Dizzy Little Kingdom

Moving Slowly

2012-01-26T20:00:00.001-08:00

Hello! As most of my Twitter followers know, I had hand surgery on January 6th. I still can't grip to cut fabric (or drive, do dishes, cook, empty litter boxes) but I can do a bit of cross stitch!

This is another Barbara Bourgeau-Richards pattern by FACES called 'Sarah'. I am in love with the colors and the way the mother is holding her baby girl.

Hoping to get a Valentine's Day giveaway up here next week, so be on the look out!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Christmas Gifts: handmade towels

2011-12-23T19:57:00.001-08:00

So, just as a quick follow-up to my last post about making towels as gifts, I just finished this one for a friend:

It was such a fun project, it's made me want to make several for myself (AFTER the holidays!).

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Last Minute Holiday Gifts: Kitchen/Powder Room Towels

2011-12-19T14:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know there are a few of you out there like me, putting together last minute gifts...usually for people you either had not planned on exchanging gifts with, people you are now going to see last minute and feel you should bring some type of hostess/dinner gift, or you just plain old ran out of ideas and Starbucks gift cards are starting to sound REALLLLLLLLLLLLLY good!!

Well, have no fear, you can quickly throw together a darling towel. Pair it with a jar of specialty jam and a fancy bag of scone mix, a candle and a guest soap, a can of lobster bisque soup and oyster crackers, the combos are limitless - and you'll be all set! For inspiration in the towel department, I did a quick search and saved these images. Remember, they don't have to be made out of holiday fabric. Use up your scraps and get creative! Enjoy and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Great use of holiday fabric if you've been making quilts! Pair with a jar of mulling spice and a jug of apple cider, or a box of water crackers, cheese and a bottle of wine.

I especially like these for a guest bath. Pair with soaps and maybe a little antique china saucer as a soap dish.

Remember, a china cup & saucer is shabby chic and inexpensive at thrift stores. Pair with a favorite tea!

Ok, if you have time, a matching pot holder is nice...

You guys know I cannot resist a big polka dot! Add a can of gourmet hot chocolate and some marshmallows, YUMMY!

This is adorable! Says "Fresh eggs laid daily". Pair with a dainty soft boiled egg cup (again, hit up those thrift stores) and a jar of herbs.

Definitely for a doll or Victorian lover. Pair with rose scented soap and hand lotion.

You could easily start working on these NOW for Valentine's Day!

Incredibly sweet for kitchen or bath. Pair with a box of chamomile and a good book!

This one I love for my friends who have a more retro or modern flare. Keep the black and white theme going. Pair with some assorted licorice candies and a funny DVD!

Hugs,

Betty & Dee

Silent Sunday

2011-12-04T17:21:00.000-08:00

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

Late night crafting...

2011-11-26T00:39:00.001-08:00

I got a little side-tracked tonight. I took the leftover pieces of the Eva quilt and pieced them together. Then I backed them with iron-on fusible interface. Then I used them as two pieces of fabric and cut out the body of a purse! Here's what I have so far, identical front and back. I'll work on pocket, lining and straps tomorrow.

I think I've got some plum velvet somewhere...might be fun for the lining and straps.

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Christmas Table Runner

2011-11-25T21:20:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I made this for my dining room table, which is very long and wide, and in a very dark espresso colored hard wood. I just didn't realize until I put the polka dot border on tonight that it really is HUGE! I'm thinking that this is also going out to be quilted. I'm just too intimidated...

I'll get back to you on this one!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Next up? Christmas table runner.

2011-11-25T20:03:00.001-08:00

I made this runner at a quilt retreat 3 years ago. I never finished it. I'm attacking it tonight!

There is a gold and brown polka dot border to put on. Then I'm going to back it in flannel and try my hand at some machine quilting. Wish me luck!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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A completed UFO!!!

2011-11-25T17:32:00.001-08:00

Just in time for Christmas, I finished these napkins! I stitched them TWO YEARS ago! Now they are finally backed in these cute white trees on red.

These may be mailed off as a gift...or they may show up here with some other goodies as a holiday giveaway, so be on the look out!!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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UFOs

2011-11-21T18:47:00.001-08:00

Trying to pace myself, but am a bit frantic to finish some UFOs before I return to full-time work on Monday. Next up? A quilt using BasicGrey "Eva" and some In The Beginning fabrics:

Jellyroll strips have been sewn together. I'll have 164 5" blocks to work with! And was lucky enough to find the huge main print on sale, so bought 3 yards for the sashing.

Even found the perfect fence rail type pattern in an old quilting magazine. I believe this will be a king size bedspread/comforter. Now to find out which of my besties likes these colors ;-)

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Holiday Wall Hanging: Doves

2011-11-17T19:31:00.001-08:00

I've decided to go with two doves as my appliqués at the bottom:

I'm very happy with it and ready to move on to another UFO!

Hugs,
Dee

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Wordless Wednesday: Winter Quilting

2011-11-16T14:04:00.001-08:00

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Holiday Wall Hanging

2011-11-15T22:57:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone! Well, I'm going to be taking on a consulting job for a year, so I'm in major panic mode, "must get all my UFOs done!".

Since this Holiday Fabric Exchange project was already in the making I'm trying to finish it up so I can move on to some Christmas gift sewing. Here's the wreath appliqué I pieced tonight. It's just pinned on and I'm still working on some other appliquéd shapes down by the base of the tree.

I don't want this quilt to be too busy, but I also want to add a festive holiday feeling to it. I may even embroider "Happy Holidays" or some such across that cream piece right under the tree. What do you all think? BTW, this is measuring 41"x54" right now without binding.

Hugs,
Dee

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Holiday Fabric Exchange

2011-11-12T12:16:00.000-08:00

I AM working on something! I joined a fabric exchange. We all have the same forty-five 5"x5" squares to use in a project of our choosing. I decided to make a Christmas wall hanging, of my own design. Here's my progress so far:

So now my main, focal piece is done and it's time to arrange HST squares all the way around. I will post today's progress tonight or tomorrow.

Hugs,
Dee

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More Holiday Inspiration!

2011-11-11T15:59:00.001-08:00

Wall Hanging & Matching Stockings By sewtobed on Flickr:

Winter Forest Appliqué Tea Towel:

Holiday Tie Wreath:

Mushroom Winter Wonderland:

12 Days of Christmas towels:

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Wordless Wednesday: Mermaids

2011-11-02T17:29:00.001-07:00

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When ill, just keep beading.

2011-10-31T10:48:00.001-07:00

I've been sick with bronchitis for four lovely weeks. I've discovered that beading a cross stitch is a peaceful way to spend my time. I might get this finished and framed before Christmas.

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Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-26T10:41:00.001-07:00

www.sassypackrat.blogspot.com/

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Wordless Wednesday: all in a night's work

2011-10-05T22:34:00.001-07:00

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Wordless Wednesday: Pumpkin Panel by Sandy Gervais

2011-09-28T07:12:00.001-07:00

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Halloween Giveaway! BOO!

2011-09-10T17:15:00.001-07:00

Hello crafty followers! It's almost the middle of September, and that means it's time for a Halloween giveaway!

How about an enormous 33"x23" witchy tea towel, three 1/2 yard cuts of spooky fabric, some checkered and sequined trim, 8 buttons and two bats???

(Fabric is Broderie Perse, Boo Crew, and the mice and pumpkins are Spooktacular)

You know what to do! Get your comments in to me by Wednesday, 9/14 at 8pm Pacific!

Good luck!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

Where is FALL?

2011-09-08T18:36:00.000-07:00

Sitting here on top of my hill, fall seems to have forgotten where we live. The last three days have been sitting at 100 degrees and so I continue to live in my air conditioned house and car. I'm definitely a cool weather person, so to beat the blues this heat is causing, I'm going to throw myself into some autumn colored sewing projects. Here are some inspirational photos to get me going:

I especially like this pillow. I have so many vintage pictures.

I can print them onto muslin using my printer and use in the center of this block.

Rickrack tea towel from Moda Bakeshop.

