lovely little handmades

my heart sings for you!

2012-02-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the adorable birdie quilts that Erin of Why Not Sew? has made!?! They are simply the sweetest!! On Monday she made a sweet valentines one, that totally inspired me!! I had to make one, and it couldn't just go on my list, I had to make one now!! Though I have a kazillion other wip's, they could wait!! :)

I did a version of her sweet valentines one but changed it up a bit so it could go above my piano. One thing about me, I heart music, and really have a special place in my heart for it... so a birdie quilt mixed with a music theme is what I went with.

A bit of a close up of the quilting. For the border I tried loops for the first time which was fun!!

My daughter instantly wanted a picture with it, as it matched her new panda sweater!! :)

In its new home above the piano!!

I hope you are having a wonderful week so far!!
See ya next week!!

sweet {hearts}

2012-01-30T10:24:00.000-08:00

This weekend I had some fun sewing up some sweet little hearts!! I had gotten some scalloped pinking shears several months back with the intention of making some cute little candy canes like Amy, but never got to it with all the craziness during the holidays. So I did a little spin on Amy's candy canes and made some cute scalloped hearts so we could decorate for Valentines Day!!

I used the cute little hearts as a garland and used some clothes pins to hang them on a sweet polka dot ribbon.

Some of my favorites!! :)

A Sweet Valentines Subway Art!

I have to show you these samples that just came in the mail last week!! Aren't they the sweetest!! I can't wait for these to arrive in the next month or so!! :)

My kiddos have the day off from school so it will be a busy day. Better get to those sweet little ones! Hope you have a lovely day!!

a shabby pinwheel quilt

2012-01-17T10:41:00.000-08:00

This month on !Sew WE Quilt! they have the theme "Tool Time". I'm a guest blogger tomorrow and will be sharing a simple tutorial of my favorite quilting tool, and can you guess what I chose!?! I'm sure you know what my favorite new tool is... the Lil' Twister (I'm out of them now in my shop, but you can find there here). Yep, I'm sure you were right!! :)

I had lots of fun making a fun little lap quilt with most all of Atsuko Matsuyama's fabrics...also a new favorite!! Oh, simply some of the prettiest fabrics, how can you not love them!! And, it was perfect timing as I got my first shipment of her fabrics for the shop!! Yep, I did say first, so there will be more soon.

I used 42, 5 inch squares, so this would be perfect for a charm pack!!

I did a few borders in some Moda Bella solids and the aqua is Astuko Matsuyama's Elegant Bouquet.

A close up of the quilting.

The binding is the new flower sugar, floral stripes in red, and the backing is a soft vintage sheet!!

I have to share one of my favorite, Hey Girls!! If you haven't seen them they are the funniest!! My hubby and I have had quite the laughs over them!! As I had my hubby holding the quilt up like usual this one came to mind as it is a favorite. :)

Make sure to stop by !Sew WE Quilt! tomorrow and say Hi to me!! :)

Hope you have a fabulous day, my friends!!

a little late

2012-01-10T09:58:00.000-08:00

It has been a little quiet on my blog lately!! We've had lots of family in town the last little bit, and have enjoyed all the time we've had with my husband family and some of mine!!

I started this fun little pinwheel pillow back in November for the Savvy Seasons swap, but ended up going in another direction. I set it aside for awhile but got it done right before Christmas so we could still enjoy it. I really love how it turned out and how it has just a little touch of winter to it.

To make the pinwheel blocks I used the Lil' Twister tool!! It was sure a fun way to make them. All you do is use 5 inch charm squares (I cut my own), and then sew them as a patchwork. Then you take the tool and place it on the seams and rotary cut around it, and voila you have your blocks for the pinwheels.

I also got our Little Miss Winter all finished up right before Christmas too. I did a few adjustments to the pattern, but am thinking I need to do a few more before I post a tutorial. So hang in there...it will come. :)

I also added a cute little crochet flower and button as a little hair piece. I wish I would have thought of that for my first one. For the lace I used some vintage lace that came off a sheet!! :)

Now that we are back to a normal schedule, it will be nice to get more sewing done! At least I hope so. :)

Happy Tuesday, my friends!!

a polar bear pillow and thank you sale!!

2011-12-30T16:05:00.000-08:00

Polar bear, polar bear, what do you see? I see a pillow to cuddle and snuggle, in these cold winter months!!

I started this ever so sweet double wedding ring pillow quite some time ago with Laurie's polar bear spoonflower fabrics. After seeing her new Brrr! fabric that will be releasing in June, it made me want to finish my pillow!! I sure can't wait to see these lovely fabrics on the bolt! I may just have to make a quilt to match my lovely new pillow!!

I used Essex Linen in white for the background and a white ticking for the binding. I love how the double wedding ring really pops!!

For the hand stitching I used DMC floss in red, aqua and grey to add a nice clean touch!

Here is Lauries new fabric collection, Brrr! in red and aqua!! It also come in the traditional Christmas colors, red and green.

I'm so glad I finally finished my pillow!! Now I get to enjoy all its loveliness!! I need to pull out my other wip's and get those finished up too!!

As a thank you for all your support through the year, I'm having a little sale in my shop till the end of the year. So today and tomorrow, you can take 10% off your purchase in my shop!! Just use coupon code thankyou10 at checkout and it will automatically be applied to your order. This is the first "sale" I've offered all year so make sure to take advantage of it if you've been wanting to get any fabrics, patterns or trims. :)

Hope everyone has a Happy New Year!!

a winner & sweet little boys!

2011-12-15T15:45:00.000-08:00

We have a winner for the Munki Munki scrap pack and 1 1/2 inch hexies!! I first have to tell you I feel a little bad as I had to choose a winner a handful of times till I finally was able to get one that told me the two things I had asked (what your favorite winter munki munki is, and what you'd make out of the hexies). So there are several of those who commented that could have won but didn't.

I am excited though, as I really love who did win!! The very talented, Amy Smart!! Here is what she said... " What a sweet giveaway, Kerri! I'm so smitten with the cardinals, but those snowmen are pretty darn cute too. I think I could make a pillow to match yours. :) " Amy, make sure to send me an email or convo with your addy so I can get your scrap pack and hexies sent off.

I don't know if most know, but I have a 3 and a 4 year old. They are only 9 1/2 months apart. I know what you are thinking...are you crazy girl!?! Yep, I am!! :) But really, they would have been a little farther apart but my littlest guy was born premature. Now that you know that they are pretty darn close, almost like having twins...they can get into quite the mischief together, and are best buds!!

So now a little story about a beloved broken polka dot mug...

The other day, they came to me while I was cutting fabric and my 4 year old said "Mom, look, we fixed your polka dot cup." First I didn't realize it was broken, and that they were "fixing" it. I had to chuckle a little when I saw their sweet little "fix" Taped all up and ready for me to use again!! Now, how sweet is that!! I think they were pretty clever in fixing it. I have to say, I really do love my little guys!!

Hope you are having a terrific Thursday too!!

winter hexies...and a little giveaway for you!

2011-12-12T00:22:00.000-08:00

I finally got a bunch of Heather Ross winter flannel hexies all basted and ready to be sewn together!! I had some time this week-end while waiting at my daughters ice skating lessons, and it was perfect to pull out my winter Munki Munki!! I think I'll make it into a pillow as how soft and comfy will that be to lay my head on!! Pure bliss, I say!! I love all the new Winter Munki Munki that came out recently and they look fabulous with all the others, like Penguin Water Ballet!! I think that is a new favorite of mine!! It is simply adorable!!

All these ones pictured are available through my shop!! If you noticed the plaid and ticking stripe, those are also Munki Munki, but are the cuffs or trim from the leg panels and the sleeves. I love how they have a coordinating fabric on some of them!!

A couple other new ones are the Foxes and Cardinals!! Aren't they cute too!!

Would you like to make some Heather Ross, Munki hexies too? I have some extra scraps so will be giving away a scrap pack and some 1 1/2 inch hexies! :)

This is a really simple and short giveaway so if you'd like to win all you have to do is tell me which Heather Ross winter Munki Munki is your favorite, and what you'd make these lovely hexies into.

The giveaway will only be open till Wednesday Dec. 14th, and I'll announce the giveaway winner soon after!

Good Luck!!!

little miss winter!

2011-12-08T13:41:00.000-08:00

Little Miss Winter is all ready for her holiday travels!! She has her suitcase packed and ready to go!! But, shh, don't tell, as she is headed first to her new adoptive home!! :) I have her twin sister almost all stitched up as well too, and will get to enjoy all her holiday travels in the Northwest!!

Little Miss Winter was sew much fun to make!! I think she is one of my favorites!! I made her a bit smaller than the last few I've made and am sure happy with how she turned out!!

Her sweet little face was inspired by several of revoluzza's dolls that I've sure admired for quite some time!! For her body I enjoyed embellishing her with a couple cute polka dot buttons, some ric rac, and a little bit of crochet lace.

I used some of the sweet snowflake and polka dot fabric from this set for her hat. For the body I used some of the grid fabric from City Weekend for the hands and body, for the skirt I used the Swoon fabric from Bonnie and Camile. For the legs I used some Children at Play stripes for leggings from Sarah Jane, and some Gray corduroy from Joanns for the boots. For the face I used Essex linen, and wool felt.

I cut a simple little scarf out of the wool felt to keep her nice and warm during her travels. :)

Ta Ta!!

Well now I need to get some lovely packages shipped, and then tackle my huge pile of laundry...and when I say huge, I mean a huge mountain. It has been a bit crazy with my help gone the past couple weeks keeping up with everything. But I'm glad to say I've been making it through, and am even happier she'll be back for next week!! Hip hip hooray!! :)

PS. This week I got in the new Flower Sugar, and I already have it listed in the shop!! Go check it out as it is soo pretty!!

felted wool garland

2011-12-05T10:19:00.000-08:00

Have you seen these felted wool garlands popping up!?! I've been wanting to make one for quite some time but noticed the little felted balls are not that cheap for such a small little thing. After seeing an easy peasy tutorial on how to make them, I knew I could do it!! It is a pretty simple process and fun to work with the wool. There are lots of things you can adorn them with and thought the garland would be perfect for a picture frame!!

This cute little illustration, "Here, Little Bird" is from Tasha's shop!! Isn't it just sooo sweet!!

With this garland being my first there was a little trial and error, but think it turned out pretty good!! I'm thinking of making one for my partner for the savvy seasons swap as a little extra.

