Out of Sight

Here is one the newest patterns in the pattern shop.

A little monogrammed eyeglass case, with a snappy top.

It has been a very popular pattern lately.
Maybe it is the monogram, they seem to be "in" right now.
Or maybe it's because it's a fast and easy pattern.
Or maybe because it makes a great gift.
Or maybe the whole world is in need of multiple pairs of readers, just like me!!!!
(Yep, all those are mine. It is a sad, sad situation that a girl as YOUNG as myself would need all those readers!!)

At any rate, the pattern can be found here!
Enjoy.

April POM

April's Pincushion is finally here.

Pineapple Crush

Maybe you have been hoping to see this one highlighted! (Or maybe you knew it would be because I told you about it at a recent quilt show....)

This is one of our best selling pincushions.
It's small, like most of the pincushions here at Sewn into the fabric...
But, unlike ALL of the rest, this one does not show off a button. Actually, if you have a copy of one of the original patterns, or one of the early cushions, you know that it started out with a button. It was right in the middle of the leaves. But I eliminated it because the leaves look so much nicer when they get nestled down deep into the pineapple top.

This one is easy to make. And it will bring a little taste of the islands right into your studio!
You can access all of the ordering options here.
Enjoy!!

Little Notions

Little Notions
August 6, 2010

I believe that I really hate this lousy economy!

I hope it changes some time in the near future. And while we are at it, I am really hoping for a different President and a few new Congressmen, too. And what is up with our INSANE legal system??? Aargh. Yesterday, I heard some lady call into a talk radio show and say that she thought that Californians were "stuck on straight-up stupid". And I really wanted to call in myself, in our defense. But I didn't. So, if you are that lady, and you are reading this VERY popular blog..... No we're not!!! ..Really....... We aren't, are we?????

I just love Marty Robbins and Eddie Rabbit. Old school, I know, but I just love their music.

I am inspired by fabric, of course!

I am creating a mariner's compass in blue, red and tan. And, tomorrow I am going to a mariner's compass workshop where I am going to start another one in fall colors. I just can't wait!

Outside the weather continues to be crazy. Melanie sent me this link, which explains what is going on in our little weather-world. It is pretty good, so check it out.

In my kitchen is a little box of micro-greens that a dear friend gave me. We have never had any before, so I have been looking forward to trying them. So, I made salads for me and my guy for lunch today. (BTW, my guy is NOT a veggie person. He will eat them, sometimes he doesn't even complain about it, but he is a meat lover. MEAT.)
It was the worst salad ever!
When my guy came in for lunch, he was a little sad to see those in his salad.
"Is that sprouts", he asked.
"Nope. It's micro-greens".
"Good, because I really hate sprouts".
Pray. Chew. Chew. Grouchy look.
"These are going on the sprouts list".
Chew. Chew.
"Do you like these"?
"Not really".
"Geez, you know it's bad if YOU don't even like them. The jalapeno ranch dressing is the only reason these are even tolerable".
"There is another container of them in the fridge".
Grouchy look. "I bet chickens just love micro-greens".

A photo thought about my daughter, 2 cute little boys and 2 cute little quilts.

Little Notions

Little Notions
July 23, 2010

I believe that I am going to join the Friday Night Sew-In tonight! I will post pictures tomorrow.



I am inspired by Gwen Marston. Abstract Quilts in Solids just arrived yesterday, and it is HARD to put it down.

I am creating... you'll find out tomorrow.

I am learning a new Bible verse, and it is a beauty: The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with his love. He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
I don't know about you, but I want to be quieted by His love. And I treasure the idea that my God, the King of Kings Himself sings over me. The heavens are his throne and the earth is his footstool, and yet he sings over me. Amazing!

I am reading Abstract Quilts in Solids. My quilt group, Piecemakers, always celebrates birthdays with a new book for the birthday girl. I have gotten some really good ones over the years. But, this one is my favorite! Never mind that I say that every year. This one is my favorite favorite!!

Outside the weather remains fickle. Today is another sweatshirt day. In July!

In my kitchen there is nothing exciting. Not one thing. But it is clean, so I guess that counts for something!!

A photo thought about decorating with baseballs, courtesy of Red Robin.

Little Notions

Little Notions
June 25, 2010

I believe that I am announcing a winner today. It is lucky number 2, as decided by the random number generator. Loris, aren't you glad you entered three times!

I just love sunflowers. And sadly, I have not planted any this summer.

I am creating fun and fabulous (and maybe not so fabulous) things out of denim. And it is so much fun! You can see my little denim gallery here.

I am learning how to use my new copy machine/ fax machine/ printer/ headache. These things are so complicated. All I want to do is make color copies. But no, instead I am reading a manual and adding software and troubleshooting, and driving to staples, and calling staples.....aargh.

