Friday, May 29, 2009

Needle Book Notions

It's been a while since I've written about what I have been making so I thought I'd let you know what's new.

I've been stitching up these needle books. They are so sweet and fun to create. They are ideal for anyone who sews or crafts and has an assortment of needles on hand. They would be perfect for traveling or as a crafty teacher appreciation gift. A gift certificate to a craft store or local coffee shop could also be included in the pocket inside!
I have upcycled some denim for some and made up some crazy quilt panels for the others. It's a lot of fun finding ribbons and buttons to add the finishing touches. The all have 4 pages of felt for needles and pockets in the inside front and back for storing small scissors and little notions.

The ones pictured on top aren't in my Etsy store (yet) but I do have a bunch already listed. See something you like, just let me know and I'd be glad to list it special for you!
What better way to keep your needles together than with one of these little sweeties!

~I have a section of my shop just for these nifty notions ~ 

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

and the WINNER is ......

I have to say it was so nice to see so many entries. I am glad I made this giveaway "no strings attached". I didn't require the usual ~ go to my shop, peek around, and then report your favorite item. The fact that SO MANY of you did this anyway, THEN left wonderful comments made my heart sing! A big THANK YOU to those that entered!

and with that being said... 
~ the drawing ~

and the WINNER!
Carrie Lascano 
hooray!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

A Wealth of Treasuries!

I just wanted to share 2 treasuries that I am currently in with you and thank the curators for including me in these beautiful collections!

~ Don't miss out on my GIVEAWAY ~ 
scroll down a few posts, leave a comment & your in!!!

Saturday, May 23, 2009

A Brand New Box of Crayons

Who doesn't love a brand new box of crayons? ~ sharp points, vibrant colors all standing at attention, makes me smile. So does this treasury, A Brand New Box of Crayons that my Summer Time table runner is featured in. Thanks for including me in such a beautiful collection of color Post Card Lady

~Don't miss out on my giveaway ~ 
scroll down 2 posts for a chance to win! 

Friday, May 22, 2009

On Line Quilt Patterns!

I have been asked by the Quilt Pattern Shoppe to review the patterns they offer and share them with you. I also want to share that I am paid for my time and professional opinion. That being said I do want to let you know they are definitely worth checking out!

I am constantly on the look out for new quilting patterns. I found that The Quilt Pattern Shoppe offers tons of patterns in easy to find searchable categories (ie. size, skill level, technique, & even some free patterns). The great thing about The Quilt Pattern Shoppe is there are no shipping costs because you can immediately download them to your computer and print from home ~ no delivery costs or waiting for them to be delivered (and who doesn't love shopping in pj's sipping a cup of coffee)! The Quilt Pattern Shoppe also offers a rewards program with partnering online quilt stores for thread, fabric, and other items.

If you've designed your own pattern, consider checking out The Quilt Pattern Shoppe as they are always looking to add variety & more patterns to their site. You will get a personal page where shoppers will be able to learn more about you.

~ Don't forget my giveaway is still going on. Scroll down to participate! 

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Giveaway!

It is definitely time for a giveaway! In the spirit of pay it forward (I did after all win a fantabulous Knitting needle wrap from Julia over at Adirondack Mama's gifts ) I would like to give someone these lovely pot holders (they do match you are looking at front & back). They are the first pair that I have made in this style (an oval shape ~ I know Earth shattering!) and I would consider them a prototype.

If you would like a chance to win leave a comment on this post, really about anything!

I originally set up my giveaway having you go to my Etsy shop and looking around. You still can if you want but it's not necessary! (if you already did you will have extra chances to win)

The drawing will be on Wednesday, May 27. Please be sure I have a way to contact you (your blog, etsy shop, or email).

Have a wonderful day!

Monday, May 18, 2009

A Salute ~ A Treasury!

I made up some beautiful red, white, & blue banners. I thought they would be great for the summer holidays, barbeques, or a special homecoming. I did sell one today but have 3 left.
I found them in a treasury today. 

This treasury A Salute was put together by Susantique
Love the eye popping red, white, & blue!


be sure to come back tomorrow ~ I'm going to have my 2nd giveaway!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures!

Seriously folks things were BAD, really really bad. So bad I can't even show you the photos. I've been sewing so much and not really putting things back where they belong and well, let's just say it got very out of hand. 

I did actually try on several occasions to make things better. Each time I'd go through my materials I'd just wind up finding something I wanted to make (much more fun than organizing). The Big Clean was just not happening. 

My desperate measure was to hand my machine over for a long overdue servicing. Without my machine to sew, I'd have no choice but to get things in order! Here are the results:
Welcome to My Crafty Nook!
I'll still be sewing on the dining room table but at least this work space under the stairs is usable again!

Eventually I would like to put a table here that I can sew on, 
I will be on the lookout for one this yard sale season!
 I'd then move some of these materials onto shelves that I will put up on the walls.

I love these baskets (all 8 for $1) I found at a golf course yard sale. 
They are plastic coated wire and were used to hold golf balls. 

More supplies here and only 1 bin of scraps,
(I did separate quite a bit according to color & size, this is the leftovers)
I do have a couple more bins of assorted materials hiding out in my son's room.

Okay so now where is MY MACHINE! It's been a week and a half. He says to call tomorrow, it will probably be ready (probably??). Fingers crossed, I am SEW ready! 

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

May Daze ~ Going On Right Now!

