Patches and Petals

Having Too Much Fun!

Now is that really possible?  Nah, there's no such thing as having too much fun, especially when it's with my favorite things!  I spent time today catching up on my blog reading...yup, been playing out in the sun and fell behind:(  My travels took me to  Something for Sophie  Pretty harmless, right?  Uh, huh...till Wendy mentioned having joined the Quilt Along at the Old Red Barn Co. Still pretty harmless, R-I-G-H-H-HT? 

I was eyeing the link - yup, that little ol' harmless link.  Hmmm, I really shouldn't push that link, I really shouldn't.  But, it was right there; tempting me, calling out to me....and oh, so irrresistable! 

            

Should I or shouldn't I?  My sister Liz would say, "Oh, just do it already!!" 

So I did, I pushed the button.  Woo Hoo!! ...no worries, go ahead...you can too!!

Join me in the fun of creating this delightfully simple project...first time sewer or quilter?  No problem, step by step instructions are provided!  Join the flickr group for the Old Red Barn Co. and take a look at all the wonderful pictures.  Need some help, just ask!  What a fantastic opportunity to join fellow quilters, sewers and friends in a Quilt Along:)  Best of all you'll have a completed project in seven (7) weeks!!  I LOOOVve this, it means I won't end up with a UFO.  How perfect is that!

Okay, now the tough decision...to treat myself to NEW fabric or work out of my stash?  I decided I had to work out of my stash.  After all, then I can indulge later - guilt free shopping next time right?  Uh, huh;-)  Besides, when DH finds out I worked out of my stash he'll be happy too!  You see, he really feels I have a lifetime supply of fabric in my stash already...somehow, I'm thinking I still have a ways to go to really have a "lifetime supply".  Have any of you ladies run into this dilemma - stashes are too large?  Probably not, right?  (LOL)

I decided on batiks and figured if I didn't make the project too girly and foo-foo then my DH would be more forgiving about my eventual stash building shop trip.  Maybe I'll even use Minkee on the back, that'll really tip the scales!!  (It's a highly sought after commodity in my household...soft, plush, and oh so wonderful a commodity - in more ways than one this time!  Alrighty, these ended up being my fabric selections:

 
Since the Quilt Along is actually in week 4, I'm doing a little bit of catch up.  Don't panic though, breathe and take each of the steps laid out in each of the weeks and it'll be smooth sailing.  After my fabric selections were complete I got to work cutting my 2.5" strips:

 

And the group altogether looks like this:

So, won't you join me?  Send your project pics to us and I'll post them here so we can all see what ya'll are working on.  After all, that's always too much fun;-) 

Stay In Stitches!

Hidden Treasures...

Hello ladies:)

I do hope this post finds you all in good health and spirits - laughing, living and loving!  Can you believe it is already June?  The year seems to be clipping right along...amazing how it goes by at warp speed when your having fun.  Wonder why that is??  Anyways, I'm hoping all of you are enjoying the spring season at least as much as I have been!!

Juneau, AK has seen some extraordinary weather patterns these last few weeks - sunny skies and warm/hot temperatures.   Perfect for spring plantings, pruning, fishing, walks and a whole lot of other activities. Our typical weather pattern generally includes a fair amount of percipitation, about 56" annually, that's alot of rain!  Although the rain does keep everything green and wet (I'm terrible at remembering to water the lawn and flowers); we've been grateful for the sunshine, it's a welcome break from the norm.

Now the fun stuff - I was working in my garden Sunday afternoon and noticed these little beauties bloomed while I wasn't looking -

And the other night, while out for a drive we saw 11 Sitka Blacktail deer!  They are obviously just as delighted to see the spring weather and enjoying the wonderfully fresh grazing greenery.  We stopped and watched this fella for a while.  I was really hoping that he'd turn around...but he was quite content eating supper.  No number of looky loo's were going to interupt his chow time!  (LOL)

 

Then there's been alot happening in sewing land, and I have several items to share:)  I had posted some sneak peaks of a quilt that was almost finished last week.  Before I show you the final picture though I have to tell you about the origins of this project...

The story behind this little quilt begins with the 2009 Summer issue of the Quilt Sampler, one of my favorite magazines.  I love reading this one from cover to cover - it's like getting to shop hop without having to get in your car to go anywhere, I love it!

Anyways, T. came into the shop one Saturday and was looking at an older line we still had on our shelves - Odelia by Sentimental Studios...soft colors, with a vintage and romantic flair - just scrumptious!!  She picked up the Quilt Sampler and as she browsed through the issue, this quilt pattern Common Ground by Designer Darleen Ros, caught her eye:

From that point on, T. was a woman on a mission - you could just see her eyes were dancing and her creative buzz was working in overdrive!  She knew exactly how this was going to all come together - it was a perfect pattern for perfect fabric!  She went to work and days later brought back this lovvvely romantic, cuddly and chic treasure:

Isn't this just....yummmy!!  It is absolutely beautiful, thank you T. for sharing this quilty treasure with us!