Outside the weather has been weird. Overcast, humid, rather dreary. The last time we had weird weather like this, I heard people calling it earthquake weather. And it was. indeed, followed by an earthquake. I think that was the San Simeon earthquake?? So, hopefully this is not a repeat of that.

In my kitchen is everything I need to make authentic Mexican tacos and margaritas for a few friends who are coming to dinner tonight. YUM!


A photo thought about slippers.

Little Notions

Little Notions
June 11, 2010

I believe that camping is good for you. A little R and R in the great outdoors sure can recharge a person.

I just love girlfriends! Especially the ones that you have known for years and years. The ones who have walked with you through life's peace and it's storms. The ones you raised your babies with. The ones who know your husband's quirks almost as well as you do! The ones that you can count on for anything. I just love those women.

I am creating fun projects out of denim for Jenny of Elephantz' June challenge. So far I have made several little things, which I will show you next week. But the thing that I realy want to make, well, I haven't started that yet. But I will. Soon.

I am reading "State Fair" by Earlene Fowler. I was number 2 zillion and 3 on the library waiting list, but my time has finally come! I know, I should probably just buy the book, but then it gets shoved in a closet or something and just collects dust. So, the library works for me.

I really need a mosquito management system. One that actually works! I finally have my pergola, and I am serving dinner out there, but the mosquitoes have a way of diminishing my joy! And that of my guests as well!

Outside the gopher war rages on! Apparently the cages around my tomato plants have work perfectly because now he is in my lettuce bed. Every morning I go out and see a little mound of dirt next to a half eaten head of lettuce. Speckled butter crunch lettuce. It takes him 2 days to eat each plant, so at least we are still getting some. I am adding a ultrasonic thing and an ugly spring loaded trap to my arsenal. With any luck he will be curtains by the end of the week!

A photo thought about a little pincushion I made this week

Little Notions

Little Notions
June 4, 2010

I believe that someone needs a big "Happy Birthday" wish from her mother! Happy Birthday B....(censured nickname that I am forbidden to share on this blog), I love you.

I am inspired by Kaffe Fassett books. The quilts. The photography. The fabrics. The featured artists. The colors.

I am reading Kaffe books. Big surprise, huh?

I really want to receive a reward or award or something (a purple heart maybe) for surviving the teenage years! YeeHaw!!

Outside I have declared a war on gophers. So far 8 tomato plants have lost their lives, and 1 gopher is shouting a victory cry. 2 bombs have failed. And Grandpa George, the gopher expert is on the hunt. Today wire baskets were made for my remaining plants. So we will just see who laughs last!

In my kitchen there is a Tres Leche cake just waiting for the Birthday Girl! It is her all-time favorite.

A photo thought about baby Becca:

Little Notions

Little Notions
May 28, 2010

I believe that I am going to ask my guy to drive me to the grocery store today (because I am still having little dizzy spells). He probably won't be happy about it, but considering the alternative of going by himself, I think he might warm up to the idea of just being a helper.

I just love NyQuil and ibuprofen! And, hey, antibiotics are great too!!

I am creating a fresh new look for my blog! Actually, I haven't done anything except think about it. But, hey, every creation has to start somewhere! Stay tuned.

I am grateful for Dr Bob T. The T stands for Terrific. House calls and all!

I am reading Sarah Palin's "Going Rogue". It is pretty interesting. I also read "Dear John" and "The Lucky One" both by Nicholas Sparks, this week. Recuperation and all.

Outside my cherries are ripe. And, they are 100% bird-peck free, thanks to my guy's brilliant use of aluminum foil.

In my kitchen is a whole lot of nothing. Two weeks of being in bed leads to one empty kitchen. And my family has not bothered to go to the store. They are just gimping along until I am well enough to take care of it. Although, two nights ago my guy took Becca to the computer store and on the way home they stopped at Vons. 3 doughnuts and 2 gallons of milk was all they came home with. And they were as happy as clams!

A photo thought about the neighbors:

These aren't really my neighbors. As a matter of fact, I didn't even take this photo in my own town. But we did spot them one morning a few weeks ago when we were out yard saling. Cute, huh?

Little Notions

I got a message from one of my blog "followers" last week complaining about the fact that I am "very inconsistent" in my Little Notions posting. She said that people were going to stop reading my blog because I do not meet their expectations. Good grief! I didn't know that blogging was so structured. And Heaven forbid that I start disappointing people world wide with my inconsistencies!!
And, if anyone happens to run into my Firstborn, will you tell her that she should be nicer to her mother!

Little Notions
May 14, 2110

I believe in the power of chocolate chip cookies!


I just love dinner parties. Tonight we are having several friends over for a rib bbq. Yum!

I am inspired by other bloggers. There are so many creative things happening out there that I never knew anything about before I became a blogger myself. Who knew.

