Prize Package Pondering...

Have you visited the Therm O Web blog before??...well, it is one of my favorites. They are always posting fun tutorials and creative ideas...and yes, they have lots of great giveaways! If you haven't heard of Therm O Web - they are a prominent adhesive manufacturer in the craft and fabric markets...they produce quality iron-on adhesives for fabrics, along with an extensive line of adhesives for hobbies and scrapbooking. I have their blog saved in my reader and at least several times a week it inspires me. During December, they hosted a "12 Days of Giveaways" with some FABULOUS prizes...and (to my surprise) I just happened to be the big winner on day 10! My prize package arrived yesterday (it couldn't have come at a better time) and it included: a selection of four Thermo O Web HeatnBond® products, a fat quarter stack from Camelot Fabrics ("Naughty Puppies"), and some coordinating spools of Coats Threads (Paper Piecing Thread, Bold Hand Quilting Thread, and Embroidery Thread). Now to decide what to create with my new stash...any ideas???...

Up For A Challenge

I worked on a bit of a sewing challenge yesterday...something my husband asked me to do last week. Yep, wouldn't you know it, I am knee deep in BRD models and making holiday gifts and my husband comes to me with a sewing project he needed done (of course) by this weekend. Our conversation started by him bringing me the following hunting item:

Now, for those of you who aren't sure what this is, it is a blaze orange handwarmer muff - it has a strap that you use to hold it around your waist (like a fanny pack for warm hands). He says it is his favorite and it is the best for keeping his hands warm. So what is the problem, you ask? Well, he wants it to be camouflage for when he is sitting in the timber bow hunting...but also wants to have to option to have it blaze orange for gun hunting. Okay, I am up for a challenge...so last week, while out with my friend Merry, I picked up a yard of Realtree camouflage fabric (I took a photo of his camouflage clothes with my phone, so I could match the print in the store). Last night, I finally got around to measuring the muff and getting my plan together - at first, I planned to use Velco to hold the camo fabric around the muff, but as I began sewing, I got the idea to use a zipper. I still had to figure out how I was going to accommodate the straps, but I decided I would get the fully lined fabric sleeve prepared first. After the fabric sleeve with zipper was complete and fit perfectly, I decided to use two buttonholes for the straps...the end result was this:

I was happy to use the fancy schmancy sensor one-step buttonhole foot on my sewing machine and it worked perfectly (I did a couple on test buttonholes on scrap fabric first). I had to mark the strap placement, as it was different on each side, but that wasn't a big deal...and I had to make the largest buttonhole my machine allows to accommodate the large buckles on the strap. It actually worked perfectly - even better than I had planned - and here is the end result:

It is easily removable and covers all the blaze orange. My husband was so happy and it was exactly what he wanted - he can now use it for both types of hunting and his hands will stay toasty warm! Several years ago, I never would have dreamed I could tackle this project - but today I feel quite confident in my sewing skills. Yes, challenges can be a good thing....

A Day Filled With Sunshine

It is a gorgeous day here in Iowa - finally - the snow is almost all melted away and signs of spring are just starting to pop up! I took a much needed break from my office today to take Simba to the groomer and do a little shopping....even the quilt shop is full of new springtime fabric.

So, with all these signs of spring, it is the perfect day to share my new blog award...fittingly titled "The Sunshine Blog Award" (I know, it's crazy - two blog awards in one month - I am a bit shocked). This award was given to me by one of the most creative and talented people I have had the chance to meet online - Tommye at I'd Rather Be Stitching....and if you haven't visited her blog, you should make the time to visit! I am told this award is for bloggers who inspire others with positivity and creativity. The rules for accepting the award are:

1. Put the logo on your blog or within your post. (check)
2. Pass the award to 12 bloggers. (check)
3. Link the nominees within your post. (check)
4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog. (check)
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award. (check)

So, here are my twelve nominees (in alphabetical order)...all of who are positive and creative with their blog posts...all of whom inspire me!

1. A Shenandoah Sampler
2. A Stitchers Ramblings
3. Always Smiling
4. Annie Bebop's Coloring Book
5. Bronny's Bits
6. Cathryn's Place
7. Chris Cross Corner
8. Crazy Purple Mom
9. I Stitch Therefore I Am
10. I'll Be Perfect In My Next Life...
11. Little Village Naturals
12. Needle In A Haystack Designs

I hope you are enjoying sunshine today, as well...take a little time to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you!

Playing With Machine Needle Felting

I love to keep scraps of fabrics, ribbons, yarns, threads, wools...well, you get the idea. Not sure why...I don't like clutter or knick knacks and I am not normally a "saver", but when it comes to fabric, trims, and fibers I save it all. A couple months ago, I purchased a Husqvarna Viking ER10 Embellishing Machine (which is a fancy name for a needle felting machine)...now I have found a grand use for all those trimmings! After getting some design work done this morning, I decided to make time to play with this fabulous machine. For those of you not familiar with a needle felting or embellishing machine, it looks like a sewing machine without thread...it consists of five (some models have seven) individual barbed needles that catch the fibers of your chosen material and pushes them into the base fabric to create your design. Many think needle felting can just be done with wool fibers...but really with this machine your creativity is limitless. I start with a craft felt base and then start adding scraps of cotton, wools, wool roving, netting, taffeta, lace, scrim...you name it...the more you work the pieces under the needles, the more secure and blended they become with your base. The photos shows a machine needle felted piece, without any sewing or thread used (all of the pieces are securely attached). Once I have the base the way I want it, the next step is to take it to the sewing machine and add specialty stitches (or, of course can do this by hand)...you can also add stencil shapes, puff paint, beads, buttons, wires, embroidery...basically anything your heart desires. Tomorrow, I will take the piece in the photo to the sewing machine and start to add specialty stitches and embellishments....it will then be used as a journal or sketch book cover (at least that is currently my plan)....