Such a great way to make quick, attractive hostess gifts, and it really inspires me.

I have a lot of florals on brown and I can punch them up with a bright trim like this one.

Or, try my hand at a quilt with lots of black and orange for Halloween?

(Pattern: Night Flight)

Tomorrow I'll be posting a Halloween themed giveaway: fabrics, trim and an embroidered kitchen tea towel with a witch to help ring in the new season of falling leaves, crisp air, homemade soup and apple cider. I hope wherever you live you are excited about finishing UFO's and beginning new projects, whether it's sewing, knitting, painting or baking. Leave us a comment and let us know what YOU are excited to get started on this month :-)

Hugs,

Betty & Dee

And the winner is...

2011-09-07T22:47:00.001-07:00

WOW!

We've never had so many comments on one post. Huge thanks to Julie's followers who visited our blog and left such sweet comments, and of course it's always nice to see my blog and Twitter people join in the fun :-)

Thank goodness there is random.org because I would be a nervous wreck if I had to make the choice myself!

So, without further adieu, here's the lucky number: 71

And the 71st comment belongs to Kristen of Knoxville, Tennessee! Congratulations, Kristen! Please send an email to Julie and me with your addy so we can mail your goodies out to you.

You've also won a copy of "Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts" by Joelle Hoverson:

HUGE thank you to Intrepid Thread for providing these lovely fabrics! You're the BEST, Julie!

I'll be hosting a Halloween giveaway next; some great, spooky fabrics and coordinated trim and an embroidered witch tea towel for your kitchen, so come back and play again. The new giveaway will be up by Friday.

Much love,
Betty & Dee

Intrepidthread Half Dozen Giveaway

2011-09-02T12:04:00.000-07:00

I AM SO LUCKY! I met Julie of Intrepid Thread at the last Quilt Market in Salt Lake City and she has quickly become such a dear friend! We've had coffee, spent the day shopping, and she even invited me to join her quilt guild's retreat (which was just over the hill from me, up here in gold country).

If you've never shopped at Julie's online fabric store, just click the purple button over there ---> on the right!

Here are some of her newest fabrics:

Promenade!

The Intrepid Thread is comprised of Julie, Lorin, Erin, and Joanne. They are a family owned and run business. They work hard everyday to bring you the best fabrics at the best prices and provide high quality customer service.

Julie was gracious enough to let me host one of her "Half Dozen Giveaways". Look at these beautiful fabrics! This set of 6 fat quarters can be all yours!

A perfect stash building set: Kamari Gardens, Prince Charming and Dazzle! Oh, and did I mention I will be adding a few surprises of my own? Some trim and a pattern! All you need to do is leave me one comment on this posting. I will use random.org to choose the winner on Wednesday, September 7th.

Good luck to all of you!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T16:32:00.001-07:00

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'Caramel Town' Giveaway Winner!

2011-08-29T22:13:00.001-07:00

Kristen of @kdquilts, our 6th entry, has won the set of 'Caramel Town' in brown, yards and yards of aqua eyelette trim, and a yo-yo toy pattern!

Congratulations, sweetie! Make sure to email or DM me with your address!

The next 'Caramel Town' set will be posted tomorrow - in pink and brown, so please come back and leave us a comment. The winner will be announced Thursday night.

Have a great week!
Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Slipcovers: part 3

2011-08-25T23:20:00.001-07:00

Okay...this is definitely not going to turn into a new career for me, but I'm limping through. All of the books emphasize pinning and trimming and pinning again and trimming some more. That first cut is very hard, it's so permanent...but then it gets easier. I mean, it's only fabric, right??

That's Sookie underneath. She's very fascinated with the chair, especially since it's up on the coffee table and the dogs can't get to her :-)

That's it for tonight! Hopefully I will have this done tomorrow so I can take it all apart and make a master pattern.

Hugs,
Dee

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Caramel Town Giveaway!

2011-08-25T20:38:00.001-07:00

A wonderful friend gifted me a huge collection of 'Caramel Town' fabrics by Lecien. I've broken them down into sets by color. If you need to make a baby gift or toys to sell in your Etsy shop, then this is the giveaway for you!

I'm also including 5+yds of turquoise eyelette trim:

and a Simplicity sewing pattern for yo-yo animals:

This set is in browns, blue, orange and yellow. There's a piece of polka dots, colorful alphabet letters, toys and a ferris wheel, deers, strawberries and a panel with 9 blocks, totalling 2+yds of fabric.

Over the next few weeks I will be giving away a pink set, a brown and pink set, and a white and green set, so keep checking back!

Leave a comment on this post. The winner will be announced Monday night and the next set will be posted.

Good luck!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Slipcovers: Part 2

2011-08-25T14:10:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I have measured all the pieces for one chair...and I have more than 14yds of decorator weight fabric by Pamela Ferrari in "Fiera" (aqua and purple)...my dining room and kitchen are all one long room, and my cabinets are pale aqua so this may be the best fabric for now:

(Plus, I always call our house a French farmhouse and this fabric is definitely French peasant). And, I can cover all 4 chairs the same.

I also have a Quyle pottery bowl, salt & pepper shakers and pitcher in this exact shade of purple - will look great on dark dining room table with this fabric.

My goal is to slipcover all 4 chairs before Phil gets home tomorrow night, dig out my pottery, and have my table set for dinner for once (I mean, honestly! We HAVE lived here full-time for over 2 years now! Sheesh!).

Will post pix of my progress!!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Slipcovers

2011-08-25T11:44:00.001-07:00

Well, I may have bitten off more than I can chew, or in this case SEW. I got a steal on these upholstered dining room chairs from my friend, Cynthia. Here are 3 of the 4:

Now I need to make slipcovers for them. I'm thinking a different fabric for each one. What do you guys think of using some of my BariJ stash?

And if I can't make a decent slipcover? They'll be sent in for new upholstery jobs! Wish me luck!!!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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New Stripes Giveaway Winner!

2011-08-23T02:43:00.001-07:00

The stripes from last week went unclaimed...

...which means we have a new winner! (...drumroll please....)

Judy of @old_sew_n_sew!
Congratulations,Judy! Please email or DM me your addy and I'll get these mailed right out.

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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PINK Giveaway Winner!

2011-08-23T02:24:00.001-07:00

Andie of @AndieJohnsonSew is our WINNER of the 15 pink fabric cuts! Congratulations!!!

Please email your addy to me and I'll pop them in the post!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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PINK Giveaway!

2011-08-16T22:55:00.001-07:00

This bundle is comprised of 15 pieces of pink fabrics ranging from 1/8yd cuts, 1/4yd cuts, FQs and one 1/2yd cut. Florals, checks, solids and bunnies - a little something for many projects or a darling "girlie" quilt.

Leave a comment here and the winner will be announced Friday night! Good luck!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Stripes Giveaway Winner!

2011-08-16T19:12:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Marcia W. Of Florida! She is the giveaway winner of the striped fabric bundle!

Thanks to everyone who participated :) it's always nice to hear from all of you.

The next giveaway will be all PINKS! Will post a pic tonight and as always, just leave a comment here to put your name in the drawing.

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Waiting for Fall

2011-08-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

As this summer drags on with heat in the mid 90's and dry dust drifting in from our road, settling on everything and making my eyes gritty, I find I am looking for any tiny sign that fall is on it's way. The sun is setting earlier, and the shadows cast by the trees "feel" differently and I wish I could wake up tomorrow to leaves changing color and a brisk, cool wind. I don't think I'm alone, either! I know many of you are tired of the heat, or humidity, or bugs, or whatever your little corner of the world has that at that beginning of summer we welcome, but then curse once August arrives.

Our dryer stopped working last week, so I was grateful for the warm winds blowing my sheets and towels on the line. But I am oh-so-tired of the sound of the air conditioner, the hot steering wheel when I venture out to the car, the fierce glare on the many metal roofs around town. And I know that when we have 2-3 feet of snow on the ground I will take back all of this and wish for a warm summer day. But not now. Now I am dreaming of wind and rain, cooked apples, simmering stews, leggings, sweaters and my cozy Ugh boots.

