Merry Little Garland

Update: I have the templates posted on my sidebar. Have fun making them!

I made this fun little garland to spruce up my little corner of the universe. It sits on my bulletin board above my desk. I love the colors and it is a bit modern with a tradition

al flair in its shape. Wanna tutorial? Well, here goes! [I should have the templates up sometime today.]

First, you need to cut out 7 oval shapes from white felt and 7 ornament shapes from red felt. Trace and cut out the letter applique shapes from fusible web. Fuse the letters onto the white felt and zigzag around the letters with coordinating thread.

Next, using white thread, sew around the oval with a scant seam allowance as shown below.

You will end up with this. Before you go across the top of the oval, place a piece of folded ribbon at the top and continue sewing. Make sure that the sewing goes over the ribbon.

You should have a little hanging ribbon attached like this.

Thread the ribbon through the hanger to make the garland and hang up to enjoy! xo, L

Be Merry!

*Update: I have the tree template posted there on the free patterns sidebar. Love to see what you make from it. Try the design as a greeting card, or other sewing project and enjoy!

I suddenly feel as though I have a million, no, a trillion, things on my plate. I have a few goodies for you to make as last minute gifts over the next week. Being sick set me back a bit but tell the truth, I am a big procrastinator when it comes to certain things. [Lots of us procrastinate, right? Reno can tell you that my most inspired moments happen when something is needed, like, uh, yesterday.] So, I am here to help you with that wee problem. 

I made this tea towel for a magazine but they only used the card portion of the design. I just couldn't not let the world see it. I bought an antique tea towel at my local shop of all things beautiful, Heart Strings, but any towel will do. Cut a triangle for the tree base and a small star and fuse. I printed the "be merry" wording by selecting a font and coloring it in black and white, and printing it onto a Printed Treasures fabric sheet. I fused that at the bottom. You can most certainly use any of the fabric tags that the scrapbooking companies have on the market. Then I free-motion sewed the swirls for the tree. I bought some fancy green lace at JoAnn's and sewed it along the bottom of the towel. Instant hostess gift. I'll  have the pattern posted later today.

xo, L

Round and Round

I made this wreath last year and mixed up all of these fun lime, red and multi-colored prints. I had fun making it with all of the happy colors. I'm thinking that a little ottoman/pillow [without the center hole in the wreath design] would be oh so fun in these colors too. Add a big fabric button in the middle and there you have a cozy little seat for the wee ones in your family. I can guarantee that they'll love to jump on top of it. xo, L

Only 25 more days! Yikes!

I hope that you had a great holiday. I ate way too much! Big A made these cute turkeys at his Thanksgiving class party. Aren't they cute?

We had a great time though because my sister and her family visited from Toronto. We got all of the photos with Santa taken care of and I took the traditional holiday photo of my nephew for his holiday card. Now, the crunch before Christmas! Luckily, I get the "gift shopping" part of Christmas done in November. That way I can cruise and enjoy December and make little gifts.

I designed these pillows for my book, New Noel. I love them because they're so fresh and adorable. I fell madly in love with the black/gray/cream check pattern below. I think that I bought a good part of the bolt.

I love bright, modern colors. I'm not much of a traditionalist when it comes to holiday colors. I vary from the brights to cream/light blue hues to earthy but for some reason I just don't do the usual emerald green and tomato red. I've even got a little design in progress that has incorporated chocolate colored felt. What are your favorite colors for the holidays? Will be back very soon. xo, L

Is There A Doctor In The House?

I am feeling better but I still sound like a loud, barking seal. Do I have any readers who are doctors or nurses [or anyone else with a cure]? Please, tell me of a cure for this hacking cough. I will love you forever.

I have worked through all of this though. It has been tough keeping focus on everything but I have done two interviews in the past month and I have finished two book proposals. Phew!

Have you started making gifts yet? Of course you have! (wink!). If not, then I am sure that you'll only have time for quick little gifts from here on in. First, did you check out the birdies that I designed for Quilts and More back in the Fall 2008 issue?

In the same issue there was the cool little crayon holders that I designed. I love those and plan on making a few to give away to the wee ones in my life. I used my Gardenia fabric in this one.

