Fabulous Fabric Finds

I was inspired by several fabrics and projects in my stash this afternoon....there is just something about taking a few moments and finding the right project for the right day. Today, I decided I wanted to start on a quick project "just for me"...something I rarely do! I found the cutest flannel fabrics and panel for a quick quilt last week while shopping with my friend Kimber...I saw this fun model hanging in the quilt shop and just had to have it...flannel fabrics are perfect the autumn season and provide much needed comfort during the winter months. The fabric collection is "Flirty Birdies" by Michele Scott for Northcott (I love the name!) and the adorable birdies make me smile. This will be a fun throw quilt and will feature the panel with the orange polka dot for borders...the multiple birdie fabric for the back...and the blue flowers for the binding. I actually pieced the borders today on my serger and look forward to doing some simple quilting in the next week or so...

I also picked up a few fat quarters worth mentioning...not sure of their use yet, but they just spoke to me...

On the left - two fat quarters from the "So Happy Together" collection by Deana Rutter for Riley Blake...and on the right, two fat quarters from the "Cream & Sugar" collection by Ampersand Design Studio for Windham Fabrics.

Finally - I just have to share a very favorite collection...it just screams my name...Village Green by Carolyn Gavin for P & B Textiles...just seeing these fabrics I want to turn on my sewing machine ASAP and get to work...they are just wonderful!

With all this inspiration surrounding me, I definitely need more hours in the day! For now, I am back to my stitching nest to work on a fast approaching deadline. I did manage to get lots of new items listed in my Etsy Shop late last night..so if you have been waiting for something to be posted, go take a look. Tomorrow I will start cutting supplies for the "Mischief at Midnight" finishing kits - I only have limited yardage of several of the items, so I will make as many as I can...give me a few days to get them ready, then (as I mentioned previously) I will post the details here before posting them in my Etsy Shop. So, for now, I am off to take care of the dogs...and then it will be a late night in my needlework nook...

Beautiful Button Bags

I had so much fun making these special little button bags yesterday afternoon. They were actually made for my dear friends Merry and Kimber, as we are getting together later this morning for some girl time, tea, and lunch. We have been planning this time together for several months...and as always, the three of us have been looking forward to spending a morning/afternoon sharing. laughing, and (of course) eating. We have a habit of making and bringing little gifts for one another...and I had been planning these sweet little bags for some time. I didn't use a pattern...I just had the idea and ran with it. I had found this wonderful button fabric months ago...and used my sewing machine to do the ribbon casings - and my serger to do the rolled hem edge and piecing. I added a couple fun wool/fabric/button flowers to the front and satin ribbons for closure...then filled them with handfuls of buttons (some new, some vintage, some novelty). I was just tickled with how they turned out and have made a few more for future gifts...I may even keep one for myself! I think these will be perfect for our get together today - speaking of which, I am running a little late, so I will cut this short...but I am sure I will be back later with photos of the festivities....

Holiday Sewing Projects - Embellished Kitchen Towels

Another holiday gift I worked on this season - embellished kitchen towels. These are quite fun and easy to make....and you use purchased kitchen towels (which can be found at any home store, grocery store, and many quilting/sewing stores at reasonable prices). I then picked coordinating fabric especially for the recipient - and you don't need a lot of fabric, a fat quarter will be more than sufficient for a couple towels. I simply cut a band of fabric to fit one end of the towel - then used my serger to do a 3-thread rolled edge around the cut ends of the fabric band to keep it from unraveling and give it a nice finished look (you could zig-zag the edges or do a basic hem if you do not have a serger)....I then used a small amount of fusible web to hold the fabric band in place on the towel - and attached it with a tiny zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine. To make it even more fun and unique, you can add trim, rick rack, piping, or buttons. Pair it with a cookbook and you have a perfect gift for those who like to spend time in the kitchen....

Springtime Treat Bags

I was having a rough morning and needed a little clarity, so I decided to do a little sewing and machine embroidery to lift my spirits. The outcome?...I'm in a much better place...and I made these fun little treat bags! I just loved this little applique' embroidery design called "Best Friend Tree", digitized by Bunnycup Embroidery. The little bags are about 5" x 7" in size...and didn't require a pattern...I just made them up as I went along. I used one of my new ribbon presser feet to attach the cute ribbon band across the top...and did a three-thread rolled edge on my serger to hem the opening. I then filled the bags with springy Easter chocolates and tied the bags with matching pink and green raffia...the perfect little gift for a dear friend!

I can now get back to work with a smile on my face...and look forward to tomorrow morning (I'm taking some time off to visit a quilt shop and have lunch with my girlfriends....hmmm...guess who is getting these little treat bags?!....).

Take a little time to find your happy place....