I've got lots of sewing I need to get done this week, so better get my bootie in gear!! :)

Happy Monday, my friends!! See you later in the week!

shop news!

2011-11-29T13:20:00.000-08:00

Lots has been going on in my busy little household, and lots of new fabrics has arrived lately so I thought I'd show you a few of my favorites. :) I've been anticipating the arrival of Pam Kitty Morning and it finally came last week!! I just got the bundles listed in my shop today!!

A red, blue, pink and white bundle!! They are even prettier in person!

Yummy strawberries!! They make me miss summer time and going strawberry picking!

Just in time for Christmas I've added the Christmas Red Riding Hood fabric from Ariel!! Isn't it the cutest!! :)

Also, cute little Polly Pinwheels is a new addition!

I was able to get my hands on the out of print and oh so retro 12 Joys of Christmas fabrics, and just in time for Christmas too!!

With my love of vintagey goodness I've started to add vintage sheet fat quarters to the shop! They have such beautiful vibrant colors and the softness is pure bliss!

Another collection that just arrived last week is Lauren & Jessie Jung's Flora! The prints are absolutely beautiful and the colors of aqua, tangerine, and yellow are so lovely together!!

I could stare at all that eye candy all day!! :) Have I ever mentioned how much I really LOVE fabric!!

Hope you are having a lovely week!!

PS. If you are looking for any bargain fabrics make sure to check out the clearance/sale section in my shop as I've added quite a few new fabrics like all the Little Apples!!

happy thanksgiving

2011-11-24T11:21:00.000-08:00

(picture from my pinterest)

We are enjoying this lovely Thanksgiving with family! It is also my hubby's b-day so lots of fun going on here. :) Here are a couple things I've been up to this week for Thanksgiving.

Some cute little cupcake Teepee's!!

Our Thanksgiving mantle, with the fall subway art!

A new pom pom banner with a cute little sketchy stitchy applique turkey. Inspired by my sweet friend Amy!

Hope you are having a fabulous day too!!

a start

2011-11-14T13:04:00.000-08:00

This week-end I was able to start on my project for the Savvy Seasons swap. I've got the top pretty much done for either a pillow or maybe a mini quilt. I may add a little more if I do a mini quilt, but still trying to decide which direction to go. What do you think, a pillow, a mini, or another suggestion??

I really love this cute little twist on the pinwheel!! It is so scrappy and fun!! My partner asked for something that could be out through all winter so there are no real Christmas fabrics, just some fun snowflakes and then some pretty Ruby, polka dots and stripes. Can you tell, my partner also likes red and aqua!?!

I am working on another project for my sweet partner but I know if I show then it will be quite a giveaway to my partner that it is for her. So I'll be waiting to show you what else I'm working on, but I have to say...it is cute!! :)

Also, have you noticed I'm getting farther behind on my FMQA blocks!! I was doing so well with keeping up this summer, but fall has certainly made me "fall" behind!! Yikes!! I'm thinking definitely of doing a lap size now, so hopefully with a few more I'll be good to start putting it together soon. Here is my most recent block~

{53} Jackknife

I hope everyone is having a marvelous Monday!!

sew to swap...blog hop!

2011-11-07T10:05:00.000-08:00

Today I get to share with you another exciting book I was able to contribute to!! The fun thing about this book is it is all about swaps!! With running quite a few swaps on flickr this book has a special meaning to me, as I really love swaps!!! Being able to get to know other crafters that have the same passion as I do, is one of the best parts. I also love that I get to make something that is most of the time a little out of my comfort zone, and probably wouldn't have made it if it wasn't for the swap. It is always fun to me, the stalking, the creating, and then the sending and waiting to see what their response will be. And then in return, being so excited to receive that special item in the mail that was created just for me!!

The book...Sew to Swap was written by Crissie Grace, illustrated by my dear friend Ariel Eldridge and published by F+W Media. The book was fabulously written and has all the information on how to make a quilt from start to finish...so would be wonderful for even the beginner quilter!

A pretty stack of quilts that are in the book!!

Here are some lovely pictures of some of the different collaborative swaps that are in the book!!

From the Super Small Swap section, the Hexie Table Runner. These three grandmother flower gardens are from Heather, Tasha and I. This one I put together and quilted, and it is on the cover!! Yippe!! :)

Also, from the Super Small Swap Section, the Selvedge to Selvedge String Pillow
Made by Chrissie

The Curvy Block Swap is from the Marvelous Medium Swap Section! Lovely blocks all with curves. I love how this one turned out, so modern and vibrant with the Tufted Tweets!! My block in this one is a dresden plate. :)

The Invisible 9 Patch Swap is in the Gorgeous Gigantic Swap section!! I really do love 9 patches, and the colors of yellow and grey are sure pretty!! This one Tasha and I quilted!! It was fun to work together on quilting this one!!

The Wonky Siggy Swap...wonky stars and all the contributors signatures!! I love how this one takes the modern wonky star, but then adds an old tradition of doing a signature quilt. Also you gotta love the colors, red, aqua, and pink!! :) In this quilt each one of the contributors did one block.

I really wanted to also include one of Ariels illustrations!! She did such a fantastic job!! She is so talented, and I have to say that I am so lucky that she designs for my shop!!

Aren't those some spectacular quilts, and that is just a small portion of them!! F+W Media is offering to any of our blog readers a special discount during the blog tour if you'd like to purchase the book. Just use promo code SEW2SWAP.

Also, here is the schedule for the blog tour, if you'd like to follow along~

November 7 Lovely Little Handmades

November 8 Stitches & Scissors

November 9 Cluck Cluck Sew

November 10 My Three Sons

November 11 Twin Fibers

November 12 Stitchy Quilt Stuff

November 13 The Creative Juices of Ariel

November 14 Texas Freckles

November 15 Quilt Dad

November 16 Artsy-Craftsy Babe

November 17 Little Miss Shabby

November 18 A Cuppa and a Catch Up

November 19 A Quilt is Nice

November 20 A Little Sweetness

November 21 House of A La Mode

November 22 I’m Just a Guy Who Quilts

November 23 Little Bit Funky

November 27 In His Grace

pretty in patchwork~ doll quilts

2011-11-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

I was meaning to tell you about this last week but with everything halloweenie, the days just flew by too fast!! Months ago I was asked to be in the book Pretty in Patchwork Doll Quilts by Cathy Gaubert by Lark Crafts, and I was sooo excited!! As most know, I absolutely LOVE doll quilts!! I think they had a lot to do with getting me hooked so quickly on quilting years ago!! They are the best project to do when you want to work on a new technique, or just have a fun little project that you can do in a day or two!! So to say the least, I was truly hopping with happiness when Cathy ask me to join in on her book!!

My doll quilt, Little Red Riding Hood!! You know how I just love Little Red!

Here it is in the book!! Eek!! It still seems surreal!

I love the cute picture they took of my quilt in a little doll cradle!! It just couldn't be cuter!!

The embroidery of Little Red I did that is also included in the book!! She was inspired by the cute Little Red in the Japanese fabric I used in the dresden plate.

Here are some of the lovely quilts that are also in the book!! I want to make each and every one!!

I Spy by my dear friend Heather Bostic!!
Picture is from the book

Dream Doll Quilt by the super talented Aneela Hoey
Picture is from the book

Ticker Tape Quilt by Cathy Gaubert
Picture from Cathy

Cupcake Quilt by Malka Dubrawsky
Picture from Malka

The Diamond Lattice Quilt
Picture from Penny

Jacob's Ladder by Rita Hodge, Red Pepper Quilts
Picture by Rita

Aren't those all simply fabulous!?! And that was really just a small portion of all the lovely quilts!! As there are "24 little quilts to piece, stitch, and love"!!

I also must tell you that if you also love doll quilts like I do, Sew, Mama, Sew! is hosting a doll quilt contest for Cathy's new book!! You must go check it out!! I don't know if I'll be able to resist a doll quilt contest!!

Thanks so much, Cathy for having me be part of this wonderful book!! It was such a delight!

halloween

2011-11-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

This last week has been all about Halloween in our house!! Making some cute decorations, carving pumpkins, making halloween sugar cookies and decorating them, and making caramel apples!! It has been a fun week, but I'm glad we are moving onto Thanksgiving and then Christmas!! :)

I saw this cute idea on pinterest!! My kiddos loved helping me make it!!

Paper strip pumpkins!! My friend made me these, and here is an easy peasy tutorial on how to make them!!

My sweet kiddos all dressed up in their Halloween costumes!

My little guys as star wars caracters, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader, Yoda, and an Ewok! I think they look so cute!!

A Medieval princess, so pretty!!

and you have to have a witch, with a cat!! :)

A cute Halloween subway art print that Tasha printed for me (thanks!!), and a fun pom pom banner I made with Riley Blakes, Doodlebug Designs, Trick or Treat fabric!

oh so, scary pumpkins!

I hope you also had a spooktacular week like we did! See you in couple days, as I have something to show you!! :)

randomness and a giveaway!!

2011-10-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

The last couple weeks have been busy, busy!! I went to the pumpkin patch with all the little ones from my husbands family as a little field trip!! I've received lots of yummy fabrics for the shop, and had a sweet chat with Madame Samm today and have a giveaway to share with you!!

Here are some cutie pictures of our trip to the pumpkin patch!! The kiddos sure had lots of fun!!

the hayride

picking pumpkins!!

the oh so cute cow train!

can you believe there was an old antique aqua truck there!! be still my heart!! yep, i just couldn't resist having a few pictures taken!! ;)

and one with the little guys!! :)

Now to the yummy fabrics that have arrived lately!! It is like Christmas every week!! :)

Princess Rose by Lecien! This collection is absolutely gorgeous!! I have it in the pink and aqua colorway and then also the one pictured below, pink, aqua, yellow and green!!

Sophie by Chez Moi!

Foxed Trails by Doohickey Designs!

Little Apples by Aneela Hoey!

And, just today my yardage of Ruby came!!! I will be listing all that today, so keep a look out!! :)

Then, this morning I had a lovely chat with Madame Samm! If you haven't been to her amazingly popular blog, you must visit!! She has tons of tutorials and giveaways weekly!! I'm now scheduled for two tutorials in the near future in December and January!! Oh, I can't wait!!