I also think that pillow ideas are quick and easy designs that you can make. I made the one above a while ago with my Funky Flowers fabric. It's so bright and happy. I'll highlight a few more ideas in the next few days. I have my sister, bil and cute little nephew visiting this weekend. I can't wait. I hope that you are all having fun prepping for the holiday weekend. xo, L

Noel

I thought that I'd start with a project that has been available on my web site in case any of you haven't seen it yet. You can find the pattern here. 

I love the simplicity of this stocking. I used felt for the body of the stocking. It's fairly small so put little trinkets in it or just use it to dress up a corner. Meanwhile, I will be back soon. I'm on meds right now and I can't seem to shake this cold. Enjoy and I'd love to see your work.

xo, L

So Satisfying

*Note: I edited this post ever so slightly because the earlier one didn't flow quite as I liked.

In the past year I made a point of making more personal gifts more than samples. It was therapeutic and a terrific means for me to express thanks for all of the little gifts of love and support that I received. One of these special projects was a beautiful scarf designed by Kim Hargreaves and knit with Rowan Cocoon. I almost didn't want to part with it. The scarf was so soft and warm.

It's going to be a handmade year. I'm going to put out a few free projects soon. Hopefully, you'll be inspired enough to make some for yourself or for gifts. Some designs have already been around and there will be a couple of new ones. Stay tuned in the next few weeks.

Back to Quilt Market for a second. My friend Karla of Sweetwater Street and I always have great little talks through the day during market. She has these cool labels, beautiful fabric and quilt patterns. Check out her designs. I met her at my very first market. She only designed quilt related items at that time and then she went into the world of scrapbooking. She's now combined the best of both and is designing really cool labels that you can order. You'll love them.

I always enjoy running into quilt shop folks. I love their enthusiasm. Here are the folks from Spool in Philadelphia, Pa. I've only been to their knit shop, Loop, but I'm sure the fabric sister store is as gorgeous as the first.

I just love running into people in the aisles. Everyone's having a great time at the show and we're all there to be inspired.

I met Sherri [above, left] and Sandi [below] at the airport in Atlanta last year. They were super nice and we had a great time at dinner. Ladies, I'm sorry that I didn't get to spend much time with you because I was only there for a short time this year. I was running around trying to accomplish a few things in particular. Unfortunately, socializing wasn't at the top of the list! Next year!

The ribbons at this booth were gorgeous. I am a ribbonaholic. Is there therapy for this sort of problem?

The products at Quilt Market are an endless source of inspiration. I didn't even get photos of everything because I started running around for my appointments at this time.

The ladies at Stone Creek Creations manufacture these nifty little totes for storing your tools. They had a really cute booth and an adorable little girl in a big chair. It reminded me of the kids' show, "The Big Comfy Couch". They gave out these cute headbands with feathers [as shown in her hand]. I couldn't believe that they women and men wearing them throughout market. My little one has been wearing my bright fuschia colored one and hopping around like a bunny. So funny.

Have a great weekend. I'm going to get some rest. We have been sick with colds all week. We are turning the corner now and hopefully it will be out of our systems by Sunday. Both of the boys are participating in their first tae kwon do tournament. xo, L

Check This Out

Leisure Arts has a wee interview of me here. You should check out Cheryl's blog too. The crafty ones all dressed up in terrific pirate costumes for Halloween.

Lovelies On My Desk

I'll get back to a few more Houston photos later in the week. For now, I need to do some work. I need to do a bit of catching up because I'd caught a cold when I was in Houston.

Meanwhile, I am working at the wee hours of the morning and trying to distract myself by looking at the little things that I have around my desk. I picked up that frame at the top for my cork board at an estate sale about 12 years ago. The glassware is a bit newer. I got them at anthropologie. The most beautiful item is my tall vase. It is a ceramic piece from Kosoy and Bouchard. I love it and I love their whole line of ceramics. Their pressware line is to die for. I wanted to buy a few pieces when I met them at the One of a Kind show in Toronto but I knew the realities of having the pieces in my home. My little boys would somehow introduce themselves to the pieces. I'm sure that my little one would make a new home for his Bakugan balls if I'd treated myself to the flat plates or put his rock collection on top of it.

