Archive for the ‘accessories’ Category

Who is the Winner?

Monday, March 26th, 2012

Here in the Midwest and probably anywhere in the States the weather is a month ahead of itself. Even the lilacs are beginning to bloom. Its wonderful, but a little disturbing, too. There are weeds we have never seen before spreading over the lawn. Their little seeds must have lain dormant for ages just waiting for the right conditions to sprout. It must be my Iowa roots that keeps me waiting for the inevitable spring snow storm to even the score.

But you have to rejoice when the daffodils come out! They seem to be the most optimistic and refreshing of all the spring flowers. So here they set the scene for some equally enthusiastic little bags. They are made from our Pretty Perfect Pocket Purse pattern and some of the Early Birds fabrics.

The wonderful details show nicely in this photograph. The pocket is lined with the daffodil yellow Curlicue fabric and outlined with mint green rick rack. The long hand stitches add to the one-of-a-kind sensibility.

The top and back panels are decorated with a fancy machine stitch in variegated colored thread. The body is made with the Berry Patch Border fabric in the plum colorway and quilted in a scalloped pattern with top stitching thread.

We chose different quilting stitches for this Pocket Purse variation. I love how the pink rick rack sets off the blue lining. The happy Strawberry Serenade fabric in blueberry makes the body of the purse. Again there is variegated thread to ornament the top and back panels. Both bags have a felt bead as a zipper pull and some fun trim.

On the left we used common ball fringe and for the other we added a row of confetti colored felt beads. Perfect accessories to celebrate spring.

This is another wonderful bag pattern using the Early Birds fabric. Look at all those pockets!!! A lot of thought and engineering has gone into this marvelous Studio Kat design. This looks like the ideal traveling bag, as you can use each unit individually or combine them into a single bag. The green lining also makes it easy to see what’s inside. Bravo! It is great to see the fabric put to such good use!

And finally, thanks to all of you who left comments this week. It is encouraging to know you are all out there! The winner of the drawing is lucky Martha Lorshbaugh of New York state. Congratulations!

Who is the Winner?

Monday, March 26th, 2012

Here in the Midwest and probably anywhere in the States the weather is a month ahead of itself. Even the lilacs are beginning to bloom. Its wonderful, but a little disturbing, too. There are weeds we have never seen before spreading over the lawn. Their little seeds must have lain dormant for ages just waiting for the right conditions to sprout. It must be my Iowa roots that keeps me waiting for the inevitable spring snow storm to even the score.

But you have to rejoice when the daffodils come out! They seem to be the most optimistic and refreshing of all the spring flowers. So here they set the scene for some equally enthusiastic little bags. They are made from our Pretty Perfect Pocket Purse pattern and some of the Early Birds fabrics.

The wonderful details show nicely in this photograph. The pocket is lined with the daffodil yellow Curlicue fabric and outlined with mint green rick rack. The long hand stitches add to the one-of-a-kind sensibility.

The top and back panels are decorated with a fancy machine stitch in variegated colored thread. The body is made with the Berry Patch Border fabric in the plum colorway and quilted in a scalloped pattern with top stitching thread.

We chose different quilting stitches for this Pocket Purse variation. I love how the pink rick rack sets off the blue lining. The happy Strawberry Serenade fabric in blueberry makes the body of the purse. Again there is variegated thread to ornament the top and back panels. Both bags have a felt bead as a zipper pull and some fun trim.

On the left we used common ball fringe and for the other we added a row of confetti colored felt beads. Perfect accessories to celebrate spring.

This is another wonderful bag pattern using the Early Birds fabric. Look at all those pockets!!! A lot of thought and engineering has gone into this marvelous Studio Kat design. This looks like the ideal traveling bag, as you can use each unit individually or combine them into a single bag. The green lining also makes it easy to see what’s inside. Bravo! It is great to see the fabric put to such good use!

And finally, thanks to all of you who left comments this week. It is encouraging to know you are all out there! The winner of the drawing is lucky Martha Lorshbaugh of New York state. Congratulations!

Feels like Spring!

Tuesday, March 6th, 2012

Another fabulous storm began Friday night. It was very heavy snow and weighed down all the trees and grasses. Ice coated everything. Yesterday it began to warm and the icicles slowly disappeared. It sounded like someone was pounding on the roof all last night from the heavy clumps of snow falling from the trees. Today is sunny and warm! It feels like Spring!!!

So I thought I’d show some bright and sunny pillows to honor this happy mood. These were made by my talented buddy Melissa Peda. They are inspired by traditional quilt designs but the results are very contemporary. The fabrics are all from the Early Birds line for FreeSpirit. I’m finding that the bright yellow Curlicue fabric adds some punch to many projects.

This is a busy week as the new book, Patchwork Sassaman Style is nearing completion. It looks beautiful and I can’t wait to share it with you! Dragon Threads and I will keep you in the loop, so stay tuned!

Feels like Spring!

Tuesday, March 6th, 2012

Another fabulous storm began Friday night. It was very heavy snow and weighed down all the trees and grasses. Ice coated everything. Yesterday it began to warm and the icicles slowly disappeared. It sounded like someone was pounding on the roof all last night from the heavy clumps of snow falling from the trees. Today is sunny and warm! It feels like Spring!!!

So I thought I’d show some bright and sunny pillows to honor this happy mood. These were made by my talented buddy Melissa Peda. They are inspired by traditional quilt designs but the results are very contemporary. The fabrics are all from the Early Birds line for FreeSpirit. I’m finding that the bright yellow Curlicue fabric adds some punch to many projects.