Here is what she is giving away today!! A fabulous, Pfaff sewing machine! Oh, how I would love for you are I to win!! Make sure to hop on over and enter as the drawing is on Monday!!

I hope you are having fabulous Friday, and enjoy your week-end!!

a shabby gnomie pillow & savy seasons

2011-10-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

This week I've enjoyed finishing up a project I started ages ago! With my cute little Christmas Cuties embroidery sitting so patiently in a drawer, it was time to turn it into something lovely that we'd enjoy...the shabby gnomie pillow!!

The Christmas Cuties Embroidery! This was one of my first embroideries I did, so it has that etxra special meaning, and is so fun to see it made into a pillow finally!!

Some oh so sweet pom pom trim!! Oh, how I love me some cute pom poms!!

A shabby scrappy border, and some simple stitching to add that cute little touch!

This sweet pillow has surely put me in the holiday spirit and am really itching to work on more holiday projects!! After talking to my sweet friend Heather we decided to start up a swap again!! Yes, after a long, but needed break, Heather and I will be doing some of our lovely swaps again!! Yeah!! And to start off, what would be more perfect than the Savy Seasons Swap!!

Pictures are all from my Christmas Pinterest Board.

For the Savy Seasons Swap we will be starting sign ups soon. You are welcome to join in on the fun by joining the group (you'll find all the information there and deadlines within the next week)!! There will be a limited amount of spots to keep it manageable for Heather, Kelly and I so make sure to join asap if you want in on the fun!! :)

Hope you are having a lovely day!! See ya soon! :)

back to the farm!

2011-10-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

This last month I took a little vacation away from the farm!! I sure missed being a farmers wife, and have had a little work to do since I've been back to catch up with all my farmers wife friends!! :) For catching up, this last week I've gotten 8 blocks done, and have 4 more to do this week and then I'll be back on track!! Yippee!!

I hope you don't mind an abundance of photos, with 8 new blocks there are lots of pictures. :) These two are Flock and Square Dance.

{34} Flock

I had actually done this one when I had first started doing the farmers wife blocks but I didn't like it so threw it out! I'd been wanting to re-make it, so this is the new one, and I sure like it much better!! :)

{85} Square Dance

This one I change a little. The triangles should be facing the other direction with the point going towards the center square, but I liked it with the points going outward. I made it with the oh so cute, Tiny Reader fabric from my sweet friend Ariel!!

The next two are Old Windmill and Northern Lights!

{62} Old Windmill
I did this one a lot like how I did broken dishes. I love them with the white!! It sure makes the colors pop!!

{61} Northern Lights
I just had to break into a fat eights set of Ruby !! I love all the pin dots, florals, and scallops (I used some in the old windmill block too)!!

These two are Windows and Honey's Choice!!

{109} Windows
This one is one of my favorites!! I just love the Atsuko Matsuyama fabric and this was a perfect block to use it in!!

{50} Honey's Choice
More pin dots and Atsuko Matsuyama fabric!! :)

The last two are Friendship Star and Seasons!!

{41} Friendship Star

Leciens Antique flowers and one of my favorite polka dots from the Swell collection by Urban Chicks!

{77} Seasons
Do you recognize the pretty floral and polka dot fabric? That is the vintage fabric I had got on my ocean trip! The sweet vintage fabric worked perfect for this block!!

I love how they look together!! So pretty and fresh with bright colors!!

I forgot how much I really love making these blocks, and am so glad to be working on them again!!

simple patchwork

2011-10-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

Lately there hasn't been much craftiness going on in my house. With the kiddos back in school I thought I'd have much more time for sewing, but sadly that hasn't been the case. It feels a little pathetic, less children at home = less sewing??? Doesn't quite make sense to me!! Maybe since my helpers are gone, now my little ones seem to get into much more mischief so that equals more work for mommy, and more difficult to get a few moments away here and there to sew!!

The other week-end I did do a little sewing with my girls, little patchwork doll quilts!! They picked out their fabrics and we cut them into squares and then they sewed the simple little patchwork together. I did simple line quilting and then added the binding!! They were soo excited to have cute matching doll quilts for their dolls!! It made it even that much more special since they did most of the sewing!!

a little quilt for Little Red Riding Hood!

she looks so happy under her comfy little quilt!

the polly dollie quilt!

most of these squares are from Hoo's in the Forest charm pack! !

I think I'll help them make matching pillows next. Wouldn't that be cute!! :) Though, I learned one thing while giving them this little sewing lesson, to work with them one on one instead of working with them together. They seemed to compare and have several little arguments during the process. So even though it was enjoyable to teach them a little bit of my love of sewing, I learned from this experience.

an apron and a sneakie peakie!

2011-09-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

I've been so excited to find out what the new Flower Sugar and Atsuko Matsuyama fabric collections are going to look like and my wait is finally over. I just can hardly keep in the excitement!! I've already put my order in and now it is count down till they arrive!! The Atsuko Matsuyama fabrics should be here early to mid October and the new Flower Sugar collection will be here end of Oct. or early Nov.

Here is the sneakie peakie!!

30's collection by Atsuko Matsuyama ~ I love the sweet delicate flowers and the pastel mixed with the bright colors!!

Flower Bouquets

Petite Flowers

Roses and Daisies

Flower Bouquets and Polka Dots

Flower Sugar Fall 2011 ~ I think this may be my favorite of the Flower Sugar collections! I love how this collection includes gray! I also think they will mix well with the new Atsuko Matsuyama fabrics!

Lacy Bouquets

Flower Stripes

Floral Wreaths

Large Flower and Polka Dots

This week I've hardly done any sewing!! So sad!! I really hope I can do much more sewing the rest of the week!! I did do a cute little apron for my dish soap!! After seeing the cute apron and tutorial by Camill e, it went straight to the top of my list!! I ended up making two, one for myself and one for Tasha! I couldn't resist, they are just so darn cute!!

Here is the other side as I made it reversible!

I did a mini stipple on mine and straight line quilting on Tasha's, like Camilles. I think both ways turned out cute!! I only took pictures of mine.

Most know I just love searching for vintage finds!! This week at a thrift store I found this pretty hand towel. It looks just like a favorite vintage sheet!! It sure was a highlight of my week finding this treasure!! Here is a close up~

Hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy the rest of your week!

a good day!

2011-09-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

Today was 3 of my kiddos first day back to school, and tomorrow my kindergartner starts!! My older 3 were so excited to go back and see all their friends. It sure will be nice to be back to a routine again!! It was a little hectic with my mom in town (she just left on Monday), with all the school shopping, and last minute summer fun activities! Now I can take a deep breath!! I even got a little sewing in this morning!!

A couple weeks ago we went to Leavenworth for the day!! I hadn't been there in years and it was sure fun to bring the kiddos there. When I was there I stopped in at the local quilt shop and saw the most beautiful quilt made out of some 30's reproduction fabrics!! The shop owner told me the fabric were all from a collection called More Fat 8ths and Friends from 2006.

Of course when I got home I had to do a little search!! Lucky for me I found some, and was even able to get a little yardage from the designer, Marsha McCloskey. I think the way they have the fabric printed is so clever. There are 4 fat 8ths printed on a half yard!! I just love it!! I just listed this little fat 8ths set in my shop today!! :)

This morning I whipped up a farmers wife block with some of the fat 8ths!! It was fun to finally be able to cut into it.

{73} Rainbow Flowers

Since I'm talking about pretty 30's reproduction fabrics I thought I'd show you some of the Toybox II by Sara Morgan. I fell in love with the red and aqua one first after I'd seen it on Flickr and then had to find out where to buy this lovely collection on the bolt! This is now in my shop too! :)

You'll probably see some of my next few farmers wife blocks with some of these!! I got a little behind with my Mom in town so I'll be trying to catch up this week, along with finally getting my pinwheels in the park quilt top sewn together.

Hope you are having a wonderful day too!

love

2011-08-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

The best word that describes my past week is "love". I first had a surprise visit from my Dad who lives in Shanghai, we loved spending this last week-end camping with family, I enjoyed sewing a couple more farmers wife blocks, and I received a bit of love from one of my sweet bloggie friends right before we left for the week-end! I don't know if life gets much better??

My week 13 Farmers Wife Quilt Along blocks. I really love how they turned out!

{68} Postage Stamp

I really loved making this one!! It was fun to be able to use so many fabrics in one block!

{32} Farmers Daughter.

A few of my favorite new fabrics in one block!! The Annies Farm Stand, Seed Catalouge, Atsuko Matsuyama's strawberry fabric, and then a new favorite that just came last week...a red and aqua 30's reproduction from Toy Box II by Sara Morgan of Blue Hill Fabrics!!

I just adore all my bloggie friends!! It is hard to explain, but I truly feel a sweet connection with people I've never met! I've made some of the most wonderful friendships through the past few years. It truly lifts my spirit every day coming online and being with my friends!! One of my sweet and oh so talented friend, Amy sent me a surprise package last week!! It was so sweet, and I absolutely LOVE everything she sent!! THANKS so much, Amy!!

Even the cutest tape!! Strawberries, polka dots, and flowers!!

We enjoyed camping this last week-end with family!! We went to a fun place called Ensign Ranch. I remember going there when I was a youth for camp, and it was fun bringing the little ones to enjoy a place I have such fond memories of! One of the kiddos favorite things was playing in the river!! Here is a picture off most all the kiddos, all but 3. :) Quite the little troop!

the little rascals!! they are so funny together!!

the little guys loved throwing rocks into the river! we made a special area just so they could throw rocks safely!! :)

rafting down the river!

My little guy in his cute little overalls!! I just love cute overall pictures!!

With all the exciting events this last week I've gotten a little behind on my pinwheel quilt. Hopefully I can catch up this week!! My mom is coming into town on Friday, so I may be reaching for stars to get it done!! We'll see!! :)

halfway??

2011-08-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

I am technically halfway finished with my Farmers Wife Sampler blocks if I do a throw size. I have 25 done and only have 25 more to go. I'm having so much fun with these that I may go bigger. That will be a big step for me as I've always been scared to go bigger than a lap size because the quilting would be quite a big task!! I've only quilted a lap/throw size!! I think the Farmers Wife Sampler Quilt might just give me the courage to try!!

Here are all 25 on point!!

My week 12 blocks! I did one extra one this week, so I may just do one next week!

{12} Broken Sugar Bowl

{31} Evening Star

{21} Contrary Wife

It's so fun to see them all together! Do you see why I'm thinking of going bigger than a throw!! It is going to be such an amazing quilt!!

