Sewing for Boys

In case most of you don't know, I used to be in the eBay boutique scene. I started when my little girl was about 2. It was great! So much fun making cute dresses and outfits for her. I always had so many ideas swirling around in my head. Then, I had a little boy. I had no idea what to make anymore. What do you make little boys that don't make him look like a sissy? You can't put ruffles on anything or applique cute kitties on his shirts. I wish I had this book back then.

Shelly Figueroa and Karen LePage from Patterns by Figgy's will have a new book just for boys! The book will include 24 projects that go from simple with no pattern pieces, to more complex with multiple pattern pieces. The book will not be available until August, but will be available for preorder soon. So, if you have a little boy that you're dying to make things for, but have no clue, keep an eye out for this book. It looks amazing!

Pillow Obsession

I told myself I would try to do more sewing this year. So far, I think I've been doing ok. I've recently had a pillow obsession. I realized that I hardly had any handmade accessories in my house, so I set out to change that. I started with this little number.

I used KarrieLyne's Four Patch Pillow tutorial. It was a lot of fun and a great way to use up scraps.

Next up, I had to make something with Kate Spain's Central Park. Such great colors and patterns! It was super easy-peasy. I just used a jellyroll and paired it with a Medium Gray Kona solid.

Next, my most recent project is this cute, little pincushion I made for the Scrappy Pincushion Swap on Flickr. I used Tula Pink's Parisville and linen and made some little, 3/4" hexies for the top. My favorite part is the center hexie. See the little mousie? So cute!

Next up on my list of projects I want/need to do is to finish my Lawn Chair quilt. I have the top finished and still need to do the back. Since this pic, I've added a wide chocolate brown border.

I've also got Amy Butler's Liverpool Tunic on my table and this little Butterick pattern.

Butterick B5217

And last, this isn't one of my projects, but my 10 year old's. She was so excited to get these Modkid doll panels, that she went straight to work. She sewed them all herself (with minimal help from me) AND made custom outfits! She made one for herself and the other two for her two besties. I was quite impressed! She's a crafty girl after my own heart!

And if you're wondering, the one on the left has glasses, just like her friend!

Bazaar Style

Bazaar Style is the new, Moroccan-inspired line from Patricia Bravo and Art Gallery Fabrics. It's made up of gorgeous deep purples, golds and teals. And, as usual, the quality is amazing and feels dreamy.
I've got some big plans for these fabrics! I'm planning on making more clothing for myself this Spring and Summer. I'm seeing a few skirts and tops in my future with this line. Oh, I really need a new bag too!
One pattern on the top of my list is the Lilverpool by Amy Butler. What about you?

Issue 4 of Fat Quarterly is hitting subscribers' in boxes today and tomorrow! If you haven't checked out Fat Quarterly yet, you absolutely must! Fat Quarterly is a quarterly e-zine focused on modern sewing for modern sewists. Issues are released 4 times a year.
The latest issue is centered around solids and how to incorporate them into your projects. Every issue is packed full of projects, tutorials and articles.
For this issue, I am offering a special promo just for Fat Quarterly readers!! What is it?? Get your issue now and find out!

Weekend Sale!

I'm having a sale this weekend!! Take 20% off your entire purchase! There's no coupon code needed and the discount will be taken at checkout.

Be sure to check out all the new fabrics that have arrived in the last couple weeks!!

Echino Fall 2010


Sunkissed


Sanctuary

Waiting for Spring

Join the fun with the Bloggers Block-a-Palooza. By this time, we all need a bright, sunny break from the cold, snow and rain. Each week, starting January 24, join your favorite bloggers for a quilt-along that will feature two new blocks per week. The theme is "Waiting for Spring" and will feature the new line by Sweetwater called "Sunkissed." Be sure to join the Flickr group and show off your blocks! You can find Sunkissed here in my shop!

Ooh La La! A Winner!

It was a great holiday weekend, but I sure am glad it's over. My kids have been out of school for over a week, so it's nice to get back on some kind of "normal" schedule.
We went to relatives for Thanksgiving weekend, so I got to play with some Parisville on our way there. I took my hexie supplies. This was my favorite. It's made with the Cameo print. You can just see the bottom of the lion face. I didn't even plan it this way or fussy cut it.

I even got my sister in law hooked on making hexies. She's also a very talented crafter/sewer/quilter, but hasn't gotten to do any sewing for a few years. I also had some Meadowsweet 2 squares with me, which she liked. So, they all stayed there with her. I can't wait to see what she makes.
Thank you to everyone that posted a comment to enter the fat quarter giveaway! If you haven't picked up some Parisville, you really need to! Really. I mean it. It's pretty much amazing if you ask me.
So, the winner of the fat quarter bundle is comment #20, Ann, the Renegade Quilter! Congratulations!

Email me your address! You get to pick out 5 prints out of the ones I carry in my shop!