I am creating several string quilts. What fun! Actually, I had visions of all of my scraps disappearing in a matter of minutes. Sadly, that has not happened. I have already made 1 child-sized quilt, 4 1/2 baby quilts and 2 tote bags and I cannot tell that I have used a single thing out of those boxes!


I am grateful for the Lord's provision! My guy has been out of work for almost two weeks, which is always such a giant bummer. But several small jobs have fallen into place over the last few days. So, Praise the Lord!


Outside it has been such a beautiful day. The temperature is perfect. Things are blooming everywhere. The bees and birds a flitting around everywhere.Some things have already started turning brown, but there is still a lot of green. It is just lovely.


A photo thought about today's harvest of fruit and flowers.

Little Notions

Well, it is another day for little notions. So, here goes...

Little Notions
April 16, 2010

I believe that this journal entry thing has too many questions. So, I am going to shorten it to six. This counts as one!

I just love red, especially if it has big white polka dots on it. Or little white polka dots, for that matter. And hey, no discrimination here, medium sized polka dots are great too!

I am grateful for the fact that both of my girls got into their first pick colleges. What a huge blessing!

I am reading Broken Dishes by Earlene Fowler. Actually, I just finished it. And, this is probably my favorite book in the series. I just love Hud, he really cracks me up!!

I really need to wrap up plans for my guy's birthday party, a tailgater at the drive-in. He wants to see Clash of the Titans, which was the first movie his dad ever took him to see in a theater. Funny huh, the two of them bonding over that movie. And have you seen the original version? We were just required to, by you know who, in preparation of the up and coming re-make "event". What a laugh! Technology has sure come a long way.

In my kitchen are several lemons that are going to be transformed into Linda B's Amazing Lemon Bars.

A photo thought about wildflowers in April:

TTFN

Little Notions

Little Notions
Good Friday: April 2, 2010

I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. That He was buried and rose again on the third day. That He ascended into Heaven and sat down at the right hand of the Father. And that He did it all for a sinner such as I.

I hope that you, too, have been saved, and find God to be strong and faithful on your behalf.

I just love my new pergola. We are serving Easter dinner to 20 friends and family members in that pergola, providing it does not rain. We are praying for sunshine!! Yes we are, because 20 people will not fit in my house, unless we eat in shifts!

I am inspired by other people's gardens. No matter how big or small they are, there is always something interesting, a plant or a layout or a piece of garden art......Yes, there is always something wonderful.

I am creating a red, black and tan string quilt.

I am learning how to use Dreamweaver, again.

I am grateful for memories and old photographs.

I am reading The Witch of Blackbird Pond. I know that it is fifth grade literature, but it is such a good little story. And, in case you have never read it, it has nothing, at all, to do with witches.

I really need to pull the weeds in my berry patch, but I don't feel like it. So, I guess it will just have to be a job for next week.

I really want to have a lot of sweat peas in the garden this year.

Outside everything is green and blooming and beautiful! The lilacs are gorgeous this year!

In my kitchen there is a lot of Easter Candy.

This week has been a tussle between spring and winter. A little rain, and little sunshine. Some days a sweater some days not. A little bit windy with a lot of big white clouds. Yes, spring time is coming, and it will be here to stay very, very soon.

A photo thought about: Easter, from way back when.

Little Notions

Little Notions
Friday, March 12

I believe that I am Irish, no matter what my People say.

I hope to visit Ireland again, in the not too distant future, and to connect with some families. I would like to get to know the country in a deeper way, not just as a tourist.

I just love Avoca!! Oh my, yes, I love Avoca. It is a shop in Ireland, and I understand that there is also one in Maryland, that is filled with all manner of things you do not need but cannot possibly live without. My pink thermos was bought there, and the photo of Becca "hamming it up" was taken there.

I am inspired by walled gardens! Yesterday's post got me thinking about them again. Man, I could really see myself tending one! Maybe I'll ask my guy about it again. I'm sure it will go over better this time....

I am creating a green string quilt. The block is a round-about, in honor of St Paddy's Day. When I told my girls about it, they both thought it was very funny, and appropriate. You see, on the roads of Ireland, everything is a round-about. Only the big cities have stop lights and signs. Everywhere else it is round-abouts. It's even how you get on the freeway (know in Ireland as carriageways and motorways).

I have learned how to make "champ". It is the national potato dish, and it is yummy! And it is NOT low in calories or fat!!

I am grateful for the ability to travel. It is a passion for me. We have been all over the USA and Canada. We have even made a trip to Mexico, but Ireland was our first trip abroad. And we sincerely hope it was the first of many!

I am reading Jane Eyre, still. And, even though it is not Irish, it is European. So, for today, that is close enough.

I really need to figure out the measurement conversions from metric to standard US so that I am not too intimidated to use my Irish cookbooks.

I really want another trip, of course!