So, what AM I WORKING ON??? Well, not a lot. I have a pinched nerve in my neck (from hunching over my Babylock!) and inbetween wearing an inflatable neck brace, elbow cuffs and a travel pillow for sleeping, I have been wandering through the days, looking at my fabric and daydreaming about what I will make. But for now, since my time at the machine is restricted, I have cut triangles out of Robyn Pandolph's "Beach House" for a quilt. And I have decided that many of my cross stitch designs can easily be converted into embroidery patterns. Since my BRILLIANT son is home from his master's program (and is a computer whiz), I'm going to give PDF patterns a go. I still have my Dizzy Little Kingdom Etsy store, so I might as well be productive. Keep an eye out here and on Twitter for my re-opening. I think PDF patterns should be fun and affordable, especially since the buyer is using their paper and printer cartridges! I've seen several new embroidery patterns come out at $10 and - WOW - I could buy a book with dozens of patterns for that price! So, I'll be stitching up some very cute designs for all of you: art deco, art nouveau, vintage circus, children's motifs, some Halloween cuties, and vintage postcards too. Please leave me a comment if you are wanting something specific and have never been able to find it and I will do my best to create a design.

Here are three freebies I found that anyone could do, using a simple backstitch. Also try working these in a variegated thread so the colors change as you stitch.

Enjoy! And don't forget to leave a comment for our summery stripes giveaway! I'll be announcing the winner on Monday!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

Vintage Seaside Postcards & Summer Stripes Giveaway!

2011-08-10T22:38:00.001-07:00

Before we get to the giveaway, I just had to share these vintage images. Wouldn't they look FAB printed onto muslin and sewn onto your favorite beach tote?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And...here is the next set of nine summery stripes to make that beach tote or add to your stash! Leave a comment here and I will announce the winner Monday!

Hugs!
Betty & Dee

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Giveaway Winner!

2011-08-05T02:22:00.001-07:00

Hello and thank you all for sending in your comments. The winner of the second set of summery dots was #14, who not only commented, but wrote a poem about dots!

I always use www.random.org:

so, as you can see, the winner is Jeanne! Congratulations, Jeanne and please email your addy to me & I will get these polka dots into the mail for you!

The next giveaway is a set of summery stripes and will be posted Saturday, so everyone, please keep checking back here, this de-stash may even include a sewing book this time ;-)

I will leave you with a few images for inspiration. Just random things I keep meaning to pop onto Pinterest. Enjoy!

Hugs!!!
Betty & Deanna

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More Dots! Another Giveaway

2011-07-29T22:50:00.001-07:00

Everyone seems to really love dots, so we're giving away another bundle! 8 summery pieces of cotton in reds, pinks, yellows and greens; perfect for any summer sewing project.

You all know how to play, so hurry up and leave a comment before midnight on Wednesday, August 3rd.

Good luck!
Betty & Deanna
xxx

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And the winner is.....

2011-07-28T07:41:00.001-07:00

Ally of "Crooked Smile Creations" in Florida!

Ally was the 11th person to comment and 11 was the random number generated.

Congratulations, Ally! Please email your address to me and I will post your new polka dots!

Thank you everyone for entering. I will be posting another giveaway later today: another set of polka dots!!! so please come back :-)

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Summer Giveaway: Lecien Polka Dots

2011-07-23T18:44:00.001-07:00

Hello! Happy summer ~ hope everyone is staying cool and having fun adventures.

Polka dots always remind me of summer dresses and bags, and to celebrate the versatility of dots we are giving away seven 1/2yd cuts of multi-colored polka dots on 100% cotton by Lecien:

You all know the rules! Just leave me a comment on here and you're "IN"!

I will announce a winner on Wednesday, July 27th. International participants are more than welcome!

Good luck!
Betty & Dee

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Giveaway Winner!

2011-06-16T11:01:00.001-07:00

And the lucky number was 5!

And the 5th comment received was from Caroline in Maryland!

Congratulations! Collette and I hope you will have many years of enjoyment from the book and all the wonderful quilt blocks. Of course if you use the FQs right away we'd love to post a picture :)

Hugs,
Collette, Betty & Dee

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Summer Giveaway!

2011-06-11T16:32:00.001-07:00

To celebrate summer's arrival we are launching our weekly giveaways with this fabulous quilting book, donated by Collette from Serendipity Vintage:

You can find Collette here:

Patterns: http://www.serendipityvintage.com

Goods: http://serendipityvintage.etsy.com

Blog: http://serendipityhandmade.blogspot.com

~ ~ ~ AND ~ ~ ~

... Four summery fat quarters from Mark Lapinski's HOME fabric line in cool greens and blues:

You know the rules! Just leave a comment here and make sure I know how to get in touch with you. We will announce the winner on Wednesday, June 15 at 6pm Pacific.

Good luck!
Collette, Betty & Dee

Giveaway Winner!

2011-05-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the flannel bear and bees crib quilt kit goes to Michele T. of Ontario, Canada, eh! :-)

Congratulations, Michele! The kit is packaged up and will be go out immediately.

Tune in Monday for next week's giveaway: a quilting book and set of coordinating fat quarters!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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GIVEAWAY: Bear Crib Quilt Kit

2011-05-18T20:03:00.001-07:00

Hi there! I know I need to do a HUGE Quilt Market blog post, but today I'm organizing fabrics...and will be posting giveaways as I go!

First up? A darling flannel cheater quilt top big enough for a crib comforter. It comes with 100% cotton bumble bee fabric, enough for the backing and plenty leftover to make a diaper holder or other nursery accessories. I am also including five FQs of matching flannel companion pieces, perfect for baby booties, infant PJ bottoms or to trim burp cloths.

The 5th person to email me here, deepavay@gmail.com, WINS!!! Make sure you include your address, I want to get this set in the mail right away :-)

Keep watching for more great giveaways this week!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Laminate Bag: Fini!

2011-05-09T21:24:00.001-07:00

Just a quickie to show you the small duffle I made out of SisBoom's Honey Child. Regular fabric for lining, but outside and outer pockets are laminate! Great fun :)

Here's where I was, pinning pocket section to outside:

Then I cut out regular Honey Child fabrics for lining:

Here's the zipper pinned for final sewing:

Zipper in!

Bag is 13" long and about 10" tall when flattened:

It's a duffle, so ends are round:

Perfect pocket sizes - my iPhone actually tucks all the way inside, and the laminate stops it from sliding out. 4 pockets. Great for Quilt Market; I can keep my phone, business cards, cards of others and lipgloss at the ready!

A few more little things to do before I can pack! Off to iron now.

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Multi-tasker Tote: Fini!

2011-05-04T18:13:00.001-07:00

Lots of things have been going on: sewing clothing for Quilt Market, mailing out swap gifts and packages filled with fabric scraps, and reading some fabulous books. (I have NOT kept up with my own Angel Challenge. More on that in another post.)

But now, just today, I've finished this tote for my cousin, Terri, in Indiana.

When I was very young she came to California with her family and all the "big kids" taught me the song with the lyrics "I can't see me lovin nobody but you, for all my life" ~ and so for those wonderful memories, and her lovely disposition, here's her new bag!

...the inside:

...the yoyo & vintage buttons closure:

For those of you who like the boring details, this was my first try with this pattern, Anna Maria Horner's Multi-Tasker Tote. The houndstooth is decorator weight fabric, which gives it a nice sturdiness. The pink is "Darla" by Tanya Whelan, and I lined it with a black cotton with itty-bitty white dots. The pattern didn't call for any kind of closure - not even a magnetic snap. I made a circle out of the lining material and made a flap with yoyo's and vintage buttons, one of which even has rhinestones for a touch of "bling". I didn't want to rip things apart to put in a magnetic snap, so I ran a pretty healthy length of black Velcro onto the bag and under the flap. Gotta say, I'm pretty darn pleased with how this turned out!!