Hope you are having a terrific Tuesday! See you later this week!!

pinwheels!!

2011-08-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

I got all my pinwheel blocks sewn for the Pinwheels in the Park Quilt! It was fun to work on such large blocks after sewing so many of my fwqa blocks that are really tiny!! The pinwheel blocks are 14 1/2 inch square...really big! Yeah for big blocks!! They also came together pretty quickly, which was great too!!

I think they turned out really cute!! I used Annie's Farm Stand, Lecien Old New, and Flower Sugar, the Sugar and Spice Stripes, and the Solid is Moda's Bella Solids in PFD White.

I also used some cute pinwheel fabric since I received my Sarah Jane, Children at Play fabric last week (they were holding it since the embroidery patterns hadn't come in yet). The cute red and aqua pinwheels were perfect for this quilt!!

The oh so pretty Annie's Farm Stand!!

Remember to let me know if you're making one too so I can cheer you along!! :) Next week we'll be adding the sashing and border to finish the quilt top!! I can't wait to see it all come together!!

I'm off to the beach with the kiddos! Trying to enjoy the sunny weather while we still have it. :)

pretty!

2011-08-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

When I got home last week, I had some of the prettiest fabrics waiting for me!! I had ordered some Atsuko Matsuyama fabrics from her 30's collection a few week ago and was so excited they had finally come...all the way from Japan.!! I even was able to find out who the US distributor is so you'll be seeing some of her fabrics in my shop in the up coming months!! The ones that you see below are out of print now but I'll be carrying her new ones. :) She has a new collection coming out next month! Yippee!! I can't wait to see them!!

yummy fat quarters!

small pieces...great for my fwqa sampler blocks!!

I just had to cut into them right away!! Here are my fmqa week 11 blocks from several of these pretty fabrics!!

{47} garden path ~ this one almost had me beat!! Once I got to the y-seams I decided to go a different route (had to do a bit of seam ripping, and it was quite the headache)!! Thank goodness it ended up cute, even with its little flaws!!

{4} basket weave ~ after garden path I sure needed a nice and simple one!! Basket weave was the perfect one!! I really love how it turned out!

For shop news, to make room for the collections coming out in fall I've added a Clearance/Sale/End of Bolt section to the shop! Make sure to keep checking back for some extra savings as I'll be adding more throughout the week!! :)

Now to get going on my pinwheels in the park blocks!! I hope you have a terrific Tuesday!!

ocean sewing

2011-08-04T09:11:00.000-07:00

I just got back a couple days ago from a girls retreat to the Oregon coast! We went to Brookings, Oregon that is right on the border of California. It was such a peaceful 5 days!! One of my favorite things was waking up to the sounds of the waves! I even squeezed in some sewing, along with a fun little trip into the quant little beach town to visit the local quilt shop! It was so refreshing, but am happy to be home again too!!

Here are a few pictures of our trip~

Toes in the sand!!

At a little boutique/antique shop I found the sweetest little bundle of vintage fabrics and a cute little embroidery!! It was sure the highlight of my day and felt like I found that little needle in the haystack!!

Aren't they the sweetest ever!!

For sewing I worked on several projects!! For the Pinwheels in the Park, I got all my pieces cut.

All the triangles

I can't wait to start sewing the blocks now!! Make sure to let me know if you are sewing along! I'd love to follow your progress too. :)

I started working on my Heather Ross summer time quilt!! I've had this on my to do list for quite some time so it was fun to finally get started! I'm doing the pattern Shortcake by Alison of Cluck Cluck Sew. I had to cut all my strips so that took a bit of time as it normally calls for a jelly roll.

My week 10 blocks! I like doing a simple one and then one that is a bit more piecing to even it out.

{64} Piece & Plenty

{39} Friendship

I hope you are having a wonderful week!! I've been enjoying some sunny days and my sweet little ones since I've been back!! :)

pinwheels in the park

2011-07-27T12:15:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I love pretty pinwheels!! When I saw this cute Pinwheels in the Park quilt and tutorial from Sew, Mama, Sew! it went straight to my list of quilts to make. Andrea from Knitty Bitties and I are going to make the Pinwheels in the Park quilt during the month of August!! We'd love to have anyone who also wants to make one join us so we can cheer each other on and have a finished quilt by the end of August!! Here is the schedule we set for ourselves~

August 1-7 ~ Cut Fabric/Blocks
August 8-14 ~ Sew Blocks
August 15-21 ~ Finish up blocks & sew quilt top
August 22-31 ~ Quilt & Bind

Make sure to checkout the tutorial, it is super easy and gives step by step instructions. Andrea and I will post pictures of our progress during the month to cheer each other on!! Let us know if you'd like to join in too!! We'd love to have ya quilt along with us!! :)

Here are the 12 fat quarters I chose for my quilt! I went with 6 darker and 6 lighter fabrics.

Also, here are my week 9 blocks for the fwqa, Mothers Dream and Broken Dishes!!

{58} Mother's Dream

{11} Broken Dishes

I had fun making a cute shabby chic clothespin by painting, sanding and then adding a little fabric to it!! I saw one kind of like this on Etsy so had to make one!! Now to make some more and in different sizes!

I'm heading out of town tonight, for the rest of the week! I get to have a little girls retreat to the coast of Oregon! My hubby will be keeping up shop and I'll check in here and there. :)

See you when I get back!!

a vintage hankie pillow

2011-07-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I saw the sweetest vintage hankie pillow on pinterest!! With my growing collection of vintage hankies I knew I had to make one!! I didn't have any that had crochet trim like in the one I had seen on pinterest so started to hunt for the right one. I was so excited when I found one, and when it came in the mail I started a pillow right away. :)

some sweet vintage pink crochet bias trim i had in my stash!! i was saving it for the perfect project, and love how it adds that delicate touch to the edge of the pillow!!

Would you like to know who won the giveaway?!? The lucky winner of the yummy Annie's Farm Stand and Japanese strawberry fabric is...

number 307, Steven and Ginger

Steven and Ginger said...

I love having on open schedule. We can be so spontaneous!

THANKS so much to all my sweet online friends who entered!! It was fun reading what you love about summer!! Hopefully we'll start getting more sunny days here in Washington. I think we are the only part of the US that missed the heat wave, so I should be thankful!! :)

Make sure to come back later in the week to hear about a quilt project I'll be doing next month and would love to have you join in the fun!! :)

strawberries & a giveaway!!

2011-07-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

This last week-end we had such a wonderful time going strawberry picking!! It is one of my favorite summer activities. With the season being late because of weather, we were lucky to still get to go in the middle of July!! We've had fun making jam, pies, and strawberry crepes with them already!! :) For my fwqa blocks I've done a couple basket blocks with using some sweet little strawberry fabrics, along with a cute block using some of the Little Strawberry fabric!! It has been a fantastic week so far!! How can it not when you are surrounded by strawberries, sewing, and cute little ones!!

Here are some pictures of us having fun strawberry picking!

a happy dirty face!!

strawberries at my feet!!

My blocks I've done for the fwqa with the theme of strawberries! I'm officially caught up with the group!! Yippee!!

{3} Basket

{42} Fruit Basket

{54} Kitchen Woodbox

My week 8 blocks!

All 16 blocks together!! I'm so excited to keep this going!!

Now that I've shown an abundance of strawberry pictures, would you like to know about the giveaway!?! I thought it would be fun to giveaway some strawberry fabric!! Who doesn't just love strawberry fabrics!! :) I'm giving away a fat quarter bundle of the new Annie's Farm Stand, and a half yard of a few red and aqua Japanese strawberry prints!!

Annie's Farm Stand by Lakehouse

Red and Aqua Japanese fabrics

So...would you like to win some yummy strawberry fabric (all my international friends are also welcome to enter)!?! Here is all you have to do~

You have 3 chances to win.

1. Tell me what you most love about Summer!
2. Have commented on my blog before, and/or a follower of my blog
3. Have bought from my Etsy shop.

Make sure to leave a separate comment for all the ones you qualify for. I'll be using random.org to pick the winners so if you don't leave a comment for the ones you qualify for you will only get one chance instead of up to three.

The giveaway will be open till Sunday July 24th, and I'll announce the giveaway winner soon after!

Good Luck!!!

fwqa week 7!

2011-07-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late posting my blocks from last week!! I'm still trying to catch up with the group and hopefully I'll be this week or next!! :)

{44} gentleman's fancy
Another cute one with sweet little mushrooms in the corner! You may see this a couple more times. :)

{19} checkerboard

{17} cat & mice

{71} puss in the corner

a bit of a close-up of all my week 7 blocks!

I really love how these four turned out, and they were fun ones to make!!

Make sure to come back later in the week as I'll be having a giveaway! This week I'm going to be working on some basket blocks with strawberry fabric. For fun, I'll giveaway some strawberry fabric!! We went strawberry picking yesterday, so I've got strawberries on my mind!! :)

grandmothers flower garden!

2011-07-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I got together with some of my sweet Sil's and Mother in Law to work on some quilts for Japan!! We each worked on a quilt top and pretty much got that done during the day!! Working with the sample squares made it quick, easy and fun!! Also, anytime you get together and have a sewing day with friends or family it always ends up being a blast!! Always lots of laughs!!

In the evening and the next day Tasha and I worked more on our quilts, and got them quilted!! All I had to do was the binding, which took me a couple extra weeks to get that done (I got a bit sidetracked with the fwqa blocks :).

I did a grandmothers flower garden quilt in a disappearing nine patch!! With the squares so large it really came together so quickly!! I love how you can see each print and it really showcases the Grandmothers Flower Garden collection!!

Doesn't the quilt look pretty in the flower garden!! :)

A couple close-ups!

Tasha and I's quilts together! Tasha did a Chum Chum Bear disappearing 9 patch with some of the Grandmothers Flower Garden fabrics too! I love how they look together!

Now I need to get these packed up and sent to Lecien, along with the other ones!! Hopefully they will all be loved by some families in Japan!!

addicted!

2011-07-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

I am completely addicted to making the farmers wife quilt blocks!! They have me mesmerized!! As I've been working to catch up with the group (I think they are on week 5 or 6 now), I've been loving each block and it's process!! I think the most time consuming part for me is choosing the fabrics for each block! I had my little stack and just couldn't stick to just those ones. Too many cute fabrics that coordinated were calling out to me. It isn't surprising though since I've never stuck to one collection when making a quilt. :)

{40} Friendship Block

I think this one is my favorite so far!! Tasha's Little Red Riding Hood is just so cute, how could I not add her in one of the blocks!!

