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Somehow I got swept up in the excitement of joining a Flickr swap last week. Before I could click "Your Photostream," I was signed up for the Fab Little Pincushion Swap. I haven't participated in a Flickr swap in quite some time and am excited to be back in the saddle. They're such fun!

I created this mosaic as inspiration for my partner but accidentally forgot to grab the credits from the Mosaic Maker. By the time I realized my error, someone had closed the browser I was working in. If any of these are yours, please leave a comment so I can give proper credit!

And here is a sneak peak I uploaded today. I'm hoping to get some feedback that my partner likes this direction. The Bird Pincushion pattern is from DIY Dish and is by Joel Dewberry. The fabric is by Tanya Whelan.

Hope you're having a productive week. What are you making?

Bright Sunshiny Day

We are enjoying a bright, sunshiny day here in southwest Ohio. The girls and I spent the morning at Cox Arboretum, a gorgeous garden park. I am feeling like a lucky girl today that I get to spend days like this one with Olivia and Isabelle.

Things are also garden-y in my studio. I finished the pillow top I started a few weeks ago following this tutorial.

I ended up using the tutorial's recommendation to applique with a darning foot. The wiggly lines give the overall look an organic feel, which is quite appropriate for the subject matter.

I quilted in a vine-like loopy pattern very close together to create a dense effect. Last night I sewed on the binding and began hand stitching it to the back, which I made with an envelope closure. This pillow will add a lot of cheer to our couch during the spring and summer!

X-tra Special Gift

My half brother starts high school next fall at a school affectionately known locally as "St. X." I thought it would be fun to make him a quilt with an "X" in it as a birthday/8th grade graduation gift.

To start the process, I decided to do a little internet searching for block patterns. What I found is a big ole party around the Japanese X block!

photo credit: Amy from Badskirt

This fantastic block is all over Flickr. Most of them seem to have been made from a tutorial by Amy on her blog Badskirt.

I have some quick thinking and designing to do. Because this has to be done by the end of May, I don't think making a whole quilt out of this block is possible. But I could do a simple pattern on the front and then next one of these blocks on the backing? What do you think I should do?

New Arrivals

I'm thrilled to carry my first line from Riley Blake in my shop! With their spot-on color palettes, fabulous designers, and adorable prints, I've long loved this company's products.

Millie's Closet by Bee in My Bonnet (designer Lori Holt) arrived this week, and my daughter, Olivia, and I literally squealed as we unpacked the boxes. The prints are "SOOO cute!," as Olivia said.

The designs are inspired by Lori Holt's grandma and are a 30s throwback with a modern twist. I happen to adore the dress form and stripe prints, though it's hard to pick a favorite!

                                         


This "cheater" print is also fantastic because the squares are just large enough to cut out to use in 5" charm patterns. Brilliant, right?

There's also some sweet 1/4" crochet trim to embellish projects with. Available in white and aqua, they perfectly with Millie's Closet fabric. I can see this being the perfect extra touch on pin cushions, zip pouches, or small toss pillows.


Riley Blake offers some fantastic video tutorials on their website. I love this one with Bee in My Bonnet designer Lori Holt showing how to make an functional, fast travel bag using the Millie's Closet fabrics. 


Even though I have so many other projects going on, I don't know if I'll be able to resist not cutting into these fabrics this weekend! 

In the Bag... And a Giveaway Winner

Where did last week go? Seriously. Since I've been home with the girls, the weeks speed by. When I worked full time, Friday seemed it would never get here. Now, I look up and it's Friday already? Don't hate me... It might not always feel that way. LOL!

I did manage to finish an Amy Butler Spice Market Tote last week out of Jennifer Paganelli's Crazy Love.

To save on the cost of materials, I cheated and didn't double up on the Pellon interfacing. I think it still has enough structure and strength, at least for my taste.

The pattern calls for a false bottom using a special plastic template material. Instead of using that, I cut up an old plastic place-mat. Frugal? Yes. But sometimes we can make do with what we have.

Anyway, we have a give away to get to! The winner of the BasicGrey Sunday Basket Brunch Quilt pattern via Random Number Generator is...

Comment #2 - Gill! Who says her favorite Sunday brunch meal is: Soft boiled eggs and toast soldiers!

Gill - I will get in contact with you to mail your prize!

Sunday Basket Brunch Quilt - Pattern Give Away!

This week, I received a little unexpected "happy mail" from the people over at BasicGrey when a quilt pattern arrived. The pattern is for a beautiful quilt called Sunday Basket Brunch and it features their fabulous new fabric, Hello Luscious, which I'm carrying in the shop.

This is a layer-cake quilt. Just one layer cake will make the Baby quilt size (34-1/2" x 34-1/2"). Directions are given for up to a Queen/King size.

While this is a lovely quilt pattern, I don't think I'll get around to making it any time soon. Rather than let it hang around my studio, I think one of you should have it! :-)

Enter the Sunday Basket Brunch pattern give away a couple of ways. Each way qualifies you for a new entry. The more you do, the better your chance to win!

1. Leave a comment and tell me your favorite Sunday Brunch food. For the record, mine is French Toast. Yum!

2. Follow my blog. Leave a comment letting me know you are. 

3. Link to this give away from your blog. Leave another comment letting me know you did.

Deadline to enter: Friday, April 6 at midnight EST.

Good luck!