This is a busy week as the new book, Patchwork Sassaman Style is nearing completion. It looks beautiful and I can’t wait to share it with you! Dragon Threads and I will keep you in the loop, so stay tuned!

Early Bird Napkin Project

Saturday, January 14th, 2012
This has been a wild weather week! Wednesday it was 50 degrees and sunny. Thursday it was 15 degrees and we had the first snow storm of the season! But it’s all fine with me.
I promised a little project this week, so let’s get to it! We are going to make some Early Bird napkins to spice up your dining settings. I had collected some nice colored cloth napkins at an outlet shop with the intent of ornamenting them. I pulled them out the other day, because they were just the right colors to go with the new Early Birds fabric.

To make these pretty napkins with a front pocket, we started by cutting a 9″ square from some coordinating Early Birds fabric. Above is Leaf Dance in Lime and below is the Primrose Posy in the Blueberry colorway.

Then we folded it in half, with right sides together and stitched a quarter inch seam, but leaving a hole so we could turn it right side out. Clip the corners.

When it is right side, whip stitch the opening. Then stitch along the long side of the triangle before pinning it to one corner of the napkin and stitch down the two short sides to make a pocket.

So here are a few others that we whipped up…

Very cheerful colors for a cold winter day! These would be lovely for a Valentine’s place setting.

Early Bird Napkin Project

Saturday, January 14th, 2012
This has been a wild weather week! Wednesday it was 50 degrees and sunny. Thursday it was 15 degrees and we had the first snow storm of the season! But it’s all fine with me.
I promised a little project this week, so let’s get to it! We are going to make some Early Bird napkins to spice up your dining settings. I had collected some nice colored cloth napkins at an outlet shop with the intent of ornamenting them. I pulled them out the other day, because they were just the right colors to go with the new Early Birds fabric.

To make these pretty napkins with a front pocket, we started by cutting a 9″ square from some coordinating Early Birds fabric. Above is Leaf Dance in Lime and below is the Primrose Posy in the Blueberry colorway.

Then we folded it in half, with right sides together and stitched a quarter inch seam, but leaving a hole so we could turn it right side out. Clip the corners.

When it is right side, whip stitch the opening. Then stitch along the long side of the triangle before pinning it to one corner of the napkin and stitch down the two short sides to make a pocket.

So here are a few others that we whipped up…

Very cheerful colors for a cold winter day! These would be lovely for a Valentine’s place setting.

Early Birds Pattern Give Away This Week!

Sunday, January 8th, 2012

Aren’t these the cutest aprons? They are being featured on the FreeSpirit Blog this week. So to read all the details visit their site. This week they will be sharing a free pattern for the new Early Bird fabrics. Also check out the Fat Quarter Shop’s blog, the Jolly Jabber, to see some studio shots and read a short interview.

Lots to do in the studio this week. Next week we will post a little home decorating project, so stay tuned.

Early Birds Pattern Give Away This Week!

Sunday, January 8th, 2012

Aren’t these the cutest aprons? They are being featured on the FreeSpirit Blog this week. So to read all the details visit their site. This week they will be sharing a free pattern for the new Early Bird fabrics. Also check out the Fat Quarter Shop’s blog, the Jolly Jabber, to see some studio shots and read a short interview.

Lots to do in the studio this week. Next week we will post a little home decorating project, so stay tuned.

Another New Year!

Sunday, January 1st, 2012

Happy New Year everyone! After a busy week of socializing I am exhausted. Having fun has made me tired! I have washed LOTS of dishes and made up quite a few beds. But today is New Year’s Day, the wind is whipping through the trees and it is dark and snowing now and then. A good moody day to ease into the long list of projects that need attention. A quiet day for reflection and resolutions.

I have managed to escape to the studio everyday for a little “quiet time” and some quilting. In fact, I have been going in circles… lots of circles. I will show you the rest when it is all finished.

And today we begin to get organized for a new year of positive possibilities. These wonderful file satchels were designed by my friend, Melissa Peda. They are quilted and lined and perfect for the serious fashion follower. They would be perfect laptop or iPad covers, too. You can buy the pattern  or purchase them ready made at Melissa’s Etsy shop, 100 Billion Stars. These were made with fabrics from the new Early Birds collection. Left, Primrose Posies in the Plum colorway, right, Leaf Dance in Lime and Primrose Posies in Blueberry.

Our new life begins tomorrow. But those leftovers in the fridge still remain!

Another New Year!

Sunday, January 1st, 2012

Happy New Year everyone! After a busy week of socializing I am exhausted. Having fun has made me tired! I have washed LOTS of dishes and made up quite a few beds. But today is New Year’s Day, the wind is whipping through the trees and it is dark and snowing now and then. A good moody day to ease into the long list of projects that need attention. A quiet day for reflection and resolutions.

I have managed to escape to the studio everyday for a little “quiet time” and some quilting. In fact, I have been going in circles… lots of circles. I will show you the rest when it is all finished.

And today we begin to get organized for a new year of positive possibilities. These wonderful file satchels were designed by my friend, Melissa Peda. They are quilted and lined and perfect for the serious fashion follower. They would be perfect laptop or iPad covers, too. You can buy the pattern  or purchase them ready made at Melissa’s Etsy shop, 100 Billion Stars. These were made with fabrics from the new Early Birds collection. Left, Primrose Posies in the Plum colorway, right, Leaf Dance in Lime and Primrose Posies in Blueberry.

Our new life begins tomorrow. But those leftovers in the fridge still remain!