Busy, Busy, Busy

Do you ever get so busy/stressed that you just shut down?  That's where I'm at today.  I have an overflowing 'To-Do List', which involves a lot of sewing, pattern refinement, and decision making.  I want everything that I produce and/or has my name on it to be perfect, although I know that its an impossible feat as I'm an imperfect person, living in an imperfect world- plain and simple.

That's all I have for tonight...I just wanted to get it off my chest.  A new day is just around the corner (2 hours and counting).

Oh, and because posts without a picture are a tad bit boring...even on a bad day (maybe especially on a bad day) this little guy makes me smile from ear to ear!  :)

Sewing Pattern Cover Photo Shoot

I hope that everyone had a great Memorial Day!  I got up extra early this morning to meet up with my sweet friend Christa, of Jae Photography, for a photo shoot.  I spent all day Sunday (and some of early Monday morning!) sewing up product samples for the photo shoot.  I know its not exactly the same, but I think I felt some of the same pressure that the designers on Project Runway feel before their deadlines!  :)

Okay, back to the photo shoot details.  The Thread Catcher, Diaper Pod, Coffee Burlap Tote Bag, and Nursing Cocoons were photographed for my sewing patterns (which I hope to make their debut no later than this weekend in the local quilt shop!).  {Oh, and in case anyone is wondering, I WILL announce the name and location of the quilt shop after I'm all set up, and I'll probably provide a few too many photos for your viewing pleasure!}

Here's a sneak peek at one Christa's awesome photos!  Click HERE to see the rest!  :)

Bible Reading List- Week #8

Hello, again!  :)  I'm just posting the weekly reading list for week 8, as Sundays always get away from me during three day weekends!  ;)  

For everyone that joined Made With Love last week as part of Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day, welcome!!!  At the beginning of April I posted this post, which kicked off the 'Bible in 52 Weeks' series.  If you're new and want to join, it is not too late!  Either join along with us on week 8 or read super fast and catch up with us!  :)

This week's reading list is a continuation of the last week's...

Sunday- Romans 15-16

Monday- Genesis 28-31

Tuesday- Judges 12-16

Wednesday- Psalms 21-23

Thursday- Job 15-16

Friday- Isaiah 40-44

Saturday- Matthew 20-22

I'll see you back here next Sunday for week #9!  :)

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Winners!

Hi friends!  All I have to say, is that you ladies sure know how to make a girl feel special!  I can't get over how many comments were left on the Giveaway Day post!  I'm so thankful for each and everyone of you, and hope that you stay along for the ride!  :)

Okay, now onto the GOOD news...

 

Suzee and Peggy I've emailed you both, so be on the look out!  :)

Quilt Market- Sewing Studio Furniture!

If you're looking for the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day post...click here (note- giveaway closes tonight!). 

If you've been following my blog for sometime, you know that I've always dreamed of an awesome sewing studio!  I started sewing on my kitchen table, and then moved onto a folding banquet table- ugh!  :)  I've had my eye on the Olivia sewing desk from Arrow Sewing Cabinets for quite sometime, but never made the purchase...that is until I spotted their booth at Quilt Market!

Olivia Sewing Desk in Pistachio

Pixie Cutting Table in Pistachio

Sweet Jo, from Arrow Sewing Cabinets, who was EVER so patient with me, as I tend to be indecisive!  :)

I'm ecstatic to report that six (6!) boxes of sewing furniture arrived on Tuesday.  I may or may not have jumped up to look at the window every time I heard a large truck drive by!  After waiting {patiently} all day, Mr. FedEx arrived at 5:20 PM!  Long story short, my Momma and I started to put the Pixie Cutting Table together, but jumped at the chance of having a family friend, Carlos, assist with the construction.  Carlos came over this morning and assembled everything for me.  I have to say I am SO grateful for such sweet friends, I am truly blessed!  :)

Okay, now on to the photos (since I know that's why you're really here!).  ;)

My new sewing desk!  I also ordered an acrylic insert for the desk so that I have an even sewing desk (I hope that makes sense!).  I used to sew with my back to the window, but was tired of not being able to see because of the shadows, etc.

My new Pixie Cutting Table.
It looks a bit lonely in the corner...I might have to go shopping for some wall art!  :) 

I moved the white cubby storage unit to the wall where my sewing machine had been.  Oh, and that collection of Thread Catchers will be headed to the local quilt shop next week.  :)

For those that are wondering, I still have the sewing desk that my grandma gave to me.  I haven't yet refinished the desk, although my Dad and I stripped a bit of the finish.  I'm not sure when, but one day the sewing desk that my grandpa bought for my grandma will be in my sewing studio, as I'd love to use it for my serger.  :)

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day!!!

This giveaway is now closed.

Good Morning friends!  Today is Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day...I'm so excited, and I hope that you are too!  