Back to my machine!
Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Purple Pockets

2011-04-24T04:42:00.001-07:00

Just a quickie! Yesterday afternoon I was able to take this pattern:

And turn it into this:

I am seriously in love with these pockets!

I did however make this 2 sizes too big (even though I followed the pattern's measurements exactly) - - so I had to go dig out a size 14 from the trash. I will still wear this one with a belt, and it will certainly be comfortable. But I am perplexed that I have been all over the map with pattern sizes. 12-20 seems like an incredible range to me. I know being a 40D has a lot to do with it, but has anyone else found that every single clothing pattern is a guessing game??

Today I will be taking a break from clothes and get a couple if bags sewn up.

Hoppity Eggster Day!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Spring Wardrobe: Art Journal Top

2011-04-21T23:39:00.001-07:00

Look what just needs to be hemmed and then it's done!!

The beautiful bird and flower fabric is from BariJ's "Art Journal" line. I just love her fabrics!

Tomorrow I'm cutting out a dress from this pattern:

Oh so 80's, right? Will keep you posted on my progress!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Qui, Qui!

2011-04-17T23:51:00.001-07:00

No, I don't speak French.

But I know someone who does.

She loves visiting France, and I believe would like to live there someday, at least part time.

So, when I stumbled upon this remnant of kitchen fabric with French sayings...

...I knew I had to whip up a couple of kitchen tea towels for my friend.

I was even able to squeeze out a small coin purse.

Now this is in no way a "pay-off" or a bribe, but it is a THANK YOU. You see this is a Twitter friend. I've never met her, but I buy her handmade, organic soap. It saved my hair and I will forever be eternally grateful. And if a few handmade gifts from time to time keeps my friend motivated to continue making soap, well, all the better for ME! Non? :D

If you haven't tried a bar, you are really missing out! Check out Hilary's Etsy shop, A Slice of Delight

Lemon Verbena Slice - Yummy!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Full Bloom Jacket: update

2011-04-16T23:06:00.001-07:00

Ok, I made some good progress today on the sleeves and a pocket, but struggling with fabric choice and style of set in collar...Tried denim and it was a distraction. Should I use the green? The collar is supposed to be a continuous band that ties in the middle. Ideas would be most welcome!

Hugs,
Dee

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In Full Bloom

2011-04-14T17:48:00.001-07:00

Just two teaser pictures as I'm working on a jacket using a piece from BariJ's "Full Bloom" line:

And in BariJ fashion, I will be adding some flower appliqués!

More later!
Dee

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New Dress for QM

2011-04-13T19:15:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I really am manic when it comes to my sewing. I will produce a lot and then hibernate for awhile. Right now I am caught up in the anticipation of attending Quilt Market next month, so I am sewing up a storm!

This fabric by Amy Barickman:

And this pattern:

Has become this dress for me!

I love the pleated neckline:

I'm thinking a white or red thin cardigan and some brown sandals. This was also my first try at an invisible zipper and it was a piece of cake :-)

Okay, now I'm sewing up an unlined jacket out of three different fabrics, one of which is Full Bloom by BariJ. See you in a bit with pictures!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Angel Challenge: April Project

2011-04-08T19:18:00.001-07:00

Hello! Some of us (like ME) haven't finished our March project, but I wanted to get the April project posted so everyone can start when they want.

We will be cross stitching angel scissors (the scissors handles make her "wings"). When you've finished you'll need to make the angel into a scissors case.

Feel free to change up the colors! This is a free pattern from the following link:

http://meriwanderer.blogspot.com/2009_02_08_archive.html

If you post your finished project anywhere, please give Meridel Abrams credit for her pattern "Cameo Stitcher".

Let me know if you have any questions!!!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Pattern Review: Kyoto Top

2011-04-04T18:41:00.001-07:00

In my new quest for making myself spring and summer clothing, I came across a PDF sewing pattern I really liked: The Kyoto Top by Couture Nomad.

I cut out the correct size and had this sewn completely, except for sleeve and bottom hemming, in under 3 hours. Unfortunately, the larger size (38-40 bust) does not increase the length enough to have the blouse hang below my waistband. The sleeves and bust fit, but the back/neck piece is not in proportion and pulls the sleeves up toward the neck.

If I were flat chested and 4'10" this might fit me...

GORGEOUS fabric courtesy of SisBoom/Jennifer Paganelli. (Don't worry Jennifer, I will turn it into a haute purse for QM!)

Back to the drawing board!

Hugs,
Dee

Front:

Front and Back:

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Angel Challenge 2011: Latest Update!

2011-04-01T22:50:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! As you know, a couple of us were a bit remiss in our February project. Rhonda of @LilBitSassy and I did finish and I wanted to publish photos of what we made:

Rhonda made this "angelic" eyeglass case. I love this image because the angels look a little impish, as if they have secretly been up to no good! (kind of like Rhonda!!! lol). If you'd like to see more of the adorable items Rhonda makes, please visit her Etsy stores:

Lil Bit Sassy

Pink Gingham Ladybug Squeaky Toy/Wrist Rattle Set

French Chickens Bib Apron

Daisy Dreams BabyBlanket

Animal Match/Memory Game

Schoolhouse Designs

Skulls and Roses Fabric Basket

Paisley and Butterfly Jumbo X-Factor Bag

Groovy Flowers Hanging Door Pocket Organizer

I took my computer generated angel image and made a quilted block. I then turned the block into a diaper bag. I've never made something so shabby-chic and loved mixing the fabrics and trims. Keep an eye out! This bag will be in an upcoming giveaway here on our blog!

Front and peek at reinforced bottom. Magnetic flap closure with yoyo's and buttons.

Back with button trim. Handles have antique pale pink plaid ribbon on one side.

The inside has four roomy pockets trimmed in cream lace roses.

Well, one of us has finished the March Angel Challenge - and I will be making a post soon about what we all have created. I will also be posting the challenge for April: a small cross stitch scissors case with, of course, an angel on it.

Hope everyone is beginning to enjoy some spring weather. We picked up a truckload of topsoil today for our planters and my darling husband also filled 4 hummingbird feeders. Our oldest cat, Darya, caught a lizzard this evening - that's always a clear indication warm weather is here and critters are out and about.

Hugs,

Betty & Dee

March Showers Bring Spring Flowers!

2011-04-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

One of our local wineries has an incredible display of spring flowers. I couldn't help but take pictures to share with all of you. Enjoy!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!
Betty & Dee

"Village Post" Bag: Fini!

2011-03-24T04:19:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I pick a bag pattern just because I really like the bag. Sometimes I have a specific fabric in mind and I go through all of my patterns looking for the right match. And sometimes I pick a pattern to learn a new skill and the pattern picks the fabric for me. That's how it was with this bag. I had just made my first gusset with the "Exchange" bag, and putting in a zippered pocket seemed like the next "first" I needed to check off of my skills list. (I hadn't put a zipper in since I bought my Baby Lock, over 20 years ago.)

Again, this pattern is by Charlie's Aunt and can be found in her Etsy store.

I've been literally hiding Jane Sassaman's "Prairie Gothic" away in my very last cubbyhole. Oh, sure, I would take it out and look at the stack and imagine quilting with it, but I was afraid to cut it. It's so beautiful and most of the designs are large - and other than piecing together huge blocks, how could I show off the fabric the best way?

The "Village Post" bag is 14" tall and 14" at it's widest point. That gave me a pretty good sized area to use a larger print fabric. And so, without boring you further, here is THE bag!

Supplies:

The outside with bow:

The lining with finished zipped pocket:

The inside of the pocket:

The lining finished and inside the bag:

Finished bag ~ front:

Finished bag ~ back:

Hanging up (poor lighting, sorry):

Today I'm going to be making a tunic out of SisBoom fabric, from the new "Honey Child" line.

Okay it's 4:15am for me...back to bed!

Hugs,
Dee

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Village Post Bag

2011-03-22T16:28:00.001-07:00

Today I hope to sew and finish this bag. Everything is cut put, ironed, interfaced, bobbins are full. Here I go!!

