Stop staring and start sewing!

My dog has fleece

I found a sweet little pattern for a dog coat on the Compulsive Craftiness blog here.  Sarah worked up a great pattern for her little dog and was kind enough to share it.  Our little Cupcake is a chiweenie (chihuahua/dachshund) and she shivers all fall/winter/spring.  Not in a shaking, nervous chihuahua way but in a cold way.  Problem solved.  I downloaded the pdf, taped it together (super simple and great instructions), and went shopping.  I got two 1/2 yard cuts of fleece for the outside and another 1/2 yard cut for the lining on both of them (the green dotted fabric).  With the 40% sale I spent under 10.00 for everything!

 

Here she is doing a loooong (dachshund remember?) stretch in her blue owl coat.  This fabric is minky-ish and fluffed up my nose a bit but it was worth the sneezing.  She used to squirm out of her store bought coats but since she loves fleece she's actually started running to us when we hold them up to dress her.

 

Here's her strawberry coat (or Strawberry Cupcake coat as Joey has dubbed it).  She likes this one too. Sarah's pattern was made for a dog in the 10 pound range so it's perfect for us but with just a bit of sewing savvy you could adjust it up for a bigger dog.  Each coat went together in under 1/2 hour once I had everything cut and ready to go (I already had the velcro in my stash too).

 

And I had enough fabric left to make a pillow for her.  She used to sit on this skuzzy old pillow form I had and it was kind of embarrassing.  This is the same pillow form, but with a styling new cover we can all be proud of.

 

That was a fun little project and I feel like such a good doggie grandma (Cupcake is actually my daughter's dog) for making these.  Thanks for the pattern Sarah!

Love hurts, and so does sewing

Maybe that's why I love sewing?  A few days ago we were sitting around having a regular Norman Rockwell type of family evening with me sewing (finally trying to finish these quilts 2 years later!) and the menfolk tying flies for some up-coming fishing day.  Everything was great.

Asher's expression kills me (smile, Mr. Crankypants.  You're on candid camera).

 

The guys had left the room for something when this happened.  So fast.  And loud.  And kind of crunchy sounding.  I had just been reading this harrowing account of a needle accident a few days prior and was sure that it had been a warning to me to be extra careful.  I didn't listing apparently.  But it could have been so much worse.

 

The needle went in right next to my nail (whew) and through my finger meat, where it broke off and the broken part came out the other side.  So my finger was neatly threaded .  I grabbed my finger and didn't even look at it and began yelling "Joey, I need you!  I need you!  Now!  Right at this moment.  Joey, now."  I turned my head and let him look.  My first thought was "I should have him take a picture to post online!" but my second thought, "OUCH!", was louder.  So he pulled the thread the rest of the way through and rushed me off to the bathroom.  Lot's of blood later we got it cleaned and bandaged and it really wasn't all that bad.  I'm fine now.

 

Here's what happen when the needles doesn't come out.  Peety was 3 (she's turning 20 in 2 days!) when she stepped on a needle that was stuck in the carpet.  She was crying and wouldn't even let us get a good look at her foot.  So we did our best to comfort her and get it bandaged up.  It seemed to heal fine but there was a hard lump in there which I convinced myself was scar tissue or something.  I took her to the pediatrician for something entirely different but asked him to take a look at it.  I wish I had a picture of the x-ray because there it was.  

She had to go under general anesthesia to have it removed (more traumatic for me than anyone else I think).  It was already encrusted with calcium (or something) and 1/2 long.  So it's a part of her baby book.  She's fine now, but complerely left handed which probably has nothing to do with the needle.

Be careful out there but keep on sewing!

Turning a corner toward something new

That last 18 months have been a complete whirlwind in my world as my Hipster Haberdasher etsy store took off so quickly I didn't have time to do much but sew and develop ways to streamline the assembly process in order to keep up.  I never anticipated having my focus changed so quickly from my book and patterns to more of a marketing and developement sort of direction.  Needless to say, it's been pretty exhausting and exhilirating at the same time.  It took us from fighting foreclosure to actually buying a new car this past spring.  We never imagined that happening.