{2} Autumn Tints

{15} Buzzard's Roost

{10} Bowtie

{6} Big Dipper

For the Big Dipper, I really loved how Tasha showcased the pinwheel so followed suit after her block! When I first saw this block I only noticed the triangles as hourglasses, so loved how she focused on the pinwheel. :)

{51} Hovering Birds

{16} Calico Puzzle

I've also learned through making my first nine, that some of the blocks I really love more than others, but seeing them all together so far makes me really love them all!!

All nine blocks stacked up!

My blocks are a little smaller than most, being 6 inches square. I know it must be my printer, but all the settings that I can figure out seem to be right, but there must be something that is set wrong and is printing them a tad smaller. I've decided to just go with the 6 inch blocks since they will all be consistent and with making a lap size, I'll get to choose more to be in it. :)

Happy Tuesday!

happy 4th of july!!

2011-07-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

I hope you are enjoying this lovely 4th of July!! I am so grateful for all the blessings we have in this beautiful country!!

a farmers wife!

2011-06-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

I'm officially now a farmers wife!! I joined the quilt along a few weeks ago and picked up my book at Joanns but had to put it on hold to work on my daughters birthday party. I was also waiting for the fabrics I ordered to arrive and they came on Friday and Saturday!! THANKS, Amy for doing a little swappy-poo with me and pointing me to the right direction to pick up the other 30's Old New fabric by Lecien!!

For my first two blocks I chose were Spool and Country Farm. Spool was the first one I did and it was a great starter one. I also love star blocks so it fit well for my second block!!

{84} Spool ~ a simple but fun block!!

{23} Country Farm. A fun star block!!

Here is a stack of my 30's Old New fabrics that I'll be using for the quilt along. I'll add some basics in with it too and maybe some of the new Annie's Farm Stand. But this is what I'm basing them off of. :)

I can't wait to do a couple more next week!! I hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday and enjoy the rest of your week!! We are heading out of town to go camping for the 4th of July so I'll see you next week!!

a polly pinwheel party!!

2011-06-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the big day in our house!! We'd been planning, making, baking, and with that, there was lots of anticipation!! It all came together well, and Maya had a wonderful day with lots of friends, a little craft, and of course lots of sweets to eat!!

Displaying little Polly dolly, the frame I had made for the centerpiece, and a few pinwheels!! I thought it turned out really sweet!!

The polly pinwheel quilt block all framed!!

All the yumminess!!

A polly pinwheels cake!! Lynne from Sweetiepie Caketopper Shop made the amazingly adorable cake topper as sweet little Polly Pinwheels that my creative friend Ariel illustrated! Isn't it just so sweet!!

Yummy cake pops!! I had one a couple weeks ago for the first time, and when I found out how easy they are to make, they went right on my list for party treats!! I thought it was a nice substitute for cupcakes too! The cute decorated tub I got from Emily of brodyandma and it worked great for displaying the cake pops!!

For the activity, we made cute little felt pinwheel hair clips!! The girls had so much fun making them, and with it being a pretty simple craft, it really worked great for the time we had!!

All the pretty pinwheel hair clips!!

The girls showing their hair clips!

Pinwheel goodie bags!!

Maya after the party! Such a pretty happy girl!! I love you, Maya!!

I really had lots of fun planning and preparing for the party!! I thought before I'd probably not do another big one after this, but I truly have such a wonderful time doing the parties that if they want one, I don't think I could say no. It must be seeing it all come together after all the planning, and then to have them so happy, it really makes it all worth it!! And, it really is so much fun creating!! :)

Now, I think I need a nice cool lemonade while I sit and enjoy the sun for a few hours!! Then back to work!! :)

Happy Monday to all my friends, see you in a couple days, since I have been doing other sewing too to show you!!

a polly dolly!

2011-06-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

this week i was able to make a new doll, and of course it had to be a version of miss polly pinwheels. to match little red i had made her with striped leggings and aqua boots! :) as most know, i really enjoy making dolls, and it was a fun excuse with my daughters birthday party tomorrow. :) i sure hope my daughter like my version of little polly dolly!!

I hope everyone has a super spectacular week-end!!

PS. If you'd like to download the cute tape strips I used for the pictures you can find them here.

mini pinwheels...and tutorial!

2011-06-21T09:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I worked on some mini pinwheel blocks, and really enjoyed the simple yet fun process. I love the way each one turned out being unique and so adorable!!

Using the cute pinwheels I bordered sweet little Polly Pinwheels, and am now working on a frame so I can have her all ready for my daughters birthday. I'll show you when she is all finished and framed. :)

To make the pinwheels, I used a simple method, that is so quick and easy!! Here is a quick little tutorial on how I made them~

Cut 2, two and a half inch squares.
(it would be really quick and easy to use charm squares or a layer cake if you want a larger pinwheel for a quilt.)
the pinwheel will end up the size that you cut your squares so you can cut any size you want!! :)

place right sides together and pin.

sew a 1/4 inch scant around the entire block.

cut with your rotary cutter and ruler diagonally from corner to corner, to create four triangles.

press seams open and then trim each corner

arrange your blocks to make a pinwheel and then sew all four blocks together.

sew the rest of your blocks using the method above. each block ended up 2 1/2 inch square! i told you, isn't that super easy!?! :)

the finished polly pinwheel block!!

Yesterday I also received Annie's Farm Stand!! I used a few of them for the pinwheels, and am already in LOVE with this lovely collection!! I even have a few more still coming so keep a look out!!

Better get back to more party planning as I only have till Saturday!!

happy daddy's day!

2011-06-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

pinwheels

2011-06-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been planning my daughters birthday! There are so many wonderful ideas online that really makes it fun!! After seeing some cute pinwheel ideas and knowing my sweet friend, Ariel has the most adorable illustration of Polly Pinwheels I decided on the pinwheel theme.

I found some cute vintage shabby chic inspired papers online and ordered them (don't you think they would be the sweetest fabrics!?!). They just came last week so was able to start on the invitations and some cute party pinwheels. I used this tutorial from Martha Stewart for making the pinwheels.

The cute invitations, with Polly Pinwheels, fun paper pinwheels on doilies!! I really love the way they turned out!!

Fun party pinwheels!!

Here are some of the parties I've gotten inspiration from.
A cute pinwheel party arrangement!

I just love the sweet pinwheel cake and all the cute goodie bags!!

I'm hoping to make a cute table runner with sweet pinwheel blocks like these from Amy!

For shop news, I just received some of the 1001 Peeps by Lizzy House!! I just love this fun collection!!

This week I should be receiving the cute Hoo's in the Forest collection by Riley Blake, and then later this month Sarah Janes Children at Play, and Leciens new Flower Sugar collections!! I can't wait!!

Hope you are having a terrific Tuesday!!

nifty fiftys

2011-06-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

This last week-end we had lots of fun in the sun with family!! We started it out with going to Port Townsend on Saturday and enjoyed the beach during the day and then ate dinner at a fun fifties diner called Nifty Fifty's! I think Tasha and I were in high heaven with all the fun retro decor in pink and aqua.

Tasha and I outside the diner with our cute postcards from Nifty Fiftys!

All the kiddos sitting on the swivel bar stools!!

Ava looks so cute! Isn't it adorable that she matches the diner in her sweet vintage dress and wearing pink and aqua!!

Ashton

The menu

I got the yummy nifty burger!!

On Sunday we enjoyed seeing more family and spending time at a park! The kiddos just love getting to play with all their cousins!! We had such a fabulous week-end!!

A mosaic of all the cute kiddos!

See ya soon!

vintage farfalle

2011-06-02T12:31:00.000-07:00

This week I pulled out a project I had started over a month ago, the vintage farfalle quilt. I had most the squares cut, but didn't get to sewing them since I got a little sidetracked on a couple other projects. I have a hard time with that. Always so many things I want to do, that I might start something, but can easily get sidetracked.

I've sewed all the small blocks together, and now I need to sew the quilt top together. I'm so excited that this is starting to come together quickly!!

These are such fun and easy blocks. I cut all my squares at 4 1/2 inches, and cut my pattern squares in half to make two triangles. I then sewed them on a corner like you do in one of the steps of the wonky star block. Easy peasy!!

I love the springy colors!! It will be a perfect quilt for spring and summer!

A pretty bowl of scraps!! I have such a hard time throwing them away!!

My inspiration came from this lovely quilt from Blue Elephant Stitches, which was inspired by Ashely's farfalle quilt! When I saw it on Pinterest quite some time ago, it went straight to the top of my list!! I pretty much kept mine the same except for adding pink, and then am alternating the way the triangles are going in each row.

I better get to sewing the rows together so I can have the quilt top done!!

Hope you are having a fabulous Thursday!!

what's for dinner?

2011-05-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

We had a full and eventful Memorial week-end!! It was nice spending some of it at home with family, working on a few projects, and then yesterday going on a hike.

One crafty project I've wanted to do for awhile is to make a menu board. I had seen one on pinterest and couldn't wait to make one like it. It called for a magnetic board, but after searching at quite a few places for the right size and not being able to find it, I went with a canvas board. Instead of using magnets, I used velcro. It worked, and I really like how it turned out. I think my kiddos were as excited as me since they are always wondering "what's for dinner?"

I used the prettiest papers from October Afternoon, called The Thrift Shop, and Fly a Kite. I use to do quite a bit of scrapbooking when my girls were little, and it was sure fun working with paper again!! It really gave me the scrapbooking bug, so I might need to pull out my supplies again!!

For Memorial day we hiked almost 10 miles. We went to green mountain, and made it to the summit!! The little ones did so well and it was mainly me trying to keep up with them. :) I love seeing my little ones in nature! It was such an enjoyable day, and we can't wait to go on many more this season!!

At the start of the hike!

The view of Seattle from the summit!

Brothers walking and chatting! They were having quite the conversation about dragons!!

A picnic lunch at the summit!

A few more pictures of our day!

I hope everyone had a wonderful week-end and also enjoyed Memorial Day!

mirror, mirror on the wall!

