September 30, 2009

Pleasant Surprises....


I entered a contest a little while ago to design Amy Butler's name tag for one of her quilting shows. It was hosted by Kelly of I Have a Notion. Unfortunately I didn't win :( .....
but I received an AWESOME surprise in my email after reading about the winner. One of Amy Butler's assistants asked for all contest participants addresses. I immediately sent my information gitty in anticipation of a small gift from Amy herself. I thought if I was really lucky they might send a pattern, but figured I would get something smaller. A few days later I got the package in the mail and this is what I got!!!

Can you believe it!! THREE patterns and a fat quarter of fabric. The patterns are for the Nappy Bag, Weekender Travel Bag, and the Mini Dress, Tunic & Tops. I was blown away to say the least. What a fabulous prize for not even winning the contest! I am so excited to dive into these patterns. I am a huge fan of Amy Butler's and after this incredibly nice gift I am even a bigger fan.

Thank you to everyone at Amy Butler!!! You made a fellow crafter one happy camper :)

Hope you have had some pleasant surprises recently!

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

September 22, 2009

I snuck this last one in....


So before the summer ended, or more accurately before I started to work again, I snuck in one last project. I had gotten another fat quarter pack sent to me from the Fat Quarter Shop (I am part of the Michael Miller club, so I get one monthly- it's awesome!) around the same time the Old Red Barn Co. blog was having a sew along. I didn't have my act together to participate with the sew along, but did take the idea of the quilt and used it up with my fat quarters. It was super easy and quick! Two very good and instantly rewarding factors that I always welcome.
I took the 12 fat quarters and cut all of them into 2.5 inch strips (lengthwise). I then sewed 5 of the strips together and cut out 2 squares out of each 5 strip set. I made 30 squares (making a 5 block x 6 block quilt). The extra 2.5 inch strips were used in the binding adding a little solid blue (which I also used for the entire back) to the binding to make it reach all the way around the quilt.
I LOVE the way this one has turned out and my friend has already claimed it for her birthday present. It will look great on her couch!

Have you come up with any fun quilt or craft ideas to use up your fat quarters? I could use some ideas because I have 2 packs waiting patiently to be cut into and made into something. Any and all ideas are welcome :)

take care mucho,
-Natalie

September 17, 2009

Look What I Got!


Today I received a nice surprise in my mail box. Cheryl created the cutest quilt for me. I love the color scheme and the ric rac border accent.

She also included some goodies in with the quilt. How great is Cheryl?
Totally made my day. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Hope everyone one had a pleasant surprise today :)

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

September 15, 2009

Back to School


So I have been completely MIA due to the fact that it is back to school which means back to work for me :( The past two and a half weeks have been without a lick of sewing which makes me very sad. I was used to my days full of sewing all the projects I have piled up. I just haven't had the time or energy. This summer really put me in a bad routine, which of course I didn't realize until I had to wake up early on a regular basis.

The good news is I do have a project that I completed right before school started which I finally took pictures of.....
This is a little backpack that I made for my cousins little girl who has started pre-school this year. Quite a big milestone for the little one. I thought it would be pretty easy to come up with a pattern on my own and for once my predictions were right! I am working on putting together a pattern for this project because it really did come together quickly and without a glitch (first time ever!) So as I am getting used to working again it has been coming together little by little. I hope to have it up by the end of the month. So look back if you are interested in making one for a special someone in your life.

Take care mucho,
-Natalie