Fabric is "Gothic Prairie" by Jane Sassaman.

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"Exchange Bag": Fini!

2011-03-22T12:34:00.001-07:00

Hello!! I bought this awesome pattern:

From this awesome Etsy store:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/charliesaunt/

And here are photos of my sewing journey using fabric by Tina Givens.

Was considering a ribbon or beaded trim in the beginning.

Successful placement of handles (made from upcycled black dress pants - never been worn) to the body.

Outside flamingo pockets. One on each side.

My first gusset. Not as awful as I thought it would be thanks to great pattern instructions.

The bag, outside-in.

One flamingo pocket inside. It was a bit floppy so I ended up securing it with a hand sewn black silk ribbon.

Striped lining for outside pockets.

The bag is just about done!

Used the striped lining to make a yoyo, then sewed a large button onto the magnetic flap closure.

Backside of completed bag.

Fini!!! This bag was made especially for my dear friend and flamingo lover, Janet of @lolapinkfabrics ~

Off to start the "Village Post Bag" by Charlie's Aunt, all in Jane Sassaman's "Prairie Gothic".

Hugs,
Dee

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Today's Snow!

2011-03-20T14:22:00.001-07:00

This is all NEW! Warm rains and 80mph winds washed the previous snow away ~ this is what we've gotten since 7am Pacific time:

This is our driveway leading out to the road.

Looking toward west.

Looking for road from our porch.

Our front yard and under the trees is the dog's pen!

Dude, where's my car?

Our front walkway and solar lights.

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Snow Update

2011-03-18T20:26:00.001-07:00

Well, we just lost our power. Thank goodness for our generator! And oddly enough the satellite dish is still functioning, so we are enjoying a darling movie called "The Answer Man".

Here's the best I can do with outside pictures. We are sitting at about 6 inches at the moment and it's still coming down steadily.

Cars/driveway now:

It has even been blown under the wrap-around porch and onto our decking:

These are our solar lights on the front walkway. Isn't the pattern of light on the snow cool looking? There's gorgeous purple slate under there somewhere...

Our road (yeah right, lol. I sure can't see it!)

Dark and still snowing - our property looking west from front yard.

Good news? Lots of coffee/tea/juice, food, and tons of FAbRiC!!! I am one happy camper!

Hope you are all safe & warm,
Dee

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All you need is love...and bean & bacon soup!

2011-03-18T20:13:00.001-07:00

So, a sudden snow storm and we were no longer interested in anything but comfort food. Phil made the soup and prepped the shrimp and I whipped us up quesadillas:

Shrimp, cheddar cheese, avocados, tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream and hot sauce made these so DELISH! And, Campbell's soup truly is mmmm-mmmm gooooood!

Warm hugs to you all,
Dee

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Clouds & wind became...

2011-03-18T19:51:00.001-07:00

This! Although not really surprised. March is typically a very stormy month for us since we are at 3,000 ft elevation.

The cars:

Our driveway and road:

View off back porch...where are the vineyards???

I will keep you updated on our storm. Highly unlikely Phil & I will be traveling up to my parent's tomorrow night for a belated St. Patty's Day dinner :-(

Hugs,
Dee

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Laundry Day

2011-03-13T16:24:00.001-07:00

I needed to do laundry today, but decided I absolutely had to clean/reorganize my room first. I'm just about done, but just wanted to post my shelves and a favorite laundry x-stitch my mom made me years and years ago:

Hope whatever chores you were faced with today you were able to see the beauty in every day tasks. Especially with the tragedies Japan is suffering, it was easy for me to be grateful for my washer & dryer and my cozy room.

Hugs,
Dee

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Angel Challenge: February Update

2011-03-11T23:14:00.001-08:00

Oh my gosh I'm so sorry, I forgot our other Susan!!! Here is the gorgeous pillow made by Susan of @sewdarnsimple - look at all the work she did! and I'm loving the warm hues, so Victorian!

Thank you Susan! Such a lovely creation ~

Hugs,
Dee

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Angel Challenge 2011: March

2011-03-11T20:33:00.000-08:00

Yes, back to back posts - that's what happens when you are desperately trying to get caught up!

Okay, I thought long and hard about what type of angel project we should try our hand at this month. I remembered that Sally had said something about doing something new, like collage work or a journal cover. And, since this entire year of angel making is all about Miss Sally, that's what we are going to do this month!

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to make a collage. Use typed or written words/phrases, torn papers, magazine or newspaper pieces, paint, glue, buttons, lace, glitter, feathers - whatever strikes your fancy. Make something to hang, or make your collage right on the cover of a journal, or make gift tags (as shown below). The only restriction is this: you cannot SEW anything. You need to use glue, paint, mod podge, etc. Here are some samples to inspire you. Please email me if you have any questions.

Have a wonderful time with this challenge - and most of all, have FUN!

Hugs,

Dee

Getting Back on Track! Angel Challenge 2011

2011-03-11T20:06:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your patience these past few weeks. I feel like everyone in my family is finally settled for a bit and I can get back to my blogging life! First and foremost, let's get caught up on the Angel Challenge 2011 for February. Here's where we all are:

Dee: not finished but ALMOST! I first started with my block and moved on to making a tote bag but it was way too narrow. I ripped out all of my seams and am adding a side strip and bottom piece so the tote will be wider. I will finish this weekend and get it posted. I'm really OVER it now that I've been working on it for so long. Expect to see it on here as a GIVEAWAY this month, lol!

Susan H.: not finished but she ordered angel fabric and she's working on it :-)

Rhonda: not finished...possibly not even started!! lol - but we love her anyway!

Sally: FINISHED! And isn't it sunny and heartwarming? I just love it! Awesome creation, Sally!

Layla: FINISHED! What a darling pillow, and I love the added spunk of the green embroidery! Heavenly!

My next post will be the assignment for Angel Challenge 2011: March. As Susan, Rhonda and I finish our February projects I will post them here, so keep coming back to look!

Hugs,

Dee

Paper Dolls

2011-02-21T14:49:00.000-08:00

As a child I loved making and playing with paper dolls. My mom and grannie would go into fabric stores and get outdated sewing pattern books (like Butterick) and bring them home to me. I carefull cut out the model and then all of the clothes for each pattern, making my own tabs for the shoulders and sides like my mom showed me. I kept them in a shoebox and would play dress up with my dolls for hours.

As I come across vintage paper dolls I will post them here so that those of you with "littles" can enjoy this old-fashioned craft and doll fun. Just click, enlarge, and print! Enjoy!!!

Hugs,
Betty & Deanna

Cameo Pillow: Finished!

2011-02-16T18:35:00.001-08:00

I did manage to finish this pillow sham. Here's a picture of it flat (the pillow form is out) so that you can see all of it. I opted for a narrow satin ribbon and small, flat velvet flowers in each corner. I also did a knotted bow at the bottom. I think my mom's cousin is really going to be pleased!

Thanks for everyone's input on the ribbon trim!!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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And another WIP!

2011-02-15T20:43:00.001-08:00

My mom stitched this beautiful cameo and now I'm turning it into a pillow...I've sorta forgotten how to do this pattern. Will let you know if I get it figured out tonight!!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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February WIPs

2011-02-15T19:13:00.001-08:00

Altho my mom is still suffering from that awful coughing virus, she did begin her own Angel project. A darling cherub in white on rose fabric. She may be doing the flowers in grey ~ will keep you posted!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Angel Challenge 2011: Wing Sachet Update

2011-02-13T15:53:00.001-08:00

Oh, look at the heavenly wings that just flew in for our challenge! Made by my Twitter friend Susan of @susanhemann.

Are they not beautiful??? So vintage looking, like they've been hiding away in an antique store. Well worth the wait!

Thank you, Susan, for finishing them up and sharing them with all of us!

Hugs,
Dee

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Feb Angel Challenge: 02

2011-02-11T21:43:00.001-08:00

So I took my image and made my 12"x12" square:

(it's upside down! Sorry!)