2011-05-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

I just love fairytales, and pretty mirrors!! Another fun and pretty vintage up-cycle we did lately was a lovely ornate mirror. I had also found this at the thrift store the same day I found the stool we covered with the Riley Blake laminate. It was a vintage mirror attached to a medicine cabinet, but since we don't have need for a new medicine cabinet at this time (maybe in the future, so we saved that part), we took that off, and sanded and painted the mirror a lovely robins egg, aqua!! I absolutely LOVE how it turned out!! It is already hanging in our living room!

I had a little fun taking pictures of it outside!! The background you get with it, on a sunny spring day is really lovely!!

Pretty flowers, and puffy clouds!!

my little red riding hood converse!!

Now onto the winner of the May Day giveaway!! I'm sure you can't wait to hear who won those lovely laminates!! The winner is #459, Patty!! Yeah, Patty!!

Patty said...

my favorite part of spring are the flowers and seeing the grass turn green...

Make sure to email me with your addy and I'll get them in the mail to you. :)

Thanks so much to everyone who entered!! It was so fun reading all your comments about what you love most about Spring! I hope you have a wonderful Memorial week-end!!

may day giveaway!

2011-05-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

May is one of my favorite months in Washington. All the trees are blossoming, the sun is out often, there is a bit of a cool breeze in the air and all the grass is green!! To top it off, every year there is the May Day giveaway from Sew, Mama, Sew!! This is my third year participating and it seems like every year gets better!! I can't wait to browse all the lovely blogs!!

This year I'll be giving away some lovely Sugar and Spice laminate from Riley Blake. This week-end we up-cycled a vintage stool that I had found at a thrift store and for the cushion, we covered it with the red floral laminate!! I just love how you can wipe all those little dirty smudges from the wee ones!! Easy as one, two, three!!

The pretty laminates~

Four half yards~ sugar main, sugar floral, red and aqua polka dots and white and red polka dots!!

The oh, so pretty upcycled stool~

I love how the step stool turns up into the stool!! For the steps, we first painted them aqua and then covered them with foil and painted the rest!! A lovely tip I found on pinterest!!

The stool before it got a little face lift!!

There are many other creative things you could do with laminate, such as making a pretty tote bag, or cover table tops. You could also use it for making aprons, diaper bags, or for covering chairs!!

So...would you like to win some lovely laminate!?! Here is all you have to do~

The giveaway will be open till Thursday May 26th, and I'll announce the giveaway winner soon after!

You have 3 chances to win.

1. Tell me your favorite thing about Spring!
2. Have commented on my blog before
3. Are a follower of my blog

Make sure to leave a separate comment for all the ones you qualify for. I'll be using random.org to pick the winners so if you don't leave a comment for the ones you qualify for you will only get one chance instead of up to three.

Good Luck, and Happy Monday!!!

the isabella doll & quilt!!

2011-05-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Last week I was able to finish up the sweet quilt for Isabella. I'm so happy with the way it turned out, and it was so nice to wrap it up and finally be able to give it. Thanks so much for all the sweet comments on my previous post and letting me know I'm not the only one that has taken so long to finish a quilt. :) It sure makes it that much more exciting when it is done and you are able to gift it!!

Here it is in all it's happy glory!!

For the binding I used Leciens white pin dots on pink!! It almost looks like a solid from a distance.

For the backing I used Tanya Whelans, Picnic Rose in blush.

All wrapped up in pretty Sandi Henderson's, Meadow Sweet, Daisy Path in blush!

I had to include this oh so cute picture of Isabella!! Doesn't she look so adorable!! My sister in law, Katrina, made her the cute little tutu and head band!!

On Friday, I made this sweet little doll for Isabella!! I have so much fun making them and just couldn't resist whipping one out!

For the apron, I used a vintage handkerchief again!! I think this is a new favorite for aprons!! It adds such a sweet simple touch that I just love!!

She was inspired by this sweet doll I had seen on Pinterest!

Isabella was so sweet and kept giving the doll kisses after she opened her!! :)

Happy Monday to all my sweet friends!! See ya soon!! ;)

vintage shabby geese!

2011-05-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

Do you remember this post? Where I was inspired by all these lovely things I've been pinning on pinterest. I'm so excited as now I've got one thing to mark off my long list of things to make, the sweet vintage inspired flying geese quilt.

Here is the lovely quilt that inspired me, and just was soo itching to make...

but with these pretty colors...

and these...

and using fabrics with pretty flowers and polka dots.

It was a fun way how my inspiration came for this quilt, and really love the way the quilt turned out!!

For the binding I used the FABULOUS tutorial I also saw on pinterest!! I really wanted to try the tutorial before I did the binding on sweet Isabella's quilt.

It is such a fun little quilt and I made it to fit perfectly on our ottoman!! It adds that pretty spring touch to our living room!!

I hope everyone is having a terrific Tuesday!

mother's day!

2011-05-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

I hope all my mommy friends will have a beautiful day with their families on this Mother's Day!! I woke up bright and early today so I could have a little quiet time and ponder how blessed I am to be a Mother, and as equally blessed to have a wonderful Mother as an example.

Here is the most recent picture I have with my Mom!! She is the most loving and kindest person I know! She is always thinking of others before her self and would do anything for her loved ones. I remember when I was little how she would always take a day and surprise us by taking us out of school to take us out to lunch and spend the day together. Even with a large family she made it important to spend time with each of us and let us know we were special!

She is also the most amazing Grandma to my little ones and they absolutely adore her. I wish we lived much closer and that we were able to spend the day with her. Here are some pretty tulips just for you, Mom!! :) We miss you dearly and you are always in our thoughts!!

(picture from pinterest)

I hope everyone has a happy Mother's Day!! I'm off to get ready for the day before all the kiddos wake up. :)

wip~ finally quilting the top!!

2011-05-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Do you remember this quilt? Don't feel bad if you don't, as it was a long time ago I put it together. I should say a really long time ago, pretty much a year ago. I made it for my sweet soon to be niece, that is going to be one next week!! I'm a little embarrassed it has taken me this long to get it sandwiched and to finally start to quilt it!! Especially, since that is my favorite part, stippling!! Here are a few pictures of my process on quilting the top!!

I absolutely LOVE this process!! Watching it transform!!

A couple close-ups of my favorite blocks!! I just LOVE these Japanese fabrics!!

I'm so excited as the stippling should be done today, as I only have a little left. Then the binding, and it will be done by the time Isabella turns one!! Better late then never, right?? Please tell me I'm not the only one that has taken this long to finish a quilt. :)

Now back to finish the quilting!

a new look!

2011-05-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

This week-end was all about new looks!! First off, as you can see, my blog had a little face-lift!! Thanks to the oh so talented Michelle!! It has been long over due and am sooo excited about the new shabby chic look. I'm one that loves to change things around a little, to make something old look completely different. And this was the perfect solution for where I spend much of time, online!! I hope you'll enjoy visiting even a little more now!!

I did a little sewing this week-end, by making a sweet faux curtain for my daughters chest of drawers. The old one had gotten really ragged. I let her pick out the fabric, and couldn't be more happier with what she picked, Leciens Flower Sugar!!

As you can tell my daughter was so excited to have this little addition to her room!! She really wanted me to take a picture of her with the chest of drawers. :)

I also made a sweet new valance to brighten up one of our rooms. Again, I used a pretty vintage sheet, but added a couple borders of ticking stripe. I really love how it brightens the space. the valance that it replaced was black so it really changes the look of room. :)

I also have to show you these yummy cookie dough truffles I made from a recipe I found on Pinterest! They were really simple and soo yummy!! Looking at these this morning makes me want one for breakfast!! :)

I hope you also had a wonderful week-end!!

a little cuteness!

2011-04-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

For quite some time I've had this simply adorable Story Time illustration that I had gotten from Tasha, but the only problem was I didn't have the right frame for it. There were some 8 X 8 frames I had found on Etsy but I really wanted something a little bigger, so the hunt began!! I love having a reason to be able to stop by the thrift stores often. And of course I even enjoyed searching for other treasures while looking for the right frame. :) After a few months I was so excited when I found a square frame. I spotted it from quite a few yards away and just about quelled. It was pretty ugly but with a little paint and sanding it would be like new!!

For the paint I used Rust-oleum Painters Touch spray paint in Satin Aqua. I backed the illustration with Sweetwaters, Sunkissed, Picnic Plaid in Misty Grey, that I had just gotten in for the shop!! I really love how it turned out!!

For Easter we enjoyed the lovely day with family!! The weather had been beautiful all week long and then for Sunday came the rain. However, the sun did shine for a few hours so we were able to enjoy an easter egg hunt outside. YEAH!!

All my little munchkins!!

I ended up going simple and made the girls skirts. They were pretty picky this year and made it pretty clear they didn't want dresses. I had planned on doing the zig zag skirt but time ran out.

I used the Twirly Skirt tutorial but changed the dimensions so it wouldn't be quite as full. I also added a sweet vintage hankie for a little apron. The best part was that my girls LOVED them!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday too!!

quilts for japan!

2011-04-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

I talked with Lecien one of my Japanese fabric distributors a few days after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan happened to see if everyone's families were o.k. Katie said everyone was doing good and they hadn't been affected. I had brought up that there were some relief efforts already started and if they had any extra sample squares of fabrics I'd be happy to send them out to have them made up as quilts. Katie mentioned she'd go through and see what they had. I later got an email saying she was sending a box. I was so excited!! The box came a few days later and it was 2 huge boxes full of fabric and fabric samples!! I was in a bit of shock, and so overwhelmed with the amount of compassion they had to help.

Here is some of what they sent!!

After talking with Katie again, and my sweet sister in law, Katrina who comes and helps me a couple times a week, we decided we would have the quilts made locally since there was so much fabric. Katrina then talked with the Steilacoom quilt group and they have already put together some lovely quilts out some of the fabric!! We are still working on putting together a bunch more in the up coming months.

Here are the quilts that have been put together so far!! Aren't they pretty!!

For sending them over to Japan, Katie let me know that Lecien is willing to send them over and distribute them to the effected areas in North Japan. If you'd like to send a quilt or even a gently used quilt, Lecien is offering to send them. All they ask is that they are pre-washed. They can be made from any fabric, and the general size be between 40 X 45 for children and 50 X 60 for adult quilts. Their address is~ Lecien USA, 5515 Doyle St., Ste. 6, Emeryville, CA, 94608.

