Sunday, June 27, 2010

Sold




The first day of the craft store and I sold several items, including my tie purse. My chalk placemats seem to be a big hit. I have sold out already. So am making several more for the store. Hopefully that will hold them for a while. I only ordered 2 yards of the chalk cloth, may have to order more before the end of the summer.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Chalk Placemat





This really is the neatest thing I have seen in a long time. It is a dine and doodle placemat. On one side is a fabric called chalk cloth that is identical to a chalk board, only made from cloth, and the other side is a placemat. And there is a little holder for chalk. And the whole thing rolls up for those on the go moms to take for their kids.

I made a few up to go in the craft store here in my little town. Of course I had to try it out to see if it really works like a chalk board. And it does, I was simply amazed. Had a little doodle myself with it. And when your meal comes, simply flip it over and there is your placemat. At the end of dinner, just wipe clean with a damp cloth and roll it up for the next time. (I should point out in the picture, the chalk cloth side looks like it has a fold mark in it, it does, and that relaxes in a few days)

Apparently you can't get the chalk cloth in Canada, I only found it in the States. These placemats sell for $18.00 on etsy. I am selling mine for $10.00.

I will let you know how my wares sell over the next few weeks as the store has its official opening tomorrow.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Free Motion Practice



This is a little more practice and continuing to build a repetoire of free motion designs to use.

Friday, June 18, 2010




I did some pattern testing for The Quilted Fish. Amanda Herring is the creator behind this fabulous quilting blog. I stumbled upon the blog last year and have tested patterns for her for 2 years now. She is one of those women who is patient, appreciative and loaded in talent.

She just recently designed a fabric line and enclosed in my little thank you present was a bundle of fat quarters from her new fabric. I don't even think they have hit the stores yet. I can't wait to create something with it... but for now I will just savour it.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Kids Fun






Here are some cute little travel toys for your little ones. They are crayon rolls and one is all crayons and the other has crayons and a little notepad in it.

My kids still love to pull out crayons when we are at a restaurant and I found the crayon boxes either disappear or get torn to shreds. This will be handy for them to carry their treasures in. And they look cute too!

Sew to Sell



I am taking a break from my quilting this week to do a mad dash on craft items.
I have been asked to put some of my wares in a new little craft store opening up in my town. The best part is I don't have to work at the store, as that would be difficult with my kids home for the summer.

I have been sewing laptop covers and reusable snack/lunch bags. My kids loved using the snack bags in their lunches. They are enviro friendly and have a waterproof lining so are perfect for grapes, strawberries, you name it. I am also going to do up some kids totes that hold crayons and a colouring book.

I have some purses ready to go and will do some ipod cases up as well. Must get back sewing.....

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Welcome!


Just want to welcome pearmcgee to my blog. Glad to have you aboard. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you like.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Free Motion Practice


I always need practice on my free motion quilting. And I always get stumped as to what design I should use. I have looked extensively for a good free motion book of designs and have never found one.

Then I stumbled onto a fantastic blog. Leah Day is doing a blog on 365 Days of Free Motion Quilting.

I am going to do samples of each of her days and then put them into some kind of book so I can have them for easy reference.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Fabric Fettish



I really can't get enough of fabric. There are so many easy ways you can use that 'simply must have' material.

Today I decided to remove a boring green cardboard insert in my favourite coffee travel mug and replace it with some funky fabric. It took about two minutes and I love the look it projects. When I get tired of this one, I will simply replace it and throw in another one.

Friday, June 11, 2010

New Clothes




I have been busy sewing. I have now made three skirts, and three tank tops.
The skirt shown is my favourite fabric of all time. I already have a long sleeve shirt made out of it. But I think it would be a bit much if I wore them both together!

The tank top is done with me taking a picture of myself in the mirror. No one was around when I needed a photographer, so I hired myself.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Welcome New Follower

Welcome Azandlina to my blog, please leave comments and let me know what your thoughts are.
Looking forward to getting to know you.

I have been sewing up a storm, on Sunday night I sewed up 3 tank tops and one skirt. They are so quick and fit terrific.
I thought I had pics of them but for some reason they are gone. I will try to take some soon to post.
In the meantime, I know everyone likes a good picture, so here is one of my 1 year old dog Cody.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Swim Suit Top


Once again, we are back in the pool swimming. I spend a good portion of my time in the pool standing, either watching and helping my own two or teaching lessons to others.
Each year I end up wearing a long sleeve shirt part way through the summer, as I dislike the sun beating on my shoulders and back.

This year I got organized. I purchased some funky swim suit fabric and made myself a long sleeve swim top. Now I am ready to hit the pool and be comfortable and protected.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

St. Paul's Banner

This is a picture of the 25 year old banner. It is made of felt and the design is great. Over time the sun has done damage to it. Although I took the picture in a darker room so it doesn't show the fading as much. There is wear and tear as well, but that is hard to see too.






This is my art banner. It is slightly larger than the old one. I drew everything out, which is no easy task for me as I am drawing challenged. It is darker than the picture shows. The ends of the ribbon have ric rac to imitate the tassles. I couldn't resist adding the gold lace to the outside!
Leave a comment, so I know you stopped by.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

My Column Is Out



I received my copy of 'Canadian Quilter' today. I tore open the plastic and went straight to the table of contents. There I found my very first article for my column on page 72. The editor, Marsha, did a terrific job on laying it out.

I had to have a writing name, so called myself the 'Creative Cousin'. My blog is mentioned under a description of myself, as well as a picture of me and one of my fabric stash.

And I received extra copies to hand out to family and friends. That was a nice treat.

Check me out and leave a comment!