Yesterday, I went to grab Alex's jacket and it felt as though the jacket weighed 20 pounds or so. I discovered his love for jagged rocks and hence, his new collection in his pockets. Yes, this is the same child who took a Sharpie marker and colored my dashboard [fyi, Magic Eraser works wonders in erasing it all] and wrote on my light beige carpet with it. I am told that I shouldn't be mad or surprised because "he takes after me". I won't tell those folks who told me that they're right but between you and me, they are right. He's fiesty, artsy and gutsy. I have no one else to blame and I'm not mad.

Happy Halloween!

I had these wonderful pumpkins waiting for me on my front steps when I returned from Houston! My boys did a great job of carving them!

Quilt Market - Part Three

It was nice chatting around the Henry Glass booths. I got to meet the other designers who work with them. Lynette Andersen [right] is from Australia! She had her son working really hard! Karen [middle] keeps me in line! I also saw Bunny Hill Designs and met Quilt Soup, and Michelle of the beautiful Cicada Studios.

I met with the ladies at the Martingale/That Patchwork Place booth. Their books are so lovely and I hope to do some more work with them soon. I lunched with Cynthia Tomaszewski of Simple Pleasures. Her new book just made its debut at this market. We managed to chat with Weeks Ringle who was sitting at the table.

I wandered over to the Leisure Arts booth. Funny thing happened again this year. Cheryl and I met and talked business on the Super Shuttle! We've done this before!

My book, Home Stuff, was displayed wonderfully in their booth. That's the bird pillow on the left and the table runner right below it.

Mary Lou Weidman,  had a bunch of us drooling over a new super $11, 000 Bernina. We all wanted one! I think that there was talk of a bluetooth wireless foot for their machines. Wow! Check out her photo of us. I look much better there! She's such a fun person and very creative.

Maggie Walker had her wonderful applique designs on display. I love the painterly quality of her designs.

It was good to see Nancy of Better Homes and Gardens. She came to my home for the photo shoot of my home this past spring. She's totally cool and I love chatting with her.

Over at the APQS booth, I hung out with a few old friends, [from left] Pat Sloan, Heidi Kaisand, and Lila Scott.

Here's Lila again [she's the Technical Editor for BHGs' magazines] with Jody, who's an Assistant Editor for the same magazines.

I hope that you enjoyed these. I'll have a few more photos soon. xo, L

Quilt Market - Part Two

I love these ladies. I met Barb and Alma of Blackbird Designs at the Better Homes and Gardens' Designer Retreat. They are energetic, fun and very genuine. Gorgeous designs and oh so gorgeous styling happening in their booth. Take a peek below.

This mantle piece makes me envious that a booth display could look so much better than my home! Their booth was so comfortable yet so sophisticated.

They had this bird cage hanging across the top of their booth. Love that quilt hanging behind it. The little lights added a magical quality to their booth.

Oh yes, we even had some touch with true celebrity fame in Houston. Marie Osmond was making an appearance. She is so tiny! Lots of people were waiting in line for her to sign something. 

I went on to see the booth of one of my favorite design firms. I love Alexander Henry fabrics. Here's the dynamic designing duo, Nicole and her brother Phillip who own the company and do the designing for Alexander Henry.

I'm in love with the light grays, yellow and white look right now so I was obviously in love with their booth. 

Come back for part three. I still have lots of photos to go through but we're experiencing a storm right now so I've gotta run. xo, L

Quilt Market - Part One

It was a whirlwind weekend and it was awesome. I was in Houston at Quilt Market. I worked more than I played this time. I really got my creative groove back at this show. I could really feel it this time. I didn't get a lot of photos of all that was going on but I did stop by a few booths.

Since we're already on the topic of my friend, Amy, we'll start with her booth. She had a gorgeous booth as usual. Her new fabrics and patterns are wonderful. You'll have to check them out at your local quilt shop. Her Dad was there charming everyone!

Well, Mark Lipinski is, of course, editor of one of my fave magazines, Quilters Home. He was funny and charming as usual. Such a fun guy!! [Hey, Mark, did I do a good job of cropping the photo?]

On the first night, lots of people lined up for Sample Spree. It was crazy! On the way in, I spotted someone chatting with Ricky Tims.

