just say that it is THE place to be at the end of October. I hope to be there one day :) I have a stack of projects to get started on but they are so so pretty to look at.

(hmm.. what to make with this?, just kidding I have lots of plans)

(I love a feminine blue or green)

( These are the two next to each other, they are all from "the sweetest thing" one of Riley Blake's collections)

(Lastly, this is the Avignon fabrics.  My aunt actually really liked a laminate from this line so I hope it hurry and comes out for her)

So now ya know.  I have added their link on my side-bar.  I have been sewing with only their fabrics this whole year and it really is a joy.  I love seeing what they are coming out with all the time.  It just is so fascinating to see all the quilts you can achieve and projects.  I have to say that this is the most fun industry to be involved in.  It steals my heart everyday.  So thank you to anyone that has given me a part in all of this fun stuff, I am completely grateful to be here.

THIS WEEK - I made another chenille blanket. I was needing something fun this week to use up some time. Mostly, I am just trying to do things that will take some worry/stress away. It is always good to keep those fun things in there so I don't get too much pent-up-energy.  It works every single time, every single time.  I just wish there were more time I could dedicate to these activities then I would be one cool cat :)

So I just have a quick slide show of the process.  If you are in need of some detail instructions just click on my Chenille Blanket Tutorial here or you can also access it on the side bar.

FOUND TREASURES - I really love this fabric and like all chenille blankets that I have made the flannel came from my long time stash.  This flannel is 8+ years old.  We used it for table runners for decorations at my Baby Shower.  Nothing like up-cycling here :)  I found it mixed in with my sheets awhile back.  I seriously loose things all the time and then find them later and think wow how freaking awesome is this.  Don't ya just love when that happens... ps - my favorite is cash in pockets but that is a rare rare occasion now since the kiddos have arrived and sucked all that money gone.

WHAT MAKES THIS QUILT DIFFERENT - Well I decided to make the chenille in a floral design.  I have seen a few done different ways but I really wanted to try a cool shape.  I didn't know if it would work but logically I thought that it would, of course why wouldn't it.  So I started the same way but I drew a couple flowers to echo quilt.  It turned out to be a lot more fun than the straight-line quilting.  It was almost like following a map.  I then cut and bound it the same and then washed it and it was all finite.

(Layer and Pin)

(Trace design on)

(Echo Quilt around designs)

(Cut and bind)

(All finished!!)

(Beautiful!)

LAST WEEK's OUTCOME and WRAP-UP - The cushions were picked up and I had satisfied customers.  I also sold some more baby blankets so I am officially sold out!!  Glad to get the last two on their way to new homes.  I am super super super excited for the kids to get in school so I can start all my work!  Super EXCITED.  I can't wait to make some more in-depth patterns and projects.!.  I have some quilts that are commissioned and some projects that are commissioned.  Is anyone else excited?  What are you going to do with your extra time if you have some?