Rock the Vote!

Hey, Everyone! Tracey over at Itching 2 B Stitching is hosting the Because I Matter Challenge and it's time to vote for all the June entries. Will you go over there and vote for your favorite project? You'll find my June project (the sewing organizer) as well as a bundle of other super cute things from very talented crafters. CLICK HERE

Don't Look Tracey!!!

Phew. It is finished...almost. That's right. ALMOST finished. I still have to complete a little bit of hand stitching around the zipper, and inside the lining. What a big challenge this bag was for me. I really am happy with how it turned out despite all the little quirks that got sewed in. I added the little fabric flower to spice it up a bit...what do you think?

Because I Matter Challenge--June Project

Because I scored a loaner machine from my very sweet friend Phyllis, I was able to finish my June entry for the Because I Matter Challenge over at Tracey's. This little organizer is the perfect size for all of my quilting and small sewing tools. It is lined with fleece so it is perfect for safely securing needles and scissors. Next month maybe I will dream up something bigger for myself, but for this month, I kept it simple.

Sneak Peek (TRACEY, DON'T LOOK!)

Drum roll please. I finally got started putting together Tracey's bag from her swap that ended a million years ago. Amy Butler's Weekend Bag. I got a little farther tonight and completed the piping around the front panels and attached the zipper. It isn't nearly as complicated as I feared and I am so happy with how it is going together. The stripes matching on the front panels is a total fluke...and they don't match up one bit on the zipper panel, which may look funny. So this is a sneak peek:
I haven't given up on quilting yet. I'm also still stitching away on my pink quilt. I really enjoy the actual quilting part and slowing am getting better at it. Addie's toes will probably peek out from underneath by the time I get it together. :)

Yep...Nope

Yep. I am supposed to be making some headway on my project for Tracey's We the People Swap #4...Have I? Nope. I was never a procrastinator, so I'm not sure why I'm having such a hard time getting started. I have the best partner (it's Tracey!!!) so I want to do an extra good job on this bag. Hmmm. I will get started soon. Maybe tomorrow. :) I'll keep you posted on my progress.

I did make these really cute frogs for the kids' Valentine's Day gifts. The pattern is Frog Patch from Me and My Sister Designs. I am by no means a quilter (although the stuff Marlene does could make me try to be), but MFFS (my favorite fabric shop) has one of the frogs made up and the kids just love holding him...so I broke down and bought the pattern (it's actually a quilt pattern). Basically you piece together the top, quilt it, and then assemble the frog and fill it with poly pellets. They turned out pretty cute.

Also, I will post some pictures soon of a dress that I hope to finish up for Addie soon. I've been working on it for ages...but I'm almost there!!!

Halloween In July Swap--Marlene, don't look!!!

This has by far been my favorite apron swap yet. Maybe it's working on cool colored fall fabrics in this 100 degree heat, or receiving THE cutest apron ever from a sweet & obviously talented lady in Arkansas...whatever the reason(s) I had a blast participating. So, without further ado...pictures:

This is the apron I received. Isn't it so charming? The kids love it and have wrinkled it thoroughly from putting "Halloween things" in the pockets. I tried to put it away but they won't hear of it...so it hangs on the back of a chair receiving lots of adoring looks. Oh yes, and I love it too! Marlene also sent some cute scarecrow napkins, recipes, and cross necklaces for the kids. Addie wears hers until naptime and then wakes up pointing at her necklace saying, "Addie's!"


This is the apron I made for Marlene. I went through a couple of patterns...but nothing really clicked until I found a terrific bundle of precut 5 inch Moda fall fabric:Pumpkins Gone Wild. I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it, only the shop was out of the pattern I was looking for (Indygo Junction Kitchen Charm), and wouldn't get it in for a couple of weeks, so I made up a pattern using the picture. I'm shipping it off to Hot Springs on Monday.

More Packages Mailed!

Phew! I sent out my Scrap Swap packages today as well as the Apron Angels apron. I am almost finished with my Flirty Apron Swap apron and then I'm going to take a little swap break. I have some other projects I'd like to finish for the kids and the house. I do love this swap thing, though. Remember the bag I made my partner for the Bend the Rules Sewing Swap? She posted about it on her blog. Tonight I'm taking a break from sewing. Going downstairs and starting my new book!

SAS Swap Count Down

I am really moving slow. I like to finish my swap projects and get them out ASAP...but this Sassy apron has been hanging out at my house for about two weeks now. I'm not sure what the hold up has been in getting it out, but I finished the required tea towel last night and now I'm just needing to jot down a favorite beverage--non alcoholic. Hmm. I'm going to send this puppy out tomorrow after I go shopping for a few extras to pack in the box. Anyway, here's the towel inspired by the fabric I used in the apron: