Keep Calm & Carry On

Are you sick of that iconic image? It seems I can't escape it and all its many variations. And now it could well be my motto for the foreseeable future.

I'm not going be cryptic for fun, it's just not my story to tell.

This past week my life has changed. I have faith it will change back. For now though, everything extraneous in my life is on hold. I hope to return to the blog, but my family comes first. And right now my family is in some SOS..

I thank you for reading, commenting, and hopefully finding some joy here.

As Arnold says, I will be back.

Till then send some positive vibes, say a prayer, raise your glass.. do whatever you can do..

Keep Calm & Carry On

A Little This and That

I apologize for the lack of posts these past 2 weeks, there has been so much going on here at home. It literally took me a week to recover from our overnight camping trip with the girls. Anyone have tips to camping with a baby and toddler, AND not coming home completely wiped out? I'd love some ideas!

Summer is here and our days have been filled with early mornings, running through sprinklers, learning the art of a water balloon fight, and evenings on the deck. Unfortunately it hasn't left too much time for blogging or working in the studio. But with beautiful, sweet babies like these who can complain?

I did finish two items last week for my Etsy shop. First up is a Diva Minnie Mouse inspired quilted baby blanket. I am a stickler about copyright - there are no licensed Disney fabrics in this quilt. They are just fabrics that remind me of the iconic fashionable Mouse! Lots of pink, black, polka dots, and zebra stripes. So much fun!

And I had been working on a paper pieced Union Jack for awhile now. I always test on my patterns to make sure they will come out as well I as imagined. I reworked the pattern 3 times and considered scrapping it all together, but I just love the iconic image. I realized my mistake - I was trying to replicate rather than trying to create my own version. As soon as I went wonky and embraced my vision, it was perfect! The pattern is for 4"x6" and it makes a fabulous applique! I'm using my test pattern on a mini art quilt, but I think this would be so cute on a bib or burp cloth!

I'm also working on a couple larger art pieces. It is hard for me to stay focused on the lengthier projects since I'm all about immediate gratification. These new pieces have been floating in my head for awhile though, so I'm excited to work on them and don't want to rush it.

Due to our crazy,crazy summer schedule I'm going to put off doing more sewing pattern reviews & knock off tutorials till at least the end of July. I have lots of fun projects lined up for you, but time is moving so fast. In the meantime, if you do have any requests - please let me know!

Modern Flag - Mug Rug Freebie Pattern

To kick off my pattern debut on Etsy, I'm offering a free pattern for this mug rug. This is a great introduction to paper piecing. Please only use this pattern for personal or charitable use. Also, it would mean so much to me if you would follow my blog if you like my freebies!

Let me know if you have any questions about paper piecing! I'm soo addicted. Designing these patterns is the perfect combination of creativity and logic. I hope you love it too!
If you love the mug rug, but don't want to make it - I'm selling this one in my Etsy store here. It will probably be the only one of this style I make.. Just too many ideas and not enough time..

First Pattern For Sale & Free Tutorial

I'm going to be listing the Patriotic Pennants - paper pieced pattern is for sale . I'm very excited to be starting this new adventure. I have so many ideas and lots of designs to share. If you ever have any questions or design suggestions, please let me know!

Prim Patriotic Banner

You will need

- an odd number of completed paper pieced pennants from the pattern

- a couple yards of 2" wide coordinating ribbon or fabric

- burlap scraps larger than your completed pennants

1.) If you have not already done so, carefully remove the paper

foundation from the back of the pennants.

2.) Trim pennants down to exact size -

you will not need the 1/4" seam allowance for this project.

3.) Pin a pennant on to a piece of scrap burlap -

make sure you have at least 1/2" border of burlap on all sides.

4.) Sew pennant to burlap, stitching with 1/4" seam allowance.

5.) Trim burlap giving the pennant about 1/2" border.

6.) You can either run your ribbon/fabric string

through your ruffler foot at level 12

or run a long basting stitch down the center and hand gather.

7.) Arrange pennants on ruffled ribbon/fabric and pin in place.

Stitch in place.

That's it! Super easy and such a great prim touch for the holidays.

Have questions?

Let me know!

Linking up to:

Craft-O-Maniac

Tatertots and Jello

Litte Red

I can not say enough good things about Little Red! I didn't train as much as I wanted to and I only recently bought my bike, but I did awesome. I wasn't first, but I wasn't last. The race route is beyond beautiful. Isabelle was pretty heartbroken she couldn't ride with me, and there were so many times on my ride I wished my family was there to see some animal or enjoy the scenery. My only regret is that I didn't choose a longer race. There is always next year and I'm researching more events this summer/ fall.

The first week of July, I'm doing the Dirty Girl Run with a good friend. Isabelle is pretty tickled over the idea of watching mom run in mud :P

Those are the cutest cheerleaders anyone could ask for! And my dear, supportive husband had a bouquet of flowers and kiss waiting for me at the finish line. I know.. I'm a lucky one!

One Of My Favorite Pictures From This Summer..

She is pretty sure that in just a few years that she is going to marry her Daddy...

Nope, they couldn't be any cuter..

Show & Tell!

I know I've been more quiet than usual, but I do have some fun things to share!

In my Etsy store, I'm going to be starting a line of free motion softies! These are perfect to adorn your home or as safe, soft toys for children.

And I'm super excited to say I'm going to be offering a pattern line on Etsy too. This paper pieced banner is going to be the first! It will be posted later this week.

We all love freebies and mug rugs! I'll be posting the pattern for this fun mug rug. It's a perfect gift for the 4th of July hostess or for yourself. Just the right size for a mug & doughnut.

I want to thank everyone that has donated money for Little Red Riding Hood. I have my bike race this Saturday. Not sure that I'm ready, but riding by so many other awesome women will be all the incentive I need. I made this riding apron in about 10 minutes with a half tea towel, ribbon, and some free motion fun!

Made a few outfits this week while testing patterns for designers. This cutie pie top is available at the Tie Dye Diva! I love how it can be made into a dress or top.

And last but not least, Isa & I went to visit Thomas the Train with some of our most favorite people! We had a blast..

More to come, but it's time to give my ol' Etsy shop some love and attention!