This is it folks my giveaway prize for the Quiltsy May Daze Promotion...
A lovely little purse, cute & snazzy!
and the details... (once again)
 
Our team promotion began on Mother's Day (5/10)  and runs until 5/16. In addition to the prize giveaways (that's mine above), each participating shop will be running a special ~ sale, free shipping, or gift. I have chosen to include a special free gift with each purchase. (not the purse above, you'll have to buy something from me to find out!) To play along see our Quiltsy Team Profile for complete details as well as the links for all the participating shops. 
Really not very difficult and I promise you will see many beautiful items along the way! 

~ there will be 6 winners and each winner gets several prizes (how fun is that). 
Click on our team profile (above) to take you to a list of participating shops ~ happy hunting!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Earth Day Mosaic

Earth Day World Mosaic ~ Can You Find Erin? 

Here She is!

Here's another mosaic with each image only being used once 
(the top mosaic actually uses the images several times).
Erin's picture is the 5th row from the bottom and... oh never mind!


One thing you should know about me is that I absolutely LOVE jigsaw puzzles. I don't mean to brag but I am very good at them. So good in fact that the only puzzles that I really enjoy the challenge of are the mosaic type of puzzles. Somehow just before Earth Day I found out about the Earth Mosaic 2009 project through twitter. Since I love mosaic pictures I knew I had to take part. All you had to do was upload a photo taken on Earth Day. 

I sent in a photo of my daughter blowing bubbles on the back porch, her smile was perfect and captured the essence of the day. To me this photo represents Earth Day perfectly ~ a child (our future) blowing bubbles, enjoying the beginning of a beautiful season, her little white legs exposed to the fresh air and sunshine for the first time in a long while. 

I am looking forward to next year's mosaic. Until then remember everyday is Earth Day ~ do your part so that future generations of bubble blowing children can enjoy the world around them.

More May Daze Treasuries!

 ~ I've been featured in two more treasuries ~
these treasuries are promoting Quiltsy May Daze! 
This is one is from Lovebugstudios called Quilted Thoughts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And this is Quiltsy May Daze created by Originalsbylauren

If you haven't checked out our giveaway/promotion please do! In addition to some fabulous prizes each shop is offering specials this week!
See our team profile for details.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day

You sow the seeds for me to grow
You teach me things I need to know
Your hug makes my mistakes okay
Your love is with me through the day
You give your heart like no other
You gave me life ~ you are my Mother

This is the card my daughter came home from preschool with. Does it get any better than that?

Happy Mother's day to you all!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Quiltsy May Daze Has Arrived!

Here is a treasury I created 
featuring just a few of the very talented quilters that are part of the 
Quiltsy Team.

Our team promotion begins on Mother's Day (5/10)  and runs until 5/16. In addition to the prize giveaways, each participating shop will be running a special ~ sale, free shipping, or gift. I have chosen to include a special free gift with each purchase during this promotion. To play along see our Quiltsy Team Profile for complete details as well as the links for all the participating shops. 
Really not very difficult and I promise you will see many beautiful items along the way!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Thanks Julia!


It's no secret that I love a good giveaway. The only thing I love better is a GREAT giveaway ~ of which I was fortunate to win (again). This time around I was the lucky winner of a beautiful Knitting Needle Wrap made just for me by Julia at Adirondack Mama's Gifts. It is so lovely and it was packaged so sweetly. Do check out her etsy shop, she has some wonderful items. 

This knitting needle wrap is for my mom and I will be sending it off to her tomorrow. It will get to her a little late, we had planned on her being here for Mother's Day but unfortunate circumstances prevailed. She does read my blog and will see this ~ I love you mom, sending you hugs and kisses and a big bouquet of lilacs. 

Julia did her giveaway as a Pay It Forward and asked that the winners do the same ~ I am happy to PIF. Watch for details this coming week!

In the meanwhile don't forget about the Quiltsy Team Giveaway starting this Sunday 5/10 and running through 5/16. Here is the link to the Quiltsy Team page on Etsy. There you will find a list and links to all the participating shops as well as instructions. Hope you come by to play!  (and check out the video on the right side of my blog made by Lovebug for info on this promo)

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Thanks & Giveaways!

This past weekend I participated in the JET (Jewelry on Etsy)  team Mother's Day Hunt. I found all the hidden flowers among the participating team's listings (making me a winner!) and saw so many beautiful items along the way. 

I was contacted by Cher St. Germain of designs by Cher for my address and looked what arrived for me today. These beautiful earrings that are perfect for me ~ do they look 9 patch inspired or what? A big thank you to Cher!

This giveaway/promotion is very similar to what the Quiltsy team will be putting on starting this Sunday 5/10 and running through 5/16. Here is the link to the Quiltsy Team page on Etsy. There you will find a list and links to all the participating shops as well as instructions. Hope you come by to play!  (and check out the video on the right side of my blog made by Lovebug for info on this promo)

Friday, May 1, 2009

New Shoes

 I remember reading about this in a magazine ages ago and I thought I'd share this as it seems to be working. 

We (my 3 1/2 year old daughter & I) were actually having arguments over whether her last pair of shoes were on the correct feet or not ~

Me: Honey  your need to switch your shoes, they are on the wrong feet.
E: No they're not.
Me: um, yes they are...
E: No this is the right way...

Not fun. I just bought her a new pair of summer shoes and thought to try this. Four letter names are just right but you could use initials if your kid has a long name. 

So far so good. I'll keep you informed about the next disagreement, I've a feeling this is just the beginning!

May Sunshine

Thanks to Kym over at Kimbuktu for including my Crazy Kaleidoscope Quilt  in her:
What a pretty collection of items ~ all from Quiltsy team members!