Yellow + Blue= Green!

After many months in the making, I'm happy to report that this quilt is complete and in the hands of the owner- woo hoo!


The quilt beautifully plays on the yellow, green, and blue color combination incorporating prints, stripes, and polka dots. The backing is a continuation of the front, utilizing one of the flowered prints, but in a blue on blue color combination (rather than white on blue).


I hope that my sweet friend Kara enjoys her new quilt and that it will be used to keep her and her hubby warm during the cold months (side note- I'm so over this current heat wave!!!). :)

The Curious Pug's Curiously Crafty Giveaway!!!

Exciting news for all...I'm participating in The Curious Pug's Curiously Crafty Giveaway!!! :) I'm one of ten blogs/shops that is participating in this big giveaway, which gives YOU ten chances to win something great- woo hoo!

The giveaway is open until October 8th, so make sure you hop on over to The Curious Pug to enter to win my Flower Appliqued Zippered Pouch and nine other great prizes! Best of luck!!!

Argyle With Style!

An argyle baby quilt...I don't even know where to start!

I love argyle as it is so clean, simple, and everlasting; and baby quilts, well they are small, colorful, and always aim to please/comfort a child. The two combined, if I say so myself, make one awesome newborn gift! My Momma whipped up this beauty for a family friend's granddaughter!


I love the contrast of the green against the pinks and the jumbo (1 13/32") yellow ric rac really finishes off the quilt!


The quilt back continues the green and pink color combination! If you are in love (like I am!) and are interested in making your own argyle baby quilt, the pattern (Argyle With Style by Bate and Taylor) is now conveniently available at JoAnn's. Great job Mom!!! :)

Christmas Came Early This Year!!!

I woke up Saturday morning thinking it was going to be a normal, non-eventful day...but boy was I wrong! :) My Momma had her eye on a new sewing machine (a huge upgrade from my current machine), so we trekked out to the sewing machine store and test drove a couple of samples before stumbling on this beauty...


I bought my original machine in January 2009, an entry-level Singer, as I hadn't sewn in years (and I'm totally not exaggerating!) thus I didn't want to buy a super nice machine as I wasn't sure how much I would use it! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would do as much sewing as I've done in the past 21 months, let alone open my own Etsy shop! My parents thought I needed an upgrade, thus Christmas 2010 (and a couple subsequent Christmas/Birthdays/Etc.) came early this year...


I've been sewing over at my parent's house, but now with two machines I'm taking up valuable real estate on the dining room table- HA! I plan to transition over to the new machine in the next couple of days, but will keep my Singer for all of the dirty/experimental jobs (aka coffee burlap tote bags!).

From Left to Right: my new machine, my old machine, my Momma's machine! :)

While I was taking the above photos and reading the user's manual my parent's yellow lab was nudging my arm, wanting a photo of course...so here she is, Miss Maggie!

A Day At The Fair...

Last Saturday Mr. D and I went to the LA County Fair (thankfully it cooled down enough for us to enjoy the fair!). Here are a couple of snapshots from our day at the fair...

We watched a couple of horse races.



As well as some Wiener Dog races...so much fun! Maybe next year the fair will trade in the Wiener Dogs for some Miniature Schnauzers!?! :)


Ate some fried food (zucchini curls)...


Thought about eating some more fried food, but didn't.


...and while looking for the market animals we stumbled upon these cute little piglets!

Will You Hold Me Accountable?

I added a little countdown to my sidebar, right at the top...see it? It's my {insane} inventory goal for my first ever Christmas Boutique / Craft Show. I also have a working Excel spreadsheet to keep me motivated and my Momma has been kind enough to step up and be my inventory manager. With my goal and determination, my Momma's managerial skills, and your encouragement I should not have any problem reaching (and maybe?) exceeding my inventory goal.

I'll update the countdown in my sidebar as soon as I successfully complete additional inventory...keep an eye on it as it should provide you with a laugh or two! ;)

Crayon Roll Winner!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Mr. D and I spent Saturday at the LA County Fair (good times...pictures to come) and today we celebrated his birthday with a home cooked meal and ice cream cake! :)

Okay, enough babbling...I know you're all anxious to find out the winner of the crayon roll which is lucky #8- Jennwith4!