Speaking of which, did you all have a chance to finish viewing all the other beautiful quilted items submitted for the Charming Threads Spring Quilt Show?  If not, you should hop on over!!  Thank you Kelly for coordinating and making the e-quilt show possible - that was fun!

Well ladies, I'm off to cut fabric for a while...but rest assured we have more treasures to share  - including, talk about fabric!!

Stay In Stitches!

Dandelion Wishes

I love this quilt - simple pattern and the fabric does ALL the work!  More than that though, it was my winter project this last year and there's something about those sunny colors that just made me feel all warm and cozy inside even though it was cold and blizzardy outside.  

The quilting was done by my dear friend Wilma of Alaskan Rose Quilting.  She had the most adorable pattern - "Daisies" I believe it was called.  It was a perfect compliment to my summery flowers and sunny colors. 

Now that it's done, I'm working on my next project - Enduring Elegance with Legacy and Aviary fabrics.  Well let you know how things go.  In the meantime I'm forwading my pic over to Kelly to enter into the Charming Threads Spring Quilt Show.

If you haven't made it out to Kelly's blog yet, to look at all the beautiful entries submitted for the quilt show, you'll have to take a minute and go peek!  Beautiful quilts from all over the world have been submitted.  I was particularly intrigued by the miniature quilt submitted by Peggy M. from Florida.  It took over 300 hours to make and each hexagon piece is about 1/4" from one side to the other; and there's about 472 of those little guys.  WOW!!

It's not too late to enter your quilty treasures in the Charming Threads Spring Quilt Show...and we'd L-O-V-E having the chance to see your B-E-A-Utiful projects!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend -

Stay In Stitches,

Catching Up...trying anyway:)

I couldn't believe it's been ONE ENTIRE WEEK, since I last posted.  I'm not sure how the days got past me so quickly! Lots to share today -

I was coming down the path to the house and noticed my blueberry and huckleberry blossoms have been more than thrilled with all the sunshine we've been having.  Look at this beauty...

Isn't she gorgeous?  I love this pinky/mauvy/soft magenta tone - and those little scalloped edges towards the tip of the blossom, so delicate and soft.  I had to get her pic - she was irresistable and calling my name!  Her shimmering exterior reminded me of those fantabulous extra mercerized fabrics that have that wonderful silky sheen - just enough that they melt between your fingers, know what I mean?  Just yummy!! 

News hmmm, where to start...let me tell you about my wonderful friend Kelly.  She's one T-Terrriffic gal and has so many wonderful and creative ideas, including her latest - an online quilt show.  Now how awesome is that!

There are many lovely quilts already posted and she's taking posts till May 31st!!  Yup, you can submit one too!!  Kelly put it so well, I'm plagerizing her comment, "We know that you ladies are making tons of B-E-A-utiful quilts, and we want to see them, and showcase them here for others to see!"  I heartily agree with that statement!  (now I better let Kelly know I just stole her line.  What is it they say though, easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask permission, right?)  LOL

Okay, the truth is I'm really anxious to see what ya'll have been working on:)  Hmmm, maybe I'll even give you a peak at my latest project...guess I better go get those borders done!  If you do submit a post would you let me know?  I'd love to hop over to Charming Chatter and have a look see:)

On another note, we have some new patterns and kits featuring the beautiful Legacy and Aviary Collections.  They'll post on Friday and they are just scrumptious, if I dareasay so myself.  There's also another little gem done from a line by Sentimental Studios - ready, here's a sneak peak...

Oooh, la, la - heavenly!!  That soft vintage victorian feel exudes in every fiber of this beautiful line.  More to come this weekend, maybe even the whole quilt!!  Many thanks to Tracy whose working very diligently in hopes of being able to have it for you to look at and oogggle over sometime on Saturday:)

Well off to do some more cutting - happy Thursday to ya'll!!

Till our next bloggy chat,

Stay in Stitches!

Waiting, Patiently....

I've been "tuning in" and watching the flurry of blog activity with respect to Spring Market.  There's definitely a very common and recurring theme - packing, unpacking, taking care of  last minute details, and the like.  All the while, I sit here reading and thinking, "is it time yet", "how much longer", "are we ready yet"?  (I sound like our children when they are young, doesn't it? LOL)  I had to chuckle when I came across this most fitting quote -

"It is just as challenging to contain your optimism when you see great potential; as it is to keep a positive attitude when everything takes longer than you wish."  (author unknown)

I completely empathize with the, "...takes longer than you wish" part!  

One little tidbit I have to share...mainly cause it's just so irresistable!!  Have you met J. Figueroa's Madeline?  What do you think?  If you've not yet met Madeline, here's a sneak peak.  Let me know what  your first impressions are - I'd love to hear them.  Me?  Personally I think the gal is over the top!  She exudes an air of sophistication but simplicity is key - she's chic, hip and absolutely lovely!!

Now, news on the local front (i.e. from home), below is a pic of this evening's entertainment right outside our dining room window -

Quite innocent right?  Looks can be deceiving!!  This hummingbird was quite an amusing little one to watch.  She would hover at the feeder...watching, listening and waiting.  The minute another hummingbird would get too close she'd shift into warp speed and chase the intruder!  I find it amazing that these little birds can even see anything while flying at those speeds.  Me, I just wish I had half their energy to move that quickly!  (LOL)

Till our next bloggy chat,

Stay In Stitches!