(I hate having a picture-less post so here is a pic of my best seller)

Right now I'm enjoying the lull between the back to school shoppers and the Christmas rush (coming next week I'm guessing).  It's been great and I've been able to clean and bake and spend more time actually interracting with my kids.  It's been blissful.  It's given my brain room to think.

And I think I'm done with the idea of producing more paper patterns.  I'm very proud of the work I did when I got those designed and produced and I really thought, at the time, it would turn into something big for me.  It really didn't.  But it got me pointed in a direction and I believe it's a big link in the chain of life events that brought me to where I am.

So I'm heading in a new direction.  I'm not really sharing too many details right now but my hope is it will be successful not just for me and my family but will bring opportunities for so many (mostly) women who want, or need, to bring in some money but want to be home.  Oh, and it involves fabric (what else is there?).

Anyway, I have lots more to share but right now I'm just going to clean out the rest of my paper patterns and offer them at rock bottom prices to anyone.  I am completely out of the Sunny Scallop Dress pattern (still available in pdf format though) but I have a good amount of my Edith Twirl Skirt (where it all began), Evelyn Apron Skirt, and Shopgirl (and boy!) Apron pattern.

(another picture to keep it from tipping the word-to-picture ratio too much)

I'm selling them for 6.00 each which is the wholesale price.  They are 5.00 each when bought in groups of 10 (they have to be 10 of the same pattern).  If you want to buy a lot more I'm sure we can work out a great price.  They are all in my Fabritopia etsy shop.

These are perfect for classes at shops (or home) and you are free to re-sell them.  The full retail price is 12.00 but can sell them at whatever price you're happy with.

I'm planning on using any money this makes to start my new endeavor.  Back soon!

Quilt Market - it's about the people really

 We all love fabric and it's always a real treat to see the up and coming fabric collections, sewing patterns, gadgets and notions...  But the best part of Quilt Market is always, always, always the people.  We speak the same language, we understand each other, and we are all each others' biggest fans.  People come from all over the world to attend Quilt Market.  The best people ever.  I'm sure of it.  Here are just a few of them.

Bari Ackerman of Bari J. (whom I first met at market 5 years ago and now she's my local bestie!) and Jane "Quiltjane" Davidson.  I love both of these women and I'm lucky enough to get to see Bari often since we both live in the Phoenix area.  But Jane lives in Brisbane, Australia (where the BeeGees grew up!) and I only get to see her at market.  She's simply the sweetest, funnest gal and she showers us with TimTams.  I love her.

 

Here is my pal Scott Hansen stitching during school house.  I'm pleased to say he finished his project in time and then spent some time at a "Man Spa" getting all shaved and spiffed up for the rest of market.  The life of a man-quilter.  You can also find Scott on the cover of the Shirtless Man and Spicy Burrito Calendar (it's for a good cause and you can look at shirtless men, burritoes, and quilts all year!).

 

Here are Mary and Barb from Me and My Sister for Moda.  I don't get to see them as much since Mary moved from Phoenix to New Mexico (dangit).  They are always loads of fun and giggles.

 

This is Valori Wells' booth but that's Jenean Morrison cracking up about something in it.  Jenean had a great school house presentation.  Her presentations are always fun because they feel interactive (she asks questions and we ask questions and it's all a hoot).  She's the best.

 

Here is Vanessa Christenson of V and Co. in her booth over in the Moda corridor.  I like Vanessa.  She's chipper and kind but spunky.  Oh, and beautifully talented.  My kind of gal.

 

 Here is my friend (and neighbor!) Heather Bailey chatting with some gals at her booth.  Sometimes I run into Heather when I schlep up to the corner market here at home but there's something fun about getting to chat at Quilt Market.  It's a special event and we are both wearing makeup.

 

The Modern Quilt Guilt Meet-up is always loads of fun and another opportunity to run into some great folks.  Here are my homies Christy Fincher of Purple Daisies, LLC (her business with her mom Sharon Schamber) and Alyssa Lichner of Pile o' Fabric, and Bari.  They are all my local friends and for some reason it's just exciting to get together at market even though we can get together at home any time.