I hope everyone has an excellent Easter week-end!!

vintage shabby chic

2011-04-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

On my to-do list for quite some time has been to make some new window treatments. I finally found what I was looking for to make one, a pretty vintage sheet that would make it simple and easy but add that vintage shabby chic look I really wanted in my kitchen. I think the best part was it already had the trim and a sweet little accent of lace so there wasn't much sewing that had to be done!!

I wanted a little bit more than a valance so added the cafe curtains since i had plenty left of the sheet. I was a little worried it would be a bit too girly for my husband but he really likes them!! Yippee!!

My favorite part, the sweet aqua trim with the white lace!!

So not much sewing this week, but a little and I get to look at it everyday while I do dishes. :) Making these has got me motivated to move on to the other window treatments I need to do.

Hope you have a FABULOUS Friday!!

inspired

2011-04-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

I joined Pinterest a couple weeks ago after hearing so many wonderful things about it all over blogland. If you aren't familiar with it, it is a place you can pretty much save all those lovely pictures you find through blogs, flickr, etsy or anywhere on the internet. You are able to categorize them so it is easy to find when you need specific inspiration. Whether it is for crafting or quilting, decorating your home, or maybe recipes you may want to try. Well to say the least it is a ton of fun and I have been so inspired by everything I've started saving to my pinterest boards!! I think my list of projects have grown to an enormous amount now!! You can find me here on pinterest. :)

Here are some pictures that are inspiring me today!!

To make this yummy radish salad...

in my someday English kitchen...

while wearing this oh so cute apron!!

I'd then serve my yummy salad in this lovely beach dining room.

After eating I'd go to my amazing sewing room...

and start a quilt inspired by these colors..

and these...

that includes some lovely vintage and vintage inspired fabrics with pretty flowers and polka dots!

the pattern would have to be flying geese!!

I might need to take a little bathroom break in this shabby chic bathroom!! ;)

After quilting I'd go enjoy the sunset on my wonderful red and aqua porch!!

Now back to reality...I can make a lovely salad for dinner, and maybe I'll go start a lovely stack to make a flying geese quilt. :)

Hope you're having a wonderful and inspiring Wednesday too!!

spring sewing and enjoying the sun!!

2011-03-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

These past few days I've been enjoying the sunny spring weather and a little bit of sewing!! Combine those two and you can't get much better than that!!

After sending my Miss Dandy mini off I decided I really wanted to sew up some of my favorite swap pieces that I've sent off and have missed dearly!! I decided to do the double hourglass as that was the first one I had done for the Doll Quilt Swap quite some time ago. This time I made the double hourglass from the new Flower Sugar in red and aqua, and made it into a pillow!! It sure looks pretty sitting in all its glory on my armchair!! Hopefully in the up coming weeks I can wip up some of my other favorites I've made for swaps so I can enjoy them too. :)

Daffodils and my new spring pillow!! :)

Since this week has been so beautiful we went to the beach and park for the first time this year! It was so nice to be able to all go out and enjoy the beautiful spring weather!! We are suppose to be getting rain again so at least we were able to enjoy it while it lasted!!

A spring mosaic!!

Are you also enjoying the first week of Spring? I'd love to hear what you've been enjoying this week!! :)

little miss dandy day ~ a mini quilt!

2011-03-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

I finally finished little Miss Dandy! I decided to do a mini quilt as then she could be hung so everyone could see her taking flight! I went really simple with the quilting, which was a hard decision for me since I really love to stipple. I was too worried that the stippling would take away from her. I really do like the simplicity of just stitching in the ditch so am glad I went that route. She is now flying to her new home.

I also made a cute little tea towel for my partner as a little extra. I had made a couple a while back and had an extra one laying around so stitched some cute little hexies on it like I had did before. :)

Hope everyone is having a whimsical Wednesday!!

bloggers block - a - palooza, block #15 ~ the double pinwheel!

2011-03-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

Hello, I'm Kerri of Lovely Little Handmades, and Sew Deerly Loved!! I'm so glad to be part of this lovely quilt along with John of Quiltdad!!

This week we are doing a double pinwheel block, so lets get started!!

(I'm so sorry about the pictures, I did the block at night and didn't realize until I was done that the pictures where so bad.)

Cutting your squares~

Cut two 3-7/8" x 3-7/8" squares from the floral fabric.
Cut two 3-7/8" x 3-7/8" squares from the solid mustard fabric.
Set aside.

Cut two 3-7/8" x 3-7/8" squares of the green ticking stripe fabric
Cut four 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" squares of the ticking stripe fabric, and then set aside
Cut two 3-7/8" x 3-7/8" squares of the circle fabric
Cut four 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" squares of the circle fabric, and then set aside

Making the half square triangles~

1. Draw a line from corner to corner on the wrong side of the flowered fabrics, then pair them each with the mustard fabric facing right sides together. Set aside

Now follow the same step above with your circle and stripe fabrics that are 3 7/8 inches.

2. Sew a 1/4 inch seam on each side of the drawn line on all 4 paired squares.

3. Cut with your rotary cutter on the drawn line of all 4 squares. Now you should have 8 triangles.

4. Press seams open, and then trim the corners of all 8 squares
.

Assembling your block~

1. Arrange your block with the 3 1/2 inch square blocks you had set aside with your half square triangle blocks so it looks like the picture below.

2. Sew row 1 together, and then follow with rows 2 thru 4, and press seams open.

3. Sew the rows together and then press seams open. You should have a 12 1/2 inch square block!!

Wasn't that easy peasy!!

Thanks for joining me, and next week is the final block with Vanessa of V and Co.

it's in the details!

2011-03-10T10:41:00.000-08:00

The last couple days I've been working on the detailing of little miss Dandy! I really love watching a project come to life! Seeing something go from this...

...to this, is probably one of the funnest and enjoyable parts to being a crafter/sewer! I just love how she turned out and really came to life!! I think this is officially one of my favorite new techniques, interactive piecing!!

It is as she is really taking flight!! In case anyone is curious, for the detailing I machine stitched it using a stitch length between a 1 and 1.5 (for the more detailed areas I used a 1) so the stitches would be smaller and I'd have more control.

I'm still going back and forth with what to make, a pillow or wall hanging. The decisions are what I have the hardest time with. :)

I also received my lovely package for the Urban Home Goods Swap, from Melissa!! A cute mini that I already have hung right above my piano!! Isn't it lovely, and I don't know if anyone knows, but I really LOVE to sing, so this was perfect for me!!

I also received a set of cute matching coasters, with lovely ric rac trim!! THANKS, Melissa!!

I better get to deciding on what I'm going to make little miss Dandy into, so I can fly her home!! :)

a dandy day!!

2011-03-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

I have to say today is a "dandy day"!! :) I got back to working on my urban home goods project I started a couple weeks ago. Today is the deadline so I am a little behind, and am a bit embarrassed with me being one of the admin!! I should be scolded!! I still have the detailing to do on the cute little interactive piecing I'm doing of the oh, so cute dandy day print by Lucky Nielson!!

What do you think, should I make her into a pillow or mini wall quilt?

This week-end I spent a few hours and went antiquing with my girls!! We had lots of fun going to a Scandinavian town nearby and going to several shops, including a couple antique stores!! Here are a few things I found!

Vintage spools!!

A red Pyrex dish, along with some cute vintage hankies, and some vintage seam binding!

I also found this vintage pillow cover! It still needs a backing on it, but with it being square it seems it is was suppose to be a pillow cover.

Hope everyone is having a magical Monday!! :) Back to my UHGS project!!

a little nw fun!!

2011-03-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

This last Friday I was able to attend the Northwest Trade Show and had a wonderful time meeting some of the reps for Riley Blake, Michael Miller, Seven Islands and a few others. With only having the one day I tried to fit in the most I could.

That morning before the trade show I decided to whip up a cute new book bag so I'd have something to put all those lovely catalogs and papers in. I think it turned out pretty cute for only having a short time to finish it.

A close up of the cute crocheted trim. I'm loving all the lovely crocheted trims right now.

The highlight of my trip was definenatley meeting with the Riley Blake reps. I think I spent several hours just at their booth talking, and looking at all the new fabrics collections that will be coming out in the next several months. Oh, and they are some of the CUTEST!!! So I ordered quite a bit!!

I think this might be my all time favorite!! The new hoo's in the forest collection by doohikey design!! I can't wait!! I think this ones comes out in May or June.

The new Sew Cherry collection by Lori Holt of Bee in My Bonnet! This one comes out next month!! It isn't it just so pretty!!

Alphabet Soups by My Mind's Eye!! I love how they have the boy and the girl collection!! This one comes out in June or July.

The adorable Christmas Candy collection by doodlebug designs!! This one comes out in May!!

Pirates by Emily Taylor! A great collection for boys!!

If you notice in the lower right hand corner of the pictures how Riley Blake is now offering charm packs, layer cakes, fat quarter bundles and jelly rolls (they call them rolie polies)! YEAH!! I love pre cuts so ordered lots of those!!

There were several other collections that weren't in the catalog but they are just as cute!!

Hope everyone is having a terrific Tuesday!!

a miss lolly birthday!!

2011-02-15T11:17:00.000-08:00

The last few weeks I have been a busy bee planning my sweet Savannah's birthday!! I've never been the one to throw parties and usually my kiddos have a simple birthday with a cake (usually bought from the store), some presents and we invite a few family members over. With all the inspiration online and cute party ideas I decided to go for it!! Maybe with getting older and wanting to prove to my self that I can be a good hostess. :)

After throwing around a few ideas I decided to go with the adorable Miss Lolly theme!! The possibilities were endless with such an adorable print by Tasha!! How could I not succeed, and it was perfect for Savannah!!

For the Miss Lolly illustration, I had found a vintage frame at Goodwill, sanded it and painted it aqua. I then made a cute patchwork border to go inside the frame. I love the way it turned out!!

I made the sweet little bunting hanging below, and found some yummy candies that I put in a vintage jar so the lollies would stay in place.

Displaying all the yumminess at the party!!

Savannah in her cute little apron and appliqued lolly shirt I made her. :) I love seeing her cute little smile. She is just as happy as can be!!

Savannah and her Little Red Riding Hood!

The cake!! I made the bunting, and then had the cute Miss Lolly custom made from the SweetiePieCaketopper shop on etsy . The cute little lollies are from Marilee Jane Designs. The adorable cake stand is made by Stands for all Seasons.