Then I added another row of quilted strips all the way around:

And now I can keep adding and turn this into a functional or decorative piece...wheels ate turning :)

Next posting you'll see what my easy quilt block was turned into!

Good night ~
dee

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Feb Angel Challenge: 01

2011-02-11T18:21:00.001-08:00

Lets begin our project! When printing your image choose 100% cotton with a tight thread count. I went with a cream on cream large floral print since my project is leaning toward vintage:

Here you can see the front and one with the freezer paper on the back. I prepared two because you never know if your printer is going to rebel!

My first one got a bit mangled:

But that's okay. My second one came thru perfectly. It measures a bit over the 8"x8" but at least I'm pretty close.

Now I can cut my image out and start adding my strips at the top and bottom.

Be back in a bit with more photos and tips :)

Hugs,
Dee

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Angel Challenge 2011: New Project and Sachet Pictures!!!

2011-02-11T00:50:00.000-08:00

Hi, and thank you for your patience! Wow, what a crazy month this has been so far. Both of my darling offspring have once again left for the far corners of the world and I am slowly turning the house right-side-up again. I have cut out my project for this month, but I haven't completed it. But you all can still get started!

*** Our project for this month requires you to use a printer. If you do not have one, please email me and I will print your image onto fabric for you and mail it to you. ***

You will be making a 12"x12" block. Once you've completed your block you need to:

- make a pillow, or...
- make a tote bag, or...
- make a small wall hanging, or...
- make a sewing maching cover, or...

Well, you get the picture. You must incorporate your block into something functional or decorative and then send me a picture of your finished project.

Here are the pictures that inspired me for this month's project:

But, FIRST let's take a look at the Angel Wings Sachets that were made last month! (Ok, lets!!)

These sweet, sweet wings were made by Rhonda of Lil Bit Sassy. I LOVE the curly-queues in embroidery thread and that the wings are pink. What is really surprising tho is that Rhonda's wings are so delicate looking and "angelic" and yet she is such a lil STINKER!! Right?? roflmfao!!!! We all love you, Rhonda. These wings would look darling in a little girl's room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

These wings were made by Susan of Sew Darn Simple. They were made from scrap fabric that she fused and then overstitched together. Aren't they fabulous?! (One pair, a front and a back, but I don't know which is which!). I don't even know how to fuse fabric! Maybe Susan should do a tutorial for those of us who are interested...hmmm? :-)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

These wings were made by Layla of Made By Dolly. Due to running out of lavender it is scentless and stuffed with fluff only, so she embroidered 'angel' instead of 'lavender' because that seemed to make more sense! She even put them in her Etsy shop! I love how Layla gave her wings a shabby chic flair.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Of course, these wings were made by Sally Keller. (She is very, very bad tho as her ribbon hangar is not attached! lol). Sally chose a modern print and took advantage of the open white space to embroider the word "love" and really that is the perfect word for these LOVEly wings.

Isn't it amazing that we all had the same directions but all of our wings have their own style and personality? This is so much fun, it's like playing that old telephone game where you whisper something in the first person's ear and then the message goes around the room. We all heard something different and unique that spoke just to us and the fruits of our labor above perfectly reflects how uniquely creative everyone is. A HUGE THANK YOU for participating.

Okay, I want you to be able to work on this month's project, so here's the scoop:

Find an IMAGE of an angel that you love. It should be copyright free. I found mine at this website: Karen's Whimsy and it looks like this:

Once you've chosen your image, cut a piece of muslin the same size as printer paper, 8.5"x11". Also cut a piece of freezer paper and iron it waxy side down onto one side of your fabric. Hand feed this fabric "paper" into your printer and make a printed copy of your image. This fabric is going to be cut into an 8"x8" square, so make sure your image is smaller than that so you have room for seam allowances.

Now you can cut your muslin into a square and then peel the freezer paper off of the back. Set it aside. This is where you can be really creative. Cut strips to sew onto the top and bottom of your image, and then the sides, repeating until you have a 12"x12" square. Use plain or patterned fabric. Go country, gothic or vintage. Look at the pillows above for ideas. If you use a photo of an angel statue you might want to stick with whites and creams. If you print your image in color you might want to use fabric that brings out the colors in your image.

When you have a 12"x12" block you can start thinking about what you want this block to BE. A pillow? The front of a tote bag? Will you add fabric onto each side and make a table runner? How about finishing it off like a doll quilt and running a dowel along the inside top and attach a ribbon and maybe even tassels for a small wall hanging?

And just like Layla did, you can make something for your Etsy store -

Ok, as I progress I will post pictures of each step, but at least you all can start looking for your image and get it printed.

I'm very excited to see what we all create with our blocks!

Hugs,

Dee

Hellooooooooooooooo!

2011-02-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

Hi! I know you guys are waiting on me! I'm sorry I'm behind. I am caring for ill DS23 and visiting with DD25 and still trying to work on our Angel Challenge 2011 for February: an appliqued angel quilt block that you can make big enough for a wall hanging, a tote front, a square table topper - whatever you choose! Almost finished, and I will be posting our angel wing sachets so if you are finishing one up, please get a photo in to me so I can add it to the group!

A lot of you have littles at home, so I wanted to at least offer up something you can print out for some snowed-in Valentine fun! Enjoy!

Hugs,
Betty and Dee

She's such a DOLL!

2011-01-25T23:03:00.001-08:00

More on her later, but here's a sneak peek! Finally done with doll and her little hen friend for a Twitter friend's darling daughter:

Good night!
Dee

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WIPs: Redwork

2011-01-24T10:57:00.001-08:00

I wanted to share with all of you one of my mom's new projects. She's cross stitching in variegated reds these gorgeous designs. When she's completed 9 of them she'll work them into a quilted wall hanging. The halves are mirror images so no fudging - your stitches must be exactly lined up! The butterfly design has been the most tedious but boy is it gorgeous!!

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Vintage Ads

2011-01-23T18:23:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I'm searching for images for project ideas I come across things that really make my day! So, while I go twiddle around with my digital camera and take pictures of some beautiful projects that are finally finished, I thought I'd post some pictures to put a Sunday smile on your face :-)

'bra-O-matic'...I don't know what it did, but I REALLY want one!

When I mentioned on Twitter today that we needed a new fence to keep our neighbor's cows out? Well, this is why...

If I have to wear this outfit and scrub my kitchen floors I'm gonna need some Russian vodka!

Ok, I'm seeing a skillet colliding with his head in the near future...

Lollipop cuffing on these briefs for women & girls. Can you say SEXY?

Yes, I often want to play my violin and smoke at the same time...without my pesky bra getting in the way, don't you?

Ok, real work to do!

Hugs,

Dee

Meow! Kitty Tea Towels: Done

2011-01-21T18:19:00.001-08:00

My sweet tweeter and online scrabbler, Samantha of @SSVintage, remodeled her kitchen. She has two kitties, so I whipped these up for her:

Unlined, but a bit of ribbon trim. Should look cute on her new brown counters.

Enjoy, Miss Samantha!

And, if you love vintage, make sure to visit her store:

http://SmellyShoesVintage.Etsy.com/

Hugs,
Dee

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The glamor never ends...

2011-01-20T03:16:00.001-08:00

Nothing quite like peeing the beasts when the plateau is nothing but a cold, wet, windy cloud...& just when you think you can go inside, both beasts decide to poop.

But then Jack poos aRoUnD the black BBQ drum & when you pull him back the way he came, because it's so foggy you're sure you can't go unwind him w/out stepping in his poo, his collar slides off & he runs right down the driveway.

Now, Beaux is still pooping, but she sees Jack taking off & tries to follow him - and poo - Both at the Same Time. Luckily enough, you use the great & powerful "mind me or you will die a thousand deaths" Mommy voice & Jack stops dead in his tracks & comes right back to you.

Thrilled that you won't be chasing after Jack in a wet cloud at 245am, you bring the dogs in, locking the door & setting the alarm. Once your coat & boots are removed you discover the water bucket is now empty.

