Hearty Mats

For some reason, I'm feeling the need to decorate for Valentines Day this year. I think it's the absence of all the sparkly Christmas decoration. It sure isn't the cold, dreary weather...it's 70 degrees here while I'm typing!

 

These placemats came together relatively quickly...then they sat waiting for the binding to be stitched. It's a rather boring project and I've too many other ideas floating through my head to have any patience (or self-control).

 



But one was lucky enough to get its binding and have its picture taken:)

 



I love the little 4 patch heart on the front side, but how realistic is a white placemat? I mean...I have two children and we eat a lot of spaghetti!

 



So a quick, string-pieced back hides the spots and shows off the fabrics. Perfect solution...just flip that bad boy over before they eat.

 



And red and pink is just a delicious combo...don'cha think?

I had the opportunity to test a new pattern from HeidiandFinn this week. I have several of their patterns and absolutely love every one I've used. They are simple to follow, include tons of helpful pictures, and come together quickly. But, better yet, they are special. Each one has it's own little touch of flair that makes it stand out from the basic, boring patterns of the world.

 

The new pattern is the Ballet Shrug. When it comes out in the next few weeks it will be available in two size ranges...12mos-5T and 6-10 years. Another perk...patterns that come larger than 5T. In all honesty, I never really thought we'd get to that point. But, here we are...shopping in the big girls department and having to modify our old patterns to add an inch or two to the hems.

 



For once, Bee was the immediate beneficiary of my sewing projects. It seems I always sew for Belle knowing that it will make its way down to Bee eventually, and then we'll get more wear out of it. But sometimes the kid just needs something of her very own...or I start to get the pirate face:)

 



The pattern comes with directions to add ties around the waist band, but Bee is in gymnastics (not ballet) and I thought long strings and flipping over bars were probably not the best combo.

 



Here's one general sewing tip...fabric quality matters. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot! I didn't want to make the drive over to the fabric store to get a knit for this project. So, I picked up a nightshirt from the local big box discount store. It had a cute print and matched her leotard. I thought it was a good idea....WRONG!

 



This fabric was a nightmare! If I so much as put a pin through it, it got a hole. And forget ripping out a seam if you accidentally made a pucker...shreds! GRRR!!!

 



But if I had to fight with the fabric, at least I knew I wouldn't have to fight with the pattern. It comes together like a dream. And then, when you've made something just for Bee, you get dreamy eyes too...buh-bye pirate!

 



A Quilt for Bee

Just so you didn't think I had forgotten her...I started piecing Bee's quilt a couple of weeks ago. It won't be nearly as time-intensive as Belle's, but I think its going to be pretty gorgeous.

 

 

There will be 30 blocks like this one...each in a different fabric. All green, aqua, lavender, plum, and navy. Her walls are a deep saphire blue and her favorite color is purple...we're trying to mesh the two so that we don't have to paint her room. I think it's going to be spectacular...eventually:)

Clowning Around

We're just a smidge late with our Halloween post...or maybe we're really early for Halloween 2013.

Anyway...we had two silly little clowns this year, Wiggles and Giggles. So...just some eye candy, because they're cute...and they've grown a bit since you last saw them.

 

Where am I heading in 2013?

No resolutions here...but as a new year begins, I am considering where my path is headed...besides to our mountain retreat (yep - that's the actual road to our camping cabin!).

So, where am I headed? 

1. Into the scary world of free motion quilting. I trudged through my first mini-quilt today...definitely need more practice, but at least I now know how to attach the foot:) Pics coming...

2. Sewing space spruce up...it needs it. I actually share our former nursery with a trampoline...and yes, the trampoline is staying!

3. Wrap up Belle's room (before starting Bee's). Some hand-quilting, a few more accessories, and we should be good to go.

Where are you headed this year?

Well, What do you know...

My emerald mosaic is a finalist over at Stitched in Color! I really just entered because it gave me an excuse to browse fabrics and dream. But, it's kind of fun to make the short list. Pop on over and check out the beautiful fabric selections and vote for someone. And maybe get some ideas for your next stashing:)

 

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

There have been lots of little (and not quite so little) projects going on in Belle's room in the last few months. I'll try to get you caught up as best I can...

 

I made this rainbow for her using a collection of buttons that I gathered from friends, family, and various Etsy stores.

 

Yeah, it might look cute...and you might be thinking, "Oh, that would be easy." Cause in theory, it is easy. But here's the thing...each one of those bad boys is stitched on individually, to the tune of about a gazillion hours of sewing buttons. So...whatever you're thinking right now, don't do it...just don't. Trust me!

 

 

But, it is cute...and she does love it...so I guess it was worth it.