Outside the county has turned green and beautiful. We even have and Irish Hills Plaza in a neighboring town, and this time of year it certainly does look authentic.

In my kitchen next week, an Irish feast will be prepared.

This week I have spent a lot of time reminiscing about our Irish vacation, as evidenced by this post!

A photo thought about...Ireland, of course!

25th Post Giveaway

Hey, guess what? This is my 25th post. I feel like such a big girl! We should celebrate, with a giveaway. So how about this little kit to make an Alaskan Grizzly wall hanging. Just leave me a little comment!



And, for another "giveaway" of sorts: I have a good sized collection of 2" squares that are all sorted by color value and just waiting to be made into watercolor quilts. The problem is, I don't want to make anymore watercolor quilts. That season has passed for me. Is there anyone out there who is still making them? I would love to send you my collection of little squares. So, just leave me a comment and I will email you for your address.

And lastly, today is a day of Little Notions:

Little Notions
Friday, March 5, 2010

I believe that my little corgi is afraid of donkeys. She saw one this week, apparently her first one, and it totally freaked her out. She likes horses just fine, but donkeys are a different matter altogether!

I hope that I can get ALL of my work done today, cause I want to spend the entire weekend sewing!

I just love sweat peas. I am soaking my seed right now. It's a little late, but not too late!

I am inspired by all of the fabulous retro modern fabrics that are on the market these days. I just cannot get enough of them. Thank you Amy, Anna Maria, Heather.........

I am creating a nine block, new york beauty with some fabulous florals and polka dots.

I am learning so much from my friend Laura. She is a whiz with computers and cameras!

I am grateful for peanut M & Ms.

I am reading Jane Eyre, still. And this is one of my favorite little passages, (it is the quote that caused me to stop reading merely for my english class and to start reading for pleasure):

"'No sight so sad as that of a naughty child,' he began, 'especially a naughty little girl. Do you know where the wicked go after death?'

'They go to hell,' was my ready and orthodox answer.

'And what is hell? Can you tell me that?'

'A pit full of fire.'

'And should you like to fall into that pit, and to be burning there for ever?'

'No, sir.'

'What must you do to avoid it?'

I deliberated a moment: my answer, when it did come was objectionable: 'I must keep in good health and not die.'"


I really need to learn how to use my camera to it's full potential.

I really want to quilt! (surprising isn't it)

Outside is a cold, foggy morning. But it has not kept the 12 little finches from swarming the thistle-sock outside my kitchen window.

In my kitchen is all that I need to make a birthday dinner for Grandma Carol tonight: Pot Roast with baked potatoes and french carrots and a nice green salad, and for dessert, boysenberry pie! Lucky for us, I found that last little bag of boysenberries from my garden!!

This week my guy has been home a lot. So, in an effort to keep him busy (which, by the way, he does NOT appreciate!!) I asked him to put in some recessed lighting in my studio. Now, I have plenty of good light and no shadows. What a huge blessing!!

A photo thought about life as a sand dollar.


TTFN

Little Notions 1

Yesterday I was reading through some mighty cute and inspiring blogs! It is very easy to get lost in these blog hops. It is like a series of rabbit trails that have the potential to never end. And, my how the time can get away from you!!

I came across one blog with a little journal entry. It was so sweet, and reminded me of the many nature and vacation journals that my daughters, (and sometimes me and my guy) have kept over the years. Good ol' Memory Lane, you can get lost there too!

A weekly journal entry sounds fun to me so I am going to give it a whirl!

Little Notions

Friday, Feb 26, 2010

I believe that our city council meetings are too long! Not that I attend these myself, mind you. But my guy does. And in order to accommodate these extremely long meetings, I have to serve dinner extra early and go to bed alone. That is too long, in my book.

I hope some cookies have magically appeared in my pantry!

I just love my guy. He is such a great husband and dad. And he works hard to take good care of his "three girls".

I am inspired by nature, for sure. To look on all that God has made, in all of it's diversity and endless size and color variations, and to know that He created it from nothing. Now that is inspirational.

I am creating a black and green basket quilt from the "Kiwi" line of fabrics.

I am learning to write a business plan. And, it is no fun.

I am grateful for good friends and dinner parties!

I am reading Jane Eyre, again.

I really need to find some more good egg recipes. My hens have gone crazy. They have laid 5 dozen eggs in the last 4 days, and there are only 14 of them. I think that they must just be walking along, shooting out eggs!

I really want to go to Italy....and France...and Spain...and Germany...

Outside I can see all of my hens in the street. They are drawn to that road like a kid to candy. I hope they don't lay any eggs while they are down there. Although...

In my kitchen is everything I need to serve 3 courses of fondue at my little dinner party tonight. YUM.

This week we put a new rug in our bedroom, and it looks fabulous!


A photo thought about spring:


TTFN