Sewing/Stitching Companion

I am still SUPER busy working on new designs for teaching and the TNNA Nashville Needlework Market in February. I am a little behind on my market releases, so my posts may be minimal for the next few weeks....but don't give up on me, I love sharing my projects and inspirations with you!
Today I wanted to share with you a project I made for a holiday gift...a little sewing/stitching companion. It was done completely in the hoop on my sewing/embroidery machine and was digitized by Birdhouse Cottage Crafts. There is a pocket for your scissors...a wool page for your pins and needles...under the wool is page of quilt batting to collect your orts...and under those pages is a little hidden pocket - perfect for a needle threader, package of needles, or a skein of floss. The fabric (which is gorgeous in person!) is Somerset Cottage by Robyn Pandolph (RJR Fabrics)...and was chosen specifically to coordinate with the recently released Elizabeth I scissors (LOVE THESE!) by Kelmscott Designs. This was a very enjoyable project made easily in an afternoon.

Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas ~ Number Six

Today's idea gives you a chance to be extra creative - patchwork pincushions. This is a great way to use up scrap fabric, those special fat quarters you just happened to pick up, buttons, trims, and rick rack! No pattern is required...just a bit of inspiration, the aforementioned materials, some stuffing, and a needle and thread....they can be made by hand or machine. Shown in the photo - a few pincushions I made from fabric scraps in my stash and some fun buttons. A wonderful gift for a stitcher or seamstress...and to add a special little touch, give them with a package of needles or glass head pins...or some fat quarters of fabric and button cards...or a special sewing treasure - such as a pair of scissors, laying tool, seam ripper, or sewing ruler. Use a project bag for a gift bag and it makes the perfect gift!

For those of you needing some pincushion inspiration, tipnut.com has a wonderful reference with links to 60 FREE Pincushion Patterns! There are all sorts of ideas listed here, using all sorts of materials - you are sure to find a pattern to inspire you...

Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas ~ Number One

With the holidays quickly approaching, I thought I would take a week or two and write about some of my favorite homemade gifts and ideas....a little inspiration to get you in the holiday mood!

Today, the first fun idea is a "mug rug"....the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for a coffee or tea drinker! This quilted coaster has two pockets - one for a teabag or instant coffee sachet...and one for a teaspoon...you could also include sugar and/or creamer packets! You can make it with or without a loop for hanging...and can choose the perfect fabric for the recipient. This particular "mug rug" design was done completely in the embroidery machine hoop and was digitized by The Purple Hat (they have great digitized designs and quick gift ideas!)...it measures about 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" square. If you are without an embroidery machine, you could easily quilt and bind one (a square fabric/batting sandwich). Give as a gift with a new coffee mug or teacup...or with fresh baked goods...

Check back often for more holiday gift ideas!

Time For Some "Therapy"

Now that I am finally starting to feel better, I am frantically trying to meet a pile of deadlines...I am completely overwhelmed to say the least...I am finally starting to make some progress on the "task list", but my stress level is at an all time high. So, I decided it was time for some sewing and quilting therapy...just a couple hours to regroup and re-prioritize...and to be honest, it was just what I needed to clear my head and lower my blood pressure. So here is a little bit about my Sunday sewing project...

I have had my hot pads and pot holders for years...haven't replaced them as long as I can remember...I have my favorites and use them all the time...they are not pretty anymore...they have stains and burn marks and look "well loved". I never gave them too much thought, until Shelli sent me her new "Hot Pads" project to test...and then I decided I needed to make new ones. This is a great "You Can Sew This" project...the tutorial was quick and easy...and best of all, it is FREE at YouCanMakeThis.com! There are fabulous step by step instructions and color photographs - a beginner could easily handle these. The finish size is about 9" square...and they use 2 layers of Warm & Natural Batting and one layer of Insul-Brite (insulated batting), so they are nice and thick. The supply list is minimal...and I made two in a short amount of time. I made my own bias binding, but the directions show you how to use purchased bias tape...and I used grosgrain ribbon for the hangers, but the directions show you how to use bias tape. A fun and very useful project...I will be making more of these...maybe some for holiday gifts...

Now back to that ever-growing task list...but at least I feel rejuvenated! Make a few hours to do something you enjoy...

Sewing Inspiration

Okay, I admit it...I am "in love" with trims, buttons, and rick rack; there is something about embellishments that instantly inspires me. On most shopping excursions, sewing and stitching notions are the first thing I look for....it is always a treat to find some vintage buttons, lace, ribbon, rick rack, or handmade trim in an antique or specialty shop. Then, the fun begins...trying to find the perfect project for these special treasures. This week, I happened upon a plastic bag full of vintage buttons for $0.50...what a find!...some were plain...but some were quite unique...and I giggled with excitement all the way home...my $0.50 will bring me LOADS of sewing fun and inspiration. Over the years, I have collected baskets full of sewing treasures and garnishments...all of which I hope to find the perfect use for...but until then, they will continue to spark my imagination and creativity!