You go back outside, barefoot, onto the porch & refill bucket. Once you're back inside you're freezing. You check temp...it's 56 degrees in the house. You turn heat on, lock the door again & reset the alarm.

Not until you have taken the last roll of toilet paper upstairs, have peed, & are crawling back into bed do you realize....you still have a baseball cap on.

These are the nights of my life :-/

Dee

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New Quilt!

2011-01-18T22:00:00.001-08:00

Now that we have the house to ourselves again, Phil and I are organizing, purging and donating. We started in his home office and bought him a beautiful oak roll top desk over the weekend.

There is also an iron bed in the alcove, so of course I need to make a new quilt! Here are pictures of Jinny Beyer's Sophia line I bought to sew with:

The main charm pack. I bought 3, so I'll have around 90 squares.

I'm using the Bento Box pattern (again!) and this will be the inside "L" next to the charm square. I haven't chosen the outside of the "L" yet. Need to wait until all the material arrives.

This is the frame material. I'm really loving the almost fossil look to the leaves.

And this is the SASH! Don't you just love it! Yummy! I cannot wait to get started on this project!

I'm posting this on my phone, in bed! Good night!

Hugs,
Dee

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-12T13:23:00.001-08:00

Sorry everyone, couldn't resist!

Hugs,
Dee

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Giveaway: Win my cushion

2011-01-10T10:52:00.001-08:00

I'm in this GIVEAWAY hosted by my Twitter friend Diane of @dianeestrellahttp !!!

It's an entire week of giveaways, with five participants! Click on the link below for a chance to win my cushion or another artist's creation:

http://bit.ly/5jAwcK

Enter today! Good luck!!!

Hugs,
Dee

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2011 Angel Challenge: January Angel Wings

2011-01-09T18:26:00.000-08:00

Well we have a nice group of about 8 of us who want to do this challenge. For those of you who didn't know if you could commit to a project every month, please join in whenever you like and if any of the patterns are being emailed instead of posted just let me know what you are interested in and I will email you what you need.

This month I chose something very sweet but simple since we are already 9 days into the month. It's a lavender sachet made from stuffed angel wings. I used a cream cotton with purple bees from the collection of Judie Rothermel for Marcus Brothers Textiles "Classic Images" Circa 1870-1890. The pattern is from a book I have, "Sew Sunny Homestyle" by Tone Finnanger, better known as Tilda.

Here's what you will need:

Fabric for the wings and loop

Stranded embroidery thread (floss)

Polyfill/stuffing

Dried lavender

Cut a piece of fabric 5/8" x 43/4" for the loop, plus seam allowances. Fold in and press the seam allowances along the long sides, then fold the strip in half widthways and sew together along the open edge.

(I was using pale fabric and wanted the loop to 'pop' so I used purple gross grain ribbon instead of making my own loop).

Cut a wide strip of fabric long enough to cut out two sets of wings. If embroidering, use a fabric pencil and handwrite out the word lavender in the center of the front of the fabric used for your wings. You'll want to get your embroidery work done first, so trace your wings, then put your fabric in a hoop and do your stitching.

Trace your wing pattern onto the wrong side of the fabric. Now put your fabric with right sides together and pin, with your loop or ribbon centered and pinned inbetween the two layers. Sew up the wings, leaving a 2" opening along one side for the stuffing and lavender. Turn your wings inside out using your opening on the side and iron flat.

Stuff your wings with a mixture of stuffing and dried lavender, then slip stitch the opening closed by hand with thread and needle.

Now you're done! You have an angelic sachet for your closet or to give as a gift.

If you don't have this particular Tilda book, I have found some copyright free angel wing patterns you can use:

Please email me if you have any questions! Since there are only 8 of us email me when you've finished each monthly project and I will do a post each month showing our collective creations! And, if you have a blog or e-store I will post that information also.

Have fun!

Hugs,

Dee

2011 Angel Challenge

2011-01-03T22:50:00.001-08:00

How did this start? Well, I wanted to find someone who would agree to make every single craft in a Tilda book...but now it has evolved into making one angel themed craft every month - for a year. This year. Starting, um, well...now!

An angel doll, a wall hanging, a bag, an apron, a lavender sachet, an ornament, an angel collage journal - well, you get the picture.

I made the first project today. An angel wing lavender sachet:

Here's the deal: I will make and post each angel project the first week of every month. I'll provide you with patterns and instructions, or a tutorial if needed. (Sachet pattern and instructions will be in a new post tomorrow.)

You will take a picture of your completed craft and post to our very own Flickr group. By the end of the year we will all have angel themed crafts to keep or gift, including an angel advent calendar. We can even swap with each other or use these angels as giveaways on our blogs.

If you're IN, please leave me a comment here and make sure I know how to get in touch with you (email addy). I'd like to have everyone signed up by January 8th.

And here's a gorgeous angel to inspire you ~

(ok, he's not an angel but he is delish to look at! nom nom nom!)

That's it for tonight! Sachet pattern, instructions and pix tomorrow. Don't forget to leave me a comment here or email me if you're IN!

Hugs,
Dee

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Remember the BIG burlap bag?

2011-01-03T20:18:00.001-08:00

Here's the recipient, Melissa, of @AdventureTykes! Isn't she TOO cute? I think she could fit in the bag, lol! Thank you for sharing the picture, sweetie!

And here's her awesome blog:

www.adventuretykes.com

Inspiration For Big Adventures With Your Little Tyke

If you have a little one, make sure to check in with Melissa for great resources for Mom's and "littles"!

Hugs,
Dee

Carmel-by-the-Sea

2010-12-30T13:23:00.001-08:00

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Wordless Wednesday: Green Lantern Inn

