It looks like there is enough interest to run a Canadian Edition of the TEXT Me A Charm Swap. Leona gave us permission to use her format, so let's make it happen.
But as you probably know, I am TERRIBLE at making decisions. So I need some help. Here are the two options for the swap:
Option A: Everyone buys 1 yard/metre, and cuts into 56 squares. We'd aim for 28 swappers, so everyone would get 56 charms, 2 of each print.
Option B: Everyone buys 2 half yards/metres, and cuts each into 24 squares. We'd aim for 24 swappers and everyone would get 48 different charms.
Which one suits you best???
Thanks for your help.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
A Wonky Quilt and a new Swap
Hello Friends! And Happy February. How is it already February? And time to set goals for A Lovely Year of Finishes. As you probably could have guessed, I didn't actually get my quilt top done for January. But I did get all of the blocks made. So it I'm carrying it forward for February.
My goal for February is to get my Maple Leaf quilt top and backing finished. I've actually started sewing a few of the blocks together, and it is one wonky quilt. The wonkiest I've ever made. And it isn't supposed to be a wonky quilt. Oh well. I'm just going to go for it.
And I am so excited to be in a new swap on flickr. Since it was a US only swap, I was so excited when Leona let me participate. (Never mind that I begged :)) But Katy and I were thinking that maybe we could start up our own Canadian Edition. What do you think? Do you want to swap some text charms?
We are thinking that we will aim for 28 Canadian swappers. If we all buy 2 half metres of fabric, we can swap 56 charms. What do you think? Any interest?
It is beautiful and sunny here! I'm off to enjoy the sunshine. Enjoy your day
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| Maple Leaf Rag Quilt - all the blocks are finally finished! |
And I am so excited to be in a new swap on flickr. Since it was a US only swap, I was so excited when Leona let me participate. (Never mind that I begged :)) But Katy and I were thinking that maybe we could start up our own Canadian Edition. What do you think? Do you want to swap some text charms?
 |
| Fabric for TEXT me a charm swap |
We are thinking that we will aim for 28 Canadian swappers. If we all buy 2 half metres of fabric, we can swap 56 charms. What do you think? Any interest?
It is beautiful and sunny here! I'm off to enjoy the sunshine. Enjoy your day
Monday, January 21, 2013
I'm a Dance Mom.
Progress on my Maple Leaf Rag quilt has been pretty minimal this week due to upcoming dance performances and festivals.
My daughter is dancing the Cake Walk on Saturday at Robbie Burns Night. So in the last week, I've made a circle skirt, a pair of short pants and a vest. I upcycled my old Highland costume from when I was a kid to make the skirt and vest. And I used a cute dark blue corduroy for the pants. Please cross your fingers that they will all fit. I only have 5 days until the big show! (I think I'm more nervous about the costumes than my daughter is about the dancing). I used these tutorials for the skirt (I used a band rather than an elastic waist), Burda 2622 for the vest, and McCalls M6143 for the pants. However, since making the skirt, I found this great tutorial on Sew Pony, and I would use it next time.
I did manage to get a couple of webs done. But realistically, I doubt I'll get the quilt top done this month. And I think I'm okay with that. It has been so long in the making, I'd rather not rush it at the very end just to get it done.
Thanks for all of the encouraging comments on my last post, and I am so sorry I didn't get a chance to reply. Please know that I love all of your comments, and my goal this year is to be a better communicator. So that means responding to comments too. I am a work in progress.
Anyone else making costumes?
I'm linking up.
My daughter is dancing the Cake Walk on Saturday at Robbie Burns Night. So in the last week, I've made a circle skirt, a pair of short pants and a vest. I upcycled my old Highland costume from when I was a kid to make the skirt and vest. And I used a cute dark blue corduroy for the pants. Please cross your fingers that they will all fit. I only have 5 days until the big show! (I think I'm more nervous about the costumes than my daughter is about the dancing). I used these tutorials for the skirt (I used a band rather than an elastic waist), Burda 2622 for the vest, and McCalls M6143 for the pants. However, since making the skirt, I found this great tutorial on Sew Pony, and I would use it next time.
I did manage to get a couple of webs done. But realistically, I doubt I'll get the quilt top done this month. And I think I'm okay with that. It has been so long in the making, I'd rather not rush it at the very end just to get it done.
Thanks for all of the encouraging comments on my last post, and I am so sorry I didn't get a chance to reply. Please know that I love all of your comments, and my goal this year is to be a better communicator. So that means responding to comments too. I am a work in progress.
Anyone else making costumes?
I'm linking up.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
A Lovely Year of Finishes
I'm a joiner. Are you? I mean, if there is a group, any group, I usually want to be part of it. Lately I've tried really hard not to join every quilt-along that is in progress. (And I am forcing myself to sit on my hands to avoid the Scrappy Trip Along...have you seen these quilts? They are stunning!) But I found a group that I think it a good fit for me today. So I'm joining.
It's called A Lovely Year of Finishes and it is hosted by Melissa and Shanna. Each month you just pick just one thing to finish. Then you blog about it, finish it, blog about it again, and link up. I'm hoping it will help me to actually get things done. I love the idea of focusing on just one finish each month.
