gardens and quilts and stuff

The one part of my life right now that seems just right is my new little back yard. It's already quite pretty and has plenty of spots for me to tuck things into. And that's what I've been doing. So when unpacking gets to be a bit much...that's where you'll find me. I'm planning some pretty pillows for the chairs...I think it's going to be a very girly kind of place.



Summer is also a good time for some leisurely projects...I've decided that "A Dash of Sugar" (you know--that free pattern over there on the right?) would make a very pretty shower curtain. So I think that's going to happen.

Summer also seems like a good time to find some new homes for a few of my quilts. There are some pieced quilts for sale up on my website and there are 2 appliqued quilts as well. And more will follow. Obviously these are one of a kind. I enjoyed designing and making them and hopefully someone has just the right spot for one.



Be sure to scroll down just a bit...there are 2 giveaways you don't want to miss.

Strip-Smart Quilts

I have to be honest about a couple of things. When Kathy asked me if I'd participate in her blog hop, I didn't even hesitate. If you're lucky enough to know Kathy, you know she's about the sweetest person ever--and is just as talented. So of course I couldn't wait to get my hands on the book...and the ruler.

So the book arrived...and it was great to just sit back and look thru it...at all the pretty quilts...hmmm...which one most strikes my fancy...

Days passed and all of a sudden came the realization that my day was coming up and soon. My sewing machine had just been moved...but most supplies were still at the old house. I was suddenly sorry I'd agreed to be a part of this...because I just didn't have the time. Or the attention span.



So I decided to see just how quickly I could make this happen. Picked a quilt pretty much at random, and grabbed some of the few pieces of fabric that are here. (Annie's Farm Stand by LakeHouse Dry Goods, dontcha know). Kicked the cat off the ironing board (that's another story for another day) and quickly skimmed the instructions.


Cut my strips...stitched them together at warp speed...kicked the cat off the ironing board yet again...and grabbed the ruler.

As an aside, when Kathy mailed me the ruler, she packed it very carefully. And added the words "Fragile" "Do Not Bend" and so on. The USPS quite helpfully, decided that she must really have meant "BEND", so they did. And the ruler arrived in 3 pieces. Sigh...

So again, just quickly skimming the cutting instructions? Off I went.



Time for assembly. Again, to be honest? Did not take the time to pin. Just grabbed triangles and sewed. Didn't need to pin because the seams effortlessly nested together.

The entire process? Would have taken less than 5 minutes but I ran out of bobbin thread.

I guess what I'm saying is that the book is fantastic...the projects are great and the ruler is amazing. Kathy did a great job with her instructions--I barely paid attention and my block is darn close to perfect.

Kind of a weird testimonial, but there you go. If I could do it with little attention and even less time? It's a great thing.

So you know the drill. Leave a comment and I'll draw a name and Kathy will make sure you get to play as well.

new patterns!

I'm baaack...and it hasn't even been a month yet! I shouldn't joke...what with still moving and stuff, anything could happen.

What's happening now? Two pretty cool things...new patterns and a SALE.

All the new patterns for Spring 2011 are now up on the website...you'll notice that all but one are digital. That's a necessity when the fabric isn't available yet. But it's so worth it in this case since the fabrics are all from Pam's "Pam Kitty Morning" collection for LakeHouse Dry Goods!


The other pattern? That's Pam's Farmer's Market Bag and both samples are made with
"Annie's Farm Stand" also by LakeHouse. The good news? That fabric is in stores now.
The bag is a new version of an old favorite--the "Market Bag" was Pam's first purse pattern for Late Bloomer Quilts and all these years later it's still selling well. The new bag is bigger and roomier...and has the option of fabric handles as well as premade.

To make room for the new patterns, I've (sadly) decided to discontinue some of the older ones. While they last, these patterns are available for as low as $3 each. "Flight of Fancy"? That one is only $5. Some of my best selling patterns are on the list...including "Altar Steps", "True Love", "Toujours" and "Butterfly Love". Lots of love, for sure!

Samples and fabric bundles have also been put on sale so have a look around.

If you'd like to maybe be the first on your block to play with the new patterns? You know what to do...leave a comment and in a week I'll pick a name and the patterns will be on their way to you.

Speaking of giveaways, be sure to come back first thing on Wednesday because it's my day on the Teacher's Pet blog hop!

I'm back...

Excuse me while I push a packing box (or two) out of the way...things are kind of chaotic
in my world these days, but if I wait for them to settle down I may never write a post again.

Tho considering all the dust on this blog, it probably looked like I'd forgotten all about it.

Not so...just too many things going on and not all of them happy and light...and happy and light is what I've always wanted my blog to be. But things are definitely looking up and there are lots of things to talk about now.

While there haven't been any new posts in weeks, Pam has been busy keeping my sidebar updated with new goodies...so feel free to click on the links and check out the fun patterns...including the free pattern I designed for Lecien using their newest Flower Sugar collection. Sadly I didn't get to make the quilt--Nireko did--but it was so much fun seeing it all finished in their booth.

Hopefully you've read all about Quilt Market by now...yes, I really was there...and it was so much fun to get to help set up a booth and have it not be my booth. Nowhere near as much stress. I got to play with the center table in the LakeHouse booth and I'm too embarrassed to admit just how many pieces of candy I snuck from the display over the 3 days of Market.



It was a great Market...and so much fun to see all the excitement that Pam's fabric was generating. I've had the fun of knowing the secret for a long time now...and have had the pleasure of designing quilts digitally using all the fun prints. And like you, can't wait to get my hands on the actual cloth. I have big plans for a few of the pieces--I have decorating to do!

Meanwhile, be sure to check back before long...I'm part of the Teacher's Pet blog hop and there are prizes to be won...great stuff!