2010-12-29T10:35:00.001-08:00

Green Lantern Inn
Carmel-by-the-Sea

~~~~~~

Dinner with Tessa at the Hog's Breath - Clint Eastwood's restaurant:

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Water colors

2010-12-22T15:21:00.001-08:00

While packing I came across a stack of water color pictures I had painted in 2003 while taking a class. My twitter friend, Susan, had asked to see them; here they are!

I can copy any image/photo but original ideas are not my forte!

Hugs,
Dee

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THE up-cycled burlap tote

2010-12-21T09:58:00.001-08:00

I made this enormous tote for Melissa of @AdventureTykes in Moab, Utah. I used a burlap coffee bean sack from Antigua, vintage wool, and cotton. The lining is by Red Rooster and the print is Kitty Yoshida's 'City Girl' by Moda.

It measures 24" x 22" and the straps have a 17" drop. It has 5 pockets and a gold metal magnetic closure. The burlap was a little itchy and frayed, but it was well worth the mess to make it!

Kristopher modeled for me. He's 5'9". Melissa is 5'1"! Eeeeeek!

Dear Melissa, enjoy!!!!!

Hugs,
Dee

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We have a WINNER!!!

2010-12-21T00:56:00.001-08:00

Our last giveaway of 2010 was won by Mimi of Manitouwadge, Canada!

We had 15 entries and the random.org/ number was no. 1!

Thank you all for participating! I have many things to blog about from now until January 1st and then our weekly giveaways will resume.

Look for posts and pictures of my holiday craft exchange, specialty Marie Antoinette "Eat Cake" tags, vintage thrifted dresses, a HUGE up-cycled burlap tote bag and much, much more!

Happy Holidays!
Betty & Dee

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GIVEAWAY: Primitive Santas

2010-12-19T16:58:00.001-08:00

Ok, sneaking in one more quick giveaway! Two primitive Santa tea towels, backed in poinsettia and snowflake brushed cotton, and a knitted candy cane colored dishcloth!

You know the rules; just leave a quick comment. This giveaway ends Monday night at MIDNIGHT Pacific so please leave your comment asap!

Goodluck!
Betty & Dee

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Tessa and the Pom Poms!!

2010-12-19T16:44:00.001-08:00

Look! Tessa made a gorgeous Pom Pom scarf for her battle buddy, Vicki, for Christmas. Isn't it lucious?!

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WIPs: new scarf & a tote

2010-12-13T17:19:00.001-08:00

I will soon be wearing THIS!! Isn't this color yummy?! Mom did take a break to stitch the tea towels for our next giveaway (redwork primitive santas on raw linen).

At the moment I'm in Los Gatos with my daughter, helping her get organized/packed. She deploys in February for Afghanistan. I did finish a burlap tote bag for a sweet tweeter - here's a sneak peek:

Look for our last giveaway of the year to be posted on Wednesday! You'll only have a few days to leave a comment!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Holiday Giveaway Winner!!

2010-12-12T09:26:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Sue of @Eileensideways !!! She is the winner of our knitted scarf and pinecone ornament!

Huge thanks to everyone who entered. Our final holiday giveaway will be posted tomorrow: 2 Santa Redwork Tea Towels on natural linen backed in snowflakes, a knitted dishcloth, peppermint tea and hot cocoa!

Cheers!
Betty & Dee

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HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY and Free Craft Images ~ Ho Ho Ho!!!

2010-12-06T13:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, now that I've blogged about HOW to make these ornaments, you can now win the red & white one along with this GORGEOUS scarf made by Mom in a sparkly white! You know the rules, just send in one comment on HERE (tweets don't count as I can't keep track!). You need to leave a comment by Saturday, December 11th. I will announce the winner on the 12th and post on the 13th so you'll be sure to receive it before Christmas.

The scarf is made from 4 ply wool blend knitting worsted weight: 70% acrylic, 20% wool, 10% polyamid - it is very, very soft and has a thin silver strand running through it, giving it just a bit of bling for holiday cheer!

Goodluck to all of you! Our second holiday giveaway will be posted on the 12th when I announce the winner of this giveaway and it will be a holiday red & white kitchen theme ;-o

Hugs,
Betty & Deanna

P.S. Here are some super cute Christmas cut-outs for you and your littles to have fun with. They are copyright free, so please just print them out and enjoy! Would be great for scrapbook projects, collage pieces or just paper dolls! Mwah! (and keep checking back here for paperdolls. I've been collecting copyright free ones for years and will be posting them here regularly now for you to print out for crafts and for your littles to play with).

TUTORIAL: Pinecone & Pineapple "quilted" Ornaments

2010-12-04T15:46:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry to be getting this posted so late. My sweetie at @AdventureTykes has been patiently waiting, thank you Melissa :-)

First let me just say I found really tiny pineapples made this way at a quilt store in Maui this past September. The pineapple was 3 inches tall. They were selling for $22 ea and of course I wanted every single one. But I knew I could make them...and then the owner was kind enough to tell me how she made them. There are other tutorials out there for similar ornamets, but to me these look like they are covered in pointed quilt binding and I just love that look. I made one pinecone in a traditional fabric and one pineapple in a Batik so you all could see how different you can make these and it's okay to go a little nuts with your fabric choices. I'm also thinking of using 3 different coordinating fabrics, but don't hold your breath! Doubt you will see it before Christmas!

Pinecone Ornament

For this traditional look I used an all over victorian floral print in red on white, and white ribbon. I also placed my sewn points loosely together. The pineapple is packed in tighter, but it is also slightly smaller - you will use almost all of a FQ. Don't be afraid to make the points as close together or far apart as you like, as long as the unfinished edge isn't showing.

You will need:

One fat quarter (FQ) of fabric

One round styrofoam ball (baseball sized)

Coordinating ribbon

Sewing machine (or needle and thread)

Iron, ruler, rotary cutter or scissors
Styrofoam glue
Green or white narrow florist's tape

As always, iron your fabric first before you start measuring and cutting.

Cut your FQ into 2" wide strips.
Fold each strip in half and iron so it's nice and crisp.
Then cut the folded in half strips into 2" long pieces.

So this is what you should be working with... SET ONE 2"x2" PIECE ASIDE. You will need it for the "bottom" of the ornament.

Here is the detail on ironing each point. Sorry if this seems rudimentary to you, but some of my followers are new to sewing/crafting so I'm really trying to break this down.

Step One, lay on ironing board

Step two, fold in on side to form point

Step three, fold in other side of point

Step four iron the point (don't be like me and burn tip of your finger!)

Step five (and the pain) run the unfinshed long edge through your sewing machine 1/8" inch from edge

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OKAY! I know that was time consuming (lucky for me, Mom did all of the sewing of the points!). Now take a break because you now can't stand all these little points. We had a picnic lunch and then I was ready to start gluing. I HIGHLY recommend you use only styrofoam glue. It really gets in there and starts drying and you can push the point into the ball firmly with your thumb as you glue each one. Don't be afraid of the glue getting on the fabric above the glue line on the front of the point. This glue dries clear and you will need to use a lot to get a nice tight fit, so be generous.

Unfortunately, I started at the middle line as I was following a similar ornament's tutorial.

NOT GOOD! DO NOT DO THIS!

Instead, make your ribbon hole FIRST:

Go ahead and make the hole in the ball (this will be your top, where you put your ribbon). I took a stuffing tool and drilled down about 2 inches. This is where you will "plant" your ribbon. Jumping ahead to show you what I'm talking about. Once you have have done this you can start by gluing 3 or 4 points around the hole, pointing in toward it. We'll call this your first row.

So, ignoring that I started in the middle, start gluing your points starting from the "top" where the hole is and going aroung the ball, one layer at a time. You will be putting your points off-center with each row, so that the points cover up the raw edge of the row above them. You will do this all the way down and around the ball until you get to the "bottom". Here are some pictures of the process, and then I'll tell you how to finish the bottom off.

Here I'm starting my second row -

Here is my completed third row. Every point covers the raw edge of the point above it.

Getting close to the end (try to imagine that the top is done! I had to "fit in" the rows going toward the top. Very awkward, so please start at the top!).

Ok, it's done, but what about the bottom? You need to cover those raw edges. Take that one piece of 2"x 2" fabric you set aside at the beginning. Now cut it into a circle and glue it onto the bottom, covering all of the raw edges. Don't worry about the circle fraying, the glue will seal it in nice and tight. If you do not want to use matching fabric for the bottom circle, cut out a small circle of felt (that's what we will use on the pineaple ornament).

Now let's make the ribbon loops. Take your ribbon and make loops length appropriate, with one a bit bigger than others to use to hang onto your tree. I made four loops, the center one is longer. I then took the "tails" of the ribbon and wrapped them tightly with florist's tape. I love using this tape in crafts - it's sticky but forgiving. Wrap enough to make the tail firm enough to push down into the hole at the top.

So, now we are back to that infamous image of making your hole first! Except now you are putting a little glue down inside the hole and pushing your ribbon stem down inside! You are sooooooooooooooo DONE! (Well, it has to dry, but you can go have a drink now!)

Could it be any cuter?!! Seriously, these look so elegant. I'd love to have them all over my tree...but this took me almost 4 hours to make! The pineapple was 2 hours. After the first one I think each one will get much faster, and again starting in the middle on this one really mesed me up. Below I'm giving you a sneak peek at the pineapple...I will do a second installment of this turorial covering the pineapple.

Batik Pineapple Ornament Preview!

Glass Pendant Giveaway

2010-12-01T08:20:00.001-08:00

This is the last week to get a request in to me for a free glass tile pendant!!

Here's the latest batch that went out:

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Hurry, hurry!

Next giveaway is a white knitted scarf holiday set!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee

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Zinnia Handbag

2010-11-28T00:24:00.001-08:00

This is what I decided to make for my craft swap partner. She said she liked bright orange, red, yellow and purple. I immediately thought of Holly Holderman's zinnia fabric. This was the easiest purse pattern EVER! It's the Dream Handbag by Flower Girl Design Collection:

Front with strap on top & button closures:

Back with 3 pockets:

Front when top is unfolded:

Back with top unfolded:

Inside lining in orange & purple:

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Glass Pendants

2010-11-27T12:10:00.001-08:00

These were just mailed to BariJ, Spinndiva & Momtastic!!

Art Deco Barij Fabric:

Gothic Snow White:

Desert Goddess:

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