Martina

Moda Duz It All!

This was in my mailbox today -

It's Moda's invitation to the Moda Market Party - isn't this great?  I couldn't agree more!!  Moda Duz It All.  There's a surprise inside...

A wonderful little tea towel!  I was glancing over the names of all the amazing fabric designers, who year after year still "wow" us with their new fabric collections and patterns.  Each of Moda's designers is here, including "Brannock/Payek".  Hmmm, I'm thinking this tea towel just earned a spot in my treasure chest - a new collector's item! (LOL) 

Now I must tell you this coming weekend the place to be is Pittsburg, PA.  Spring Quilt Market is there and I will be here in Juneau, AK:(   Very sad, very sad indeed.  However, my favoritest (is that even a word?  I'm thinking you wouldn't find it in Webster's, so best not to try it on the Scrabble board either) fabric rep, Gene, will be here in June to show me all the new Moda goodies.  Thank You Gene, you're the greatest!

I've been doing some fabric sleuthing though and all I can say is be prepared to be "WOWED" again!  Here's a few sneak peaks I've found on some of our favorite designers' blogs.  (what would we do without modern technology!)  Have a look at J. Figueroa's collection Mill House Inn, and there's Camille's line Simple Abundance and both these designers have some CUTE new patterns too!  There's also Heather Mulder Petersons new book, Sizzlin' Sixties , I love the patterns, Tumbling Triangles and Secret Garden Runner and still more to come!! 

I'm lovin' what I'm seeing and I suspect we may see more as the week goes on, stay tuned!! 

Till our next bloggy chat -

Stay In Stitches!!

Martina

P.S. Have any specific designer's lines you'd like to see?  (e.g. Sandy Gervais, Blackbird Designs, 3 Sisters, etc.)  Let me know and we may be able to find some sneak peaks of those treasures.  Conversely, maybe you've run across some fantastic sneak peaks - we'd love to see those too! 

Happy Mother's Day!!

I hope everyone had a blessed and wonderful day full of love, warmth, those you love, and everything good;-)

I spent some time out in the yard today - looking at all the spring activity.  Amazing what a little rain and sunshine can do...sure perked up all my garden beauties!!  My blueberry bushes are full of tiny delicate pink blossoms....

And here's my other beauty - a primrose....

I really had no expectations for this little one.  I got her really late in the fall last year and had no time to prep her before winter.  Talk about the will to survive!  Can't wait to see her in full bloom!  I may have already told you - I have this love affair with everything floral.  Fabric, floweres, pictures, you name it...if it has flowers it's calling my name! (LOL)

Alright, I know you're all dying to know who will be receiving our Mother's Day Giveaway, but first -   thank you everyone for sharing your comments on our Mother's Day post, I really enjoyed reading them:)  Hopefully you did too;-)  I love these little flashbacks in time...precious memories that always warm the heart and really make the journey so worthwhile! 

Now, our winner for the "You Know Your a Mom When..." Mother's Day drawing 

DRUMROLL PLEASE!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Nancy B.!!  We would love to send this cute little Sweet Stuff Bag Pattern and Northern Solitude Recessionista Fabric Pack, so send us a quick e-mail with your USPS information and we'll have this out to you right away!

And to all our wonderful, loving, creative, fantabulous Moms - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!  

Martina

You Know Your a Mom When..... Mother's Day Giveaway!

I don't know that I consciously spend time thinking about my role as a Mother...it's like breathing, I just do it.  It didn't always feel quite that natural though. I took a little time this evening to travel down memory lane via our photo albums.  Found myself laughing, crying and thinking - I cannot even imagine my life without them, my three beautiful children Krystle, Ivan & Lisa.

In tonight's travels I realized I had some "quirky" behavior patterns, traits and characteristics that I acquired over the years...and these die hard!  (my youngest is almost 13 and I still find myself counting the sprinkes and marshmellows - I can't help myself!)

So now for the fun! We're celebrating Motherhood this week, post 3 of your most endearing "You Know Your a Mom When..." qualities, traits, habits between today and Saturday May 9th, and you'll be entered into our drawing for our new Sweet Stuff Bag Pattern & accompanying Recessionista Fabric Pack! Not a mother yet?  That's okay - you probably know one of us and can let us know from your perspective what endearing "You Know Your a Mom When" qualities we possess! 

I'll get us started with some of mine, You Know Your a Mom When...

• You count the sprinkles on each kid's cupcake and marshmellows in their hot chocolate to make sure they're equal.
• You find yourself cutting your husbands' sandwiches into cute shapes.
• You can't bear to give away baby clothes - it's so final.
• You hear your mother's voice coming out of your mouth when you say, "NOT in your good clothes!"
• You say at least once a day, "I'm not cut out for this job", but you know you wouldn't trade it for anything!

Have a great week and Stay In Stitches!