 

Here is Camille Roskelley and her cute husband Jarom.  I always wonder what the husbands think about having to stop and pose for pictures all the time.  Jarom looked like he had it all figure out by the time I came around for a picture.  Camille is a warm, fun gal and she gave me some great Disneyland advice (we're both fans).

 

Here are Alyssa Haight Carlton and Jacquie Gehring giving away prizes (lots and lots including a baby lock serger!) at the MQG Meet-up.  They were very popular that night.  I didn't win anything but that did not lower my opinion of them in any way.

 

And Scott again (check out those new sideburns from his man spa visit) chatting with the ever nice, Kate Spain.  Two nice people have a nice (I'm sure of it) conversation (while being stalked by me).  Nice.

 These are just a few of the people who make market worth the trip (and expense).  I've never met a mean person at quilt market (well, maybe just one but I've banished her from my psyche).  The folks are just as friendly as they are talented.  That's why it's worth going.

 

Monday morning surprise honor

What a sweet treat to wake up to on a Monday!  The UK site of Stitch Craft Create has included my blog in there Top 25 US Quilt Blogs list.  Wow.

I'm in great company so be sure to go over there and check out the other blogs on the list and pay them a visit.  You may find a great gift idea (you'll definitely find loads of inspiration)!

 

Have a great Monday and keep on sewing!

Quick Quilt Market Re-cap

Fall Quilt Market 2013 in Houston was a whirlwind of busy, buzzing activity.  Fun, exhilaration, exhaustion, late nights, sore feet, blissful fabric foray.  This time I went with my BFF (best fabric friend) Jamie and I think we hit all the high spots but it still didn't feel like enough time to cover everything (yet I was so glad when that plane took off homeward bound).

Here are some highlights: 

Heather Bailey's booth was stunning and took the 1st prize spot for a single booth.  It's a great accomplishment considering she and Isaac were planning a double booth and had to buzz-saw it down to a single size just a few days before market began.  This stunning paper pieced butterfly stole the show.  Heather's newest collection is Lottie Da and it's her first quilting weight collection in awhile and it's classic Heather with it's vibrant colors and fresh flowers.  And the best part is she's got another collection coming out at the same time!  True Colors is a collection by Heather and 3 of my favorite designers Joel Dewberry, Jenean Morrison, and Anna Maria Horner.  I'm thrilled to see all of it and I think you'll love it just as much as I do.

 

Here is a better look at the whole booth.  So pretty.

 

Here's a better look at some things made from Lottie Da.  You're going to love it!

 

The Aurifil booth was a fresh slice of The Price is Right with the putting greens everywhere.  Get the ball in the hole and the prize is a nice spool of their very awesome thread.  I tried twice and tanked both times.  It's harder than it looks.

 

Tula Pink's booth was classically funky, especially with those stars on the floor.  Her new collection is called Fox Field and the colors are out of this world.

 

Here she is at her school house presentation.  Such a quilt!

 

Here is Kay Whitt's bright and beautiful booth.  She's got a load of new Serendipity Studios patterns being released right now but the Jordan Jacket is my absolute favorite.  

 

The girls over at Marie-Madeline had another darling booth (which they stuffed into a van for the 10 hour drive with themselves, their grandparents, and their luggage!).  Run over to their blog for some great pictures so you can truly appreciate the cuteness.  They are the sweetest gals and their patterns are absolutely wonderful.

 

And some of the biggest news was the launch of Cotton & Steel by RJR Fabrics.  It's the brainchild of the folks at RJR and designers Melody Miller, Rashida Coleman-Hale, Alexia Abegg, Kim Kight, and Sarah Watts.  Watch the video here (you'll love it).

 

Here is Sarah Jane Studios newest collection (and newest baby in the "boy tent"!) called Wee Wander and it's a very special and whimsical collection.  Horses, fireflies, and stars.... another must have.

 

The Iza Pearl booth was scrumtious and sunny.  Those spunky handbag patterns are from Schlosser Designs.  Great stuff!

 

And Anna Maria Horner has another rich and colorful fabric collection.  It's called Dowry and you will love this as much as you love her other collections.

 

That's it for now.  More pictures coming.  Keep on sewing!