A big congrats to Jenn (I sent you an email), and THANK YOU to all that entered the giveaway! :) I hope everyone has a great week!

Happy Birthday To You!

A BIG Happy Birthday to Mr. D!!!

Here's to a great day and an even better year! :)

Love,
Me

Craft Vendor Aprons!

If you're looking for the Crayon Roll giveaway...click here (ends September 12th!).

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day! Mr. D and I stayed home and did a lot of relaxing! I've always enjoyed summer (and a bit sad that it's over), but I have to say that Fall is my favorite season...have I mentioned how thankful I am for the cooler temperatures the past couple of days??? :)

I had a quick little chat with my sister today about November's craft show, which calmed a lot of my nerves (regarding- what to sell and how to setup my booth). In preparation of the craft show I found these cute orange and green fabrics (which match the colors of my shop!) yesterday and plan to make two craft vendor aprons, one for me and one for my helper (aka my momma).


I'll definitely post a photo upon completion, but in case you're interested in making one of your own:

• Trim and sew two fat quarters with right sides together (making sure to leave a hole for turning).
• Flip inside out and fold up the bottom 6" or so to form the pocket.
• Sew vertically along the large pocket to make smaller pockets (think about the size of dollar bills, receipt book, pens, business cards, etc.).
• Top stitch (my favorite) the apron and sew a piece of large ribbon along the top of the apron to form the ties. Simple enough- right? :)

It's Time For a Giveaway!!!

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your participation!

Who's ready for a giveaway??? I was able to spend some time this weekend sewing up prototypes for my upcoming craft show. I think that these sweet and useful crayon rolls will be a hit at the craft show, as they make great stocking stuffers!



The crayon rolls measure 15 3/4" long x 4 1/2" tall and hold a total of 16 crayons. When your child (niece/nephew, grandchild, neighbor kid, etc.) are not using the crayons, the crayon roll rolls up onto itself and is secured by a button and elastic band closure.



The crayon rolls can be easily (and securely) stored in your purse, and are perfect for doctor appointments, dinner outings, stocking stuffers...the possibilities are endless!

TO ENTER:

1. What is your favorite part of Fall (its just around the corner!!!)?
(My favorite are the cool evening breezes!)

2. Become a follower of my blog.
(The button is located towards the bottom of the right-hand column. If you are already a follower, please kindly remind me!)

There are 2 possible entries, so please be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry, and make sure there is a way for me to contact you (leave your email address in your comment if you don't have a blog or if you post as Anonymous, as I need to be able to contact you when you win!).

This giveaway will close the evening of Sunday, September 12th, and is open to US residents only. Due to the recent extreme heats, this giveaway does not include the crayons as pictured, as they may be apt to melt during shipping.

Winners will be selected via Random.org.

Learning Experience and New Products!

Just a warning for sewers everywhere... I used to be one that swore by a Point Turner and Seam Creaser, as it really was my best friend. However I've had unfortunate luck this weekend while finishing my projects as the Point Turner has poked through the fabric a time or two- eek! I'm not sure if there is anything more disappointing than coming to an end of a project and then making an oopsy. So, if you are (or were) and avid user of a Point Turner, like myself, please know your strength and learn form my mistakes! :)


On a happier note, I've been working on a new line of Zippered Pouches for my Etsy shop! To date I've made a happy flower and a darling tree, and I have so many more ideas in store for future pouches! The pouches measure 5" x 7" and are made out of canvas, which stands up to almost anything! The edges of the sweet designs will fray overtime which only adds extra character to the pouch! :)


While we are on the topic of new products, make sure you come back on Monday as I have a sweet giveaway planned for your budding artist (aka- child, niece/nephew, grandchild, neighbor kid, etc!). I'll see you then! :)

The Quilted Fish...

I had the pleasure of meeting Amanda Herring at the Long Beach Quilt Festival, at the end of July! Amanda is the gal behind The Quilted Fish- home of awesome quilt patterns, sewing patterns, and kits. She is also the designer behind Riley Blake's (which is one of my favorite fabric companies!) new Sweet Divinity fabric collection (which is scheduled to be released this month!).

C6101-Pink Sweet Divinity Sweet Flower

In celebration of the arrival of Sweet Divinity, Amanda is having a huge giveaway on her blog. What are you waiting for...go on and enter! :)