The cupcake tree!! The lollipop toppers are from Marilee Jane Designs, and the cute Miss Lolly toppers are from Tasha! Aren't they so cute!! I purchased the cupcake tree at Macy's. :)

For an activity I taught the girls how to embroider. For the embroidery I used Tasha's Lollies embroidery pattern!! I think this was one of the girls favorite parts to the party!! They sat there for almost an hour working on their embroidery!!

Maya working on her embroidery. I made Maya a matching apron and lollie shirt so she wouldn't feel excluded.

Tasha gave me this wonderful idea for the little ones. Use burlap and have them just freely stitch with a large darning needle. This one my little guy did and he LOVED it!! :)

The cute cups embellished with Miss Lolly stickers!!

The yummy goodie bags that were sent home with all the kiddos!! :)

Even though it was a bit nerve racking planning and putting it all together it was a lot of fun. In the end I felt it was a real accomplishment for me and am so glad I did it!! I can't wait to start planning another party!! Maya is already talking about hers. :)

winners & happy valentines days!!

2011-02-14T07:22:00.000-08:00

THANKS so much to everyone who participated in my dreaming of Spring giveaway!! It was a lot of fun and I loved reading what everyone is dreaming about. Right now I can't wait for all my family to be healthy again!! It has been a brutal winter with sickness in my home. The last few weeks it has really seemed to hit. Also, last week I was busy getting ready for my daughters Birthday that we celebrated on Saturday (lots of cute pictures to come). So between sick kiddos and getting ready for a birthday, I think I'm literally exhausted and can't wait for SPRING. :)

Now to the winners!! I'm sure you have been waiting! :)

1. The adorable pin topper set by Gigi of Pinks and Needles. The winner is-

# 209 peaknits

she said..

Holy moley - what a giveaway! I am looking forward to spring because I want to feel the breeze on my face, I can stop having to run from buildings to my car fast because it is so cold. Green grass - even mowing the lawn beats all of this snow!

2. The super cute Dandy Day print from Lucky Nelson. The winner is-

#289 Marcia W. said...: I'm hoping for the warmer weather of spring and quilting or sporting one of these lovely prizes as I enjoy the sunshine outdoors.

3. The wonderful fat quarters from Laurie Wisburn. The winner is-

#266 Colette said...: I am dreaming of going on lots of hikes (without snow!!!) and having picnics with my family :D And WOW this is the most AMAZING giveaway ever!!!

4. The cutest little baby polka dot beanie hat from Deusprovidebit. The winner is-

# 314 Mrs. Doodle said...

I just ordered from Sarah Jane. the 2011 calendar. I got one last year and loved it and I think I will be collecting them for my girls for many years to come:) Love all of the shops above! like LOOOOOOOVE!

5. The sweetest My Little Lamb print from Sarah Jane Studios-

# 371 marian said...: Hi Kerri, OMGosh what gorgeous eye candy and fabulous giveaways!!
i live on the other side of the world in sunny Australia so i'm really looking forward to Autumn [Fall] lol!
However, what i always look forward to and LOVE the most about Spring is seeing the annual bulbs coming into flower and the garden come out of its winter slumber...it truly is a delightful sight and the fragrance is intoxicating!

6. The adorable Spring flower and trim set from Precious Paper! The winner is-

#286 ThirdMargaret said...

This giveaway is full of spring-y goodness!! I can't wait to put away my snow boots!!

7. The adorable Bunny Love illustration from A Little Sweetness! The winner is-

#84 Katie B. said...

Wow! What a giveaway! I'm dreaming of daffodils starting to bloom! And warmer weather. And more sunshine!!

8. The spectacular Sugar Dish pattern from Cluck Cluck Sew! The winner is-

#25 Poppyprint said...: Kerri! Wow, what an amazing spring giveaway parade. I am most looking forward to the cherry blossoms which in Vancouver, are the most beautiful sign of spring!

9. The cute bobby pin set from The Ciao Bella Boutique. The winner is-

# 232 Mama24Monkeys said...: I am dreaming about warm days at the park (sitting under a tree reading a book while the monkeys play)sigh...soon very soon...

10. The lovely Flower Sugar bundle from me!! :)

#145 Chris {frecklemama} said...

I have purchased something from Allison of Cluck Cluck Sew before. Love her!

All the winners, make sure to contact me by the end of the week so I can send on your info so you can receive your lovely prize!! :)

Thanks again for all pariticaping!! I hope you are having a wonderful Valentines Day!! I'd love to hear your plans!! Do you have any Valentines Day traditions you do with your family?

Here are a couple cute vintage valentines cards!! :)

XOXO,

dreaming of spring ~ giveaway!!

2011-02-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

In the last week or so I've really been hit by the bug!! The dreaming of Spring bug!! Seeing all the lovely pictures and handmade items on Etsy, and all the pretty spring items in the stores has got me mesmerized. I really can't wait to see the trees start to blossom, feel the fresh warm air, and see the lovely tulips start to pop up!! To help us get to those warm Spring days I've worked with some of my favorite Etsy sellers to bring all my lovely blog readers a FANTASTIC giveaway!! You wanna see what I have for you?? ;)

Gigi from Pinks and Needles makes the most adorable pin toppers!! I have fallen in love with just about every pin topper in her shop. Not to mention that many of them look just as tasty as they are cute!! If you haven't seen all Gigi's lovely toppers before you have to hop on over to her shop and take a peek!! They are the CUTEST!! Here are just a few!!

Gigi specially made this adorable pin topper set of the sweetest butterfly, and the most adorable deer just for the giveaway!! Isn't it absolutely DARLING!!

Seriously the cutest little pin toppers!! I adore them to pieces!! :)

I first spied Lucky Nelson on Flickr with her adorable mushroom houses and was instantly hooked!! Now she has started selling the sweetest Nora prints, and paper dolls!! I absolutely adore the whimsical cuteness of each one!! Make sure to check out her blog to see more of her amazing work!!

Lucky Nielson is giving one of her lovely Dandy Day Giclee prints!! I just love how sweet little Nora is whisk-fully being taken on an adventure by a lovely little dandelion!! Isn't it just the most adorable whimsical print!!

Now to one of my favorite fabric designers, Laurie Wisburn! You'll have to check out her shop for some new fun and modern fabrics she just listed!! They are gorgeous!! I can't wait for Laurie's new fabric line to come out with Robert Kaufman this Spring!!

Look at these cute lambs and bunnies, from her Modern Whimsy collection in the color storey park!! It is the sweetest spring fabric!! I love the modern design that is incorporated into such a cute fabric!!

Laurie is giving a fat quarter of the cute Rabbits Trellis and Lambs in park!! I love the beautiful colors combined in these, robin's egg blue, chartreuse, and rose!!

I absolutely adore cute knit or crocheted hats!! I loved putting sweet hats on my newborns, and they sure did make those newborn pictures even cuter!! Some of the cutest I've seen on Etsy are from Deusprovidebit! From the cutest Polka Dot hats, to the sweetest Striped ones to the fluffy pom pom hats!! They are all so cute!!

I'm so excited that one winner will get this adorable red and white polka dot hat!! Doesn't it look like a mushroom cap!!! EEK!! I just LOVE it!! I need one in an adult size!! ;)

Aren't those simply the sweetest pictures!!

Sarah Jane Studios has been one of my favorites since I first found out about Etsy!! Her illustrations are absolutely beyond ADORABLE!! Now with the news of Sarah Jane coming out with a fabric collection through Michael Miller this Spring, I can hardly hold in the excitement!! I can't wait to see what this lovely collection will look like!! Most definitely, it will be CUTE!!

Sarah Jane is giving her My Little Lamb illustration to one of you!! I think this has to be one of my favorites!! It is simply the sweetest!! I wonder what will happen when the sweet little Mary gets to school when along side her is her adorable little lamb? But how could she leave her with those sheepish eyes??

This time of year I love anything flowery!! Especially pretty flowers made up of felt and some of my favorite fabric!! If you add in a little ribbon, then it truly is blissful!! Take a peakie at all the lovely flowers, and ribbons from Precious Paper!! Oh, the possibilities!!

Tessa put together a lovely Spring set just for one of you!! :) Look at all those pretty spring colors!!

I love the cute pink and aqua flowers!! Yum!! For lots of ideas and inspiration check out Tessa's blog!!

If you want to be over loaded with cuteness then visit Tasha's shop!! Everything is absolutely adorable and in the sweetest color combos!! You'll find illustrations, embroidery patterns, fabric, note cards and tags!!

Isn't this Bunny Love illustration the sweetest!! A perfect Easter illustration! Tasha is giving one of her sweet Bunny Love prints to one lucky winner!!

Next we have the very talented quilter Alison from Cluck Cluck Sew. All of Alison's patterns are fresh and modern, but have the traditional feel to them!! I just love modern yet traditional quilts!!

One of Alison's newest is Sugar Dish!! My favorite part is the strip of Dresden Plates. Making a quilt out of all Dresden plates would be a daunting task for me, but with the Sugar Dish, you are only making 6, and I love how they pop out!! One lucky winner will get Alison's new pattern, The Sugar Dish!!

The Ciao Bella Boutique is one of my new favorites!! I have to confess, I've spent many hours browsing Lindsay's shop, and now have a fun little collection started of my own!! I absolutely LOVE hair pretties, and cute little earrings! That is a good things since her shop is full of them!! Make sure and stop by to see the most lovely items to beautify you or a loved one!!

Lindsay is sweetly offering this lovely spring trio of bobby pins in pink, aqua and lime green!! They would be perfect combined with a lovely spring blouse!!

Last, but hopefully not least, I'll be giving away a fq bundle of the new Flower Sugar!! Wouldn't those look so pretty as a Sugar Dish quilt!! YUM!!

Aren't those some of the most AMAZING prizes!! And it's even more exciting since there is going to be 10 winners!! Hip Hip Hooray!!!

Here is watcha do if you'd like a chance to win.

Leave a comment on my blog and let me know what about Spring you are dreaming about.
Have purchased from any of the 10 Etsy shops that are participating in the giveaway. Let me know which one(s).
Have recently commented on my blog ( on one of my last two blog posts).

If you do number 2,or 3 please make a separate comment on this post for each letting me know what you have done so as the comments are your entries. So if you do all three you need to leave 3 comments.

The giveaway ends Friday, February 11th, which I will announce the winner soon after!

Good Luck!!