In January, my goal is to finish my Maple Leaf Rag quilt top. This baby has been over a year in the making, so it is time to finally finish it. I am trying to use my most favourite and hoarded fabrics. It is so satisfying to see them all together in one quilt.
Here are some blocks in progress:
I am going to splurge and have this top long arm quilted, so finishing to top is a huge step in finishing this quilt.
Wish me luck! What are you finishing in January?
PS - Thanks for all of the encouragement about blogging again. It is so fun to read all of your comments and emails.
It's called A Lovely Year of Finishes and it is hosted by Melissa and Shanna. Each month you just pick just one thing to finish. Then you blog about it, finish it, blog about it again, and link up. I'm hoping it will help me to actually get things done. I love the idea of focusing on just one finish each month.
 |
| Over half way done! |
Here are some blocks in progress:
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| My favourite so far. Love the HR, FMF, and Red & Aqua. Sorry for the fuzzy photo! |
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| A bright block! |
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| Love that bright blue Katie Jump Rope! |
 | |||
| My favourite half-block. |
Wish me luck! What are you finishing in January?
PS - Thanks for all of the encouragement about blogging again. It is so fun to read all of your comments and emails.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Amy Butler Sling
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. We did. We took full advantage of our last weekend before everything starts up again. Skating outside on a beautiful community rink, lots of sledding, and even an afternoon of cross-country skiing. And I even had some time to sew. My husband has been so helpful lately in giving me chunks of time to just sew. And the kids are getting some quality time with their dad. What could be better?
Today I am happy because I finally made and mailed an Amy Butler Birdie Sling that has been on my to do list for way, way too long. Like 2 years too long. The back story is that my mom's friend bought me the pattern and asked me to make one for her. This same friend knits gorgeous socks and sweaters for my kids. I will often go to the mailbox and find 2 or 3 pairs of hand knit socks waiting for me. So I felt a ton of pressure. That put me back 6 months.
Then I had to choose some fabric. I know what I like, but I have so much trouble choosing for someone else. That part delayed me for at least a year. I finally settled on some Amy Butler Love for the main and handle, and a fun orange kona solid (sorry I forget the name) for the inside.
I know everyone and their dog has made a Birdie Sling, but it has always intimidated me. I made her Nappy Bag a few years ago, and to be honest, I wasn't all that impressed. But when my mom was visiting at Christmas time (read: entertaining all three kids), I managed to cut out all of the fabric, interfacing and fusible fleece. That was the hardest part. Then after she left, I just had to sew it together. And to be honest, it went together pretty well.
The only part I'm not thrilled with is the final top-stitching on the top edge of the bag (notice there is no close up picture). I had a heck of time getting it nice and straight. And I probably should have taken it out and tried again, but I was just so happy that it was done, that I didn't bother. And I didn't want to risk another 6 months. Hopefully she doesn't look too close.
So the final verdict on this pattern is a thumbs up. I like the size of the bag, and the round shape and pleats make it quite stylish. I didn't love the top stitching, but I think if I use thinner fusible interfacing it will go better next time. Next time? Yup, I think I'll make another. Hopefully it won't take me 2 years to make!
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| Don't you love that hint of orange peaking through? |
Today I am happy because I finally made and mailed an Amy Butler Birdie Sling that has been on my to do list for way, way too long. Like 2 years too long. The back story is that my mom's friend bought me the pattern and asked me to make one for her. This same friend knits gorgeous socks and sweaters for my kids. I will often go to the mailbox and find 2 or 3 pairs of hand knit socks waiting for me. So I felt a ton of pressure. That put me back 6 months.
Then I had to choose some fabric. I know what I like, but I have so much trouble choosing for someone else. That part delayed me for at least a year. I finally settled on some Amy Butler Love for the main and handle, and a fun orange kona solid (sorry I forget the name) for the inside.
I know everyone and their dog has made a Birdie Sling, but it has always intimidated me. I made her Nappy Bag a few years ago, and to be honest, I wasn't all that impressed. But when my mom was visiting at Christmas time (read: entertaining all three kids), I managed to cut out all of the fabric, interfacing and fusible fleece. That was the hardest part. Then after she left, I just had to sew it together. And to be honest, it went together pretty well.
 |
| AB Birdie Sling made with AB Love fabric |
The only part I'm not thrilled with is the final top-stitching on the top edge of the bag (notice there is no close up picture). I had a heck of time getting it nice and straight. And I probably should have taken it out and tried again, but I was just so happy that it was done, that I didn't bother. And I didn't want to risk another 6 months. Hopefully she doesn't look too close.
So the final verdict on this pattern is a thumbs up. I like the size of the bag, and the round shape and pleats make it quite stylish. I didn't love the top stitching, but I think if I use thinner fusible interfacing it will go better next time. Next time? Yup, I think I'll make another. Hopefully it won't take me 2 years to make!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Hello Friends!