Here are Scott and Joel from Henry Glass at their table at Sample Spree before the madness. They look calm because Sample Spree hadn't started yet.

That's all that I can put together at this point. I was so darned tired today. Totally pooped. My Mom, brother and aunt will be leaving tomorrow. Perhaps I can sit down for a few minutes to go through all of my photos and put together another post about the show again tomorrow.

xo, L

Lucky Me

My friend, Amy Butler, sent me this special book yesterday. So lovely. The designs are wonderful and they make me want to [almost!] have another baby. I don't review a lot of books but I have to say that I love this book. She has a wide variety of designs ranging from simple blocks to a couple of her awesome bags. I love the "Everything Bag" and I'm going to make a few for gifts. I am going to make the "Cheeky Monkey Laundry Bag" for my boys because they wanted that one the moment that saw the photo of it. 

Amy's directions are, as usual, great and detailed. The styling and photography are gorgeous. I would definitely recommend this for all sewers. The designs are versatile and lovely.

I am off to Houston tomorrow! Yippee! I'm so excited.

xo, L

p.s. The card and envelope are from her stationary line. Beautiful.

Little Helper

I am trying to work this afternoon but my little helper wants to show off his work. He's learning how to spell and he loves to draw. He did a nice job on my car today. While I was talking to his friend's mom, Alex decided to write on my car radio and hazard light switch with a Sharpie marker. Lucky for him there is a product called Magic Eraser or else he'd be in the doghouse right about now.

Those are very colorful Storm Troopers from Star Wars by the way. He thought it would be cute to show off all of Mommy's little treasures like her Moo cards, fabric labels, fabric buttons, selvage strips and wool pear pincushion. I think that his color sense is very similar to mine because I think that the multi-colored Storm Troopers are much cuter than the actual ones in the movie. 

*Note: For those of you who were interested in my inspiration wall, you can now buy your own at Land of Nod. I think that I may have to re-cover with another design now that everyone's going to buy some of this wallpaper. Sigh!

xo, L

Wishing For Warm Weather

I took this photograph this summer when it was nice and toasty. It has been quite cool here in the past week. Reno even left the ice scraper for me in the doorway on his way out one morning. Brrr!

Most of us in the quilting industry are prepping for Quilt Market this weekend. I can't wait! I love to meet up with friends and to meet some new ones. It is wonderful and I always come home inspired. Wishing you a lovely, warm day!
xo, L

Wowsa!

Thank you to Michelle of Sugar Creek Stuff!!! She won my contest a while back and look what she made for me.  I love it all the more because the gift was truly a gift. It is so wonderful and yet so unexpected. [Making the tote for me was not a requirement for winning but it is a wonderful perk for me!]

I love how she used the selvage on the front of the tote and the little tissue holder is lovely. I think that I will just have to have a few more contests! xo, L

Oh Brother!

I am having one of those weeks where everything is going wrong at the worst of times. I have to laugh about it or else I will cry.

I haven't posted for a while because my computer crashed. It is my pc and for some reason, the poor thing started to make weird, LOUD noises. Suddenly, it wouldn't even turn on. Luckily, I have my Mac. The aggravating thing is that we only got this thing in September. Reno spent all weekend saving all of my photos and files. Phew! One crisis in recovery mode. Next one please.

Then my eye glasses broke. OMG Quilt Market is at the end of this week. I have old glasses but I feel much better in my current pair. Hopefully, I will get them back before I fly out to Houston on Friday. Ok, crisis number two down. 

I believe in positive thinking. So, I thought I'd share a couple of pretty things to smooth the soul. My aunt made that pretty little shawl above when I was a kid. I found it when we sold our childhood home last summer. Although the colors are too garish for me to wear, I love to look at it because the colors make me smile and then I am reminded of my childhood. Anyone else wear lime green and orange plaid pants like I did?

I thought I'd show you this pretty little dove that I made for a book proposal about two years ago. It ended up being revised and in Quilts and More. All of this reminds me that the holidays are quickly approaching. I have a free little stitchery pattern for you. Hopefully I will get it up before I go to Houston for the show.

p.s. Does anyone know how to make these photos larger on an iMac? For my pc, I just clicked on it and dragged the photo. I can't seem to do that here.

xo, L