back to "normal"

Pam and I were so lucky--we were invited to be a part of Tammy Tadd's very special birthday celebration...in Las Vegas!
Tammy rented a super house and flew out; Pam and I of course drove. Because that's what we do.

What a great time we had! The weather could not have been more perfect--and same goes for the temperature in the pool.

It was wonderful to sew with friends--and for me it was an incredible thing to be in a house without males.



We sewed, relaxed, ate, and sewed some more. Pam enjoys the zen of unsewing and she helped out in that area with a quilt top Tammy was working on. She'll be doing way more extensive blogging about our trip since she IS the pro--so I'm sure she'll show off the darling blocks she was working on as well as explain this interesting project...



We also went shopping--to FIVE different quilt shops! They were pretty awesome shops, too, and it was a pleasure to do our bit to support them.



I'd never seen this rose fabric before and I love it. I also love these patterns--the one little bag is pure genius--the "hinges" are made from a carpenter's tape measure! There were lovely quilt samples at The Christmas Goose shop and several had crochet around the edges and it was so pretty I had to get the pattern.
Several shops had the pincushion/thread catcher made up and Pam kept looking at them so I'm thinking she'll be getting one for her birthday.




I did get a little bit of "work" sewing done, but it was kind of hard to focus. I picked up this little pattern and some Kaffe (can you believe I've NEVER used any of his fabric before?) and made one wallet...



and then had to go shopping the next day for fabric to make some more. Seriously--the pattern is addicting. Made a little wallet for each of the girls except Pam, who has particular fabric requirements. The fabrics for those wallets were chosen to coordinate with the special bag Pam and I made for Tammy. Don't know why I didn't take a photo of it, but you'll see it soon enough since it'll be a pattern. We're waiting for some specific fabric to be available for the pattern cover. Trust me--Pam's done it again.



No trip is complete without a visit to Pam's trunk...aren't Tammy and Sherry the sweetest? Yes, in fact, they are.

So now it's back to WORK, worrying over deadlines, and having far too many guys around me. But I wouldn't trade it all for anything--as long as there's an occasional wonderful week with friends!

spring really is coming

Seriously! It is! And you don't have to be like me--working on Christmas projects. You can pull out some pretty florals and make something for the upcoming sweet Spring days.

I designed this pattern when it wasn't springtime at all and I'm glad to get to enjoy it this year. The runner is super easy and the framed pictures are quick and fun to do. I think Brenda's "Celebration" fabric collection was perfect!

new fabric

By the time you read this, Pam and I will be on yet another road trip. I know, I know...but somebody has to do it!

I'm pretty sure Pam will be posting while we're gone and I know I'll be doing lots of tweeting.

Today I had to prepare some fabric to take with me, because this trip involves a bit of sewing! I've got a deadline for a Christmas project coming up so thought I'd better get busy. Holly sent us a big box full of her new Dolly Dresses fabric and I love it almost as much as Pam does! She's got most of the pieces at her house (aren't I nice?) but here's what I'm bringing with me. These happy prints may not make you think of Christmas, but I think they'll be perfect for my kitchen table this next holiday season!

new bag!

I love it when Pam comes out with a purse pattern because that gives me a reason to make a whole bunch. Last fall she introduced the Messenger Bag and I have to say it's been one of my favorites! It's about the easiest purse EVER and I've made a bunch and have yet to get tired of it.

You can embellish the fronts and backs however you like--the possibilities are endless.



So when I saw this fabric at the Quilter's Inn, I had to make another...


Jane decided to kit it up and it's been selling fast. She's got just a couple of kits left so if you like it, call the shop at (925) 837-8458 and she can send you one!

blocks please!

I don't know how many of you have followed her story...I first learned of it on Twitter. If you've got some time, and a box of kleenex, I'd recommend you read it. It's heartbreaking, yet also an amazing story of faith.

Yes, sweet Layla is now at peace.

Candace, of Cotton Candie Fabric, is collecting blocks to turn into a quilt for Layla's family. She hopes to have enough blocks to also make one for each of Layla's sisters.

The deadline for blocks is Monday.

All information can be found here.

It's one of the many things that makes us lucky to be quilters--it's so easy to send a little piece of love to those who are hurting.