I think I am going to try blogging again. I miss it. And I miss the thoughtful and encouraging support of the online quilting/sewing community. I'm not making any lofty goals this time around, I am just going to enjoy the process.
This is what I am working on right now:
It's Made by Rae's new pattern, but of course, the bodice is too small, and I am all out of fabric. Back to the drawing board.
What are you working on right now?
This is what I am working on right now:
It's Made by Rae's new pattern, but of course, the bodice is too small, and I am all out of fabric. Back to the drawing board.
What are you working on right now?
Monday, September 17, 2012
Destash!
***Thank you everyone for checking out my destash, but everything is now sold. I hope to add more soon. ****
Hello Everyone! I am just popping back into this little blog to do a quick destash. I am going to try it first here, and depending on how things work out, I may move it to etsy at a later time. I've never sold anything before so please be patient with me!
I am currently overwhelmed by my stash. I have too much fabric and not enough time. And some of these lovelies I just can't seem to cut into. Maybe they will inspire you. I am hoping to raise some funds to buy my son a waldorf doll.
I hope that the prices are fair. Please know that most of these fabrics are long out of print, and many of them I purchased in Canada where fabric is way, way too expensive. I know the Heather Ross is ridiculously expensive, but I tried to lower the going rate from etsy a little bit.
I am happy to combine shipping and I will refund any shipping overages.
If you would like to purchase something, it will be on a first come, first serve basis. Please leave a comment and I will then email you an invoice. Thanks for looking!
Lot 1: Heather Ross Fish in Bags FQ. 18 x 21.5" $15 plus $2 shipping SOLD
Lot 2: Heather Ross Pink Vans FQ. 18.5 x 22.5" $10 plus $2 shipping SOLD
Lot 3: Pink Echino Sunglasses Half Yard Linen Blend. 18.5" x wof. $10 plus $4 shipping SOLD
Lot 4: Melody Miller Alarm Clock. Half Yard Linen Blend. 18.5" x wof. $10 plus $4 shipping SOLD
Lot 5: Denyse Schmidt Hope Valley Half Yard. 18" x wof. $5 plus $4 shipping SOLD
Lot 6. Heather Ross Giant Octopi Gold and Pink Half Yard. 18" x wof. $18 plus $4 shipping SOLD
Lot 7. Heather Ross Presentation Mermaids FQ. Blush. 18" x 22" $10 plus $2 shipping SOLD
Lot 8. Heather Ross Seahorses FQ. Orange and Pink on Cream. 19" x 22" $7 plus ($2 shipping) SOLD
Lot 9.Heather Ross Presentation Mermaids FQ. Gold, Pink and Brown. 18" x 22". $10 plus ($2 shipping) SOLD
Lot 10. Heather Ross Seahorses FQ. Pink and gold. 18" x 22" (this one is tight on the measurements) $7 (plus $2 shipping) SOLD
Lot 11. Momo Wonderland. Includes: SOLD
All fabric comes from my stash. We are a smoke free, dog friendly house. Our black lab, Trooper, is mainly an outdoor dog and doesn't come in the sewing room. But hey, you never know....
Also all fabric ships from Canada. Canada Post charges and arm and a leg for shipping. I am sorry!
****The above shipping costs are to US/Canada with no insurance. If you would like insurance or to mail overseas, please let me know in your comment and I will work out actual shipping costs before invoicing.****
Please feel free to email me with any questions.
Barb
PS - I may also have some FF1 double gauze to destash too if anyone is interested. I have FQ of orange, blue, purple unicorns, blue/orange snails, and cream frogs. Let me know! SOLD
Hello Everyone! I am just popping back into this little blog to do a quick destash. I am going to try it first here, and depending on how things work out, I may move it to etsy at a later time. I've never sold anything before so please be patient with me!
I am currently overwhelmed by my stash. I have too much fabric and not enough time. And some of these lovelies I just can't seem to cut into. Maybe they will inspire you. I am hoping to raise some funds to buy my son a waldorf doll.
I hope that the prices are fair. Please know that most of these fabrics are long out of print, and many of them I purchased in Canada where fabric is way, way too expensive. I know the Heather Ross is ridiculously expensive, but I tried to lower the going rate from etsy a little bit.
I am happy to combine shipping and I will refund any shipping overages.
If you would like to purchase something, it will be on a first come, first serve basis. Please leave a comment and I will then email you an invoice. Thanks for looking!
Lot 9.
1 yard tomoto and brown dots (please note this is missing a 5x4" rectangle - see photo)HY Tomato large flowersFQ Pink (jam??) large flowersHY Cream with small flowers14" x wof Brown with aqua dots$20 plus $10 shipping
All fabric comes from my stash. We are a smoke free, dog friendly house. Our black lab, Trooper, is mainly an outdoor dog and doesn't come in the sewing room. But hey, you never know....
Also all fabric ships from Canada. Canada Post charges and arm and a leg for shipping. I am sorry!
****The above shipping costs are to US/Canada with no insurance. If you would like insurance or to mail overseas, please let me know in your comment and I will work out actual shipping costs before invoicing.****
Please feel free to email me with any questions.
Barb
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