Last year Sew Mama Sew's May Giveaway Day helped me celebrate the grand opening of my Etsy shop, Squirmy Worm Studio!  With that, I am SO elated to be here {a year later} to celebrate with you, again! 

Okay, now onto the giveaway goodies!  I'm giving away TWO Thread Catcher Kits, which include a copy of my Thread Catcher Pattern, along with fabric (outside + lining), fusible interfacing, boning, non-slip rubber mat, and crushed walnut shells...everything you need to make your own Thread Catcher.

The Thread Catcher design consists of a weighted pincushion with non-slip grip, enabling it to sit (and stay!) on the table, serving as a great portable trash bag for your favorite Seamstress/Crafter! If you're a Knitter or Crocheter, the Thread Catcher can be placed over the arm of your favorite chair and used to hold your skein of yarn!  I believe that Thread Catchers are a must have accessory for any Seamstress, Quilter, Scrapbooker, Knitter, Crocheter, and/or Jeweler!

Thread Catcher Kit #1...

Is made up a fun flower/medallion outside fabric and random daisies on purple lining fabric.

Thread Catcher Kit #2...

Is made up a purple medallion outside fabric and a tiled lining fabric.

TO ENTER:

1. You must be a Follower of my blog.
(The button is located halfway down the left-hand sidebar. If you are already a follower, please kindly remind me!) 

2. What's your favorite color and/or color combination?  
(Lately I've really been drawn to gray, purple, and I love red/aqua.)

There are 2 possible entries, so please be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.  Also, please make sure there is a way for me to contact you (aka- 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 be open until May 26th, and the winners will be announced on Friday, May 27th.

 

Winners will be selected via Random.org.  Open to US only (sorry to all of my international friends!).

Bible Reading List- Week #6 and 7!

I goofed last week and totally forgot to post the reading list for week #6.  I realized my mistake sometime between Monday and Tuesday, but thought that waiting it out until Sunday made the most sense.  So, with out further ado, below is the reading list for week #6 (last week)...

Sunday- Romans 11-12

Monday- Genesis 20-23

Tuesday- Judges 1-6

Wednesday- Psalms 15-17

Thursday- Job 11-12

Friday- Isaiah 29-33

Saturday- Matthew 14-16

This week's reading list is a continuation of the last week's...

Sunday- Romans 13-14

Monday- Genesis 24-27

Tuesday- Judges 7-11

Wednesday- Psalms 18-20

Thursday- Job 13-14

Friday- Isaiah 34-39

Saturday- Matthew 17-19

How is the weekly reading going for everyone?  Is anyone behind schedule, like I am?  (Ugh!)  If you have a minute, I would love to get your feedback, as I really want everyone that is participating to get the most out of this awesome experience.  Thanks!  :)

I'll see you back here next Sunday for week #8!  :)

Oh My Goodness!!!

I'm so excited to share this quick vlog, regarding the exciting happenings from this morning! 

 

 

A BIG thank you to everyone for their continued love and support!  :) 

Quilt Market- Schoolhouse with The Quilted Fish

My Momma and I arrived in Salt Lake City Thursday afternoon, just in time for The Quilted Fish's Schoolhouse presentation.  Per the Quilt Market catalog, the International Quilt Market’s popular Schoolhouse Series is an exciting, information-filled forum for manufacturers, publishers, and retailers to present new products, techniques, and books to you.

Amanda spent her time at Schoolhouse presenting the Creative Consultant's free tutorials, which are all available on her blog.  This was also where she debuted her new patterns- so exciting!!!

This is Amanda showcasing the new Glamp pattern and We're All Mad Here, which can be worn as a hat or made as a pincushion!  :)

Mad Hats quilt pattern.

Which can also be completed in seasonal colors!!!

Amanda sporting the shower cap from the 100% Chance of Flowers pattern

As shown in this photo, the pattern also comes with instructions and templates for a shower curtain and buckets...a great way to use your laminate fabric!

Bloomin' Trellis quilt pattern in Sugar and Spice

As part of the presentation, Amanda handed out Make It and Take It envelopes that had the artwork for the teapot and teacup/spoon hoop art!  Such a great project to use up some of your scraps, that and embroidery hoop art is all of the rage right now!  :)

 

The Schoolhouse session was ended by passing out cupcakes to all of the students.  Both Amanda, and the cupcakes were a BIG hit!  :)

Quilt Market- Riley Blake 80's Party

Saturday night, Riley Blake hosted an 80's party at The Depot in Salt Lake City.  I'm not one that enjoys dressing up in costume, yet I think that this photo might be my favorite from the entire trip!  :)

Amanda, and I

Me, Amanda, My Momma, and Kayce (Amanda's sweet BFF).  

Kayce won the won the Women's Best Dressed Costume contest.  I think that her worm moves across the dance floor (she's a hoot!) gave her the winning advantage.  :)

I know that you're all LOVING my dress...hehehe!  I found it at the Goodwill for $15 and really do think that it was from the 80's as the elastic in the sleeves was rotted out, so after a couple of hours with my seam ripper (seriously!) and new elastic, the sleeves were like brand new.  I hope to never have to wear this dress again, but I am keeping it in my closet, just in case I get invited to another 80's party!  :)

Julie, Me, and Sally

Dancing the night away...

80's Cover Band...very entertaining!  :)

Blues Brothers.  They were actually a foursome (2 girls and 2 guys)...great group idea.

Devo!

Quilt Market- Booths and Designer Sightings!

I'm home from Quilt Market!  I was sad to leave my sweet friend Amanda, and hated saying good-bye to Julie and Sally, but happy to get home...you know the feeling, right?  I pick up my little Stuart tomorrow morning, and I can't wait until we're reunited.  I NEVER thought that I could love a little pup as much I love Stuart.  Okay, enough sappy love talk for now.  I know that you're all here to check out the cute booths at market!

First up is Riley Blake's award winning booth- oh yeah!!!

The booth displayed each line of fabric, with ample samples/project ideas!

Sugar and Spice, by The Quilted Fish.  How cute are the skirts, quilts, pillows, etc.!?!

The Riley Blake booth also displayed the awesome beach cruiser bike that they are giving away.  Make sure to check out the details here.

They also displayed both of the All Dolled Up quilts.  Riley Blake handed out brochures in line at the Sample Spree and if Quilt Market attendees took the brochure around to get a stamp at all of the 30 participating Utah designer's booths, they would be entered to win both quilts, PLUS each designer is/was giving away a prize, which means there were 32 chances of winning!

Quilt Story, a pattern company owned by sisters Heather and Megan.  This was their first Quilt Market, and I just loved the simplicity and timelessness of their booth!

The Threaded Pear, by Gina Halladay.  Gina is the owner of my favorite local quilt shop, Fresh Picked Fabrics.  She is such a joy to hang out with!  :)

Birch Fabrics- 100 % Organic Cotton Fabric

Avalon, by Jay-Cyn Designs.  Bicycles are so in right now, and I think that Jay-Cyn Designs (Birch Fabrics) did such a wonderful job!

Sandi Henderson's booth was gorgeous!  The colors were beautiful, yet not overwhelming, and not one thing was out of place.  My Momma and I had the opportunity to chat with Sandi and her husband, Dustin, and I have to say that they are so sweet and so very genuine.  It was such a pleasure!

Sandi and I on the couch that her husband, Dustin, made for Quilt Market.

Pick a Bunch, by Nancy Mims of Robert Kaufman Fabrics.  I picked up a Roll-Up of the Pick a Bunch fabric at the Sample Spree and I have to say that I am in LOVE with the 100% organic cotton fabric.  I actually sat down with a Robert Kaufman rep to talk about buying the line to put in my Etsy shop.  If you know me in real life, you know that I have such a hard time spending money, as I tend to have buyer's remorse over a pack of gum, thus I haven't ordered any bolts of fabric, but perhaps it will be something I commit to in the near future.

Echino, by Kokka of Japan.

I wanted to move into Joel Dewberry's booth...that or at least take the chairs home with me!  His new patterns and fabrics are beautiful.  I'm not much of a purple person, but I love plum so I'm sold, that and orange + teal is genius!  My Momma and I had the opportunity to talk with Joel and his wife, Laurie, and they are SO cute!  I will definitely be purchasing some of his fabric!!!  :)

Joel Dewberry and I

Amy Butler's booth was so fresh and clean!  I have to admit that I caught a glimpse of her on Thursday during setup and I was SO starstruck.  I took me a couple of days to get up the courage to ask to take a photo with her.  I have to say that she was so very sweet and genuine.  She wanted to know about my business, and my patterns, and when I would be have my own booth at Quilt Market...hehehehe!  :)

My Momma, Amy Butler, and I

Quilt Market- Sugar and Spice

Hi Friends!  Quilt Market has been awesome!  I'm so thankful for the opportunity to walk around learning about the industry, meeting some of The Quilted Fish's sweet Creative Consultants, and of course hanging out with Amanda!!

Amanda and I 

Amanda's booth theme is the Mad Hatter Tea Party, and let me tell you, it is so darling!

The table is set and adorned with her sweet new "We're All MAD Here" hat and pincushion pattern (definitely a Quilt Market favorite!).

The trees are adorned with hoop art (so fun, and not to mention instant gratification...my kind of project!).  ;)

Julie, Amanda, Me, and Sally

My Momma and I on the last day of set up (Thursday)

PS- I just got back to the hotel from an 80's themed party, hosted by Riley Blake, and I'm pretty sure that this is my favorite photo from the night.  We changed in the convention center bathrooms, but got kicked out as (I guess) we were taking too long to fix our hair!  :)